Differences NOT Deficits
Where being different is normal — and connection is universal. This podcast is for the ones who’ve always felt a little off-script — and are starting to realize maybe they were never the problem. What started as a therapy-centered conversation has evolved into something deeper: an exploration of what it means to be fully human in a world obsessed with “normal.” We still care deeply about supporting neurodivergent individuals and families — but now we’re widening the lens. We’re talking about sensitivity, chronic pain, emotional intensity, burnout, masking, healing, and the thousand quiet ways people learn to hide who they are to fit in. Hosted by Debbie (former speech-language pathologist turned soul-listener and Human Design guide) and Yolandi (behaviorist turned radical connector and label-questioner), this podcast explores what happens when we stop trying to fix people — and start seeing them. Together, we talk about: The harm in pathologizing difference The beauty in unmasking and remembering who you are The power of reconnecting with your body, soul, and deeper wiring The systems that need rethinking — and the truths we’re reclaiming Whether you’re a parent, a practitioner, or a person simply trying to feel more at home in yourself — you belong here. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. Let’s unmask what divides us — and remember what connects us. Interested in learning more about Debbie and her work...go to https://www.thetruthofyou.net/. Connect with Debbie or Yolandi at https://www.thetruthofyou.net/contact. Follow the podcast and leave a comment on Instagram @DifferencesNotDeficits. And please rate, review, share, and subscribe! Thanks for listening!
Episodes
The Hidden Story of a Good Student
Part 2: What I Didn't Realize School Was Teaching Me
Once my body revealed the fear I had been carrying, I began looking back at my childhood through an entirely different lens.
I realized that although I had been a "good student"—earning good grades, following the rules, and doing everything I was supposed to do—I wasn't thriving. I was surviving.
In this second part, I reflect on wha...
The Hidden Story of a Good Student
Part 1: The Story My Body Was Waiting to Tell
What if the patterns you've carried your entire life weren't personality traits at all?
For most of my life, I believed I was simply controlling, perfectionistic, and anxious. I had no idea those patterns were protecting something much de...
Today we're joined by Jonathan Mooney, author of Normal Sucks, educator, speaker, and longtime advocate for human difference.
We actually recorded this conversation quite some time ago, but after taking an unexpected pause from the podcast, it took us a little longer to share it with you. Looking back now, this conversation feels just as relevant today—perhaps even more so.
Jonathan has spent his life challengi...
We're back!
Not because we finally have all the answers, but because we realized we didn't need them to begin again.
We honestly thought we'd return much sooner. But life had other plans. Over the past several months, we've both continued to grow in ways we couldn't have predicted, and we weren't ready to come back until we could do so as ourselves—not the versions we thought we needed to be.
Thi...
In this episode, Yolandi shares her personal journey over the past year: the shifts, the letting go, the reconnection with what really matters - and how it’s shaped the podcast moving forward.
In this episode, Debbie shares her personal journey over the past year: the shifts, the letting go, the reconnection with what really matters - and how it’s shaped the podcast moving forward.
Yolandi will be sharing her own story in the next episode.
After a long break filled with healing and unlearning, Differences NOT Deficits is back — with deeper conversations, broader perspectives, and way more realness.
This season, we’re expanding beyond neurodivergence to explore all the ways people feel “different” — and the harm in trying to make everyone “normal.”
Join Debbie and Yolandi as they unmask old labels, share personal tru...
In this episode we give a little update on what is happening with our podcast since it's been a while since we have published an episode. We also have a discussion about the gifts, talents, contributions we see in neurodivergent people. The world is missing so much when the focus is on trying to "fix" people instead of looking at he unique gifts they have to offer.
In this episode (part 2 of 2) I continue with an interview with Caroline Gaddy. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, please start there. Caroline is an Autistic SLP and AAC Solutions Consultant based in Virginia. She is also a disability advocate and neurodiversity educator who has presented at state and national conferences. She has worked in clinical and school-based settings as an SLP and teacher, and is passionate about com...
In this episode (part 1 of 2) Debbie interviews Caroline Gaddy. Caroline is an Autistic SLP and AAC Solutions Consultant based in Virginia. She is also a disability advocate and neurodiversity educator who has presented at state and national conferences. She has worked in clinical and school-based settings as an SLP and teacher, and is passionate about communication access, disability justice, and inclusion. Caroline is also a mom ...
**Trigger Warning: Content Might be Sensitive to Some**
In this episode (part 2 of 2) we continue with our interview with Matt Lowry. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, please start there. Matt is an autistic licensed psychological practitioner in Louisville, KY. He provides evaluations and therapy for children, teens and adults using a strengths-based approach to help autistic people in ways best suited for their individual ...
**Trigger Warning - May Contain Sensitive Material for Some**
Today we are excited to share an interview we had with Matt Lowry. This will be part one of two episodes with Matt.
Matt is an autistic licensed psychological practitioner in Louisville, KY. He provides evaluations and therapy for children, teens and adults using a strengths-based approach to help autistic people in ways best suited for their individual need...
In this episode (part 2 of 2) we continue with our interview with Martin Moxness. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, please start there. Martin is an autistic adult who lives in Denmark and is a successful Instagram and TikTok influencer - you can find him by searching A_Different_Spectrum. He uses his personal journey and unique perspective to educate people nationwide about Autism, Tourettes as well as ADHD.
In this e...
In this episode (part 1 of 2) we had the pleasure of interviewing Martin Moxness and we are so excited to share it with you. Martin is an autistic adult who lives in Denmark and is a successful Instagram and TikTok influencer. He also has a gift for music and photography. Martin is autistic and uses his platform to raise awareness of Autism, as well as Tourette syndrome and ADHD.
During this conversation we discuss his life, his hu...
In this episode we give you a few examples from episode 8 where we talk about the new ideas that we have been discussing on this podcast so far and how difficult it can be to embrace doing something different than what has been done for so many years.
Facebook: Mindsight Therapies
Instagram: Mindsight Therapies
In this episode we talk about the new ideas that we have been discussing on this podcast so far and how difficult it can be to embrace doing something different than what has been done for so many years.
Facebook: Mindsight Therapies
Instagram: Mindsight Therapies
In this episode (Part 2 of 2) we continue our interview with Kim and her husband William. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, start there. Kim is an autistic occupational therapist. She has a passion for educating clinicians and challenging them to look outside the box when working with clients. She uses her personal journey and unique perspective to teach clinicians nationwide about autism, sensory processing disorder, and ea...
In this episode (Part 1 of 2) we had the pleasure of interviewing Kim and her husband William. Kim is an autistic occupational therapist. She has a passion for educating clinicians and challenging them to look outside the box when working with clients. She uses her personal journey and unique perspective to teach clinicians nationwide about autism, sensory processing disorder, and eating disorders.
Kim and William have a beau...
This episode is Part 2 of 2. In these 2 episodes we discuss how individuals developing body awareness through interoception may discover some trauma responses or adaptations that they have. These may be completely unconscious body responses that were created to protect themselves. We continue our trauma or "distress" discussion and talk about the importance of always "seeing" behavior as communication. We share stories of past...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.