Episode Overview
In this intimate and unfiltered episode, our host shares a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, moving homes, career transitions, and most importantly—learning to embrace rest as a form of resistance against grind culture. Speaking from their new office in Compton, California, they explore how understanding their ADHD has transformed their relationship with productivity, creativity, and rest.
Key Topics Covered
Life Transitions & New Beginnings
Moving to Compton, California and building community
Career shift from management to individual contributor role
Approaching 40 and two-year wedding anniversary reflections
ADHD Discovery & Self-Understanding
Energy peaks and slumps as natural brain patterns
30+ years of fighting against natural inclinations to rest
Reframing "symptoms" as helpful signals from the body
The Philosophy of Rest as Resistance
Tricia Hersey's "Rest is Resistance" and "We Will Rest"
Historical context: Black bodies resting at Martha's Vineyard during civil rights era
Challenging the demonization of relaxation in society
Practical Rest Implementation
Simple moments: porch sitting, tea drinking, people watching
Learning to enjoy life as it is, not rushing to the next thing
Finding creativity through low-barrier activities like spontaneous recording
Key Quotes
"You cannot be creative if you don't rest. You cannot have new energy if you don't rest."
"Wonder Woman is not coming to save you. It is time to reimagine what life looks like and get rest."
"My desire to relax is helping a lot of other people."
Resources Mentioned
"Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey
"We Will Rest" by Tricia Hersey
Martha's Vineyard/Oak Bluffs as historical Black haven
Takeaways
This episode challenges listeners to reconsider their relationship with rest, productivity, and self-care. It offers a fresh perspective on ADHD as a different way of processing energy rather than a deficit, and encourages embracing natural rhythms instead of fighting against them.
Next episode timing: Aiming for weekly consistency, but "you'll get it when you get it"—a perfect embodiment of the rest-first philosophy discussed.
