Today we’re diving deep into one of the most emotional and powerful films on Netflix — K-Pop Demon Hunters. We’re joined by Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and YouTube creator who’s helping redefine representation in medicine and media.

Together, we explore:

💔 What it means to live with shame, guilt, and loneliness when you feel “different”

🔥 The power of self-acceptance and affirming relationships

🧠 Why masking and hiding your identity can be so painful for neurodivergent folks

💞 The healing moment in the film when she cries out, “I need you to love all of me” — and why it resonates with so many of us

This episode blends emotion, culture, and mental health in a conversation that will move you to tears and laughter.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube and subscribe to Different Spectrums Podcast for more authentic conversations on mental health, neurodivergence, and pop culture.

✨ Be sure to follow Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza for more incredible insights and healing work!

💬 Join the conversation:

What moment in K-Pop Demon Hunters hit you the hardest?

Have you ever felt unseen — and what helped you heal?

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest @TheKicksShrink

Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD

https://www.instagram.com/thekicksshrink/

https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamd

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

6:56 Scenes

19:22 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Today we’re beyond honored to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Akeem Nassor Marsh — a highly respected, board-certified Black psychiatrist, professor, author, and true inspiration.

Together we dive into Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+ and use it as a lens to explore:

💔 The complexity of grief, from childhood losses to family, dreams, and community

🧠 How trauma can make us compartmentalize — hiding good memories to avoid painful ones

🪞 Representation & mentorship — why it matters for Black and Brown youth to see themselves in positions of power

🎭 The balance between nerd culture, mental health, and hope for the future

Dr. Marsh shares powerful wisdom on healing, community, and why we must sit with both the joy and the sorrow to truly grow. He also breaks down scenes from Ironheart — from laughter with family to grief, loss, and the moment “Ironheart” was born.

📚 Be sure to support Dr. Marsh and check out his book Not Just Bad Kids!

💭 Question for you:

How do you personally process grief — do you lean in or pull away?

Which Marvel character has taught you the most about resilience and representation?

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest: Dr. Akeem Nassor Marsh

https://www.instagram.com/_doc_ak/

https://linktr.ee/AMarshMD

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

6:08 Scenes

17:15 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Today we’re diving deep into The Matrix with our amazing guest, Kimika Banfield — HR specialist, content creator, autistic and ADHD advocate.

We explore what it really means to live inside “the Matrix” and the courage it takes to break free, unmask, and live authentically as a neurodivergent person.

✨ In this episode we cover:

🟦 Red Pill vs. Blue Pill: Why so many of us choose comfort, safety, and masking… but what freedom looks like once you step out.

👗 The Girl in the Red Dress: Distractions, illusions, and how the world pulls our focus from what truly matters.

🌀 Burnout & The Corporate Rat Race: Kimika’s journey through Fortune 500 burnout and learning to set real boundaries.

🧠 Autism & ADHD Together: How late diagnosis, unmasking, and affirming differences reshaped her life and identity.

❤️ Life Beyond the Matrix: Parenting, dating, love, career changes, and what keeps us motivated to move forward.

This conversation is funny, real, and packed with wisdom from a fellow neurodivergent voice of color navigating a world not built for us.

🔗 Watch, listen, and subscribe for more:

Apple | Spotify | YouTube

👉 Questions for you:

Would you take the red pill or blue pill?

What distractions keep you in your own “Matrix”?

How has unmasking changed your life?

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest: Kimika Banfield

https://www.instagram.com/makeitneurodivergent/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

5:33 Scenes

12:37 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

Let our sponsor, BetterHelp, connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/dsp and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Today we’re joined by Tony Weaver Jr., one of the top children’s authors in America and the brilliant mind behind Weirdo. Tony is a trailblazer in storytelling, literacy, and representation, and he brings a raw and inspiring conversation to the pod.

This episode goes deep into:

Being different: what it means to embrace your “weirdness” and live authentically

Mental health and survival: Tony’s vulnerable story of suicidality and resilience

Naruto and anime lessons: how this iconic series reflects the struggles of outcasts, powers, and perseverance

Mentorship and belonging: the life-changing impact of having someone believe in you

Purpose and giving back: Tony’s mission to expand literacy and empower the next generation

This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a reminder that you are not alone, you are worthy, and your difference is your superpower.

📚 Support Tony’s work and his mission to raise money for literacy initiatives.

🎧 Full episode available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

💬 Questions for you:

What anime or story helped you feel less alone?

Who’s been a mentor in your life that believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself?

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join the Different Spectrums community.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest: Tony Weaver Jr

https://donorbox.org/nerds-for-literacy?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadRJUcqGcD1dGEoKcweujExJzTM37SWRYjPIguIVnTQ4VCxbYSwYLY0GlpSIg_aem_8EA3Bu-rfX-vjv-nMVSkQA

https://www.tonyweaverjr.com/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

9:41 Scenes

18:27 Discussion

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#TonyWeaverJr #DifferentSpectrumsPodcast #Weirdo #Naruto #MentalHealthAwareness #NeurodivergentVoices #AnimeCommunity

Today, we’re talking about Grey’s Anatomy with special guest Sarah Finch, MA, LMFT, founder of Nido Individual & Family Therapy. Together, we explore the complexities of functional depression, suicidality, and how these struggles show up in Meredith Grey’s journey.

Key Topics in This Episode

Functional Depression

How people continue working, parenting, and “living life” while silently battling depression and suicidal thoughts.

Suicidality in Meredith Grey

From drowning scenes to stepping in during violent threats, we unpack how Meredith’s choices reflect passive suicidality, self-sacrifice, and devaluing her own life.

Masking Pain Through Success

Why high-achieving and financially stable individuals are often assumed to be “fine,” even while silently suffering.

Trauma and Impulsivity

How unresolved trauma drives self-endangering decisions, masking, and chronic exhaustion.

Real-Life Parallels

We connect Meredith’s experiences with the very real struggles faced by many today, especially during times of collective grief, global trauma, and burnout.

About Our Guest

Sarah brings humor, warmth, and professional expertise to this conversation. She is the founder of Nido Individual & Family Therapy, and her group practice is currently accepting clients. If you’re seeking therapy, connect with Sarah through the link in our bio or via our website spotlight.

Join the Conversation

Do you or someone you love live with “functional depression”?

What Grey’s Anatomy moment hit you the hardest?

Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s talk.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest: Sarah Finch, MA, LMFT

https://www.instagram.com/sarahfinchtherapy/

https://www.nidoift.com/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

11:19 Scenes

14:27 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Today we’re joined by professional skateboarder Beatrice Domond – Vans team rider, Supreme skater, and one of the most fearless women on a board. We dive into her favorite movie The Prince of Egypt (1998) and use it to explore some powerful themes.

Beatrice shares how the film mirrors real-life lessons on:

Morals and values: Once you see the truth, you can’t unsee it – you have to act.

Standing firm: The cost of speaking out, protecting your people, and staying authentic.

Pressure and illusion: How others gaslight or devalue us, making us feel “less than.”

Loss and resilience: Navigating grief, injury, and coming back stronger after setbacks.

We also talk about Beatrice’s personal journey:

Growing up Haitian American and honoring her grandmother.

Breaking barriers as a Black woman in a male-dominated sport.

Overcoming a major knee injury, grief, and staying grounded through mindfulness.

The role of therapy, medication, and self-compassion in her career and life.

This conversation is full of honesty, laughs, and inspiration. Whether you’re into skateboarding, mental health, or just need a reminder to stand tall in who you are – this one’s for you.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest: BEATRICE DOMOND

@vans

@ElementFlip101

https://www.instagram.com/beatricedomond/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

6:26 Scenes

16:31 Dsicussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

Let our sponsor, BetterHelp, connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/dsp and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Today we welcome content creator, podcaster, and fellow ADHD, anxiety, and OCD brother Kyrus Keenan A. Westcott (aka Ky). You may know him from The Vibe with Ky where he’s been helping thousands of people laugh, learn, and navigate life with mental health at the forefront. Now, he’s joining us on Different Spectrums Podcast to break down one of his favorite films: Children of Men (2006).

💭 Humor as Survival

We dive into how humor can be both a shield and a weapon when dealing with grief, anxiety, and trauma. Ky opens up about how joking through pain became a defense mechanism for him, one that helps him survive but can also complicate relationships and communication.

🧠 ADHD, Mental Health, and Medication

Ky shares candidly about living with ADHD and how it affects timing, humor, and interactions. He also discusses the role of therapy, mindfulness, and medication in his journey, explaining how treatment helped but was not a cure-all — instead, it was one piece of a much larger puzzle.

👤 Identity, Culture, and Seeking Help

We have a raw conversation about what it means to be Black or Brown, male, and neurodivergent in America. We talk about stigma, masking, the fear of looking “weak,” and the deep courage it takes to seek help. Ky’s story highlights both the barriers and breakthroughs on this path to authenticity.

🎬 Children of Men: Loss, Grief, and Sacrifice

Through scenes in the film, we explore dissociation, unspoken grief, and the weight of sacrifice. From the silent heartbreak of losing a child to the ultimate act of giving up one’s life for others, we connect these moments to real mental health struggles many of us know too well.

🤝 Why You Should Watch

This episode isn’t just a movie breakdown. It’s about humor, healing, identity, and survival in a world that often feels hostile. Ky’s vulnerability, storytelling, and passion make this a conversation you don’t want to miss.

👉 Follow Ky everywhere at The Vibe with Ky

👉 Drop your questions in the comments and we’ll make sure Ky sees them

👉 Like, share, and subscribe to support conversations that matter

To find our new Guest: ⁨@TheVibeWithKy⁩

Kyrus Keenan A. Westcott

https://www.instagram.com/thevibewithky/

https://thevibewithky.com/

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

6:05 Scenes

12:23 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

Let our sponsor, BetterHelp, connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/dsp and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness