Today’s episode is a solo talk as we get ready for vacation. We’ll be gone for a few weeks, then return with the second half of Season 3. This conversation is focused on the panic, fear, and emotional heaviness that so many people are carrying right now—especially those who are neurodivergent, highly empathetic, or deeply tuned into justice and suffering in the world.

For a lot of us, the pain feels inescapable. Whether it’s because of our neurodivergence, race, gender, sexuality, religion, or just being human, many people are feeling overwhelmed and helpless. There’s a shared exhaustion—a quiet suffering happening beneath the surface for folks who carry big hearts and feel deeply.

When the World Is Too Much

My clients are feeling it. I’m feeling it. You’re probably feeling it too. The non-stop exposure to global tragedies, violence, war, and oppression through social media is emotionally flooding people. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube—these platforms keep delivering trauma through our feeds. The more we see, the worse we feel.

The Spiral of Anxiety and OCD

Many neurodivergent folks already deal with obsessive thinking and high anxiety. Add in the doomscrolling and constant bad news, and it becomes a perfect storm. For some, it leads to panic attacks, hopelessness, and even thoughts of giving up.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Malcolm X spoke of a nightmare. For many, that nightmare feels more real than ever.

What Can We Actually Control?

I remind my clients often: we cannot fix everything. But we can focus on what we can control. Maybe you can’t save the world—but you can change the world around you. That might mean logging off for a while. Connecting with your people. Donating. Sharing a post. Having hard conversations. Supporting your community in quiet but meaningful ways.

One of my favorite quotes from the Netflix show Mo is, “Resistance is existence.” I also want to remind you: it’s okay to feel joy. It’s okay to rest. You’re allowed to be happy.

At a recent talk I gave at Purdue, a young girl came up to me crying. She said, “I feel so bad about the world, but hearing you say it’s okay to be happy made me feel so much better.” That stuck with me. A lot of us—especially BIPOC and those from working-class or immigrant backgrounds—carry survivor’s guilt. We wonder why we get to be safe or successful while others suffer. It’s heavy.

Let’s Reflect Together

This is where I really want to hear from you.

How are you managing the trauma you see online?

How are you dealing with fear and anxiety about the future?

How do you cope with the guilt of feeling like you’re not doing enough?

These aren’t rhetorical questions. I don’t have all the answers. I want us to support each other in this space. Let’s talk. Let’s build something. Let’s create 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.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

7:39 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.

Hey everyone! Today’s episode is special. We’re finally sitting down to have an honest conversation for Men’s Mental Health Month (even if it’s a bit late). We know this topic runs deep, for so many men, opening up and staying vulnerable is one of the hardest things to do.

Masculinity, Shame & Silence

We dive into how masculinity often gets tangled up with silence. We talk about how so many men grow up learning that feelings are weakness, that showing sadness or fear means you’re less of a man — and how that belief shows up in relationships, friendships, and even with family.

We share stories about how easy it is for vulnerability to be used against us, or how we get teased, bullied, or shut down, sometimes by people we love. All of this makes it harder to build real connections and friendships, leaving so many men feeling isolated and alone.

Loneliness & Suicide: Why We Have to Talk About This

We talk about the brutal truth: for men ages 25 to mid-40s, suicide remains one of the top causes of death. It’s not always about dating or rejection; sometimes it’s about the invisible walls we build, the emotional isolation, and how we just don’t know how to reach out or ask for help.

We ask: Why do so many men stop making friends as adults? Is it because we’re too busy, too tired, too ashamed? Or do we simply not know how to keep those emotional bonds alive?

Showing Up for Each Other

We discuss ideas for how to check in on the men in your life, your homies, brothers, dads, partners, sons. Sometimes it’s just asking, “Hey, how are you really doing?” in a way that makes space for a real answer.

We share how trust and safety matter, that men often share their truths in quiet moments, one-on-one, or when the pressure’s off. How can we make that space feel safe all the time, not just when we’re drinking or in crisis?

Breaking Cycles for Black & Brown Men

We take time to talk about the extra layers of silence and survival for Black and Brown men, the machismo, the generational trauma, the survival mindset. For many, vulnerability just wasn’t an option. So how do we change that? How do we build new examples of what strength and masculinity can look like — calm, soft, supportive?

Your Voice Matters

This episode is really an invitation: Men, tell us what works for you. What’s helped you survive the dark moments? What support do you wish you’d had?

Drop your thoughts, advice, or words for other men in the comments. For everyone else, ask yourself how you can show up for the men in your life. Because the truth is, we can’t do it alone.

One More Thing

If you’re hurting right now, please reach out to someone, find a safe place, talk to a friend, a brother, a therapist, or a stranger if you need to. You’re worth it.

We appreciate you all for listening, sharing, and caring for one another. We’ve got a couple more episodes left this season, then we’re taking a break to rest and recharge for Season 3. Much love and take care, everyone. 💙✨

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

4:46 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.

Today’s episode is a vibrant journey through the mind of musical legend Pharrell Williams and his animated documentary Piece by Piece, available on Netflix. Narrated entirely with Legos, this documentary captures the beauty of neurodivergence, the power of friendship, the art of self-expression, and how music can be both a lifeline and a revolution.

🎨 SYNESTHESIA & EARLY NEURODIVERGENCE

We dive into Pharrell’s childhood experience with synesthesia—a condition where senses blend, allowing him to see music in color. As a child who struggled in school and felt misunderstood, Pharrell found healing and identity through records at his grandmother’s house, especially Stevie Wonder. His mind lit up in soundscapes of color, shape, and energy. That’s when he began to see the world differently—literally and figuratively.

🎺 CREATIVE COMMUNITY: THE POWER OF FINDING YOUR PEOPLE

We look at Pharrell’s friendships with Chad Hugo (whom he calls a savant), Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Pusha T—all from the same region of Virginia Beach. These connections weren’t just coincidence—they were lifelines. Together, they built something out of nothing, dreaming up beats, skipping school, and vibing on a frequency few others could hear.

This speaks to the importance of neurodivergent friendship and finding people who affirm you, even when the world doesn't understand you yet.

📉 FAILURE, DOUBT & THE SLOW GRIND

Before becoming a global icon, Pharrell and Chad were broke, lost, and still living with their parents. They felt like failures—but they never gave up. This is a call to all of us—especially neurodivergent folks—who’ve felt like outsiders, like we’re “too much” or “not enough.” Progress isn’t linear. Success isn’t instant. But the magic lives in staying true to your weird, wonderful self.

😌 EMOTIONAL RELEASE: THE HEALING POWER OF “HAPPY”

Pharrell breaks down in the film during his Oprah interview, overwhelmed by fan videos from across the globe dancing to his hit “Happy.” He cries, realizing how much his music helped people survive. Viewers wrote that his songs carried them through cancer, heartbreak, depression—even suicide. We talk about the healing power of art and how one voice, one beat, one song can save lives.

✊🏽 MUSIC & MOVEMENTS: BLACK LIVES MATTER

We end on Pharrell’s contributions to social justice through music, especially Alright by Kendrick Lamar. He speaks on police brutality and the pain of seeing Black lives lost. The song became an anthem in the 2015 Black Lives Matter protests following the deaths of:

Michael Brown

Eric Garner

Tamir Rice

Walter Scott

Pharrell turned grief into sound, and sound into strength. His music became a voice for the voiceless—and a mirror reflecting our nation’s deepest wounds.

🧩 CLOSING REFLECTIONS

Piece by Piece isn’t just a documentary—it’s a blueprint for believing in yourself, honoring your difference, and knowing that joy is a radical act. For all our neurodivergent listeners: your voice, your quirks, your colors—they matter. Whether you’re the loud dreamer like Pharrell or the quiet genius like Chad, you are needed in this world.

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

4:33 Scenes

27:24 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.

Today we’re diving into Win or Lose, the new Disney+ animated series that hits deep with themes of anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional avoidance. We focus on the first two episodes, following Laurie and Frank, two characters who embody the struggles so many of us face — whether it’s childhood pressure, fear of failure, or the armor we wear in relationships. Brought to the show by Spencer, this one hits home personally and clinically for both of us.

Laurie & The Sweat Monster 🧠💦

Laurie’s anxiety comes to life through a character called the “Sweat Monster” — a brilliant and emotional metaphor for obsessive spiraling and self-doubt. She’s the coach’s daughter, but that only adds more pressure. As teammates tease her and expectations grow, the Sweat Monster begins whispering intrusive thoughts that push her toward perfectionism and shame.

Scenes we break down:

Her over-practicing and eventual mistake hitting her friend with a ball

Her father’s brief but impactful reaction (“What did you just do?”)

The way she spirals before bed, replaying every “cringe” moment of the day

How her dad helps her regulate with simple co-regulation: “Just breathe, kiddo”

We talk about what it’s like for neurodivergent folks — especially kids — who feel “never enough,” internalize feedback, and let anxiety consume their identity. It’s not just stress — it’s an emotional takeover. But it’s also about how a moment of warmth and affirmation can shift everything.

Frank, Avoidance, and Emotional Armor 💔⚾

Then we shift to Frank — who shows us what avoidant attachment can look like in real time. After breaking up with a loving partner, Frank isolates. He holds onto his baseball glove like a shield, protecting himself from love and intimacy.

We discuss:

How low self-esteem leads to pushing good people away

Dating apps and the anxiety of pretending to be someone you’re not

The awkwardness of misreading kindness as romantic interest

The excitement of finding someone new — and the tragedy of realizing too late that you let the right one go

As Spencer notes, Frank finally becomes himself — vulnerable, honest, open — but by then, his ex is already engaged. The heartbreak is real, and his tears during the championship game say it all.

We explore how many neurodivergent and anxious folks avoid love not because they don’t want it… but because they’re terrified of losing it, or being seen and rejected for who they really are.

Why This Matters

This episode of Win or Lose does a beautiful job of translating what it feels like to spiral, avoid, and self-sabotage. Whether you relate to Laurie’s anxious loops or Frank’s emotional walls, you’re not alone. These stories speak to the parts of us that are still healing — and remind us that with the right support, we can face the monsters and open our hearts again.

🗣️ Audience Questions:

What does your anxiety monster look like? What would you name it?

How have dating apps affected your mental health — for better or worse?

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

7:12 Scenes

27:47 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.

Today we’re diving into the award-winning series Boston Legal, specifically Season 2, where we meet Jerry — an autistic, brilliant legal researcher portrayed with complexity and rawness. This episode is full of powerful moments about masking, misjudgment, workplace trauma, and the emotional cost of being different in a system built to exclude us.

🎭 Before and After Diagnosis

We explore Jerry’s journey through several intense scenes — starting with his self-advocacy moment, where he backs up his value with cold hard facts. He’s helped win over 500 cases for the firm, but he’s still denied a promotion. Why? Because of his “social awkwardness,” past meltdowns, and discomfort others feel around him.

📉 It’s not about merit — it’s about how well you fit.

We talk about how capitalism warps value — if you’re charismatic and bring in clients, you get rewarded. But if you’re brilliant, consistent, and autistic? You’re often overlooked, undervalued, or denied accommodations.

🚨 Trigger Warning

There’s a powerful and unsettling moment where Jerry, pushed beyond his limit by ongoing bullying and isolation, has a full meltdown and becomes physically threatening. It’s dramatized, yes — but it reflects a real truth: meltdowns come in many forms. For some it’s pacing, shutdowns, or crying. For others, it may be explosive. This is not a representation of all autistic people, but it does show what happens when someone is constantly invalidated, dismissed, and pushed too far.

🧩 Masking, Jokes, & The Social Toll

Jerry has moments of insight and self-correction — where he blurts out something honest, then nervously masks it with a joke. He even says, “Oh, that’s good. I should learn to do that more.” So many autistic folks will recognize this — the exhausting process of learning how to "pass" just enough to be accepted.

🧑‍⚖️ Allyship & Advocacy

James Spader’s character fights hard to get Jerry the promotion he deserves — showing what real allyship looks like in the workplace. We reflect on how rare and needed this type of support is. So many neurodivergent folks navigate hostile spaces without a mentor or advocate. That kind of loneliness takes a toll.

⚖️ Diagnosis & Stigma

After Jerry receives his autism diagnosis, he resists it. He says it’ll mark him forever — that people will only see him as “the autistic lawyer.” This brings up the real-life stigma around autism and how even receiving a diagnosis can feel like admitting something’s "wrong." We unpack how deeply ableism is embedded in our workplaces and minds.

💥 Capitalism & Masked Burnout

We close with a deep dive into how capitalism rewards charm and punishes difference. We talk about how neurodivergent folks are often the backbone of operations but rarely the face. Our outputs are used, but our struggles are ignored. And when we finally break — we’re the ones seen as unstable, not the system that pushed us there.

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

5:33 Scenes

22:28 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.

Today we take a deeper, emotional dive into the Disney+ classic The Kid starring Bruce Willis. This episode goes beyond autism or neurodivergence — we’re talking about what it means to lose ourselves to adulthood, capitalism, family expectations, and trauma.

🪞 When We Don’t Recognize Ourselves Anymore

The film paints a vivid picture of something many of us face: waking up one day and realizing we’ve become someone we don’t even like. We’ve traded childhood dreams for stability, connection for survival, and joy for just getting through the day. This is especially true for folks facing burnout, depression, moral injury, or simply the weight of growing up.

Through the lens of Bruce Willis’ character, we witness a man so out of sync with his younger self that he literally splits — seeing the child version of himself appear in real life.

🧠 Therapy, Trauma, and the Internal Battle

We break down scenes where Bruce’s character begins reflecting on his life, including:

The awkward and uncomfortable therapy session where he only asks for medication

Avoidant personality patterns shaped by childhood trauma

His father's verbal abuse while his mother was dying — and the guilt and self-blame many of us internalize as kids

The perfectionism, rigidity, and emotional cut-off many adults develop just to survive

This is what many of us work through in therapy — the lifelong process of reconciling the child we were with the adult we’ve become.

💔 Grief, Guilt & Rewriting the Future

We talk about the film’s heartbreaking portrayal of intergenerational trauma and emotional neglect. The little boy (young Bruce) just wants to know one thing: “Was it my fault?” And how many of us carry that same question?

But the magic happens when all versions of Bruce’s character — past, present, and future — finally realign. The grown-up version finds purpose, love, and even joy again. He's married. He has a dog. He becomes a pilot — just like he always wanted.

🛠️ A Reflection for All of Us

This movie is a metaphor for real-life therapy. It reminds us that it’s never too late to course-correct. We can find our way back to creativity, hope, playfulness, and the dream we buried along the way.

Ask yourself:

What have I let go of that used to bring me joy?

What would my younger self say about the life I’m living now?

Can I still get back to that version of me?

💬 Final Thoughts

We hope you watch this film with intention — not just as entertainment, but as a mirror. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or burdened by everything life has thrown at you, The Kid might help spark that reflection.

This episode is for anyone feeling the weight of who they’ve become, and anyone who’s ready to reconnect with who they were meant to be 💛

Much love to all of you doing the work.

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

6:23 Scenes

32:13 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.