How I Came Back From the Edge and Reclaimed Myself

I Threw My Mask Away: Living AuDHD Out Loud with Nick Pagano

Masking nearly cost my guest his life — and his honesty about it changed everything. In this episode I talk with Nick Pagano about what happens when you stop pretending and start living as AuDHD.

I’ll share why this conversation matters: you’ll hear how chronic masking, suicidal thoughts, and unmasking intersect with work, relationships, and identity. Nick reveals the personal rules and small practices that helped him move from constant masking to steady growth — and I ask the hard questions that most people avoid.

You’ll discover one surprising habit that helped Nick survive the worst moments, one place masking shows up most in daily life, and how reclaiming authenticity affected his job and relationships. I tease the frameworks and strategies we discuss, but I leave the “how” for the episode — because you need to hear Nick’s voice to feel it.

About the Guest

Nick Pagano (Real Conversations with Neurodivergent Nick) is a creator and host who speaks openly about living AuDHD, masking, and mental health. He uses candid storytelling and practical rules to help others recognize and grow from their neurodivergent traits.

Timestamps

• 0:02 – Welcome and intro to Nick

• 0:55 – Nick’s turning point: depression and unmasking

• 3:39 – Realization at a basketball game: how his mind works

• 7:01 – Music, masking, and emotional expression

• 12:48 – Masking at work and being fired for honesty

• 21:02 – Self-diagnosis and responding to pushback

• 35:29 – Growth rule: “grow every day” and neuroplasticity

• 47:06 – Nick reads the poem that changed everything

• 52:50 – What Nick refuses to apologize for: existing

• 53:09 – Where to find Nick’s podcast and channels

Listen to the full episode to hear Nick’s poem, the strategies he used to ask for help, and how he balances masking with being true to himself. If this resonated, subscribe and share — someone in your life might need to hear it.

Find Nick: YouTube & Spotify — Real Conversations with Neurodivergent Nick (@therealconvoswithNDNick)

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