James Ochoa returns to the podcast this week.  James is a licensed professional counselor, author of Focus Forward: Navigating the Storms of Adult ADHD.  He is the founder and director of The Life Empowerment Center in Austin, Texas.  James offers action-focused counseling and executive coaching to help his clients discover ways to empower themselves in areas of their lives.  His passion is treating the emotional distress of ADHD, so clients can begin to build internal worlds in their imagine to manage their attention challenges.  For the past 27 years, his passion has been to transform how society understands and treats the diagnosis of ADHD.  By standing in the fire with his clients, he has helped them find ways to live powerfully in the midst of their storms while managing his own ADHD.   

Jules Ochoa is 22-years-old, and currently pursuing a masters degree in psychology with the intention of working with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and dissociative identity disorder.  He is self-taught in the world of podcasting and audio engineering.  He produces and co-writes the new podcast series, The Complex.  

On this episode, you will hear the second episode of James’ and Jules’ podcast, The Complex.  We play “Ok, stop” and interrupt the episode to talk share some thoughts on what is happening in that particular episode.   

Connect with James and Jules Ochoa 

The Complex Podcast 
JamesOchoa.com  

You’ll Learn: 

• [07:05] - Jules describes the podcast he has been working on with James, The Complex.   
• [08:10] - Jules talks about working on a creative project with his father.  
• [11:41] - We play “OK Stop” with on of Episode #2 of The Complex.  
• [15:58] - I share that this particular story rings true with my life experience. James explains why this story feels real.   
• [18:07] - When I first listened to this, it struck some shame triggers.  James talks about the balance they try to strike with this podcast.  Jules says that one aim of the podcast is to help people that don’t have ADHD relate to people in their lives that do have ADHD.   
• [24:18] - Jules explains why they made some creative decisions with one of the characters.   
• [26:30] - Jules shares how the audio demonstrates that someone with ADHD can jump tasks and orientations.  He says that this is one of the most confusing aspects of ADHD for other people.  
• [36:53] - We pick back up with the episode after our break.   
• [37:22] - I share that I really liked the description a character used in the episode.  
• [41:10] - I talk about a meditation practice, “Welcome to the Party.” 
• [46:16] - Jules explains why the story may take a route to help address another area of ADHD.  James lists the different types of issues and areas of disruption covered in the podcast.  
• [51:10] - James shares one of the things that was difficult with the creation and writing process of the podcast.  
• [52:51] - Jules talks about playing the role of the son of James, an ADHD expert.  James shares his feelings on that topic, too.  
• [1:02:10] - James talks about how podcasts and community can turn the tide of understanding and living with ADHD. 

Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: 

http://www.audibletrial.com/ADHDreWired 

ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group 

Registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group is now over.  If you would like to join the waiting list for our spring season, schedule a call with me at http://CoachingReWired.com.  The spring session begins April 9th.  Our summer session begins July 9th.  

Support the podcast on Patreon 

Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at http://patreon.com/adhdrewired  

ADHD reWired Facebook Group: 

If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to EricTivers.com/community and fill out an application. 

Productivity Q&A 

Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to http://erictivers.com/events. 

Want to be a guest? 

Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call here. 

This episode is the recording of February’s live Q&A.  These Q&A sessions take place the second Tuesday of every month.  The questions answered in this episode were submitted by listeners of this podcast, both ahead of time and live.  I am, once again, joined on this episode by Brendan Mahan.   

In this conversation, you will hear several listener questions.  This month, a lot of these conversations involved medication.  We also talk about employment and recovering from a loss of employment.  These Live Q&A’s are a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered.  The sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to http://erictivers.com/events. 

You’ll Learn: 

• [02:19] - Brendan shares how things are going with his podcast,  ADHD Essentials. 
• [04:16] - Jane asks what Patreon is.  This gives me an opportunity to talk about the unique opportunity you have to support this podcast. 
• [06:41] - Sue was recently let go at her job.  She tells some of her story and asks for advice on employment and recovering from this disappointment. 
• [21:20] - Samantha asks about focusing on ADHD and coaching instead of general psychotherapy.  
• [32:22] - A listener asks for tips on keeping up with laundry.  Brendan and I share a few ideas to help with this “im-bore-tant” task.  
• [41:32] - Chris asks about medication for adults with ADHD.  We talk about how we have a responsibility as consumers to take valuable information on medication to our medical professionals.   
• [44:23] - While we’re on the topic of medication, I mention a thread from our Facebook community.  Robin asked what the optimal dose of medication should feel like. I share that when I found the right dosage, I felt “normal.”  I read a few responses from the thread. 
• [50:14] - Katie joins us live to ask for suggestions for remembering tasks and keeping the same drive at work that she has at home. This leads to a discussion on medication and some routines Katie could implement.  
• [58:53] - Sheila asks about higher correlation within “The Four A’s.”   
• [1:00:34] - David shares that he was about to be fired and he realized it was because of his ADHD.  We talk about the coaching he received, and the struggles he’s continued to experience. 

Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: 

http://www.audibletrial.com/ADHDreWired 

Support the podcast on Patreon 

Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at http://patreon.com/adhdrewired  

ADHD reWired Facebook Group: 

If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to EricTivers.com/community and fill out an application. 

Productivity Q&A 

Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to http://erictivers.com/events. 

Want to be a guest? 

Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call here. 

If you’re expecting to hear last month’s live Q&A, I’ve changed the plan.  I really want to share a conversation with Marisol Salizar.  Marisol is one of the members of our Coaching and Accountability Group, and I think when it comes to finding what really matters in life, and creating healthy boundaries between work, family, and play, the progress that she has made can be inspirational for all of us who really struggle with this balance, especially when we are fortunate enough to love the work that we do.   

Marisol is a wife, a mom, and a biology professor.  She made it through her whole academic career not knowing she had ADHD.  Like many undiagnosed women, she hit 40 with a full-time career, a husband, two kids (one recently diagnosed with ADHD), a house, a geriatric cat, and several dead plants.  She just couldn’t juggle it anymore.  Luckily, her daughter’s psychiatrist advised her not to quit her job before coming in for an evaluation.   

In this conversation, you will hear Marisol share her successes, her struggles, and her story.  Marisol talks about her diagnosis, “parenting herself,” and some of the strategies she has implemented.  Marisol explains why she decided to join the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability group, and what she has gained from participating.

You’ll Learn:

• [05:19] - Marisol tells her ADHD story.  She talks about being overwhelmed and the feeling of failure, and the impact that was having on her career.  
• [09:33] - Marisol expected her evaluation results to show one thing, but she explains why the results surprised her.   
• [10:22] - After starting her prescription, Marisol experienced an “astounding” semester.   
• [11:18] - Marisol talks about introducing strategies to work hand-in-hand with her medication.  She shares what drew her to the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group. 
• [13:30] - Marisol explains that parenting her daughter she was parenting herself.   
• [15:56] - Marisol describes her husband’s reaction to the news that she has been diagnosed with ADHD, and wanted to join the Coaching and Accountability Group. 
• [19:30] - Marisol talks about her interview with me to join the group. 
• [21:20] - There is power in a group and the power of “me too.”  Marisol describes this feeling.  
• [22:47] - Marisol explains what she hoped to get out of the group. 
• [26:29] - Balancing work and home life was something that Marisol identified as a major issue. 
• [29:30] - Marisol describes her time-blocking strategies, and how they’ve changed. 
• [33:33] - Marisol talks about battling with perfectionism.   
• [39:23] - Marisol talks about the mind map she created.  She explains how she aims to keep work at work, and home at home.  
• [48:45] - Marisol talks about the layers of her personal life goal cake.  
• [54:28] - Marisol says that one her takeaways from the group was “friendship.” 
• [1:00:13] - Marisol talks about the difference in her planning since she’s joined the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group. 
• [1:06:27] - Marisol has a message for those of you considering joining the Coaching and Accountability Group.  

Your Resources: 

Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: 

http://www.audibletrial.com/ADHDreWired 

ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group 

Early registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group is now over. To learn more and schedule your interview, http://CoachingReWired.com.  Registration is open through March 15th.  

Support the podcast on Patreon 

Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at http://patreon.com/adhdrewired  

ADHD reWired Facebook Group: 

If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to EricTivers.com/community and fill out an application. 

Productivity Q&A 

Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to http://erictivers.com/events. 

Want to be a guest? 

Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call here. 

Jamie Popernack is a recovering achievement addict living a fiercely simple life with her husband and daughter.  Jamie is a public health educator who works at a crisis program.  She has a lot of love for the ADHD tribe.   

In this conversation, you will hear Jamie explain the idea of achievement addictions.  She shares how she fell into that trap.  She was hustling for her self-worth and doing things because she had to and it looked good.  Her motivation was no longer to help people, but to make herself feel good.  One of the ways Jamie combats this achievement addiction is living what she calls a “fiercely simple life.”  Jamie also tells about her career, working suicide prevention.  She shares some insight into this year.  She says, “You can’t prevent suicide without talking about it.”   

Connect with Jamie Popernack 

Website - JamiePopernack.com  

You’ll Learn: 

• [06:44] - Jamie explains that she is coming on the podcast because of a dare.  
• [07:42] - Although she wasn’t a perfectionist, Jamie feels that she is a recovering achievement addict.  She shares what this means to her. 
• [09:42] - Jamie shares her ADHD story.   
• [11:50] - Jamie says that her achievement addiction started in college.  
• [12:55] - Jamie shares some of her “epically messy” weaknesses and a forgetfulness story from college.  
• [14:56] - Being hospitable and community drives her to want to improve.  
• [17:05] - Jamie talks about some of the labels that have been attached to her over the years. 
• [19:33] - Jamie explains the concept of living a “fiercely simple” life.  
• [24:55] - Jamie describes how she approaches her day.  It starts with meditation and prayer.  She shares how she deals with time.  
• [26:22] - Jamie shares her experience of working in a restaurant.  
• [28:55] - Jamie talks about the support she receives from her husband.  
• [31:17] - Jamie takes us back to the roots of her achievement addiction.   
• [40:08] - After college, Jamie ended up working in the disability community.  She shares her goals of learning how to love and learning how to be still.  
• [47:30] - Jamie describes her current job, working in suicide prevention.   
• [52:28] - Jamie explains that you need self-love to be able to help people.  
• [52:22] - Jamie encourages individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-2255. 
• [54:18] - Jamie suggests if you are concerned about someone’s well being, you should ask directly about suicide.   
• [56:28] - There are red flags with suicide and Jamie says she doesn’t understand the statement, “that’s just a cry for help.” 
• [57:10] - Jamie explains why sometimes her ADHD works to her advantage in her work.  
• [59:45] - Jamie claims she would rather give birth than do paperwork.  This leads to a discussion on what she learned about ADHD from childbirth.  
• [1:04:48] - Jamie experienced conscious surrender, and that led to stillness.  She talks about letting go in labor and carrying that with her in life.  
• [1:09:53] - In this conversation, Jamie said that she’d like to start a blog.  I put my coaching hat on and push her on this a little.  

Your Resources: 

Unf*ck Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Mess - Rachel Hoffman 

Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: 

http://www.audibletrial.com/ADHDreWired 

ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group 

Early registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group is now over. To learn more and schedule your interview, http://CoachingReWired.com.  Registration is open through March 15th.  

Support the podcast on Patreon 

Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at http://patreon.com/adhdrewired  

ADHD reWired Facebook Group: 

If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to EricTivers.com/community and fill out an application. 

Productivity Q&A 

Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to http://erictivers.com/events. 

Want to be a guest? 

Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call here.