In this powerful and deeply resonant episode, host Meg Long welcomes the incomparable Pin Up Jordan, a vivid color specialist, neurodivergent powerhouse, and the visionary behind the Rainbow Convention—the first stylist-led hair show by stylists, for stylists.

Together, they dig into what it means to find your place in an industry that wasn’t built with you in mind. From challenging stereotypes in the beauty world to embracing their neurodivergent brains, this conversation is raw, inspiring, and very real.

• The journey from law school to hair school—and rewriting the "just a hairstylist" narrative

• How neurodivergence shaped both their careers and personal identities

• The creation and impact of the Rainbow Convention

• Parenting autistic children and healing your inner child

• The truth about masking, burnout, and creating environments that actually feel safe

• Why grace, unlearning, and listening to your inner voice matters

• Redefining professionalism, success, and showing up authentically

• “Your difference is your strength.” Jordan shares how embracing her uniqueness brought her community, purpose, and a thriving career.

• Hair as a gateway: It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s a tool for empowerment, connection, and change.

• Representation matters: The industry is evolving, but people like Jordan are accelerating that change by showing up fully as themselves.

• You are not too much. For anyone who's ever felt like they don’t belong—this episode is your permission slip.

• Follow Jordan: @pinupjordan

• Learn more about the Rainbow Convention: rainbowconvention.com

• Follow Meg: @wtafjh_podcast @colouringonthespectrum

Love the episode? Share it, tag us, and leave a review!Subscribe for more radically honest conversations about hair, identity, neurodivergence, and unfiltered realness.

In this episode of What the Actual Fuck Just Happened, Meg Long flies solo to reflect on the big “What the Actual Fuck” moments in her life, including the realities of motherhood, neurodivergence, and navigating societal expectations. She dives into her personal journey, from becoming a parent at a young age to dealing with postpartum depression and the struggles of balancing her identity beyond her roles as a mum and wife. Get ready for a raw and honest conversation about the highs and lows of life and what it really feels like to experience sensory overload and burnout.

Topics Covered:

• The unexpected challenges of motherhood and being a neurodivergent parent

• Why Meg believes society doesn’t talk enough about the struggles of being a mum (without the constant guilt)

• The impact of sensory overload and burnout in early parenthood

• Meg’s personal journey of self-discovery and figuring out who she is outside of being a mum, wife, and professional

Key Quotes:

• “When something crazy or confusing happens, I’m usually saying, ‘What the actual fuck just happened?’”

• “I didn’t know I was neurodivergent at the time. Sensory overload with babies is a fucking nightmare.”

• “Sleep deprivation is a form of torture—no joke.”

Social Links:

• Instagram: @colouringonthespectrum & @wtafjh_podcast

🎙️ Episode Title: You’re Such a F*cking Peach

Description:In this dopamine-drenched, heart-bursting episode, we’re joined by the absolute ray of sunshine that is Lauren from Vintage Peach Beauty – a neurodivergent salon owner, artist, and all-around badass who’s built a space so magical it snagged an award at the Rainbow Convention (and made us cry).

We get into:🍑 How Lauren accidentally became a salon owner (thanks to theatre dreams and a boring Boston detour)🍑 The importance of dopamine dressing and curating joyful spaces🍑 What it actually takes to build an inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly salon🍑 Why theatre kids make the best stylists (we said what we said)🍑 Creating sacred spaces, trusting your gut, and not being afraid to tear the whole thing down and start again

This one is full of laughs, goosebumps, and little moments that’ll remind you that you’re not alone – and you’re allowed to create your own damn path. Whether you’re in the hair world or just figuring out what lights you up, Lauren’s story will hit right in the feels. ✨

Guest Info:🎨 Lauren | @vintagepeachbeauty on Instagram💖 Neurodivergent stylist, award-winning salon owner, artist, creative powerhouse

Follow Us:💥 @wtafjh_podcast💥 @colouringonthespectrum💥 @theplatinumgiraffe

TW/CW: This episode includes swearing and discussions of neurodivergence, burnout, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we finally bring on the one and only Matt, aka ChromaDaddy!
Today we're diving deep into the mind behind the brand we absolutely love.

We talk about the journey from stylist to color creator, the philosophy behind ChromaDaddy, and the absolute necessity of transparency in the hair industry. Matt spills the tea on how his colors aren’t just about slapping dye on hair – they’re a tool for true artists. We also discuss why his formulations require stylists to actually know their shit and why that’s a good thing.

Plus, we get into the exciting collab that’s been brewing between Meg aka @colouringonthespectrum and Chromadaddy– Peach, Please. – an ultra-pastel neon peach that’s removable, UV reactive, and the ultimate gateway into the world of vivids. If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into bold colour but were hesitant, this is the shade for you. We break down the process of creating it, our struggles with perfectionism, and why it’s launching in April!

And of course, we talk neurodivergence, navigating the industry as autistic stylists, and how self-diagnosis is absolutely valid.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

● How ChromaDaddy started and why it’s a brand made by stylists, for stylists.
● Why transparency in the hair industry is so important.
● The story behind Peach, Please. and why we designed it the way we did.
● The power of vivids as a visual learning tool for neurodivergent stylists.
● Why brands should work with stylists instead of treating them like walking billboards.
● Navigating imposter syndrome when launching a big collab.

Links & Resources:
Follow Chroma Daddy on Instagram: @chromadaddy
Follow Us on Instagram: @wtafjh_podcast
Learn more about Peach, Please. – coming April 2025!

• Join the Conversation: Are you as hyped for this collab as we are? Have you used ChromaDaddy’s colours before? Let’s chat! Tag us in your creations or slide into our DMs!

Big Announcement: New WTAF ( Wigs, TransformationsAnd Feels) Tour Dates!

Meg and Sarai have made the tough decision to postpone the WTAF US Tour to ensure it remains an accessible, inclusive, and impactful experience for everyone. The new dates are:

Rhode Island – September 14th & 15th Colorado – September 21st & 22nd

With everything going on in the world, from social and political turmoil to the need for safe and accommodating learning spaces, we want to make sure our tour happens at the right time—when everyone can fully engage, process, and benefit from it.

We talk about the challenges of teaching during times of crisis, the importance of giving students the space to absorb information, and how this ties into the need for protective measures—both in education and in life.

We also explore:
The resilience and adaptability needed in uncertain times
The challenges of pivoting plans, especially for neurodivergent individuals
The power of self-care and creating inclusive, safe spaces for all
A fascinating thought experiment about visualizing an apple and how people process

information differently

We know change can be hard (trust us, we feel it too), but sometimes, making adjustments is the best way to move forward.

Tune in now and join the conversation!
Join us on Tour! https://platinumgiraffe.com/wtaf-tour

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Sarai and Meg take you behind the scenes of hosting and attending transformational retreats. They unpack the chaos, the “what the actual f***” moments, and the immense growth that comes from both facilitating and participating in these events. From navigating hurricanes to redefining personal and professional success, they dive into how these spaces create lasting change for attendees and organizers alike.

Sarai reflects on the evolution of her retreats, learning to balance giving attendees what they want with what they truly need—self-discovery, connection, and rest. Meanwhile, Meg shares her personal journey of growth, the impact of attending retreats, and how leaning into self-work has transformed not only her business but her entire life.

Whether you’re a hairstylist, educator, or just someone looking for a spark of inspiration, this episode is a testament to the power of creating spaces for connection, vulnerability, and real transformation.

Key Takeaways:
• The behind-the-scenes work and emotional toll of hosting retreats.
• How personal growth and self-discovery fuel professional success.
• The importance of creating white space for connection during events.
• Why smaller, more intentional communities foster deeper transformation.
• How leaning into your purpose helps you overcome the inevitable “WTF” moments.

If you’re interested in Sarai and Meg’s upcoming tour or the next retreat--
In-Person Education: https://platinumgiraffe.com/wtaf-tour
IG: @colouringonthespectrum
@theplatinumgiraffe

In this compelling episode of WTAFJH, we delve into the intricate connections between neurodivergence, trauma, and mental health. Topics include:

• Therapy as a Personal Journey: The importance of finding a therapist who aligns with your unique needs and experiences.
• PTSD and Rebuilding Self-Trust: How gaslighting and past trauma can make trusting yourself and your body an uphill battle.
• The Neurodivergent Experience: Honest conversations about living with neurodivergence, the challenges of emotional regulation, and the pressures of societal expectations.
• Trauma and Chronic Stress: Insights into how prolonged stress impacts neurodivergent brains, leading to heightened responses and adaptation to high-stress environments.
• Pain Perception Differences: Why neurodivergent individuals may experience pain differently, stemming from invalidation and trauma.
• Breaking Free from Hustle Culture: Sarai shares a personal story about navigating Bell’s palsy, embracing vulnerability, and rejecting toxic productivity.
• Key Takeaways:
• Focus on setting intentions instead of rigid resolutions and recognize that your achievements are enough.
• Seek out a supportive community that embraces you for who you are.
• Embrace moments of light and healing after navigating the darkness of trauma.

Tune in for an episode filled with raw, honest reflections and practical insights on healing, neurodiversity, and building a life rooted in self-trust and authenticity.

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe to WTAFJH for more conversations on navigating mental health and neurodivergence!

In this deeply personal episode, Sarai and Meg dive into the complex world of setting boundaries, particularly with family members. They discuss the emotional struggles that arise when trying to establish limits with parents, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics while also caring for oneself. From people-pleasing habits shaped by past trauma to the ongoing work of reprogramming our nervous systems for healthier relationships, this episode offers a candid conversation about the difficulties of boundary-setting, and how growth and support from friends can make all the difference.

Key Topics:
● The emotional struggle of setting boundaries with parents, especially in the context of trauma and neurodiversity.
● The role of people-pleasing behaviors and how they are rooted in past experiences.
● Real-life examples of how boundaries were tested and the courage needed to stick with them.
● Communicating clearly and navigating the guilt that often arises when asserting boundaries.
● The impact of past trauma on our ability to set healthy boundaries and protect our emotional well-being.
● The importance of support systems and having friends who celebrate and acknowledge boundary victories.
● The concept of "taking 50% responsibility" in relationships and understanding that we can't control other people's reactions.
● Practical advice for starting small when it comes to boundary-setting and gradually building confidence in saying "no."

• Mentioned in the Episode:

● Tiffany Roe (therapist, on the topic of setting boundaries with people who have never experienced them before) www.tiffanyroe.com

Resources:
● Link to therapy resources or books about boundary-setting (optional).
● Meg’s coaching services or personal blog (optional).

• Support the Podcast:
• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback helps us reach more people who are navigating the challenges of building healthier relationships.
• Follow Us:
• Instagram: @wtafjh_podcast