Mask Off, Yap On is an unfiltered, unapologetic, and occasionally unhinged podcast hosted by two late-diagnosed autistic cousins — Justine (J) and Angelena — navigating the chaos of unmasking and reclaiming identity in a world built for neurotypicals.
We’re breaking down the bullshit with boldness, iced Americanos, and an occasional Mount Everest reference (don’t ask, just vibe). Expect real talk about neurodivergence, friendship, mental health, boundaries, burnout, healing, humour, and what it means to live authentically — with no filters, no small talk, and no fucking thanks.
Episode 13: Same Same but Different ✨🧩⚡
Autism and ADHD: twins? cousins? chaotic roommates? 🤔 In this episode, we break down the overlaps, the “wait… SAME” moments, and the “oh nope, very different” parts of our spicy brains. J shares her auDHD perspective (yep, both 🧠⚡) which adds even more layers of relatable chaos. Expect laughs, tangents, and maybe a few “ah-ha!” moments along the way. Same same… but definitely different. 😅
9 Sept 2025
Can't Sit Still, Won't Shut Up- Episode 12
This week, A’s bestie Alyssa jumps on the mic with A & J for THREE rounds of pure echolalia chaos and fun! 🦜
From accidental copycats to full-on echo battles, we explore how echolalia shows up in our lives with laughs, inside jokes, and a few “did we just say that?!” moments. Get ready to repeat after us… literally
2 Sept 2025
Welp, I guess I'll just do it myself! -Episode 11
Episode 11: Accommodations – Our Everyday Lifeline 🛠️✨
In this episode, we spill the tea ☕ on the real MVPs of our lives: accommodations. Noise-canceling headphones 🎧? Flexible work schedules 🗓️? Extra snacks in the bag at all times 🍫? Yes, please.
We’re breaking down how these little tweaks help us survive, thrive, and occasionally feel like we’ve got our lives together (even when we don’t 🤪). Spoiler alert: asking for what you need isn’t “extra” – it’s essential 💁♀️.
Join us for some laughs, real talk, and maybe a few “why didn’t we do this sooner?!” moments as we share the accommodations that keep us functioning in this wild world. 🌎💡
J's best friend Jordy joins us today to chat about her diagnosis journey, medication trials, going through school with AuDHD, her love of birds and all things nature, her little brothers, and more about birds.
Biggest take away: be the person that little you needed growing up.
"All across the world, we’ve travelled wayward for, in search of things to hold. I’ve basked in moments filled with doubt, and this is what I’m told; that living is in itself a constant celebration of love and where there is love we will live on and where there is not love we must provide it, peace is not for purchase it’s a state of being. " - Greta Van Fleet
19 Aug 2025
Sugar We're Going Down Swingin'- Episode 9
Buckle up, fam 😅—this one’s long, unfiltered, and verrrry real. A & J dive into the world of autistic meltdowns (aka emotional hurricanes 🌪️) and shutdowns (aka human Wi-Fi disconnecting 📴).
They share what it actually feels like when the brain says “nope,” the triggers that tip the scale, and the messy aftermath that doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s vulnerable, it’s heavy at times, but of course—sprinkled with their usual sarcasm and laughs 😂 because that’s how they survive it.
Whether you’ve been through a meltdown yourself or you’re just curious about what’s really going on behind the scenes, this episode is a mix of raw truth, awkward humour, and a reminder that none of us are alone in this.
So grab those emotional support water bottles, because Sugar We're Going Down Swingin'! 💜
12 Aug 2025
Literal Thinking - Episode 8
In this episode, we dive into the world of literal thinking and the unique communication challenges it presents. From the struggles of interpreting everyday expressions to the impact of literal communication on relationships, this episode offers a candid look at the complexities of understanding and being understood, mis/understanding social cues, being pressured to conform to societal standards, and trying to fit in while staying true to oneself. Also how societal rules often go unspoken yet are expected to be followed?? wtf
also metaphors are dumb! just say what you mean!
5 Aug 2025
Panini Dust is a Sensory Sin (Sensory Sensitivities) - Episode 7
In this episode of "Mask Off, Yap On," Ang and J dive into the world of sensory sensitivities, sharing their personal "sensory sins.” What do you hate more? The texture of microfiber or the overwhelming scent of strong perfumes, we want to know what has your vote for the ultimate sensory sin. From the unsettling feel of cardboard to the chaos of multiple sounds, we face off our top sensory irritants. Join us as we share how these sensitivities impact our daily lives and the strategies we use to cope. We also want to know the order you get dressed… (not in a weird way, okay) are you team socks first?? crazy work
29 Jul 2025
GUEST EPISODE - Waves of Wonder: A Neurodivergent Mermaid Tail - Episode 6
Did you know that Angelena's best friend is a mermaid?! In this week's episode we chat with Ariel about her mental health journey and neurodivergent experience. We touch on executive functioning and that relatable moment when you try ADHD meds for the first time and go from task paralysis to "holy shit I just did the thing without thinking!?" also Ariel makes j cry twice in this episode so theres that to look forward to lol
We talk about self-advocacy in mental health and that finding a doctor who works with you and practices with compassion is a game changer - and you deserve to be treated kindly! That goes for self-talk too! Also the power of finding community and support in shared experiences.
okay lets do rapid fire topics & thoughts that will make sense after you listen to the podcast:
we <3 Veggie Tales
SAY YES TO WOMENS HEALTH!!
lesbian launchers
wanting to participate in life
radical self love (what a silly goose thing to do)
notes...
(j's stream of conscioussness ... welp I spelled that wrong for sure, too many double letters, oh well, fuck it, anyway - HEY YOU , yeah you, may notice this description is a disorganized shit show. Well that's because j wrote it this time and not Ang - and this was also after j thought the editing was done for the evening and went out to enjoy a little plant medicine (wink wink) and then came back to realize SHIT I forgot the description. Didn't proof read it, I want to watch my movie and eat these raspberries. In the words of my MSc supervisor: always be closing (Vamosi et al. 2024), which roughly translates to: just fuckin send it bud. okay that seems good enough
22 Jul 2025
Who the fuck even am I?! - Episode 5
Episode 5: “Unmasking 101 – Tips, Tricks, and Tender Moments”
This week, we’re digging deeper into the unmasking journey—what it really means to drop the act and start showing up as your true self. From awkward beginnings to liberating breakthroughs, we’re sharing our personal unmasking stories, what’s helped us along the way, and the small (but mighty!) steps that made the biggest difference. Expect practical tips, some tender truths, and a few laughs as we navigate the beautifully messy process of letting our real selves breathe.
Whether you’re just starting to unmask or deep in the thick of it, this episode is your permission slip to be a little more you. 💜
15 Jul 2025
BRB, Reprocessing My Whole Life- Episode 4
Episode 4: BRB, Reprocessing My Whole Life
In this episode, we dive deep into our personal unmasking journeys—the raw, beautiful, and sometimes brutal process of peeling back the layers we built to survive in a world that wasn’t designed for neurodivergent brains. From the first cracks in the mask to the full-on identity re-evaluation (cue existential crisis), we talk about how unmasking has changed our relationships, our self-worth, and our day-to-day lives.
It gets real. Like, tear-up-in-the-middle-of-recording real. But also healing. And maybe even a little funny.
If you’re somewhere on your own unmasking journey—or just starting to ask the questions—this one’s for you.
10 Jul 2025
Unmasking Masking- Episode 3
🎭 Episode 3 – “Unmasking Masking”
In this episode, we dive into the world of masking — what it is, why so many neurodivergent folks do it, and how it can take a serious toll on our mental health and sense of identity. From the subtle ways we shape-shift to blend in, to the emotional exhaustion that comes from constantly performing “normal,” we’re getting real about the costs of hiding our authentic selves.
Whether you’ve just learned the term or you’ve been unmasking for years, this episode is for you. Let’s yap about the masks we wear — and what happens when we finally take them off.
1 Jul 2025
We Thought Everyone Did That?!
You know those little things you’ve done your whole life that you thought were just normal human things… until you realized, uh, maybe not everyone does them? Yeah—same. In this episode, we dive into the quirks, habits, and survival strategies we carried thinking they were universal, only to learn they were actually neurodivergent traits and coping mechanisms.
From scripting conversations in the shower to hyper-fixating on niche interests, we unpack the moment when the mask starts to slip and self-awareness kicks in. Join us as we laugh, reflect, and connect over the realization that “normal” is a myth, and discovering your neurodivergence can feel like reading the manual to your own brain for the first time.
Drop a comment: What’s something you thought everyone did?
25 Jun 2025
Twice the Spice - Episode 1
our very first (!!!) episode of Mask Off, Yap On, we dive into our own winding, weird, emotional, and occasionally musical journeys of discovering we’re neurodivergent. From late autism diagnoses to ADHD realizations, we explore how everyone’s path looks different—and why that’s exactly the point.
There’s laughter, singing, sidebars we absolutely did not plan for, and a few tender moments where we remember just how life-changing (and validating) this discovery has been.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or deep in your unmasking era, this episode is your reminder: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to “get it right” to belong.
So Mask Off and let’s yap!
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