Podcasts about adhd

When it comes to paying attention, there's no ignoring the incredible impact our guests Penn and Kim Holderness have had on countless families living with an ADHD diagnosis in their family, our included. We share why theater kids still rule and why the drama practice is worth it, how to write a book about ADHD while having ADHD, raising teenage girls during halloween, your questions for the holderness family and more!  Enjoy the show! Join us at the Dustin Nickerson Comedy Fans Facebook Group: : http://www.facebook.com/groups/dustinnickersoncomedy Watch the show every week over at Nateland Entertainment:: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzAzMoLwjQTuyqu2QFFzvQQ Don't Make Me Come Back There Podcast is hosted by Dustin and Melissa Nickerson | Watch Now: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4aMLhoDw6JasL8tgtrlkABlGU8tsiwnH&si=51tUApjDrmh4nz93 Podcast produced and edited by Andy Lara at Sun Face Media https://www.dustinnickerson.com https://www.andylikeswords.com Email - dontmakemecomebackthere@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Come see Dustin LIVE on tour: https://www.dustinnickerson.com/tour Follow and Listen to  Don't Make Me Come Back There: https://apple.co/3A1fbnP Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qdEVMAx9LqmnqIHmkjOGg?si=341fc47a1a3145e1 Watch the new comedy special, Runs in the Family from Dustin Nickerson | (Full Comedy Special) #newcomedy #standupcomedy : https://youtu.be/0Dybn3Atj9k Order Dustin's book: How to Be Married (To Melissa) today!” https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/how-to-be-married-to-melissa/ Give a little more and get a little more from the pod on Patreon! Head to https://www.patreon.com/DustinNickerson for the Patreon Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast rants, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show. Visit the MERCH shop: https://www.dustinnickerson.com/shop Get social with Dustin Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/dustinnickersoncomedy X: https://www.X.com/dustinnickerson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustinnickerson/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dustinnickerson #DontMakemeComeBackTherePodcast #dustinnickerson  #Netflix #Comedy #Podcast #primevideo

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In this insightful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Asher M. Saruya, a psychotherapist whose lived experience with eating disorders, neurodivergence, and Jewish identity informs their clinical practice and advocacy work.Together, they unpack the complex intersections of culture, family, identity, and neurodiversity that shape how we experience food and body image. Asher shares their powerful story of struggling with restriction, bingeing, and perfectionism—alongside the deep healing that came from understanding how trauma, cultural messaging, and ADHD influenced their relationship with food.This episode explores how shame and self-judgment evolve through family systems, religious traditions, and social pressures, and how recovery means learning to exist more fully and compassionately in one's own body.SHOW NOTES: Click hereFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_bite Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Late at night, the screen glow felt like company… 104 tabs open, none moving forward. The sock drawer suddenly “urgent.” In Becoming More Me, I talk about how a busy, brilliant brain reaches for quick dopamine when the nervous system isn't feeling safe. Strategy won't stick until safety does.In this episode, we treat screen time as a mirror—not the enemy. I walk you through my T.R.U.S.T. framework to decode why we disconnect and how to come back to what matters:I share how I shaved ~1.75 hours/day (that's ~27 days/year) and the exact shifts that made it doable for an ADHD-prone, entrepreneur brain. Expect practical prompts, regulation cues, and tiny wins that add up… because when you regulate your system, you regulate your time.Press play to reclaim attention, energy, and hours—without shame, hustling harder, or more to-do's.P.S. If you're catching this the day it drops, tomorrow's free “Get Your Time Back” workshop pairs these insights with EFT + hypnosis and a playful 7-day screen-time challenge. Replay will be available after. REGISTER HERE: theresalearlevine.org/getyourtimebackSupport the showVisit theresalearlevine.org to get Theresa's Book, "Becoming More Me: Tapping into Success - Subconscious Secrets of an ADHD Entrepreneurial Mom" and receive the private sessions for Free!Becoming More Me with Theresa Lear Levine features conversations that Make the Never-Ending Journey of Becoming one you Want to get Present for & Enjoy! Theresa shares her struggles with trauma, anxiety & ADHD, and how nervous system regulation, EFT & Hypnotherapy, took her past her breaking point and into an embodied life of calm, clarity & confidence.Kindle, Audible & Paperback on AmazonCommunity:https://www.skool.com/becoming-more-me-communityBegin your transformation:gamechangingconversation.com Thanks for Listening! Please Leave a Review!Join the Email list:https://theresalearlevine.org/subscribeIG:instagram.com/theresalearlevineEmail:theresa@theresalearlevine.comWebsites:www.theresalearlevine.comwww.becomingmoreme.com...

Do you feel as if you can't stay on task and burnout more frequently than people around you? In this episode, Adele explains the feeling of ADHD in Perimenopause and how their effects intertwine with one another, when you can't mask it anymore, what can you do? ____________ Check out Adele's FREE symptom assessment here: https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/free-copy-of-our-symptom-assessment/ 12 Minute Breathwork Method: https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/breathwork/ The Menopause Cheat Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ka-fN6J5DJW2J3IE0Qa80zFCKFXmTs4srlnlXYBf-gA/edit?usp=sharing If you want a chat for your future success, fuel yourself here: https://calendly.com/adelejohnston/successchat Download Adele's Journey Journal here : https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/my-journey-journal/ Enquire about 121 coaching here : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw6vrmKPE7A1eYDKQJiR9No7ZDdpfq-grBdKYjZSR-vl0Qag/viewform For extra support: Support@adelejohnstoncoaching.com ____________ From your host : Adele Johnston I'm Adele Johnston, a certified nutritionist and positive psychology coach, passionate about helping women improve their menopause health and reclaim who you are without menopause taking over. This is a time in your life where you get to feel vibrant, sexy and reclaim you again! I'm proud to work with women like you and have created a very successful proven Reclaiming You 3 STEP PROCESS to help you take back control of your body during your menopause. For more details : https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/ To get Adele's FREE 3-step Menopause Weight Loss Guide: https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/menopause-weight-loss-guide/

In this twenty-seventh episode of  'THE ND THRIVE GUIDE' we have Diane Jones. ADHD coach, CBT-qualified facilitator, newly certified NLP practitioner, and Yoga Nidra teacher in training Diane Jones. Owen and Diane discuss all things doing the work, becoming our inner coach and how feeling worthy is so important in our quest to transform our lives. Thank you Diane.    ND & Free Coaching Service.   Find out more about coaching with Owen. I support those with ADHD, people who are waiting for assessment or suspect ADHD could be part of their life. I help people cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion and life changing presence. Visit https://www.ndandfree.com/     WHAT IS THE ND THRIVE GUIDE   'ND Thrive Guide' Series, we will explore how to live a full, thriving and authentic life with our Neurodivergent Brain. A show all about hope and growth. Tips, advice and ideas from coaches, therapists and experts. Thank you to all our experts.   MORE ON DIANE. Diane specialises in nervous system regulation and belief transformation for overwhelmed parents. Her approach integrates neuroscience with trauma-informed care, helping families move from survival mode to thriving.. Check out Diane's links.  Website - www.dianejonescoaching.com/home  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jones-20890b371/   ND & Free is in partnership with Ankhway Mushroom Gummies. A tasty supplement with 10 functional mushrooms bundled in a gummy. They can help with gaining sharper focus, a clearer mind, a more balanced mood, a natural energy boost and so much more. Enjoy 15% of your order at checkout with code 'OWENM15'. Find out more about the gummies at www.ankhway.com    More about The ND & FREE Podcast series Welcome back to the ND & FREE podcast brought to you by the Awareness Space Network. A podcast and social media platform that explores how ND'ers can live their truth and feel free in their lives. We hear from inspiring COACHES, THERAPISTS, EXPERTS AND FELLOW ND'ers from all over the world, who sit down with me Owen Morgan to share their wisdom with us.  Our mission is to explore how the human spirit and understanding our whole self can bring us a life full of possibilities Check out our website - https://www.ndandfree.com/  Check out our Linktree - https://linktr.ee/ndandfree  Follow our instagram and TikTok for information, facts and useful content in and around Adhd, Autism and AuDHD. - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nd_and_free TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@awareness_space_coaching These conversations are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support. Please seek support from professionals trained within Neurodiversity support. Listen to episodes with care. Keep up to date with our latest posts on Instagram. Thank you for supporting the show,  Owen

In this insightful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Asher M. Saruya, a psychotherapist whose lived experience with eating disorders, neurodivergence, and Jewish identity informs their clinical practice and advocacy work.Together, they unpack the complex intersections of culture, family, identity, and neurodiversity that shape how we experience food and body image. Asher shares their powerful story of struggling with restriction, bingeing, and perfectionism—alongside the deep healing that came from understanding how trauma, cultural messaging, and ADHD influenced their relationship with food.This episode explores how shame and self-judgment evolve through family systems, religious traditions, and social pressures, and how recovery means learning to exist more fully and compassionately in one's own body.SHOW NOTES: Click hereFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_bite Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You can be passionate about your exercise or sport, and still burn out from it. Have you ever pushed yourself so hard to “do better” or beat a personal best, that the joy disappeared? For many perfectionistic or ADHD minds, exercise can be too much of a good thing, so how to balance that is exactly what this episode unpacks. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Dr. Josephine Perry, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, about the complex relationship between ADHD, high performance, and perfectionism in sport and exercise. Together, they explore how the drive for achievement can become both a strength and a struggle — especially for those with busy, high-achieving minds. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone using exercise to manage ADHD, this conversation offers insights into balancing motivation, wellbeing, and self-compassion. Dr. Perry shares her practical ‘coins system' for tracking energy expenditure and understanding when you're pushing too hard, offering strategies to prevent burnout, injury, and loss of joy in movement. Michaela brings her signature compassionate approach to exploring how ADHD traits such as hyperfocus, impulsivity, and perfectionism can show up in exercise habits — and how to turn these into sources of balance and fulfilment instead of exhaustion. You'll hear: How ADHD and perfectionism affect motivation, recovery, and performance The fine line between discipline and overtraining Why self-compassion is the missing piece for sustainable success How societal pressures and body image ideals shape our relationship with sport Ways to bring more joy, purpose, and play into your training or movement routines About the Guest Dr Josephine Perry is a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist who works with high performers in sport, stage and a range of sectors where people will be working outside of their comfort zones. She specialises in those struggling with performance anxiety and those who have ADHD. She is the author of 6 books including Performing Under Pressure, I Can: The teenage athlete's guide to mental fitness and, most recently, ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success. Connect with Dr Perry: performanceinmind.co.uk josephineperry.co.uk Download Michaela's free guide to Calm the Overwhelm here: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm 

Elyse Myers, (writer/creator) stopped by to talk to JVN all about her new book That's A Great Question, I'd Love To Tell You, living with ADHD, and navigating parenthood after being diagnosed with Autism as an adult. From masking and people-pleasing to boundaries and self-acceptance, Elyse shares the before/after of getting language following her diagnosis. Plus! We also dig into how she writes and why the Midwest is low-key the best.   Elyse Myers is a writer and comedian who achieved mainstream recognition as a digital content creator. Deemed "The Internet's Best Friend," Myers continues to serve her audience of more than 10M+ with relatable stories, twisted Q&A's over coffee, and acts as an advocate for countless topics such as ADHD, imposter syndrome, body image and more by allowing herself to be seen, unfiltered in a genuine and hilarious way. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Elyse Myers on Instagram @elyse_myers and Tiktok @elysemyers Follow Getting Better on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tired of ADHD strategies that don't work? Here's what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup_____A 10-year-old boy sat across from Dr. Kalaki Clarke, MD during her psychiatry rotation, and she saw herself. Smart, charming, good grades but couldn't get it together. That's when she knew she had ADHD too.Dr. Clarke was in her first year of residency at UC Irvine, working 80-hour weeks in a system designed to test you constantly. She'd been the good kid, the high achiever, the one who always kept it together. But in residency, surrounded by neurotypical colleagues, sleep-deprived, and constantly performing, the mask finally came off. Her 2015 diagnosis became a turning point, launching her into advocacy for physicians with ADHD. She helped craft equity guidelines for neurodivergent resident physicians, spoke at the International Conference on ADHD, and delivered a TEDx talk called "Seeing is Freeing: How Observation Releases ADHD Potential."Now, as a board-certified family physician and Associate Professor of Medical Education at USC's Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Clarke spends her time providing care for underserved communities in Los Angeles while shaping the next generation of doctors.In this conversation, Dr. Clarke and Tracy talk about what it's like to have ADHD in a profession that demands perfection and how "seeing is freeing" applies to both patients and physicians. Dr. Clarke introduces her CAT method (Capture, Analyze, Transform), a framework for turning struggles into strategies. She also talks about leading by example, why she came out publicly about her ADHD at work, and what it means to create space for others to be seen when you've spent so long feeling invisible yourself.Resources: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmclarkemd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this_md_kalaki/ TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKmRyxlas3ISend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn't a productivity problem. It's an identity problem. That's why most strategies don't stick—they weren't designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It's a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits.

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What's Up Team?! It's your humble host, Brendan Mahan, back at it again.  The podcast has been on hiatus for a while, but I am finally in a position to resume posting.  So please tell your friends that I have returned.   The plan is to continue with the interview format that established ADHD Essentials as one of the top ADHD podcasts in the field, and to add in the occasional episode of me exploring useful topics as appropriate.  That said, I am expanding the scope to ADHD in general, as well as other neurodiverse topics such as anxiety and autism.  The parenting information will still be there, but I'm no longer covering parenting exclusively.  And odds are that I will be playing with my Wall of Awful model more frequently, because one of the reasons for the extended hiatus was that I a have signed a book deal with Hachette Book Group's Balance Imprint, and Overcoming The Wall of Awful: Why It's Hard to Get Things Done When You Have ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, (and how to do them anyway) will be in a bookstore near you in the Fall of next year.  Turns out writing a book is REALLY time consuming. That said, ADHD Essentials will resume with some long-overdue episodes, including interviews with ADHD luminaries Ari Tuckman, Archie Chimayani, Larry Jones, and Farah Jamil.  And I'll also share my thoughts on subjects ranging from afterschool restraint collapse to emotional regulation and connection. I plan to post several episodes in the next week or so to get the ball rolling, and then settle in to a once-a-week pattern after that. I'm glad to be back at it, I hope you enjoy what I have in store for you. Learn More about Brendan and his work at:   Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Join The ADHD Essentials Facebook Community Check out the ADHD Essentials Website Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.How do you handle sleep struggles when raising a child who has been impacted by trauma, prenatal substance exposure, or other challenges? Listen to our conversation with Dr. Chris Winter, a sleep researcher and neurologist who has practiced sleep medicine and neurology since 2004. He is also the author of The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired or Irritable Child May Have A Sleep Disorder--And How To Help, and hosts the podcast Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter.In this episode, we discuss:Understanding the value of sleep and reframing the conversation about expectations and what your child needs to support overall health, development, and wellbeing.What makes adopted, foster, or kinship children particularly vulnerable to sleep challenges?How might a child's early trauma and experiences of loss — such as separation from birth families or multiple moves — show up in their sleep patterns? What effects do frequent environmental changes have on a child's sleep?How might prenatal exposure to substances (e.g., opioids, alcohol, others) impact a child's sleep?What may be the challenges that children with neurodiversity (Down syndrome, ADHD, ASD etc) experience?What are the practical strategies you have found successful in helping families with sleep disturbances?Why is it important to teach our kids the value of rest—even without sleep?What should we consider when setting up a consistent routine and sleep-friendly setting for our kids?When is it time to seek professional evaluation—like a sleep study or specialist referral for our kids?What guidance do you offer caregivers to help them stay consistent, avoid burnout, and model healthy sleep habits?Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

A 13-year Australian study has just dropped — and its findings are shaking the medical world. Children on ADHD medication reported lower quality of life than those who weren’t medicated. In this eye-opening episode, Justin unpacks why the “gold standard” research behind ADHD treatment might have been flawed all along — and what this means for families trying to do what’s best for their kids. This one might make you rethink everything you’ve been told. KEY POINTS The shocking new Deakin University study on ADHD medication and child wellbeing. Why “the gold standard” MTA study may have misled the world for decades. How peer review can fail — and how Big Pharma shapes the story. What long-term follow-ups reveal about medication outcomes. Why your child isn’t the problem — and what really needs to change instead. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Your child doesn’t have a problem. Thinking your child is the problem is often the bigger problem.” RESOURCES MENTIONED MTA Study (Multimodal Treatment of ADHD) and 3-year follow-up research. Deakin University longitudinal study on ADHD medication and quality of life. The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson. Parenting ADHD [The Course] + Course FAQs [Article] Help for the Parent with ADHD ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Don’t make changes overnight — start by reading the linked studies. Talk to your child’s GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist about alternative supports. Focus on your child’s environment, not just their behaviour. Trust your gut — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth exploring. Remember: grace for your child, yourself, and your professionals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes the lessons our children teach us are the ones we need most.In this heartfelt episode of Real Things Living, host Brigitte Cutshall talks with Sara Hartley ~ healthcare marketing executive, ADHD and neurodiversity coach, and author of the "Purposefully Me" children's book series. Sara shares her personal journey of navigating Lyme disease and ADHD while raising a neurodiverse son, and how those experiences led her to create the Align Parenting Method.3 Key Takeaways:(1) Echo Parenting: Our children's challenges can reflect what we need to heal within ourselves.(2) Mindful Grounding: Simple grounding techniques can bring calm to even the most chaotic moments.(3) Purposeful Storytelling: Sharing real experiences helps children — and adults — see the beauty in being different.Listen to discover how self-awareness and compassion can transform how we show up — for ourselves and for our families.Visit https://saralewishartley.com/ to download Sara's free Align Parenting guide.

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, OR— BRAND NEW: we've included a fully edited transcript of our interview at the bottom of this post.In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I do a coaching call with Joanna who has a 2-year-old and a 7-year-old. We cover how to make mindset shifts so you can better show up for your kids, as well as get into specifics around night weaning, bedtime battles, handling meltdowns, playful parenting and increasing our connection to our kids.**If you'd like an ad-free version of the podcast, consider becoming a supporter on Substack! > > If you already ARE a supporter, the ad-free version is waiting for you in the Substack app or you can enter the private feed URL in the podcast player of your choice.Know someone who might appreciate this post? Share it with them!We talk about:* 6:40 how to manage meltdowns* 9:00 Night weaning and bedtime challenges* 20:00 Emptying a full emotional backpack* 26:00 Kids who always want more attention* 28:00 Understanding blame and anger* 38:00 Games to play when a child is looking for more power* 44:00 How our mindset makes such a big difference when parenting* 47:30 Two keys to peaceful parenting!* 55:00 Playful approaches to bedtimeResources mentioned in this episode:* Yoto Player-Screen Free Audio Book Player* The Peaceful Parenting Membership* How to Help Our Little Ones Sleep with Kim Hawley * Episode 100: When Your Child Has a Preferred Parent (or Not) with Sarah and Corey * Episode 103: Playful Parenting with Lawrence Cohen * Playful Heart Parenting with Mia Wisinski: Episode 186 xx Sarah and CoreyYour peaceful parenting team- click here for a free short consult or a coaching sessionVisit our website for free resources, podcast, coaching, membership and more!>> Please support us!!! Please consider becoming a supporter to help support our free content, including The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, our free parenting support Facebook group, and our weekly parenting emails, “Weekend Reflections” and “Weekend Support” - plus our Flourish With Your Complex Child Summit (coming back in the spring for the 3rd year!) All of this free support for you takes a lot of time and energy from me and my team. If it has been helpful or meaningful for you, your support would help us to continue to provide support for free, for you and for others.In addition to knowing you are supporting our mission to support parents and children, you get the podcast ad free and access to a monthly ‘ask me anything' session.Our sponsors:YOTO is a screen free audio book player that lets your kids listen to audiobooks, music, podcasts and more without screens, and without being connected to the internet. No one listening or watching and they can't go where you don't want them to go and they aren't watching screens. BUT they are being entertained or kept company with audio that you can buy from YOTO or create yourself on one of their blank cards. Check them out HERETranscript:Hey everyone. Welcome back to another episode of the Peaceful Parenting Podcast. Today's episode is a coaching episode. My guest is Joanna, mom of a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old. Joanna's 7-year-old is an intense child, and she wanted to know how to handle her big feelings and find more connection with her.She also had some specific challenges around bedtime, namely that her partner works shift work and is not home at bedtime. She still breastfeeds her 2-year-old to sleep, so is unavailable to her seven-year-old for a bit, and then has trouble getting her seven-year-old to bed without a fight. Joanna also shared how low she was on resources, and we had a great discussion about how that impacts her parenting and what she might do about it.Also, meltdowns—we talked about those too and how to respond. I know Joanne is not alone. One note: after we did the follow-up call, I realized I forgot to ask her about a few things. So she kindly recorded a couple of P.S.'s that I'll include. If you're curious, like I am, you'll be glad she gave us the latest updates.If you would like to come on the podcast and be coached by me, I am looking for a few parents who are interested. You can email me at sarah@sarahrosensweet.com.As always, please give us a five-star rating and a review on your favorite podcast app, and if you know another parent or caregiver that this would be helpful for, please screenshot it and send it to them. The best way to reach more families with peaceful parenting is through word of mouth, so we really appreciate any shares that you might be able to give us.Okay. Let's meet Joanna. Okay.Sarah: Hi Joanna. Welcome to the podcast.Joanna: Hi. Thanks for having me.Sarah: Tell me a little bit about yourself.Joanna: Sure. I live up in Ottawa, Canada, with my husband and my two kids. I'm a music therapist, so right now I'm working with babies. I teach Yoga with Baby and, um, a class called Sing and Sign at a local wellness center.Sarah: Nice. How old are—Joanna: Yes, I have a 7-year-old girl who we'll call Jay.Sarah: Okay.Joanna: And then a 2-year-old boy called JR.Sarah: JJ. Okay, perfect. Okay, so how can I support you today?Joanna: Yeah, so my daughter has always been, like, a bit of a tricky one. Um. She was born premature, so at 29 weeks. And no kind of lasting effects. But as she's gotten older, we've noticed, like, she's really struggled a lot with emotional regulation. Um, and she kind of gets stuck on certain behaviors. So I feel like we've done a lot to change our parenting, in part thanks to you and your podcast and all the material. Um, I did finally read, um, Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids this past summer.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: And I feel like it also had a huge effect, just having, like, that bigger scope of understanding of, like, the peaceful parenting philosophy.Sarah: Uh-huh.Joanna: So I would say, like, even from where we were a few months ago, we've experienced tons of positive shifts with her.Sarah: Sweet.Joanna: Yeah, so we're already kind of well on our way, but there are certain behaviors that she has that still I find really perplexing. So I wondered if maybe we could go over a couple of them.Sarah: Sure. Yeah, no problem. For anyone—if, for anyone who doesn't know, Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids is the book written by my mentor, who I trained with, Dr. Laura Markham. Um, and just for my own curiosity, what do you think? Because, you know, I always worry that people are—that they don't have the fully formed idea of peaceful parenting. And that—and I'm not saying you, because you've listened to the podcast so you probably have a deeper understanding—but some people are just getting their little snippets on Instagram reels, you know, and so it is hard to understand, like, the, the sort of the core reasons why we do the approach if you don't have that deeper understanding. And also, I'm working on a book right now, so hopefully soon you'll be able to say you read my book. But what did you—what do you feel like got fleshed out for you when you read that book?Joanna: I think she really breaks a lot of things down step by step, such as, like, what to do when your child is going through a meltdown.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: And that has always been an area—like, when my daughter gets to that point where she's, like, become really explosive and aggressive and she's just, like, in it and she's kind of unreachable at that moment—like, what to do step by step at that time. I think, like, that's been the most helpful because I've been able to really settle into my own parenting and just, like, really trust myself and anchor in at that point, which is exactly really what she needs and what was missing.Sarah: Yeah. Yeah.Joanna: So—Sarah: So I think, um—like I always say, focus on regulating yourself first. Like, when someone's having a meltdown, empathize.Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: Um, you know, it—yeah, it's—it can be hard because you often feel like you need to do something. And even though you're saying step by step, it's less about doing anything than just centering yourself, staying calm yourself, trying to get in touch with the compassion and empathy even if you're not—some pe—some parents say, “Oh, well, when I try to say anything, then my kid just screams more.” So sometimes it's just empathize—like, getting connected in your own heart to the empathy and compassion, even if you're not saying anything—and that, that does something.Joanna: Absolutely it does. Yeah.Sarah: Yeah.Joanna: Yeah, so that's all been really helpful. Now, in—in terms of emotional regulation, I do definitely think that that's the biggest piece.Sarah: Okay.Joanna: Uh, it's been the biggest piece for me and sort of, like, one of the big things that I wanted to talk to you about today is we are still really not getting sleep because my 2-year-old is not a good sleeper and has never been a good sleeper. And we've gone through periods where I'm like, okay, now he's only waking up, like, twice a night, and that feels manageable. Um, but he's kind of been back to waking up, like, three to six times a night again, which is so hard. And then my husband's very supportive; however, he works afternoons, so he's gone from about 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM, so he needs to be able to sleep until about eight, which means I'm up with my son between six and seven. My daughter gets up for school around 7:30, so that's, like, a tricky time of day because she's really quite grumpy in the morning. He's not—the toddler's really, like, kind of a totally different temperament. But, like, I'm tired after struggling with, like, night wakings all night. And then I'm with the kids from the time that she gets home from school, um, and then doing both bedtimes myself.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: Um, so there's a lot of time where, like, I am solo parenting, and I'm definitely, like, the preferred parent. Um, and both my kids really want me and need me at bedtime. So he is still nursing—like, I'm nursing to sleep and then nursing during the night. And I know that that's probably contributing a lot to all the night wakings. So, I guess my question is, like, I am at the point where I am ready to night-wean. I probably should have done it already, but—Sarah: Don't say “should have.” Like, it's—if you're not ready to make that change, like, in your heart, it's really torturous to try to—try to, like, not—so say you decide you want to night-wean, but you weren't really ready to do it. It would be so painful for you to deny your son nursing in the night if you were—if you didn't feel in your heart, like, “No, this is the right thing to do. I'm totally ready. I think he's ready.” So, so I think waiting until you're really, like, actually, yes, “I'm done with this,” is a smart thing. Yeah. So don't beat yourself up for not having done it already. But you're right, it probably does contribute to him waking up in the night.Joanna: Yeah. And, um, I do feel like I—I'm ready. I just—I'm not quite sure how to make that shift. So what generally happens is, like, we have some, like, virtual babysitting going on with my mom, where, like, when I nurse my son to sleep, which generally takes, like, between maybe 30 and 45 minutes, she'll, like, sit with her and do a workbook. So we'll have, like, a video chat, and then after—Sarah: Yeah, it's great.Joanna: So then after, um, I'm with her to get her ready for bed, and that oftentimes looks like a lot of, like, dragging heels on, like, “Oh, I want another snack,” and “I wanna, like, brush my teeth,” and “Whatever—don't wanna brush my teeth.” So, um, then that ends up taking usually about an hour, but we both sort of have, like, this expiration at about 9:00 PM, where, like, she just gets so dysregulated because she's so tired.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: So if I don't have her in bed at that point and, like, already kind of with the lights out, there's often just, like, a meltdown and some—like, she'll start calling me names and start, like, you know, throwing stuff down at me and whatnot. And then I'm just really tired by that point too. Yeah. So we can kind of joke around about it now—like, nine o'clock is the time where we're, like, where we both expire. So I'm trying to figure out, like, how can I night-wean? Because I know that that is supposed to start with, like, him being able to fall asleep by himself at the beginning of the night, so—Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: Slowly phasing that out and laying with him. I know it's gonna probably take a lot longer in the beginning, so I'm just a little worried that, like, maybe if it takes, like, an hour, an hour and a half, then all of a sudden she's kind of, like, left hanging and it's getting later and her bedtime's being pushed back.Sarah: Are there any—are there any nights that your partner is home at bedtime?Joanna: There's two—Sarah: nights that—Joanna: he—Sarah: is,Joanna: yeah.Sarah: Yeah. I mean, I guess I would start with those nights.Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: Yeah. Start with those nights. And—and when was your son's birthday? Like, like how—two—is he—Joanna: He just turned two, like, two weeks ago.Sarah: Okay. So, I mean, I think I would start with trying to just practice, you know, nursing him and maybe nursing him somewhere else and then bringing him back, you know, and then putting him in—are you co-sleeping?Joanna: Sleep—yeah. Well, I put him—like, I generally nurse him to sleep. He has a floor bed in his room, and then I go to bed in my own room, and then at his first wake, then I go back in, and I just stay there for the room—the rest of the night from that point.Sarah: Right, right. So I, I guess I would try just, like, nursing him and trying to, like, pat his back and sing to him and, you know, tell him that—that he can have—I, I mean, what we did was, “You can have milk in the morning,” you know, “You could have it when it's light.” I remember my oldest son—when he—it took him a couple of days—and if you wanna hear the whole story of my failed night-weaning with my second son, it was in a podcast that we did about infant and toddler sleep, uh, with Kim.Joanna: Yeah, Kim?Sarah: Yes. So you could listen to that if you haven't heard that already. But my second—my first son was super easy to night-wean, and a couple of—it was, like, a couple of nights of a little bit of crying, and he would just say, “Make it light, Mama. Make it light,” because he wanted—I said, “You can nurse when it's light.” But, you know, I, I, I don't wanna get into that whole big thing on this podcast because—mm-hmm—just because I've already talked about it. But if you wanna listen to that, and if you have any questions when we do our follow-up, you can, uh, you can ask me. But, you know, I would just try, you know, talking to him about, then, you know, “You can have Milky in the morning,” or whatever you call it, and, you know, those two—see how it goes for those two nights where your partner's around. And if it doesn't—I would say, if it still seems really hard, maybe just waiting to do it until—I don't know if you have any other support you could enlist. You mentioned your mother—maybe she could come and visit, you know, because I do think it would be hard to try and do this and do the solo bedtimes for a while. So I don't know if there's a time when your mom could come visit or if there's some other support that you could have. But yeah—Joanna: I think the tricky part with that is that, like, she—even with my husband—like, she doesn't want him to put her to bed.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: And depending on the kind of night that she's having, sometimes she'll end up, like, screaming, and their bedrooms are right beside each other. So we've had it before where, like, she'll start having a meltdown and, like, wake him up, and then he's not able to fall asleep either. And then we—Sarah: There's also—your husband could be with your son.Joanna: It's the same—same situation though. Like, he doesn't—him—Sarah: It sounds—it sounds like possibly—I mean, there—kids do have preferred parents even when, um, they do have good connection with the—with the other parent. And you could maybe still work—have some—that be something that you're working on, having your partner, you know, maybe even practicing having—before you start doing the night-weaning—practicing having your partner doing some of the bedtime stuff. When you are—when, you know, when—before you're starting to make a change so that your son doesn't associate, you know, “I'm not getting what I want,” and my dad, you know, putting me to sleep.Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: So I would maybe try to get your partner a little bit more involved in bedtime before making a change. And—and even if there's some crying—we also have a podcast about preferred parents that you could listen to. So I—you know, I think maybe you do have a little bit of pre-work to do before you start doing the night-weaning, and, in terms of when—how can you get support at bedtime?Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: Okay.Joanna: I mean, the other option is if you just kick it down the road more and—or, you know, there isn't—there's actually a third option now that I think about it—it's that you still nurse him to sleep but then don't nurse him when you wake him up—when he wakes up in the night. Get him to go back to sleep without that.Sarah: I hadn't thought about that, because I think that everything that I've heard has been, like, they have to fall asleep on their own because then they're always gonna be—Joanna: looking—Sarah: for—Joanna: Yeah. Yeah.Sarah: But I mean, you could still try it.Joanna: Hmm. Okay.Sarah: Or you could try shortening the—you know, give him a little bit of milk and then see if he'll go to sleep, um, after he has a little bit, but without nursing to sleep.Joanna: Okay. Yeah. Okay, I'll give that some thought and try some different things there.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: Okay. Thank you. But yeah, I feel like just starting to get sleep again is pretty important. So, even in terms of, like, being able to center myself to handle all of the things that goes on with my daughter during the day, that feels like a really important piece right now.Sarah: For sure. And if she's—if she's some nights not going—it sounds like quite frequently maybe she's not asleep before nine.Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: And what time does she wake up?Joanna: 7:30.Sarah: 7:30. So do you think she's getting enough sleep?Joanna: Probably not. She's really lethargic in the morning.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: But I can't really seem to figure out how to be able to get her to sleep. Like, I did talk to her about it, and she was like, “Well, maybe when I turn eight, like, I can start putting myself to bed.” And I was like, “Okay, well what—what would that look like?” And she kind of went through, like, “Okay, I'll, you know, I'll brush my teeth on the phone with Grandma, and then I'll just, like, read in bed.” And—but this is, like, in a moment where she's feeling very regulated.Sarah: Right, right, right. And when's her birthday?Joanna: Uh, in about two months.Sarah: Okay. Yeah. Um, have you had a conversation with her about how neither of you likes the fighting at night? And, you know—and does she have any, like—not in the moment, but does she have any ideas of, you know, how you can solve the problem of her not, you know, not wanting to go to bed and then getting too tired and then getting really cranky?Joanna: Yeah, we have—we have talked about it, and we can talk about it with, like, a little bit more levity now, but I don't think that she's actually—we've gone to, like, the problem-solving—Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: of that.Sarah: I mean, that might be a helpful conversation to have with her and just say, “You know, I've been thinking about what often happens at night, you know, and I totally get it, that you don't wanna go to bed. Like, you know, when I was a kid, I never wanted to go to bed, and I would've stayed up all night if I could. And I'm sure you're the same because it's just—you know, when you're young, going to bed is, like, you know, not any fun at all.” And you can make—you could even make a joke, like, “When you're old like me, like, you can't wait to go to bed.” But of course when you're young, you don't wanna go to sleep, and I totally get that. So, like, lots of empathy and acknowledging, like, her perspective. And—and then you could say, “And at the same time, you know, you do—you know, why do you think it's important to sleep?” So I guess you could have that conversation with her too about, like, you know, what happens when we're sleeping that—your, you know, you could talk about how your cells, like, fix themselves. Also we grow when we're sleeping—like, we get the—like, the growth hormone gets secreted, and that's the—if we don't get enough sleep, we're not gonna grow and we're not gonna feel happy the next day. So you can, like, talk to her about the importance of sleep. And then you could say, like, “So, you know, I know you don't wanna go to sleep, and I know how important it is, and now you do too. And, you know—and I hate fighting with you at bedtime. You know, do you have any ideas for how we can solve this problem? Because I really want us both to go to bed feeling happy and connected.”Joanna: Yeah. Yeah, that's a great suggestion. Thank you. I think the biggest barrier to her getting to bed on time is she is finally feeling, like, a bit more calm and relaxed at night. Like, she comes home after school with a lot—she's holding a lot from school. They have, like, a point system for good behavior at school.Sarah: Oh.Joanna: And you should see how she racks up the points. She has great behavior at school. The teacher's, like—would never believe what goes on at home.Sarah: Of course, yeah.Joanna: So then she comes home, and it's, like, a lot of unloading. So I feel like by that time of night she's, like, ready to pursue her hobbies. Like, she's like, “Oh, I just wanna do this one more little”—you know, she's drawing something, and it's always like, “I just need to finish this,” because once she gets started on something, she can't seem to break her focus on—We're very much suspecting ADHD. That's gonna be probably in the next year we pursue a diagnosis, but—Sarah: Typically—do have a lot of trouble falling asleep—that's with ADHD. What about—you know, so two outta three of my kids had a lot of trouble falling asleep, and they're both my ADHD kids, and what really helped them was something to listen to at night. You know—Joanna: Yeah, she does listen to podcasts falling asleep—Sarah: Does listen to stuff.Joanna: Yeah, she's always listened—listened to, like, a story falling asleep. I think part of it too is we don't get a lot of one-on-one time throughout the day.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: Because my son's around in the morning.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: And it's usually just the three of us until my husband wakes up, which is shortly before she goes to school. And then it's again the three of us from after school till bedtime most days, except for the two days a week that he's off.Sarah: Well, I mean, that's something to explore too, like, in—are there, you know—I don't know if you live in a neighborhood that has some, like, tweens that could come over and play with your son for an hour—you know, just someone really fun that he would like to play with—and then you and your daughter could have some time together. Because what I was gonna say when you said that she comes home with what we call the “full backpack” in Peaceful Parenting—which is, she's been carrying around, for anyone who's listening who doesn't know what that is, it's a concept that my mentor, Dr. Laura, came up with—where you're holding on to all of the stresses, big feelings, tensions from the day, and then when you come home, it's too much to, you know, to keep holding onto it. And so that's what you were just referring to, is just that she's got a lot to unpack after the day at school. And so I'm wondering—so when you mentioned that, I was gonna say, like, what could you do to try to proactively get some of that emptied out? Couple of ideas: do you do any roughhousing with her?Joanna: We actually just started doing that, and I couldn't believe how much she was into it. Yeah, I was super surprised. But I also think that it's taken just a lot of, like, repair with our relationship to get to the point that I've even been able to try some of this stuff. Like, because at first, like, when I first started hearing about some of these, like, peaceful—I, I don't know if you'd call them techniques—but, like, being playful and, um, roughhousing and things like that—she was so not open to anything at all because she was just so serious and so edgy and like, “Get away from me,” like, so irritable. So now I think that we've just—I've poured a lot of time in on weekends just to, like, spend time together that's enjoyable, and I'm noticing a huge shift. So now we are able to do some of these things, and it—it is turning out more positively.Sarah: Good. I mean, as you're speaking, I'm thinking that it sounds like there was maybe, um, quite a—a breach when your son was born, like, the last two years. Or, or do you feel like your relationship has always been a little strained even before that?Joanna: I feel like maybe it's always been a little fraught. I don't know if his birth had, like, a huge impact on that. Um, it has always been pretty strained.Sarah: Okay, okay.Joanna: Just because she's the more challenging kid?Sarah: I think so. And, you know, when she was two there was the pandemic. I think, like, I was carrying a lot of trauma after the whole NICU experience with her. And then we had the pandemic, and then we moved, and then I got pregnant, and then I had my son. So it's like there's sort of been these, like, things along the way where—yeah, I don't know.Sarah: Yeah. Okay. Well, I mean, that's good that you brought that up because I think that, you know, maybe that's gonna be the pre-work—that even before bedtime starts to feel better is really working on—you know, if you can get some support in, because it is really hard to have one-on-one time with a 2-year-old who probably doesn't wanna leave you alone. But even if—you know, continue with your sort of bulking up on the weekends with that time with her and do some, like, roughhousing and special time with her. Do you guys do special time?Joanna: Yeah. And that's something I wanted to talk about because special time has been sort of a big fail when I call it special time and when we set a timer for special time, because it really tends to dysregulate her, I think, because she's like, “Oh my God, I only have you for 15 minutes.” Mm-hmm. She gets really stressed out, and then she's like—oftentimes she likes to do these, like, elaborate pretend plays—things which need, like, a lot, a lot of setup time. Yeah. So she'll be like, “Pause the timer so I can set this up,” and then it just becomes, like, more tension between us. Like, it's not enjoyable.Sarah: It's one of those things where, like, you really have to adjust it to how it works for your particular family. Um, so, you know, maybe you just have, like, a couple hours with her on the weekend and you're—and it would be good for your—your partner and your son too. Maybe he could take him to the park or go and—you know, for them to work on their connection, which might make him a little bit more willing to go to bed with his dad, you know, on the nights that your partner is home. So, you know, I would really work on that connection with her and do those pretend play things with her. And even—you know, and this is maybe obvious, which is why I didn't say it before—but, you know, partly she's dragging her heels because that's the only time she has you to herself—at bedtime, right?Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: And so she doesn't want that to end because that's the only time that it—her brother's asleep—she has you all to herself. So if you can increase the time where she has you all to herself, she might be more willing to, um, to go to bed. Yeah. The other thing I was gonna say is, do you have anything that you do together at bedtime that would be, like—it sounds like she's dragging her heels to actually get in bed. Is there anything that you can do to entice her to get in bed, like a chapter book that you're reading her, that you read a chapter every night or something like that?Joanna: Yeah, and that has worked in the past, but it can—it can also kind of cause tension because I find, like, then I am a lot more apt to kind of hold it as, like, a bargaining chip instead of, like, “Oh, let's get to that.” Right. But lately we've been playing cards, and she's really motivated to, like, play a game of cards when we're in bed. So that seems to be working right now, but it's always kind of like—it changes all the time.Sarah: Right, right. Well, just keeping—thinking of something that you can use to make getting in bed seem more attractive? Um, maybe—I mean, my kids used to love hearing stories about me when I was little or about them when they were little. So it could even just be, like, a talk time. I know Corey, who works with me, does—she started doing a 10-minute talk time with one of her sons, who's a little bit older than—than your daughter, but where they just have, you know, this time where they just get in bed and he tells her stuff and they—they talk. So that could be something too—just really pure, straight-up connection.Joanna: Yeah. Okay, I like that. Maybe I can just ask you a couple more things about some of the things I—She's kind of a person that really wants constant connection too. Like, it does feel like I could spend, like, all day with her, and then she—once it's over, she would still be like, “Well, why are we not still—” like, it—we've always kind of—my husband and I will joke that she's got, like, a leaky cup because it's, like, “Just fill up their cup,” but it doesn't seem to matter. He used to play with her for, like, two to three hours when she was younger, and then at the end she would just, like, not be satisfied. Like, it didn't seem like anything was going to, like, fill her cup.Sarah: And that—you know what, there are kids like that. I remember I had this client once whose son actually said to her, “Mama, all the—all the hours in the world are not enough time with you.” And there are some kids that are really just like that. And, you know, I'm not sure how you respond when she says, like, you know, “But we hardly even got to play,” after you play for three hours. I mean, that playful—like, “Oh my gosh, like, what if we could just play all day?” You know, either, like, playful response of, like, “We could play for 27 hours,” you know, “and—and—and we would still have so much fun together.” Or just pure empathy, you know, like, “Oh no, it just feels like it's never enough time, is it?”Joanna: And it almost seems like sometimes when I am empathetic, it almost, like, fuels her anger. I don't know if you've ever heard that before from anybody else, but—eh, I don't know. Like, we had a situation with—like, she was looking for a specific bear last weekend—a teddy bear that she's missing—because she wanted to bring it to a teddy bear picnic. And so we were sort of, like, you know, we had to get out the door to go to this party. She couldn't find this bear, and I was, like, you know, offering a lot of empathy, and just, like—the more that I was like, “I know, like, you're so frustrated; you're so disappointed that you can't find your bear,” it was like the more that she was like, “Yeah, and you took it, you hid it, you put it somewhere.” Like, it just—the more empathy I gave, it seemed like the more that she was using it as almost, like, fuel to be upset. Does that make sense? Right.Sarah: Yeah. No, that's pretty common. And the thing is, you have to remember that blame is trying to offload difficult feelings. It's like, “I don't wanna feel this way, so I'm gonna blame you.” And then—you know, it's anger—have you ever seen the image of the anger iceberg?Joanna: Yes.Sarah: Yeah. So the anger iceberg is, like, the anger is the only thing you see coming out of the water. But underneath the iceberg are all of the more tender feelings, right? And anger is actually a secondary emotion. So you don't start out by feeling angry. You feel—like, like for her, she maybe was feeling frustrated and disappointed that she couldn't find her bear. And those are the first feelings. But those more tender feelings are harder to feel, and so anger is often protective. And the tender feelings also set off that—you know, that overwhelm of our emotions registers as a threat to the nervous system, which sets off that fight, flight, or freeze. So there's all those things going on, right? Like, the blame of, like, trying to offload the feelings; the anger of feeling like it's easier to go on the offensive than to feel those tender feelings; and then the nervous system getting set off by that overwhelm that registers as a threat, right? It sets off the fight, flight, or freeze. And they're—they're kind of all different ways of saying the same thing. And yes, empathy often will help a child—that they get more in touch with those feelings. And I'm not saying that you don't wanna empathize, um, but just recognize that, you know, the feelings are happening, and when you empathize, they—you know, you're welcoming the feelings, which sometimes can have that fight, flight, or freeze effect.Joanna: And would you recommend that I continue to really lean into empathy more and just stay with all of that emotion until it passes?Sarah: So—totally depends. The other thing I was gonna say is it's possible—like the situation you just gave me—it's possible—like, how—were you actually feeling empathetic, or were you trying to just get out the door?Joanna: I think I was, but at a certain point I was like, “I think, you know, we have two options from here. Like, we can continue to be upset about the bear and it—it will make us late for the party, or at a certain point we can move on and make a new plan,” and, like, “get our—make our way over there.” So, um, is that effective? Yeah, I—I mean, she eventually was able to change gears. But, I mean, it doesn't feel like real life to just be able to, like, sit in your negative emotions all the time. And I think, like, maybe I struggle with doing that for, like, a long enough period of time to actually let her—let them out.Sarah: Well, I don't know—yeah. So, I mean, there's a difference between welcoming feelings and wallowing in emo—in emotion, I think.Joanna: Yeah. And she definitely is a wallower, and she almost has really, like, attached so much sadness and frustration and anger to this bear. Like, now she'll just, like, think about the bear and be like, “Oh, I still can't find that bear.” Like, she was just, like, you know, exploding about it again this past weekend. So it almost feels like she's just latching onto it to, like, feel bad there.Sarah: I mean, some kids—she's probably not choosing to latch onto it to feel bad, but she probably just has. So, so what I was gonna say is sometimes when kids seem to be wallowing, it's just that there's so much there that they haven't been able to get out on a regular basis. So I think it is just like a full backpack, and there's just a lot there. And it's not—it's probably not just about the bear. It's probably just like she's—it's, you know, processing other older things too. And you don't have to know what's in the backpack or try and figure it out. But you might find that if you had more opportunities for her to process feelings, then she might not get so stuck when they do start to come out.That's one thing that I would think of. Like—and more laughter should help with that. Like, more laughter and roughhousing to help her sort of process stuff. And also sometimes—so the bear thing reminds me of—some kids will just feel bad, you know, like feel bad sometimes from, like, a full backpack, or maybe they don't even know what it is, they can't connect. Or maybe they're just tired and low-resourced and their brain is kind of like, “Why do I feel bad? Why do I feel bad?” And she's like, “Oh, the bear.” You know, she remembers, like, the bear. Like, I've had clients tell me, my kid will say, like, “I miss Grandpa,” who they never met, who died before they were born—like, just kind of casting around for, like, “Why could I be feeling this way right now? Oh, I know—it's 'cause I can't find that bear.”Or maybe the bear is so important to her that it really is—that she thinks about it and it just makes her feel bad. But I think what you wanna remember when it seems like she's wallowing is that, you know, getting—like, having empathy. And I actually also did a podcast about this too, with another coaching call, where I talked about, you know, cultivating a certain amount of nonchalance after you feel like you've been pretty empathetic and welcomed the feelings. Because I think if we're too empathetic sometimes—and I do wanna be very careful with this because I don't want anyone to take this as, like, “Don't be empathetic”—but, you know, there is a time where you just say, like, “You know what? I hear how upset you are about this, and I get it. And I would be really bummed if I couldn't find the bear I wanted also. And we have to decide, like, are we gonna stay here and just keep feeling sad about the bear, or should we figure out another plan?” Like what you said, right.Joanna: Yeah, I have heard you say that before, and that's been so helpful for her. Mm-hmm. It seems like if I'm not so reactive to her emotions, she realizes that they're not an emergency either.Sarah: Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I mean—and that's a good point too, because I didn't even ask you, like, how's your regulation when this is happening? Like, are you getting, like, annoyed, frustrated, upset for her, kind of drawn in? Are you able to, like, kind of center yourself and stay calm?Joanna: It varies. I would say I currently am the most resourced that I've ever been—good with, like, the emotional regulation piece. And then that—I see, like, sometimes she is able to come out of it more quickly, or it just depends on, you know, what her tolerance is at that—at that time. So—Sarah: Joanna, it might be that, you know, you're coming out of—almost like you're coming out of a fog of, you know—you said all the things: like the NICU experience, and then the—and then COVID, and then your new baby, and—and that it might be that you're really, finally for the first time, kind of getting to tend—you know, look at yourself, your own regulation, and be more present and connected with your daughter. And all these things are gonna start having a little bit of, um, of a snowball effect. And it may be that you've just had this, like, seven-year period of difficulty, you know?Joanna: Oh, that's horrifying.Sarah: Well, but the good news is it sounds like things are shifting.Joanna: Yeah. It really does feel like that. Yeah. You're—I feel like even if I talked to you a few months ago, I would've been like, “Oh, help me.”Sarah: Well—and that you're recognizing what you brought—what you bring to the table, and that, you know, things have been fraught with your daughter, and that you're sort of starting to come out. And—and honestly, also doing that—doing that bedtime—after-school bedtime by yourself five days a week, that's gonna be tough too. Uh, so you've got situ—just that current situation doesn't sound like it'll change, but you're changing what you're bringing to it.Joanna: Yeah. Yeah. Um, if I can maybe just ask you, like, one more little thing?Sarah: Sure.Joanna: Maybe this is—it all comes back to, like, wanting a lot of connection, but this is also what kind of drains my battery. She constantly wants to, like, talk to me or ask me questions from, like, the time that she wakes up to the time that she goes to bed. And it will be—like, currently it's, like, “Would you rather.” It's like, “Would you rather eat all the food in the world or never eat again?” Uh-huh. In the past it's been, like, “Guess what's in my mouth?” But then she always really tries to make it—make me wrong in the circumstance, if that makes sense. Like, I don't know if that's just her, like, looking for power or, like, the upper hand, or like—I don't know. I'm not sure what it is.Sarah: Well, I mean, if you feel—if you have a sense that she's looking for power, I would bring that into the roughhousing—where you are the one who's weak and bumbling and idiotic, and, you know, you're so slow, and she beats you every time at a race. So I would really try to bring some of that—some of that stuff into your roughhousing where she gets to be—Do you know the kind of stuff I'm talking about? Like, “I bet you can't—um, you know, I bet you can't beat me at arm wrestling,” and then, like, you know, you flop your arm over in a silly way, and like, “How are you so strong? Like, I'm gonna beat you next time.” And it's obviously playful, because probably you are stronger than she is at this point, but, you know—feats of strength or speed, or, you know, figuring things out, and you act like you really don't know anything. And—but in, of course, in a joking way, so she knows that you're not—you know, you're pretending to be all these things, but she still gets to gloat and, like, “Ha, you know, I'm the strongest, I'm the best.” So really giving her that in roughhousing.And then also, like, real power. Like, I don't know if she gets to make—what kinds of decisions she gets to make, or, you know, how much—how flexible you are on limits. Because sometimes, as parents, we do set unnecessary limits, which can make our kids, you know—make them look for power in other ways. So really looking at what limits you're setting and if they're necessary limits, and—and how you're setting them. Uh, and also I think it sounds like it's connection-seeking—like, she just wants you. You know, she wants to know that you're there and paying attention to her. And so everything else that you're doing—that we're talking about—that you're gonna try to do more—more time with her and get more one-on-one time with her, hopefully that will help too.And I think it is okay to say, like, after you've done, like, 25 “would you rathers,” I just say—like, I used to say to my kids, “You know what? My brain is just feeling really stimulated from so many words. Like, can we have some quiet for a few minutes?” And not—and being very careful to not phrase it like, “You're talking too much,” or “I don't wanna listen to—” and I'm exaggerating for effect—but just framing it as, like, your brain and a regulation thing—like, “My brain,” and it is words. Yeah. And so, like, “Do you—should we put some music on?” You know, “Can we—like, think of—can you connect in a way that—let's listen to a story.” Okay. Something like that where you still, like, keep up connection with her, but—and it might not work. She—she might not be able to stop talking, but you can try it at least.Joanna: No, that's a—that's a really good suggestion. Almost like replacing it with some other kind of stimulation if she's looking for that in that moment.Sarah: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. So I think—I think it's just—I think it's fair. Like, it's totally—I, at the end of the day, with people, like, talking at me all day, I sometimes am like—you know, when my kids were younger, I'd be like, “Okay, you know, I—I just need a little—my brain needs a little bit of a break. It's feeling overstimulated.” So I think just using that language with her.Joanna: Okay. Okay. Great. Thank you. Well—Sarah: Yeah, I think you're—you know, I think that I've—that we've connected at a point where you're, like, at—you're, like, at the—sort of the top of a mountain, you know? And you've been, like, having all this struggle and uphill battles. And I think you've put—before even we talk—you've put a lot of pieces [together] of what—you know, why some of the challenges were. And they do seem to be connection—you know, connection-based, just in terms of, um, you know, her wanting more and you not being as resourced. And so hopefully working on connection is gonna help with that too.Joanna: Yeah. I'm gonna keep that at top of mind.Sarah: And your self-regulation too. You said you're—you know, you've been having—you're more resourced now than you ever have been, so you're able to work on really staying, like, calm and compassionate in those times when she's dysregulated. Going back to what I said in the beginning, which is that, you know, the steps for the meltdowns really start with our own regulation.Joanna: And I find it's a snowball effect too, because once you start seeing positive changes, it allows you to, like, rest in knowing that things will not always be so hard.Sarah: Yeah. So it—Joanna: It gives you motivation to keep going, I think.Sarah: Totally. And, you know, with complex kids—which it sounds like your daughter is one of those more complex kids—um, brain maturity makes such a huge difference. Um, like, every month and every year as she's starting to get older. And, you know, you mentioned ADHD—that you—that you suspect that she might be ADHD. ADHD kids are often around three years behind, um, in terms of what you might expect for them in terms of, like, their brain development. And not—and not across the board. But in terms of, like, their regulation, in terms of what they can do for themselves, um, like in—you know, and obviously every kid is different. But it really helps to think about, um, your ADHD kids as sort of, uh, developmentally younger than they are. My—my girlfriend who has—her son and my daughter are the same age, so they're both just starting college or university this year. And, um, she was—I—she lives in California, and I was talking to her, and her son has ADHD, and she was talking about how much support he's still needing in first-year college and how she was feeling a little bit like, “Oh, I feel like I shouldn't be supporting him this much when he's 18.” And—and she said, “Actually, I just re—you know, I always remind myself of what you told me a long time ago: to think of him as three years younger than he is in some ways,” and that that's made her feel a little bit better about the scaffolding that she's having to give him.Joanna: Yeah, I've never heard that before. That's good. She's also gonna be starting to work with an OT in a couple of weeks, so we'll see if that has any effect as well.Sarah: Cool.Joanna: Cool.Sarah: Alright, well, I look forward to catching up with you in around maybe three weeks or a month and seeing how things went, and, um, good luck, and I hope this was helpful and gave you some things to work on.Joanna: Okay. Thank you so much.Sarah: Hi Joanna. Welcome back to the podcast.Joanna: Hi Sarah.Sarah: So—how has—it's been about—I think it's been about four weeks since we talked the first time. How have things been?Joanna: Yeah, things I think have been going a little better. Like, every day is a little bit different. We definitely have, like, a lot of ups and downs still, but I think overall we're just on a better trajectory now. Um, it's actually—I was wondering if things—if, like, the behavior has actually been better, or if it's more just, like, my frame of mind.Sarah: That is the classic question because—it's so funny, I'm—I'm laughing because so much of the time when I'm coaching parents, after a couple of sessions they'll say, “This isn't even about my kids. This is all about me.” Right.Joanna: Yeah, it really, really is and just continues to be about, like, my own—not just frame of mind, but, like, my own self-regulation. That's always the biggest thing.Sarah: Yeah.Joanna: Um, I think the biggest challenge is, like—ever since, like, about six months ago, I just have had really bad PMS. So I find, like, the week before—Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: I just feel so irritated by everything.Sarah: Yeah.Joanna: So I feel like that's a really—just so much more of a challenging time because then things that normally don't bother me are bothering me a lot more.Sarah: Right.Joanna: And then it's harder to keep that connection strong.Sarah: Totally. Yeah. And you also—as we mentioned last time—you have come off of a whole bunch of different events of, you know—we talked your daughter's premature birth, and then COVID, and then the new baby. And the new baby—you know, you're not sleeping that much, and, um, all of those things would make it also have your resources be low. Like, not only the PMS, but, like, anything that puts a tax on us—on our resources—is gonna make us more irritable.Joanna: Totally. And—but I'm really trying to lean into having a lot more compassion for myself, because I know that when I do that, I can have a lot more compassion for her and, mm-hmm, whatever's going on that she's bringing to the table too. So that's—that's, I think, probably the biggest thing. But I think that our relationship is just starting to have a lot more resilience—like, when things do start to go sideways, either she or I—we're able to kind of get back on track a lot more quickly than before, and it doesn't become as, like, entrenched.Sarah: That's awesome. And we—we talked last time about trying to get some more time with her so that the only time that she has with you isn't just at bedtime when you're trying to get her to go to bed. Have you been able to do that, and has it—do you think that's been helping?Joanna: Yeah. It depends. Like, we had a really busy weekend this past weekend, so not as much. And then I find that sometimes, like, a barrier to that is, like, by the time the weekend finally comes, I'm so depleted and really just, like, needing time for myself. As much as I'm like, “Okay, I need to spend one-on-one time with her,” I'm like, “I don't want to—I just, like, be by myself for a little while.” So it's—Sarah: I hear that.Joanna: It's always that—like, yeah, it's always that balancing act. And then, like, feeling guilty of, like, “Okay, no, I know I should want to hang out with her,” and I kind of just don't really.Sarah: Mm-hmm. No, you're—you're totally not alone. And it's funny that you just—you mentioned self-compassion and then you said, “I feel guilty 'cause I—I don't wanna hang out with her,” but we all—the theme so far in this five minutes is that, um, you know, what you're bringing to the—what you're bringing to the relationship has been improving. Like you said, your mindset has shifted, and that's helping things with her. So even if you're not getting time independently with her—and hopefully you can work towards that after you fill your own cup—but you're still helping things with her by getting time to yourself.Joanna: True. Yeah, because then I'm coming back just a much better, happier—yes—parent and person.Sarah: Totally.Joanna: Oh, thank you. That's helpful.Sarah: Yeah, and the—and I think you've—you know, you've touched—just in these few minutes—you've touched on two big things that I always say: if you can't really take these two things to heart, it'll be really hard to be a successful peaceful parent. And one is what you said—the mindset shift, you know, of how you see her behavior with, you know, that children are doing the best they can. You know, they're not giving us a hard time; they're having a hard time. And the other one is self-compassion. So making strides in both of those areas will really help you be that parent that you wanna be.Joanna: Yeah. And even though we're maybe not getting huge chunks of time individually, I am really trying to make the most of, like, those little moments—Sarah: Good.Joanna: —of connection. Yeah. So even, like—what we've started doing is, because my husband's on night shift, he is waking up with her in the morning because she has a really hard time in the morning. So now he's sort of with her, getting her ready in the morning. And then I am—like, we used to all walk to the bus together because my son likes to go too. But now my husband's hanging back with my son, so now I'm just walking her to the bus. And even though it's five minutes, it's like we're holding hands. She's able to tell me—Sarah: Yeah.Joanna: —you know, talking about whatever.Sarah: That's still—that—that totally counts. That's—and that also, um, that also takes care of something we talked about last time too, which is your husband and your son having more time together, um, so that the nights that—when your husband is home—maybe he can put your son to bed and start trying to shift that dynamic. So yeah. That's amazing that you're doing—that. Yeah, I think that's a great shift—walking to her—to the bus by herself.Joanna: And I think it—it actually makes a huge difference. You know, before it was like she would just kind of get on the bus and not really look back, and now she's, like, giving me a hug and a kiss and waving—Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: —waving in the window. So, like, I can see that it's having a positive effect right away.Sarah: You could even leave five minutes earlier than you have to and have—turn that five minutes into ten minutes.Joanna: I would love to do that. It's always just—like, it's really hard to get to the bus on time as it is. We will work toward that though.Sarah: I hear that. Well, if you did try to leave five minutes earlier then it might be more relaxed, even if you didn't even have any extra time, but you were just, like—leave, you know, change your whole morning back five minutes and try to get out five minutes early.Joanna: Yeah. Yeah. True. So I think that we had talked a lot about roughhousing last time too—Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: —and I do find that that's—that's really—it works well for her, but I run into this really specific problem where when, uh, like, we start roughhousing, and then she's enjoying it, but then my son wants to get in the mix—Sarah: Mm-hmm.Joanna: —and then right away she's like, “No, like, get outta here.” So then she'll start kind of, like, pushing him or, like, throwing kicks or something. So—and then he gets upset because he's like, “Mom! Mom!” So then I end up sort of, like, pinned underneath both of them—Sarah: Right.Joanna: —they're mad at each other, hitting each other—Sarah: Oh no.Joanna: —they both want me.Sarah: Well, maybe—maybe don't do it then if that's how it ends up. But I do have a couple of shifts that might help before you give up on it when you're alone with them. One is, do you ever try to do those “two against you”? Like, start it out right from the get-go—“You two against Mommy. See if you can—see if you can—” Um, it's funny you just said you end up pinned down because that's what I often say. Like, “See if you can stop Mommy from getting up,” or “See if you can catch me,” or, you know, trying to align the two of them against you. That might help.Joanna: Yeah, I love that idea. Never thought about that. Yeah, I think she would love that.Sarah: Yeah. So, “Okay, you two are a team, and you have to try to stop me from jumping on the bed,” or “You know, you—you have to stop me from getting to the bed,” or, you know, something like that.Joanna: Okay, I'm gonna try that. I think that they'll love it.Sarah: Yeah. Another idea is, um, what I call “mental roughhousing,” where you're not doing, like, physical stuff, but you're being silly and, like, um—I think I mentioned her last time to you, but A Playful Heart Parenting—Mia—W—Walinski. She has a lot of great ideas on her Instagram—we'll link to that in the show notes—of, like, different, um, like, word things that you can do. When I say mental roughhousing, it's like getting everyone laughing without being physical.Joanna: Mm-hmm.Sarah: Uh, which—you know, the goal of roughhousing is to get everyone laughing, and sometimes being physical might not work. But you can—like, I'll give you an idea. This isn't from Mia, but this is something that I used to do with my kids. Like, you know, one of you—you're like—you say to JR, “Oh—where did your sister go?” And she's sitting right there. “She was just here a minute ago. Where did Jay go? I don't see her. What happened to her? She disappeared.” And meanwhile she's like, “I'm right here! I'm right here!” You know—something like that that's more of, like, a—more of a mental roughhousing.My kids and I used to play this game that actually my brother-in-law invented called Slam, where, like, you both say a word at the same time. Um, so, like—I'm just looking around my—like, you know, “curtain” and, you know, “lemonade.” Uh, and then it's like—you both say it—both—you both say your word at the same time. And that actually wasn't a very funny one—kids come up with much funnier ones than I do—but it's like, “Is that, like, a lemonade that is made out of curtains, or is it a—what—” It's such a dumb example now that I think of it, but—but—or is it, like, a curtain that hides the lemonade? And so you just try and—like, you think of silly things that the two words together—the two words “slam” together—mean.Joanna: Okay, great. That's—that's on my next book—that's on my next thing to read. You—man—you keep mentioning—what is it? Playful—Playful Heart Parenting? She has an—I—Sarah: There was a book—there was a book too. And—Joanna: Oh—Sarah: Playful Parenting—the Larry Cohen book.Joanna: The Larry Cohen book, yeah.Sarah: Yeah.Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: That's a great book. Yeah, and he was on my podcast too, so you could listen to that. We'll also link to—Mia was on my podcast, and Larry was—so we'll link to both of those in the show notes as well.Joanna: Okay, great. I may have listened to one of those, but—yeah. Okay. Yeah.Sarah: And Playful Parenting is really great for also talking—and, like, Mia is just straight up, like, how to be more playful in life and to, you know, make more joy in your family kind of thing. And Larry talks about how to be more playful to also support your child through transitions and through big emotions and different things—like, it's a—it's a little bit more, um, like, all-around parenting—Playful Parenting.Joanna: Okay.Sarah: But it is different.Joanna: Yeah. I used to have a really hard time getting the kids upstairs to start the bedtime routine. And now it's like—I'll be like, “Okay, I'm gonna hide first,” and, like, I go upstairs and hide and we start—Sarah: Oh, I love that.Joanna: —we play hide-and-seek, and—Sarah: Oh yeah, it was a stroke of genius one day, and it's been working so well just to get everyone, like, off the main floor and—Joanna: —upstairs.Sarah: I'm gonna totally steal that idea. That's such a good idea. Yeah, because you could also send them up—“Okay, go hide upstairs and I'll come and find you.” And then you could do a round of you hiding. And I love that. That's a great idea. Yeah.Joanna: And I especially love hide-and-seek for sometimes when I need, like, 30 seconds by myself in a dark closet—Sarah: —to, like, take a breath.Joanna: That's great.Sarah: I love it. I love it. Yeah, it's—that's so great.As I mentioned before, I forgot to ask Joanna for an update about a few things. So here's the update about breastfeeding her son in the night.Sarah: Okay.Joanna: Hi, Sarah. So, in terms of the night-weaning, um, I haven't gone ahead and done anything about that yet just because he does have his last molars coming in and has been sick. So I want to wait until he's well and pain-free to kind of give us our best chance at getting that off on the right foot. But I have really realized that because he's my last baby, that this is really the last little home stretch of being woken up by a baby at night—specifically to nurse. So that's helped me kind of reduce my feelings of resentment toward it.Sarah: I love that Joanna zoomed out and looked at the big picture and the fact that this is her last baby, and used that to sort of just change her mindset a little bit and make it a little bit easier to continue on with something when she knew it wasn't the right time to stop. And now here is her update about bedtime with her daughter. And for this, I love that she got preventive—you'll see what I mean—and also playful. Those are two really great things to look at when you're having any struggles with your kids: like, how can I prevent this from happening? And also, how can I be playful when it is happening and shift the mood?Joanna: And in terms of bedtime with my daughter, we've made a couple of schedule changes to set us off on a better foot once I get back together with her after putting my son to bed. So I think we used to have a lot of conflict because it was like she was still asking for another snack and then hadn't brushed her teeth, and then it was just kind of getting to be too late and I was getting short on patience. So now we have, like, a set snack time where everybody has a snack, and I let them know, like, “This is the last time that we're eating today,” and then we're going upstairs—using hide-and-seek, like I mentioned—and then just really continuing to be playful in all doing our bedtime tasks together.So, for example, I'm saying, like, “Okay, I'm gonna go into my room and put my pajamas on. Can you guys go get your PJs on—and then don't show me, but I have to guess what pajamas you have on?” So she really loves that because, like I mentioned, she loves to get me to guess things. But also she's then helping her brother get ready for bed, and he's far more cooperative with her than with me in terms of getting his pajamas on. So it all works really well.Yeah, and then just kind of continuing to be silly and playful is really helping with brushing teeth—it's like, “Who can make the silliest faces in the mirror?” and stuff. So, really kind of moving through all those tasks together so that by the time I'm out of the room and ready to put her to bed, everything's done, and we can just get into playing cards and then snuggling and chatting and—and leaving from there after maybe a five- or ten-minute snuggle. So there's been way fewer meltdowns at the end of the night because we are able to just not get in this place where we're getting into power struggles in the first place. It's just really all about, like, the love and connection at the end of the day.Sarah: The final thing I wanted to check in with you about is—you were asking about the meltdowns. You know, when Jay gets really upset and, you know, how to—um—how to manage those. Have you had any chances to practice what we talked about with that?Joanna: Yeah, she actually had a really, really big, long, extended meltdown yesterday, and, um, I just continue to not really feel like I'm ever supporting her in the way that she needs supporting. Like, I don't—I always end up feeling like I'm not—I'm not helping. I don't know. It's just a really, really hard situation.Sarah: I was just talking to a client yesterday who—who actually wanted to know about supporting her child through meltdowns, and I said, “Well, what would you want someone to do for you?” You know—just kind of be there. Be quiet. You know, offer a—you know, rub the—rub your back—rub her back. I mean, I don't know exactly what your child wants, but I think that's a good place to start if you feel like you're not being successful—like, “Well, what would I want if this was happening to me?”Joanna: And I think that really—that's enough, right? It's enough—Sarah: Oh, totally.Joanna: —to be there. And it always—maybe I'm just feeling like it's not enough because we don't really even get, like, a good resolution, or, like, even—eventually it just kind of subsides, right?Sarah: If you were having a meltdown, that's what would happen. Nobody can come in there and fix it for you.Joanna: Um, exactly.Sarah: Nobody can come in and say the magic words that's gonna make you not feel upset anymore. So it's really just about that—being there for somebody. And we're—it's not that the resolution is “I fixed their problems.”Joanna: Yeah.Sarah: The resolution is “I was there with them for the journey.”Joanna: Yeah. And it goes back to what you were saying, where it's like, “Oh, this work really is just about me.”Sarah: Yeah, totally.Joanna: And learning how to show up.Sarah: And not feeling anxious when your child is upset and you're like, “I don't know what to do,” and just think, “Okay, I just have to be

Parenting a child who melts down over homework or seemingly simple tasks can feel overwhelming and exhausting. You're not imagining it—the frustration, tears, and chaos aren't bad behavior. It's a dysregulated brain struggling to access its control center.In this episode, let me explain why dysregulated kids can't use their executive function, what that means for daily life, and practical strategies to help your child regain focus, complete tasks, and strengthen their executive functioning skills.Why does my child melt down after school?Many parents notice that after a long day, their child becomes irritable or shuts down at homework time. This isn't defiance—it's a dysregulated brain that's gone offline.When stress builds, it hijacks the prefrontal cortex, the control center for planning, organization, and impulse control. Your child simply can't access their executive functions or working memory until their nervous system settles.What's happening:Stress or sensory overload disrupts brain functions.Transitions and overstimulation lead to poor executive functioning—especially in kids with ADHD or anxiety.Their brain shifts from learning to survival mode.What helps:Co-regulate first. Your calm presence signals safety.Once calm, executive functioning skills like focus, planning, and task completion return.Let's calm the brain first—because that's when real learning begins.Download the Executive Functioning Toolkit — packed with science-backed strategies you can start using today to reduce stress and improve focus.How can I help my child focus when they can't control their emotions?When emotions flood in, logic and problem-solving shut down. This is common in children with ADHD, learning disabilities, or high emotional sensitivity.Regulate first: Deep breaths, movement, or sensory grounding can reset the brain.Break tasks into small, manageable steps to avoid overwhelming a child with poor executive functioning.Use internal self-talk modeling: Narrate your planning out loud to teach cognitive strategies like task initiation and sustained attention.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Unmasking Medical Misinformation with Scott CarneyIn this episode, we delve into the intricate world of health, wellness, and medical misinformation with Scott Carney, a medical anthropologist and investigative journalist. Scott shares his journey from academia to mainstream journalism, exposing fraudulent practices in the wellness industry. The conversation navigates the challenges of differentiating evidence-based medicine from pseudoscientific claims, the rise of wellness gurus exploiting vulnerable populations, and the complex nature of health solutions in the digital age. Scott reveals the manipulative tactics of influencers like Mark Hyman and products like AG1, highlighting the psychological and financial pitfalls of believing in unproven therapies. The discussion also addresses the broader implications of this trend, including the erosion of trust in legitimate authorities and the increasing difficulty of finding reliable health information online. Scott advocates for critical thinking, skepticism, and staying informed to avoid falling prey to health scams.00:00 Introduction to Scott Carney01:00 Scott Carney's Background and Career02:04 The Wellness Industry and Evidence-Based Medicine03:59 Challenges in Evaluating Medical Claims04:52 Historical Medical Practices and Modern Misconceptions07:11 The Internet's Role in Health Misinformation12:57 Functional Medicine and Its Pitfalls19:44 The Business of Health Influencers22:42 Case Study: Athletic Greens (AG1)31:48 The Future of Health Information and Skepticism39:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That's why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you've been told fibromyalgia “isn't real” or that it's “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you'll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn't replace per...

In this conversation, Stephen Martin discusses the interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors in neurodiversity, particularly focusing on ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. He emphasizes how modern environments, especially the prevalence of addictive substances and social media, exacerbate these genetic predispositions, leading to increased struggles for individuals with these conditions.TakeawaysThere is a significant genetic and epigenetic component to ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.Many individuals are predisposed to various neurodiverse conditions.Modern environments contribute to the expression of genetic predispositions.Addictive substances and dopamine abusers are more prevalent today.Social media usage, like scrolling on TikTok, can exacerbate genetic struggles.The current environment is revealing more about our genetic codes.The interaction between genetics and environment is crucial in understanding neurodiversity.Increased screen time may lead to heightened challenges for neurodiverse individuals.Understanding neurodiversity requires a holistic view of genetics and environment.Awareness of these factors can lead to better support for those with neurodiverse conditions.ADHD, dyslexia, autism, epigenetics, genetics, neurodiversity, dopamine, social media, environment,  adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderhttps://addednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Yvonne An is a Korean entrepreneur and creator based in Manila. She blends creativity with data, even building her own TikTok analysis bot to study trends, performance, and what drives PR and brand deals. Yvonne shares an honest look into her life—balancing startups, mental health, and her experience living in the Philippines—making her a relatable voice for Gen Z builders and creatives.Connect with Yvonne:https://www.instagram.com/yvonnean_https://www.tiktok.com/@yvonnneCHAPTERS:0:00 – Introduction0:49 – Meet Yvonne1:15 – What Yvonne has been focused on2:21 – Why Yvonne started a company5:12 – Content creation as stress relief5:59 – What she enjoys about creating7:38 – Building a TikTok data bot9:27 – How the bot measures content ROI10:44 – How she built the bot11:58 – Labeling & scraping TikTok data12:51 – Tracking growth and plateaus14:11 – Why she signed with an agency15:27 – Balancing startups + content16:28 – Her dad's surprising hobbies16:56 – Yvonne on her mom & family19:11 – Where her independent energy comes from20:24 – Gen Z entrepreneurs21:59 – Thoughts on Cluely's content strategy23:45 – Young entrepreneurs today24:09 – Her brother's path24:40 – Would she want kids?25:17 – Raising entrepreneurial kids27:15 – How parents shape business mindset28:51 – Lessons from her dad's hardships32:09 – When her dad left LG33:48 – How old she was then34:46 – Andy's first trip to the Philippines36:37 – Rockwell run club38:42 – Filipino “clientele relationship”41:58 – Building company culture in PH45:53 – Antidepressants & mental health47:57 – Impulsive behavior in relationships48:33 – Andy's personality quiz (money)50:11 – Is religion good or bad?52:14 – Emotional vs. logical54:01 – Who's more hardworking?54:12 – Wait for someone or date who likes you?54:39 – Her biggest 2024–2025 takeaways55:55 – Naming a child with two letters56:40 – What she'd change about Andy57:37 – Airport ride scenario59:12 – Last time she asked for help1:04:18 – Last three times she helped others1:07:45 – Andy's reflection on Yvonne1:09:45 – Guessing each other's MBTI1:16:00 – Similar vs. opposite partners1:16:49 – Does she have ADHD?1:17:06 – Feeling out of place in PH1:19:35 – Her day-to-day life in Manila1:20:43 – Balancing career + relationship1:22:02 – Purpose of life1:23:19 – Is life meaningless?1:23:51 – What puts her in a sad state1:24:43 – How convo would differ without SSRIs1:25:35 – Does she need SSRIs long-term?1:26:49 – Her anxiety1:27:49 – Plans for the rest of her gap year1:29:10 – Could she thrive at UC Berkeley?1:30:40 – Being seen as a “pretty dumb girl”1:32:07 – Story about people “playing dumb”1:34:40 – Yvonne's recent life discoveries1:35:26 – Her next 6-month goal1:36:42 – Why Andy thought her life was “nerfed”1:38:58 – Connect with Yvonne1:40:14 – Why some girls “play dumb”1:41:13 – How her personal brand shows only a slice of her1:42:21 – Outro

Mental health care is changing — and Dr. Matthew Rosario, founder and Chief Clinical Director of Clear Horizons Counseling Group, is helping to lead that transformation. In a candid and wide-ranging conversation on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and co-host Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber talk with Dr. Rosario about his passion for community-based care, his mission to make therapy more accessible, and why empathy and structure are the true foundations of healing. A New Model for Mental Health Care Dr. Rosario founded Clear Horizons to address the gaps he saw in traditional therapy. Rather than confining care to an office, his team meets clients where they are — literally and figuratively. "We're helping humans, not numbers," he explains. Instead of relying on the conventional 45-minute session, Clear Horizons offers community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment for youth and adults, including those involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Corrections. By immersing themselves in their clients' real environments, Dr. Rosario and his staff gain a deeper understanding of the struggles people face each day. He emphasizes, "It's not just about talking. It's about seeing, listening, and walking alongside someone in their reality." Therapy That Meets People Where They Are Dr. Rosario rejects the idea that therapy should end when the clock runs out. His team remains available to patients, even outside business hours. "If a client needs me at nine o'clock at night because they're in crisis," he says, "I'd rather they call me than end up in the hospital." That human-first approach extends to Clear Horizons' payment model as well. The organization does not deny care based on a person's ability to pay, nor does it charge copayments. "If insurance pays, great," he notes. "If not, we still serve you. I'm not here to work for the insurance company — I'm here to work for the person." Beyond the Couch: Therapy for All Ages Clear Horizons operates offices in Front Royal, Fredericksburg, Richmond, and soon Norfolk, serving clients as young as six years old. Through play therapy, young children learn emotional regulation and critical thinking skills in a fun, interactive way. "Five-year-olds aren't going to sit down and spill their emotions," Dr. Rosario explains with a smile. "But through play, they show us how they feel — and that's where healing begins." For adolescents and adults, therapy may involve more direct dialogue and structured interventions, but the goal remains the same: to help clients recognize patterns, challenge excuses, and grow through self-awareness. The ADHD Conversation: From Diagnosis to Empowerment When the discussion turns to ADHD, Dr. Rosario leans forward with conviction. As an ADHD specialist—and someone who lives with the condition himself—he challenges misconceptions. "ADHD isn't just being hyper or distracted," he says. "It's about executive functioning — the ability to organize, prioritize, and self-regulate." Too often, he notes, patients receive medication without therapy or coaching. "Medication can help, but it doesn't teach skills. People need structure, accountability, and tools to manage their day-to-day life." He urges parents to seek ADHD coaches in addition to medical professionals, emphasizing that early intervention can make a life-changing difference. For adults, he offers hope: "You can't outgrow ADHD, but you can learn to manage it. It can become your superpower." A Life Built on Service and Structure Before entering the mental health field, Dr. Rosario served in the U.S. military, working at the Pentagon. That experience shaped his leadership style and his high standards for staff performance. "We're here to go above and beyond," he insists. "Our clients deserve our best." His structured approach balances empathy with accountability — both for his team and his patients. "I tell people all the time," he says, "'Life is tough. But what are you doing to change your circumstances?'" Investing in Community Wellness While Clear Horizons operates multiple offices across Virginia, Front Royal holds a special place in Dr. Rosario's heart. It's now his home and the organization's flagship location. He proudly reinvests 25% of company profits back into local nonprofits through sponsorships, grants, and community partnerships. "It's not about recognition," he insists. "It's about impact. If we have the resources to help, we should." From sponsoring Reaching Out Now and the Phoenix Project to hosting suicide awareness trainings and Narcan events, Clear Horizons embodies the philosophy that community well-being begins with collaboration. "Mental health isn't just what happens in therapy," Dr. Rosario says. "It's also showing love and support in the community." Redefining Resilience As the conversation winds down, Dr. Rosario reflects on his own journey — from a childhood marked by loss and hardship to leading a thriving organization that transforms lives. "I was born addicted to drugs," he shares openly. "My parents died when I was two. I faced every disadvantage, but I refused to become a product of my environment." Today, his message is clear: resilience is not about perfection — it's about purpose. "Once you get through it," he says, "you can finally breathe. And when you breathe, you can help others do the same." Learn more on their website: https://chfcounselingroups.com/, follow them on Facebook, or call (540) 583-3211.

Watch YouTube video here.Learn more about working together here.If you live with ADHD, you know how exhausting it can feel to manage everything: emotions, energy, focus, and all the expectations.In this video, we're talking about how to spend your energy on the most important things! It explains the concept of locus of control, what's truly in your power and what's not, and how understanding this can make daily life easier, save you energy, and ultimately help you be more productive!You'll learn: ✔️ How to tell the difference between internal and external control ✔️ A key that can help with planning, motivation, and emotional regulation ✔️ Real-life ADHD examples that make this concept clickWatch now and start focusing your energy where it actually matters.#ADHD #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDTips #Mindset #Coaching #Neurodiversity #ADHDHelp #FocusTips

Dick’s guest, Douglas Smith, was a social worker, a policy insider at the Texas capitol and a father when untreated mental illness and addiction led him to rob a bank and land in prison for nearly six years. He is now flourishing as a social worker helping people develop leadership skills. His recent book is […]

Keywords ADHD, grief, resilience, palliative care, near-death experience, personal growth, mental health, vulnerability, integrity, healing Summary In this conversation, Jay Morgan Hyrons shares her unique career journey, marked by personal loss and resilience. Her husband, Gary was killed in the |Falklands war. She discusses her experiences with ADHD, the impact of grief in her various roles, and how her near-death experiences shaped her understanding of vulnerability and strength. Jay emphasizes the importance of processing grief and the lessons learned from her struggles, including the pursuit of justice and the significance of kindness and integrity in overcoming adversity. Takeaways Jay's career path reflects her struggle with ADHD and boredom. Grief has been a constant theme in Jay's professional life. Her experiences in palliative care deepened her understanding of grief. Jay faced significant personal losses, including her husband's death. She emphasizes the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it. Near-death experiences taught her about vulnerability and resilience. Jay's pursuit of justice after medical negligence was a pivotal moment. She believes kindness is integral to her identity. Her book, 'The Falklands Widow', offers insights into grief. Jay advocates for understanding grief in mental health contexts. https://www.jaymorganhyrons.com/ https://falklands35blog.wordpress.com/about/ Sound bites "I tick every box for that." "Boredom is your biggest enemy." "Grief's everywhere." Chapters 00:00 A Journey Through Unconventional Career Paths 03:57 Understanding Grief: A Personal Perspective 07:34 Near-Death Experiences and Their Impact 15:41 Resilience Through Vulnerability 24:41 The Fight for Justice: A Personal Battle 33:36 Embracing Grief and Learning from Loss 37:19 Outro Oct 23  2.mp4    

Keywords ADHD, grief, resilience, palliative care, near-death experience, personal growth, mental health, vulnerability, integrity, healing Summary In this conversation, Jay Morgan Hyrons shares her unique career journey, marked by personal loss and resilience. Her husband, Gary was killed in the |Falklands war. She discusses her experiences with ADHD, the impact of grief in her various roles, and how her near-death experiences shaped her understanding of vulnerability and strength. Jay emphasizes the importance of processing grief and the lessons learned from her struggles, including the pursuit of justice and the significance of kindness and integrity in overcoming adversity. Takeaways Jay's career path reflects her struggle with ADHD and boredom. Grief has been a constant theme in Jay's professional life. Her experiences in palliative care deepened her understanding of grief. Jay faced significant personal losses, including her husband's death. She emphasizes the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it. Near-death experiences taught her about vulnerability and resilience. Jay's pursuit of justice after medical negligence was a pivotal moment. She believes kindness is integral to her identity. Her book, 'The Falklands Widow', offers insights into grief. Jay advocates for understanding grief in mental health contexts. https://www.jaymorganhyrons.com/ https://falklands35blog.wordpress.com/about/ Sound bites "I tick every box for that." "Boredom is your biggest enemy." "Grief's everywhere." Chapters 00:00 A Journey Through Unconventional Career Paths 03:57 Understanding Grief: A Personal Perspective 07:34 Near-Death Experiences and Their Impact 15:41 Resilience Through Vulnerability 24:41 The Fight for Justice: A Personal Battle 33:36 Embracing Grief and Learning from Loss 37:19 Outro Oct 23  2.mp4  

Ever felt so bored you'd rather do anything — even something you'll regret — just to avoid that restless, agitated feeling? In this episode, Dr. Marcy Caldwell breaks down why boredom feels like torture, what's really happening in the brain and body, and why ADHDers crave stimulation (even the bad kind sometimes).We dig into:The two types of boredom — apathetic vs. agitatedWhat the “optimal stimulation zone” actually meansWhy boredom spikes stress hormones like cortisolAnd practical ways to manage boredom without blowing up your life for excitementDr. Caldwell brings her signature mix of neuroscience and real-world wisdom to help us understand — and work with — our restless, stimulation-seeking brains.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokGo to drinkag1.com/ihaveadhd to get a FREE Frother with your first purchase of AGZ.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rapper Professor Green joins James Smith for an unfiltered conversation about the problem with fame, the illusion of success and the hidden loneliness behind recognition. From growing up in Hackney to playing Glastonbury, Professor Green reveals how fame promised to fix everything… and nearly broke him instead. They dive into the darker side of success, the pressure to perform, the loss of privacy and the mental health toll of living as a public persona. Green opens up about his late autism and ADHD diagnosis, the self-sabotage of success and learning to rebuild a life grounded in honesty, fatherhood and self-awareness rather than applause. He explains: ◼️ Why fame magnifies your problems instead of solving them ◼️ How childhood trauma shapes ambition and anxiety ◼️ The reality of addiction, ego, and escapism in celebrity culture ◼️ Why becoming a dad finally made him stop performing ◼️ How self-understanding saved his life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saskia Van der Oord, Ph.D., and Michael Meinzer, Ph.D., discuss the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for ADHD, and how modern approaches should move from treating ADHD behaviors and impairments to empowering individuals. Behavioral Therapy for ADHD: Additional Resources Free Download: Everything You Need to Know About CBT Read: ADHD Therapy Comparison: CBT vs. ADHD Coaching Read: Why the ADHD Brain Chooses the Less Important Task — and How CBT Improves Prioritization Skills Read: Adult ADHD Treatment Options — an Overview Access the video and slides for podcast episode #582 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/therapy-for-adhd-adapting-cbt/ Thank you for listening to ADDitude's ADHD Experts podcast. Please consider subscribing to the magazine (additu.de/subscribe) to support our mission of providing ADHD education and support.

If you've ever wondered how to lead and thrive with a different brain, this conversation will help you feel less alone and better understand your neurodistinct strengths and challenges. I unpack findings from my "Neurostrength survey" taken by 1286 professionals with ADHD, Autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, learning differences, and other brain differences. I'm joined by sociologist, research scientist, and leadership coach Dr. Diane Biray Gregorio. We cover the real advantages (pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, empathy, hyperfocus), the common friction points (processing speed mismatches, focus, emotional regulation) of someone whose brain works differently at work. You'll learn practical ways to self-advocate, how to job-craft for your strengths, and a simple framework to design your best workday. You'll leave with strategies to make thrive at work, get what you need, and build psychologically safe, high-performing teams. Read the survey report here, for free: https://morraam.com/neurostrength-survey Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Science behind thriving at work: breaking down the results of my NeuroStrength survey. 16:15 What we learned about the leaders who responded to our survey. 21:00 Revealing the MYTH that neurodistinct people aren't good at managing people. 24:30 How many people that completed the survey identified themselves as neurodivergent or neurodistinct? 28:45 How many survey participants who identify as neurodivergent/neurodistinct have been diagnosed? 35:30 Ways having a different brain has impacted careers (from challenges to strengths.) 39:00 Superpowers neurodistinct people have reported that are advantages in the workplace. 43:15 How to self-advocate and set up your environment to perform at your best. 52:30 Common task-related challenges of our survey participants. 57:00 The TAAM framework to best manage your time. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Dr. Diane Biray Gregorio: @drdbgregorio 

Many people struggle with anxiety, relationship patterns, or chronic health conditions without realizing these challenges stem from attachment trauma stored in the body. Attachment isn't just about relationship styles or emotional patterns—it lives in our nervous system, immune system, and cellular biology, creating survival mechanisms that formed before we could even walk. In this episode, I reveal how attachment trauma begins in utero and shapes three distinct childhood survival styles that show up in your life today. I share my own rocking chair moment with my adopted son Miguel, explaining how that experience led me to discover the three critical elements that create secure or insecure attachment: attunement, neurodevelopment, and biology. You'll learn about the six types of attachment pain—from "hold me" to "love me"—and discover why people-pleasing, perfectionism, chronic overwhelm, and even autoimmune conditions trace back to these early survival adaptations. Whether you're a professional working with attachment issues, someone recognizing your own patterns, or a parent wanting to break intergenerational cycles, this episode bridges conventional psychology with nervous system regulation and functional medicine. You'll understand why traditional talk therapy often hits a wall with attachment healing, and what becomes possible when you address the body's stored attachment pain across all three levels: mind, body, and biology. In this episode, you'll learn: [00:00:22] Why attachment trauma lives in your body's cells and immune system, not just your relationship patterns [00:05:11] Three critical elements that create secure or insecure attachment: attunement, neurodevelopment, and biology [00:10:32] Critical Element #1 - Attunement: The trust cycle and co-regulation through eye contact, touch, and need responsiveness [00:15:34] The Rope Test: discovering your primary childhood survival style in relationships when survival feels at stake [00:18:48] Critical Element #2 - Neurodevelopment: How tummy time and crawling gaps create anxiety, ADHD, and sensory issues [00:24:41] Critical Element #3 - Biology: Which neurotransmitters promote connection versus protection in your nervous system [00:27:49] Attachment Pain #1 - Hold Me: Early holding needs and global high intensity activation pattern [00:30:02] Attachment Pain #2 - Hear Me: When your needs weren't heard and you learned to rescue others while feeling empty [00:32:56] Attachment Pain #3 - Support Me: Movement support gaps that create "I can't" default thinking and overwhelm [00:35:22] Attachment Pain #4 - See Me & Attachment Pain #5 - Understand Me: Being different and unique, yet feeling drained when people don't understand you [00:37:05] Attachment Pain #6 - Love Me: Perfectionism, high inner anxiety, and the fear of being unlovable [00:40:35] The repair approach: addressing body, mind, and biology across all six attachment pain types Main Takeaways: Attachment Lives in Your Body, Your Mind: Attachment trauma isn't only about relationship patterns or emotional wounds—it's stored in your nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and cells. Your body holds muscle memory of childhood survival patterns that show up as chronic health conditions, hypervigilance, people-pleasing, and perfectionism decades later. Three Critical Elements Create Your Attachment Foundation: Attunement (co-regulation through touch and responsiveness), neurodevelopment (movement milestones like crawling), and biology (neurotransmitter balance) all determine whether you developed secure or insecure attachment. Gaps in any one of these elements create attachment pain that requires repair across all three levels. The Trust Cycle Builds Nervous System Security: When babies experience the repeated pattern of need-dysregulation-need met-regulation-connection, they develop inborn trust that "when I have a need, I'm going to be okay because they always come." Without enough repetitions of this trust cycle, the body stores the belief that survival depends on protection rather than connection. Your Childhood Survival Style Shows Up Today: The Rope Test reveals whether you pull people close, push them away, or feel confused in relationships when your survival feels threatened. These aren't conscious choices—they're stored patterns from how your young self had to survive. Whether pulling close or pushing away, both responses come from protection mode, not connection. Six Sequential Attachment Pains Create Distinct Patterns: Hold me (birth to months), hear me (first year), support me (second year), see me (age three), understand me (age four-five), and love me (age six-seven) represent sequential developmental stages. Each creates specific thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms, and coping mechanisms that can be identified and repaired. Chronic Illness Traces to Stored Attachment Pain: IBS and autoimmunity connect to "hold me" attachment pain, food issues and emotional eating link to "hear me" attachment pain, and back pain flare-ups and stomach ulcers signal "understand me" attachment insecurity. These aren't random—they're the body's downstream response to unresolved attachment trauma. Notable Quotes: "For him, survival meant protecting his heart." "There's an existential anxiety that is created when you don't know if you really exist." "You can have had great parents and still have these survival patterns from your childhood.  "Everything that I experience today is filtered through my attachment foundation."  "If I don't change my filter, I will continue to recreate the same pain for the rest of my life." Episode Takeaway: When my five-year-old adopted son told me he would kill me tomorrow while I held him like a baby, I realized his survival depended on protecting his heart—not connecting. That rocking chair moment launched six years of searching that revealed attachment isn't just psychological, it's biological. Your attachment foundation formed through three critical elements: attunement, neurodevelopment, and biology. Gaps create six sequential attachment pains that live in your nervous system and show up as chronic health conditions, relationship patterns, and survival responses today. True repair requires addressing all three levels simultaneously—mind, body, and biology—because everything you experience is filtered through your childhood attachment foundation. Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Episode 69: How Attachment Shapes Our Biology and Behavior with Dr. Aimie Apigian Episode 128: How Attachment Trauma Drives Anxiety, Autoimmunity & Chronic Illness Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LiveHolPlus/podcastsMental health is not a simple checklist, it is a whole body story. In this hol+ episode, Dr. Taz sits down with Dr. James Greenblatt, a pioneer of integrative and nutritional psychiatry, to rethink how we approach depression, anxiety, ADHD, and eating disorders through labs, nutrients, hormones, and personalized care.Together, they unpack why so much suffering persists despite more medications, how root cause testing changes outcomes, and why simple shifts like correcting vitamin D, B12, iron, thyroid, zinc, and omega 3 can transform mood and resilience. They also explore nutrigenomics for precision dosing, the real limits of 10 minute telehealth med checks, and where tools like ketamine, psychedelics, and lithium orotate fit only after foundations are in place.From practical lab targets and cost effective protocols to the crossroads of food, sleep, screens, and ADHD, this conversation invites us to see mental health not as a diagnosis to medicate, but as a system to understand and support.Dr. Taz and Dr. Greenblatt discuss:The gap between symptom focused care and root cause testingKey labs for mood, vitamin D, B12, iron, thyroid, hormonesWhy micronutrients come first for eating disordersMTHFR, methylfolate, glutathione, and antidepressant responseNutrigenomics for personalized vitamin and mineral dosingThe risks of quick med stacking and 10 minute checksWhere ketamine, psychedelics, and lithium orotate may help, and when they do notADHD, ultra processed foods, sugary drinks, sleep, and screen timeAbout Dr. James Greenblatt, MDDr. James Greenblatt, MD is a board certified psychiatrist and a pioneer of integrative and nutritional psychiatry. For more than three decades he has treated patients with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders using personalized protocols that combine conventional care with targeted nutrients and lab guided precision. He is the author of multiple books including Finally Focused and the upcoming Finally Hopeful.Connect further to Hol+ at https://holplus.co/- Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of hol+.Get your copy of The Hormone Shift: Balance Your Body and Thrive Through Midlife and MenopauseStay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcast: https://holplus.transistor.fm/subscribeSubscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD/podcastsFollow Dr. Taz on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/https://www.instagram.com/liveholplus/Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/@drtazmdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drtazmdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtazmd/Follow Dr. James Greenblatt MD: Website: https://jamesgreenblattmd.com Platform: https://PsychiatryRedefined.org Instagram: https://instagram.com/psychiatry_redefinedDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of hol+00:00 Introduction, testing gap and the B12 tragedy01:31 Pharma model and 10 minute med checks02:37 Framing the crisis and why patients feel stuck05:49 How psychiatry arrived at symptom based meds07:29 What to test, hormones and core nutrients10:49 The Whole Body Map explained12:39 Vitamin D, B12, iron, thyroid, practical targets17:52 Why meds fail without nutrition18:23 Eating disorders, zinc, omega 3, methylfolate24:33 MTHFR, folate, and glutathione26:34 Nutrigenomics and personalized dosing29:51 Ketamine and psychedelics, proceed with caution32:26 Lithium orotate, irritability and dementia research38:57 Polypharmacy, slowing down, doing the work43:21 ADHD, diet, sleep, screens, lifestyle links46:28 Where to learn more, resources, closing (00:00) - Chapter 1 (00:00) - Introduction, testing gap and the B12 tragedy (01:31) - Pharma model and 10 minute med checks (02:37) - Framing the crisis and why patients feel stuck (05:49) - How psychiatry arrived at symptom based meds (07:29) - What to test, hormones and core nutrients (10:49) - The Whole Body Map explained (12:39) - Vitamin D, B12, iron, thyroid, practical targets (17:52) - Why meds fail without nutrition (18:23) - Eating disorders, zinc, omega 3, methylfolate (24:33) - MTHFR, folate, and glutathione (26:34) - Nutrigenomics and personalized dosing (29:51) - Ketamine and psychedelics, proceed with caution (32:26) - Lithium orotate, irritability and dementia research (38:57) - Polypharmacy, slowing down, doing the work (43:21) - ADHD, diet, sleep, screens, lifestyle links (46:28) - Where to learn more, resources, closing

Ever had one of those days where your emotions run the meeting, instead of you? You're not alone—and this week's episode is all about giving you the tools to handle those moments with skill (and way less shame).In this episode, we are getting real about the very real challenges ADHD business owners face when emotions take the wheel. No HR department, no middle manager… and nowhere to run when your brain decides to get unhinged.I'm introducing the SPACE Framework, a practical, easy-to-remember tool designed for ADHD brains to manage those high-intensity situations. (If you love frameworks and acronyms, you're in for a treat— your activated brain will actually remember it. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn:Spot Your Patterns: Start by noticing your personal triggers—client feedback, high-stakes moments, unclear expectations, time pressure, or those awkward money conversations. I'm sharing physical, emotional, and environmental early warning signs, so you can spot trouble before it hits.Pause the Escalation: Meet the powerful 90-second rule. Emotional chemicals peak and recede in just 90 seconds—if you don't feed them. I share micro-pause techniques you can use in the moment (think hydration breaks, “Let me think for a second,” or strategic note-taking) to ride out the waves.Act in the Moment: When you're already activated, it's about damage control, not perfection. Lower your voice, slow your speech, stick to the facts— I've got you with scripts and tips for how to stay in control when you feel anything but.Clear the Air: Messed up? (We all do!) Learn how to take professional accountability—without over-apologizing or spiraling in shame. Clear, direct language for addressing emotional incidents and a real-world repair timeline are included.Evolve Your System: Set up prevention tools, emotional “first aid,” and recovery supports so you're not always in crisis mode. From environmental tweaks (noise-cancelling headphones, standing desks) to business systems that support your brain, this episode covers it all.Grab Your Free Resource! To make this episode even more actionable, I created a downloadable PDF that breaks down the SPACE Framework with easy-to-use scripts and examples. Get your copy hereTry ONE thing from the episode this week—maybe it's noticing your triggers, preparing a “pause phrase,” or just putting a big water bottle on your desk before calls. Small steps, big changes.You got this!Have a friend this would be great for, but they have a job, not their own business? I introduced the SPACE framework for employees in a webinar for ADDItude magazine in September. You can share it with this link: https://bit.ly/4gMEkn4About the HostDiann Wingert is a former psychotherapist and serial entrepreneur turned business coach, specializing in helping entrepreneurs with ADHD and other “not-so-neurotypical” brains thrive.Drawing from both her clinical expertise and business experience, Diann delivers actionable advice, real-world strategies, and a refreshingly honest perspective on building a business, balancing priorities, and protecting your most precious resources: your time and your creative energy.© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

In this episode of The Body Grievers Club, Bri sits down with therapist, drama therapist, and creative arts therapist Danny Bryant—a fat, neurospicy clinician from upstate New York and one of Bri's dear friends. Together they unpack the messy, beautiful intersection of neurodivergence, ADHD, body image, and body liberation.Bri and Danny talk about what it means to work with your brain instead of against it—how perfectionism, masking, and executive dysfunction show up in everything from laundry to therapy notes. They explore the grief that comes with realizing your brain (and body) may never operate like everyone else's, and how to build systems, compassion, and community around that truth.They also dig into the overlap between body liberation and neurodivergence, from shame and self-blame to the ways capitalism, ableism, and diet culture all demand conformity. Expect laughter, tangents, and a lot of “same, same” moments as they name what's hard, hilarious, and healing about existing in a brain and body that don't fit the mold.If you've ever wondered whether you're “just lazy” or living in a world not built for you, this conversation will remind you: you're not broken. You're living in a system that wasn't designed with you in mind. And you deserve care that honors both your body and your brain.TIMESTAMPS:05:00 Interrupting, hyperfocus, and why voice memos help our brains13:10 Pandemic clarity, fidgets, and “something's off” → assessment16:00 Bri's “wait, do I have ADHD?” moment in real life18:30 Executive dysfunction: notes, laundry, and tasks-within-tasks22:10 Systems that fit you: redefining “done,” micro-steps, and dopamine25:10 Burnout cycles, urgency mode, and freeze vs. rest27:50 Missed diagnoses in women/AFAB folks + masking as survival30:40 ADLs with compassion: showers, brushing teeth, and ritual > routine33:10 Habit stacking, duplicates (chargers everywhere), and shame as the enemy36:00 All-or-nothing thinking, internalized ableism, and seeing ADHD as disability39:00 Curiosity > criticism: Finch, allowances, novelty, and changing what no longer works41:50 Interoception, meds, intuitive eating adaptations, and sleep/circadian quirks45:00 Energy rhythms, gray-scale phone, capacity planning, and Mondays vs. Fridays47:30 Boundaries, FOMO parts, and letting people be disappointed (community = annoyance sometimes)50:10 Assessing “stay home or go?”—facts, context, and momentum vs. depletion52:00 Culture check: conformity pressures (thinness, ableism) and finding your people54:00 GLP-1s vs. stimulants: safety, autonomy, and why changing size ≠ changing beliefs56:00 Spectrum ≠ line: the “pie chart” view + how presentation varies widelyRESOURCES:Mentioned in this episode:Love Dani Donovan's art and writing on ADHD:Comics: https://www.adhddd.com/comics/The Anti-Planner: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/122842465-the-anti-plannerKC Davis's Strugglecare: https://www.strugglecare.com/resourcesA Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank:www.newharbinger.com/9781684032617/a-radical-guide-for-women-with-adhd/ srsltid=AfmBOoqIlhzeA5jvKuvaBqnjZZcQUZeGo5LMRX1vThmBMYFM1pWa2OtnGifted kid with ADHD essay:https://blackgirllostkeys.com/adhd/double-trouble-navigating-life-as-a-gifted-kid-with-adhd/This person is writing about Neurocomplexity in a interesting way:https://lindseymackereth.substack.com/ADHD & Nutrition@rds_for_neurodiversityWANT MORE OF DANI BRYANT?* Instagram: @danibtherapy* Website: www.danibryant.comWANT MORE OF BRI?*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri
*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

This week's Success is Subjective guest, Chrissy Nichols, spent more than two decades teaching before discovering her true calling—helping learners of all ages understand how their brains actually work. As an executive function coach, Chrissy specializes in guiding young adults (often returning from therapeutic or wilderness programs) to find balance, accountability, and self-trust through what she calls “love-hammer coaching”—a blend of compassion and tough honesty that empowers lasting change. In this conversation with Joanna Lilly, Chrissy shares how growing up with an undiagnosed ADHD brain led her to design her own hacks for organization and focus, eventually turning those same strategies into tools for others. She and Joanna explore what it means to un-shame the brain, why traditional “just try harder” messages fail, and how foundational routines—sleep, hydration, movement, fuel, and reflection—create the mental bandwidth needed to thrive.This episode is an encouraging reminder that success isn't about perfection or productivity—it's about connection, curiosity, and learning to meet yourself where you are.Chrissy's Resources: Chrissy's WebsiteComplementary ConsultationFacebook: The Chrissy ConceptConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful  #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EmotionalHealing #AimHouse #TraumaRecovery #ExecutiveFunctioningSkills #TheChrissyConcept #BurnoutPrevention #MindBodyBalance

In this unfiltered, soul-resonant episode of Mental Health News Radio, Kristin Sunanta Walker, sits down with her dear friend Chaya Mallavaram—artist, technologist, and founder of Spark Launch, the company behind the neurodivergent-centered platform Sparkade. What begins as a casual reconnection blooms into a radiant, multidimensional conversation about art, grief, ADHD, cultural legacy, and the spiritual technology of the body.Early in the episode, Chaya shares that her late mother's name was Sunanda—a revelation that strikes Kristin deeply, as her own Thai name is Sunanta. This name resonance becomes a symbolic thread, weaving their shared lineage, creativity, and healing paths together across continents and generations. These are two neurodivergent women who both run their own companies and genuinely dig each other's company.This episode is a reminder of how people like us actually speak—luminous, layered, nonlinear, and fully alive.Chaya Mallavaram is a technologist, professional artist, and advocate who brings her own life experience to the heart of neurodivergent empowerment. For more than two decades, Chaya thrived in the software world — not despite her ADHD, but because of it. Her creative problem-solving, pattern recognition, hyperfocus, and nonlinear thinking weren't obstacles. They were assets.​Everything shifted in 2020, when her son was diagnosed with ADHD. That moment brought not only clarity, but a calling: to build the kind of support system she wished she and her son had growing up. Today, Chaya leads Spark Launch with a rare blend of technical expertise, artistic vision, and deep personal insight. Whether she's developing tools, leading strategy, or co-hosting the Spark Launch podcast, she's creating spaces where neurodivergent minds are seen, heard, and celebrated. Her work is rooted in one belief: When we stop trying to fix neurodivergent people — and start designing systems that work for them — everyone benefits.www.sparklaunch.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mental-health-news-radio--3082057/support.

In this episode of SHE MD Podcast, Dr. Becky Kennedy sits down with Mary Alice Haney to discuss evidence-based parenting strategies, emotional regulation, and building resilience in children. They explore the “Good Inside” philosophy, handling emotional ruptures, setting boundaries with empathy, and supporting kids through frustration. Listen to learn how to raise confident, capable, and emotionally resilient children while improving parent-child communication and connection. This episode cultivates insights on supported struggle, borrowed belief, and sturdy leadership in motherhood, empowering listeners to navigate parenting challenges with clarity, compassion, and consistency.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women's health and well-being.Sponsors:Cymbiotika - Go to Cymbiotika.com/Shemd for 20% off plus free shippingNutrafol - Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter promo code SHEMDSaje - Visit Saje.com to purchase plant powered products to remedy your needs. Use Code ‘SHEMD' for 20% off sitewide and free shippingPeloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comHoneylove - Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/SHEMD! Get Joy - As a listener of SheMD, you'll get 50% off your first subscription order of Get Joy's Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food plus two exclusive gifts: a free scoop and a 4oz bag of treats. Shop getjoyfood.com/shemd to support your dog's gut health and overall wellnessWhat You'll Learn How to apply the Good Inside philosophy to everyday parenting Techniques for managing frustration and modeling emotional regulation The role of supported struggle and borrowed belief in child development Practical strategies for boundaries, repair, and sturdy leadershipKey Timestamps00:00 Introduction with Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Becky Kennedy04:45 Understanding the “Good Inside” philosophy and emotional health09:10 Repair in parenting, handling emotional ruptures, and modeling empathy21:00 Managing mom rage, frustration tolerance, and supporting kids' emotional growth25:13 Modeling emotional regulation for children and building resilience29:48 Balancing self-compassion and accountability as a parent34:31 Consequences, boundaries, and teen behavior management51:00 Frustration tolerance and navigating the learning space with kids55:50 Top parenting strategies for connection, resilience, and emotional health01:02:00 Sturdy leadership, boundaries with empathy, and motherhood without martyrdom01:12:20 Repair, re-parenting, and modeling empathy for long-term growth01:17:30 ADHD, anxiety, and emotional regulation strategies for girls01:28:50 Where to learn more, resources, and how to connect with Dr. BeckyKey Takeaways Kids learn to tolerate feelings we tolerate in them, building resilienceSupported struggle teaches children problem-solving and emotional regulationBorrowed belief demonstrates children's capabilities and boosts confidenceBoundaries with empathy model healthy authority without shame for childrenRepair and re-parenting strengthen parent-child relationships and trustGuest BioDr. Becky Kennedy, known as Dr. Becky, is a clinical psychologist, mom of three, and a leading voice in modern parenting. As founder and CEO of Good Inside, she delivers evidence-based support to families worldwide through a top-rated app, a #1 New York Times bestselling book, a popular podcast, and viral social media content. Dr. Becky empowers parents with practical strategies to raise confident, capable, and emotionally resilient children.Links

Send us a textStep inside the world of elite training, tactical expertise, and real-life law enforcement with Bryan Bishop, founder of Lawman Tactical Guntry Club in Evansville, Indiana. In this action-packed episode of The Days Grimm Podcast, hosts Thomas Grimm and Brian Day sit down with Bryan to uncover his journey from small-town athlete to sheriff's deputy, canine handler, and U.S. Marshals Task Force officer.Discover how Bishop's career led to the creation of Lawman Tactical — a one-of-a-kind facility combining a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, 24/7 fitness center, dojo, and realistic force-on-force training that prepares civilians and professionals alike for life's most critical moments. Hear wild stories from the field — from police academy training and jailhouse chaos to high-risk warrants and his legendary K9 partner, Bosco, who became an Evansville icon.This episode dives deep into:The founding of Lawman Tactical Guntry ClubReality-based training and home defense classesLife lessons from law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Task ForceThe emotional bond between officers and their K9 partnersHow discipline, respect, and real-world readiness save livesWhether you're a fan of tactical training, law enforcement stories, or local business success, this episode delivers adrenaline, insight, and inspiration in equal measure.[The Days Grimm Podcast Links]- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaysGrimm- Our link tree: linktr.ee/Thedaysgrimm- GoFundMe account for The Days Grimm: https://gofund.me/02527e7c [The Days Grimm is brought to you by]Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)

#125: On today's episode, Taylor Lamb, CoFounder of Juna, jumps on the podcast to share her story. How she build Juna, and healed her gut with plants, rather than pharmaceuticals. The girls get into:getting to the root cause rather than a quick fixthe problem with our medical system the problem with getting used to "uncomfortable"how plants can change our lifethe importance of what we put in our bodythe repercussions of living in a world with stress and schedule overloadmanaging guilt within entrepreneurship and learning to celebrate the winsPLANTS 101 and how they can help us heal PLUS how they're using them at Junanatural solutions for ADHD symptomsthe cost of living out of alignmentthe importance of deep sleep& MOREUSE CODE HOWISEEIT20 FOR 20% OFF JUNA PRODUCTSCONNECT BELOW:follow Taylor herefollow Juna hereshop Juna products here with code HOWISEEIT20CONNECT with HAN:follow Han ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow HOW I SEE IT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shop the podcast merch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠work with Han: howhanseesit@gmail.com

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." -Deuteronomy 6:6-7   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Shannon Iacobacci of Embracing the Brain. Shannon supports parents of children, teens, and young adults with brain-based differences by making the sciences of the brain-body connection simple and practical. Her work is grounded in research, observation, and a deep respect for the individuality of each child and family. She helps parents better understand how their child's brain works, so they can apply strategies that meet their unique needs and strengthen the parent-child connection along the way.   This same personalized, compassionate approach also guides Shannon's work in schools. As a non-attorney special education consultant, she parters with families to ensure their child's educational needs are truly being met. She provides parent coaching and support, reviews educational data and assessments, attends school meetings, and helps develop behavior support plans tailored to each child's brain and learning profile.    Shannon specializes in supporting families and students living with brain-based differences and behavioral challenges related to trauma, FASD, ADHD, and adoption and foster care.   Listen in to Sandra's conversation with Shannon Iacobacci on Episode 504 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat Embracing the Brain

If you've ever walked out of a session wondering, “Was that good enough?” — this one's for you. I'm naming a sneaky burnout loop that traps a lot of high-achieving SLPs: the cycle of over-delivering and over-functioning just to feel effective. We'll unpack why that urge to “do more” is quietly draining your energy, confidence, and joy — and how to define what enough actually means in your sessions and your life.By the end, you'll see that the value isn't in the extra few minutes or the perfectly prepped materials. It's in how you show up — and what you choose to believe about your work and your worth. What You'll Learn:How the “good enough” trap creates a burnout loop for high-achieving SLPsWhy tying your worth to client outcomes keeps you stuck in over-functioning modeThe sneaky ways “doing more” shows up in your day — and how to catch it soonerA mindset shift to stop delegating your self-worth to your caseload or clientsWhat it looks like to end a session on time and feel good about itIf this hit a nerve (in the best way), I'd love to help you explore what enough looks like for you.Book a free 1:1 consult, and we'll talk through how to quiet that “do more” voice and build a version of balance that actually feels good. 

ADHD diagnoses are up over 30% in the last decade, and research shows that up to 40% of entrepreneurs display ADHD traits so it's no surprise so many of us struggle to focus, finish, and follow through.    In this episode of The Blueprint Podcast, I share how I've learned to manage the high frequency entrepreneurial brain, channel my energy, and stay locked in on high-value work when everything around me is trying to pull me off track.   I'll walk you through my Full Focus Blueprint — 10 rules that keep me on point when distraction, dopamine, and deadlines collide. If you're an entrepreneur who gets a hundred ideas a minute but struggles to finish one, this episode will be a game changer for you!   Success and failure are both very predictable.   I hope you enjoy. Want to learn more?  

Elyse Myers is a content creator and comedian best known for her viral storytime videos. Before becoming a creator, she ran her own web design business. Myers's life changed when she started making videos during the pandemic as a creative outlet. When a video she made about a horrible first date went viral on TikTok, she earned millions of views and thousands of followers overnight. Her audience continued to grow as she shared more hilarious true stories from her life, posting videos and skits about everything from embarrassing childhood memories to her struggles with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression. Today, she has more than 12 million followers across platforms who have dubbed her “the internet's best friend” for her willingness to be vulnerable with her massive audience about her personal life. Now, she's going even deeper in her debut book, That's a Great Question, I'd Love to Tell You, an open and honest collection of stories about growing up and finding love while navigating neurodivergence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes to explore one of the most salient topics in psychology today: trauma. We begin by tracing its developmental roots with Dr. Lindsay Gibson and Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk, before looking at how it can be passed down through family systems with Dr. Mariel Buqué, associate somatic therapist Elizabeth Ferreira, and author Stephanie Foo. Dr. Jacob Ham and Dr. Peter Levine then share new perspectives on healing, emphasizing the importance of getting out of the head and into the body. Finally, Dr. Gabor Maté discusses the cultural context of trauma, arguing that it's a symptom of a toxic culture. Key Topics:  02:15: Dr. Lindsay Gibson on The Last Impact of Inconsistent Parenting and Lack of Attunement 23:16: Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk on Internalizing Abuse 39:34: Dr. Mariel Buqué on Intergenerational Trauma 58:54: Elizabeth Ferreira on Intergenerational Trauma, Complex PTSD, and Somatic Techniques 1:23:23: Stephanie Foo on Healing from Complex PTSD through Relationships 1:47:15: Dr. Jacob Ham on the Limits of Conceptualizing when treating Complex Trauma 2:06:52: Dr. Peter Levine on Somatic Experiencing and Moving Trauma Through Your Body 2:20:55: Dr. Gabor Maté and our Toxic Culture 2:43:55: Recap Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors If you have ADHD, or you love someone who does, I'd recommend checking out the podcast ADHD aha! Level up your bedding with Quince. Go to Quince.com/BEINGWELL for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. Feel good...and mean it when you say it! Get Headspace FREE for 60 days. Go to Headspace.com/BEINGWELL60 Listen now to the Life Kit podcast from NPR. Go to Zocdoc.com/BEING to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsored By: → Cornbread Hemp | For an exclusive offer go to cornbreadhemp.com/drg and use promo code DRG for 30% OFF your first order! → Tonum | For an exclusive offer go to tonum.com and use promo code HEALTHYSELF for 10% OFF! → JASPR | For an exclusive offer go to jaspr.co/DRG and get $200 OFF for a limited time. Sign up for our newsletter! https://drchristiangonzalez.com/newsletter/ Episode Description: So many adults are living with undiagnosed ADHD and they think the problem is them. Lazy. Scattered. Unfocused. Not living up to potential. Dr. G thought that about himself for decades… until at 41, he discovered he actually has ADHD. Suddenly the lost keys, unfinished projects, chronic lateness, sensory overwhelm, and shame all made sense. In this intimate solo episode, Dr. G breaks down the neuroscience of adult ADHD, the trauma-based model Gabor Maté teaches, why the default mode network hijacks focus, how stimulant medications impact dopamine long term, and the lifestyle + supplement strategies backed by research. In This Episode: • How ADHD shows up in adults (and why it gets mislabeled as character flaws) • Why high-functioning people go decades without knowing they have ADHD • What the brain science actually reveals about focus, motivation & time perception • The Gabor Maté trauma model — ADHD as adaptation vs disorder • The stimulant conversation: benefits, risks, and dependency realities • Lifestyle anchors that support the ADHD brain (sleep times, routines, movement) • Research-backed supplements that can help support attention Key Takeaways: ✅ ADHD isn't laziness — it's neurodevelopment + nervous system wiring ✅ Trauma in childhood shapes time perception and attention patterns ✅ Medication can help, but informed consent is essential ✅ Exercise, structure, breathwork, and key nutrients truly support regulation ✅ Compassion — not shame — is what actually unlocks change Timestamps: 0:00 - Discovering I Have ADHD at 41 1:04 - My Entire Life Suddenly Made Sense 2:39 - The Idyllwild Moment: How I Found Out 4:45 - Everyone Knew But Me 7:31 - The Real Science Behind ADHD 13:56 - Childhood Signs I Missed 17:31 - What ADHD Actually Is (Not Laziness) 19:33 - Gabor Maté: ADHD as Adaptation to Stress 22:39 - Breaking Free from Shame 24:03 - The Truth About Adderall & Stimulants 26:49 - Natural Tools That Actually Help 28:15 - My Action Plan Moving Forward

Feeling overwhelmed, overbooked, or constantly racing the clock? You might be struggling with time anxiety — that never-ending feeling that there's not enough time to do everything. In this episode of The Clutterbug Podcast, I'm joined by Chris Guillebeau, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Nonconformity and Time Anxiety, to explore how to declutter your schedule, reclaim your focus, and finally stop feeling behind. Together, we chat about: ✅ The difference between time anxiety and time blindness ✅ How ADHD and perfectionism feed overwhelm ✅ The power of “time decluttering” to simplify your days ✅ Finding joy, purpose, and calm in your everyday routine If you've ever felt like you're running out of time or that life is passing too fast, this episode will change how you think about productivity forever. Tune in to learn how to create more time for what truly matters — and live a calmer, more intentional life. You can learn more about Chris Guillebeau and his work at: Website: https://chrisguillebeau.com/ Book: https://chrisguillebeau.com/books Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/193countries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisguillebeau/ Chris also hosts the NeuroDiversion 2026 Event in Austin, Texas — a fun, inclusive celebration of ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence. Learn more or grab tickets here: https://www.neurodiversion.org/ Feeling stressed this holiday season? Download my free Holiday Home Planner for easy checklists and gift guides to stay organized and stress-free: https://clutterbug.me/holidayhome       You can find more Clutterbug content here: Website: http://www.clutterbug.me YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clutterbug TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clutterbug_me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clutterbug.Me/     #clutterbug #podcast #adhd #timeanxiety #productivity #mondaymotivation #podcastclip #delcutter #decluttermotivation #motivation

What if the traits that once got you in trouble could actually be your greatest strengths? Viral creators Penn and Kim Holderness have built careers—and a family life—around embracing ADHD. They join Jessi Hempel to talk about how understanding the ADHD brain can transform frustration into creativity, connection, and confidence. Penn and Kim Holderness—viral content creators, parents, and partners—have built an entire career on laughter, honesty, and showing what real family life looks like. With over 5 million followers and hundreds of millions of views, they're known for turning everyday chaos into hilarious and heartfelt videos about marriage, parenting, and mental health. In this episode of Hello Monday, they sit down with Jessi Hempel to talk about how embracing ADHD has reshaped their lives, their marriage, and their work—and why understanding neurodiversity can be the key to unlocking success. In this episode, Penn and Kim open up about: How shame and misunderstanding often mask ADHD's gifts The systems and strategies that make their partnership work Why reframing “fixation” as “hyperfocus” can change everything How parents and leaders can support ADHD brains—at home and at work The growing cultural awareness around neurodiversity and creativity Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child, leading a team, or navigating your own diagnosis, this conversation offers a roadmap for understanding difference as strength. Check out Penn and Kim's new children's book: All You Can Be with ADHD Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

Submit your question and we'll answer it in a future episode!Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcastForemilk and hindmilk has been confusing people for a while now. What does itmean and how can you avoid too much foremilk in your baby's feeding? Listen intoday as Dianne and Abby discuss the truth behind foremilk and hindmilk andoffer up some tips to ensure a full feeding.If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leavingus a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and commentsto badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com. You can also add your email to ourlist and have episodes sent right to your inbox!Things we talked about:Why foremilk and hindmilk topic? [9:20]Milk changes through the feeding [10:19]Too much milk [12:12]The dairy dilemma [13:14]Lactose overload [21:30]Timed feeds [24:36]Points to remember [28:00]Links to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/oversupply/https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/gassy-babies/https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/foremilk-and-hindmilk/Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc, http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.comMusic we use:Music: Levels of Greatness from We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes

Hey team! Today I'm talking with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish (Dall Gleesh), a clinical psychologist, couples therapist, and the author of You, Your Husband & His Mother. She has spent almost two decades helping couples get unstuck from repeating the same old arguments and start building relationships that actually work in real life. And she also runs her own podcast, Dear Dr. Tracy. In our conversation, we get into how our relationships don't exist in a vacuum, how family expectations shape our decisions, and why it's so important to be on the same team with your partner, especially when you're juggling extended family, ADHD, and a few generational differences in "how things are done." We also get into setting values-based boundaries, navigating conflict without turning it into a blame game, and using small moments to rebuild connection when everything feels off balance. If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/255 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD This Episode's Top Tips Work on shifting from "Me vs. You" to "Us vs. the Problem" mentality. This shift in mindset can completely change how a couple navigates conflict. By reframing the conflict, you turn what could've been another argument into a shared problem. And I do want to add on here as well that this is a learned skill and takes time to develop, but is well worth doing. Boundaries aren't about controlling someone else's behavior; they're about choosing how you'll respond. We often sabotage our own boundaries by overexplaining them, giving people justifications that sound like permission to debate our choices. You can't stop someone from knocking, but you can decide whether you'll open the door. Try building a "Roadmap" of each other's regulation styles. While everyone has a different way of dealing with stress (and with ADHD, emotional regulation can be unpredictable), knowing them in advance can help prevent some frustrating moments.  

In this revealing episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives into the complex world of infidelity and the signs that your partner may be cheating. Drawing from her own experiences as a reformed cheater, Brianne offers a candid exploration of the behaviors and changes to look out for in a relationship. She shares her keen insights on spotting narcissism, dishonesty, and emotional detachment, emphasizing the importance of trusting your instincts when something feels off.Throughout the episode, Brianne outlines specific signs of both emotional and physical cheating, including changes in intimacy, technology habits, and overall mood. She discusses the potential implications of secret friendships and the dangers of emotional affairs, urging listeners to recognize when their partner may be prioritizing someone else over their relationship. With a mix of humor and raw honesty, she encourages open communication and self-reflection as essential tools for navigating these difficult situations.Brianne also provides guidance on how to address these issues with your partner, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. She highlights the importance of mutual support and the potential for growth, whether through therapy or honest conversations about feelings and needs. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that understanding the signs of infidelity is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and fostering trust.