{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks ","title":"Autistic Travel, Work Habits, and Learning to Say No - Ep 134 with Kyriakos Gold","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1639,"description":"“My work’s my special interest… it’s just the way it works.”In this follow-up conversation, Gold returns to talk about autistic routines, sensory-friendly travel, evolving productivity habits, and what changes as you get older and learn to pace yourself.From choosing quieter hotels to letting go of perfectionism and learning to say no, this episode explores the small, practical adjustments that can make work and life more sustainable for autistic adults.If you’ve ever struggled with sensory overload while traveling, found it hard to switch off from work, or are learning to balance productivity with self-acceptance, this conversation offers grounded, real-world insights.Kyriakos Gold is the founder of Just Gold Agency and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent inclusion. Through storytelling, community impact initiatives and social entrepreneurship, he helps create workplaces and environments where autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people don’t need to mask to belong. Kyriakos is also a leader in Autistic Pride Day and has driven multiple projects empowering neurodivergent voices globally.Episode Highlights00:01:05 — When your work becomes your special interest Gold shares how his work naturally became his primary special interest. Rather than forcing separation, he has learned to work with this tendency while still building in breaks and enjoyable rituals like food and travel.00:03:35 — What makes a hotel sensory-friendly He explains that “sensory friendly” often comes down to lighting, acoustics, materials, and spatial design. Small environmental details like noise bleed and harsh lighting can dramatically affect comfort.00:17:00 — Letting go of all-or-nothing productivity Earlier in his career, he would work extreme hours to complete every task before resting. Over time, he shifted toward weekly planning and allowing unfinished work without self-punishment.00:20:30 — Learning to say no and trust body signals Gold describes becoming more selective about...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/QZFZQrtBSDhon7MItX8a5mQvkXQ5KKmI2fe6dyhM72o/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMzNDE3LzE2NjEw/NjYyOTYtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}