ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

EP. 320: It’s Never Too Late: Reinventing Life with Emily Ransdell

Feb 19, 2025

Emily Ransdell, a former tech marketer turned published poet and creative writing instructor, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention after retiring at 59. Diagnosed with ADHD in her 60s, she discusses the impact of unrecognized struggles throughout her life. Emily's transition to a creative career exemplifies that it's never too late to pursue your passions. She emphasizes the power of community and self-acceptance, revealing how her ADHD enhances her creative process and healing, proving that age is just a number when it comes to following your dreams.

55:48

Episode guests

Emily Ransdell

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Emily Ransdell's journey demonstrates that pursuing creative passions is possible at any age, as she reinvented herself through writing after retirement.

The podcast emphasizes the need for self-awareness and understanding of ADHD, showcasing how it can reveal strengths rather than limitations.

Deep dives

Embracing ADHD as a Strength

Many successful individuals, including notable figures like Greta Gerwig and Simone Biles, have ADHD, highlighting the need to celebrate the strengths associated with this condition. A significant portion of the ADHD community, specifically 43%, is reported to be in excellent mental health, yet rarely discussed. The podcast promotes a narrative that reframes ADHD from a burden to a source of unique strengths and brilliance. This perspective encourages women to embrace their 'too muchness' and recognizes that greatness often stems from what is often misunderstood.

Intro

5min

Navigating Chaos: A Childhood Reflection

8min

Navigating ADHD: Women's Unique Journeys

12min

Understanding ADHD in Family Dynamics

2min

Reinventing Self Through Art and Education

19min

Embracing ADHD: Creativity and Healing

8min

Empowering Women with ADHD: Reflections and Resources

2min

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

Some people see retirement as slowing down—Emily Ransdell saw it as a chance to finally do what she was meant to do.

After a career in tech marketing, she walked away at 59 and went all in on her lifelong love of writing. At 60, she enrolled in a Master’s in Creative Writing, and by 67, she had published her first poetry collection, which won the Lewis Award from Concrete Wolf Press. Now, she teaches writing workshops, gives public readings, and continues to build a life centered around creativity.

But Emily’s story isn’t just about reinvention—it’s about understanding herself in a way she never had before. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 60s, she finally made sense of the struggles she’d faced for decades: disorganization, perfectionism, and the feeling that she was always working harder than everyone else just to keep up. In this conversation, Emily shares how she managed school and career before her diagnosis, how ADHD affected her creative process, and why getting diagnosed later in life changed everything.

She also talks about breaking free from the idea that it’s “too late” to start something new. Whether you’re considering a career shift, exploring a creative passion, or just wondering if there’s more out there for you, Emily’s story proves that it’s never too late to start.

Resources:
Website: https://emilyransdell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyransdellpoet/

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