The Energetics of Being: A Human Design Podcast

Hosted by Sarah Atkins

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Jan 2026

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The Energetics of Being podcast has a Human Design focus, but we will also be exploring the energetics of being a human. We will talk about all the BS that can influence, impact & condition you from childhood & throughout adulthood. Discussing how these things can manifest themselves & stop you from showing up or expressing your true self, plus the strategies you can use to help you get out of your own way.

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January 16, 2026Episode 1524 min

Neurodiversity Celebration week - Communication: Are We Really Listening?

Send us Fan MailEpisode Summary:In Part 5 of this Neurodiversity Celebration Week mini-series, Sarah and Cassie explore the topic of communication, especially between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. They reflect on the importance of clear, direct language, how rejection sensitivity affects the way we hear things, and why “listening” isn’t just about hearing words.They also touch on ADHD, verbal impulsivity, emotional regulation, and a powerful concept known as the Double Empathy Problem—offering a more compassionate perspective on communication breakdowns. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, shut down in conversation, or overwhelmed by how others speak to you (or don’t!), this episode will hit home.Topics Discussed:What clean language is and why it supports neurodivergent mindsListening as a leadership skill & communication vs connectionADHD, impulsivity, blurting, and fast-paced thoughtRejection sensitivity and verbal processingThe Double Empathy Problem (Damien Milton’s theory)Communication breakdowns in mixed neurotype groupsCreating psychological safety in teamsTips for clearer communication, asking for clarity & slowing downTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome & why communication matters 01:15 – What is “clean language”? 03:00 – Different ways of listening & being present 06:30 – The Double Empathy Problem explained 10:15 – Miscommunication between neurodivergent & neurotypical folks 13:45 – Rejection sensitivity & assumption-making 16:20 – ADHD, verbal overflow & blurting out 18:10 – Communication anxiety & fear of judgement 20:40 – Why silence can feel unsafe 23:00 – Compassion, curiosity & co-creating safetyKey Quotes:"We're all meaning-making machines—and many of us are on overdrive." "Listening isn’t about being active—it’s about presence." "If you’re not sure what something means, clarify. Don’t just assume." "Neurodivergent communication isn’t broken. It’s different—and often deeply nuanced." "When we feel seen and safe, that’s when we show up best."Links & Resources:Cassie Footman – LinkedInNeurodiversity Celebration Week Official SiteDamian Milton – The Double Empathy ProblemUniversity of Edinburgh (2020) Diffusion Chain Study on Autistic CommunicationConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

January 15, 2026Episode 1435 min

Neurodiversity Celebration Week - Masking, Burnout & Psychological Safety at Work

Send us Fan MailEpisode Summary:In Part 4 of our Neurodiversity Celebration Week mini-series, Sarah and Cassie dive deep into the topic of masking, what it is, why neurodivergent people do it, and the long-term impact it can have on mental health, identity, and performance at work.They share personal stories and coaching insights on how masking relates to rejection sensitivity, anxiety, burnout, and the struggle to ask for help. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological safety, communication preferences, and recognising your own needs, even when you’ve been conditioned to suppress them.You’ll also hear practical ideas like creating a “user guide” for your neurodivergent needs, building supportive team dynamics, and how leadership can foster inclusive, high-performing workplaces.Topics Discussed:What masking is & how it shows up in ADHD, autism & late-diagnosed adultsThe link between masking, rejection sensitivity, and people-pleasingHow masking impacts career progression, mental health & emotional safetyThe danger of internalising blame & suppressing needsWhy many neurodivergent employees end up on performance plansHow to identify emotions using body signals & the neurodivergent emotions wheelCreating a personal “user guide” for line managersThe power of psychological safety, validation & co-creating inclusive teamsTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome & what we mean by "masking" 02:30 – Masking in school vs. university vs. workplace 06:15 – People-pleasing, suppression & burnout 09:00 – Cassie’s story: the cost of not asking for help 12:00 – Being “found out” & fear of being seen 15:30 – Why performance management often misses the point 18:00 – The struggle to identify what support you even need 21:00 – The Neurodivergent Emotions Wheel 25:00 – Asking for help (and why it's so hard to do) 29:30 – The problem with “just bring solutions” advice 32:00 – Creating your own user manual at work 35:00 – How profiling tools support inclusive team dynamics 38:00 – Why compassion, curiosity & co-creation matter 41:00 – Final reflections on validation, safety & performanceKey Quotes:"Masking is tightly connected to rejection sensitivity—and just trying to survive." "I wore calm like a badge of honour, but inside was absolute chaos." "It's not that I don’t want help—I just don’t know what help I need." "You've never knowingly managed someone neurodivergent." "When people feel seen, heard and safe—that's when we get their best."Links & Resources:Cassie Footman – LinkedInNeurodiversity Celebration Week Official SiteEmotion Sensation Feeling Wheel - Lindsay BramanConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

July 1, 2025Episode 1342 min

Neurodiversity Celebration Week - Navigating Rejection Sensitivity

Send us Fan MailIn part 3 of this Neurodiversity Celebration Week series, Sarah is joined once again by friend and colleague Cassie Footman to explore the real, raw, and often misunderstood experience of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). They share personal stories, client examples, and professional insight on how RSD shows up—especially in ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent experiences. The conversation highlights how past experiences can shape our emotional responses, how RSD impacts everyday life, and how self-awareness, Human Design, and compassionate communication can help us manage the intensity.Topics Discussed:What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)?The emotional and physical experience of RSDHow RSD links to ADHD, autism, and past traumaThe impact of RSD on relationships, careers, and self-worthCoping mechanisms: from sound boarding to slowing downHuman Design, self-awareness, and nervous system regulationRSD in children and teens: what to watch for and support strategiesThe importance of clean language, communication, and compassionWhy trauma doesn’t always equal neurodivergence—and vice versaTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro & overview of today’s episode 01:20 – What RSD actually feels like 05:30 – Sarah’s virtual assistant story (and spiral!) 09:45 – Cassie’s experiences in the workplace 13:30 – Chronic fear, overworking & burnout from RSD 16:00 – Taking responsibility before others can reject you 18:00 – Managing RSD in real-time 21:10 – How RSD shows up in kids, classrooms, and careers 24:00 – The link between anxiety, misdiagnosis, and neurodivergence 28:00 – Is ADHD just trauma? A respectful challenge to Gabor Maté 32:00 – How high sensitivity is often a hidden gift 35:00 – RSD and unspoken communication 38:00 – Softening, compassion, and co-creation in relationships 40:00 – Final reflections & invitation to connectKey Quotes: “It’s easier for me to reject me than for someone else to do it.” “I lived in a constant state of fear, waiting to be called out.” “Rejection sensitivity is a complete dysphoria of reality—it's not real, but it feels very real.” “Where there’s a gap, our minds will stuff it—and none of it is usually true.” “My son said, ‘If someone did it, it must’ve been me.’ That breaks my heart.” “You can’t always rationalise in the moment, but you can slow it down.” “We are meaning-making machines—especially when we’re sensitive.”Links & Resources:Cassie Footman – LinkedInNeurodiversity Celebration Week Official SiteMaori Word for AutismConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

March 19, 2025Episode 1238 min

Neurodiversity Celebration Week - Identity, Late Diagnosis & Untangling Who You Really Are

Send us Fan MailNeurodiversity Celebration Week: Identity, Late Diagnosis & Untangling Who You Really AreEpisode Summary:In this episode of our Neurodiversity Celebration Week mini-series, Sarah and Cassie dive into the complex journey of identity—especially for those who are late-diagnosed as neurodivergent. They explore the grief, self-discovery, and unmasking process that comes with understanding ADHD, Autism, and Rejection Sensitivity later in life.Together, they discuss the impact of childhood conditioning, workplace challenges, and societal labels, and how unlearning old narratives is key to embracing who you truly are. They also share practical ways to reconnect with your natural state of being—beyond roles, labels, and external expectations.Topics Discussed:The identity shift that comes with late diagnosisGrief & lost opportunities – what could have been different?The masks we wear to fit into corporate & social expectationsWorkplace struggles & the lack of psychological safety for neurodivergent employeesHow Rejection Sensitivity & Demand Avoidance shape our behaviourThe fight, flight, freeze, fawn responses in neurodivergent brainsWhy knowing your needs & advocating for yourself is essentialMoving beyond "what you do" and into "who you be"Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome back & introducing today’s topic 03:15 - The impact of late diagnosis: “Who am I, really?” 08:30 - The grief of lost opportunities & unmasking in adulthood 14:10 - Why the corporate world doesn’t always feel safe for neurodivergent employees 19:50 - Workplace burnout, masking, & rejection sensitivity 24:40 - The power of knowing your needs & advocating for adjustments 30:15 - Reframing identity: Beyond labels & job titles 35:00 - How to collect evidence of who you are at your best 40:25 - Closing reflections & what’s coming nextKey Quotes:"You start questioning who you are. It’s like an untangling—who am I beneath all the labels and expectations?""If I had known sooner, if I had realised… I wouldn’t have worn so many layers of masks just to feel accepted.""In the workplace, I didn’t feel safe enough to ask for help—asking for support made you look like a weak link.""Neurodivergent brains experience the world differently—our fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses are wired for deeper sensitivity.""What you do is not who you are. Who you be is what matters."Links & Resources:Cassie Footman – LinkedInNeurodiversity Celebration Week Official SiteConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

March 17, 2025Episode 1132 min

Neurodiversity Celebration Week Mini-Series with Sarah Atkins & Cassie Footman - Part 1

Send us Fan MailNeurodiversity Celebration Week Mini-Series with Sarah Atkins & Cassie FootmanEpisode Summary:To celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 (March 17-23), Sarah Atkins and Cassie Footman bring you this special mini podcast series exploring neurodivergence, workplace inclusion, and the real-life experiences of ADHD and Autism.Sarah, an ICF-accredited neurodiversity coach, and Cassie, a business/life coach and HR strategist, share their professional expertise and lived experience as neurodivergent women. Together, they discuss the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent minds, the misconceptions around ‘neurodivergence as a superpower,’ and how organisations can create truly inclusive workplaces.They also introduce alternative cultural perspectives on neurodivergence, including the Maori language’s empowering definitions of Autism and ADHD, which shift the focus from deficits to strengths.Topics Discussed:Why we created this mini-series for Neurodiversity Celebration WeekLived experiences of late-diagnosed ADHD & AutismThe myth of “neurodivergence as a superpower” & why it’s problematicChallenges with visibility, identity & self-acceptanceWorkplace misconceptions & corporate ‘tick-box’ inclusionManaging burnout, transitions & structure in daily lifeThe Maori perspective on Autism & ADHD – a more empowering languageTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome to our Neurodiversity Celebration Week series! 03:10 - Who we are: Our professional & personal journeys with neurodivergence 07:45 - Why we struggled to own our expertise in this space 12:30 - Is neurodivergence really a “superpower”? 18:20 - The challenges of workplace inclusion & corporate misconceptions 23:45 - How transitions impact neurodivergent brains (structure vs. freedom) 34:40 - The Maori perspective on Autism & ADHD – a game-changer 41:20 - How we can create truly inclusive workplaces & support systemsKey Quotes:"We don’t buy into the idea that neurodivergence is a ‘superpower’—it can be dismissive of the very real challenges people face.""Corporate workplaces love a good inclusion ‘tick-box’, but true inclusion means understanding individuals—not forcing people into the same mold.""The Maori word for Autism, ‘Takiwatanga,’ means ‘in their own time and space’—what a beautiful way to describe neurodivergence.""I need structure, but I don’t want to follow the process. I need an anchor, but I need the freedom to explore—I realise this sounds like a contradiction, but that’s neurodivergence."Links & Resources:Cassie Footman – LinkedInNeurodiversity Celebration Week Official SiteMaori Word for AutismConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

February 25, 2025Episode 1032 min

Ep10: Rejection Sensitivity, Visibility & Rediscovering My Voice

Send us Fan MailEpisode 10: Rejection Sensitivity, Visibility & Rediscovering My VoiceEpisode Summary:After a 10-month break, Sarah returns to The Energetics of Being to share her personal journey of navigating rejection sensitivity, burnout, and visibility struggles as a neurodivergent business owner. She opens up about how past events resurfaced in 2024, impacting her ability to show up and engage with her work. Through Human Design, equine therapy, and deep self-reflection, she uncovers how rejection sensitivity affects her confidence, business, and online presence. Sarah also shares insights on ADHD, Autism, and the energetic shifts that shaped her growth, along with her new Human Design journal designed for neurodivergent thinkers.Topics Discussed:Rejection Sensitivity & its impact on visibilityADHD, Autism & business challengesHuman Design insights on self-doubt & confidenceBurnout, emotional regulation & energy managementSocial media struggles & neurodivergent self-comparisonEquine therapy & what horses revealed about rejectionBreaking the cycle of pushing through exhaustionEmbracing alternative ways to show up in businessTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction & why I took a break 02:30 - The unexpected challenges of 2024 07:45 - How rejection sensitivity stopped me from showing up 11:15 - Human Design & self-doubt (Gate 48 & Line 5) 14:50 - ADHD, Autism & visibility struggles in business 18:30 - Social media, comparison & energy crashes 21:40 - What equine therapy taught me about rejection 27:15 - Shifting my approach to showing up 30:10 - Introducing my Human Design journal for neurodivergent thinkersKey Quotes:"I had massively underestimated how much rejection sensitivity impacts me.""I placed so much expectation on myself and what the outcome should be that I almost had further to fall.""I'm better at talking. I'm better on video, and I’m just leaning into that and seeing where it leads me.""Social media can be a double-edged sword. It triggers ideas, but it also triggers comparison and rejection sensitivity.""Human Design helped me understand my own patterns—why I struggle with visibility and why I keep pushing until I burn out."Links & ResourcesGemma Went - The LighthouseThe 2025 Energetics of Being Journal – Available on AmazonRed Horse Foundation – Equine TherapyConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

April 12, 2024Episode 933 min

Ep9 - Bringing Energetics into the Boardroom with Noona Nafousi

Send us Fan MailEpisode 9: Bringing Energetics into the Boardroom with Noona NafousiEpisode Summary:In this episode, host Sarah Atkins interviews Noona Nafousi, the CEO of bespoke coaching company Neo Noor. Noona shares her journey from corporate headhunter to transformative coach, focusing on bringing energetics and mindset work into the corporate world. They discuss the impact of a person's energy and beliefs on their career success, Noona's own deconditioning process, and the common themes she sees in both working moms and corporate clients. Noona explains Neo Noor's mission to reform the corporate landscape by empowering leaders and teams to show up with more self-awareness and empathy.Guest Bio:Noona Nafousi is the CEO of Neo Noor, a coaching company that delivers one-on-one and group coaching workshops for corporate clients. After a 22-year career as a headhunter, Noona left the corporate world and discovered her passion for coaching. She now helps people in the business world reconnect with themselves, reignite their passion, and transform the way they show up at work.Topics Discussed:- Noona's journey from corporate headhunter to transformative coach [2:38 - 5:34]- The importance of energetics and a person's "energy signature" in the workplace [5:35 - 7:58] - How energetics and mindset impact career success and advancement [8:03 - 10:03]- Noona's own deconditioning work to break generational cycles of anger and shame [14:26 - 17:23]- Common themes in working with moms returning to work vs. corporate clients [23:19 - 27:11]- The ripple effect of Noona's work with leaders and teams [28:52 - 30:19]- Neo Noor's mission to reform the corporate world [30:19 - 31:38]Notable Quotes:"The way they show up, how they're being and how they're reacting to their boss, how they're taking on extra responsibility, that all affects the energy that they're bringing into the workplace." - Noona Nafousi"Once you see your blind spot, you can never unsee it. Once the blind spot is there and it's like shown you, it's reared it's big head, that's it. It's always going to be there." - Noona Nafousi"It's impossible to empower your team if you can't empower yourself. And it's, are you ready to take that deep look at yourself? So that you can guide someone else to have a look at themselves." - Noona NafousiConnect with Noona:Instagram: @noonanafousiLinkedIn: Noona NafousiWebsite: www.neonoor.comConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

March 22, 2024Episode 856 min

Ep8 - Navigating Grief Without Guilt with Rhiannon Spurgeon

Send us Fan MailEpisode 8 - Navigating Grief Without Guilt with Rhiannon SpurgeonEpisode Summary:In this deeply insightful episode, Sarah talks with Rhiannon Spurgeon about the complex nature of grief, trauma, and finding peace through self-love and inner work. They explore how societal expectations and childhood environments shape our experiences of loss in adulthood.Guest Bio:Rhiannon Spurgeon is a trauma-informed coach, hypnotherapist, and bestselling author of "Grief Without Guilt." She helps people manage grief, trauma, addictions, and unhealthy behaviors by guiding them to look inward and heal their pain.Topics Discussed:- Rhiannon's journey after losing her partner Oliver [3:31]- The myth of the "5 stages of grief" model [29:56]- How trauma and grief are interconnected [37:54] - The lasting impact of childhood environments [44:22]- Doing the inner work to improve relationships [51:38]Key Quotes:"It was like a f***ing pinball machine. And you're experiencing one set of emotions...and the next minute a song comes on and you're completely poleaxed in floods of tears." [33:21]"If the relationship you have with yourself is happy and nurturing and loving, the relationship you have with everybody and everything else around you will be more positive." [50:44]"Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all." [53:19]Timestamps:[3:31] Rhiannon's story after losing her partner[29:56] Debunking the 5 stages of grief myth [37:54] How grief and trauma interconnect[44:22] Childhood impacts on adulthood [51:38] Doing inner work for better relationshipsConnect With Rhiannon:Book: "Grief Without Guilt" in all major bookstores or get a signed copy hereWebsite: rhiannonspurgeon.comLinkedIn: Rhiannon SpurgeonInstagram: @griefwithoutguiltConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

March 15, 2024Episode 744 min

Ep 7 - A Somatic Approach to Letting Go of Good Girl Programming & Healing with Katy Murray

Send us Fan MailEpisode 7 - A Journey into the Divine Feminine with Katy MurrayEpisode Summary:Sarah catches up with her longtime friend Katy Murray about Katy's transformational journey from corporate life into facilitating sacred feminine reconnection for women through somatic coaching and circle work. They discuss leaving behind conditioning, trusting intuition over systems, and the role of sensitivity in relating to oneself and others. Guest Bio:Katy Murray is a soul guide, somatic coach and women's circle facilitator. After a stressful period that triggered her to seek deeper healing, Katy went through certifications in coaching and somatic work before feeling called to help rewild the divine feminine through community offerings.Topics Discussed:Katy's Healing Journey (6:18)"I started this really from my own healing. Three years ago with lockdown, a lot of things came to a head - my relationship broke down, career changing, health issues. I had to climb out of that hole."Reconnecting to the Divine Feminine (9:54)"I want to bring back that healthy archetype, conscious community that will grow, and reconnect women to their roots really and their ancestral lines."Corporate Conditioning (11:28)Sarah: "The energy in the fashion industry was very masculine. I got really good at just playing the game, which massively eroded my sense of who I was."Building Self-Trust (20:48)"Once I can tune into that voice of wisdom within, everything changes. It's helped me to be in community with other sensitives and discern what's mine vs others' energies."Parenting as Empaths (25:35)"Often when there's something going on energetically, the whole family is doing crazy stuff reflecting it back to me."Letting Go of Systems (30:11)"I had to let go of the system thinking it had the complete answer...take myself out of spaces and not talk to people because I'd get retriggered into that programming."Divine Timing (36:47)"As long as you're open to it and not attached to how you think things should come, they will come."Discerning Intuition (39:54)"Reactions come through me quite quick, whereas intuition rises up my body in an opening, warm way."Key Quotes:"It's a real rising of women and the old ways, our own knowledge coming through." - Katy"You don't need to be a thought leader, it's about holding space for others to shine." - Katy "We all have innate wisdom. When we can unpeel the conditioning, that wisdom is there." - KatyConnect with Katy:- Instagram: @katymurraycoaching- Facebook: Katy Murray CoachKaty shares about her upcoming women's circles, retreats and offerings around feminine embodiment.Connect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically

March 8, 2024Episode 623 min

Ep 6 - Procrastination isn't always about avoidance...

Send us Fan MailEpisode 6: Procrastination isn't always about avoidance... Episode Summary:In this episode, Sarah discusses procrastination from a neurodivergent lens, exploring how it can stem from overwhelm rather than avoidance. She shares her own experiences with autistic inertia, ADHD tendencies, challenges with task switching and executive function. Sarah provides coping strategies like leveraging accountability partners, external deadlines, doing brain dumps, and using Human Design for self-awareness. The episode gives permission to redefine consistency based on your own patterns and needs.Topics Discussed:- Procrastination through neurodivergence (autism, ADHD)- Autistic inertia and hyperfocus- ADHD and executive function challenges - Procrastination masking overwhelm- Strategies for overcoming procrastination- Accountability partners and external deadlines- Brain dumps and prioritization methods- Applying Human Design for self-understanding - Redefining consistency for your own patternsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:30 - Procrastination and autistic inertia04:15 - ADHD procrastination and executive function07:00 - When procrastination masks overwhelm09:45 - Using accountability partners 12:20 - Leveraging external deadlines14:40 - Brain dumps and prioritization17:25 - Applying Human Design strategies20:15 - Redefining consistency for yourselfKey Quotes:"Procrastination can be a whole different ballgame when looking through a neurodivergent lens.""I go inwards. I don't outwardly ask for help.""Consistency looks different for everybody. When you recognize your patterns, you can create your own consistency."Connect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically