S2: Ep: 4 A Conversation with Johnathan Mooney

Today we're joined by Jonathan Mooney, author of Normal Sucks, educator, speaker, and longtime advocate for human difference.

We actually recorded this conversation quite some time ago, but after taking an unexpected pause from the podcast, it took us a little longer to share it with you. Looking back now, this conversation feels just as relevant today—perhaps even more so.

Jonathan has spent his life challenging one of our culture's deepest assumptions: that there is a "normal" way to learn, think, behave, or be human. Together, we explore the hidden costs of trying to fit ourselves into systems that were never designed to honor our uniqueness.

What begins as a conversation about education quickly expands into something much bigger. We talk about belonging, identity, self-worth, labels, and the ways so many of us learn to measure ourselves against standards that have little to do with who we truly are.

As we've shared in recent episodes, both our work and our understanding have continued to evolve since this conversation was recorded. Looking back, we're grateful for the questions Jonathan invited us to ask—questions that have only become more meaningful on our own journey.

Whether you're a parent, educator, practitioner, or someone who has ever felt like you didn't quite fit the mold, we hope this conversation reminds you that being different was never something to overcome.

It may simply be part of what makes you, you.