{"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":"Episode 79: Samantha Stein","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2568,"description":"Welcome to episode #79! We’re thrilled to be joined by Samantha Stein today.Samantha Stein, known online as YoSandySam, is a YouTube creator, author, and business strategist for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Diagnosed with autism at 33 and ADHD shortly after, she began making YouTube videos to process her diagnosis and educate neurotypicals about what autism really looks like. Her content resonated widely, amassing over 14 million views.In addition to YouTube, Samantha is the author of So You Think You’re Autistic, a workbook that helps newly diagnosed individuals navigate their neurodivergence. She’s currently working on a new book about neurodivergence and trauma, set to release in 2026. She also works with neurodivergent business owners, helping them build sustainable strategies for success, and recently hosted the first-ever Wild Brains Retreat in the Netherlands.Today, she joins us to discuss her journey, content creation, business coaching, and productivity strategies for neurodivergent minds.Welcome to the show, Samantha!QuestionsJN: When did you first suspect you were neurodivergent?Always felt different but internalized it as a personal flawPsychology degree exposed her to outdated autism theories (e.g., “extreme male brain”), which didn’t fit her experienceStruggled with mental health throughout her 20s (depression, anxiety) but never linked it to autismPostpartum period triggered a breakdown in masking, making her realize something deeper was going onJN: What was your diagnosis process like?Struggled with imposter syndrome, worried she was “too good at masking” to be diagnosedWent to her assessment with a seven-page Google Doc listing symptomsDiagnostician confirmed autism easily, but the diagnosis felt anticlimactic—left wondering, “Now what?”JN: How did receiving an official diagnosis change things for you?Initially overwhelming, but led to self-acceptance over timeInspired her to start making YouTube videos as a way to process and educate...","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}