Introducing Unconventional Intellectual

A substack for neurodivergent humans to share knowledge, inspire conversations, and create community with those who have never found comfort in conformity.

The What

Unconventional Intellectual is a physical manifesto of information that has come to me through education, research, and spirit. It is a space to raise awareness and educate you about everything they taught us to fear and provide practical and meaningful practices that support your well-being, self-awareness, and recovery from the burnout cycle. I invite you to use this as a tool in the lifelong process of unmasking to reclaim, recover, rejuvenate your essence and fulfill your soul’s purpose.

The Why

If you live in the West, you’ve received messages to think, act, and speak “normal” your entire life. To conform to this illusion of normal, we unconsciously create masks that shield our essence from scrutiny, disappointment, and rejection as we navigate the world. We create masks to shield our individuality, feminity, neurodivergence, spirituality, and sexuality from the -isms: racism, capitalism, sexism, ableism, classism, and heterosexism. Most of us unconsciously mask until we realize that our dreams are not our dreams at all— they are societal expectations.

It is not my goal for you to adapt my way of thinking but to challenge you to acknowledge, accept, and embrace your thoughts, desires, and dreams. I aim to help you peel back the many masks you’ve used for protection, conformity, and survival and embrace your soul’s purpose. We need to detach from the comforts of the systems because, let’s be honest, most of us have never found comfort in conformity.

“For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us to temporarily beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change” - Audre Lorde

The Who

Hello! I am Dr. Chelsia Potts (pronounced as Chel-See-A). I go by Dr. C, and most folks know me on the internet as @SiatheSage on TikTok. I gained my following of over 230K by speaking about everything from what I learned about myself after being diagnosed with ADHD and autism in my thirties to the links between spirituality and neurodivergence, the history of witches, and even the irony of 50/50 men in today’s society.

My goal in discussing these subjects is not to provoke quarrels but to build community among those who suffer in silence. We must create conversations that make us question what needs to be asked, do the research, and reclaim the history hidden from us. To speak the ideas that most wouldn’t dare say aloud. I am a gifted, creative community builder, educator, writer, and storyteller committed to using my gifts to serve the collective. I am an intellectual, not an influencer.

My credentials include my lived experience, a Doctorate in Education from the University of Kansas, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and 15+ years of experience in higher education, non-profit, and finance. I have been featured in the New York Times and ABC. I am a fantastic mother, daughter, partner, and friend.

The How

Weekly Newsletter Posts | Expect weekly posts that expand your perspective and knowledge of things many consider taboo, like spirituality and women’s rights. I also write about unmasking, burnout recovery, personal reflections, and life lessons.

Free Resources | Access free guides and checklists to help you bring balance and boundaries into your life.

Video and Podcast Episodes | You can access video and podcast conversations that provide deeper insights into in-depth topics.

If you are reading this in the summer of 2024, you are an early adopter of Unconventional Intellectual, and I appreciate you being here. I look forward to providing a paid subscription tier in the fall. The paid subscription includes:

• Discounts on guidebooks, courses, and coaching services.

• Access to extended podcasts and videos

• Access to the Unconventional Intellectual book club.

I appreciate you supporting my work by pledging your subscription before it goes live.

Join Our Community

Neurodivergence is centered in this space. Everything from the paragraph breaks to the content format is designed for the neurodivergent mind. I encourage you to ask the question even when you think it’s silly. Share your “weird” thoughts in the comments. If you feel moved, challenge the position. I want to empower you to recover, learn, and contribute your gifts to the world. This can only happen if you feel safe and you are safe here.

“An inauthentic person is just a cover-up for a dying soul” - Dr. Chelsia Potts (@SiatheSage)

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