“For everyone who was told to sit still and be quiet — and absolutely was not.”
Glasses on, filters off. Specs, Spectrums and Sidequests is my running commentary on life with an AuDHD brain — the masking, the meltdowns, the 2am hyperfocus rabbit holes, and the thousand tiny things nobody thought to warn you about. Part memoir, part group chat with the guests who actually get it: honest, occasionally chaotic, and always three tangents deep. If you spent your whole childhood being told to sit still and be quiet, consider this the opposite of that. Pull up a chair — the main quest can wait.
In this episode, Tammie explores what makes a workplace somewhere neurodivergent people can thrive rather than just survive. Drawing on nearly thirty years in optics, from the shop floor to running her own business, she shares the ten things she tells her team as Managing Director, and why every one of them came from the opposite happening to her.
Takeaways
Masking is a second job nobody puts on the contract
Ten simple, trust-based permissions for inclusive teams
How to ask for adjustments if you're not the boss
23 Oct 2026
Special 1 : Rob Barrow – Spec-Care
In this special episode, Tammie sits down with Rob Barrow of Spec-Care, specialist in frame repairs and adaptations. We talk frame fitting when standard just doesn't work, hypersensitivity in neurodivergent spectacle wearers, and why quality, repairable eyewear beats chasing the lowest price.
Rob Barrow / Spec-Care: speccareservices.co.uk
Brands mentioned in this episode: OmniShift Eyewear, Exeter Eyewear, Sea Creatures, iPlay, Frey & Winkler, Proxxon
Loughlin's Optics: loughlins-optics.com
12 Oct 2026
Episode 8 : What do chickens have to do with finances?
In this episode, Tammie explores the complexities of impulse spending, particularly from the perspective of neurodivergent individuals. Through the humorous and relatable story of acquiring chickens instead of dog food, she delves into the psychological factors influencing spending habits and offers practical strategies for managing impulsive decisions.
Takeaways
Impulse spending insights
Neurodivergent financial strategies
4 Oct 2026
Episode 7 : What a month!
The conversation explores ADHD and dyslexia awareness, emphasizing the importance of understanding over mere awareness. It debunks common myths surrounding ADHD and dyslexia while highlighting the need for support and recognition of neurodiversity. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding dyslexia and ADHD, emphasizing the importance of understanding these conditions beyond common misconceptions. It highlights the need for awareness, support, and reasonable adjustments in various environments, particularly in the workplace, to accommodate individuals with these neurodivergent conditions.
Takeaways
Understanding over awareness
Debunking ADHD and dyslexia myths Dyslexia and ADHD myths debunked
Importance of support and adjustments
22 Sept 2026
Episode 6 : Why a week isn't enough
The conversation explores the challenges faced by deaf and autistic individuals in communication, highlighting the importance of understanding and accommodating their unique needs. It also emphasizes the need for changes in communication practices and environments to be more inclusive and accessible.
Takeaways
Empathy and understanding are essential in bridging the communication gap between deaf and autistic individuals and the rest of society.
Optical businesses and professionals need to make significant changes to their communication practices and environments to better accommodate the needs of deaf and autistic patients.
22 Sept 2026
Episode 5: My brain's special guest obsession
Tammie discusses the challenges of adhering to self-imposed rules and expectations, leading to task paralysis and a sense of being stuck. She shares her experience of breaking free from this pattern and offers insights on how to overcome similar obstacles.
Takeaways
Task paralysis and all-or-nothing thinking can create barriers to progress.
Naming and acknowledging self-imposed barriers can help in breaking free from them.
31 Aug 2026
Episode 4 : The September reset ND brains actually need
The conversation explores the transition from summer to September, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for establishing new routines. It emphasizes the importance of practical strategies and the acceptance of imperfect routines, offering a fresh perspective on the September reset.
Takeaways
September is a time for new routines
Accepting that routines may fall apart
Chapters
00:00 The End of Summer
02:50 Summer Holidays and Side Quests
04:19 September Sensory Assault
05:42 Good Enough Routines
06:12 Practical Strategies for Routine
08:40 September Starter Pack
11:05 The Real September Reset
24 Aug 2026
Episode 3 : Executive Dysfunction
The conversation delves into the challenges of executive dysfunction, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. It explores the gap between knowing what to do and doing what you know, offering insights into the experiences and workplace strategies for managing executive dysfunction, as well as support and solutions for addressing this issue.
Takeaways
Executive dysfunction is a real challenge for neurodivergent individuals
The gap between knowing what to do and doing what you know is a significant issue
17 Aug 2026
Episode 2 : MonoDispensing
Tammie takes us through a week of side quests and rabbit holes, exploring the world of audio recording and the challenges of monotropism. She shares insights on attention, decision-making, and the importance of understanding and accommodating diverse cognitive processes.
Takeaways
Monotropism: The depth of focus and intense exploration of a single topic is a characteristic of neurodivergent cognitive processes.
Time Boxing: Setting time limits and boundaries around deep dives can help harness the potential of intense focus and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
Understanding Patients: Recognizing and accommodating diverse cognitive processes in patients can improve the dispensing process and enhance patient satisfaction.
Chapters
00:00 The Side Quest Ate the Main Quest
02:29 Down the Rabbit Hole
13:07 Monotropism and Attention
20:21 Harnessing Intense Focus
16 Aug 2026
Episode 1 : Soft Focus
The episode explores the concept of 'masking' and its emotional toll on individuals with ADHD and autism. It delves into the practice of soft focus, unmasking, and the impact of masking on energy and identity. The episode also highlights the significance of safe spaces and the cost of masking in terms of exhaustion and loss of self.
Takeaways
Masking is an emotional survival skill for individuals with ADHD and autism.
Safe spaces and unmasking play a crucial role in reclaiming one's identity and preserving emotional energy.
Chapters
00:00 The Art of Masking
02:53 Soft Focus and Unmasking
06:12 The Cost of Masking
09:04 The Power of Safe Spaces
12:11 The Emotional Toll of Masking
15:01 Reclaiming Identity and Emotional Energy
15 Aug 2026
Introductions : Now You See Me
Now You See Me - The who, What and Why?
I share my personal journey and experiences with disability, diversity, and inclusion in the optical world. I discusses my career in optics, My diverse family, and my own health challenges. I also reflect on My neurodivergent journey, the impact of diagnosis, and the complexities of managing conditions. I conclude with a preview of the next episode on the topic of masking in girls and women with neurodivergence.
Takeaways
Neurodiversity and personal experiences
Impact of diagnosis and self-reflection
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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