Welcome to "Different, not broken." I’m Lauren Howard—most people call me L2—and I’m here to shake up everything you think you know about 'professionalism'.

In this episode, I’m explaining why professionalism, as it’s sold to us, is pretty much bullshit.

We’re told we have to fit this narrow, stuffy standard to survive in the workplace, but let’s be real: that standard was designed to exclude anyone who isn’t a 45-year-old white guy.

I talk about how, especially in mental health and helping professions, there’s this weird expectation that you should be neutral and never challenge harmful ideologies—even when those beliefs are actively hurting people and keeping them from accessing care.

Spoiler alert: I don’t subscribe to that.

You’ll hear stories from my own life—yes, including plenty more 'dead Dad jokes' around my memories of running my Dad’s practice.

Also, for our little side-quest, I'll talk about why imposter syndrome creeps up on us, and why you’re probably a lot more qualified than you feel.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, that you’re making it up as you go, or that your path wasn’t 'professional' enough, you’re in good company.

Let’s throw out the old rules together and celebrate exactly who we are—tabs open, messy stories, and all.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Toyota
• Hyundai
• Honda
• Elon Musk

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The world often feels rigged. And this episode is a wake-up call to recognize the barriers that exist for those who don’t fit the traditional mold.

In this episode, which is a kind of tribute to my dear departed Dad, I recount some powerful lessons from the man who was a brilliant psychiatrist and my biggest champion.

He taught me that if something feels off about the environment you’re in, it probably is—and it’s absolutely hella-not your fault.

We dare to break into the uncomfortable truth that many workplaces are designed for a very specific demographic, leaving neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, feeling excluded.

I share three stories in which my Dad imparted to me more than my fair share of his wisdom, and I'm hoping you to can feel empowered.

You'll learn that we can advocate for ourselves and others to create a more inclusive work culture.

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I have two cousins. Two. And I didn’t even meet them until we were all adults.

So, yeah—when people talk about the support they get from big, extended families, it’s not exactly the world I know.

You want to talk about family? Mine has never really fit the greeting-card mold. Forget the idea that blood is always thicker than water. Turns out, the people who pick up the phone, drive hours at the drop of a hat, or tell you that you’re not the crazy one? Sometimes, they’re not even related to you. Sometimes, they are a middle school friend of your mom’s.

Let’s get real: not every family is safe.

Not everyone gets the shining, warm, leave-it-to-beaver home life you see on TV.

(If you’re sitting there thinking, “well, my nuclear family is...fine?”—hold onto that. There are therapists out here with new boats thanks to all of us with tricky dynamics.)

So, what do you do when your 'people' aren’t your people?

What does it mean to build and value chosen family—for neurodivergent folks, folks on the margins, and, well, anyone who’s ever needed someone on their side when the world doesn’t play fair?

In this episode of "Different, not broken", I’m sharing real, maybe-too-honest stories about losing someone who was never 'official family' but was instrumental to my life.

About generational differences in holding onto friends, about the random soulmates and honorary aunts you collect along the way.

The secret sauce of having someone who just believes in you—often long after you stop believing in yourself.

About how you can cobble together your own safety net when the original factory settings are...suboptimal, at best.

If you’ve ever wondered where you fit, or have mourned the distance (or absence) in your 'real' family, or want practical hope that you can find your people, this one is for you.

Consider this your permission slip: family isn’t always about who shares your last name, but about who shows up, sees you, and gives you space to be exactly who you are—even if that means starting a new job at 69 or reminding you to tell the world to get lost when you need it most.

Hit play to find your new favorite survival strategy for living different—not broken.

Because you deserve more than 'good enough'—you deserve family that’s actually safe.

(And maybe a few wild stories about just how weird and wonderful that can look.)

As always, your support helps keep the podcast going, keep assessments accessible, and keep a whole lot of therapists’ kids in college. Every listen and share goes further than you think.

Let’s take down the 'real family only' myth, together.

And then be sure to get yourself signed up for all our updates!

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