My Most Personal Interview to Date

A heartfelt conversation on the ADHD Chatter Podcast.

Dear friends,

Typically, my invitations to podcasts usher me into a realm dominated by technical details about the connection between the gut and the brain, the delicate balance of mental health and the microbial world, or the alchemy of nutrients that sharpen our minds. However, my recent dialogue with Alex Partridge on The ADHD Chatter podcast veered into uncharted territory. Despite the eye-catching, almost clickbait allure of the video cover, this session was about a lot more than coffee. In actual fact, it evolved into my most heartfelt and revealing interview to date.

In a departure from the norm, where I often find myself cloaked in the expectations of my host, this time, I was at ease. The layers peeled away, revealing the essence of Miguel that usually hums quietly in the background. It was an exploration of my personal journey, a rare glimpse into the man behind the science.

As the final echoes of our conversation faded, I found myself adrift in a sea of introspection. This interview was a marked departure from those that came before it, leaving me to wrestle with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The thought of witnessing my own reflection on screen for an hour was daunting (though I harbour the hope that you’ll think otherwise 😂). Instead, I listened to it on Spotify, where my apprehensions were gently laid to rest. The voice that greeted me was unmistakably mine, yet it spoke with a calmness and wisdom that felt both foreign and familiar.

This wasn’t a gig fueled by self-admiration or ego. On the contrary, every time I’m invited to share my insights at a show, I turn up thinking “I don’t know anything at all, and today is the day I get rumbled!” The questions were a lot more personal, so perhaps that’s why I didn’t experience the typical barrage of self-doubt I normally do. What I felt was different. I felt like I was opening my heart for everyone to see and, through this dialogue with Alex, I found myself sounding authentic, with a touch of vulnerability. It felt a little raw, not too polished, but it definitely sounded like me, so it didn’t bother me. I sounded unguarded yet serene. Mature. Unmasked. And that harmonious coexistence of seemingly opposed emotions resonated deep within my soul. It was a weird feeling, but I liked it.

I had been ruminating on the episode and how I would come across in it since it had been recorded a couple of weeks back. I do that. I overthink. At least I’m aware of it now… In any event, as I finished listening a peculiar sensation washed over me. Maybe - just maybe - I’m beginning to be softer on myself. To allow myself to like myself, if that makes sense. To, unexpectedly, experience an emerging fondness for the person I’m becoming. At the tender age of 51, that feels like a milestone. Like a significant stride toward self-compassion and acceptance.

With these reflections, I extend an invitation to you to embark on this journey with me. It is my sincerest hope that you find a piece of this conversation that speaks to you and that in my story you see reflections of your own. Your thoughts and reflections are treasures I eagerly anticipate.

With warmth and gratitude,