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291: Reframing ADHD for Black Women with Inger Shaye Colzie

Embracing Intensity

Release Date: 01/06/2026

291: Reframing ADHD for Black Women with Inger Shaye Colzie show art 291: Reframing ADHD for Black Women with Inger Shaye Colzie

Embracing Intensity

This week on Embracing Intensity, I’m thrilled to finally sit down with the powerful and passionate Inger Shaye Colzie, a therapist and coach working at the intersection of ADHD, identity, and cultural experience. Inger shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after decades of navigating systems and expectations that didn’t see her neurodivergence—or the unique challenges that come with being a Black woman with ADHD. Together, we dive into her experiences growing up gifted but overlooked, her path to founding the ADHD Black Professionals Alliance, and how she helps...

info_outline 290: Executive Functioning with Fizzah Zaidi show art 290: Executive Functioning with Fizzah Zaidi

Embracing Intensity

Episode 290: Executive Functioning with Fizzah Zaidi In this powerful episode of Embracing Intensity, I’m joined by the insightful and compassionate Fizzah Zaidi, a psychotherapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals. We explore the complexities of executive functioning, and how understanding our brain’s unique operating system can transform how we show up for ourselves and others. Fizzah brings deep experience from her work with high-achieving neurodivergent clients in the tech, medical, and legal fields. Together, we discuss how neurodivergent brains often struggle...

info_outline 289: Reclaiming Power Through Art w/ Ilima Considine show art 289: Reclaiming Power Through Art w/ Ilima Considine

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info_outline 288: Tasting the Gifted Rainbow w/ Kaitlin Smith show art 288: Tasting the Gifted Rainbow w/ Kaitlin Smith

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info_outline 287: The Myth of Work-Life Balance show art 287: The Myth of Work-Life Balance

Embracing Intensity

Is work-life balance real—or just another unrealistic expectation? In this solo episode of Embracing Intensity, I unpack the myth of work-life balance and share my journey toward something more meaningful: harmony. Drawing from my personal life, this episode dives deep into how neurodivergent people navigate work hours, personal time, and the demands of life in a way that feels aligned, not forced. After a summer of restoration and reflection, I’m back working full-time in the school system—and instead of chasing “balance,” I’m creating sustainable rhythms that honor my energy,...

info_outline 286: Collective Liberation w/ Caroline J. Sumlin show art 286: Collective Liberation w/ Caroline J. Sumlin

Embracing Intensity

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info_outline 285: The Power of Mirroring with Sheldon Gay show art 285: The Power of Mirroring with Sheldon Gay

Embracing Intensity

In this thought-provoking episode of Embracing Intensity, Aurora sits down with Sheldon Gay, host of the I Must Be BUG'N podcast, which amplifies the stories and voices of Black, unidentified, underrepresented, gifted, and otherwise neurodivergent people. Sheldon is deeply insightful, warm, and grounded in his advocacy to humanize the neurodivergent experience. Together, they dive into the power of mirroring—that magical moment when we see ourselves reflected in others—and how it plays a crucial role in identity, belonging, and connection. Sheldon shares his personal journey...

info_outline 284: Breaking Through Burnout w/ Brendan Mahan show art 284: Breaking Through Burnout w/ Brendan Mahan

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This week on the Embracing Intensity podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back the always thoughtful and illuminating Brendan Mahan, founder of ADHD Essentials and creator of the Wall of Awful. In this free-flowing and deeply relatable conversation, we dive into the realities of ADHD burnout, navigating screen time, and what it really means to rest. Brendan and I both share personally about our own experiences with burnout and recovery, and how we’re learning to work with our neurodivergent brains instead of against them. About Brendan Mahan: Brendan Mahan is a speaker, coach, and host of the...

info_outline 283: Empowering Neurodivergent Voices w/ Fizzah Zaidi show art 283: Empowering Neurodivergent Voices w/ Fizzah Zaidi

Embracing Intensity

In this inspiring episode of Embracing Intensity, I’m joined by the vibrant and insightful Fizzah Zaidi, a psychotherapist based in Chicago who works with adults with ADHD, especially those navigating high-pressure environments like tech and finance. We originally connected at an ADHD conference over boots and breakfast, and I’m so excited to bring her energy and wisdom to the podcast! Fizzah shares her journey from a creative career in animation to becoming a mental health professional, her passion for social justice, and how she uses her intensity to empower her clients. Together, we...

info_outline 282. Navigating Neurodivergent Burnout show art 282. Navigating Neurodivergent Burnout

Embracing Intensity

After a bit of a break from long-form content, I’m so excited to be back with a solo episode that’s deeply personal and incredibly timely. I’ve missed connecting with you more intimately through the podcast and am looking forward to bringing you more episodes like this in the coming months. Lately, I’ve been diving into the topic of neurodivergent burnout, something I’ve experienced firsthand and that I know many of you can relate to. I’ve written two blog posts on the topic and shared a companion video on YouTube—and even tested out long-form content on TikTok for the first...

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This week on Embracing Intensity, I’m thrilled to finally sit down with the powerful and passionate Inger Shaye Colzie, a therapist and coach working at the intersection of ADHD, identity, and cultural experience. Inger shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after decades of navigating systems and expectations that didn’t see her neurodivergence—or the unique challenges that come with being a Black woman with ADHD.

Together, we dive into her experiences growing up gifted but overlooked, her path to founding the ADHD Black Professionals Alliance, and how she helps others own their fire and intensity without apology. Inger’s insight, humor, and realness make this an episode you won’t want to miss.

P.S. We’re planning to bring Inger back for a guest call in the Embracing Intensity Community during the 2026 speaker season—I'd love your feedback on upcoming topics and guests!

About Inger Shaye Colzie

Inger is a therapist, ADHD coach, and the founder of the ADHD Black Professionals Alliance. Diagnosed later in life, she now uses her lived experience, clinical knowledge, and coaching tools to support other Black women navigating life, work, and relationships with ADHD. Through her practice and community, she creates spaces for healing, advocacy, and unapologetic self-discovery.

In This Episode:

  • The experience of being undiagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood—and what finally led her to seek answers

  • Growing up as an intense, passionate child whose energy was often misunderstood

  • Why culturally relevant care is essential for Black women with ADHD

  • The emotional impact of living with ADHD in a world not built for neurodivergent minds

  • How diagnosis and coaching helped her reframe her identity and harness her gifts

  • Creating the ADHD Black Professionals Alliance as a safe and empowering space

  • Turning down the dial—or turning it up with intention

  • The importance of coaching, community, and embracing your whole self

Resources & Links:

Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself or supporting others who are, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and community. Inger’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite the narrative—and that when we embrace our fire, we light the way for others.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear they are not broken—just unseen.