Inside the Mind, Beyond the Desk

About Inside the Mind, Beyond the Desk

Where psychology meets occupational therapy. This podcast explores what happens when the brain meets the nervous system, and how that shapes adult life. We examine emotional regulation, executive functioning, attention, memory, time management, sensory processing and rejection sensitivity through psychological, occupational therapy and neuroscience lenses. Evidence informed, neuroaffirmative conversations that translate brain science into practical strategies for real world living.

Publisher

Inside The Mind Beyond The Desk

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Mar 2026

Latest episode

10 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Oct 2026

   Episode 17: Adult Diagnosis of Neurodivergence

   What happens when you spend years trying to understand why everyday life feels harder or different for you? In this episode, Karen and Áine explore the psychological impact of undiagnosed neurodivergence and what it can mean to receive a diagnosis in adulthood. They discuss how years of misunderstanding your own needs can shape confidence, relationships and mental health, alongside the relief, grief and questions that recognition can bring. A conversation about making sense of your experiences, reconsidering old beliefs about yourself and finding greater self-compassion.

2. 

   3 Oct 2026

   Episode 15 - The Neuroscience of Productivity: Why Your Brain Gets Things Done

   Why are some tasks easy to start while others feel almost impossible? In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, we explore the neuroscience of productivity and what is actually happening in the brain when we plan, start, focus and follow through. We look at motivation, attention, executive functioning, reward and energy, and why productivity is about much more than willpower or better time management. We also explore practical ways to work with your brain, rather than constantly trying to force it to work differently.

3. 

   18 Sept 2026

   Episode 14 - When hormone health, brain health and everyday life collide

   What happens when hormone health, brain health and everyday life collide? In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, Dr Áine O’Dea, Occupational Therapist, joins Professor Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist, for a fascinating conversation about hormones, menopause, the busy brain, and how changes in our bodies can affect how we think, feel, and function. They explore brain fog and executive functioning, ADHD and neurodivergence, sleep, sensory regulation, energy, stress and cognitive fatigue and why supporting women through perimenopause and menopause needs to go beyond medication alone. From pacing and prioritising to nutrition, rest, boundaries and everyday routines, Professor Mary Ryan and Áine discuss the small, practical changes that can make a meaningful difference to performance, wellbeing and daily life. Because sometimes improving our health starts with stepping back and analysing the ordinary. Don't miss the upcoming event with Professor Mary Ryan Empower Her - October 18th 2026 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/empower-her-tickets-1992882152164 Professor Mary Ryan's book It's Probably Your Hormones https://www.kennys.ie/shop/it-s-probably-your-hormones-from-appetite-to-sleep-periods-to-sex-drive-balance-your-hormones-to-unlock-better-health-ryan-dr-mary-9781529434866

4. 

   5 Sept 2026

   Episode 13 - Dyspraxia: The Effort Behind Everyday Tasks

   Dyspraxia is often talked about in terms of coordination, but its impact can reach far beyond movement. In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, we explore dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and what it can look like in everyday life. We discuss coordination, organisation, planning, fatigue, confidence and the extra effort that can go into tasks other people may barely think about, while also considering the strengths and experiences that are often missed when we focus only on difficulties.

5. 

   22 Aug 2026

   Episode 12 - Energy Management

   Why do some days leave us completely drained, even when we haven’t done that much? In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, we explore energy management and why managing your capacity can be just as important as managing your time. We talk about recognising what drains and restores us, planning around our energy rather than constantly pushing through, and finding more realistic ways to navigate work, family life and everything in between.

6. 

   8 Aug 2026

   Episode 11: Hyperfocus: When Your Brain Won’t Let Go

   Ever sat down to do one thing and looked up three hours later wondering where the time went? In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, we’re talking about hyperfocus: that intense state of concentration where everything else seems to disappear. We explore why hyperfocus is often associated with ADHD and other neurodivergent brains, what might be happening with attention and motivation, and why it is not quite as simple as being able to “focus really well”. We also look at the other side of hyperfocus: losing track of time, forgetting to eat, struggling to switch tasks, staying up far too late, or putting huge amounts of energy into something while everything else waits. As always, we bring together psychology, lived experience and the realities of everyday life to ask: when can hyperfocus be a strength, when does it become a problem, and how can we work with it rather than constantly fighting against it?

7. 

   25 Jul 2026

   Episode 10: When Rejection Feels Overwhelming: Understanding RSD

   Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, often shortened to RSD, describes the intense emotional distress some people experience in response to criticism, rejection, disappointment or the feeling that they have let someone down. In this episode, we explore why a small comment, change in tone or unanswered message can sometimes feel so painful, particularly for people with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. We discuss how RSD can affect relationships, work, parenting and self-esteem, and why it is often misunderstood as being overly sensitive or dramatic. We also look at the difference between emotional pain and emotional regulation, the role of past experiences, and practical ways to respond with greater understanding, self-compassion and support. RSD is not a formal diagnosis, but the experiences described by the term can be very real.

8. 

   11 Jul 2026

   Episode 9 - Decision Fatigue

   Decision Fatigue: Why Your Brain Feels Done Before the Day Begins How many decisions have you made before 9 a.m.? What to wear. What to eat. Where the missing school shoes are. Whether to answer that email now or later. By the time the day has properly started, your brain may already be running on empty. In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, we explore decision fatigue, the mental exhaustion that comes from making countless choices throughout the day. We look at why it affects everyone, why it can be especially challenging for neurodivergent people, parents and professionals, and how it quietly influences our mood, productivity, relationships and wellbeing.

9. 

   26 Jun 2026

   Episode 8 - Getting things done

   Getting things done is not always about motivation or trying harder. For many people, the real challenge is starting, knowing where to begin, staying focused, and managing the overwhelm that can come with everyday tasks. In this episode, we explore task initiation, procrastination, planning, prioritising, and executive functioning through a psychology-informed lens. We look at why tasks can feel much bigger than they appear, why shame often follows unfinished jobs, and how stress, perfectionism, fatigue, and cognitive overload can all get in the way. We also share practical ways to make tasks feel more manageable, including breaking things into smaller steps, using visual prompts, externalising plans, and working with your brain rather than against it.

10. 

    13 Jun 2026

    Episode 7 - Time Management for Busy Brains

    Why does time seem to disappear, deadlines creep up unexpectedly, and even simple tasks take longer than planned? In this episode, we explore the reality of time management for neurodivergent adults and anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by competing demands. We unpack concepts such as time blindness, executive functioning, task initiation, procrastination, and the challenge of balancing priorities when life feels full. Together, we discuss why traditional productivity advice often falls short, the difference between laziness and genuine cognitive barriers, and practical strategies that can help busy brains work with their natural patterns rather than against them. Whether you're juggling work, family, study, or simply trying to stay on top of everyday life, this conversation offers insight, validation, and realistic approaches to managing your time with greater self-compassion. Join us as we move beyond productivity hacks and explore what effective time management really looks like for busy brains.

11. 

    1 Jun 2026

    Episode 6 - Working Memory: Why Your Brain Keeps Dropping the Tabs

    Working memory is the brain’s ability to hold information in mind long enough to use it. It helps us follow instructions, keep track of conversations, remember what we walked into a room to do, organise tasks, and connect one step to the next. In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, we explore working memory from a psychology and therapy-informed perspective. We look at what working memory actually is, why it can feel unreliable, and how it affects everyday life, especially for neurodivergent brains, stressed brains, tired brains, and overwhelmed brains. We talk about the frustration of losing your train of thought, forgetting the next step, struggling to hold multiple demands in mind, and feeling like your brain has “dropped the tab” at the exact moment you needed it. We also explore why working memory is not about laziness, carelessness, or not trying hard enough. Often, it is a capacity issue. When the brain is overloaded, stressed, dysregulated, or juggling too much, working memory is one of the first systems to feel the pressure. This episode also considers practical ways to support working memory, including externalising information, reducing cognitive load, using visual cues, slowing down instructions, building routines, and creating environments that do not rely on the brain remembering everything at once. Working memory is not just about remembering. It is about holding, using, organising, and acting on information in real time. When we understand that, we can move away from shame and towards better support. Shorter version

12. 

    16 May 2026

    Episode 5: Masking: The cost of holding it all together

    Masking is not simply pretending. Often, it is a way of staying safe, fitting in, or avoiding judgement. But over time, constantly monitoring yourself can become exhausting. In this episode, we explore what masking is, why people do it, and the psychological cost of always “holding it together”. We look at masking through a therapy-informed lens, including neurodivergence, anxiety, emotional regulation, relationships, and work. We also discuss what it means to feel psychologically safe enough to mask less, and how small steps towards boundaries, self-awareness, safe relationships, and self-trust can help people feel less pressure to perform.

13. 

    2 May 2026

    Episode 4: Sensory Regulation

    Why do some days feel manageable while others feel overwhelming, even when the demands look the same? In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, Chartered Psychologist Karen Beckett and Occupational Therapist Dr Áine O’Dea explore sensory regulation and how the brain and nervous system respond to everyday demands. Sensory regulation refers to the ways our bodies and brains manage incoming sensory information and maintain a state where we can think clearly, focus and engage with the world around us. Throughout the day our nervous system is constantly adjusting to noise, light, movement, social interaction and cognitive demands. When regulation is balanced, we are able to concentrate, manage emotions and respond flexibly to challenges. However, when the sensory load becomes too high or when the nervous system is already under pressure, people may experience overwhelm, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating or a sense of shutting down. These experiences are common for many adults but can be particularly significant for neurodivergent individuals whose sensory systems may process information differently. Drawing on perspectives from psychology and occupational therapy, Karen and Áine discuss how sensory regulation operates across work and everyday life. They explore how factors such as stress, cognitive load, environments and emotional demands influence the nervous system and why people often move between states of overstimulation, exhaustion or disengagement. The conversation also looks at practical ways people can support their own regulation. Small strategies such as movement, sensory breaks, managing stimulation levels and building moments of recovery into the day can help stabilise the nervous system and improve focus, wellbeing and resilience. Understanding sensory regulation allows us to move away from blaming ourselves for feeling overwhelmed and instead recognise the interaction between the brain, body and environment. Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk explores how different brains experience work, life and regulation through conversations grounded in psychology and occupational therapy. This podcast is sponsored by Codex. Codex is Ireland’s largest B2B workplace solutions company, supporting thousands of organisations in designing environments that help people work better and feel better. In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, Codex has launched the Thrive by Codex x AsIAm collection, featuring 34 inclusive office products designed to support focus, comfort and wellbeing. Codex is leading the way in neuroinclusion, helping create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Learn more at: www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex (http://www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex)

14. 

    18 Apr 2026

    Episode 3 - What is Psychological Wellbeing?

    What does psychological wellbeing actually mean in everyday life and work? In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, Chartered Psychologist Karen Beckett and Occupational Therapist Dr Áine O’Dea explore the foundations of psychological wellbeing and why it matters more than ever in modern workplaces and daily life. Psychological wellbeing is often reduced to ideas of happiness or stress management, but the reality is far more complex. Our wellbeing is shaped by how our brain processes information, how our nervous system responds to pressure, and how we regulate emotions, attention and energy across the day. When these systems are under strain, people may experience burnout, overwhelm, reduced focus, and difficulty maintaining balance between work and personal life. Drawing on perspectives from psychology, occupational therapy and nervous system science, this conversation explores how factors such as emotional regulation, cognitive load, sensory environments, and executive functioning influence our wellbeing. Karen and Áine discuss how different brains experience stress differently, particularly for neurodivergent adults who may navigate workplaces and daily routines that are not designed with neurological differences in mind. The episode also examines the role of the nervous system in wellbeing. When the body is in a constant state of alert or shutdown, it becomes much harder to think clearly, manage emotions, or sustain productivity. Understanding these patterns can help people recognise early warning signs and develop strategies that support regulation, resilience and recovery. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this episode looks at practical ways individuals and organisations can support psychological wellbeing. From creating environments that reduce cognitive overload, to building sustainable routines and improving self-awareness, the discussion highlights small but meaningful shifts that can make a difference. Whether you are navigating workplace stress, supporting others in professional settings, or simply curious about how the brain and nervous system shape wellbeing, this episode offers insight into what it means to support psychological health in a realistic and sustainable way. Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk explores how different brains experience work, life and regulation. Through conversations grounded in psychology and occupational therapy, we unpack the science behind everyday challenges and what can help people function and flourish. This podcast is sponsored by Codex.Codex is Ireland’s largest B2B workplace solutions company, supporting thousands of organisations in designing environments that help people work better and feel better. In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, Codex has launched the Thrive by Codex x AsIAm collection, featuring 34 inclusive office products designed to support focus, comfort and wellbeing. Codex is leading the way in neuroinclusion, helping create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Learn more at: www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex (http://www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex)

15. 

    4 Apr 2026

    Episode 2: The Impact of the Sensory Environment

    The Sensory Environment How much does the environment around us shape how we think, work and regulate ourselves? In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, Chartered Psychologist Karen Beckett and Occupational Therapist Dr Áine O’Dea explore the powerful role that sensory environments play in attention, wellbeing and performance. Many people underestimate how strongly factors such as lighting, sound, temperature, movement and visual stimulation influence the brain and nervous system. Yet our sensory systems are constantly processing information from the world around us. When environments are overstimulating, unpredictable, or poorly designed, they can place significant demands on cognitive resources and emotional regulation. From open plan offices and constant notifications to bright lighting and background noise, modern workplaces often create sensory conditions that make concentration and sustained attention difficult. For some individuals this may simply feel draining. For others, particularly neurodivergent adults, these environments can lead to overwhelm, fatigue and reduced productivity. Drawing on both psychology and occupational therapy perspectives, Karen and Áine unpack how sensory processing works and why different brains respond to environments in different ways. They discuss how sensory load affects focus, executive functioning, stress responses and overall wellbeing. The conversation also explores practical ways to create more supportive environments at work and at home. Small changes such as adjusting lighting, managing noise, introducing movement breaks, or creating quieter workspaces can significantly improve comfort, regulation and cognitive performance. Whether you are trying to improve your own working environment, support colleagues, or design more inclusive workplaces, this episode highlights why the sensory environment matters and how thoughtful adjustments can help people function at their best. Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk explores how different brains experience work, life and regulation through conversations grounded in psychology and occupational therapy. This podcast is sponsored by Codex. Codex is Ireland’s largest B2B workplace solutions company, supporting thousands of organisations in designing environments that help people work better and feel better. In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, Codex has launched the Thrive by Codex x AsIAm collection, featuring 34 inclusive office products designed to support focus, comfort and wellbeing. Codex is leading the way in neuroinclusion, helping create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Learn more at: www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex (http://www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex)

16. 

    21 Mar 2026

    Episode 1: What is Neurodiversity and What Does it Mean for the Workplace?

    Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how human brains think, process information, regulate attention, and respond to the world around them. In this opening episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, Chartered Psychologist Karen Beckett and Occupational Therapist Dr Áine O’Dea introduce the concept of neurodiversity and explore what it means in everyday working life. Together, they unpack how neurodivergent adults, including people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other cognitive differences, may experience work differently. The discussion explores areas such as executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory environments, communication styles, and the often invisible demands of modern workplaces. Drawing on both psychology and occupational therapy perspectives, the episode looks at how workplace systems, expectations, and environments can either support or create barriers for neurodivergent individuals. Karen and Áine also discuss the strengths associated with different thinking styles, including creativity, innovation, deep focus, and alternative approaches to problem solving. This episode offers a grounded introduction to neurodiversity for employees, leaders, and organisations who want to better understand cognitive diversity and create workplaces where different kinds of minds can thrive. Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk explores the intersection of psychology, the nervous system, and everyday functioning, bringing practical insight into how people think, work, and regulate in the real world. This podcast is sponsored by Codex - Codex is Ireland’s largest B2B workplace solutions company, supporting thousands of organisations in designing environments that help people work better and feel better. In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national Autism charity, Codex has launched the Thrive by Codex x AsIAm collection - 34 inclusive office products designed to support focus, comfort, and wellbeing. Codex is leading the way on neuroinclusion - creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. Learn more at www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex

17. 

    17 Mar 2026

    Episode 1 Trailer: What is Neurodiversity and What Does it Mean for the Workplace?

    Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how human brains think, process information, regulate attention, and respond to the world around them. In this opening episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, Chartered Psychologist Karen Beckett and Occupational Therapist Dr Áine O’Dea introduce the concept of neurodiversity and explore what it means in everyday working life. Together, they unpack how neurodivergent adults, including people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other cognitive differences, may experience work differently. The discussion explores areas such as executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory environments, communication styles, and the often invisible demands of modern workplaces. Drawing on both psychology and occupational therapy perspectives, the episode looks at how workplace systems, expectations, and environments can either support or create barriers for neurodivergent individuals. Karen and Áine also discuss the strengths associated with different thinking styles, including creativity, innovation, deep focus, and alternative approaches to problem solving. This episode offers a grounded introduction to neurodiversity for employees, leaders, and organisations who want to better understand cognitive diversity and create workplaces where different kinds of minds can thrive. Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk explores the intersection of psychology, the nervous system, and everyday functioning, bringing practical insight into how people think, work, and regulate in the real world. This podcast is sponsored by Codex - Codex is Ireland’s largest B2B workplace solutions company, supporting thousands of organisations in designing environments that help people work better and feel better. In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national Autism charity, Codex has launched the Thrive by Codex x AsIAm collection - 34 inclusive office products designed to support focus, comfort, and wellbeing. Codex is leading the way on neuroinclusion - creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. Learn more at www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings