<![CDATA[SPICY BRAIN, PHOENIX HEART]]>Welcome to the Spicy Brain, Phoenix Heart - the podcast for those with big feelings, think too fast and quietly carry everything.

if you're navigating burnout, trauma, dissociation, your mind is in overdrive, and you feel disconnected then... this is your space.

Here we will speak to the tender, messy and magical parts of returning back to yourself. Through honest conversations, gentle insights and real tools for nervous system regulation. Spicy Brain, Phoenix Heart explores what it means to live with intensity - how to transform it into resilience, clarity and self-trust.

This isn't about fixing yourself or becoming someone new. It's about remembrance, beneath the survival.

Come as you are - scattered, exhausted, numb or searching.

Stay to reconnect, rebuild, and rise.

Because even after everything.... your heart still knows.

So,

Feel everything. Rise Anyway.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:38:05 GMTMon, 13 Apr 2026 10:06:08 GMT60Liz Buggy<p>Welcome to the Spicy Brain, Phoenix Heart - the podcast for those with big feelings, think too fast and quietly carry everything.</p><p></p><p>if you're navigating burnout, trauma, dissociation, your mind is in overdrive, and you feel disconnected then... this is your space.</p><p></p><p>Here we will speak to the tender, messy and magical parts of returning back to yourself. Through honest conversations, gentle insights and real tools for nervous system regulation. Spicy Brain, Phoenix Heart explores what it means to live with intensity - how to transform it into resilience, clarity and self-trust.</p><p></p><p>This isn't about fixing yourself or becoming someone new. It's about remembrance, beneath the survival.</p><p></p><p>Come as you are - scattered, exhausted, numb or searching.</p><p>Stay to reconnect, rebuild, and rise.</p><p></p><p>Because even after everything.... your heart still knows.</p><p></p><p>So,</p><p></p><p>Feel everything. Rise Anyway.</p><p></p>episodicLiz Buggyliz_buggy@hotmail.comno<![CDATA[Ep 8. Holding On In The Dark]]>This episode delves into the raw and honest discussion about suicidal ideation, shedding light on the struggles faced by neurodivergent individuals. It emphasizes the systemic challenges and coping strategies for dealing with suicidal thoughts, while also promoting self-compassion and growth.

Takeaways

  • Neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges that contribute to higher rates of suicidal ideation.
  • Coping with suicidal thoughts requires self-compassion, support, and understanding of the underlying signals.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Welcome to Spicy Brain Phoenix Heart
  • 05:33 Systemic Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals
]]>a4ba43e9-b53e-484e-b18e-6724875009edTue, 02 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode delves into the raw and honest discussion about suicidal ideation, shedding light on the struggles faced by neurodivergent individuals. It emphasizes the systemic challenges and coping strategies for dealing with suicidal thoughts, while also promoting self-compassion and growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges that contribute to higher rates of suicidal ideation.</li><li>Coping with suicidal thoughts requires self-compassion, support, and understanding of the underlying signals.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Welcome to Spicy Brain Phoenix Heart</li><li>05:33 Systemic Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals</li></ul>yes00:09:0718Ep 8. Holding On In The Darkfull<![CDATA[Ep 10. The Quiet Bruises: The Self-Harm we don't Recognise]]>This episode delves into the complexities of self-harm, exploring invisible forms of self-harm, the role of neurodivergence, and the path to healing. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the underlying pain, and highlights the distinction between punishment and accountability. From the perspective of lived experience of a coach who works with clients with burnout, overwhelm and dissociation.

Takeaways

  • Invisible forms of self-harm are often socially acceptable and can be neurodivergent-shaped
  • Self-harm is not always about attention, but about regulation, control, release, punishment, or interruption
  • Healing begins with recognizing that pain does not need to be visible to be valid, and that punishment is not the same as accountability

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Path to Healing
]]>0309f264-3e78-4e0b-a13e-ab387eb52abfTue, 16 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode delves into the complexities of self-harm, exploring invisible forms of self-harm, the role of neurodivergence, and the path to healing. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the underlying pain, and highlights the distinction between punishment and accountability. From the perspective of lived experience of a coach who works with clients with burnout, overwhelm and dissociation.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Invisible forms of self-harm are often socially acceptable and can be neurodivergent-shaped</li><li>Self-harm is not always about attention, but about regulation, control, release, punishment, or interruption</li><li>Healing begins with recognizing that pain does not need to be visible to be valid, and that punishment is not the same as accountability</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Path to Healing</li></ul>yes00:13:02110Ep 10. The Quiet Bruises: The Self-Harm we don't Recognisefull<![CDATA[Trigger Warning: Episode 7 -12]]>The Spicy Brain Phoenix Heart podcast provides a safe space for those navigating burnout, trauma, and dissociation. It offers insights and tools for nervous system regulation and addresses sensitive topics with trigger warnings and support resources. These perspectives are from lived experience and from a coach who works with clients with burnout and overwhelm, dissociation. For the next seven episodes we chat about self-harm, suicidal ideation, how you can support someone through this and how to start a conversation.

Takeaways

  • Navigating burnout and trauma
  • Nervous system regulation

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Spicy Brain Phoenix Heart Podcast
]]>15c42980-bf41-4faf-8aea-b5ba37eb7c89Tue, 19 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT<p>The Spicy Brain Phoenix Heart podcast provides a safe space for those navigating burnout, trauma, and dissociation. It offers insights and tools for nervous system regulation and addresses sensitive topics with trigger warnings and support resources. These perspectives are from lived experience and from a coach who works with clients with burnout and overwhelm, dissociation. For the next seven episodes we chat about self-harm, suicidal ideation, how you can support someone through this and how to start a conversation.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Navigating burnout and trauma</li><li>Nervous system regulation</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Spicy Brain Phoenix Heart Podcast</li></ul>yes00:00:54Trigger Warning: Episode 7 -12trailer<![CDATA[Ep 9. What Self-Harm Is Really Trying To Say: Coping, Brain Science & Finding Safer Ways Through]]>This episode delves into the topic of self-harm, exploring its nature, purpose, neuroscience, patterns, coping alternatives, and the need for support and understanding. It emphasizes that self-harm is relief seeking, not attention seeking, and encourages individuals to find safer ways to cope with overwhelming emotions.

Takeaways

  • Self-harm is often a coping strategy for relieving intense emotional distress.
  • Support and understanding are crucial in helping individuals find safer ways to cope with self-harm.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding Self-Harm
  • 05:48 Patterns and Cycles of Self-Harm

Find me on Instagram @liz.buggy

]]>c6f7e141-1311-41fa-8ea4-e778cdd1ee4cTue, 09 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode delves into the topic of self-harm, exploring its nature, purpose, neuroscience, patterns, coping alternatives, and the need for support and understanding. It emphasizes that self-harm is relief seeking, not attention seeking, and encourages individuals to find safer ways to cope with overwhelming emotions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Self-harm is often a coping strategy for relieving intense emotional distress.</li><li>Support and understanding are crucial in helping individuals find safer ways to cope with self-harm.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Understanding Self-Harm</li><li>05:48 Patterns and Cycles of Self-Harm</li></ul><p></p><p>Find me on Instagram @liz.buggy</p>yes00:11:2119Ep 9. What Self-Harm Is Really Trying To Say: Coping, Brain Science & Finding Safer Ways Throughfull<![CDATA[When it doesn't look like a crisis: a part of my journey (Bonus Ep.) ]]>This episode may trigger some listeners and is based on lived experience and thoughts from a coach's perspective. In this episode I share with listeners a part of my story. A small part of my journey with suicidal ideation and self-harm. The struggles I overcame to find myself, why I became a coach and using my experiences to support others through their journey to find themselves again.

This episode may be triggering to some listeners. Please listen if you feel called to and with discretion.

If triggered please seek support from mental health services

within your region.

Follow @liz.buggy on instagram

]]>2a950e83-62b6-4c8e-8572-b151b0dadad4Tue, 26 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode may trigger some listeners and is based on lived experience and thoughts from a coach's perspective. In this episode I share with listeners a part of my story. A small part of my journey with suicidal ideation and self-harm. The struggles I overcame to find myself, why I became a coach and using my experiences to support others through their journey to find themselves again.</p><p></p><p>This episode may be triggering to some listeners. Please listen if you feel called to and with discretion.</p><p></p><p>If triggered please seek support from mental health services</p><p>within your region.</p><p></p><p>Follow @liz.buggy on instagram</p><p></p><p></p>yes00:08:16When it doesn't look like a crisis: a part of my journey (Bonus Ep.) bonus<![CDATA[Ep 7. When It Doesn't Look Like A Crisis: Neurodivergence, Quiet Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm]]>This episode may be triggering to some individuals. Listen at your own discretion. In this episode we explore the quiet and constant nature of suicidal thoughts and self-harm in neurodivergent individuals. It sheds light on the statistics, research findings, and the need for a different understanding and approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals experiencing distress.

Takeaways

  • Neurodivergent individuals experience suicidal thoughts and self-harm differently
  • Suicidal ideation and self-harm in neurodivergence are often quiet and constant

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence and Suicidal Thoughts
  • 06:01 Understanding Neurodivergent Distress
]]>9e6848d2-9898-436f-bdf5-c490578c2c87Tue, 26 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode may be triggering to some individuals. Listen at your own discretion. In this episode we explore the quiet and constant nature of suicidal thoughts and self-harm in neurodivergent individuals. It sheds light on the statistics, research findings, and the need for a different understanding and approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals experiencing distress.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Neurodivergent individuals experience suicidal thoughts and self-harm differently</li><li>Suicidal ideation and self-harm in neurodivergence are often quiet and constant</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence and Suicidal Thoughts</li><li>06:01 Understanding Neurodivergent Distress</li></ul>yes00:10:1417Ep 7. When It Doesn't Look Like A Crisis: Neurodivergence, Quiet Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harmfull<![CDATA[The "Cringe" Factor: Word association (Bonus Ep.)]]>This episode is brief, no intro, no fluff. Real talk about when you have associated a negative context to certain words. I share my association with two words: PROUD and INSPIRATIONAL. Both of these words I associated with betrayal. How reframing the meaning I had attached to the words has helped me move through the cringe.

Do you associate a different meaning to words?

Follow @liz.buggy on Instagram to see more of my journey.

]]>04968894-dd40-4e5d-872c-ee9af0b6fff1Tue, 19 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode is brief, no intro, no fluff. Real talk about when you have associated a negative context to certain words. I share my association with two words: PROUD and INSPIRATIONAL. Both of these words I associated with betrayal. How reframing the meaning I had attached to the words has helped me move through the cringe.</p><p></p><p>Do you associate a different meaning to words?</p><p></p><p>Follow @liz.buggy on Instagram to see more of my journey.</p>yes00:01:48The "Cringe" Factor: Word association (Bonus Ep.)bonus<![CDATA[Understanding Unidentified Emotions (Bonus Ep.)]]>This episode dives into those unidentified feelings, emotions. The ones we have but sometimes can't identify. The ones attached to our wounds. In this episode I talk about my relational wound within community and not feeling safe. The importance of considering others as we don't always have an understanding of what others are carrying.

We all carry baggage and we all have a story - it's not always visible, therefore it gets overlooked.

This episode is raw, real and relatable for many and often carries shame, therefore it is not often spoken about. No intros, no fluff.

If you can relate, I hear you and I see you.

]]>178c04d5-f7d1-47ce-973d-90dfeaac5d5aTue, 05 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode dives into those unidentified feelings, emotions. The ones we have but sometimes can't identify. The ones attached to our wounds. In this episode I talk about my relational wound within community and not feeling safe. The importance of considering others as we don't always have an understanding of what others are carrying.</p><p></p><p>We all carry baggage and we all have a story - it's not always visible, therefore it gets overlooked.</p><p></p><p>This episode is raw, real and relatable for many and often carries shame, therefore it is not often spoken about. No intros, no fluff.</p><p></p><p>If you can relate, I hear you and I see you.</p>yes00:05:49Understanding Unidentified Emotions (Bonus Ep.)bonus<![CDATA[Ep 6. Built Different: The Quiet Power of Being You]]>The conversation explores the experience of neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the challenges and strengths associated with neurodiversity. It emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique way of thinking and being, and granting oneself permission to be unapologetically authentic.

Takeaways

  • Neurodiversity is a strength
  • Permission to be oneself

Chapters

  • 00:00 Embracing Neurodiversity
  • 06:03 Permission to Be Unapologetically Oneself
]]>8ce232bb-7bad-4ab7-bda1-0f5d3979fecfTue, 19 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation explores the experience of neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the challenges and strengths associated with neurodiversity. It emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique way of thinking and being, and granting oneself permission to be unapologetically authentic.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Neurodiversity is a strength</li><li>Permission to be oneself</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Embracing Neurodiversity</li><li>06:03 Permission to Be Unapologetically Oneself</li></ul>yes00:09:5916Ep 6. Built Different: The Quiet Power of Being Youfull<![CDATA[Ep 5. You're Not Too Much: Being Misunderstood in a World That Listens Too Little]]>The conversation delves into the emotional toll of being misunderstood, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. It highlights the impact of misunderstanding on communication, emotional well-being, and the concept of masking. The importance of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent communication is emphasized, along with the validity of neurodivergent thinking.

Takeaways

  • Being misunderstood is an emotional experience
  • Different processing doesn't mean less intelligent
  • Understanding and accommodating neurodivergent communication is essential

Chapters

  • 00:00 Coping with Misunderstanding
]]>84eeb04d-00b2-425e-a386-4ff4e09b59fbTue, 12 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the emotional toll of being misunderstood, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. It highlights the impact of misunderstanding on communication, emotional well-being, and the concept of masking. The importance of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent communication is emphasized, along with the validity of neurodivergent thinking.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Being misunderstood is an emotional experience</li><li>Different processing doesn't mean less intelligent</li><li>Understanding and accommodating neurodivergent communication is essential</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Coping with Misunderstanding</li></ul>yes00:13:4515Ep 5. You're Not Too Much: Being Misunderstood in a World That Listens Too Littlefull<![CDATA[Ep 4. When Everything Feels Too Much]]>This episode delves into the topic of neurodivergent overwhelm and shutdown, exploring the experience, causes, and real-life impact. It also provides gentle ways to regulate the nervous system and emphasizes the importance of releasing shame and embracing self-compassion and acceptance.

Takeaways

  • Neurodivergent overwhelm and shutdown
  • Gentle ways to regulate the nervous system

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding Neurodivergent Overwhelm
  • 07:22 Releasing Shame and Self-Compassion
]]>dce97494-919c-44f8-96b0-6adba8e3fad9Tue, 05 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode delves into the topic of neurodivergent overwhelm and shutdown, exploring the experience, causes, and real-life impact. It also provides gentle ways to regulate the nervous system and emphasizes the importance of releasing shame and embracing self-compassion and acceptance.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Neurodivergent overwhelm and shutdown</li><li>Gentle ways to regulate the nervous system</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Understanding Neurodivergent Overwhelm</li><li>07:22 Releasing Shame and Self-Compassion</li></ul>no00:09:0714Ep 4. When Everything Feels Too Muchfull<![CDATA[Ep 3. The Cost of Hiding (Masking)]]>This episode explores the concept of neurodivergent masking, its impact on individuals, and the importance of unmasking for self-validation and authenticity.

Takeaways

  • Neurodivergent masking is a survival strategy that involves suppressing natural traits to fit in socially.
  • Unmasking is essential for rebuilding trust with the nervous system and reclaiming authenticity.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergent Masking
  • 07:39 Masking, Burnout, and Dissociation
]]>9cc605bf-c1ec-48f2-93d5-0468c9411746Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode explores the concept of neurodivergent masking, its impact on individuals, and the importance of unmasking for self-validation and authenticity.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Neurodivergent masking is a survival strategy that involves suppressing natural traits to fit in socially.</li><li>Unmasking is essential for rebuilding trust with the nervous system and reclaiming authenticity.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergent Masking</li><li>07:39 Masking, Burnout, and Dissociation</li></ul>no00:12:0913Ep 3. The Cost of Hiding (Masking)full<![CDATA[Ep 2. The Invisible Struggle: Labels, Neurodivergence and Coming Home to Myself]]>This episode explores the invisible struggle of neurodivergent individuals, the impact of labels, and the journey towards self-acceptance and understanding. It delves into the challenges faced, the process of discovering one's neurodivergence, reframing experiences, and embracing self-acceptance.

Takeaways

  • Neurodivergence and labels
  • Understanding and acceptance

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Invisible Struggle, labels, neurodivergence and coming home to myself
  • 08:25 Reframing Experiences and Doing the Work
]]>b8861196-08af-4c90-9763-0446f81c5b85Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>This episode explores the invisible struggle of neurodivergent individuals, the impact of labels, and the journey towards self-acceptance and understanding. It delves into the challenges faced, the process of discovering one's neurodivergence, reframing experiences, and embracing self-acceptance.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Neurodivergence and labels</li><li>Understanding and acceptance</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Invisible Struggle, labels, neurodivergence and coming home to myself</li><li>08:25 Reframing Experiences and Doing the Work</li></ul>yes00:12:4212Ep 2. The Invisible Struggle: Labels, Neurodivergence and Coming Home to Myselffull<![CDATA[Ep 1. From Survival Mode to Self-Understanding]]>Liz shares a deeply personal story about embracing neurodivergence, surviving in disguise, internalized self-worth, struggles and adversities, journey to self-compassion, finding belonging, the crossroads of change, becoming authentic, and embracing your worth.

Takeaways

  • Embracing neurodivergence and self-compassion
  • Journey from survival mode to self-understanding

Chapters

  • 00:00 Embracing Neurodivergence
  • 06:04 Journey to Self-Compassion
  • 11:14 Embracing Your Worth
]]>9b760951-07ae-4a11-b854-5754bb389063Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:48:26 GMT<p>Liz shares a deeply personal story about embracing neurodivergence, surviving in disguise, internalized self-worth, struggles and adversities, journey to self-compassion, finding belonging, the crossroads of change, becoming authentic, and embracing your worth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Embracing neurodivergence and self-compassion</li><li>Journey from survival mode to self-understanding</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Embracing Neurodivergence</li><li>06:04 Journey to Self-Compassion</li><li>11:14 Embracing Your Worth</li></ul>no00:08:29Ep 1. From Survival Mode to Self-Understandingfull