What if the spaces we celebrate and work in are quietly overwhelming a lot more people than we realize? In Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Avik (with Sana filling in), this episode explores neurodiversity, sensory overwhelm, and what inclusion actually looks like beyond policies.
This conversation is for event creators, founders, HR leaders, and anyone who feels drained by noise-heavy culture. You’ll walk away with grounded insight on burnout stigma, boundaries as a leadership practice, and practical ways to build environments where more people can belong and thrive.
About the Guest:
Nika Brunet Milunovic is the founder of Calm Nest Collective, creating sensory-friendly, inclusive spaces for events, workplaces, and public venues. She’s also a social worker, PhD researcher focused on mental health and neurodiversity in the events industry, a mentor, and host of the Pink Nest podcast.
Episode Chapter:
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00:05:15 — Why loud “success culture” overwhelms the nervous system
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00:06:19 — Nika’s work: sensory-friendly design for events and workplaces
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00:09:05 — The “we’re all the same” design myth starts in school
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00:11:50 — Why neurodivergent people thrive in events—and the hidden cost
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00:14:04 — Burnout stigma: why freelancers stay silent to keep the next gig
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00:17:27 — Boundaries + values: the leadership operating system
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00:22:17 — “Festivals can’t accommodate everyone”—Nika’s direct response
Key Takeaways:
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Treat inclusion as design, not a policy checkbox—start with sensory needs.
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In high-intensity industries, regulation skills matter as much as performance.
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Normalize mental health like physical health—burnout isn’t a character flaw.
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Founders unintentionally recreate harmful systems when they break their own boundaries.
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“Ask, don’t assume”: real inclusion starts with curiosity and conversation.
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Sensory-friendly upgrades don’t have to be massive—intention + planning changes everything.
How to Connect With the Guest:
Nika is active on LinkedIn (primary). She’s also on Instagram, and you can find Calm Nest Collective and Pink Nest via her websites and social profiles mentioned here
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate.
With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
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Contact:
💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™
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