Redefining Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for Neurodivergent Creatives | #172

In this episode, Caitlin takes a flamethrower to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the capitalist grind that keeps us from self-actualizing. They unpack the ways hustle culture, capitalism, and patriarchal conditioning have taught us to earn joy, rest, and creativity—when in reality, it's our birthright! From talking about your creative drives as fundamental needs to revealing the original Blackfoot nation model that Maslow "borrowed" from (and then warped), Caitlin helps us reimagine what it means to be a fully expressed human.

 💬" Joy is your birthright. Creativity is your birthright. This is really important stuff. You deserve to be a completely self-actualized human being from the minute you are born. Our childhoods should be spent figuring out who we are, not how to please our parents." - Caitlin

What We Explore in This Episode:

• Why Maslow’s hierarchy is a colonized, capitalist trap (and what he stole from the Blackfoot Nation)
• The real structure of human needs (hint: it starts with self-actualization, not survival)
• Why creativity is not optional—it’s essential
• How our systems keep us exhausted so we can’t rebel, rest, or become ourselves
• A new way to visualize your needs as a fluid, responsive spectrum (not a rigid pyramid)
• What it means to build community through knowing yourself first

 Neurodivergent Creative Reflection Prompts:

• What actually makes you feel like yourself?
• What are your true needs, beyond survival?
• In what ways have you felt you needed to "earn" joy, rest, or creativity?
• Where in your life are you trying to “self-actualize” through perfectionism or productivity?
• If you already believed you were worthy from the start, what would you do differently today?

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