Real Stories & Lessons from Parenting a Neurodivergent Blended Family with Deanna Brakefield

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Deanna Brakefield—Birmingham-based radio show host, neurodivergent mom of a blended family of nine, and co-owner of a digital marketing agency. Deanna shares how launching her radio show, “Neurodivergent News,” not only shifted the direction of her personal and professional life but also provided a welcoming, real-world platform for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and parents to share their stories.

About the Guest:

Deanna Brakefield is a digital marketing strategist, radio show host, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent voices. As the host of Neurodivergent News, Deanna creates a space for authentic conversations, lived experiences, and community-centered storytelling. As a member of the advisory council for my host radio station, Deanna helps develop support systems for other hosts. 

Main Topics Covered:

• How starting a radio show catalyzed connections within the neurodivergent community and changed Deanna’s life path
• The journey of building a show without a prior broadcasting background
• Living as a neurodivergent family: diagnoses, genetic components, and blended family dynamics
• What “neurodivergent” and “masking” mean, and why representation matters
• The unique challenges faced by neurodivergent entrepreneurs and parents
• Shifting the focus from marketing to authentic storytelling and community support
• Finding balance and unity in family and business through the power of shared experience

Quote from the Episode:

“The reality is, what I experienced was that people just want to make connections. They want to hear your story and tell theirs and just understood that they were seen.” — Deanna Brakefield

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome and laughter; what brings Deanna joy

[00:01:08] Beginning the radio show—how it all started

[00:03:23] Deanna’s crash course in radio and the show’s focus

[00:04:05] Neurodivergent family dynamics, blended family structure, and what “neurodivergent” means

[00:05:14] Diagnoses and family patterns

[00:06:53] How the radio show changed Deanna’s business and life

[00:10:03] Handling guest interest and evolving the show format

[00:10:51] Scheduling and live radio experience

[00:12:07] Overcoming imposter syndrome and family reactions

[00:13:57] Hopes for the show, expanding the business, and drawing in her kids

[00:16:48] Life changes and achieving better balance through the show

[00:19:56] Explanation of “masking” for neurodivergent people

[00:22:52] How to connect, what Deanna offers, and special listener offer

[00:24:24] Final three fun questions

Special Offer from the Guest:

Brand Strategy Call & Social Media Profile Optimization

Listeners receive the 1-hour strategy call free and may access the Profile Optimization service for only $180 when they mention the show. Offer valid through 2025.

How listeners can collect this offer Mention The Art of Imperfect Adulting when booking your call. http://lionheartkingdom.com/

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