Living and Loving with Neurodivergence (176)

Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill sit down with Elijah Runyan, Director of Certified Coaching for Connection Codes, to dive deep into the world of neurodivergence and emotional connection. Both Elijah and Dr. Glenn share personal stories of what it’s like to live with unique emotional wiring—where everyday experiences, like dishes left undone or mismatched hangers, can trigger intense pain experiences. Through candid reflections, they reveal how shame and loneliness can take hold when these experiences go unseen or misunderstood, and how learning to process pain instead of judging it opens the door to authentic connection. This episode highlights how the Connection Codes framework—centered on regard, curiosity, and emotional awareness—has transformed their relationships, helping them move from miscommunication to genuine closeness with their families and partners.

Links and Resources:

• Download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Find out how to become a Certified Coach:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Find a coach:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menu⁠
• Connect with Elijah here: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com/

Chapters: 

• 00:00:00 - Opening Up: Why This Conversation Matters
• 00:00:56 - What Neurodivergence Really Feels Like
• 00:04:22 - When “Different” Becomes a Daily Struggle
• 00:07:41 - From Shame to Identity: The Pain Behind Control
• 00:12:14 - Why Being Seen Is More Powerful Than Being Helped
• 00:21:15 - Raising Kids While Feeling Misunderstood
• 00:22:22 - Making Room for Everyday Pain
• 00:22:33 - Teaching Compassion Through Lived Experience
• 00:25:10 - Travel, Triggers, and When Systems Break
• 00:26:57 - Navigating Marriage with a Neurodivergent Lens
• 00:29:13 - How We Learn to Speak Each Other’s Language
• 00:30:19 - The Great Hanger Debate (Yes, Really)
• 00:32:37 - Celebrating the Things That Set Us Apart
• 00:35:10 - Final Thoughts on Connection, Curiosity, and Courage