Podcasts about adhders

In this episode of Authentically ADHD, host Carmen explores the neuroscience behind ADHD and executive functions—those critical mental processes essential for managing daily life tasks. Executive functions are described humorously as the "backstage crew" of the brain, responsible for working memory, planning, emotional regulation, inhibition, time management, and flexibility, largely governed by the prefrontal cortex.Carmen explains that in ADHD brains, this control center operates differently—not broken, just wired uniquely. Scientific research highlights reduced activity and delayed maturation in the ADHD brain's prefrontal cortex, impacting motivation, memory, and time perception. She emphasizes this difference isn't laziness but a genuine neurological divergence.Common struggles for ADHDers include task initiation, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, organization, and follow-through. Each challenge is backed by neuroscience, explaining phenomena like "neurological inertia" preventing task initiation and hyper-reactive emotional responses due to amygdala sensitivity.The episode provides seven ADHD-friendly coping strategies:* Break tasks into smaller pieces for manageable wins.* Use visual timers to combat time blindness.* Externalize your brain with organizational tools.* Create dopamine routines by pairing boring tasks with rewards.* Incorporate physical activity to boost dopamine and executive function.* Try body doubling to enhance accountability and focus.* Practice self-compassion to counteract shame and enhance motivation.Carmen concludes with a supportive message: ADHD isn't a defect, but a different brain wiring deserving of understanding, compassion, and tailored strategies.Linktree:https://linktr.ee/carmen_iraceJoin Focused: https://ihaveadhdllc.ontralink.com/t?orid=29951&opid=1Show Notes: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkcF-oJ0c/QlnFe1TUeai81KEgL_O7Lw/view?utm_content=DAGkcF-oJ0c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h5d32038d67 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com/subscribe

What even is Substack? And how can an entrepreneur use it to support their marketing efforts?Listen to Sara ramble on about how she uses Substack and why you actually don't need to be jumping on this newest platform.Meet Sara Noel:Sara Noel is a Website Copywriter, Marketing Mentor, Unapologetic Squirrel (aka ADHDer), Champion of Single Moms, World's Loudest Noah Kahan Fan, and the most unfiltered business owner on the Internet. She's the proudest F-bomb-dropping New Englander you'll ever meet, the "queen of over delivering" (according to her students and clients), and she's wicked obsessed with helping business owners learn how to write better website copy.www.betweenthelinescopy.comwww.betweenthelinescopy.com/sprintwww.betweenthelinescopy.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠Find Felly:⁠fellyday.com⁠⁠threads.net/@fellyday

If you've ever felt like your struggles with ADHD make you "less than"—this one's a must-listen.We're diving deep into Shame Resilience Theory (thanks, Brené Brown!) and unpacking why ADHDers are especially vulnerable to toxic shame. Spoiler: It's NOT because you're lazy or broken (even if you've been made to feel that way).✨ We're covering:Why shame thrives in secrecy—and how to stop feeding it.The real reason ADHD tasks feel SO loaded with guilt and moral judgment.How shame travels in families (

In this episode, I'm joined by Carrie Lagerstedt, Professional Home Organiser, Declutter Coach, and fellow ADHDer, to talk about why home organisation is especially challenging for ADHD brains — and how we can make it easier.We dive into:Why ADHDers struggle with clutter & organisation (hello, "out of sight, out of mind")How clutter = a giant visual to-do list that overwhelms our brainsWhy laziness has nothing to do with itADHD-friendly organising strategies you can start using right awayHow to get unstuck when you don't even know where to beginCarrie also shares her personal ADHD story, why she calls herself an “organised person but not a tidy person,” and how she helps busy families, overworked mums, and neurodivergent folks create calm, functional spaces they actually want to be in. Connect with Carrie:

Ever been so emotionally dysregulated you've said something you didn't mean — or worse, made an impulsive decision you instantly regretted?If you've got ADHD, then of course you have. We know the drill.But imagine that decision being broadcast live on TV… to the world.Well, that's exactly what happened to today's guest.Back by popular demand (and because I could chat to him for hours) — it's round two with:8x Muay Thai World ChampionOne of the most sought-after coaches on the planetAnd the only man I know who can swallow 30 supplements in one mouthful without blinkingThe legend himself — Liam Harrison — joins me for another raw and real chat about ADHD, setbacks and staying in the ring, both literally and metaphorically.We talk about the split-second decision to retire after a loss… and the crash that followed.Was it impulsivity? RSD? A fight-or-flight reaction wrapped in adrenaline? Probably all of the above. But what I love most is Liam's honesty — the regret, the reflection, and the resilience to say: “Nah, I'm not done yet.”We untangled:How overtraining and burnout can sneak in under the mask of hyperfocusWhy routine is everything for ADHDers — and how losing it can unravel us fastThe chaos that can follow injury or retirement when movement has been your main dopamine fixWhat schools still get wrong about ADHD — and why celebrating talent outside the box is so crucialThe importance of spotting emotional dysregulation in young athletesThis episode is more than just a conversation about ADHD and sport.It's about extreme behaviour.It's about what happens when your whole identity is wrapped up in one thing… and that thing suddenly disappears.It's about resilience, rage, and rewiring.And it's about how just one person who gets it — a coach, a teacher, a partner — can change the entire direction of your life.Liam's story isn't just about fighting in the ring. It's about fighting to stay grounded, regulated, and connected — even when the ADHD brain wants to burn it all down.Want to learn more from Liam? Liam isn't just a guest on the podcast — he's part of our speaker line-up inside the Certified ADHD-Informed Coach Training.Follow Liam! https://www.instagram.com/liambadcoLet's get ADHD Untangled and show the world what we're made of

Ever feel like what you're doing isn't “big enough” to matter? This episode will shift that mindset in the best way possible.In this conversation, I'm joined by Chris Thompson, National Vice President of JCI USA, to talk about the Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) award—and how ordinary people doing meaningful work are being seen, even when it doesn't feel like it.We talk about imposter syndrome, quiet leadership, and how introverts, ADHDers, and everyday changemakers can find their place in movements that truly matter. Chris shares his journey from military service to national leadership, what it takes to stand out in a TOYA nomination, and why representation and inclusion are non-negotiables in modern leadership.Whether you've felt invisible in your efforts or unsure how to step into your power, this episode is full of validation, insight, and encouragement.Ready to feel seen, supported, and maybe even inspired to nominate yourself? Hit play.Learn more about JCI USA and the TOYA program:https://www.jciusa.org/ten-outstanding-young-americansFollow JCI USA on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jciusainstaFollow JCI USA on Facebook: https://facebook.com/jciusa

Ever felt like someone pulled your battery out mid-sentence? One minute you're go-go-go, and the next—you're a human puddle on the couch, brain offline, soul buffering. That, my friend, is an ADHD energy shutdown—a deeply misunderstood, very real experience where our nervous system essentially throws up the "Closed for Business" sign.

Being neurodiversity affirming doesn't mean avoiding challenge. It doesn't mean staying where you are, only doing what's easy or comfortable. We can do hard things. We can learn new stuff, try new stuff, stretch ourselves – and we absolutely should. The key is doing the right hard things, for the right reasons, with the right support, at the right time. That's how growth happens without stress, burnout, or disconnection from who we really are. “You get to define what the hard thing is in any one moment. If it feels hard, it is hard. That's a valid, real experience.” - Adina Levy   In this crossover episode with my Differently Aligned Podcast, I share: • Why doing hard things is not at odds with a neurodiversity affirming approach • My powerful framework to help neurodivergent folks of all ages to take on the right hard things with less stress and more support • Examples of how my framework looks for an Autistic boy learning to read, and for an ADHDer business owner working on changing up her chaotic non-systems. LINKS & MORE SUPPORT • FREE WEBINAR: Shift Your Business from Burnout to Boundless – for neurodivergent business owners, live on 19 May 2025 – https://ndbusiness.co/free-webinar-burnout-to-boundless/ • Neurodivergent Business Collective – my membership for neurodivergent service-based business owners – https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ • New webinar for Allied Health Practice Owners (including and especially for sole traders!) - Diversifying Revenue Streams – webinar on innovative business models – https://playlearnchat.com/webinar-diversifying-revenue-streams/ • Blog post + visual model of my “You can do hard things” framework – https://playlearnchat.com/podcast-56    Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932  Website: www.playlearnchat.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat   

I am so excited to kick off our themed month of productivity. This is a topic near and dear to my heart. I love talking about how ADHDers can be productive. Here are the links mentioned in the show:Join ADHD Big Brother - the ultimate, award winning ADHD CommunityThe Russell Barkley YouTube Video I mentioned. Very informative!! It tracks with my experience with ADHD. How about you? Skye Waterson of the ADHD Skills Lab podcast has an amazing system of prioritization. You can get it free here.

Why do so many ADHDers struggle with alcohol or addiction? What's really going on beneath the surface—and how do you begin to change it?In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Paulette Crowley—a registered mental health coach, health journalist, and woman in long-term recovery from alcohol addiction. Paulette shares her personal story of living with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and addiction—and how she now lives a full, rich life with what she calls “very manageable mental health conditions.”We dive into:Why ADHD brains are more vulnerable to addiction (dopamine, numbing, social anxiety & more)The isolation and shame that can come with addictionWhat the HALT acronym means and how it can helpWhy addiction isn't a moral failing—and how to start healingThe “layer cake” of mental health & what real recovery looks likeIf you've ever struggled with alcohol, addictive behaviours, or felt ashamed of how you cope—this conversation is for you. Paulette brings wisdom, hope, and practical steps for anyone ready to take the first step.Find Paulette at: www.goodhealthcoach.co.nzInstagramFacebookLinked In

In this episode of Authentically ADHD, host Carmen explores the complex relationship between ADHD, self-confidence, and the constant need for external validation. For many adults with ADHD, self-worth has often been shaped by a lifetime of criticism, and this episode dives deep into how that reliance on others' approval can undermine self-trust. Carmen outlines why ADHDers tend to seek external validation and offers practical strategies for reclaiming control over self-evaluation.In the first segment, Carmen explains the concept of an external locus of evaluation and how ADHD can lead to an overwhelming reliance on others for reassurance. She shares relatable examples of how this pattern develops from childhood and its impact on adulthood. The episode then introduces the psychological mechanism of the complementary moral defense, which emerges as a response to repeated criticism and can lead to overworking, people-pleasing, and chronic self-criticism.Moving into the third segment, Carmen discusses why it's especially important for ADHDers to cultivate an internal locus of evaluation. Relying on internal validation not only promotes self-trust but also breaks the cycle of people-pleasing and constant doubt. The episode closes with seven actionable strategies to help ADHDers develop self-trust, including identifying core values, tracking small wins, practicing self-validation, and building self-compassion.Carmen encourages listeners to start small and shift from seeking external praise to trusting their own judgment. She leaves listeners with a hopeful reminder that their ADHD brains are wired for creativity and resilience, and self-trust is key to unlocking their potential.If today's episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit and consider leaving a rating & review to help Authentically ADHD grow.Show notes: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGjTbREIYI/sFGNEj879Ye4x_zWl-W76Q/view?utm_content=DAGjTbREIYI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h8496660196Join FOCUSED: https://ihaveadhdllc.ontralink.com/t?orid=29951&opid=1Follow me on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/carmen_iraceThanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Get full access to carmen_authenticallyadhd at carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com/subscribe

Do you want to know what successful ADHDers are doing right? Dr Tony Lloyd is the CEO of the ADHD Foundation, the largest patient-led ADHD agency in Europe. He has been the driving force in promoting neurodiversity in the UK and campaigned for a neurodiverse paradigm in education, health services, employment and human resource management. He is a co-author of several national reports on ADHD and neurodiversity in the UK and plays an active role in national forums to campaign for changes in policy and the design and delivery of public services. 00:00 Trailer 01:47 What's your mission in regards to ADHD 08:20 How to respond when someone says “Everyone has ADHD these days” 16:42 Tiimo advert 17:54 What are successful ADHDers doing right? 27:56 The psychological effect of being called ‘too sensitive' 31:05 What a "purgatory period" of having no diagnosis does to a Neurodiverse brain 36:12 Masking 44:01 The significance of RSD in the Neurodiverse community 50:55 The ADHD item segment 53:21 The ADHD agony aunt segment 57:01 A letter from the previous guest 59:04 Ned Hallowell Brain Health advert Find Tony on Linkedin

Struggle with setting boundaries as an adult with ADHD? You are not alone.In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Heidi Fishbein, Certified Christian and ADHD Life Coach, to explore why setting limits feels so hard and how you can start protecting your time and energy without guilt. We talk about people-pleasing, impulsivity, rejection sensitivity, and real-world strategies that help ADHDers say no while staying connected to others.Inside this episode:Why ADHD makes boundaries harderSimple, faith-filled ways to say noHow to stay consistent with your boundariesIf you want to feel more confident and purposeful with your yes and no, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Heidi Fishbein:Website: https://lifecoachheidi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidifishbeinlifecoachYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDChristianLifeCoachTune in and start living with more clarity, joy, and boundaries that honor who you are.

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.In theory, online dating can feel like an easy, low-stakes solution to meeting people. But in practice, there are a few pitfalls that many fall into. With ADHD, dating apps can pose even more challenges and be an additional drag on your attention. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Shauna Pollard visits the show to talk about what she's noticed while working with ADHDers on online dating. Join this conversation on the dopamine chase that can happen while using dating apps, and setting boundaries with yourself. Related resourcesDr. Pollard's websiteA dating coach talks ADHD and super-connectingADHD and emotionsTimestamps(01:58) ADHD and online dating challenges(09:17) Hyperfocusing on dating, and how to slow down(11:41) “Marketing yourself” on online dating, and how to show the whole picture of who you are(14:01) Figure out your “filter” for online matches, and include offline dating in addition to online(17:03) Snap judgements, biases, and discrimination(19:02) Feeling overwhelmed? Do what feels best for you(20:02) ADHD disclosure on dating profiles(22:42) Best practices for ADHDers to build meaningful relationshipsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.In theory, online dating can feel like an easy, low-stakes solution to meeting people. But in practice, there are a few pitfalls that many fall into. With ADHD, dating apps can pose even more challenges and be an additional drag on your attention. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Shauna Pollard visits the show to talk about what she's noticed while working with ADHDers on online dating. Join this conversation on the dopamine chase that can happen while using dating apps, and setting boundaries with yourself. Related resourcesDr. Pollard's websiteA dating coach talks ADHD and super-connectingADHD and emotionsTimestamps(01:58) ADHD and online dating challenges(09:17) Hyperfocusing on dating, and how to slow down(11:41) “Marketing yourself” on online dating, and how to show the whole picture of who you are(14:01) Figure out your “filter” for online matches, and include offline dating in addition to online(17:03) Snap judgements, biases, and discrimination(19:02) Feeling overwhelmed? Do what feels best for you(20:02) ADHD disclosure on dating profiles(22:42) Best practices for ADHDers to build meaningful relationshipsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

This week I'm talking with Jaye Lin — ADHD podcaster and community builder — who brings a uniquely grounded perspective on what it actually takes to work with our brains instead of constantly trying to outsmart them. I got to know Jaye at the 2024 ADHD Conference in Anaheim, where we met at a party hosted by the Attention Different crew (that's an upcoming podcast with them as well). It was great because I had already been introduced to Jaye through her excellent podcast on Understood.org Tips From an ADHD Coach on the MissUnderstood: ADHD in Women channel. And it turns out she's been a long-time listener of this show, so some great serendipity with us running into each other. Jaye is a former Google Administrative Business Partner, where she co-founded the ADHD-Women@Google employee resource group and became their first ADHD-trained peer coach. She has recently returned to corporate life but is still coaching, advocating and podcasting on the side. In our conversation, Jaye walks us through the concept of the Optimization Trap — a sneaky little loop that many ADHDers fall into where we spend so much time planning and perfecting an idea that we burn out before we ever start. We get into why finishing often matters more than perfecting, the cognitive cost of creative over-planning. We also talk about how optimization shows up in everyday life: at work, in relationships, when packing for a trip, or even when choosing a podcast mic. If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/219 YouTube Channel My Patreon This Episode's Top Tips Optimize for completion, not perfection. Focus on what will get the task done, not the flashiest or most complex version of it. Try setting a timer for the planning phase. If you are having trouble with optimization, try giving yourself a set amount of time, maybe an hour, so you don't get stuck endlessly researching or brainstorming. Be sure to schedule regular reevaluations of your planning. We don't want to get stuck with an outdated plan that we're not really using. Make time by putting it in your calendar to reassess whether your current path is still the one you want to be on.

Have you ever noticed that your sense of time feels strangely elastic—sometimes minutes drag on endlessly, and other times hours vanish in a blink? If you have ADHD, this experience likely resonates deeply. This phenomenon, often called "time blindness," significantly impacts everyday life, from managing tasks and deadlines to social interactions and self-care routines.But why exactly is this such a persistent challenge for people with ADHD? Let's delve into the neuroscience behind time perception, understand why this struggle is more pronounced for ADHDers, and explore evidence-backed strategies and tools to help navigate daily life more effectively.⏰Understanding Time Blindness In ADHD brains, several neural networks responsible for tracking and managing time are impacted, including the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. These areas are essential for precise time estimation, maintaining attention, and executing planned actions. Neuroimaging studies have shown reduced activity in these regions among individuals with ADHD, leading to significant impairments in accurately perceiving and managing time.Dopamine dysregulation also profoundly impacts time perception. Dopamine is critical for sustaining attention, regulating motivation, and anticipating rewards. In ADHD, irregular dopamine signaling leads the brain to rely excessively on external stimulation to perceive the passing of time, causing difficulties in maintaining an internal sense of timing.

Ever wake up determined to tackle something important like my house declutter project, only to find yourself scrolling Instagram at 7PM with nothing done? In this video, I explain what's happening when your ADHD brain WANTS to do something but physically can't start.I break down:Why having interest and emotional connection to outcomes ISN'T ENOUGH with ADHDWhat's happening when your brain freezes looking at big projectsMy personal "head, heart, hands" check-in method to identify what's blocking youHow micro-tasks create the dopamine kickstart needed for momentumWhy body doubling creates "magic" for ADHDersRemember: You're not lazy or broken! Your task avoidance isn't a character flaw—it's literally your prefrontal cortex lacking energy. Learn how to work WITH your ADHD brain instead of fighting it.

In Part 2 of her conversation, Sara Lobkovich doesn't just tell us what strategy is—she shows us who it's for. Her book, You Are a Strategist, is more than a guide to OKRs or goal-setting. It's a toolkit for people who've always felt misaligned, misunderstood, or mislabeled in traditional business environments. Drawing from her own experience as a trauma survivor, neurodivergent thinker, and late-diagnosed ADHD strategist, Sara offers business frameworks that finally include the rest of us. For Gen Xers who never fit the mold but always saw the system clearly, this episode is both validation and a user manual.>>From Law School to Strategy Misfit“I never got the interview. I didn't have the right name on my résumé.”Sara reflects on being locked out of big-name strategy firms—and how that exclusion pushed her to build her own frameworks, grounded in human insight, not prestige.>>Strategy as Shared Language“The simplest tech in business? Words that mean the same thing to everyone.”Sara breaks down how misalignment over simple terms like ‘strategy' or ‘goals' can waste human energy—and how her frameworks give teams a shared starting point.>>The Book That Became a Love Letter“I wrote the book I needed—and cried when I read the proof.”She shares how You Are a Strategist evolved from a workbook on goal-setting into a deeply personal guide for people who feel unseen in traditional business culture.>>A Toolkit for the Misunderstood“This book is for introverts, ADHDers, trauma survivors, frustrated changemakers.”Sara explains why her audience matters—and how her tools were designed for people often left out of business conversations but full of unrealized insight.>>Leading Through Questions, Not Performances“Strategy is asking the question no one else is asking—then listening.”She closes by reframing leadership as a curiosity-driven practice, not a performance—and why the most powerful change-makers are often the ones who feel like outsiders._____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sara Lobkovich --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.12 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>140,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.

Jim poses the question stated in the title, and Saab helps him figure this out with the help of her #CoachSaab learnings. They discuss blunting emotions, panic attacks, and why it's important to actually deal with your emotions.If you enjoyed this episode, you might be interested in joining us at jimandsaab.com where Jim also goes more in depth about his experience with anxiety, and chaoscontrolclub.com where Saab helps individuals with ADHD (and even non-ADHDers) manage their day-to-day chaos! A live session of Wake Up Less Anxious with Jim is happening tonight, April 14, at 7PM–exclusive to our jimandsaab.com Podtrons! If you need a safe space to voice frustrations with managing anxiety in your daily life, or just a moment of peace, come join us :)

Introduction:* Hi there, and welcome—or welcome back—to Authentically ADHD! I'm [Your Name], your host, fellow ADHDer, and your guide through the beautifully chaotic, wildly creative, and sometimes frustrating world of the ADHD brain.* Now, let me ask you something—have you ever heard someone say, “ADHD isn't real, it's just an excuse,” or “Oh, everyone gets distracted sometimes”? Maybe you've even doubted yourself, wondering, Am I really struggling, or am I just not trying hard enough?* Well, my friend, if any of that sounds familiar, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving headfirst into the tangled web of myths and misconceptions that surround ADHD—the ones that leave people feeling misunderstood, dismissed, and frustrated.* But here's the good news: we're bringing the facts. The real, science-backed, brain-imaging, peer-reviewed, expert-approved truth about ADHD. Together, we're going to bust these myths wide open and replace them with knowledge, empowerment, and maybe even a few lightbulb moments along the way.* Are you ready? Lets get started!Segment 1: Debunking Common MythsADHD has been misunderstood for decades, leading to myths that undermine the experiences of those who live with it. In this segment, we'll break down two of the most common and damaging misconceptions about ADHD, using historical context and scientific research to separate fact from fiction.Myth 1: ADHD Isn't a Real Disorder—It's Just an Excuse for LazinessOne of the most pervasive myths about ADHD is that it isn't a legitimate medical condition—that it's just an excuse for laziness, lack of motivation, or poor self-control. But the reality is that ADHD has been recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder by leading medical organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).Historical Context & Scientific RecognitionADHD has been documented for centuries. As early as 1798, Scottish physician Sir Alexander Crichton described a condition in children characterized by inattentiveness and restlessness. In the early 20th century, researchers began studying what was then called “Minimal Brain Dysfunction,” a term that later evolved into ADHD as our understanding of the condition deepened.In 1968, the American Psychiatric Association formally recognized what we now know as ADHD in the second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II), calling it “Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood.” Over the decades, extensive research has led to refinements in the diagnostic criteria, demonstrating that ADHD is not just a childhood disorder but one that persists into adulthood for many individuals.Neurological Studies & Brain Imaging EvidenceThanks to advancements in neuroscience, we now have concrete evidence that ADHD is a real, measurable brain-based disorder. Brain imaging studies, including fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans, have revealed key differences in the brains of individuals with ADHD compared to neurotypical individuals.* Structural Differences: Research shows that people with ADHD often have smaller volumes in certain brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like planning, impulse control, and attention regulation.* Dopamine Deficiency: ADHD is closely linked to dysfunction in the brain's dopamine system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in motivation and reward processing. In people with ADHD, dopamine transporters clear the neurotransmitter too quickly, leading to difficulties with sustained attention, impulse control, and task persistence.* Delayed Brain Maturation: Studies have shown that the brains of children with ADHD tend to develop more slowly in key areas related to self-regulation and decision-making. This doesn't mean they're incapable—it just means their developmental timeline is different.So, ADHD isn't an excuse—it's a well-documented neurodevelopmental condition backed by decades of scientific research.Myth 2: ADHD Is Just a Lack of Discipline or Bad ParentingAnother damaging misconception is that ADHD is caused by a lack of discipline or ineffective parenting. This myth suggests that children (and adults) with ADHD simply need to “try harder” or that parents should be stricter to “fix” their child's behavior. However, scientific research overwhelmingly shows that ADHD is rooted in biology, not upbringing.Biological & Genetic FactorsADHD has a strong genetic component, meaning that if a parent has ADHD, their child is significantly more likely to have it as well. Studies estimate that ADHD is about 70-80% heritable, making it one of the most genetically influenced neurodevelopmental disorders.Twin studies have been particularly revealing:* Identical twins (who share nearly 100% of their genes) are much more likely to both have ADHD than fraternal twins (who share about 50% of their genes).* Adoption studies show that children with ADHD are more likely to have biological parents with the condition, regardless of their adoptive environment.Beyond genetics, prenatal and early life factors can also contribute to ADHD, such as:* Premature birth or low birth weight* Prenatal exposure to nicotine, alcohol, or environmental toxins* Differences in brain chemistry and structure that affect attention and impulse controlWhy the Parenting Myth PersistsADHD symptoms—such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity—can often be mistaken for behavioral issues caused by poor discipline. However, research shows that even children raised in highly structured, nurturing environments can still exhibit ADHD symptoms due to the biological nature of the disorder.That said, while parenting does not cause ADHD, it can influence how symptoms manifest. Parenting strategies that focus on understanding, routine, and positive reinforcement can help manage symptoms, but they don't "cure" ADHD.So, next time someone says ADHD is just a discipline issue, remember: it's a neurobiological condition that has been extensively studied, and science proves that it's much more than just “bad behavior.”Segment 2: Understanding ADHD Brain FunctionAlright, now that we've cleared up some of the most damaging myths about ADHD, let's get into the fascinating science of how the ADHD brain actually works. Because trust me—once you understand what's happening behind the scenes, everything starts to make a whole lot more sense.Brain Differences in ADHDOne of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD is that it's just a behavioral issue—when, in reality, it's deeply rooted in brain structure and function. Scientists have spent decades studying ADHD using advanced neuroimaging techniques like MRI and PET scans, and the results are eye-opening.Structural & Functional DifferencesStudies have shown that individuals with ADHD often have differences in the size and activity of certain brain regions compared to neurotypical individuals. Some of the most notable differences include:* Prefrontal Cortex: This is the brain's “CEO” responsible for decision-making, impulse control, focus, and organization. In people with ADHD, this area tends to be smaller and less active, which explains why things like planning, time management, and staying on task can be so challenging.* Basal Ganglia: This region plays a role in movement and reward processing. Researchers have found that people with ADHD often have differences in basal ganglia activity, which can contribute to hyperactivity and difficulty with delayed gratification.* Corpus Callosum: This is the bridge that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Studies suggest that in ADHD, there may be differences in the communication between the two sides, which can affect how efficiently the brain processes information.But the real kicker? It's not just how the ADHD brain is structured—it's how it communicates internally through neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.Dopamine & Norepinephrine: The ADHD Brain's Chemical MessengersDopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters, which are basically tiny messengers that help brain cells communicate. In ADHD, the way these chemicals are processed is different, leading to some of the core symptoms of the condition.* Dopamine: This neurotransmitter plays a major role in motivation, reward, and pleasure. In the ADHD brain, dopamine is often not regulated efficiently, meaning that everyday tasks don't provide the same sense of reward or urgency. That's why boring tasks feel physically painful to start—but something exciting? Instant hyperfocus.* Norepinephrine: This is involved in alertness and attention. In ADHD, there may be lower levels of norepinephrine, making it harder to sustain focus and filter out distractions.So, when people say, “You just need more discipline!”—nope. The ADHD brain is literally wired differently, and it's not a matter of willpower, but of brain chemistry.Executive Function Challenges: Why Organization, Planning & Impulse Control Are HarderNow, let's talk about executive function—because if you have ADHD, this is where the struggle gets real.What Are Executive Functions?Executive functions are the brain's self-management system—the skills that help us plan, prioritize, remember things, control impulses, and regulate emotions. Imagine them like the air traffic control center of your brain, making sure all your mental planes take off and land at the right time.In ADHD, this system doesn't operate as smoothly. It's like running airport operations during a thunderstorm—flights (aka thoughts) get delayed, rerouted, or crash into each other.How ADHD Affects Executive FunctionLet's break down three major executive function challenges and how research helps explain them:* Impulse Control & Inhibition* The prefrontal cortex (which helps with self-control) is less active in ADHD brains. This means impulsivity can take over—blurting things out, interrupting, acting before thinking.* Studies show that people with ADHD struggle more with delayed gratification, meaning the brain craves immediate rewards rather than long-term goals.* Working Memory & Mental Organization* Working memory is what helps us hold information in our minds while we use it—like remembering why you walked into a room or following multi-step directions.* Research shows that ADHD brains have weaker working memory abilities, which explains why you can read an email and forget what it said seconds later.* Planning & Time Management* Time perception in ADHD is fundamentally different. The ADHD brain doesn't track time linearly—it's either Now or Not Now.* MRI studies show less activation in the brain's time management areas, which explains why deadlines feel so distant—until they suddenly don't, and it's a full-blown panic.Real-World ExampleLet's say you have a report due in two weeks. A neurotypical brain naturally breaks it down: Start researching today, write a draft next week, and finalize it before the deadline.But an ADHD brain? It's like: ❌ “Plenty of time, I'll get to it later…” ❌ Forgets about it entirely. ❌ Remembers the night before and enters full panic mode.This isn't laziness—it's an actual difference in brain processing.Final Thoughts for This SegmentThe more we understand the science behind ADHD, the more we can work with our brains instead of against them. The next time you feel frustrated with yourself for forgetting something or struggling to focus, remember—it's not a character flaw. It's brain wiring.And the best part? Once you understand how your brain works, you can start using strategies that actually help. We'll get into that soon, but first—let's talk about the impact of these myths and misunderstandings on people with ADHD.Segment 3: The Impact of Myths on Individuals with ADHDAlright, now that we've broken down what ADHD actually is—and what it isn't—let's talk about something just as important: how these myths affect the people who live with ADHD every single day. Because as much as misinformation is frustrating, it's also harmful. The stigma and misunderstandings surrounding ADHD don't just exist in conversations or on social media—they have real, lasting consequences on self-esteem, relationships, education, and even career opportunities.The Weight of Stigma: The Psychological Toll of ADHD MythsImagine being told your whole life that you're just not trying hard enough. That if you cared more or were more disciplined, you'd be fine. For many people with ADHD, this is their reality. And over time, that kind of messaging doesn't just hurt—it starts to shape the way you see yourself.Research shows that individuals with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, often because they've internalized these damaging narratives. When society tells you that ADHD isn't real, or that you're just being lazy, it's easy to start believing it yourself.Personal Stories: Living in the Shadow of MisinformationLet me share a story—one that might sound familiar to a lot of you.Take Sarah, for example. She was diagnosed with ADHD in her late 20s after struggling for years in school and at work. Growing up, she was always told, “You have so much potential if you'd just apply yourself.” Teachers called her distracted and unfocused, and when she forgot assignments or lost track of time, they chalked it up to irresponsibility.By the time she got to adulthood, she believed she was just bad at life. She thought she was a failure because no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't keep up with deadlines, stay organized, or focus in meetings. When she finally got diagnosed, it was a relief—but also heartbreaking. She realized she had spent years blaming herself for something that wasn't her fault.Stories like Sarah's aren't uncommon. The lack of understanding about ADHD doesn't just cause frustration—it can lead to deep feelings of shame and inadequacy. And when people don't have access to the right information, they might not seek the help they need, delaying proper treatment and support.This is why busting these myths matters. Because when we replace misinformation with education, we empower people to see their ADHD not as a flaw, but as a different way of thinking that comes with its own strengths and challenges.Segment 4: Dispelling Myths with ScienceNow that we've explored the harm that myths can cause, let's shift gears and talk about what actually works. ADHD isn't just “solved” by working harder or forcing yourself to focus—it requires evidence-based strategies that help support brain function, reduce symptoms, and make everyday life more manageable.Evidence-Based Treatments for ADHDDespite what some might say, ADHD is treatable. No, there's no magic “cure” that will make it disappear, but there are science-backed approaches that can significantly improve focus, impulse control, and overall well-being.1. Medication: A Tool, Not a CrutchADHD medications—like stimulants (such as Adderall and Ritalin) and non-stimulants (like Strattera)—help regulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. And despite common myths, they aren't about dulling someone's personality or making them dependent.Instead, think of medication as glasses for the ADHD brain—they don't change who you are, but they help things come into focus. Studies show that stimulant medications are effective for about 70-80% of people with ADHD, improving focus, impulse control, and working memory.2. Behavioral Therapies: Rewiring the ADHD BrainCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and ADHD coaching are powerful tools that help people develop skills to manage symptoms. Therapy can help with:* Time management and organization strategies* Emotional regulation techniques* Reframing negative self-talk that stems from years of feeling “not good enough”3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Daily Habits That Make a DifferenceADHD management goes beyond just medication and therapy—small lifestyle changes can make a huge impact. Some research-backed strategies include:* Exercise: Regular movement helps boost dopamine and improve focus.* Sleep hygiene: ADHD brains often struggle with sleep regulation, but prioritizing rest can help with focus and impulse control.* Diet and nutrition: While food isn't a “cure,” balanced meals with protein and healthy fats can support brain function.Educational & Workplace Accommodations: Setting People Up for SuccessOne of the most damaging myths about ADHD is that people just need to “push through” and “work harder” to succeed. But the truth is, when people with ADHD get the right accommodations, they thrive.1. ADHD in School: The Power of AccommodationsIn educational settings, simple supports can make a world of difference. Some examples include:* Extended time on tests or assignments to accommodate slower processing speeds.* Alternative work environments (like quiet spaces) to reduce distractions.* Access to audiobooks or speech-to-text software for students who struggle with reading or writing.Studies have shown that students with ADHD perform significantly better when given these accommodations—proving that the issue isn't about intelligence or effort, but about creating the right environment for learning.2. ADHD in the Workplace: Creating an ADHD-Friendly Career PathMany adults with ADHD struggle in traditional 9-to-5 jobs, not because they're incapable, but because workplaces aren't always designed for neurodivergent minds. Some game-changing accommodations include:* Flexible work schedules (because forcing focus at 8 AM doesn't work for everyone).* Task management tools and deadline reminders to support executive function.* Clear, written instructions rather than relying solely on verbal communication.Companies that implement ADHD-friendly policies often see higher productivity and job satisfaction from employees with ADHD. Because when people are supported, they do their best work.Final Thoughts: ADHD is Real, and So Are the SolutionsSo, let's bring it all together. ADHD is real, it's biological, and it's not caused by laziness or bad parenting. Myths and misinformation can be damaging, but when we replace them with knowledge and understanding, we empower individuals with ADHD to embrace who they are and access the support they deserve.If you take away one thing from this episode, let it be this: You are not broken. You are not lazy. Your brain just works differently—and that's okay. With the right tools, strategies, and support, you can build a life that works with your brain, not against it.

What happens when two ADHDers realize there's more to the story? In this deeply personal and exploratory episode, Eric is joined by his friend and fellow coach, Portia Jackson Preston, for an honest, vulnerable, and unmasked conversation about discovering—later in life—that they're not just ADHD… they're also autistic. April is Autism Acceptance Month and there's no better time to peel back the layers. Eric and Portia share their parallel journeys of exploring what it means to be AuDHD, how autism was hiding in plain sight for both of them, and how late diagnosis is reshaping their self-understanding, their relationships, their parenting, and their work. Together, they unpack: What unmasking looks like—and feels like—especially when it's not a conscious choice Why self-diagnosis is valid and often necessary How intersecting identities impact recognition and diagnosis The grief and growth that come with seeing your past through a new lens Why autistic burnout hit both of them so hard (and what they're doing now to recover) And how this shift is impacting their businesses, boundaries, and sense of self You'll also hear about how EMDR therapy played a pivotal role in both of their journeys, how the Johari Window concept reframed Eric's understanding of his blind spots, and how reconnecting with their full, authentic selves has allowed for deeper joy—even in the weirdest places (like dancing at a Phish show with hand flaps in full glory). This is the kind of conversation that gives others permission to explore, to question, and to be.

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she kicks off Autism Acceptance Month! We're welcoming back special guest, Dr. Stacy Greeter, MD— a psychiatrist who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience as an autistic ADHDer with OCD. Nicole and Stacy dive into what it really means to provide neurodivergent-affirming care—from teasing apart compulsions vs. regulation, to the role of medication, and why behavioral therapies like ABA are so controversial in the autistic community. You'll also hear real-life examples, challenges with diagnosis and support systems, and how we can move toward care that prioritizes autonomy, authenticity, and collaboration—especially for folks navigating the intersection of autism and OCD. Join us!

Dr Ned Hallowell is a Harvard educated psychiatrist, author, and the world's No.1 authority on ADHD. Today, in this special bonus virtual episode, he shares how you can level up your ADHD! Chapters: 00:19 Common ADHD tough patches 01:28 Common ADHD blind spots 03:50 What can feeling lost, or different, do to the human brain and its development? 10:22 Why is it important to fit "into the pack" and what effect does it have on a person's self-esteem 13:02 In a person's upbringing, how important is it to have the understanding and support of their parents 16:15 Evolutionary, what effect does our parent's opinion have on us that is specific to that parental relationship? 22:41 Do we seek our parent's approval even if we believe them to be wrong? 28:40 What are some common comments ADHDers might receive from Neurotypicals 32:18 With childhood trauma, I've heard that you stay at the age you are when this trauma is inflicted, is this true and why does it keep you stuck in this time? 34:22 How can having people constantly doubting you or seeing your eccentricities as faults impact your self-esteem and then inflict on that person's capacity for shame? 37:47 What is shame and does shame have a purpose? 52:25 How to conquer the ‘boom and bust' cycle 01:01:03 Is it a curse to suffer from RSD, or can it be a blessing to feel emotions so deeply? 01:03:55 Other than just "fitting in", does masking serve other purposes? 01:05:32 Do you think people mask because it's is a good way to not have the "true them" rejected? 01:06:04 What would you say to the female community who have had a diagnosis later in their life 01:09:16 What would you say to the ADHD community who have been told that they are "too much" in past relationships 01:12:10 Can being misunderstood manifest itself in anger or even hatred? 01:15:01 Have you experienced people with ADHD in your practice that are so overwhelmed that they just can't function 01:19:42 Do you have a mental list of eccentric behaviours that, if there are some undiagnosed people watching, might help them put 2 and 2 together and seek a diagnosis 01:24:11 ADHD positives 01:30:30 Reframing ADHD to VAST 01:33:45 For those listening at home now who are thinking "I really wish I didn't have this ADHD thing" in two minutes, explain to them why they should want it. Dr. Hallowell's website: https://drhallowell.com/ Buy Ned's books

This episode features Niamh Mannion the founder of My Friend In Sex Ed. Emily and Niamh discuss: ADHD How ADHD can have positive impacts on relationships Other ways ADHD could impact relationships Rejection sensitivity Oversharing How a neurotypical or non-ADHDer can support an ADHD partner FOLLOW US on Instagram @thatsorgasmicSend your comments, questions and stories to: emilyduncan@thatsorgasmic.com To book a session with Emily at Emily Duncan Sexology follow the link: https://www.emilyduncansexology.com/ Leave a review for the chance to receive a discounted session with Emily at Emily Duncan Sexology. Subscribe to my Sunroom: https://sunroom.so/thatsorgasmic (sign up on their website for 30% off my membership) Niamh's website Niamh's InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever struggled with feeding yourself consistently, felt overwhelmed by meal planning, or wondered how ADHD impacts your relationship with food—this episode is for you. I sat down with Becca King, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified intuitive eating counselor who also happens to have ADHD herself. Becca's story is incredibly relatable and eye-opening. She shares how her ADHD played a role in her past eating disorder, and how she now uses that lived experience to help other ADHDers find food freedom without shame or restriction.In this conversation, we explore how dopamine, executive dysfunction, sensory issues, and emotional regulation all intersect with eating behaviors. We also talk about what disordered eating actually looks like (it's more common than you think) and how to start building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food. Becca's weight-inclusive approach is all about permission over perfection, and her advice is both practical and compassionate. You'll walk away from this episode with real, ADHD-friendly tools to help you nourish your body without the guilt.Becca King is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor from Charlotte, North Carolina. As an adult with ADHD who struggled for years with disordered eating, Becca is passionate about helping other adults with ADHD who struggle with binge eating, chronic dieting, and body image issues find food freedom and improve their self-esteem. She uses the Principles of Intuitive Eating and a weight-inclusive approach to nutrition for ADHD in her virtual practice. Episode Highlights:[0:58] – Meet Becca King, RDN: Her journey with ADHD and disordered eating.[6:03] – Finding the connection between ADHD and private practice dietetics.[7:06] – How her eating disorder developed and tied into ADHD symptoms.[9:57] – The role of dopamine in disordered eating.[10:22] – Why so many ADHDers struggle with binge eating and food regulation.[12:51] – Defining disordered eating and how it manifests in ADHDers.[16:40] – Living in recovery and developing healthier coping tools.[18:25] – Emotional dysregulation, sensory issues, and other overlooked triggers.[22:20] – Real talk about ARFID, safe foods, and honoring sensory needs.[24:54] – Mindful eating and how it actually looks for ADHD brains.[27:33] – Simple, realistic advice for feeding yourself with ADHD.[30:50] – Debunking the fear around processed foods and shortcuts.[33:57] – Intermittent fasting and ADHD—what you really need to know.[37:19] – Becca's upcoming book and her practical nutrition philosophy.[38:55] – Final advice: Let go of "shoulds" and find what works for you. Connect with Becca King:Follow Becca King on Instagram: @adhd.nutritionistBecca's Book: How to Eat Well for Adults with ADHD – Available on Amazon and major booksellersThank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

Isabelle and David continue to explore how an official ADHD or autism or AuDHD diagnosis might be a useful bridge to belong to a community. But what about the people who see these labels as pathologizing, including famous ADHD researchers like Dr. Russell Barkely? David and Isabelle explore some of the ways that thinking of ADHD from the negatives only and leaves people using the label not as a tool for empowerment, self-understanding, and advocacy--but as an excuse. Furthermore, what about labels like "Asperger's" (low-support need/high-masking autism) that has its roots in Nazi extermination camps? Neuropsychs Explored Part III.---The pro to identifying as having ADHD that David now understands, that he didn't understand years ago, was that it allows you to fit into a culture and a group differently. He walked into a room in his 30's (at an Eye-to-Eye conference) and found himself fitting in. David needed the label to understand himself. He brings up Dr. Russell Barkley and his research—Isabelle jumps in with a factoid about Barkley's twin who had ADHD and addiction issues and died in a car accident…which helps give her context for why Barkley is so big on ADHD being a risk factor while driving. David wants to make it clear—it is a tragic story, and he's not about casting anyone as evil or bad—but Barkeley's work does do a number on people's self esteem. They look at his research and think they can't change and they start to use ADHD as an excuse, not an explanation. It's important to have compassion for people, he does talk a lot about addiction and car crashes, and we all have sad parts of our past, and its what we do now that matters. When he's talking to a room for non-ADHDers, they tend to think that people with ADHD are less, rather than more. He likes folk music and David likes rap, and David is not going to pretend to like folk music. Isabelle names that she tries to make sense of something so dehumanizing, like the six hour training she sat through of his that left her in tears, gaining some context for his story gave her a chance to reduce how slimed she felt. Knowing why does decrease suffering. Isabelle has seen a lot of hostility and backlash about AuDHD. Autism is a spectrum—yes, there are non speakers and folks with high support needs. But maybe it was what back in the day was called Asperger's, a now unused term. David names that Dr. Asperger was a Nazi (sympathizer?) Who created a line around autism (essentially how high-masking someone was) that determined who lived and died. For more on this deep history of Asperger — check out the links below. Isabelle and David agree to have a way longer conversation on the history of neurodivergence. Isabelle talks more about her neuropsych assessment, including sample questions, and fill in the blank type sentences to write. And she was given a questionnaire to give to someone who knows her well—for kids, this might be both to caregivers and teachers, so they can get data about how the kid is functioning in multiple environments. Isabelle then waits, gets a twenty-some page document, and they sit down and cover it all. Isabelle has in the months between first hearing the neuropsychologist state that she meets criteria for autism, confirming her suspicions, she went on a deep dive on all these pieces of information. Isabelle felt the fear of having this diagnosis taken away from her felt so deeply. It was so hard, even just listening to the summary, she wanted to skip to the end (another autistic trait, she is learning, wanting to know the context so she can track what's being described or knowing where it's going), and she yes, she has autism, and she burst into tears. Isabelle finally has an answer to the riddle, which a chunk of it related to ADHD, but this is another part of the mystery, like she has been looking in funhouse mirrors her whole life, and now she has an accurate reflection of who she is, like a real, non-distorted mirror. She also has “severe” ADHD. David and Isabelle dig in with how negative this criteria is (which, side note, connects to Barkley's research). Are we weather systems? Are we severely awesome? Maybe we change it to extremely? Gah. Asperger's and the history of neurodivergence Articles and books on Dr. Russell Barkley Known as a big researcher of ADHD, does really good research, and pushes forward a lot of diagnostic criteria and is in a position of power changing the game for a lot of humans. The caveat that Isabelle and David often make is that: he takes a really doom and gloom, pathologizing perspective (which are scary research-based bits of information).  Asperger's Autism: you have 40% chance of ADHD, and then DEFINITIONSNote: “Neuropsych” is shorthand for BOTH a neuropsychological assessment or a neuropsychologist (which is confusing).Neuropsychologist is "an expert in how brain injuries and conditions affect your behavior, mood and thinking skills. They perform neuropsychological evaluations to assess how your brain and mind are working and suggest treatment plans." (Source: Cleveland Clinic).A neuropsychological assessment is a series of interviews and tests (computer, written, drawing, solving puzzles, etc. no magnets, radiation, electrodes, or medical procedures involved) — the type of test is based on what is being explored. This battery (or collection) of tests, often done across multiple sessions, help a neuropsychologist determine a psychological diagnosis, treatment plan, and get a sense of how your brain works. Typically recommended by school systems/medical system to assess kids to help figure out what learning differences and accommodations may be helpful, but these assessments are not just for kids! Adults can use them to gain self-understanding, establish a baseline (if dementia or high-risk contact sports play is involved), or even figure out what parts of your brain have been injured or might be affected by brain surgery. Because kids grow and development so much, they are often redone every 2-4 years. Here's more on neuropsychological assessments from the Cleveland Clinic.Stimming (aka "Self-Stimulatory Behavior) -originally attributed to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but also occurs in neurodivergent AND neurotypical or allistic (non-autistic) folks. It means repetitive physical movements, sounds, or actions that someone engages in (aka leg bouncing, finger tapping, hand flapping, twirling hair, humming, repeating words, staring, pacing, doodling, playing with fidgets, chewing gum, smelling or touching things..so many stims!).Useful for: so many things! For when your senses are overloaded or your understimulated, can help you focus and concentrate, can be a way to learn about or interact with your environment, or to cope with anxiety, stress, excitement, or big feels.Masking: when neurodivergent individuals pretend to be neurotypical, hide or minimize their stims, and even pretend they have the same reasons for doing things (like Isabelle saying "yes, I'm antsy" when she's pacing, when really she feels good and grounded when she paces or goes from room to room).

Is your ADHD brain completely shutting down? In this podcast, I break down the 3 distinct types of burnout that affect ADHDers and exactly how to recover from each one. As an ADHD coach, I've seen these patterns countless times with my clients (and myself!).You'll learn:✓ How to recognize the warning signs before total burnout hits✓ The difference between Task Burnout, Masking Burnout & Boredom Burnout✓ Practical strategies to recover your energy and focus✓ How to manage your dopamine levels to prevent future crashesIf you've ever felt like your brain just "stopped working," this video is for you. Drop a comment letting me know which type of burnout you struggle with most!#ADHD #ADHDWomen #ADHDBurnout #Neurodivergent #ADHDTips

Ever feel like you're starring in a one-person play called Totally Fine, I Swear? Masking in recovery is real—faking confidence around food, forcing yourself to eat like everyone else, or pretending things aren't harder than they actually are. And for neurodivergent folks, masking isn't just a habit—it's survival. Many autistic and ADHDers learn early on to camouflage their struggles, and that absolutely carries over into eating disorder recovery. In this solo episode, we're getting real about why we mask, how it messes with healing, and what unmasking can actually look like (spoiler: it's not about forcing yourself to “just be authentic” overnight). If you've ever felt like recovery is a performance, let's shake off the script and talk about what's actually going on. Listen to another SOLO episode, in which I talk about my overall eating disorder recovery journey (listen via Apple or Spotify).  CHECK OUT OTHER EPISODES ON NEURODIVERSITY & EATING DISORDERS! Rejection Sensitivity Disorder (RSD) & Eating Disorders: The Emotional Toll of Feeling "Too Much" on Apple & Spotify. When Eating Disorder Care is NOT Neurodivergent-Affirming on Apple & Spotify. Navigating ADHD, Eating Disorders, and Sensory Sensitivities on Apple & Spotify. Overexercising, ADHD, and Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Personal Neurodivergent Stories on Apple & Spotify. INTERESTED IN HANGING OUT MORE IN DR. MARIANNE-LAND? Follow me on Instagram @drmariannemiller Check out my virtual, self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating course In the US, UK, Canada, or Australia? Chat with me about my online binge eating program that provides 1:1 virtual coaching support and online curriculum. It is called the Elite Binge Eating Recovery Method. Need a place to start? Check out my self-paced, virtual, anti-diet, subscription-based curriculum. It is called Dr. Marianne-Land's Binge Eating Recovery Membership. Live in California, Texas, or Washington D.C. and interested in eating disorder therapy with me? Sign up for a free, 15-minute phone consultation HERE or via my website, and I'll get you to where you need to be! Check out my blog. Want more information? Email me at hello@mariannemiller.com

On this episode, I'm sharing a transformative system that has eliminated my impulse spending by using something called a "token economy" with gold stars that can be redeemed for desired purchases. This approach bridges the dopamine gap for ADHDers like you and me by providing immediate, tangible rewards for positive financial behaviors.• Token economies provide external rewards that help ADHD brains connect daily actions to long-term outcomes• The system creates your own "currency" earned through completing chores, habits, and financial behaviors• The system teaches your brain to weigh desire against effort, creating a natural spending pause• Over time, this approach reduces overall desire for impulse purchasesVisit ADHDMoneyTalk.com to share your experience if you try this system or to ask questions for the show.Interested in working with me 1:1? Check out my brand new ADHD Financial Kickstarter service: a 90-minute call with me where we dive deep on your money beliefs and financial picture. Within 7 days, you'll get a personalized roadmap designed to help you transform your relationship with money for good.Head to shamelessmoney.com/adhd-financial-kickstart to learn more.Struggling with money chaos and ADHD? Start your money transformation with my ADHD Financial Kickstarter session. A one on one meeting where we'll dive into into your unique situation and build a personalized roadmap tailored to you. No generic advice—just clear, actionable steps to transform your relationship with money. One premium session, one comprehensive plan, zero subscriptions. Book your call today! shamelessmoney.com/adhd-financial-kickstartLearn more about ADHD-friendly financial coaching Follow me on YouTubeSubscribe to the newsletter

We’re kicking off Season 7 with a deep dive into learning and memory – this one’s for the nerds out there! We cover: Four stages of memory: perceiving, encoding, retaining, and retrieving. What can affect perceiving and encoding; the ‘front end’ of memory. Different types of memory, including working memory, short term memory, long term memory, and different kinds of long-term memory. What can affect our longer-term memory. Learning and memory in neurodivergent brains. The impact of hormonal changes for women and AFAB folk on memory. Tips and strategies for supporting memory. We've had some requests for the study on ADHD, attention, and movement that we mentioned. Here it is (by Rassovsky & Alfassi, 2019). A Google Scholar search will also yield plenty of additional studies around the benefits of movement for ADHDers. Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question! Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod. Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here. Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becca King, MS, RDN, is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor from Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Women's Studies from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Winthrop University.  Becca is an adult with ADHD, who struggled for years with disordered eating and chronic dieting, eventually healing her relationship with food through untuitive eating. In July 2020, Becca founded ADHD Nutritionist LLC to help ADHDers work with their brains so they can eat in a way that makes them feel their best mentally and physically. Her virtual private practice supports adults and teens with ADHD, who struggle with binge eating, chronic dieting, and body image issues, heal their relationship with food, and find food fredom. Becca's popular Instagram page The ADHD Nutritionist, is the the #1 page for content relating to ADHD and food.  In this episode, Becca shares her insights on the best nutrition practices for adults with ADHD, quick and easy meal ideas, the struggles of ADHD, and the effect of the various stages of the menstrual cycle on women with ADHD. Learn more about Becca here: https://sites.google.com/adhdnutritionistllc.com/smallgroupcoaching/home Instagram: @adhd.nutritionist Ger her book How to Eat Well for Adults with ADHD  - a practical guide that provides expert but approachable advice for ADHDers on all of the aspects of eating well—from food shopping to meal prepping to nutrition: https://amzn.to/3E2XndL CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 1:40 Most important nutrition advice for ADHD 8:10 Intuitive eating for ADHD 16:00 Quick & easy meal ideas 25:55 Struggling with nutrition 35:20 Superpowers of ADHD 38:10 ADHD women & cycle

For adults who are questioning if they are Autistic, ADHD, etc., there is often an exploratory and somewhat confusing phase where they feel in between two different identities.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jak Levine-Pritzker, ADHD coach and founder of Authentically ADHD LLC, about the nuances of navigating identity when exploring the possibility of an autism diagnosis, as well as the effect of facing internalized ableism and external input throughout the assessment process.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn about Jak's personal experiences with the questioning of fitting into or out of diagnostic criteria, especially when examining overlapping traits between ADHD and autism.Gain insights into the complexities and nuances of the assessment process for neurodivergent conditions, exploring both the quantitative and qualitative aspects that go beyond standardized tests.Discover the evolving understanding of neurotypes, including the impact of self-identification on assessments and the relevance of organizing principles like monotropism and flow state.As you reflect on your own journey or support others in their quest for clarity, remember to ask questions, be mindful that neurodivergent experiences and diagnoses are full of grey areas and overlapping traits, and if you choose to seek a diagnosis, try to approach it with an open mind.More about Jak:Jak Levine-Pritzker(she/her) is an ADHD coach, mental health advocate, and founder of Authentically ADHD LLC. With an online community of over 90k people and a robust coaching practice, she has empowered thousands of ADHDers to heal their internalized ableism and shame and design a life that *actually* works for their brains using a strengths-based approach.Jak is passionate about normalizing and depathologizing what it means to be human, especially a neurodivergent (and queer) human. She shares openly about her own lived experience navigating ADHD, OCD, depression, PMDD, and grief. She truly believes that people with ADHD are not disordered or broken and can live wonderfully successful, fulfilling lives when given the proper support, resources, and environment to thrive.In what feels like another multiverse, she received a law degree from CUNY Queens with clinical training in mediation. She is from upstate NY and currently lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her cat, Zen.Check out Jak's online membership (authenticallyadhd.com/membership)! It is an online community for 18+ ADHD adults. There are coaching calls, socials, body doubles, weekly/monthly resets, and more. It is a lovely community and sliding scale starts at $19/month but no one is turned away for lack of funds.Website: authenticallyadhd.comInstagram: instagram.com/authenticallyadhd ***This episode is the 8th of 10 episodes that Divergent Conversations is re-releasing for 2025. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content, resources, and guests in a couple of months.ANNOUNCEMENT: We're extending our break a few additional episodes. If you want more information on what is happening with Dr. Neff and Neurodivergent Insights, you can read about it using the following link, as well as learn how to connect with and support their work:

Hello tiny little ADHD besties, this episode is the official symposium on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (see: don't RSD), that we have curated from our stunning back catalogue and put together for you to share with people that you might have RSD'd on or around or near so that they understand what it is and why it's the yuck.

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today is family man, entrepreneur and CEO, Mike Dos Santos. Mike is the CEO of Versatile Studios, a production studio with offices worldwide, the creator of Versa Battery and Co-Founder of Crane Properties LLC and Crane Property Holdings LLC. Mike is also a former partner in One Drop Rentals and a former director for Quixote Studios New York. Today, Mike shares how he has learned to stay focused amidst his busy schedule and he and Peter discuss how exercise has been a game changer for both of their careers.  Born and raised in Boston, Mike was drawn to photography at an early age and graduated from Northeastern University in 2003 with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Photography. Mike completed his photography degree at the New England School of Photography and started in the photo industry as an assistant, worked in digital tech, and was a retoucher and photographer before establishing his own digital production studio, Versatile Studios, in Manhattan and Los Angeles. In addition to Versatile Studios, Mike and his partner, Shawna, created Crane Properties, a real estate redevelopment company investing in the North Shore of Boston as well as Crane Property Holdings with real estate holdings across the United States.    [You are now safely here] 00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing! 01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Mike Dos Santos, CEO of Versatile Studios.  03:15 - How Mike juggles his busy schedule with #ADHD. 04:56 - Why trusting your employees is a game-changer for your business.  05:28 - What excites Mike most about his busy days? 07:25 - How to persevere when tasks are boring as someone with #ADHD.   07:58 - Brain.fm to help #ADHDers focus on boring tasks (use this link to get brain.fm for FREE for 30 days exclusively for FTN listeners) 09:32 - How working out first thing in the morning can help #ADHDers to crush the day.  12:18 - Peter and Mike talk about their favorite workouts.  15:05 - Connecting with Mike.  16:06 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! Connecting with Mike: Website: Versatilestudios.com Instagram: @mikedos22 Don't forget to click this LINK to access 30 days of brain.fm for FREE exclusively for Faster Than Normal listeners.  My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman  

Following through is hard enough when everything goes right—but what about when life happens? When motivation was there, the plan was solid, and then… BAM. A curveball knocks you off track. If you have ADHD, you know how hard it is to re-engage after a disruption. So how do you recover without spiraling into guilt and frustration?In this episode, I'm sharing practical strategies for getting back on track when life throws you off course—plus, what to do when you are the reason you didn't follow through. We'll also dig into fascinating research on why working out is literally harder for ADHDers (yep, science backs us up!) and answer a listener's question about emotional regulation. And don't miss it—I'm also giving you an amazing resource that will make follow-through so much easier.

Some people color inside the lines. Others—like Sara Lobkovich—ditch the coloring book altogether and make their own rules. A proud introvert, ADHDer, and change-maker, Sara turned years of navigating life's twists into two books designed to help others do the same. In Part 1, we'll hear how she went from feeling like an outsider to building a thriving career by embracing what makes her different. And in Part 2, we'll break down her books—what's inside, who they're for, and why they actually work.Key Highlights of Our Interview:A Love Letter To Square Pegs Who Don't Fit In"This book is a love letter to me earlier in my career. I know I'm not alone. I know there are so many other people who are having experiences like I did.If I had written this earlier in my life, if I had somehow had the capacity to write this earlier in my life, I would have written a book to people who are strategically wired and feel like they don't fit in a world that's really focused on tactics to people who feel like square pegs in their careers, like we're always a square peg trying to fit into a round hole and just don't fit in."Two Books, One Mission: Simplifying Strategy and Goal Setting“I realized I had two books: one is the No BS OKRs workbook, and the other is about modernized, human-centered strategic planning.”The Moment ‘You Are a Strategist' Became the Book Title I Had to Write“I knew the title had to be ‘You Are a Strategist.' I rewrote the book to deliver on that title.”Empowering Your Inner Strategist: No Matter What Job You Do“You might be a dishwasher, noticing things in the restaurant—there's strategy in everything we do.”_____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sara Lobkovich______________________--Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,TransformationGurus & Bold Hearts.6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.

Some people color inside the lines. Others—like Sara Lobkovich—ditch the coloring book altogether and make their own rules. A proud introvert, ADHDer, and change-maker, Sara turned years of navigating life's twists into two books designed to help others do the same. In Part 1, we'll hear how she went from feeling like an outsider to building a thriving career by embracing what makes her different. And in Part 2, we'll break down her books—what's inside, who they're for, and why they actually work.Key Highlights of Our Interview:The Milk Activist: Chocolate Milk Equality at Age Nine“I successfully petitioned the cafeteria ladies for milk equality… so that the bag lunch kids could also have chocolate milk on Friday.”Job Hopping or Scanning? Redefining a Nonlinear Career“They called it job hopping, but my career coach reframed it as being a ‘scanner' with lots of interests. Turns out, I wasn't hopping, I was just too excited to make things better!”The Burnout Chronicles: From Always-On-the-Go to Needing a Why“I was that guy on the plane, always on the go. My dog lived with my parents for way too long. That lifestyle led me to burnout, and I realized I needed to do things differently.”Curiosity as a Cure: How Staying Curious Helped Me Avoid Feeling Stuck“Curiosity is an antidote to stuckness and anxiety. Later in my career, I developed the ability to always have a playground in my brain—something to learn.”Turning a Job Disappointment into an MBA in Enterprise Politics“Instead of feeling frustrated, I reframed my experience as a mini MBA in navigating large political organizations with resistance to change.”Strategy Isn't About Being the Smartest in the Room—It's About Asking the Right Questions“Being a strategist is not just being the smartest person in the room. It's having a toolkit of questions that uncover facts, spark insight, and develop ideas.”_____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sara Lobkovich______________________--Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,TransformationGurus & Bold Hearts.6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.

How do you balance productivity, rest, growth and self-compassion with ADHD?In this episode, I'm joined by Grace Koelma, ADHD advocate, writer, and creator of the Future ADHD digital planner, which has helped over 80,000 neurodivergent individuals better organise their lives. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 30s, Grace knows firsthand the frustrations of traditional productivity tools and has built a career around helping ADHDers work with—not against—their brains. Together, we discuss the significance of rest, its different forms, and how understanding our unique needs can empower us to lead more fulfilling lives.We dive deep into:✨ Why traditional productivity hacks don't work for ADHD brains (and what does!)✨ The power of personalised planning tools and how they can help reduce stress✨ Why rest isn't just about sleep and understanding the 10 types of rest ADHDers need✨ What ‘clickbait thoughts' are and how to stop them from hijacking your mindset✨ How to break free from shame and embrace a neurodivergent-friendly way of workingTimestamps:

Ever been so locked into a task that the world around you fades away? That's hyperfocus, one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD. Some call it a superpower—but is it really? In this episode of the I Have ADHD Podcast, I break down what hyperfocus actually is, how it impacts ADHDers, and why it's not the magical productivity hack some people think it is.What You'll Learn:Why hyperfocus looks like the opposite of ADHD but still causes major challengesThe hidden cost of hyperfocus (spoiler: neglecting responsibilities, basic needs, and loved ones)The dreaded hyperfocus hangover—why you crash after an intense sessionWhy hyperfocus can't be controlled or summoned at will—and why that mattersHow ADHD medication can help with self-regulation and balanceI also share a free resource that every ADHDer needs: "10 Things I Wish My Doctor Told Me When I Was Diagnosed with ADHD (But Didn't)." Grab it now! Additional Episode Recourses:ADHD Pharmacotherapy and Mortality in ADHDStudy FetchWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

Hey Team! We're back for part two of my conversation with Russ Jones, host of the ADHD Big Brother podcast and head of his community-based ADHD coaching of the same name. In this half of the conversation, we get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually get yourself to do the things you know you need to do—whether that's tackling laundry, setting (and remembering) goals, or just getting yourself unstuck when ADHD inertia takes over. We talk about how traditional goal-setting can fail for ADHDers (and to try and flip that around), why accountability makes everything more manageable, and how structuring tasks in a fun, interest-driven way makes all the difference. Russ also shares some of his best hacks for dealing with executive dysfunction, including gamifying chores, breaking through mental resistance, and using community as a force multiplier for motivation. Now, you don't have to listen the first half of our conversation to get a lot out of this episode, but just know that this is part two. If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/214 All right, keep on listening to find out how to build momentum, follow through, and stop getting stuck at the starting line. This Episode's Top Tips When you're stuck in a rut, having people who believe in you (even when you don't believe in yourself) is a game-changer. This is one of the places where having a strong community can really help you flourish. Traditional goal-setting doesn't always work. If you're finding yourself stuck, try a “Reverse Mountain” Approach: Instead of imagining the goal at the top, imagine yourself at the top and let momentum pull you down, guiding your each next step towards your goal. If something is “important but boring,” find a way to inject fun, novelty, or urgency to make it engaging. If the task still feels unbearable, set a 10-minute timer and see how far you get. If you still don't want to do it, try switching things up and find an approach that does work.

Ever wonder why so many ADHDers just get each other? It's because we share some pretty unique traits—some well-known, and others you might not have realised are part of the ADHD experience.In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 lesser-known but super relatable ADHD traits, including: A deep love of learning (but only when it interests us!) Justice sensitivity Zero patience for people who don't own their mistakes (while we over-apologise for ours) Overcommitting before thinking it through (because everything sounds exciting in the moment) Making unexpected connections & seeing patterns others miss

Alex Partridge is the founder of LADBible and UNILAD, and host of the hugely successful podcast ADHD Chatter.After being diagnosed with ADHD later in life at 34, Alex has built a platform dedicated to helping others understand their ADHD diagnosis and recently released his debut book ‘Now It All Makes Sense: How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed My Life'.In part 1, Alex joins Dr Alex George to unpack what ADHD actually is, how it affects those who have it and reveals why it's so important to be kind to yourself.Plus, the pair discuss their experiences with alcohol as ADHDers, and why they believe Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is the hardest part of having ADHD…Follow @alex_partridge_100, listen to the ADHD Chatter podcast and check out his book ‘Now It All Makes Sense: How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed My Life'.Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Jo Perkins is a Psychologist, Speaker, Optimisation and Neurodiversity Expert who applies the science of Psychology in all her work.Listen to full episode:Spotify

We would love to be two pigs wallowing in the mud right now, but unfortunately we're cursed with human consciousness and with that comes the burden of knowledge.    This episode Kristin is a truth-bringer as she shares her knowledge on the addictiveness of nicotine. She's getting into the different forms of consumption and its many effects, reasons why nicotine has such a hold on ADHDers in particular, sharing harm reduction recommendations as your friendly neighborhood vascular P.A., and celebrating the many wonderful changes that can come about when you quit.  References: ADHD and Smoking: From Genes to Brain to Behavior - PMC Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and nicotine withdrawal: a qualitative study of patient perceptions | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text Short- and Long-Term Consequences of Nicotine Exposure during Adolescence for Prefrontal Cortex Neuronal Network Function - PMC Nicotine, its metabolism and an overview of its biological effects - ScienceDirect Cigarettes and ADHD: A Robust Relationship That's Hard to Break - CHADD Nicotine's Role in ADHD Management Nicotine and attention in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - PubMed Quitting Smoking: What Happens When You Quit Smoking Peacock | Facts & Habitat | Britannica Peacock Sounds and Displays   Visit our website: weirdsofafeather.com  Follow us on Youtube: youtube.com/@weirdsofafeather Find us on Instagram: @weirdsofafeather  Become a Patreon member: patreon.com/weirdsofafeather  To keep this horse train running (but this isn't a threat): ko-fi.com/weirdsofafeather

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today is Dan Clark, CEO of brain.fm, a platform that helps you work better through music by stimulating your brain with gentle rhythmic pulses that support attention. Dan has been fascinated with technology and passionate about its ability to positively impact the world from a young age. He started building websites when he was 13, began a design and advertising business at 18 and has driven millions in revenue for multinational brands. Dan has truly been at the forefront of using technology to exponentially grow successful businesses.  Dan was one of brain.fm's first users. The story of how he came to be CEO demonstrates Dan's drive to use technology for positive impact. Dan called the company 12 times before they agreed to bring him in for an interview. When he did receive an offer, he jumped at it (“jumped” as in, he worked for FREE for the first few weeks!) Dan worked his way to brain.fm's Head of Technology and is now CEO. As CEO, Dan is constantly striving to build a company that will change the world through music and be one of the best companies for people to work for and grow with.  [You are now safely here] 00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!! 01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Dan Clark, CEO of brain.fm. 01:50 - Updates on brain.fm since we last talked to Dan.  03:42 - Brain.fm in a nutshell and how they help people focus. 05:30 - Why music can be a gamechanger for people with #ADHD.  06:40 - Solutions tailored to each person.  08:06 - The science behind brain.fm.  12:12 - What's next for brain.fm. 14:30 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Connect with Dan on LinkedIn  Check out brain.fm today!  Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Isabelle and David welcome back Marcus Soutra, co-founder of Eye to Eye and founder of For the Good Consulting, and explore the nature of authenticity, "coolness" and the meaning of masking with nation-wide advocacy expert and fellow ADHD and LD-er. How did being "cool" go from being rich and unaffected to being authentic and open about ND/LD identities? From the loneliness and high masking rates of ADHDers, to Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirts and social media, the ways ND culture has approached masking and unmasking.----Isabelle talks about how being wealthy and affording the performance/clothes of ‘coolness' growing up was Abercrombie & Fitch back in her high school days--these were expensive clothes that you had to get at the mall and were part of the performance of being 'cool.' And what about how much of coolness, at least for a time, was defined by money, or access to certain expensive clothing brands (like Abercrombie and Fitch) What it means to perform and be high masking, for her. There is a coolness factor, the kid who can pick up what's cool has an advantage over the kid who doesn't. Marcus sums it up: are you able to fit in and be embraced by the neurotypical world? And if you can't, there's the loner path, the bully path? The empathy he has for the bully path—they were, in his past, the LD/ND kids who were dealing with loneliness and not masking well and it was their way of finding their way to a role in the school community. 60% of people with ADHD say they mask on regular basis and 33% say there is a loneliness to the experience of having ADHD. Then there's also the pain of being high-masking or being accepted by the neurotypical world, how little practice you have at sitting with who you really are, and finding a stable sense of self. There is a way to be a self to fit in that is not the same as an authentic, self-confident knowing-who-you-are self. The difference between doing it in a healthy way v. doing it in a way to survive. Hard to know what parts of you are okay, and when you're blending into a neurotypical world, there's a significant advantage of being able to read the rooms around social cues. Marginalized senses of self are real, having to exist believing you're less than. Or believing if the mask ever falls, it's terrifying. Isabelle names that there's a management around masking and the layers, like she can unmask and say “I have ADHD!” but she doesn't say, “I have ADHD and I screwed up the finances again so I can't afford the school bill.” Something for her connects coolness to unaffectedness, not being vulnerable, or not caring what others think. Beyond the unique person who owns where they are, where does coolness come from in our culture? Marcus responds that it's often the people at the top of the social hierarchy, it's the celebrities, the role models.  Growing up for Marcus, there were the most attractive movie stars who were dyslexia, like Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, not Paul Giamatti. When it came to Aspergers (previous name for low support need Autism, check out more in depth on this history below) or Autism (before it was known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD) were superheroes, like RainMan, Temple Grandin, and that was our introduction to the autism community. If you're dyslexic, the way to make it out is to have hotness or have superhero qualities, and if you don't fit into either one of those, good luck. This brings up how celebrities are not so far removed anymore, from the days that you got these bland PR stories or tabloids, now you have people sharing their stories and unmasking on social media. Marcus names that authenticity is now a part of social media, and it's important for celebrities to have a cause, to be speaking to some aspect of this. If we'recynical, it could be a branding strategy, or it could be a shift in culture, because this emphasis on authenticity rather than hiding has been a big change in the last five years. What is Abercrombie & Fitch? The following documentary covers it pretty much:"White Hot: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie and Fitch" (Netflix documentary)DEFINITIONS:Masking: Often used in referenced to autistic folx (Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)), it also applies to folx with ADHD, OCD, and all kinds of neurodivergence (ND) and learning differences (LD), like dyslexia, dycalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, etc. It's the idea that you have to wear a neurotypical "mask" to be accepted or to engage in a world made for those that are neurotypical. You 'pretend' as if you brain and nervous system work in ways they don't. It can be (and feel like) a matter of survival. From a great article on the topic:“For many neurodivergent people, masking is a survival tool for engaging in neurotypical societies and organizations. Masking (also called camouflaging) is the artificial performance of social behaviors deemed more “socially acceptable” in a neurotypical culture.”For more on Marcus Soutra:www.For the Good Consulting.comSoutra is a dynamic, award-winning advocate, leader, and trailblazer in the field of neurodiversity (ND). An ND individual himself and former classroom teacher turned social entrepreneur, he co-founded and led Eye to Eye, scaling the organization's impact on thousands of schools and individuals across the United States. A sought-after speaker, Soutra has delivered compelling talks on stages worldwide, from Harvard to Tokyo, has appeared in dozens of television broadcasts and podcasts,  and has been featured in leading publications including Forbes, The Hill, and Philanthropy Digest. In recognition of his transformative work, he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater in the spring of 2024.As the founder of For The Good Consulting, Soutra now supports organizations dedicated to driving systemic change for individuals furthest from opportunity. He resides in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife, an educator and learning specialist, where together they continue to advocate for a more equitable world for all students.------Cover Art by: Sol VázquezTechnical Support by: Bobby Richards

This week we learn about the incredible power of body doubling! Whether you're an ADHDer like me, or not, body doubling can supercharge your time management and follow through in getting any task done.Body doubling is about having someone alongside you for motivation and accountability when you're doing a job. You might know the right thing to do, have the necessary skills and mastery to do it... but for some reason are unable to just get it done on your own... you're not alone!Heaps of people tell me that they use this podcast as their body double. they pop it on while they declutter, organise, tidy, clean etc and because they're familiar with me and my voice it acts as a body double. That makes my heart sing - I'm always happy to be your body double

ADHD doesn't just complicate relationships—it shapes them. From romantic partnerships to friendships, family dynamics, and workplace interactions, the traits of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity ripple across every connection. Romantic relationships often bear the brunt, with ADHD symptoms leading to miscommunication, frustration, and even intimacy challenges. Couples may struggle with mismatched libidos, impulsive behaviors, or emotional dysregulation, but understanding ADHD's role can transform these struggles into opportunities for deeper connection.Family and professional relationships, too, are affected. ADHD parents often wrestle with providing structure or consistent discipline, creating chaotic home environments that strain relationships with children and partners. At work, impulsivity, time management issues, and difficulty following through on commitments can complicate team dynamics and career growth. Socially, the ADHD brain's challenges with focus and emotional regulation can lead to feelings of rejection or isolation, making it harder to build and sustain friendships.The science behind these struggles lies in the ADHD brain itself. Impaired dopamine regulation impacts empathy, social cognition, and emotional recognition, all of which play critical roles in relationships. Comorbid conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders further complicate matters, while genetic factors often ripple across generations, creating patterns of behavior that shape family and social dynamics. But the good news? With the right diagnosis, treatment, and tools, ADHDers can overcome these challenges and thrive in their relationships.In this episode, Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright explore the intersection of ADHD and relationships, unpacking the science, the stories, and the strategies that foster connection. From structured communication techniques to empathy-building exercises, they offer actionable advice to help ADHDers and their loved ones navigate challenges and unlock the unique strengths ADHD brings to relationships. Whether you're navigating romance, family life, or professional interactions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand ADHD's role in human connection.Links & NotesSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (02:29) - ADHD Relationships ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★