In today’s show, Shell Mendelson joins Eric on the podcast!  Since January 2021, Shell’s Your Next Career Move MasterclassSM  has empowered ADHD adults to create confident career options and was trained by Richard Bolles, the author of “What Color is Your Parachute?”  

With a Masters in Career Counseling, Shell offers more than 35 years of client experience while bringing her counseling, coaching, teaching, training, and nurturing gifts to help others clarify and focus on a well-defined direction and abundant livelihood.  Following her own diagnosis of ADHD later in life, Shell profoundly understands how ADHD can impact one’s work and to reliably choose the best career direction: one that takes our “interest-based ADHD brain wiring” into consideration.

• Get in touch and find out more about Shell’s Next Career Move MasterclassSM on her website at CareerCoachingWithShell.com (click here!)

Questions/Topics: 

• [00:01:23] Introducing Shell
• [00:02:35] Training with Richard Bolles and how it changed Shell’s life 
• [00:07:13] What are some examples of some of the questions Shell might ask when someone is trying to figure out a career direction? 
• [00:09:32] Looking beyond money and Safekeeping Self 
• [00:10:32] Addressing potential deficits in self-awareness and answering self-assessment questions  
• [00:25:44] So what is the “best” career for someone with ADHD? 
• [00:26:55] If you were to ask 100 people if they knew exactly what they wanted to do for work, what is the percentage of people who could actually answer this question?  
• [00:30:11] The role of stepping-stone jobs and the difference between someone who doesn’t know what they want and someone who does know what they want 
• [00:31:44] Addressing the person who holds a marketable skill set in a lucrative profession but hates the work
• [00:32:19] Stories that Shell hears from people who reach out to her 
• [00:34:40] Looking at other career options: “How do we figure this stuff out?” 
• [00:36:36] Once you discover your “what,” the “how” appears, and a discussion next steps and different types of research 
• [00:47:40] What is Shell’s 8-Week Masterclass and who is her class for? 
• [00:52:21] How to get in touch with Shell, closing thoughts, and words of wisdom 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book: What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles (Official Website)

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🌟 Want to hear the bonus questions and answer at the end of this episode? Go to adhdrewired.com/Patreon where you can get an uninterrupted listening experience of this show and bonus content when you become a Patron at $5 a month or more! You can even join Eric every 4th Tuesday of the month for a Patron-only monthly coaching call at $25 a month! 

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🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community!

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🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired's award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

In today’s show, Eric is joined by Dana Crews!  Dana has been a coach, educator, facilitator, and trainer in the behavioral health and mental health field for over 15 years.  She is currently combining her own personal practice, unique life experience, and education in the ancient wisdom traditions together with modern psychology and behavioral and neuroscience research in her newly-created mindfulness ADHD life-coaching business: Second Arrow Life Coaching! 

Dana is an advocate for invisible disabilities and neurodivergence.  She believes that knowing and connecting to your core values and practicing basic mindfulness and yogic techniques allows us to transform self-judgment and fear into constructive reflection, insight, compassion, health, and creative solutions.

• Find Dana on LinkedIn (click here!)
• Learn more about Dana at her website secondarrowlifecoaching.com (click here!)
• Find Dana on Instagram @secondarrowlifecoaching (click here!)

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Questions/Topics: 

• [00:01:11] Introducing Dana 
• [00:03:08] What is the difference between satisfaction and contentment? 
• [00:05:03] Exploring contentedness and its different avenues 
• [00:06:32] Where is the overlap and what is separate between contentment and gratitude? 
• [00:11:51] A discussion about the discomfort in familiarity 
• [00:14:24] Is the struggle of holding onto contentment an issue of emotional self-regulation?  
• [00:20:00] How much of the struggle around contentment comes from societal ideas of feeling content and ADHD brains needing novelty? 
• [00:21:40] A discussion on Buddhist psychology and philosophy 
• [00:23:52] How does one strive through the lens of Buddhist philosophy? 
• [00:27:27] Not thinking about the future vs. over-planning for the future 
• [00:29:40] Overidentification, rumination, and separation of self 
• [00:31:32] How much of being able to experience being content has to do with resilience?  
• [00:39:40] Dana shares more about growing up, undiagnosed ADHD, travel, and meeting the Dalai Lama 
• [00:41:58] What is Ayurveda? 
• [00:44:33] How can self-awareness inform our understanding of our experiences? 
• [00:46:30] A moment of an idea of contentment 
• [00:48:26] Closing thoughts 

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🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community!

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🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired's award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!

Go to adhdrewired.com/events to register so you can join the ADHD reWired Team live on Zoom and ask your ADHD-related questions!

In this episode, you’ll get answers to questions about entrepreneurship, getting unstuck, learning from failures, setting boundaries, how coaching can help, systems as an artistic process, and more!  

You can even get an uninterrupted listening experience of this episode and all ADHD reWired episodes when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon! You might even catch some extra questions when you become a Patron and tune into the Patreon-only private podcast feed! 

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Questions/Topics:

• [00:01:10] Introducing today’s panelists!
• [00:02:45] A listener, who was diagnosed in February 2023 and works in education, asks the panelists about using their skills to help others - specifically those with ADHD.  What advice does the panel have to get unstuck and get started?  
• [00:05:46] Eric asks what the listener would do if they were asked the same question.
• [00:12:08] Brian chimes in about struggling to find time to launch a business outside of work.
• [00:16:01] “How can I find more clarity and do something that’s going to be really powerful so I can follow that instead of doing way-too-many-things?” 
• [00:18:19] Faisal talks about values and short-term goals. 
• [00:21:35] Laura discusses the differences between excitement, overwhelm, getting overwhelmed from being excited, and feelings of boredom. 
• [00:26:25] A listener, who is also a mom of two young children, is having difficulty “getting back into the groove” of their freelance work.  What strategies do the panelists have to bounce back, and could the listener have time for group coaching? 
• [00:28:51] Eric asks about self-care strategies. 
• [00:30:56] Kristin talks about the impact on parents who have kids with special needs and medical needs. 
• [00:34:13] Laura addresses how the coaching groups can help. 
• [00:35:59] Eric asks about having boundaries around work-blocks and self-care. 
• [00:39:09] A discussion about our inner critics and gardening! 
• [00:44:02] “Can [ADHD reWired’s coaching groups] help people uncover what their goals/wants are? I think not knowing what I want and indecision are my biggest issues.”  
• [00:45:37] Laura talks about people-pleasing, going with the flow, finding out who we are, and uncovering what’s truly important to us. 
• [00:47:01] “Group is an experiential learning experience… Our biases [don’t] allow us to see how we’re doing these things that [aren’t] making it easier for us to move towards success.” - Faisal 
• [00:48:58] Kristin addresses bringing life to group-coaching to integrate tools and strategies. 
• [00:50:22] Brian talks about the differences between individual coaching and group coaching. 
• [00:53:01] Kristin asks about creating systems.
• [00:55:40] Systems as an artistic process.
• [00:58:07] Closing thoughts.

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• ADHD reWired Episode 309 with Russell Ramsay: Rethinking Adult ADHD (Click Here!)

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🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community!

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🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired's award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

In this episode, Eric is joined by Kim Alexander!  Kim is a clinical social worker turned stay-at-home mom.  After being diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 at the age of 53, she enrolled in ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups.  Furthering her ADHD journey, at the time of recording, she became involved as a peer mentor, or “ADDmin” for the coaching groups.  In between parenting three kids (who all have ADHD,) Kim enjoys storytelling, political activism, skiing, or anything involving snow.  She is also a competitive acapella singer who has won three international medals with her show chorus! 

On today’s show, you’ll hear Eric and Kim talk about inattentive ADHD, Kim’s experience and what she learned going through the coaching groups, how the pandemic affected her, and the positive impacts of self-acceptance and letting go of self-judgment.  Then, you’ll get to hear Kim narrate a short story she wrote, her passion for storytelling, her unique family experiences, and her hopes for others with ADHD who hear her story.  

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Questions/Topics: 

• [00:01:10] Introducing Kim 

• [00:02:12] Dear ADHD… 

• [00:04:18] What brought Kim back to seek out an ADHD diagnosis and start working on ADHD management? 

• [00:14:15] Kim takes us on her journey of the last 12 months 

• [00:17:29] Over the last year, what are some changes Kim has observed and experienced after going through ArC? 

• [00:19:40] Self-acceptance, self-compassion, and being a mom 

• [00:26:41] “I’m not going to have anything interesting to share.” 

• [00:28:51] Opening up on feelings of “not enough”

• [00:36:56] Long-term planning. bucket lists, and The Moth

• [00:40:25] Kim shares her moth story 

• [00:45:57] Kim on storytelling and her unique experience

• [00:48:55] Eric asks Kim to “sing” out the show 

• [00:51:16] Closing Thoughts 

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🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community!

---

🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired's award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  Get this episode uninterrupted by ads when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon! 

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Questions/Topics: 

• [00:01:06] Welcome & introductions

• [00:02:44] A listener, who has treatment-resistant depression and asks for tips (other than exercise) to help manage ADHD, moods, and depression

• [00:13:29] “How are you using ChatGPT and how do you think it is most beneficial to someone with ADHD?”

• [00:22:14] “Why is it that, with ADHD brains, we can think really fast and great in some situations, but fail in traditional work situations?  If our brains work fast, why do we struggle in the real world?” 

• [00:28:50] A listener asks about non-prescription nootropics

• [00:34:43] “What is a good password manager?”

• [00:36:56] One of the panelists asks for tips to help the transition between seasons easier 

• [00:44:45] “How should I handle the fact that my ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) - Level 1 diagnosis dismissed my ADHD-combined diagnosis in 2019 as being better explained by autism? Am I ADHD or not? And should I stop by ADHD therapy and focus on Autism therapy, in that it might help indirectly with ADHD?” 

• [00:50:47] “Is there any research that indicates baseline dopamine levels are negatively impacted, over time, by taking stimulant medication?” 

• [00:52:44] Closing thoughts

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🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community!

---

🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired's award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

This week, Faigie Kobre joins Eric on the podcast for a discussion on reigniting creativity.  Faigie is a creative coach for people who don’t feel artistic but love art!  She works with people who have creativity scars and think they “aren’t creative” because they can’t draw.  She has a passion for reconnecting people with their inner creativity to bring calm, color, and joy into their lives.  

In this conversation, you’ll hear about Eric’s journey with music, why people stop tapping into their creativity, why Faigie is trying to bring art back to everybody who wants to come back to it, and her start as an early childhood educator.  Then, you’ll hear about creativity scars, comparison, perfectionism, the healing and sensory benefits of creativity, and how anyone at any age can tap into their creativity.

Get in touch with Faigie, reignite your creativity & take her micro-course at CreativityReignited.com!  https://creativityreignited.com 

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Questions/Topics: 

• [00:01:45] “Everybody is born creative.” - Faigie
• [00:04:52] “There’s so many ways to do art where you don’t have to know how to draw.”
• [00:05:19] What was it that drew Faigie to not just creativity and art, but also using creativity and art to connect with others and help other people? 
• [00:07:26] Faigie gets hooked on mixed-media art and getting people back to their childhoods 
• [00:08:45] A discussion on play in the realm of creativity and allowing it to flourish 
• [00:11:33] An intersection between being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and interest in artwork
• [00:12:59] What is T.A.B.? (Teaching for Artistic Behavior)
• [00:13:42] “In schools [...] it’s more about how the art makes the teacher look” and being punished for the expression of an idea
• [00:18:13] What are creativity scars? 
• [00:20:28] “Comparison is the thief of joy,” learning to create, and enjoying the process
• [00:21:51] Eric shares his journey with painting and a discussion on cleaning up after an art session 
• [00:24:08] Using an art journal and how general creativity can help someone combat perfectionism
• [00:26:01] Faigie shares five mediums of art that have tremendous opportunities for creativity 
• [00:27:47] Eric asks why art is such an impactful medium for people with ADHD: “How is this helping us?” 
• [00:34:23] A discussion on getting started when we don’t know where to start
• [00:38:48] Eric asks, “As an artist with ADHD, how do you know when a piece of work is done?” 
• [00:40:09] Color schemes and color wheels
• [00:45:17] Closing thoughts

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Resources:

• Book - The Creativity Cure by Carrie Barron and Alton Barron (on Goodreads)
• Book - Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All by Tom Kelly and David Kelly (on Goodreads)
• Book - Healing the Child Within: Discovery and Recovery for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families by Charles L. Whitfield (on Goodreads)
• Book - Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child by John Bradshaw (on Goodreads)
• Book - The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (on Goodreads)
• Video - Do Schools Kill Creativity? | Sir Ken Robinson (YouTube - watch here)
• Website - Sir Ken Robinson at SirKenRobinson.com https://www.sirkenrobinson.com 
• Website - Danny Gregory at DannyGregory.com https://www.dannygregory.com 
• Website - Sketchbook School by Danny Gregory at SketchbookSkool.com https://sketchbookskool.com 
• Website - CreativeConfidence.com https://www.creativeconfidence.com 
• Article - Johari Window on CommunicationTheory.org (read here)

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Honorable Mentions:

• “...so many adults feel non-creative because of how they were squashed when they were kids.”

• “Comparison is the thief of joy.” 

• “The idea of play is that you’re doing it for no purpose other than the enjoyment of it.” 

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🌟 Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com ADHD Essentials with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com Hacking Your ADHD with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca ADHD Diversified with MJ Siemens

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🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community!

---

🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired's award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

The spring season of ADHD reWired's award-winning intensive Coaching & Accountability Groups starts in less than one week, going from March 30th through to June 8th!

Want to get to know our coaches?  Give episode 475 a listen where you'll hear from Kat Hoyer and even more from Kristin Marts! 

If you love what you hear, or if you've been on the fence for a while and you're ready to take the leap, there's still time to join us! 

Go to coachingrewired.com to get started with your pre-registration process so you can join us for our last spring registration event on Monday, March 27th at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern. 

If that time doesn’t work for you, then we are also holding an all-day open-house event on Tuesday, March 28th from 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern, until 2pm Pacific / 5pm Eastern! 

Today, Eric is joined by Morgan Hancock who was diagnosed with ADHD at 31.  She is a commercial real-estate agent, entrepreneur, U.S. Army veteran, mother of 2, a passionate advocate of the arts, and the founder of Bourbon With Heart Inc., the world’s first and only arts-focused bourbon charity!

In this episode, you’ll hear about the different paths Morgan took - including becoming a young mother, joining the army, law school, making insect repellent, and continuing to act on her big ambitions.  You’ll also hear about her life as a self-professed trouble-maker, hyperfocus and risk-taking, all-or-nothing thinking, what led up to her ADHD diagnosis, and how her fearlessness and resilience led to founding her bourbon-based non-profit organization.

Learn More about Bourbon With Heart:

• Website: bourbonwithheart.org https://bourbonwithheart.org 

• Instagram: @bourbonwithheart https://www.instagram.com/bourbonwithheart/ 

• Facebook: BourbonWithHeart https://www.facebook.com/BourbonWithHeart 

Get in Touch with Morgan: 

• Instagram: @americasbestie https://www.instagram.com/americasbestie/ 

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:01:13] Introducing Morgan

• [00:02:16] Life in school and the challenges Morgan faced

• [00:05:36] Morgan shares her optimism and desire to do big things “...even though my surroundings did not reflect that as a probability.” 

• [00:07:54] Joining the army at 18, how did Morgan navigate as a mother of a then 2-year-old son? 

• [00:09:00] What was life like for Morgan in her early 20s? 

• [00:11:16] What drove Morgan to go to law school? 

• [00:19:56] Eric asks Morgan about the catalyst that led up to her ADHD diagnosis

• [00:22:31] Morgan shares the positive effects that ADHD medication had on her life

• [00:23:56] Morgan tells us about Bourbon With Heart and Kentucky’s rich and vibrant arts culture

• [00:25:14] What’s the big “why” behind starting Bourbon With Heart? 

• [00:33:56] Eric asks Morgan about what happened during the break with an event she planned that sold out in a day. 

• [00:35:28] How did Morgan communicate her idea to others to get them on board, believe in her mission, and raise money to kick off Bourbon With Heart? 

• [00:44:10] How listeners can get in touch with Morgan, learn more about Bourbon with Heart, and closing words… 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan

• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb

• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

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Registration for the Spring Season of ADHD reWired's Coaching & Accountability Groups is happening now!  Learn more about our award-winning intensive online coaching and accountability groups at coachingrewired.com! 

If you’re ready to get your ADHD reWired, that’s coachingrewired.com to start your pre-registration process so you can join us for our next spring 2023 registration event on Thursday, March 2nd at 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern! 

In part 2 of this conversation, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired Coaches Kat Hoyer and Kristin Marts!  Janelle Augustin, who is also an ADHD reWired Coaching group Alumni member, also joins all of the ADHD reWired Coaches in the hot seat to figure out actionable items to keep track of multi-step tasks and not lose steam while tackling unfinished projects. 

⭐ If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, go back to episode 469 to listen in from the beginning! 

Janelle was born in Jamaica but grew up in South Florida and joins us in this episode from Tampa!  As a mom who enjoys gardening and has a love for cooking, Janelle is also an entrepreneur with her business called Nelly’s Fried Creamery, specializing in deep-fried ice cream.  

Not long after being diagnosed with ADHD at age 32, Janelle joined ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups and continued her support with the Alumni community.  Through the coaching groups, she developed the self-awareness she needed to learn to advocate for herself and learned what she needed for that self-advocacy. 

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Questions/Topics in this Episode:

• [00:02:13] “Do you think everything needs to be finished?”

• [00:05:07] Kat talks about borrowing from previous successes 

• [00:07:20] “What do you tell your child about making mistakes?”

• [00:08:32] Different ways to think about “done”  

• [00:17:19] More tool suggestions for writing / creating processes

• [00:20:42] What did ChatGPT spit out? 

• [00:23:37] A helpful acronym

• [00:34:02] Kristin talks about POPs - the Point-of-Performance

• [00:34:41] Janelle shares her action steps, commitments, & wrapping up

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Other Coaching Questions from today’s episode: 

• Would you be able to prioritize the things you want/need to finish vs. the things that “would be nice” to finish? 

• If you were to say, “What’s the TOP thing right now, in your life, that you want to get to ‘done’ to earn the right to work on the next thing?” Then, “What would be that next thing?”

• What did you say to yourself when something didn’t go right?  What lessons did you learn from that? 

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Other Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Tool: Process.st https://www.process.st 

• Tool: Chat GPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/ 

• Tool: Jasper.ai https://www.jasper.ai/ 

• Website: Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com 

• Book: E-Myth Mastery - The Seven Essential Disciplines for Building a World-Class Company https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/81942.E_Myth_Mastery 

• Book: The E-Myth Revisited https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/81948.The_E_myth_Revisited 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan

• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb

• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this two-part conversation, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired Coaches Kat Hoyer and Kristin Marts!  Janelle Augustin, who is also an ADHD reWired Coaching group Alumni member, also joins all of the ADHD reWired Coaches in the hot seat to figure out action steps to creating and finishing processes.  Not only will you be able to listen in on the process of the Mastermind, you’ll also hear suggestions for managing multiple steps and tasks, reframing “done”, cues to be reminded to return to unfinished projects, and more. 

About Janelle:  Janelle was born in Jamaica but grew up in South Florida and joins us in this episode from Tampa!  As a mom who enjoys gardening and has a love for cooking, Janelle is also an entrepreneur with her business called Nelly’s Fried Creamery, specializing in deep-fried ice cream.  

Not long after being diagnosed with ADHD at age 32, Janelle joined ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups and continued her support with the Alumni community.  Through the coaching groups, she developed the self-awareness she needed to learn to advocate for herself and learned what she needed for that self-advocacy. 

- - -

Curious about our coaching groups? Ready to get your ADHD reWired? Go to coachingrewired.com to learn more, to add your name to our interest list, and to find the most up-to-date information about our upcoming seasons of coaching groups! 

Questions/Topics in this Episode:

• [00:01:40] Introducing Janelle

• [00:04:45] What is a Mastermind? 

• [00:05:22] Summarizing the ADHD-related issue in the hot-seat 

• [00:08:10] Overall themes, encountering the “unfinished”, and picking a life domain

• [00:14:59] Janelle goes in depth about her previous processes of creating manuals and the ideas of “done”

• [00:17:58] Questions about master lists, time-management, and getting stuck

• [00:20:43] Suggestions on starting a process and avoiding procrasti-planning

• [00:23:32] Delegating, and how to find the “who”

• [00:30:22] Writing manuals, facing resistance, and the stories we tell ourselves

• [00:32:28] “What if it’s not good enough?”

• [00:35:27] “I’ve never been a first-draft kind of gal.” 

• [00:38:65] Janelle spit-fires a round of processes to be created 

• [00:41:56] “Where do I dump everything and how do I remember to go back to look at it and organize it?”

• [00:43:36] “It doesn’t have to be boring!” and other ways to create documentation

• [00:46:14] Managing task lists 

Other Coaching Questions from today’s episode: 

• What is the smallest domino? Meaning, what is the thing you can do first that will help knock down some of the other barriers and hurdles you may be experiencing that may not seem related, but may actually be related? 

• A project might turn into a system. How do you visualize that before getting started? 

• Do you have a master list of what you’d like to accomplish, start-to-finish? 

• How do you manage your time while working on a project?

• What are other ways to capture information, other than writing?

• Do you edit while you write?

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan

• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb

• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

⭐️ Registration for the Spring Season of Coaching & Accountability Groups is happening now!  Go to coachingrewired.com to get your name added to our spring interest list and start your preregistration process!  Our next registration event is on Thursday, February 2nd at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern.  That's coachingrewired.com to get started! 

- - - 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Jamie Walsh. Jamie is a husband, father of 4, and business owner with ADHD.  Before coaching, he worked in higher education for 16 years, he earned his B.A. from Providence College and a Masters of Science degree from Boston College.  Jamie also completed a certification program for coaching teens and college students with ADHD from JST Coaching and Training. 

With over 20 years of experience in various school environments, consulting for organizations, as well as his own personal journey, Jamie is passionate about making a difference in the lives of struggling learners and wants to empower clients to believe in themselves. 

You’ll hear Eric and Jamie talk about shame, resilience, and adulting. Then, you will also hear them engage in a coaching session about impulsivity, emotional regulation, the importance of exercise, rejection sensitivity, and creating routines. 

Learn more about Jamie: 

• Instagram: @anchor_coaching Jamie Walsh (@anchor_coaching)
• Website: AnchorADHD.com https://www.anchoradhd.com
• Jamie’s Linktree for more: https://linktr.ee/anchoradhd 

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:02:13] Jamie shares his story about the impact ADHD had on his life before receiving a diagnosis. 
• [00:04:60] “I changed jobs about every two years.”
• [00:06:25] Jamie recounts his experience while getting through an ADHD evaluation.
• [00:08:04] “(ADHD) has nothing to do with your intelligence.” 
• [00:08:24] Eric and Jamie dive into Jamie’s family history of mental health issues and addiction and how it impacted receiving information about ADHD.
• [00:18:52] Eric and Jamie talk about “making lemons from lemonade” and the power of resilience. 
• [00:20:37] “Being an adult is like trying to fold a fitted sheet” and having a fixed-mindset vs. a growth-mindset. 
• [00:24:15] Jamie and Eric engage in a coaching session and tackle ADHD and ADHD-related challenges.
• [00:31:08] Eric asks Jamie, “What has been the most beneficial coping strategy that could have a greater impact if you were to do more?” & a deeper dive into scheduling intentions and shifting the mindset around it. 
• [01:04:31] Closing thoughts and Jamie’s favorite quote.  

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Website: JST Coaching & Training https://www.jstcoachtraining.com 
• Book: Delivered from Distraction https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/108592.Delivered_from_Distraction 

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

⭐️ Registration for the Spring Season of Coaching & Accountability Groups is happening now!  Go to coachingrewired.com to get your name added to our spring interest list and start your preregistration process!

This week, Eric is joined by Shane Thrapp, a certified ADHD, life, relationship and career coach! Through his business, Creating Order from Chaos, Shane has helped hundreds of people find their paths through the chaos of life with ADHD and find their order and purpose.  With both an ADHD and autism diagnosis, he is the operations director for The Non-Profit Men’s ADHD Support Group, a board member for the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, and a public speaker who works to be a voice and advocate for adult ADHD awareness.  

Find Shane on Instagram @creatingorderfromchaoscoaching

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:02:49] Shane shares his life starting in northeast Texas living growing up on a farm. 
• [00:05:30] Shane’s journey of getting an ADHD and autism diagnosis
• [00:11:48] What was Shane’s process to figure out what the challenges were, and how did he identify his areas of chaos? 
• [00:18:39] From project management to turning life into a project
• [00:19:45] “I just knew I was different. That’s the one steady factor that’s always been a part of my life.” -Shane 
• [00:21:18] Eric asks Shane about masking and showing up. 
• [00:23:04] “My father was Chaos.” 
• [00:25:59] Shane tells his story navigating through school. 
• [00:27:43] “Other worlds were more important than my world,” and a discussion about coping and numbing. 
• [00:31:00] Shane opens up about his relationship.
• [00:37:14] How did learning about ADHD change the way Shane looks at his past? Shane also shares about his passion for learning about ADHD. 
• [00:40:22] “I did the wrong thing… As long as I wasn’t being my father… I was fine.”
• [00:48:08] What sparked Shane’s interest in working with and leading an ADHD support group? And a closing inspirational story.  

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Inattentive ADHD Coalition at iadhd.org https://www.iadhd.org 
• Men’s ADHD Support Group (Facebook): Men's ADHD Support Group
• Website: https://www.mensadhdsupportgroup.org 

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Javier Amor joins Eric from New York City!  Javier is a real-estate broker and is also an Alumni Community member of ADHD reWired’s Coaching and Accountability Groups.  Today, Javier shares his journey through chronic pain, managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and self-advocacy.  You’ll also hear how a curious mindset and the power of questions changed Javier’s life, and also how asking better questions led to saving his father’s life. 

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:01:55] Javier shares why he wanted to learn the skill of asking better questions 
• [00:05:29] “It starts with questioning myself.”
• [00:05:51] “How can I communicate to the doctors to make them think without being confrontational?” 
• [00:10:56] The power of the pause, and “Is this going to be constructive, or is it going to ‘defeat’?” 
• [00:11:28] Using cues and the “point of performance” to act on new knowledge 
• [00:17:52] Javier talks about managing chronic pain
• [00:19:08] Javier shares how he prepared himself to see his doctor with what he learned through ArC and the books he’s read
• [00:22:09] Instead of asking x, ask y instead. 
• [00:22:50] Javier speaks about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 
• [00:25:26] An example of asking curiously vs. telling 
• [00:27:34] “This is my mission.” 
• [00:31:28] The importance of asking & advocacy 
• [00:33:26] “I do get stuck, but I don’t stay stuck.”
• [00:34:36] “To change self-concept as an adult… takes time.”
• [00:36:43] Eric & Javier share some final thoughts & words of wisdom

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book: The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller 
• Book: Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 10 Powerful Tools for Life and Work by Marilee G. Adams
• Instagram: Mrs. Dorender Gray (@dor_the_grayt)

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  Hear all the questions in the full ad-free version of this episode when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon  

Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• [00:03:41] “I was wondering if someone knows about an already existing group for business owners who have ADHD.”
• [00:05:02] A listener asks about setting and following through with their intentions as they are in the new phase of life: Retirement. 
• [00:06:57] Our listener and panelists talk about getting more physical activity. 
• [00:11:08] “You’re allowed to take some time to transition.” - Brendan Mahan
• [00:13:11] “I am a helper and I sometimes jump into helping-situations without even thinking about it.” 
• [00:20:20] Emily, who started their own business, asks about outcome-goals vs. process-goals for their business. 
• [00:25:06] “I’ve been trying to get into live-streaming, but it still feels like something’s missing.  
• [00:27:16] Panelists give tips on energy management and routines.  
• [00:30:22] “Do you have any advice for when we find ourselves frozen in total overwhelm?”
• [00:38:00] “...I heard you and a podcast guest lament the challenges you both have in grocery stores. Could you explain why this is such a thing for those with ADHD?”
• [00:43:33] “You mentioned dealing with emotional dysregulation before doing ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups.  I’ve only recently started coming to grips with this.  Can you say something about this and offer some suggestions in managing emotional dysregulation? 
• [00:49:45] A moment of Dad…

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Jessica Smith.  Jessica was ‘accidentally’ diagnosed with ADHD at age 25.  At age 27, she became a sex worker - specifically an independent webcam model.  A combination of creativity, tenacity, and luck helped her to grow a successful business and became one of the top webcam models on her cam site.  

After spending 5 years in the industry, she unintentionally retired due to social and performance burnout.  Jessica attributes a large part of her entrepreneurial success to her ADHD and is now transitioning towards a career in ADHD coaching and streaming video games in her free time! 

Jessica shares how she was diagnosed with ADHD, her experience in school, her thoughts about her own capabilities, and her view on relationships.  You’ll also hear how she heard about sex work and her time as a performer, her reasons for leaving the industry, the importance of community for alleviating shame, and her experience in the coaching groups. 

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [Timestamps coming soon!]

** Get ad-free episodes and the full conversation of this episode by becoming a Patron at $5 a month or more at adhdrewired.com/Patreon! **

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

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⭐️ We’re starting our 31st season of ADHD reWired’s Award Winning Online Coaching & Accountability Groups!  It’s your last chance to join because we’re starting this week - go to coachingrewired.com to get registered! 

 

This week, Eric is joined by Dr. Ryan Sultan, a mental health physician, therapist and researcher at Columbia University.  ADHD is a major area of Dr. Sultan’s expertise both in his medical practice and in research.  

In this episode, you’ll hear Eric and Dr. Ryan discuss why it’s important to treat ADHD, the nuances of research, his reasons for getting into the ADHD space, and whether or not ADHD is underdiagnosed or overdiagnosed. 

Find out more about Dr. Ryan Sultan at https://www.integrativepsych.nyc/experts/dr-ryan-sultan

& Find more available psychiatrists and other professionals for adult ADHD in the New York and New York City area at https://www.integrativepsych.nyc/resources/adult-adhd-psychiatrists-in-nyc

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:01:17] What drove Dr. Ryan to become interested in the ADHD space? 
• [00:03:14] How does Dr. Ryan respond to other medical professionals who say ADHD is overdiagnosed or doesn’t believe ADHD is real? 
• [00:05:00] Eric and Dr. Ryan talk about the missing statistics of girls and women being diagnosed with ADHD.  
• [00:06:10] What happens when we don’t treat ADHD? 
• [00:07:40] What does it mean to treat ADHD, and what treatment is most effective?
• [00:11:31] A discussion on Eric and Dr. Ryan’s experience with ADHD medication.  
• [00:13:55] What does research say about addiction and ADHD medication? 
• [00:22:12] Dr. Ryan talks about coming out about his ADHD, his journey with his diagnosis, self-esteem, academics, and healing.
• [00:25:29] How did Dr. Ryan get through med school? 
• [00:27:30] A conversation about the nuances of research, headlines, and TikTok.  
• [00:36:05] What is Dr. Ryan studying now?  
• [00:37:55] Have there been any changes in the diagnostic picture with regards to who is seeking an ADHD evaluation and treatment? 
• [00:40:15] Eric and Dr. Ryan share their observations about ADHD and autism. 
• [00:43:25] Eric has an ADHD moment, then Dr. Ryan asks about tele-health. 
• [00:46:37] Dr. Ryan shares some final thoughts.

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  And get the full ad-free version of this episode when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon!  

Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• [00:02:12] How have you learned how to accept your ADHD? 
• [00:11:56] How do you keep yourself from comparing your progress and productivity with that of your neurotypical colleagues, especially those who are high-achieving? 
• [00:26:54] I’m considering going back to college part-time and I’m having a hard time not getting freaked out about papers and exams. I just need to know how to figure out how to do it differently from my last two failed attempts. 
• [00:34:09] How do you protect your sleep? 
• [00:42:30] I would like some suggestions on how we manage expectations for those who don’t understand us [as people with ADHD].  What would you say to somebody who has no idea what ADHD is about? 
• [00:55:13] A listener asks about managing PMDD and having ADHD. 
• [00:59:14] Any tips on things to look for or do first before finding an insurance provider? 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Episode: 356: Mastermind Session with Natalie - PMDD and ADHD 
• Website: Sari Solden 

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

This week, Eric is joined by Rahti Gorfien of Creative Calling Coaching!  Rahti has coached independent creative professionals, including actors, writers, artists, filmmakers, and tech developers, who are scattered and overwhelmed.  She helps her clients break the cycle of isolation, irregular income, and irregular hours, by taking a more structured and entrepreneurial approach to their careers based on their unique strengths and neurological makeup. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about Rahti’s journey with mental health, the impact of teams in her life, and how she started a yoga practice and her interest in cooking.  You’ll also hear about trauma, the 5 success-stopping emotions, being confronted by meaning-making, and wise closing words from Rahti. 

Find out more about Rahti at https://creativecallingcoaching.com/

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:02:04] Rahti talks about how she knew she had to be a performer. 
• [00:07:26] Rahti shares how her journey into coaching started. “Company is stronger than will, and I realized I was trying to do it alone.”
• [00:11:03] Eric and Rahti dive into bipolar and mental health.
• [00:19:13] The 5 core emotions. “Emotions are the harbingers of what we think, of what we believe.” -Rahti 
• [00:22:50] Rahti shares why she is now grateful for her trauma.  
• [00:23:57] The Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted - Brene Brown 
• [00:27:43] Rahti gives a different perspective about being the hero in our lives. 
• [00:29:21] “Emotions are also wise, and they are also convincing liars.” -Eric 
• [00:32:29] Where does envy come from in terms of the 5 emotions? 
• [00:35:41] Thoughts on Enoughness
• [00:43:42] Eric and Rahti share their experiences with boredom. 
• [00:45:51] Is boredom the birthplace of creativity? 
• [00:49:41] Rahti and Eric recap the 5 success-stopping emotions and talk about fear. 
• [00:57:30] Rahti shares about her book, coming in summer of 2023! 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book: Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want by Barbara Sher
• Quick Read: Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted - Brené Brown  

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Registration for the Winter season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups is happening now! Go to coachingrewired.com to learn more and get started so you can join us in January 2023! 

This week, Eric is joined by Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh, also known as Dr. D, a family-medicine physician, clinic medical director, and chief medical officer.  Dr. D is also the founder of OverAchieve Life Coaching.  Prior to discovering coaching, Diana typically had 200 charts open and a “graveyard” of unfinished projects.  

Now, she’s on a mission to empower healthcare professionals to create simple systems that support their zone-of-genius and reclaim their freedom of time as her clients learn to leave work at work.  She is happily married with two children and enjoys travel, painting, Zumba, yoga nidra meditation, and exploring different cultures! 

In this episode, you’ll hear Eric and Dr. Diana talk about her struggles through medical school, the pressures she experienced, and what led to her ADHD diagnosis.  Then, you’ll hear discussions on the importance of self-care, how we can advocate for ourselves and how we communicate, and putting ourselves first.  

Find more from Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh at https://www.adhd-lifecoach.com 

Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:03:59] “You need to stop putting your clients and patients first!”  What does Dr. Diana mean? 
• [00:05:14]  Dr. Diana talks about living in self-neglect.
• [00:09:00]  Eric and Dr. Diana discuss the statistics of life-expectancy for those of us with ADHD. 
• [00:10:08]  Dr. Diana shares her ADHD story. 
• [00:11:59]  How did Dr. Diana get through medical school before her ADHD diagnosis? 
• [00:14:37]  Dr. Diana shares the catalyst that led to her diagnosis and how her cultural background and upbringing implanted the ideas to “just work hard” and “do whatever it takes.” 
• [00:22:16]  Dr. Diana shares more about the pressure of being the first person in her family to pursue further education. 
• [00:23.29]  How does Dr. Diana set up her environment for the most success?  What has coaching taught her? 
• [00:26.19]  How does Dr. Diana communicate with her patients? 
• [00:28:12]  Eric and Dr. Diana discuss their thoughts about ADHD as a gift. 
• [00:31:50]  Eric and Dr. Diana talk about boundaries and how she has conversations around her own boundaries.  
• [00:35:36]  “Boundaries from a place of love and a place of compassion.” 
• [00:39:35] “How do we leave work at work?”
• [00:45:12] What does Dr. Diana recommend patients say to their doctors if they encounter a physician that doesn’t believe in ADHD, believes that ADHD is something that is ‘grown-out-of’, etc.? 
• [00:48:31] Dr. Diana shares her definition of success and shares some words of wisdom for listeners.

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

The Annual International Conference on ADHD is this week!  Join virtually or in person in Dallas, Texas!  Listeners of ADHD reWired can get 15% off your registration at https://adhdrewired.com/adhdcon2022!  Or use the promo code adhdrewiredadhdcon2022 at checkout!

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This week, Eric is joined by Robyn Buchanan, a mom of two teenage boys and partner to an ADHD husband.  Robyn is also a registered nurse, life and focus coach, and YouTube creator who is an advocate for people with ADHD and neurodiversity to capitalize on their ADHD strengths and push the mundane aside to live their best lives.  She encourages minimalism and self-employment for maximum freedom and joy, is a self-admitted tea-addict, loves gardening, walking with friends around her Vancouver island town, and watching Jane Austen movies. 

You’ll hear Eric and Robyn talk about decluttering, how we can add “glitter” to make decluttering fun, and how important our spaces and environments are for getting things done.  

Eric and Robyn also discuss how decluttering our own spaces has potential to bring others joy, different ways we can use the concept of minimalism to keep our spaces clean and decluttered, what prompted Eric to hire a professional organizer, what sparked Robyn’s interest into getting her home organized, and more!  

Get in touch with Robyn:

• Instagram: @minimalisthomeplease
• Instagram: @hocusfocusrobyn
• YouTube: Hocus Focus 
• YouTube: MinimalistHome 

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Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:03:54] Eric admits he “has crap everywhere” and asks Robyn, “Where do we start?” when we want to begin decluttering. 
• [00:06:29] How do we make decluttering fun? 
• [00:10:10] Robyn shares how and why she schedules her anti-procrastination tasks. 
• [00:11:20] What sparked Robyn’s interest to get into organizing? 
• [00:15:38] How does Robyn define minimalism for her? 
• [00:23:29] Robyn takes us into the thinking realm of organizing:  What are the questions, leading thoughts, ideas, and the cognition piece behind this to help us make better decisions?
• [00:29:19] “You mean we have to work to keep our home decluttered?” and a discussion about maintenance.
• [00:37:16] How do we deal with family giving us things (memorabilia, furniture, etc.) that could lead to more clutter? 
• [00:42:10] How do we deal with our mail? 
• [00:47:10] What are some of the tools or the things that make keeping ourselves organized easier?
• [00:50:46] Why does it take up to two weeks to put laundry away? 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Website: The Minimalists - Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus 
• YouTube Channel: Matt D'Avella's YouTube 
• Website: FlyLady
• Website: Getting Things Done (GTD) 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Get the full ad-free version of this episode when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon! 

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  Go to adhdrewired.com/events to register so you can join us on Zoom and ask your questions live! 

And get the full and ad-free version of this episode when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon!  

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Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• [00:04:58] “What are your tips for taking yourself out of hyperfocus?”
• [00:08:24] Tips on managing overwhelm, to-do lists, and cues for coming back to our lists 
• [0019:09] A listener who was recently diagnosed asks about impulsivity and food in a work environment. 
• [00:27:14] “How do you help someone who definitely needs help and support, but isn’t ready, doesn’t want it, or feels that they don’t need it, but at the same time, they’re constantly feeling overwhelmed and can’t manage?”
• [00:36:31] Will Curb gives an update from last month’s episode and talks about making trying different foods fun for kids.
• [0038:04] Ideas for incorporating exercise and body movement.
• [00:43:29] Suggestions for managing impulsive behaviors, setting boundaries when making plans with other people, and online shopping. 

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Hacking your ADHD Episode: Three Years of Hacking your ADHD | with Will Curb 
• Alarm App: https://www.freakyalarm.com 
• Alarm App: Shake-it Alarm & Step Counter (Android)
• Alarm App: Wake N Shake Alarm Clock (Apple) 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

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The Annual International Conference on ADHD is coming soon!  Join virtually or in person in Dallas, Texas!  Then, listeners of ADHD reWired can get 15% off your registration at https://adhdrewired.com/adhdcon2022!  Or use the promo code adhdrewiredadhdcon2022 at checkout!

It's not too late to get registered for the Annual International Conference on ADHD!  You can join virtually or in-person in Dallas, Texas!  Listeners of ADHD reWired can get 15% off their registration by going to adhdrewired.com/adhdcon2022 or use the promo code adhdrewiredadhdcon2022 at checkout! 

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This week, Eric is joined by Marie Ng, the solo-founder of Llama Life!  Marie has worn many hats, including experience in advertising, working in corporate environments, teaching herself how to code, and startups.  

In this episode, you’ll hear about Marie’s experiences in the corporate world, how she found out about her own ADHD, what it was like working in an open space sitting across from her boss, and her entrepreneurial spirit.  Eric and Marie also cover topics like failure, resilience, and the importance of finding what you love. 

Check out Marie’s productivity tool, Llama Life at https://llamalife.co.  Llama life doesn’t just help you create your to-do lists, it helps you work through your list and helps manage your attention that  keeps you engaged by making it fun! 

Get in touch with Marie on Twitter: @threehourcoffee 

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Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:02:38]  When did Marie’s ADHD journey begin? 
• [00:10:37]  Did Marie ever think she would be working for herself? 
• [00:13:16]  What is Llama Life all about? 
• [00:14:04]  How does Llama life help you work through your lists? 
• [00:15:36]  Thoughts on countdown timers & a feature-request
• [00:21:19]  Are there any lessons Marie can share about transitioning from working a corporate job to being self-employed? 
• [00:28:37]  Marie shares the ups and downs of her startups and shares thoughts about failure and bouncing back
• [00:31:49]  “What’s the alternative? What’s the other choice?” Why did this resonate with Marie? 
• [00:41:36]  What are some big lessons that can be applied to designing a life that is more ADHD friendly? 
• [00:51:20]  Setting up for “failure” vs. setting up for learning
• [00:54:36]  Eric asks Marie about perfectionism

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Mood-tracking app: Daylio 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

 

Returning to the podcast is David Greenwood, the author of Overcoming Burnout: Real Life Strategies for Burnout, Recovery, and Prevention.  He is also the author of Overcoming Distraction: Thriving with Adult ADHD and hosts the ADHD podcast called “Overcoming Distractions.”

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Learn more about David Greenwood at https://overcomingdistractions.com
Find his books Overcoming Burnout and Overcoming Distraction at https://overcomingburnout.net 

• Hear David Greenwood previously on ADHD reWired on episode #165 - Overcoming Distraction with David Greenwood
• Hear Eric as a guest on David’s podcast: How does Accountability Help Those with ADHD? | on Overcoming Distractions with David Greenwood 

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Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• [00:05:44] What made David want to write about burnout?
• [00:07:45] What is burnout?  What are the symptoms/basic signs of burnout? 
• [00:09:26] What is the line distinguishing between depression and burnout? 
• [00:10:45] Alleviating stress is not the same thing as alleviating the stressor. What’s the difference?
• [00:13:40] “Burnout recovery starts with the body.” 
• [00:20:28] How do we know if we’re in a period of stress vs. actual burnout that needs to be addressed? 
• [00:24:04] What else can we do, other than exercise, to help with burnout?
• [00:36:17] Recap of the 6 things to do when you begin to recognize you’re headed to burnout.
• [00:37:48] Another way to help with burnout is… 
• [00:40:03] How do drugs/alcohol affect burnout?  

6 things to do when you begin to recognize you’re headed to burnout:

• Talk with someone you trust. 
• Hit the gym / do something physical & exercise   
• Sit still.  Try for 30 minutes to start.  
• Book a weekend away. 
• Manage your time. 
• Test your “no” and say no to at least one thing. 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book: Burnout:  The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle 

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Bonus Mentions:

• ADHD reWired episode #404: Let Pleasure be the Measure with Pasha Marlowe 
• Watch and listen to Eric’s interview with one of his past podcast guests, Pasha Marlowe, on Pasha’s Podcast Neuro*Queering on YouTube: Coming Out Again with Eric Tivers
• Pasha’s Book: My Next Husband Will Be a Lesbian: A Collection of Stories From Womxn Finding Their Truth 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

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The Annual International Conference on ADHD is coming soon!  Join virtually or in person in Dallas, Texas!  Then, listeners of ADHD reWired can get 15% off your registration at https://adhdrewired.com/adhdcon2022!  Or use the promo code adhdrewiredadhdcon2022 at checkout!

The Annual International Conference on ADHD is coming soon!  Join virtually or in person in Dallas, Texas!  Then, listeners of ADHD reWired can get 15% off your registration at https://adhdrewired.com/adhdcon2022!  

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Eric is joined by Mike Lekies, who has been a business coach and sales trainer for 15 years and runs a business together with his non-ADHD but not-neurotypical wife.  He has 25 years of experience in sales and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 43, which turned his life upside down.  Mike is also an Alumni of ADHD reWired’s Coaching and Accountability groups!  If you want to find out how to structure your business around your ADHD, then this episode you’ve been looking for! 

You’ll hear more conversations about Mike’s experiences in business and the lessons he learned with his business ventures.  Then, you’ll also hear about business and marriage, and what led Mike to getting diagnosed with ADHD, how it affected his identity, and some of the perks he’s enjoyed being the owner of his own business. 

Learn more at https://www.successfuladhdentrepreneur.com  

Get in touch with Mike on:

• LinkedIn 
• Passion&Profit (German) 

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Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode:

• How can you bend your own business to your ADHD? 
• How do we build systms that work for us that scaffold the challenges we have? 
• What three numbers do I need to track to determine if my business is moving forward? 
• How do I interpret the data I track? 
• Questions Mike asks about his own business:
• How many leads do I generate?
• Is it (my leads) critical? 
• Will my business survive this critical number of leads? 
• Is it “ok” or is it more than I need? 
• What’s the difference between revenue and sales? 
• What is the importance of having well-qualified leads? 
• What is a qualified lead? 
• How can I add automation into my business? 
• What can I automate in my business? 

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book: The ADHD Effect on Marriage - by Melissa Orlov 
• Website: ADHD and Marriage 
• Booking & Scheduling Tool: Calendly 
• Automation, Email Marketing & CRM Tool: ActiveCampaign 
• App: Evernote (for note-taking) 
• App: Make (formally Integromat) 
• App: ClickUp - Where teams get work done. 
• “If ADHD is a gift, where’s the gift receipt?” - Eric Tivers

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  And get the ad-free version of this episode with some extras from this Q&A when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon!  

If you're looking for a full-immersion experience with ADHD, the 2022 International Conference on ADHD is coming up from November 17th to November 19th in Dallas, Texas! 

Get 15% off the CHADD Conference 2022  here: https://www.adhdrewired.com/adhdcon2022  

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Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• [00:03:48] Advice on medication routines and the process of finding a physician to help
• [00:08:52] Where to look and how to look for contractors to help with house renovations & overcoming analysis-paralysis and making a decision 
• [00:22:31] Tips to manage twitchy legs during movies, car-rides, and sleeping; and managing TMJ and teeth-grinding
• [00:22:31] What is the impact of low estrogen on post-menopausal women?  Does taking estrogen supplements assist with cognitive functioning? 
• [00:28:35] A discussion about a professor disclosing/sharing their ADHD diagnosis with students and colleagues 
• [00:36:17] “Are there any apps that you would recommend to help with time management and motivation?  Or, would you say apps for ADHD are overrated?”
• [00:43:46] Motivation, moving forward, and self-care when feeling emotionally held back
• How to address getting into feeding/eating routines that 
• [00:52:47] Eating routines and “safe foods” for kids - how do I get my kids to eat a wider variety of foods? 
• [00:58:45] Crickets and a Moment of Dad 

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Website: ADHD Assessment Forms for Adults | CADDRA
• Tool: TaskRabbit 
• Article: Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• Video: Why is it So Hard to Do Something that Should be Easy? with Jessica McCabe & Brendan Mahan
• Video: How to Do Something That Should Be Easy (But...Is...Not) with Jessica McCabe & Brendan Mahan

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Get 15% off the CHADD Conference 2022 https://www.adhdrewired.com/adhdcon2022  

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Skye Rapson from New Zealand!  Skye is a mom and an academic with over 7 years experience working in adult education.  She has studied in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and public health, and is now a doctoral candidate in population health.  

After getting diagnosed with ADHD at the start of her doctorate, she has since dedicated time to researching and disseminating ADHD studies, focusing on supporting others with strength-based neurodiverse-friendly tools and systems. 

Skye also founded Unconventional Organization which provides strength-based research-backed online coaching for clients with ADHD. 

Learn more at https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com
Instagram: Skye - ADHD Coach & Researcher (@unconventionalorganisation)

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Topics/Questions in this Episode:

• What is the aversion to “structure” when you have ADHD? 
• What is the most important ingredient in the “recipe” for ADHD management? 
• How does self-criticism impact our ability to get things done? 
• What helps us to acknowledge and identify our self-criticism? 
• How do we adjust our sense of what we’re working on? 
• Skye runs an organization with neurodiverse people for neurodiverse people.  What is the most fun about it, and what are the challenges? 
• What are some of the alternative tools (other than email) that can be used to navigate with a neurodiverse team? 
• “Bring your worst self to coaching” - Why is this important? 
• What is the difference between motivation and activation? 
• “Being an adult means you need a lot of dopamine.  Sprinkle dopamine everywhere in your life! It’s not just about the work.” - Skye Rapson
• What does “dopamine-down” mean? 
• Mind-ready and brain-ready: What’s the difference? 
• How can we alleviate self-doubt when setting goals? 

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• ADHD reWired Episode: 309 | Rethinking Adult ADHD with Dr. Russell Ramsay 
• Article: ADHD and Mindfulness  
• Tool: https://www.loom.com 
• Tool: https://slack.com 
• Tool: Freedom: 
• Tool: Cold Turkey - free website blocker  

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Registration for the winter season of ADHD reWired's Coaching & Accountability Groups is happening soon!  Go to coachingrewired.com to get your name added to the winter interest list! 

In this episode, Laura Key from Understood.org joins the show!  Laura is a mom of two kids, a long-time editor and content-creator, hosts the ADHD Aha! podcast, and is the editorial director at Understood.org!

Understood.org is a resource for people with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia, where Laura also co-leads the Understood podcast network!   

Join in as Laura and Eric share their stories about keeping up with deadlines, anxiety, mental flexibility, and perfectionism. 

You’ll also hear about Laura’s roles with Understood.org, her experience as a mom and the ways her ADHD can shine, and how the ADHD Aha! podcast was born.  

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Podcast Episode: ADHD reWired #47 | ADHD at 55 MPH 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Eric is joined by Camille Roney, who is a certified academic life coach, whose work has appeared in the New York Journal, Quizlet, Motivate MD, and more!  Camille empowers students to start earning high grades while studying less and enjoying the process. 

You’ll hear Camille and Eric talk about the importance of curiosity and experimentation, why having different ways of absorbing information can depend on the content we are trying to absorb, the art of being bored, and using our calendars to reflect our values. 

Next, Eric and Camille discuss the benefits of allowing our minds to wander, strategies to be attentive to what we are reading, questions to prompt our curiosity, giving ourselves space, the next steps someone can take when they’re ready to self-advocate, and addressing our internal dialogue when we’re questioning our paths.  

Finally, you’ll hear what not to do when writing a paper, trauma, burnout, self-appreciation, getting to the “why” behind the paths we choose, how the cost of education has changed, and why it’s ok to pause and enjoy the experience.

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Connect with Camille: 

• Website: Non-Trad Accelerator 
• Instagram: @thelearningmom

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Other Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• What prompted Camille to go down the path as an academic life coach? 
• How does Camille help people to discover how they learn? 
• What is value-based time-blocking? 
• What is the value of learning how to be bored? 
• How can you stay attentive while reading? 
• How does Camille help someone determine if they’re down the “wrong” educational path or if they need to develop study skills? 
• What does Camille do to help students with writing?
• When someone is pursuing a highly competitive field, how does Camille work with them? 

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Quote: “There is nothing wrong with changing your mind.” - Camille Roney
• Quote: “Wait, our self-worth isn’t determined by how much we get done?” - Eric
• Book: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Join ADHD reWired's award winning, online, video-based Coaching & Accountability Groups at https://coachingrewired.com.

This is your last chance to join our fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching & Accountability Groups - also known as ARC - beginning on September 29th and 30th, through to December 8th and 9th of 2022.  Our final registration event for our fall season is on Tuesday, September 20th at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern.  

Go to https://coachingrewired.com to get your name added to our coaching group interest list and join the coaching community built for adults with ADHD by adults with ADHD! You can do hard things, and you don't have to do them alone! 

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  

You’ll hear strategies for communicating the challenges of ADHD to partners and families, ways to discuss invisible disabilities and other mental health challenges with others, resources for folks who don’t have access to healthcare, and three assumptions that can help reframe how we are in our relationships.

Then, you’ll hear techniques about learning and retaining information, ways that parents can help an adult child who is transitioning from graduating college to moving out into the world, and the importance of encouragement.  The panelists also talk about imposter syndrome, compassionate ass-kicking, that failure is not terminal, and how to support someone to get started on something tough. 

Finally, you will hear the gold standard of diagnoses, comorbidities, and the importance of not getting wrapped up in a diagnosis.

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Some of the Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• How do I help my spouse learn about ADHD?  He is skeptical of the condition. 
• Could ADHD coaching be helpful for couples where one person has ADHD, and the other is neurotypical? 
• In the scenario where you come from a background where the concept of mental illness or ADHD is not necessarily “accepted”, how do you explain the guardrails or things that may be helpful for a child with ADHD to those who think, “Everyone is a little bit ADHD”? 
• People I know don’t have access to healthcare, medical support, or therapy.  But, I don’t know what to tell them when they’re struggling and don’t have access to the above.  Do you have any advice? 
• What can I do to manage my ADHD symptoms when I don’t have access to healthcare? 
• Do you have any tips, tricks, tools or techniques so I can actually retain information so that I’m learning it? It’s already stuff I know, but I feel like I am just reviewing stuff and I don’t actually get anywhere.
• As a mother of a recent college graduate who does not want to treat his ADHD, he doesn’t want help from us and is overwhelmed about his future, and it’s hard to sit back and not do anything for him.  
• I have been treated for ADHD since I found out 20 years ago, but now, neuro health says I have no ADHD and “1000% aspergers.”  I am confused and immobilized. 

---

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Quote: “Everyone is doing the best they can, everyone has good intentions, and everyone wants to do well and please the people around them.” - Brendan Mahan
• Podcast: ADHD & Rejection Sensitivity with David Nowell on ADHD Essentials with Brendan Mahan
• YouTube: How to ADHD with Jessica McCabe  
• YouTube Playlist: Dr. Russell Barkley Lectures 
• Website: ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association
• Website: CHADD - Children and Adults with ADHD
• Website: CADDAC - Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada

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Bonus: 

Last month, a listener asked if there were grants available to cover potential business expenses, specifically for ADHD.  Here are some resources they shared (Thank you Lili!)

• ADHD Online - Certified ADHD Diagnosis By Licensed Psychologists

• Dreamscape Foundation
• Galaxy of Stars 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Allison Lieberman, a licensed marriage and family therapist, is certified in postpartum mental health, and is a new-mom coach!  She is the host of The New Mama Mentor Pod and helps new moms find peace and balance in their chaotic lives.

You’ll hear Allison share when she was diagnosed with ADHD, how her diagnosis impacted her practice and her life as a mom, how she struggled with postpartum anxiety after having her first child, the dangers of glorifying worrying as a parent, the personal narratives that arise as a parent, and Allison’s mission to bring light to postpartum anxiety.  

Then, Eric and Allison dive into the work she does to educate new moms, the things that Allison has been learning with postpartum in the realm of ADHD, her experience with overstimulation and sensory processing, and the effects of stress, and differentiating between trauma and ADHD. 

Finally, you’ll hear why Allison started her podcast, medical gaslighting, and how journaling can help through the process. 

Connect with Allison: 

• Instagram: @thenewmamamentor
• Facebook: The New Mama Mentor Podcast 
• Rooted in Harmony Counseling 
• Podcast: The New Mama Mentor® 

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Other Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• What is the difference between postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety? What about the similarities? 
• Is postpartum anxiety a part of the DSM? 
• What is postpartum mental health? 
• ADHD medication during pregnancy: Yes or no? 
• What is a reproductive psychiatrist? 
• If someone is thinking about getting pregnant, what are some of the things they can go to their doctors with when it comes to medication? 
• How does Allison differentiate between symptoms of trauma vs. ADHD for new moms? 
• What has Allison found to be most helpful for clients who have ADHD during this phase of life?
• What kinds of tools or other supports can Allison recommend for new parents? 

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Resources:

• Tool: Aqua Notes
• Accessory: Loop Earplugs 
• Book: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers
• Book: What Am I Thinking? Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman | Goodreads  

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

Join ADHD reWired's award winning, online, video-based Coaching & Accountability Groups at https://coachingrewired.com.

Our fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching & Accountability Groups - also known as ARC - begin on September 29th and 30th, through to December 8th and 9th of 2022. 

Go to https://coachingrewired.com to get your name added to our coaching group interest list and join the coaching community built for adults with ADHD by adults with ADHD! You can do hard things, and you don't have to do them alone! 

In this episode, Rick Webster returns to the show! Rick has expertise in real-estate, entrepreneurship, and ADHD!  He has managed many domains in the financial and real-estate world, and in the last couple of years, he’s put his focus in helping people with ADHD make better peace and better “cents” of their finances. 

As CEO of Rena-Fi, Rick brings perspective, vision, and passion to an area of life he considers foundational: Personal Money Management.  His motto has always been, “It’s not just business; it’s personal.”

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Eric and Rick share stories about paying the ADHD tax and its larger umbrella, the effects of chronic long-term stress, ways to change self-talk and self-identity to get things done, challenges we may encounter when developing financial habits, the shame we can feel when working on our finances, and forgiving ourselves. 

Then, Eric and Rick talk about behavioral finance, why money management isn’t just about willpower, the impact of looking upstream, creating reminders and cues, and saying “no” to improve performance. 

Finally, you’ll hear Eric and Rick talk about maintenance costs, other costs of homeownership, planning for upcoming maintenance, and the three primary reasons why the ADHD tax continues to happen.

Learn More about Rick Webster at https://rena-fi.com 

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Other ADHD-tax stories shared on this episode:

• “I have paid the ADHD tax so many times. I’d love some recommendations on extremely simple/easy budgeting tools.  A lot of budgeting books have too many steps.” 
• “I always do my taxes at the last possible minute and don’t know if I do them right, and I always owe a lot.” 
• “Didn’t pay a speeding ticket, license was suspended.  Pulled over again - arrested driving with a suspended license.  Then, I paid much more than the original speeding ticket for a lawyer, speeding tickets, and additional charges for reinstating my license. 
• “I pay the ADHD tax every day.  Paying late-fees, re-buying things I can’t find, spending impulsively, paying for things I’m not using because I didn’t cancel them or forgot to return them in time, expedited shipping because I didn’t order something on-time, ordering take-out because I wasn’t organized enough to have dinner ready, etc.  How can I be triggered to think things through at an early enough time that I can follow through in a way that lets me avoid the ADHD tax?” 
• “I’ve paid the ADHD tax on rush-orders. I’ve paid more on expensive repairs to my vehicles/yard equipment/house appliances, instead of the regular preventative maintenance that would’ve prevented the damage in the first place.  I have paid out-of-pocket costs for my meds because my insurance lapsed or I never sent in the reimbursement forms for what would be covered if I do the extra steps.  How do I know what the preventative maintenance tasks are on my big or expensive things (often appliances)? I feel like I “should” do many of them myself.  Would I be paying an ADHD tax by paying people to come do some of these easier tasks for my appliances because they at least know and will at least call me when they are due?”

Hear Rick Webster on Hacking Your ADHD! 

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Stephanie Antoine, a self-care and ADHD coach based in California and hails from London with roots in the Caribbean.  She spent many years studying meditation and yoga to reduce stress, chronic pain, and to keep things together before finally being diagnosed with ADHD at age 40. 

In addition to her professional work as a violinist, Stephanie is a qualified teacher of MBSR (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction) from UMASS, practiced and trained to teach yoga at the Iyengar Institute of San Francisco and is an ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Personal Trainer with an ICF (International Coaching Federation) Coaching Certificate. 

---

You’ll hear Stephanie’s experience with burnout, being a mom, overwhelm, and overdoing without enough support.  Stephanie also talks about the ways her ADHD showed up in her life and the moments that led her to the path to discovering her ADHD and incorporating meditation in her life.  Then, Eric and Stephanie talk about the difficulties and engaging in practicing, and her experience of being a person of color in a very white space. 

Next, you’ll hear about Stephanie’s experience in straining to relax, why relaxing is necessary, why she was sent to a relaxation class, and the power of pausing.

Then, Stephanie and Eric discuss the pressures we face that make it difficult for us to relax, ways to build the muscle of observation, ways that Stephanie overcomes resistance to starting a difficult task, and the importance of curiosity when facing unpleasant or difficult moments and moments of boredom. 

Finally, you’ll hear about the difference between seeing and looking, Trataka meditation, why taking care of oneself is important and why self-care is not selfish. 

Visit Stephanie’s Website at https://www.stephanieantoine.com/

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“We practice ‘practice’, we don’t practice results.”
- Phillip Moffitt 

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Other Questions & Topics in this Episode: 

• How did Stephanie experience burnout? 
• What was it like for Stephanie being the only black person in primarily white spaces? 
• Why is it so hard to relax? 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

In this episode, Mary Kima Dolson, a clinical social worker, joins the podcast!  As a clinical social worker, Mary has been providing psychotherapy in incarcerated populations since 2019. She is the founder of the pandemic support group Stuff We Can’t Say Out Loud and the executive director for Fund That Bitch, a non-profit group dedicated to helping women with emergency funding.  Mary also 

You’ll hear Eric and Mary talk about trauma in incarcerated populations, if the word “trauma” is overused, trigger warnings, and the misunderstandings about trauma and its multifaceted layers. 

Then, Mary and Eric talk about different types of trauma, unique trauma responses, the ways that people in the ADHD community can experience trauma, and how trauma responses can show up as ADHD traits. 

Eric and Mary also talk about other trauma features, if there is a connection between trauma and workaholism, the importance of investing in and validating someone’s experience, and the healing and adjusting process of the incarcerated population. 

Finally, you’ll hear about Mary’s experiences with trauma, how she got into her work, and a story about Henry the tortoise. 

Get More from Mary: 

• PunkAsFun  

Other Questions & Topics in this Episode: 

• What is trauma? 
• What is the difference between trauma and acute stress disorder? 
• PTSD and CPTSD - what’s the difference? 
• What is the “trifuckta” of trauma? 
• What do we do about complex trauma? 
• What are some of the less obvious markers, behaviorally and emotionally, of trauma? 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  

In this episode, you’ll hear from the ADHD reWired podcast team and ADHD reWired coaches talk about coaching, how to set yourself up for success when engaging with a coaching program, and what can help people grow.  

Then, you’ll hear the panelists talk about why making friends feels difficult as adults, ways to make connections in different areas, the false narratives we tell ourselves about planning, the importance of scheduling fun things in your calendar, and that it’s ok to not get everything done.  

You’ll also hear the panel share tips on building motivation, the barriers to getting started, and how activating a task can help with motivation. The panelists also discuss the benefit of reframing, defining our principles when creating rules for ourselves, and why understanding our values can help us make better decisions. 

Finally, you’ll hear some tips on creating a more conducive remote work environment, the importance of communicating with your household when working from home, why a lack of structure can cause us to struggle, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coaching. 

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Some of the Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• What makes one coaching program different from another?  What does it take for coaching to succeed, and how does one have to approach it to ensure or increase chances of success?  What scenario would make coaching not successful? 
• How does coaching interact with traditional therapy? 
• Are there grants available to cover potential business expenses when building a business channel?  There doesn’t seem to be any grants listed specifically for ADHD. 
• Do you have any tips or advice on finding more adult acquaintances after graduating university? 
• I know scheduling helps, but when I make a daily plan, I feel the structure is too restrictive, and I rarely stick to it.  Any tips? 
• What can I do to have motivation? 
• How do I give myself consequences for not following through on the things that I want to do? 
• How do I create a conducive remote work environment? I live in a small home and need space from my family. 
• I have recently retired from a CEO position and am now having trouble navigating the day-to-day.  I assume that’s not uncommon? 
• I was recently diagnosed and I have been struggling with deadlines and multitasking my whole life.  Can you talk about how coaching works and what benefits people get from it?  I’m figuring out how my brain works. 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Website: Meetup

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Kimberly McColl, a recovering academic living in Nashville, which is where she was diagnosed with ADHD in February 2021.  Kimberly was also diagnosed with bipolar II in 2008.  Her recent diagnosis has caused her to rethink the narrative she has told herself her entire life.  Currently, she is learning more about ADHD and trying to give herself more grace and forgiveness. 

You’ll hear Eric and Kimberly talk about her journey as a recovering academic, some of the key differences between bipolar I and II, the ways she experiences her ups and downs, and shares her insights about hyperfocus.

Then, Kimberly shares the ways she distinguishes her experiences with dopamine-seeking with ADHD and bipolar, racing thoughts and mania, what shows up externally for her, and the positive impact community has had in her life.  

Finally, she shares what a person could do if they are considering support or getting diagnosed with bipolar, how stories and narratives may be connected to memory, and the importance of being kind to yourself. 

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Other Questions & Topics in this Episode: 

• How did Kimberly get through school without being diagnosed? 
• What was the experience of getting diagnosed with bipolar II? 
• What are some of the most frustrating myths about bipolar disorder for Kimberly? 
• What is an experience that people without bipolar disorder may not understand? 
• How could a person capture the lost experiences of a period of time? 
• What is the first step to take if I am considering seeking support about bipolar? 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• App:  Daylio -  Self-Care Bullet Journal with Goals - Mood Diary & Happiness Tracker
• Mentioned: The Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

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The Executive Function Online Summit is happening on August 5-7!  Join 75,000+ families and teachers worldwide with one of the best ways to prep for Back 2 School! 

Access is free from August 5-7 - check it out here! Or go to http://adhdrewired.com/tefos2022 to get registered! 

 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Adam Coutts.  Adam has taught meditation for 20 years through his weekly sitting groups, 25-hour classes, corporate webinars, and one-on-one coaching.  He has been meditating daily for 30 years and has lived in monasteries in America and Asia.  Adam has also been exploring his own ADHD for the past 10 years and has been leading a mindfulness meditation for ADHD course for the last 4 years.

You’ll hear Adam and Eric talk about the importance of sleep, exercise, and meditation.  You’ll also hear Adam’s practical meditation techniques to begin a meditation practice, the importance of gentleness and forgiveness when beginning a meditation practice, and how meditation has helped calm his wandering mind.

Then, Adam shares his favorite mantras and how using a mantra can be its own form of meditation.

Connect with Adam at https://intromeditation.com 

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Also Answered in this episode:

• What was the spark that had Adam start his meditation journey? 
• Can a person with ADHD really meditate? 
• What are some practical techniques to begin a meditation practice? 
• How can I begin using a mantra or affirmation to meditate? 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Eric is joined by David DeWitt, a registered investment advisor and podcaster who helps adults with ADHD take back control of their money! He’s been a registered investment advisor for six years, but it wasn’t until his ADHD “awakening” early in 2021 that he realized he wanted to work with others with ADHD. 

David knows from experience that effective personal finance when you have ADHD is hard, even when you are a trained professional!  After discovering his ADHD, he set out to build a financial planning model that works for ADHD brains - first testing it on himself, and now, he is on a mission to help as many ADHDers as he can! 

 

Eric and David address the shame we can feel around our finances, why people reach out to David about their finances, and where to begin when planning for the future.  Then, Eric and David discuss using our values to help guide our financial planning, how to get past the mental clutter when facing our finances, and ways to stay consistent with financial management.  

You’ll also hear some strategies for tackling debt against spending, why “budget” is a “dirty’ word, the importance of filing your taxes on time,  and a glimpse into investing. 

Get in Touch with David:

• Website: ADHD Money Talk
• Instagram: @adhdmoneytalk 
• David DeWitt’s Linktr.ee

Also Answered in this episode:

• How does David view financial planning in a way that is ADHD friendly? 
• What is the importance of finding our values behind our finances? 
• How does David help people get out of debt? 
• What does it mean to put your money where your values are? 
• How do you start saving when you’re in debt? 
• Where do you begin when you want to address your money situation? 
• What is the difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?
• How do you start investing? 
• How do we stay on top of our financial matters? 

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In today’s episode, Eric is joined by Jonathan Hassall and Madeline O’Reilly.

Jonathan is an ADHD and executive function coach and director of Connect ADHD Coaching, providing services internationally from Brisbane, Australia.  His background includes psychiatric services and is a scientific advisor for ADHD in the pharmaceutical industry.  

Jonathan trained as an ADHD coach in the U.S. and offers individual and group programs for people with ADHD.  He’s a regular speaker at national ADHD meetings, in Australia, and in the U.S.  He is a board member of ADDA and a published author.  You’ll hear about his new book called Decoding Doing, co-written with the 2nd guest on today’s episode, Madeline O’Reilly. 

Madeline works with children and adults with ADHD and anxiety.  She spent the last decade working in a multi-disciplinary practice in Sydney, Australia called Mindcare Center, where her interest in ADHD was sparked.  Madeline also enjoys working in collaboration with other medical professionals, especially psychiatrists.  Prior to this, she spent three years working in East London for a cognitive behavioral therapy service that specializes in treating trauma in adults.  

Before moving to the UK, Madeline worked for Vision Australia which allowed her to develop skills with children, adolescents, and adults in assessment and treatment of behavioral problems and mental health difficulties in the vision-impaired population.  

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You’ll hear about how Jonathan and Madeline worked together to write their book, Decoding Doing, what Decoding Doing is all about and what they wanted to share with others, and their experiences with accepting success.  You’ll also hear about the process of achieving, imagining and visualizing, and organizing the things we think through. 

They also address procrastination and motivation, recognizing emotions, attention, and our emotional responses to different situations.  They also talk about the importance of cues versus waiting for feeling like we “want” to do a task, and using the reality of our futures-selves for motivation, finding a compelling “why” to create motivation.

Connect with Jonathan and Madeline:

• Buy their book at https://www.decodingdoing.com 
• Website: Madeline O'Reilly 
• Website: CONNECT ADHD  

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Also Answered in this episode:

• What is their 5-stage model to decode doing? 
• Why “imagine” vs. “plan”? 
• How do we better organize the things we imagine? 
• What does it mean to connect?
• What is the importance of our emotional state? 
• How do we visualize and imagine? What if we find it difficult to visualize? 
• How do we engage when we aren’t feeling motivated? 
• How do we generate motivation?
• How do we overcome the difficulty of overcoming our accomplishments? 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Website: Bevy Creative - Eve-Marie Blouin-Hudon
• Book: How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett (also at https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com) 
• TED Talk: You Aren't at The Mercy of Your Emotions – Your Brain Creates Them - Lisa Feldman Barrett 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Registration for our summer coaching groups ends tomorrow. 

Pre-registration submissions due tonight at 11:59pm CT. 

Go to www.coachingrewired.com

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  In this episode, you’ll hear how the members on the ADHD reWired team thrive with their ADHD, some tools and strategies on how they tackle their most unpleasant tasks, ADHD and gifted programs, and more! 

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Some of the Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• I’ve read a lot of books that talk about ADHD as a superpower.  For those who thrive and do well with ADHD, what are the key things that make the difference between somebody who thrives and somebody who struggles? 
• My son has the option to go to honors classes next year.  His teacher says he has no problem understanding the content and he is smart enough to understand it (the content), but “couldn’t possibly handle honors classes” so they won’t put him in them.  This doesn’t sit well with me.  Are there any suggestions on what I might do? 
• I need help getting unpleasant tasks done, like job searching.  How do we get these unpleasant tasks done? 
• My daughter has recently developed a skin-picking habit specifically with her nails to the point where she’ll pick at them until they bleed.  What are some strategies to help her not do it as often, knowing I can’t be there with her all the time?
• How do I get better at not biting off more than I can handle? 
• When was the last time you hit inbox zero? 

 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Coming soon! 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Eric is joined by Bex who is a non-binary all-around queer, chemist, and artist!  Bex was diagnosed with ADHD in April of 2021 at the age of 24 and has been on their journey of acceptance and expression of both their queer and ADHD identifies.

You’ll hear a great conversation between both Bex and Eric as they reflect on their own personal experiences as they explore  their identities together.  You’ll also hear about Bex’s personal experiences with the intersectionality of being queer, non-binary, and having ADHD, some of the comforts that can be taken with labels and identify, and a glimpse into some perceptions and speculations they've seen and experienced about bisexuality. 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, we’re meeting Jason Boughn, a life coach specializing in tools to address ADHD.  He also welcomes neurodiversity of all types and neurotypical people!  Jason has a comfortable way of evoking a person’s story, getting to the heart of the matter most relevant to the storyteller.  The stories we tell ourselves and the ones created to fit in better with others are affirmations which shape our reality.  Jason’s focus is exploring and reframing our personal story to create a beautiful life experience. 

In this episode, Jason shares his story about his brain injury and how it has impacted his life, and how the manifestations of ADHD are similar traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  You’ll also hear about how Jason experiences emotion, not fitting in, acting, and his passion for learning.

Then, you’ll also hear about his journey through relationships, his compassion throughout those relationships, how he overcame homelessness, and what led to that chapter in his life. 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Eric is joined by Lorin Devine, who grew up in the cornfields of rural Illinois and has been driven to create, explore, and forge her own way.  In adulthood, she struggled to find footing in a world where she felt like she never quite fit. 

In 2014, Lorin entered the world of tattooing.  Then, after 4 years in a busy walk-in studio, she left Illinois to spend 18 months on the road as a guest in more than 25 tattoo studios throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Halting travel in 2020 led to an ADHD diagnosis, and a framework to understand years of straining to conform to a neurotypical world.  

Lorin is now based out in Portland, Oregon, where she is creating illustrative black and gray tattoos in a private studio.  Finding support in the ADHD community and the autonomy to curate her tattoo practice towards supporting a neurodivergent brain has empowered her to create the best possible work for her clients. 

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In this episode, you’ll hear discussions about being categorized as a gifted child, the impact of creating a working environment that works for us, and the importance of community. 

Then, you’ll get to listen in on real-time coaching where you’ll hear about tips & tricks to go from time-blind to time-wise.

Discover More from Lorin:

• Instagram: @lorindevine 
• Website: https://www.lorindevine.com 
• Bio Site: Lorin Devine 

---

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• YouTube:  “How to ADHD” with Jessica McCabe 
• Tool:  Time Timer
• Tool:  Time Tracker Mini
• Tool:  Cube Timer
• Tool:  Another option for a Cube Timer

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

 

In this episode, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired Coaching Group Alumni member, Brian Entler!  Brian has been a peer mentor of ADHD reWired’s coaching program and has been working to redesign his life to be ADHD-compatible.  

Brian will be riding the AIDS Lifecycle 2022, a 545-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for LGBTQ health care.  An avid cyclist and firm believer in the power of exercise to be an ADHD management tool, Brian is going to share his experience in the coaching groups, his goal-setting, routine-building, and how cycling and exercise have played an essential part in his life.  

⭐️⭐️ Donate to help Brian reach his fundraising goal of $5,000 for the AIDS Lifecycle ride. Click the link to donate! → http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/ladybear2022 ⭐️ ⭐️ 

“[AIDS/LifeCycle] is a really fine organization. It’s done to benefit the San Francisco AIDS foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.  [Your donations] are not going to just marketing or executive salaries, this provides first-line health care for people who need it.” 

• Brian Entler 

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Some of the Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• What prompted Brian to take the leap and join ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability groups? 
• What role can accountability play when setting goals when you have ADHD? 
• What role does emotional motivation play to begin making changes in one’s life? 
• Can the outdoors be beneficial for ADHD brains? 
• Are bucket list goals really achievable? 
• What is the importance of emotional vulnerability? How does it affect mindset? 
• How has being a part of ADHD reWired’s Alumni coaching group been helpful for Brian? 

---

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Episode: 99: CBT for ADHD with Russell Ramsay 
• Episode: 309: Rethinking Adult ADHD with Dr. Russell Ramsay 
• Support: San Francisco AIDS Foundation
• Support: Los Angeles LGBT Center 
• Community: adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• Support the show by becoming a Patron at adhdrewired.com/patreon

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  In this episode, you’ll hear about the importance of community, picking an entrepreneurial path, accountability, parenting, and dealing with shame. 

Listen all the way through to meet the newest addition to the ADHD reWired team - Coach Kristin Marts! 

---

Some Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• I’m interested in going into business for myself. How do I narrow my focus to follow a path?
• What are the best ways to deal with our tendencies within ourselves? 
• How can I reduce overwhelm? 
• What kind of research can I do to move forward in a new career? 
• At what point is something a personality trait?
• Our child was diagnosed with ADHD but we haven’t talked about it with them yet.  How do we have this conversation? 

 

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz | Goodreads 
• Book: The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better by Gretchen Rubin 
• Book: Cory Stories: A Kid's Book about Living with ADHD by Jeanne Kraus 
• Book: All Dogs have ADHD  
• Article: RICE: Simple prioritization for product managers 
• Article: How an Informational Interview Can Boost Your Career 
• Community: adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• Support the show by becoming a Patron at adhdrewired.com/patreon

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Eric is joined by Jonathan Orenberg from the San Francisco Bay area.  As the founder of Care Life Services, Jonathan is no stranger to the healthcare field.  After graduating from Baldwin Wallace University: Conservatory of Music, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father - an emergency room physician and medical director - and his mother, a registered nurse.  Jonathan went on to become a CNA and certified senior fitness specialist and is also an accomplished Bay-area bass performer who has been in the industry for over 25 years, proud member of Actors’ Equity since 2008, and owner of a private acting studio. 

Johnny has shared the stage with such stars as Sutton Foster, Kathleen Marshall, Michael Rafter, and Kate McGarry, while performing at some of the most prestigious theaters in the United States, including the Barnstormers Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater Company, 42nd Street Moon Theatre Company, and The Walt Disney Company. 

Johnny has learned how to harness his ADHD and dyslexia-superpowers into fuel for his entrepreneurial spirit and mindfulness in the toll that hyperfocus can take on family life in the battle of business goals and personal values.  Johnny is also an Alum of ADHD reWired's Coaching & Accountability Groups! 

Connect with Johnny: 

• Instagram:  @thejonathanlakin
• Website: https://www.thejonathanlakin.com

---

Discover the ADHD reWired Podcast Family:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Eric is joined by Patrick LaCount, the director of Practical Psychological Services in Fort Collins, Colorado, specializing in the assessment and treatment of ADHD.  He completed his doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Wyoming, pre-residency at Duke University Medical Center and post-doctoral fellowship at Seattle's Children's Hospital.  In addition to providing psychological services, Dr. LaCount is passionate about disseminating the latest science to the ADHD community and is a research consultant for the How To ADHD YouTube Channel! 

[ more shownotes coming soon! ] 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Catherine Lee, the director of Lethbridge Piper & Associates, an Australian occupational health and safety management consultancy.  For 30 years, Catherine has advised employers, CEOs, boards, executives, and leadership teams on strategic health and safety management.  She holds post-graduate degrees in occupational health and safety management and is a certified occupational health and safety professional.

Catherine created the Neurodiverse Safe Initiative for making work safe, healthy, and inclusive for neurodiverse workers. 

Get her ebook “ADHD Safe Work” for free here!

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Other Topics & Questions in this Episode:

• How did Catherine’s work in occupational health and safety lead to her own diagnosis? 
• Under what circumstances may an employee with ADHD feel like they need to stop taking their medication?
• What is the potential value of a person with ADHD, or any person who is neurodiverse, as an employee? 
• How is Catherine getting the information she’s gathered into places of employment for leaders and management to understand what safety and acceptance really means in the workplace?
• How can employers integrate neurodiverse persons in their companies? 
• What’s the “selling point” for people/employers who are not empathetic towards different kinds of brains?

---

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Website: Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative 
• Podcast: A Cognitive Skill to Magnify Humanity | The On Being Project 

---

Discover the ADHD reWired Podcast Family:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for the monthly Live Q&A, and be sure to listen all the way through to hear a very special guest join us on this episode! 

---

Questions & Topics in this Episode:

• How do I keep my time-blindness from derailing my teaching of a 90-minute class that has a very tightly-structured curriculum? 
• What are some of the signs that a job is not the right fit and that it might be time to move on?
• Do you have any input or tips on how to make strategies that are not working anymore - because of the pandemic - work again? 
• What are some strategies or tools I can use for accountability? 
• How can I keep doing the routines that keep my ADHD under control when I am traveling or in a different environment? 
• My kids want me to play Roblox with them. Do you have a favorite game we can play together?
• If you’re a kid with ADHD, what if the parent also has ADHD?
• Any advice for a kid living with an ADHD parent? 
• I am 41 and recently diagnosed and my spouse is neurotypical. What are some ways we can work on communication so that we don’t end up in unnecessary conflict? 
• Any tips for improving memory, particularly recall, when being put on the spot? 

---

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• App:  Task Player 
• Book: Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning 
• Book: Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD 
• Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson 
• Tool: Clocky (the rolling alarm clock!)
• Tool: Time Timer 
• Tool: Shelpful 
• Article: Avoid the "Urgency Trap" with the Eisenhower Matrix 
• Article: Why Task Switching is Difficult for ADHD Brains — and 7 Ways to Smooth Transitions (on ADDitude Magazine written by Brendan Mahan!)
• Episode: Seven ADHD Friendly Travel Hacks for an Awesome Vacation with Will Curb

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens

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Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join ADHD reWired's Live Q&A with the reWired team every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

In this episode, Eric is joined by New York’s Alex Gilbert who is a Mets fan, yogi, and brunch enthusiast. Alex also has dyslexia and ADHD, being diagnosed at 8 years old.. After spending a career working in leadership development, she decided to start a consulting and coaching business that helps adults with learning disabilities and ADHD (just like her!) who have been struggling in their careers. Her business is called “Cape-Able Consulting”, creating it to help people navigate their day-to-day workloads so they feel supported so they can reach their highest potential! 

You’ll hear how Alex’s experiences in school led to her diagnoses, how she began advocating for herself and finding accommodations that worked for her, and the importance of knowing yourself and what you need before beginning to self-advocate. 

Then, you’ll hear differences between best practices and best principles, ways to ask for what you need, and why knowing about her ADHD at a young age wasn’t necessarily an advantage. You’ll even hear Eric use one of his own accommodations in real time! 

Connect with Alex: 

• Website: Cape-Able Consulting 
• Facebook: Cape-Able Consulting LLC
• TikTok: iamcapeable 
• Instagram: @iamcapeable 

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Other Topics & Questions in this Episode:

• How did Alex create a program for students to advocate for themselves?
• How did the self-advocacy skills from school transfer to the workplace? 
• Why is it important to know yourself and your needs before disclosing ADHD? 
• Without disclosing their ADHD, are there any suggestions for an employee to test the water before fully disclosing? 
• How can employers support their employees who are neurodivergent? How can employers draw out their strengths?
• What does the boss do when they are the ones with ADHD?
• What was the most valuable accommodation Eric utilized in college?
• If Alex had a magic wand to turn all workplaces into ADHD-friendly workplaces, what would change?

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• https://www.additudemag.com 
• Hear Alex as a guest on ADHD Essentials with Brendan Mahan: ADHD and Employment with Alex Gilbert of Capeable Consulting 

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Discover the ADHD reWired Podcast Family:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin

In this episode, Eric is joined by Ryan Mayer who you might have seen on TikTok! Ryan is a performance and mindset coach on a mission to help others navigate through the storms caused by ADHD. He calls on first-hand experience to help his clients who, like him, are falling short at work and at home. He helps others to believe in themselves again through empathy, enthusiasm, and education. Ryan’s coaching empowers others to live a happier life. You’ll hear Ryan share his experience in corporate-America, his journey to becoming an ADHD coach, and the importance of finding a path that suits your strengths and personality. You will also learn the ways that Ryan and Eric use accountability, how crucial accountability is to getting things done, and how Ryan draws from his personal life to create his content on TikTok. 

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Other Topics & Questions in this Episode:

• How do you not get stuck on TikTok? 
• What are the nuances of accountability that makes it work? 
• Is it a good idea for your spouse to be your accountability partner?
• What does Ryan mean by “Walking the razor's edge”?

---

Follow & Connect with Ryan:

• Website: https://ryanmayercoaching.com
• Instagram: @adhd_coach_ryanmayer
• TikTok: @adhd_coach_ryan 

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Community: Adult Study Hall by ADHD reWired 
• Tool: Focusmate 
• Book: The Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD
• Book: The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps 
• Book: Faster Than Normal
• Episode: 218 | Models for Coaching with David Giwerc 
• Episode: 390 | How to Recover From Years of Failure with Aron Croft
• Episode: 399 | Workplace Accommodations: Do I Need to Disclose? with Kat Hoyer 
• Episode: 413 | From HR to ArC with Kat Hoyer

Eric is joined by Aran Rees, joining the show from across the pond! Aran has worked in professional development for close to a decade, specializing in self-directed peer-supported experiential learning and believes that learning is a survival skill! You'll hear about the ways that the "why" behind the "what" we want to learn can affect the ways we learn, how our environments affect how we learn, and what is needed for genuine learning. 

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Topics & Questions in this Episode:

• How is work changing? How does the move from office-work to at-home work change the way we work? 
• (As of this recording), what is the average job tenure?
• Is the shift to learning online geared more towards compliance versus actual learning?
• Eric to Aran: “Whether we are trying to learn a new skill ourselves or a new job, from what you do professionally, what do we know about what is actually needed for genuine learning rather than regurgitation?” 
• What does learning begin with? 
• How does the interest in what we’re learning affect the ways we learn? 
• Are the goals you are pursuing actually important to you, or is this something someone else is encouraging you to do? Is it only important to you because that person is important to you? Then, is that enough of an ‘interest’ to keep you engaged?
• Once you’ve made a commitment and you care about something and you’ve carved out the time - what else is essential for learning a new skill or new ability? 
• What is Aran’s deep ‘why’ behind wanting more structure in his routines? 
• How can your environment affect learning? How can our environments affect our routines?
• What is the importance of environmental cues? 

---

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• “...I want to learn the piano, but actually I don’t want to learn the piano, I want to have learned it.” - Aran
• “People can’t be made to learn something they don’t care about.” - Aran
• Book: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
• Book: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
• Book: The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries

In this episode, Eric is joined by Sherri, a CEO/executive coach and facilitator who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40.

Her mission: Equip ADHD leaders to confidently lead by example making every workplace friendlier for all brains. She has led leadership teams, developed programs for diverse organizations around the world. Before turning entrepreneur, Sherri worked at Procter & Gamble where she climbed from a soap sales-rep (yes, bars of soap!) to Southern California district sales manager.

Hear Eric and Sherri talk about self-acceptance, imposter syndrome, and her journey into leadership training. You’ll hear about the executive-functioning drain of meetings, Sherri’s suggestions on running better “meetings”, and the importance of fun and communication. It’s about identifying the needs and challenges are, then coming up with processes to fall to in order to do the things you’re wanting to do. 

Connect with Sherri:

• Sherri Cannon

---

Topics & Questions in this Episode:

• How did Sherri go from selling soap to coaching leaders?
• What is the importance of self-awareness? 

• How did Sherri’s ADHD diagnosis affect her work work? 
• After the tech-boom, what drew Sherri back into coaching executives? 
• What does it look like to be dialed in with self-awareness?
• When working with leaders with ADHD, what are some of the common challenges that leaders go to Sherri with? Which struggles are most common? 
• How do we make sure that, when our teams are together, that everybody’s going with, “Yes! That’s what we agreed on!”?
• How can a leader be constantly increasing self-awareness?
• What is the importance of feedback?
• Can there really be 5-minute meetings or conversations? 
• What is the importance of experimentation in leadership?  

---

Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book:  Where the Action Is: The Meetings That Make or Break Your Organization
• Book:  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
• Book:  Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers 
• “You cannot overstate the importance of having someone believe in you.” - Eric
• “...Communication is not what’s said, it’s about what’s received.” - Eric 
• “There’s so much gold laying around us all the time as neurodiverse folks!” - Sherri

Join the ADHD reWired Podcast Family & more of the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for the monthly Live Q&A! In this Q&A episode, you’ll hear Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, and Kat answer your ADHD-related questions! 

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Questions & Topics in this Episode:
(The following questions have been paraphrased.) 

• What are some ADHD-friendly organizing resources when preparing to relocate? 
• Emotions can be really big and dysregulated with ADHD. Do you have advice on dealing with surprise disappointments that come up? 
• My dad loses his temper a lot and it’s very difficult to talk to him. If I didn’t know better, I would have felt that some of the things he does could be borderline abusive. I don’t blame him because a lot of this is involuntary because of the ADHD, but if this continues, it’s not good for the family as a whole. I’m not sure how to deal with this. 
• How can I improve my sleep hygiene with shift-work?
• I am currently caring for my mom who has early dementia. I’ll be trying to work on my tasks, but I keep getting off track. How do I manage interruptions? 
• How do you decide if “This is an ADHD thing” and “it should not be this much of a struggle so I should find a work-around” versus, “This is hard, but everybody struggles to do it, so I will struggle to do it!”? 
• What suggestions do you have for finding an ADHD-friendly workplace? 

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Book: Burnout - The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
• Book: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD
• Book: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson 
• Book: Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Reclaim Your Emotional Autonomy and Find Personal Happiness by Lindsay C. Gibson
• Article: The Health Risks of Shift Work
• Article: Dim or Kill Your Devices' Bright LED Lights Once and for All - CNET 
• Article: T.H.I.N.K Acronym for Kinder and More Effective Communications
• Mentioned: Transtheoretical Model - Wikipedia (The Cycle of Change)
• Mentioned: Al-Anon 
• Mentioned: Adult Study Hall
• Mentioned: Glassdoor (US)
• Mentioned: Glassdoor (Canada)
• Mentioned: Episode 399 - Workplace Accommodation: Do I Need to Disclose? 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin

---

Get More from ADHD reWired:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Kat, and Lisa for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

In this episode, Eric is joined by Alumni member Laura Kane. Laura is a transplant from Boston living with her rescue dog in Delray Beach, Florida. Just prior to the pandemic, Laura discovered a love of nature photography and is incredibly grateful for this gift. Most days, she can be found taking pictures of birds, alligators, and other assorted wildlife. Her top bucket-list item is to go on a safari. Creating structure and sticking with it is a constant struggle for her, but she refuses to give up! 

Listen in as Eric and Laura work together to build her daily structure, the why behind the desire to create the structure, and how uncomfortable it can be to accept praise when sharing our joy. You’ll also hear about the significance and impact of accountability, how Laura’s passion gives her purpose, the anxiety of implementation and commitment, and understanding how the all-or-nothing mindset can actually get in the way. 

Laura’s Instagram: @joyfulphotographybylbk

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• Where does the narrative of comparing oneself to others, not feeling good enough, stems from?
• How can you cue the “why” behind the routine? 
• How easy is it to create back-up plans ahead of time versus in-the-moment?
• How is exercise helpful?
• What about online exercise classes?
• What barriers can get in the way of building habits/derailing our habits?
• How do you strengthen accountability? 
• What’s the story behind “having” to ask for help? 
• What’s the story behind believing we have to do things by ourselves? 
• How do we get our goals met?
• How do we structure our day when we’re the only ones depending on the structure? 
• How has the pandemic affected building habits and routines?

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Resources & Honorable Mentions:

• Habit Stacking: How to Build New Habits by Taking Advantage of Old Ones
• AppBlock
• Freedom app
• Atomic Habits: Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones

In this episode, Brittany Smith returns to the podcast! Eric and Brittany share some of the digital automation tools they use, such as battery delivery for Tile, automated messages, using smart-lights, setting reminders and routines, and more! You will also hear Eric and Brittany talk about some of the pain-points they attempted to solve using apps and automation. About Brittany:

Brittany is a productivity, ADHD, and technology coach and recently published her first course, “From Aggravated to Navigated: Choosing a task-management system with ADHD”. She has a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Neuroscience lab at the University of Oregon. Brittany uses geeky pop-culture and cognitive science to help her clients and ADHD Guild members get more done with less stress. 

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Connect with Brittany:

• Devise & Conquer
• Brittany Smith - Productivity and ADHD Coach - Devise & Conquer Productivity Coaching | LinkedIn
• Devise & Conquer (@Devise_Conquer) / Twitter
• Devise & Conquer: Productivity, Technology, ADHD - YouTube

---

Questions Answered In this Episode:

• How does Brittany use automation? 
• What is the importance of ‘stability’ when using apps for automation? 
• What can you do with smart-bulbs?
• Can automation help routines? 
• If someone has been thinking about getting into automation but they haven’t purchased anything yet to start (smart switches, smart devices, smart bulbs, etc.), is it a good idea to stick with one platform? Why?
• What is Tile? What does the premium version of Tile do? 
• What is the Shortcuts app? (for iOS users only) What are some good uses for an ADHD life? 
• What is possible with automation? 
• Can finances be automated? 

---

Before jumping into automation tools, here are some questions to consider before you start:

• How can I scaffold my executive functions through automation?
• What exactly do you want from automation? 
• Where is your pain point where automation can help?
• What are the fiddly things that you would like to have happen for you?
• What’s really going to make a dramatic difference in your life? 

---

Honorable Mentions & Resources:

• Zapier
• How to Automate Your Life with Apple's Shortcuts App (iOS only)
• Tile (Android™ and Apple® compatible) 
• OmniFocus (iOS only)  
• Keyboard Maestro 
• IFTTT “If This Then That” (Android™ and Apple® compatible) 

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For our listeners who are PC and Android™ users – What tools do you use, if any, to automate your executive functions in your daily life? Share it with us on our website at ADHD reWired! 

In this episode, Eric is joined by Lorri Hollingsworth who was officially diagnosed with combined-type ADHD about two-and-a-half years ago at the age of 64, having reached retirement without suspecting any neurodivergencies.  Yet, she always felt herself to be the “misfit” given the expectations set by friends, family, coworkers, and society at large, and forever assumed the role of “Inadvertent Perpetrator” with all the guilt inherent therein.  Lorri will share her journey shaped by the absence of an ADHD diagnosis in early childhood, which inevitably led to numerous comorbidities over the decades, as well as the never-expected hope that she now experiences for her future.  You’ll hear about the different comorbidities that were discovered before Lorri’s ADHD diagnosis, how her husband of over 35 years aided in Lorri getting diagnosed, her journey of the ways her diagnosis changed the way she viewed her past, and the dynamics of her environment growing up undiagnosed.  You’ll also hear about Lorri’s thrill of a challenge, and her journey through unhealthy eating behaviors, OCD, depression, anxiety, and more.  Lastly, you’ll hear about the importance of learning, self-awareness, and forgiveness to move forward.

---

Questions Answered & Memorable Moments in this Episode:

• Lorri goes in depth about how important it is to get more stories of seniors getting diagnosed. 
• What was it that led Lorri to get the diagnosis?
• “I think the persistent leaving of cabinets and drawers open should be part of the diagnostic criteria!” - Eric
• “...unless somebody does something drastic to get your attention, they don’t have your attention.” - Lorri
• Mentioned here: https://drgabormate.com/book/scattered-minds/
• How we show up in relationships:  Is that a product of our environment, or does ADHD sometimes get in the way?
• “I, .as far back as I can remember, have been a ‘loner’.” - Lorri
• At 64, you’ve been through a lot of stuff, so why does it matter now (to get diagnosed)?
• “If you love your life, it’s worth the work.” - Lorri
• “You have to forgive yourself, and you have to forgive the people that might have contributed inadvertently to you being in that place. Forgiveness is so important.” - Lorri

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the sping season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups!
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Kat, and Lisa for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

Join the ADHD reWired Podcast Family every second Tuesday of the month for a Live Q&A! In this Q&A episode, you’ll hear Eric, Barb, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, and Roxie answer your ADHD-related questions!

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the spring season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Kat, and Lisa for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

In this episode, Eric is joined by Danielle, a fresh graduate as of spring 2021. She has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and was very recently diagnosed with ADHD. She has learned a lot about herself after receiving her diagnosis, especially after listening to ADHD reWired’s podcast. She felt some imposter syndrome after receiving her diagnosis, but has fully embraced it after learning about the symptoms and how it presents for her.

In this coaching conversation, you’ll hear about Danielle’s biggest struggle with feelings of rejection while being a high-achiever, the thoughts that went through her head through the feelings of failure, and shares some of the ways she calms her mind in the midst of racing thoughts. Eric and Danielle also touch on topics of emotional regulation, uncertainty, feeling out of control, and you might even relate to some of the inner dialogue she shares throughout today’s show!

Then, hear Eric and Danielle come up with a few ideas that might potentially help with some of the feelings of rejection, distorted thought patterns, and ways to pause when the mind begins to spiral. 

---

In this Episode, you’ll hear Danielle answer some of these questions:

• How did you make it through your Masters degree without knowing you had ADHD?
• Being diagnosed with ADHD: Was it a surprise or a relief?
• What were some of your common struggles going through higher education?
• Was some of the rejection you felt  possibly driven by perfectionism? 
• With your new ADHD diagnosis, have old stories started to change, or do they still have a bit of emotional sting to them? 
• What’s the internal dialogue that’s guiding what you say and do? 
• Do you internalize or experience any types of feedback that leans even a little bit on the negative side?
• Is there something you might be able to do that you think you might enjoy that you would definitely “not be good” at? 
• What if you did something you felt wasn’t your best work? 
• If there were some patterned thoughts around the things that tend to send you in that spiral, if those patterned thoughts were like headlines, what would those headlines be? 
• Is there anyone you know, whether work or personally, who can give you regular feedback about something where you could also - at the same time - communicate how you’re rating yourself while you’re getting the feedback? 
• Is there anything else you think would help you in either handling uncertainty in certain situations, or being able to receive feedback that might be difficult to hear while being regulated? 

Returning to the podcast is Kat Hoyer, a recovering HR Specialist who hosts our Career Accelerator Sessions (or CAASH+) in ADHD reWired’s Adult Study Hall Community. Get to know Kat even more in this episode, amd invite you to join us in welcoming Kat Hoyer as ADHD reWired’s newest coach to the coaching team! You’ll hear even more about Kat’s story about how she pivoted from her dream job in human resources to becoming a life and career coach, then the steps leading up to her officially joining the ADHD reWired Coaching Team. 

---

In this Episode:

• So, who is Kat Hoyer?
• How did Kat make the transition from HR to Career Coaching to Life-Coaching? 
• Is Kat still involved with the HR Community?
• Is the perception of ADHD and Neurodiversity really shifting in the workplace?
• What compelled Kat to make the change to join the ADHD reWired Coaching Team?
• What is Kat most excited about when the spring-season of coaching groups arrives? 
• What values does Kat bring to coaching?
• What does Kat feel will be her greatest opportunities for growth? 

---

This year, I have a word - it is “enough”. I am really working on understanding that sometimes, it’s okay to be where you are and not be pushing myself… and sometimes “enough” is where I need to live.

• Kat Hoyer

If you enjoyed this episode, and want more from Alejandro, check out his website: alejandrosantiago.com/ Alejandro is a mindfulness life coach and yoga instructor who first experienced the benefits of mindfulness and breathwork when he was a student at Parsons School of Design in New York City. To cope with the stress of ADHD and university, he cultivated a practice of Pranayama, an ancient form of yogic breathwork.

Today, he's teaching people how to get out of their heads and into the breath by merging the Western practices of mindfulness based in self-compassion, and yogic Pranayama meditations. He studied compassionate inquiry with Dr. Gabor Maté, a therapeutic approach to uncover and heal trauma in our bodies. When he's not teaching and coaching, he works as a portrait photographer in Toronto, Canada.

More Shownotes coming soon!

In the meantime, get to know today's guest a little more by going to his website at alejandrosantiago.com/

In this episode, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired Coaching Group Alumni, Alejandro Santiago. 

Alejandro is a mindfulness life coach and yoga instructor who first experienced the benefits of mindfulness and breathwork when he was a student at Parsons School of Design in New York City. To cope with the stress of ADHD and university, he cultivated a practice of Pranayama, an ancient form of yogic breathwork.

Today, he's teaching people how to get out of their heads and into the breath by merging the Western practices of mindfulness based in self-compassion, and yogic Pranayama meditations. He studied compassionate inquiry with Dr. Gabor Maté, a therapeutic approach to uncover and heal trauma in our bodies. When he's not teaching and coaching, he works as a portrait photographer in Toronto, Canada.

Join the ADHD reWired Podcast Family every second Tuesday of the month for a Live Q&A! In this Q&A episode, you’ll hear Eric, Barb, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, and Roxie answer your ADHD-related questions! 

---

The questions you’ll here answered in this episode:

(The following questions asked in the episode have been paraphrased below.) 

• I can’t be medicated, even for ADHD. I will have exciting things I’m involved in, then I have an episode that makes me feel rejected and I fall into a rumination dive and it takes me a while to get back up. I’m trying to find a way to catch myself sooner, get out of it sooner, so I can continue on the path towards my goal and keep my momentum going.
• I have started on meds and am having trouble unwinding and slowing my brain down at the end of the day. I wanted to know what your tips are for some of that.
• How do Time-Timers work? 
• Bonus: Panelists also share some of the other time-tracking tools they use! 
• I’m looking for tips on how to help my partner understand what ADHD is and what it isn’t. My partner is neurotypical. My partner seems to not believe ADHD is a real thing, or that it’s a crutch to misplace things. How can I get him to understand? 
• I was just diagnosed about two months ago. I’m navigating this new identity and trying to find my community. I’m trying to figure out how to navigate who to tell and how to know who to tell. I’ve had some conversations go surprisingly well and others not go so well. How do you handle being true to yourself while also protecting yourself? 
• Are there any personal assistants that understand ADHD and could help keep me accountable? 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin! Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

---

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

Have you tried using all sorts of to-do and task-management apps but haven’t found ‘the one’ yet? In this episode, Eric is joined by Brittany Smith, a productivity, ADHD, and technology coach and recently published her first course, “From Aggravated to Navigated: Choosing a task-management system with ADHD”. She has a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Neuroscience lab at the University of Oregon. Brittany uses geeky pop-culture and cognitive science to help her clients and ADHD Guild members get more done with less stress. 

---

Connect with Brittany:

• Devise & Conquer
• Brittany Smith - Productivity and ADHD Coach - Devise & Conquer Productivity Coaching | LinkedIn
• Devise & Conquer (@Devise_Conquer) / Twitter
• Devise & Conquer: Productivity, Technology, ADHD - YouTube

In this Episode:

• How do you do things so that you will be successful no matter which tool you choose? 
• With task-management apps, how do we make these things suck less? How do we choose what task-management app to use? 
• How do we make task-management apps a “less bad” fit for our brains so we make sure we know what we need to do?
• Mentioned: Task Management Software Built For Pros - OmniFocus - The Omni Group (Mac/iOS only) 
• What’s your personal style? 
• What should we be looking at if we are stuck in task-management-app “hopping”? 
• What is a great app for automating?
• Mentioned: Todoist 
• Mentioned: Google Keep 
• Mentioned: TaskPaper (Mac/iOS only)
• Mentioned: Drafts (Mac/iOS only) 
• Mentioned: Notion 
• Mentioned: Trello 
• Mentioned: Miro
• Mentioned: MindNode

Honorable Mentions:

• Listen to Brittany as a guest on ADHD Essentials with Brendan Mahan! 
• Asana
• What is GTD - Getting Things Done®
• Did you know: There are built in tasks if you use Google Assistant. (The same principle applies to the Echo!) 
• Obsidian 
• Evernote 
• SimpleMind 

Discover the ADHD reWired Podcast Family:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin! Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com

Here's another Blast-from-the-Past episode! From the archives, ADHD reWired rebroadcasts Episode 63, where Eric has his first interview with Dr. Russell Barkley. To find more in-depth shownotes, go to https://www.adhdrewired.com/63 

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About Dr. Russell Barkley:

Renowned professor, educator, and author of numerous ADHD books and clinical manuals, Dr. Russell Barkley talks about the mechanics and ideas behind many core ADHD concepts. Ranging from executive functions, to neuroimaging, to public perception and more, Dr. Barkley shares knowledge from his extensive research and informed perspective on ADHD, breaking down its basic concepts in an understandable and approachable way.

 

 

It's a Blast-from-the-Past episode! From the archives, ADHD reWired rebroadcasts Episode 8 where Eric shares 13 tips to increase motivation!    1. Visualize what the reward is. Then put that picture in it place that you will see it frequently, and ideally in the place where you were likely to need that reminder

2. Use a star chart. Yes the show is primarily geared towards adults, and using a star chart is effective. We like infographics, we like to see the progress we are making on something.

3. Use small short-term rewards

4. Reward progress 5. Surround yourself with affirming people.

6. Exercise

7. Share it with someone

8. Create systems so you are less reliant on executive functioning.

9. Do what you love.

10. Do what you hate first

11. Talk to a doctor about medication.

12. Find a supportive accountability group

13. Learn more about ADHD.

Join the ADHD reWired Podcast Family every second Tuesday of the month for a Live Q&A! In this Q&A episode, you’ll hear Eric, Barb, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, and Roxie answer your ADHD-related questions! 

---

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What are some tips for managing ADHD and exercise post-surgery?
• Moira talks about her recovery process from falling off a cliff and brain injury. 
• Find different ways to take care of yourself. 
• Recovery takes time.
• As the weeks go by, new shiny habits fall off. Any advice for sticking to making progress on weight loss?
• What’s your “Why”? 
• Go slowly.
• It may be helpful to think more of what you want to add to your diet instead of what you want to take out.
• Start with the supermarket. 
• Think about the health of the gut microbiome.
• Also mentioned here: Noom
• Make it fun and do things that make you feel good.
• My partner and I have ADHD and we have a young child with ADHD. While they’re too young for a diagnosis, what resources can we use, where can we start exploring, and what are habits we can start building now so they don’t have to struggle like I did?
• Be mindful of shame and be compassionate.
• “My child is not giving me a hard time, they are having a hard time.”
• Try your best to stay out of wor-st-case scenario thinking. 
• Mentioned here: ADHD Essentials: Brendan's Parent Coaching Groups
• Focus on connection, communication, and anxiety management. 
• Look at the motivation of what your child is doing instead of the outcomes.
• Model repairing and model owning your mistakes. 
• Do you have advice about disclosing ADHD in the workplace? 
• Mentioned here: 399 | Workplace Accommodations: Do I Need to Disclose? with Kat Hoyer 
• Don’t disclose your ADHD, do disclose what you need to be successful.
• Mentioned here: Job Accommodation Network: JAN “Ask JAN”
• Mentioned here:  Rough Cut! Reflections from Day 3 of the International Conference on ADHD 2021 
•  
• What are your best home-hacks? 
• Cleaning and decluttering are not the same thing.
• Take a picture of your workspace, then share it. Then, after you’ve finished cleaning, take a picture when you’re done!
• Mentioned here: https://www.adultstudyhall.com 
• Keep it simple, like one load of laundry, because that is easier to start and get to “done”. 
• Store cleaning supplies everywhere you need them. For example, if you have more than one bathroom, keep cleaning supplies in both bathrooms.
• If you can, consider a cleaning service.
• Baskets are a great way to keep clutter contained.
• Don’t live alone? Split up your cleaning duties. 
• Start small and start cleaning for five minutes - you may be surprised how much you can get done! Gamify the cleaning!
• If you start cleaning and it turns out to be a project, add it to your task list and find a way you can be reminded to finish.
• If I am not diagnosed yet, what do I need to prepare for my ADHD evaluation to make sure my symptoms get taken seriously, especially if I did fine in school and was a gifted kid? 
• Have a bullet point of things you want to share with the evaluator. 
• It’s OK to share that you are concerned that your symptoms may not be taken seriously. 
• A good evaluator will ask good questions and will help you tell your story to be able to come up with a diagnosis.
• Mentioned here: The One About Diagnosis – ADHD Friendly Lifestyle
• Why has it been observed that women are more commonly misdiagnosed than men? 
• Is the practice of improv helpful for building skills to manage ADHD? What could this target be?
• Accepting “what is” and seeing what we can actually do about our situations. For example: When something unexpected happens, how do we accept that as it is, and identify what can we do and problem-solve around this?”
• Improv can open us to more growth-mindset thinking. 
• Life is not a script. Life is improv! The more we can adapt to what’s thrown at us, the better we’re going to do. 
• Might the practice of improv be helpful for folks with ADHD who are verbal processors?
• Mentioned here: 27: Improv to Improve Communication and Relationships 
• Mentioned here: Improvement Through Improv with Rachel Hamilton 
• I am a single parent. My child is accident prone and has a lot of energy. After being diagnosed at 5-years old, I was forced by my child’s school to start medication. Nothing has happened. How else can I help my now 6-year old? 
• If you are asking how you can help your kids, you are already on the right track. 
• In the United States: schools are not allowed to force your kid to take medication. 
• Find therapists who specialize in ADHD.
• Keep communication open with teachers and daycares.
• Mentioned here: CHADD
• You are the best advocate for your child.

 

As we reflect on 2021, Eric asks: 

What can you do, what do you want to do come 2022 to help rewire your ADHD beyond learning about it? What are the actions you want to take that will make the biggest difference in the lives of yourselves, of your family, where you work, and your communities? 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin! Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

---

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

In this episode, Eric and MJ have an unmedicated dialogue about the messiness of personal growth, the work it took to rewrite the stories she held about her self-worth, and how happy she was to have been proven wrong about the stories she’s told herself since completing a season of ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups in the summer of 2020. They continue the conversation about the work they’ve put in to achieve their goals, how heartwarming it is to witness others learn to love and accept themselves, and that no one with ADHD ever has to go on their growth journey alone. 

---

The final registration event for the 27th season of Coaching & Accountability Groups is on Thursday, December 9th! There are only a few spots left in Eric’s groups (Sections 3 and 4). Moira and Roxie’s groups are now full. Register for our final event by going to https://coachingrewired.com to add your name to our winter interest list!

---

About MJ:

MJ is a Canadian-born Asian who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2019, living in Canada with her ADHD partner. Since completing her own season in season of ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups in Season 21, she created and hosts the ADHD Diversified Podcast and is a returning peer-mentor for the Coaching & Accountability Groups. 

 

What you’ll hear about in this episode:

• “When you first started with being a member of the coaching groups, do you think you realized how hard you were on yourself?” - Eric
• What is the importance of better and more accurate language to describe our feelings and our emotions? 
• “It’s still hard to believe that the good stuff is true even though there’s clear evidence that there’s a difference being made .” - MJ
• Compassionate ass-kicking & meeting ourselves where we’re at...
• “Real growth isn’t about fast-tracking.” - MJ
• Why is joining the Coaching & Accountability groups with an open mind so important? 
• The stories we’ve told ourselves may have been true in the past, but they don’t have to be true right now. 
• “I think if I would’ve stayed stuck... thinking that my mentality was right, I would not be where I am right now.” - MJ
• You don’t have to be an entrepreneur to have an entrepreneurial mindset. 
• “I do not know it all and I absolutely don’t do it all perfectly.” - Eric 

Honorable Mentions:

• Atlas of the Heart - Brené Brown
• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin! Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

In this episode, Eric is joined by Pasha Marlowe who was diagnosed with ADHD at 49. She is a family therapist, therapeutic comedy coach, ADHD coach, podcast host and author. She artfully blends her unique life experience with her life’s work in healing through psychotherapy, embodied emotions, holistic wellness, life-coaching, ADHD coaching, CBT coaching, theatre, and comedy. 

Pasha’s podcast, “Let Pleasure be the Measure” is a playground of conversations about the importance of incorporating pleasure, play, and humor into your personal work, home, and sex life. Pasha also published a book in 2021 called, “My Next Husband Will be a Lesbian.” 

---

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What did it feel like to be in a place that felt so helpless and challenging to be able to bring humor into a dark space?
• What is therapeutic comedy?
• “...folks with ADHD have the ability to think creatively, potentially think outside the box, gain new perspectives, see things from a different angle - which, in this case is really a beautiful gift… I feel like... creativity is a way to manage our ADHD stress.” - Pasha Marlowe
• Because there is so much value in using humor, where is the line between when you call someone out for acting like the clown and avoiding versus actually dealing with and recognizing that it is a healthy tool?
• “Let Pleasure be the Measure” - Where did this podcast idea come from?
• “Play is the opposite of perfection.” - Pasha Marlowe
• What is, “My Next Husband Will be a Lesbian” all about?

---

Follow & Connect with Pasha:

• https://pashamarlowe.com
• Instagram: pasha marlowe | roar! @pashamarlowe
• Youtube: pasha marlowe 
• Facebook: Pasha Marlowe, CEO - Home 

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Honorable Mentions:

• My Next Husband Will Be a Lesbian: A Collection of Stories From Womxn Finding Their Truth by Pasha Marlowe
• Where the Action Is: The Meetings That Make or Break Your Organization by J. Elise Keith 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin! Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

---

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

If you’re on a job-hunt but don’t know where to start, Adult Study Hall by ADHD reWired is the place to be! Listen in as a few members in one of our popular Adult Study Hall Plus (ASH+) sessions share their wins while looking for their next job. 

You’ll hear about feedback from mock-interview sessions, identifying your dream-job and your skills, why some members decided to join our ASH+ Career Accelerator facilitated session, and overcoming a job loss and moving forward to the career they could truly thrive in. 

Go to https://www.adultstudyhall.com to sign up and join our Career Accelerator Session every week! To access this session and all of our Adult Study Hall sessions, including our drop-in room that’s open 24/7, visit adultstudyhall.com. It’s free for the first week and only $19.99 a month after that! 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the winter season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups, starting in January 2022!
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

Join the ADHD reWired Podcast Family every second Tuesday of the month for a Live Q&A! Listen in on today’s episode as the ADHD reWired panelists answer your ADHD-related questions! In this episode, we cover topics like dealing with shame and guilt, feedback from employers, partnerships, pet-care, mind-wandering, and more! (Recorded on October 12th / 2021)

 

[00:03:06] - How do you deal with feedback from bosses that you don’t want to disclose your ADHD to?

[00:17:15] - As the neurotypical partner in the relationship, what is it that I can do best to help my ADHD partner feel productive and useful being a stay-at-home dad?

[00:31:22] - Being on antidepressants for over 10 years, and finally finding out about my anxiety and depression being a result of undiagnosed ADHD, being 51 and female, does anyone have the experience of getting off SSRI’s and learning to feel out what “normal” is? 

[00:35:09] - Being fairly new to the ADHD journey, I feel that my biggest issue is with mind-wandering. Does the panel have any experience or advice regarding mind-wandering? 

[00:43:38] - Do you have any tips on how to care for pets, especially cats, with ADHD? I keep forgetting to do things that they really need me to do. 

[00:53:51] - Do you have suggestions for working through shame and disappointment?

[01:01:00] - New to the diagnosis, the meds help with energy and focus, but when my ADHD kids meltdown, it sends my anxiety through the ceiling. Any suggestions? 

[01:02:19] - How do I get my wife to understand that ADHD is real, and that she must embrace this in order to support me? 

[01:03:29] - I am 70 and finally have gotten the ADHD diagnosis. The shame I am filled with is remembering how my parents treated me as a child. My family has now put me to the side [...] but…

[01:04:37] - ADHD reWired’s King of Dad-Jokes gives us a Moment of Dad...

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

The 27th season of ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups begins in January 2022! Our next registration event is on November 11th 2021. If you’ve been wondering what group coaching can do for you, head over to coachingrewired.com to find out how you can be a part of our award-winning, online and video-based coaching and accountability groups, so you can get your ADHD rewired and rewrite your ADHD story!

---

In this episode, Eric gets in the Mastermind hot-seat while a few members of the ADHD reWired Coaching Community Alumni pick his brain and ask what could be next for The ADHD reWired Podcast.

How does Eric celebrate? What has he learned about consistency? And what could the future hold for The ADHD reWired Podcast? 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

The 27th season of ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups begins in January 2022! Our next registration event is on November 11th 2021. If you’ve been wondering what group coaching can do for you, head over to coachingrewired.com to find out how you can be a part of our award-winning, online and video-based coaching and accountability groups, so you can get your ADHD rewired and rewrite your ADHD story!
What happens after 400 episodes? What have the Alumni members of the ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups learned? What really happens when connections are made? Listen to today’s episode where some of our members share their experiences within the ADHD reWired community and how it’s made an impact on their lives with ADHD.

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Mentioned on the Show:

• Episode 39 - Don't Doubt the Dream
• Everything Dr. Russell Barkley:
  • Episode 63
  • Episode 152
  • Episode 271
  • Episode 272
• More episodes mentioned coming soon! 

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

 

About Kat Hoyer: 

Kat is a "recovering HR (Human Resources) manager" and started as a member of ADHD reWired’s Coaching and Accountability Groups back in 2015. She is the creator of the Steer Your Life Coaching Program and has  q9 Steer-Certified coaching across the country. Her business, SYLC Consulting brings holistic workplace development to organizations where she helps organizations talk about stress management, emotional intelligence, and cognitive agility. 

---

[00:02:45] - How do we, as people with ADHD, advocate for ourselves in the workplace for what we need without saying we have ADHD? 

[00:06:54] - What types of accommodations can we ask for?

[00:08:23] - What does an accommodation look like, or how can we work through it? 

[00:09:06] - How can accommodations that we feel we need be beneficial to whatever the mission or the goals of the company are? What happens if we are denied accommodations? 

[00:12:16] - If we are searching for a job, what are some of the questions we can ask during the interview process without disclosing our ADHD?

[00:20:09] - Eric talks about what he’s learned & about getting accommodations and what he asked for.

[00:22:28] - What exactly are reasonable accommodations? 

[00:25:01] - Eric & Kat talk about working extra hours, communication, requesting feedback, and advocating for yourself in a way that is solutions-oriented.

[00:30:03] - Self-acceptance & self-awareness can make it easier to advocate for ourselves. 

[00:37:27] - Neurodiversity in the workplace: Where does it stand? 

[00:39:32] - Has the workplace evolved? What about hybrid models? What if we’re struggling with this hybrid model? 

[00:42:49] - What can managers and bosses do to be more supportive of neurodivergent brains?

[00:44:51] - What’s the perfect job for someone with ADHD? 

[00:46:39] - Is it a toxic work environment? 

[00:47:39] - Kat speaks to her experiences in ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability groups, the tools that has helped others, and the positive things she has seen from people who have gone through the coaching groups. 

---

Connect with Kat:

• Website: SYLC Consulting | Akron, OH | Life Coaching 
• Twitter for SYLC Consulting: @SYLC_Consulting
• Facebook: STEER Your Life Coaching - Home
• Listen to her on episode 175: We're Like-Brained, Not Just Like-Minded, with Kat Hoyer

Honorable & Noteworthy Mentions:

• Americans with Disabilities Act

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

The 27th season of ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups begins in January 2022! Our first registration event is on Saturday, October 30th! If you’ve been wondering what group coaching can do for you, head over to coachingrewired.com to find out how you can be a part of our award-winning, online and video-based coaching and accountability groups, so you can get your ADHD rewired and rewrite your ADHD story!

About Greg:

Greg was first diagnosed with ADHD at 10 and went untreated until he was re-diagnosed at 33, after procrastination on a big project made him leave the hospital shortly after the birth of his little girl. Greg has a degree in computer engineering and law, and works as a patent attorney in Silicon Valley. During COVID, Greg found his way to ADHD reWired and is a graduate of season 23 of ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups, and joined season 25 and 26 as a peer-mentor (or “ADDmin”) supporting other members of the award-winning coaching program. 

If you want to hear a story about some mind-blowing growth from one of the most cynical skeptics we’ve ever encountered in the coaching groups, then this is the podcast you need to listen to.

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mehan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

Want to join the ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups? Go now to coachingrewired.com and get your name added to our winter interest list so you can join our kickoff registration event this month in October! 

Shownotes & timestamps coming soon...

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mahan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the winter season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups!
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

Do you struggle with staying active? Does the word “fitness” make you shy away from starting? Then this is the episode you need to listen to because getting your body moving and adding physical activity to your daily routine doesn’t have to be boring!

---

About Karen:

Karen is a body and mind transformation coach & personal trainer for ADHD women. From Canada, she teaches you how to thrive in your fitness, nutrition and health - not just manage it. She believes you are worthy of your dream body that you feel incredibly confident in, with a mindset to match - even if you have ADHD. 

Fun fact about Karen: While she spends her spare time camping, she also spends time training in the circus, and also lives in a tiny home!

---

Mentioned on the show: 

• Find Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen.broda/

• Grab Karen’s 15-minute Morning & Night Routines and find her Fitness Identity course here: https://linktr.ee/strong.and.smart
• Check out Karen’s YouTube channel: Fitness, Nutrition, & Mindset for ADHD

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mehan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

About Nicolas:

Nicolas was first originally from Switzerland. He’s a long-time motoring enthusiast, licensed racer, and fourth-generation painter. He now lives and works in the U.S. as a professional automotive fine artist. 

He trained at Pasadena ArtCenter College of Design and incorporates many elements of Art Deco advertising posters in his paintings - a style he called, “Period Correct.” He’s worked with the likes of Porsche, 24h Le Mans, McLaren, and Ford, to create one-of-a-kind art pieces and automotive-themed design prints for apparel and products. 

---

[00:03:26] - Nicolas talks about a 20-foot painting he was commissioned to do in 2015 for Porsche and says more about his artwork and his business. 

[00:04:30] - Mentioned here: Hunziker Design – HUNZIKER 

[00:05:29] - Hear more about Nicolas’ family history of artists, Art Deco, photography, and postmodernism. 

[00:07:01] - Nicolas gives an honest answer when people ask him how they can become a painter, his thoughts on corporate culture, the types of clients he’s worked with, and what he did before becoming a full-time painter. 

[00:10:07] - A relatable moment of time-blindness is mentioned here. (Implied; the phrase, “time-blindness” is not actually mentioned here.) Then, Eric and Nicolas dive more into ADHD and how it’s “the worst-named disorder in the world”, the difference between hyperfocus and flow, and how Nicolas experiences hyperfocus. 

[00:14:19] - Eric talks about the COVID hobby he picked up - painting - and asks Nicolas about changing brushes. 

A question for the listener: Is it just Eric? Or do you think painters with ADHD have to buy more brushes because “we” don’t clean them off fast enough? 

[00:21:47] - Nicolas answers Eric’s question: “From what you’re learning so far, how do you see ADHD showing up in your work, in a way that challenges your work?”

Here, Nicolas opens up about mindfulness and other tools he uses, and how he organizes his environment. He also opens up about impulse control and not being able to say “no”, being an instigator, and how his ADHD affects his business and relationship. 

[00:24:05] - Eric and Nicolas talk about starting “22 things at the same time”, deadlines, and perfectionism. Later, they talk about how long it can take Nicolas to finish a painting.

[00:27:52] - Hear a helpful reframe on how hyperfocus can potentially be more draining, rather than a superpower. Then, Nicolas talks about the energy differences when he paints versus sketching, how long it takes him to figure out details for historical accuracy, and how perfectionism plays a role. 

[00:34:03] - Mentioned here: VIRTUAL FREEDOM – More Time More Productivity More Freedom

[00:43:26] - Nicolas shares how his ADHD has affected his relationship, the challenges they’ve had to face together, and how a fantastic referral led him to his ADHD diagnosis. 

[00:46:26] - Eric and Nicolas share a moment when it comes to filling out forms and how they change their handwriting. 

[00:48:07] - Nicolas talks about the research phase of ADHD, how he’s still learning, how the scope of his ADHD has affected his life and the people around him, losing things, and getting derailed.

Unintentional tip from Nicolas: Walk around with paper in your hand, it looks like you’re going somewhere. Or, you can hold a phone to your ear! 

[00:51:18] - Eric and Nicolas talk about auditory processing and dyscalculia, recalling conversations, emotional scarring, and the messiness of sequencing events. Then, they talk about taking notes and how Leonardo da Vinci would handwrite.

[00:53:59] - Nicolas opens up about communication challenges, his triggers, his tendencies, and his awareness of his reactions. 

[00:56:49] - Nicolas shares an analogy about an intention versus the effect of the intention. 

[00:58:39] - Eric and Nicolas talk more about being emotionally laden, emotional defense mechanisms, and forgetfulness. 

[01:01:56] - Nicolas gives his thanks. He hopes this episode can help someone listening to his story, too.

---

Mentioned on the show: 

• Hunziker Design – HUNZIKER

• VIRTUAL FREEDOM – More Time More Productivity More Freedom

---

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mehan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

About Will:

Will is a Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur, inventor, and music producer, who is the CEO and founder of Focus@Will. He is the founding member of the 90’s hit UK pop-soul band LONDONBEAT, founded a tech company called Rocket Network based in San Francisco, and sold the company in 2003. Will also founded the company called “DigiDelivery”, which morphed into Avid Cloud Collaboration (part of ProTools) and is used everyday in pro audio production all over the world. 

Sources: Linkedin

Check it out: Focus@Will: Music to help you focus. Optimized by science.

[00:03:47] - Will talks about being diagnosed and shares some of his thoughts about ADHD.

[00:07:27] - Eric and Will talk about using music as a tool, what’s helpful for them, and the science of music on the brain.

[00:11:17] - Hear a sample from Focus@Will, “The Deep”, and more. 

[00:12:36] - Will explains a musician’s brain. 

[00:15:37] - Will shares a story from a friend about music and Alzheimers. 

[00:22:09] - Eric asks Will about the creation process, the data, and what the data says. 

[00:24:28] - Will tells us who gave him his ADHD diagnosis, and the types of jobs where ADHD brains need a lot of stimulation to focus. 

[00:26:22] - Hear more samples from Focus@Will, as Will walks us through the purpose of each sample. 

[00:29:04] - Will explains how Focus@Will started and what was involved with starting up.

[00:32:08] - Hear more about the science, the cognitive testing, and the distinct link between brain types and the kinds of music that helps that type of brain. 

Did you know: Statistically, one in three people cannot listen to any sound at all while they’re working!

[00:33:43] - Will talks about the bell curve of the studies, the correlation of ADHD, a link to autism, and how the data came out with how having music on while working helps two thirds of people. 

[00:36:36] - Hear about a statistic of Focus@Will in a work environment, and how the people using it compare to the organization.

 

[00:42:51] - Eric wants to know about the musical and creative side of Focus@Will - and then we get serenaded! Will explains making music for the non-conscious mind. 

[00:44:35] - Will talks about “Nature Beat”, a channel that is also his own personal artistic endeavor.

Then, hear a sample of Nature Beat itself, as Will walks us through how it works and the intentionality behind its creation. (All Nature Beat tracks are 25 minutes long - the same as a Pomodoro!) 

[00:48:43] - Will explains what “entrainment” is with a demonstration using his guitar. 

Did you know: Strings sympathetically resonate with sounds that make the strings happen. You can do this with a piano by singing into a piano and holding the sustain pedal! 

[00:50:07] - Hear “the skinny” about binaural beats, and the brainwaves we need to focus and concentrate. (It’s alpha waves.) 

[00:52:56] - Go to focusatwill.com, take the quiz on the website, and discover what kind of music might best help you get focused! Hint: It often recommends music you don’t like. Will explains why. 

[00:55:36] - Will shares three tips he’s received: 

• “Every time I do an email during the day, I ‘click’ a [pitch] counter.” (It just might have been our own Brendan Mahan!) 
• A tip from a Podiatrist (foot doctor): Make sure your feet are grounded at 90 degrees to your ankles when you’re working. It has a profound impact on your typing accuracy!
• An eye-doctor talked about eye-strain and working in front of a computer. The tip: Close one eye, look at your screen, and then look away (or outside) at the brightest source (but not the sun!), and then look back at your computer screen. If it is exactly the same [brightness], you’re good to go. But if it’s not, then adjust the brightness of your screen so it matches the ambient light. 

Get in touch with Will Henshall & follow Focus@Will: 

• On Twitter @WillHenshall

• Like Focus@Will on Facebook

• Focus@Will on Instagram

Other honorable mentions:

• Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks
• Learn more about Entrainment here (Wikipedia link) 

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mehan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

** There's still room for YOU to join the 26th season of the award-winning ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Groups, starting in October! 

Head over to coachingrewired.com to find out how you can be a part of these intensive, online and video-based coaching and accountability groups, so you can get your ADHD rewired and rewrite your ADHD story!

---

[00:02:20]  - Eric has the first ADHD moment of the show 

[00:04:38] - Question: A listener who was recently diagnosed with ADHD asks about hyperfocus, prioritizing, and how to tell the difference between something that is a “new” passion versus a hyperfocus, versus a new commitment that may lose interest in. 

• Learn as much as you can about ADHD. It’s a disorder where information makes a difference. 

• If you can anticipate the things in your environment that you’re more susceptible to falling into hyperfocus and plan for them.

• Our tendencies can be double-edged swords. 

• Ask ourselves: Is it a passion or calling, or something we’re just doing a deep dive on? 

• Have a place to store your ideas, because it doesn’t mean you have to act on them and continue to scroll. It’s okay to be curious about it, and observe if the curiosity will fade tomorrow before acting on it. 

• The more we are engaged in thinking about it (our ADHD), the more we are going to take our lives off auto pilot. 

• Is it a time-suck or a time-investment? 

• Learning about ADHD is really learning more about ourselves. 

[00:14:33] - Question: What is the most frustrating thing about your ADHD? This listener’s most frustrating thing is having to wait for stuff. But first, Barb and Eric have a moment!

• Roxie:  working memory in almost every aspect of her life, and shares a working-memory moment. 

• Moira: day-to-day is waiting, but the big-impact ADHD frustration is impulsivity with blurting out. 

• Will: An extreme lack of executive function while recovering from COVID (at the time of this recording) and activating on the task at hand. 

• MJ: Impulsivity to never (or rarely) say “no”. Then optimism kicks in, then they realize they can’t do all the things, even though their ADHD wants to do all the things. 

• Brendan: The “waiting-brain” and having trouble initiating prior to something bigger in the future. 

• Eric: Transitioning or moving on to the next thing, and multi-tracking and maintenance in multiple domains of life at once. 

[00:19:37] - Question: A listener is one month away from having a baby and is in serious need of working on their recently diagnosed ADHD, and wonders how to balance these. 

Suggestions:

• Don’t join a coaching group (yet). Focus on your baby and get to know your baby because the years will fly by. 

• Learn more about ADHD by listening to podcasts, because you can listen to a podcast and feed a baby at the same time. The more passive the learning, the easier it’s going to be to fit in [the learning] around your baby. 

• When you’re pregnant, your body has a lot of estrogen which helps your ADHD. When you deliver, those hormones decrease. Women with ADHD have a much higher rate of postpartum depression largely due to this drop. 

• Figure out what works for you even when others want to give advice, ask for help, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and take care of yourself.

[00:30:55] - Question: A listener, who is a startup cofounder, asks about navigating and managing rejection in a practical way, and avoiding participation with the anxiety of facing rejection. 

• It’s not just about competing with someone else, it’s about competing and challenging ourselves. 

• Is there risk? Yes. The only guarantee if a “no” is to not do the thing that scares us. 

• Ask ourselves: Can you do everything that you think you can do and at the same time, understand that it might not go your way, or seal your own fate by not doing anything? 

• Ask ourselves: What’s our mindset when we go into these things?

• Ask ourselves: Do we love what we’re doing? 

• One of the things that makes rejection so hard is the story we tell ourselves about why we were rejected. If we change the story and make it one that serves us rather than one that undermines us, it’s easier to take that risk the next time because we’re not ruined by the story we told ourselves. 

[00:35:16] - A listener gets burnt out from doing productive things, but when they feel burnt out, they know exactly what they need to do to recharge. But when they feel like they need to do more things, they don’t feel like they have the right to recharge.  (The panelists can relate!)

• “I need to do all my work first before I can recharge” may be an old story we tell ourselves.

• We can’t only do the work because that’s what leads to burnout. 

• Nobody gets everything done on their to-do lists, including neurotypical people. 

• Ask ourselves: What’s the story we tell ourselves? What are the remnants of our old belief patterns? Are we making up for our ADHD? 

• Plan the time off first, and protect that time after it’s been planned.  

• We’re never going to escape the mental trap that says, “Oh, I could do more.” Sure, we could do more, but with diminishing returns. 

• You deserve to have self-care, whether you’ve gotten the stuff done or not. 

• Write down a compelling “why” to help remember why it was prioritized. 

[00:41:13] - A listener, who is also a new dad, is overwhelmed and finds himself doing anything else except for the things he feels he needs to do. Both him and his partner have ADHD. 

• Balance the sleep by swapping nights with your partner and experiment with a rhythm that works for you. 

• Ask for help and be open about what your struggles are, that doesn’t necessarily need to disclose the ADHD. 

[00:44:50] - A listener asks what kinds of movies the panelists like to watch!

• Eric: Death to Smoochie

• MJ: Oceans 13, Atlantis, The Emperor’s New Groove, otherwise they watch documentaries or true-crime 

• Will: Mostly watched kids movies recently; really enjoyed The Mitchells vs. The Machines. Will also enjoys comedies and light-hearted things. He even enjoys “terrible” movies (movies that are so bad they’re good.) 

• Moira: needs movies with a story to stay engaged. Otherwise, she enjoys Pride & Prejudice (both versions), period pieces, and movies with mysteries but aren’t scary. She also enjoys rom-coms.

• Brendan: All the Marvel movies, Star Wars, fantasy stuff, heist movies, especially Oceans 11. 

• Roxie: Jojo Rabbit, comedies that take her by surprise and are really quirky.

• Barb really likes comedies and action movies like the Fast & Furious movies, and series like Umbrella Academy. 

Honorable mentions:

• Sharknado 

• Tremors 6

• Ticket to Hawaii

• 5-Headed Shark

• Poseidon Rex

[00:55:57] - A listener, who was diagnosed with ADHD over ten years ago as an adult, and is wondering if there is any ADHD medication that can be taken while breastfeeding. 

• It comes down to risk-reward of the baby and managing ADHD. Some folks have found it safe to take the medication, depending on medical history. Bottom line: Talk to your doctor, and make sure your doctor knows you and understands ADHD.

• Talk to your pharmacist. 

[00:59:08] - Between ADHD, a brain injury, hormones, and anxiety, a listener is feeling like a dysfunctional mess. Coaching, therapy, meds, and techniques haven’t worked for them thus far, and are feeling down more frequently. 

• Number one: Putting yourself first and being kind to yourself.

• Questions asked back to the listeners:

• How many of us did help not work until we had the right help? 

• What are your protective factors? What does your support look like? What community support networks exist that you can take advantage of? 

• We have an inner voice or inner critic we’re allowed to ‘tell off’. 

[01:04:25] - Eric shares an update about his Phish tickets and shares some lessons learned about travelling. 

[01:05:44] - A listener, newly diagnosed with ADHD, asks about dealing with transitions. 

• Ask someone to help and share that transition-piece with someone else.

• Use a timer, but make sure it’s a timer it’s not on your phone. Make it something that will have you get up from your chair if the “gravity” of your chair is getting stronger. 

• Limit context switching whenever possible. 

• Try doing everything in one space that you need to do in that space before transitioning onto the next.

• “Break for Eyes” on iOS desktop. 

• Build in more buffer time between switching. 

• Have an alarm for the upcoming transition as a “nudge” of what’s coming up, not the transition itself.

• Every transition is really two transitions:

• You have to transition out of what you’re doing, then into whatever is coming up next.
  
  
• There are three kinds of transitions
  
  
• Physical transitions
  
  
• Emotional transitions

• Intellectual transitions

[01:11:29] - Enjoy the last minute moment-of-dad from the Dad-Joke King himself, Will Curb. 

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Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mehan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too:

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!

adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

** There's still room for YOU to join the 26th season of the award-winning ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Groups, starting in October! 

Head over to coachingrewired.com to find out how you can be a part of these intensive, online and video-based coaching and accountability groups, so you can get your ADHD rewired and rewrite your ADHD story!

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About Jim:

Jim has been battling ADHD since his diagnosis at the age of 10 in the early 1980's, adding bipolar type 2 (Bipolar II), substance abuse, and an anxiety disorder to the mix has made life interesting, to say the least! Having a robust recovery plan and a team in place is helping Jim overcome these obstacles and stay on the path to recovery. 

Jim is a father of four, married to his wife for 30 years, an army Veteran, and a fire EMS captain. 

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(Check back for updated timestamps of this episode!)

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mehan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too!

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

This week, Eric talks with his guest, Henry Holman, about how some of the lessons he's learned through gaming can also apply to real life, the impact of discovering when you're not alone with your ADHD, and dive into a quick coaching session for tips and strategies to managing your to-do's. 

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About Henry:

Henry is going to be a senior at DePaul University, studying computer science and is working towards a career in game programming. Although he was diagnosed at 9 years old, he didn’t start learning about ADHD until he was 19, and remains fascinated with the “why” behind his ADHD-ness. He has loved video games for as long as he can remember, and in recent years, he has learned a lot about himself as he strives to improve at competitive Super Smash Brothers™. His long term career goal is to create a game that makes players feel like they have ADHD, to increase awareness and understanding surrounding the disorder. 

This is one of the first episodes in a while where Eric gets to have a guest in-studio! 

 

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[00:02:48] - Eric asks how Henry got into video games. It all started with a Game Boy Color™ and a McDonalds toy. Henry and his siblings also split a game console.Then Eric and Henry hash out their virtual tennis accomplishments, and why a lamp-timer is helpful.

[00:04:39] - Henry talks about a video game he wants to create that will make people feel like they have ADHD. His brother recommends a game to play, where the underlying theme of the game is a metaphor for overcoming the character’s anxiety, and why it resonated with Henry. He also talks about a game he’s played where the character in the game suffers from psychosis, which also gave him inspiration. 

 

Fun fact: The game Henry mentions in the timestamp above was, indeed, made in collaboration with neuroscientists and mental health professionals. Henry says, “They didn’t want to do [the game] a disservice” and wanted to break a misrepresentation of mental health in games. Read more:

• Hellblade studio launches a new venture to explore mental health through games
• How Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice changed lives with its thoughtful portrayal of mental illness

 

[00:08:31] - Eric asks where Henry is at [with his game]. Henry has already made some prototype levels, designed after Dr. Russell Barkley’s theory of executive deficits, and how the levels represent these deficits. 

[00:11:00] - Eric and Henry talk about enthusiasm vs. pursuing a passion professionally. Henry reflects on an episode of ADHD reWired he’s listened to. “We don’t have the luxury [with ADHD] of doing things we don’t like to do for a living” is a phrase that resonates with how he felt about school. 

[00:12:44] - Henry really wanted to do game design as a career, but got a “C” in a game-design class, but didn’t quite know what it was he truly wanted to do. Later on, Henry discovers a love for programming, problem-solving, and playing with Lego and K’nex. 

[00:15:31] - A moment of ADHD happens right before the break. 

[00:22:26] - Henry started educating himself after getting stuck on breaking his skill-ceiling, and talks about the game he dove into to learn how to play competitively. Eric and Henry nerd out about their “mains” in Super Smash Brothers™. Henry explains how picking up a new character in the game was a perfect metaphor for living life with ADHD. 

[00:27:13] - “Autopilot” isn’t effective. Henry talks about how his skill-ceiling led to frustration, and coming up with new strategies after losing another set. When he realizes his ADHD may have something to do with his struggles, he talks about diving into ADDitude magazine articles, watching HowToADHD videos on YouTube, and going down the ADHD Reddit rabbit-hole. 

[00:30:48] - Henry learns about tournament-nerves, staying calm under pressure, and being able to control impulses, and how in Super Smash Brothers™ was helpful to apply the principles he learned to the real world. 

[00:33:20] - Henry recommends taking a drink of water to knock your body out of fight-flight-freeze mode, and how it became his pause-mechanism. 

[00:34:33] - Henry’s passion about games “speaks to if we’re going to problem-solve around any area of life, if we can figure out a way to put it through the lens of what we are passionate about, it gives our brain a fighting chance.” - Eric 

[00:40:55] - Eric and Henry go through some coaching about a consistent system to keep track of his to-do’s. From a digital-assignment notebook and a whiteboard. 

[00:44:46] - Eric and Henry talk about the assignment books they received in school, and dive into some of the tools Henry used to use, and how what has worked before never lasted for him, aside from Google Calendar. Then, Eric asks, “What if we can… shift to the mindset from ‘I want to find a consistent tool’ to being quick to pivot when we realize we are no longer paying attention to this tool?” 

[00:47.01] - Eric talks about the different places his to-do’s live, and what Eric found helpful for him. Eric also recommends setting a reminder that asks, “Am I using this tool?” Then, Henry reflects on how this could work for him. Eric also recommends using an erasable pen when using a paper-calendar. 

[00:49.07] - Henry shares his issue with communication, how he stores the information he’s been given, and how shorthand isn’t always the best way to store that information.

[00:52:14] - Eric goes over keeping track of to-do’s, then checking-in with the to-do’s. Mentioned here: Book - Change Your Questions, Change Your Life (affiliate link) 

[00:54:52] - “The thing that I think is most important to be cognizant of is, ‘What are you doing now, what are you doing next?' ...because knowing what’s next makes transitions easier. Everything else is a distraction.” - Eric

[00:56:39] - Henry shares his takeaways and the systems he wants to try, which include implementing the reminders about his systems in his calendar, and keeping an “encyclopedia” or an “owner's manual” of strategies of what he has done in the past. Eric also encourages rotating through the tools we have. 

 

Get to know Henry here from his Linktr.ee  @HankDeTank05

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Other Honorable Mentions:

• ADDitude Magazine 
• r/ADHD (reddit) 
• HowToADHD with Jessica McCabe 
• myHomework Student Planner App 

Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:

• adhdessentials.com with Brendan Mehan
• hackingyouradhd.com with Will Curb
• adhddiversified.ca with MJ Siemens
• adhdfriendlylifestyle.com with Moira Maybin
• coming soon - Wait, What Was the Question? with Will Curb and Coach Roxie Martin. Reach out to Will and Roxie at questions@whatwasthequestionpodcast.com 

Don't Forget These, Too!

• adhdrewired.com/patreon — Support the show by becoming a Patron!
• coachingrewired.com — Get your name on the waitlist to join the fall season of ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups
• adultstudyhall.com — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!
• adhdrewired.com/events — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Roxie, and Barb for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)