Send us a text

Trigger Warning: Past Suicidal Ideations Discussed

After experiencing the crushing weight of societal expectations, Molly Booker found her path to self-acceptance through embracing her individuality and passions. On this episode of "On the Spectrum with Sonia," Molly, the author of "Magic in the Mess," takes us on her inspiring journey of breaking free from the chains of conformity Her story highlights the difficulties that present when one feels that they don't fit in like everybody else, and the difficulties with learning to embrace one's own uniqueness.

Throughout the episode, Molly and I reflect on our personal battles with "masking" and the intense pressure to fit into societal molds. Both of us recount the emotional toll of feeling like outsiders during our formative years, which led to struggles with self-identity and mental health. As we share our experiences, we shed light on the potentially devastating impact of a lack of self-awareness and the importance of redefining success to align with one's true passions and desires.

Molly's narrative is a powerful testament to the liberation found in pursuing what genuinely brings joy, whether it's writing, public speaking, or creative hobbies like playing guitar and drawing. She passionately invites listeners to reject societal boxes and embrace their unique brilliance, transforming internal suffering into love and acceptance. Join us for this empowering conversation, and connect with Molly at mollybooker.com to continue exploring the beauty of individuality and self-discovery.

Send us a text

Just imagine you are living your life and going about your day to only have the course of your whole life change in a flash. This is what happened to Brian P. Swift back on December 26, 1979. Brian was just a gregarious 17 year old off school on winter break. He just finished celebrating Christmas with his family, and he was looking forward to spending the rest of the winter break relaxing and having some fun. He called his buddies to go play some football, and there was a group of guys who got together in a nearby field. This was where Brain received a tackle that changed the complete trajectory of his life....it was a tackle where he had issues getting up from the tackle. Brian couldn't move, nor could he feel. Brian suffered from c6 quadriplegia.

As much as Brian was down, he refused to be out. Brian had surgery and went to the Chicago Rehabilitation Center where statistics were grim about the quality of life for those with quadriplegia. It would be easy for anyone to get depressed and feel discouraged seeing the grim outlook that was given for people with quadriplegia. However, Brian used those statistics to motivate him further to achieve a quality of life he could be proud of. Brian went from being a student who didn't consider himself a studious person to going on to law school. Brian left the legal field and went into sales where he won an award his first year for bringing in the most sales. Brian eventually became an author, business executive coach, speaker, and radio host of WJOL. Brian refused to let quadriplegia define him, but rather, he was going to define what quadriplegia was. He defied statistics, and he showed people that life doesn't have to be so grim if you have the mindset to not let it.

Send us a text

Tom Smith, a retired NYPD officer and current host of the Gold Shield Show, joins me on "On the Spectrum with Sonia" to discuss the often unseen intersection of law enforcement and mental health. Inspired to follow his father's footsteps and seeing the strong camaraderie and "family" formed within the community, Tom aimed to recreate that for his own life and found just that.

The conversation takes a deeper look at the intricacies of mental health in policing, emphasizing the vital role of mental health support within the justice system. We discuss different aspects of mental health within law enforcement, those in the criminal justice system, and education that both law enforcement officers and mental health professionals need to learn of each other.

Towards the end, we tackle the societal pressures on police officers, magnified by public events like the George Floyd incident. Tom and I discuss how tools like body cameras can enhance accountability and serve as training resources. We discuss the necessity of communication skills and effective strategies to manage mental health crises, advocating for ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals. To cap off the episode, I'm excited to announce the upcoming launch of my book, "Dropped in a Maze," at Creative Con in Chicago, and I invite you to join our journey by subscribing to the podcast across major platforms.

Send us a text

Get ready to unlock the secrets of visionary thinking with Justin Breen, a best-selling author and innovator with a unique talent for connecting patterns across various fields. Join us as we journey through Justin's transition from journalism to entrepreneurship, revealing how neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism, can often lead to groundbreaking ideas. Learn more about how Justin used his talents and gifts to not only help others realize their potential, but he also was able to tap into his own talents and creativity. One of the most remarkable talents Justin has is to look at patterns and piece together patterns in ways that will help people achieve their optimal potential.

Justin's unique perspectives allowed him to write a best selling novel Epic Life that was ranked top across multiple platforms including, Amazon and USA Today. Justin's talent for music has reached acclaimed top level musicians that we all know and love (well, at least most of us). Recently, Justin became the co-founder of Corvia AI where music and technology meet. Justin is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Epic F.I.T. where the main mission to help visionaries reach their potential and give back to the world in ways the world could use their talents and gifts.

Send us a text

What if awakening in a psychiatric ward could be the catalyst for a transformative life change? Join us as Deborah Griffiths courageously shares her journey from a toxic marriage to becoming an empowered single mother and advocate. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience required to break free from an abusive environment and rebuild a life filled with purpose and hope. Alongside Deborah, we explore the deeply complex layers of emotional abuse, highlighting the critical importance of recognizing the subtler signs of control and manipulation.

As we navigate the intricacies of Deborah's past relationship, stunning reflections emerge on the challenges of overcoming parental alienation and the resilience needed to reconnect with estranged children. Deborah’s narrative, intertwined with powerful personal stories, reveals the painful yet necessary steps taken to address substance abuse within the family. Through her journey, we celebrate transformation—her son’s triumph over addiction and the newfound strength and independence of her youngest child. This exploration underscores the necessity of setting boundaries and the power of unwavering support in overcoming familial adversities.

This season finale is not just a closing chapter but a celebration of survival and growth. Reflecting on 28 impactful episodes, including the tragic yet inspiring story of Nicole, we honor the countless survivors of domestic violence who have bravely shared their stories. With heartfelt gratitude, we appreciate our guests and listeners, promising more engaging content and enlightening stories in the coming year. As we prepare to return, we remind survivors that hope and support are always within reach, encouraging you to continue this journey of empowerment with us.

Send us a text

Join us as we sit down with Brittney Benavides-Smith, a devoted music teacher from Georgetown, Texas. Britteny bravely shares her inspirational story of navigating the complexities of living with bipolar disorder, being faced with traumatic loss at a young age of both of her parents, overcoming a toxic first marriage, and tackling binge eating.

Brittney today is a thriving individual who uses her passion for music to become a successful creative entrepreneur and talented player for piano, guitar, and ukulele. Brittney also uses music as her way to release emotions continue with her own personal growth and healing. After all, music is medicine for the soul!!

Send us a text

Navigating the holidays can be challenging, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Picture yourself at a festive family gathering, overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, and struggling to interpret social cues. Through personal stories and therapist-tested strategies, I explore how to manage the emotional intricacies of holiday events—from overwhelming public displays of affection to the pitfalls of love bombing. My goal is to provide you with actionable advice to feel more connected and supported during this season of togetherness.

Romantic and social relationships pose their own set of challenges for individuals on the autism spectrum. Imagine watching others dive into the thrill of relationships while you remain on the sidelines. This episode breaks down the social hierarchy that often leaves autistic individuals marginalized, exploring how societal expectations can make one feel excluded. We’ll discuss how to recognize and avoid exploitative behaviors like love bombing, and why support from friends and family is crucial for navigating these tricky waters.

Embracing one’s individuality and building self-confidence is crucial for anyone feeling the weight of societal norms. Reject the labels that try to box you in as 'different' or 'weird,' and instead, celebrate your unique perspective. We'll explore empowering practices like positive self-talk and the transformative power of wearing confidence-boosting colors. As we express gratitude to our community and supporters, I encourage everyone to recognize the invaluable contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum. Let's advocate for a society that appreciates every puzzle piece, fostering compassion and inclusion for all.

Send us a text

After grappling with the realities of bipolar disorder, Sarah I Fox invites us into her world, sharing her transformative journey through mental health challenges. Growing up in Brooklyn and identifying as a woman of color, Sarah discusses the intersectionality between mental health, being a person of color, and the role of her faith.

Even though bipolar disorder turned an ugly head towards Sarah, Sarah never in turn chose to turn an ugly head back. Instead, Sarah used having bipolar disorder as a way to dig deeper into her faith, become more connected with her faith and others whom she considers near and dear, and use bipolar disorder as the driving force behind her fierce passion to help others.

Sarah is the host of Rough Edges Podcast where her passion to reach others who are struggling, especially those struggling in silence, just radiates. After speaking with Sarah, she will leave you filled with hope, empowerment, and inspiration to carry forth on your own journey; whatever it may be.