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Navigating Autism in This Neurodivergent World - Michael Villines’ Insights

Release Date: 10/10/2024

Sacred Work and Second Chances: Linda Znachko's Ministry to the Forgotten (Part 2)

The Resilient Heart Podcast

In this deeply moving Part 2 conversation on "The Resilient Heart" podcast, host Gabi continues her conversation with Linda Znachko, founder of "He Knows Your Name" ministry. This episode explores the most profound aspects of Linda's work, including the heart-wrenching story of baby Abigail—a child born with severe brain damage from her mother's drug addiction, whom Linda became guardian for in her final day of life. Linda shares the sacred experience of holding Abigail as she passed and the recent posthumous adoption that made Abigail permanently part of her family. The conversation reveals...

From Dumpster to Dignity: Linda Znachko's Mission to Honor Every Child

The Resilient Heart Podcast

In this powerful episode of "The Resilient Heart Podcast," host Gabi sits down with Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name Ministries, to explore one of the most heart-wrenching yet hope-filled missions imaginable. Linda's journey began in 2009 when she saw a news story about a baby found in a dumpster in Indianapolis, just six months after her mother's death. What started as a simple phone call to ensure one baby received a proper burial became a 15-year ministry that has laid 58 abandoned and unclaimed babies to rest with dignity and love. Through Linda's story, we discover how...

Building Wealth and Finding Purpose: A Conversation with Cathy Guzzo

The Resilient Heart Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Resilient Heart Podcast, host Gabi Garland interviews Cathy Guzzo, known as "The Fairy Gold Mother." Cathy shares her journey from owning three successful brick-and-mortar jewelry stores to transitioning to an online business model that helps people build wealth through gold and silver investments. With candid vulnerability, they discuss the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with single motherhood, navigating devastating loss, and finding purpose through faith. Cathy offers valuable business insights from her five decades of entrepreneurial experience and...

Five Lessons of Season 45: Reflections on Growth, Boundaries, and Purpose

The Resilient Heart Podcast

In this deeply personal birthday episode of the Resilient Heart Podcast, host Gabi returns after a four-month hiatus to share the profound lessons she learned during her 45th year. After facing a debilitating neurological illness that brought her to dark places she never expected to experience, Gabi vulnerably shares how this season of struggle became a catalyst for tremendous growth, clarity, and unexpected opportunity. From establishing healthier boundaries to creating intentional stillness, recognizing safe spaces, and discovering her role as a stage-builder for others, this episode offers...

From Darkness to Light: Overcoming Neurological Illness and Suicidal Ideation in 2024

The Resilient Heart Podcast

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, the host shares her powerful journey through the darkest moments of their life, battling suicidal ideations brought on by a debilitating neurological illness. With unflinching honesty, they recount the challenges of navigating their mental and physical health, the tools and support that brought them through, and the transformative insights they gained along the way. Now on the other side of that pain, they reflect on the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community, and how mindfulness practices became a cornerstone of their healing...

Embracing Fear and Failure: Tiffany Ball’s Career Shift From Hospitality to Entrepreneurship

The Resilient Heart Podcast

Single mothers are revolutionizing their professional trajectories through the power of networking, transforming career challenges into entrepreneurial triumphs. Despite juggling financial pressures, childcare responsibilities, and societal expectations, these resilient women are harnessing the strength of connections to build thriving businesses. Many are leveraging networking groups and online communities to share resources, find mentors, and collaborate on innovative ventures that offer the flexibility and financial stability they need. By fostering genuine relationships and supporting one...

Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: Afiya Al-Fayiz’s Journey as a Mindset Coach

The Resilient Heart Podcast

Motherhood and entrepreneurship are two powerful journeys that can intertwine to create a path of empowerment and success for single mothers. The key lies in cultivating a resilient mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities. By embracing their unique strengths – multitasking abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills – single mothers can leverage these qualities to thrive in the business world. Remember, being a single mom is not a setback but a wellspring of invaluable experiences that can fuel entrepreneurial success. With determination, self-belief, and a positive...

The Voice of Women in the Workplace: Narima Santos' Go Girl Careers Journey

The Resilient Heart Podcast

The voice of women in the workplace is a powerful catalyst for change, driving innovation, diversity, and success across industries. Empowering women to speak up, share their ideas, and take on leadership roles is not just a matter of equality—it's a strategic imperative for businesses seeking to thrive in today's competitive landscape. When women's voices are heard and valued, organizations benefit from a broader range of perspectives, increased creativity, and improved decision-making. By fostering an environment where women feel confident to contribute, companies can unlock the full...

Neurodiversity Advocacy: Promoting Acceptance and Inclusion for Autistic Individuals

The Resilient Heart Podcast

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Affecting individuals differently, autism encompasses a wide spectrum of abilities and needs, making each person's experience unique. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Awareness and understanding of autism are crucial for fostering acceptance and support within communities. As society evolves, the importance of embracing neurodiversity and...

The Neurodiversity Playbook: Dr. Matthew Zakreski’s Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Children

The Resilient Heart Podcast

Parenting neurodivergent children requires a unique approach that embraces their individual strengths, challenges, and perspectives. Neurodivergence encompasses a range of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions that affect how a person's brain processes information and interacts with the world. As a parent, understanding and supporting your neurodivergent child's specific needs is crucial for their overall development and well-being. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and expert in...

More Episodes

Navigating autism in today's neurodivergent world involves understanding the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. As society increasingly recognizes the value of neurodiversity, it becomes essential to foster environments that not only support but also celebrate these differences. This journey requires a multifaceted approach that includes advocating for inclusive policies, promoting awareness and acceptance, and creating supportive communities that empower autistic individuals to thrive. By shifting perspectives from viewing autism as a deficit to recognizing it as a distinct way of being, we can cultivate a culture that values diverse neurotypes and enhances the quality of life for all, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Villines, The Autoimmune Coach. His mission is to help people with multiple Sclerosis have the confidence to live. Michael delves into things he wished he had growing up feeling different, alcohol as a coping mechanism and advice to get started on the life you want to live. He also sheds more light on the books that helped him become who he was, the journey of building your own business, and things that made him feel less underrepresented.

This guide aims to illuminate what autism looks like, providing insights on how to effectively support, advocate for, and empower children with autism. By fostering environments that celebrate neurodiversity, we can promote awareness and acceptance while emphasizing that we are all in this together. This journey encourages us to shift our perspectives from viewing autism as a deficit to recognizing it as a distinct way of being, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all and cultivating a more equitable society where every individual is seen and valued. Tune in to learn more about how to support people living with autism and other related syndromes in this neurodivergent world.

Timestamps

[03:37] About Michael Villines

[06:38] What Michael felt different growing up with autism

[09:24] Things Michael wished he had growing up feeling different

[16:12] Shedding people and things that aren’t healthy

[23:15] Alcohol as a coping mechanism

[28:10] Advice to get started on the life you want to live

[33:20] Books that helped Michael to become who he was

[36:46] Things that made Michael feel less underrepresented

[41:27] The journey of building your own business

[45:09] Michael’s final remarks

Notable Quotes

“The world is not as kind as it needs to be.”
“The thing that kids don’t realize is, it goes a long way just to be nice to people.”
“Love isn’t what you say but what you do.”
“Get comfortable with yourself and really work on yourself.”
“Our brains work in different ways, but it doesn’t mean that we are not still valuable or there aren't gifts that we have.”
“Learn to learn about each person and take each person individually, don’t put people in boxes.”