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Is It ADHD or Am I Just Bad at Adulting? Expert Dr. Ari Tuckman Explains the Difference | Clutterbug Podcast # 273

May 12, 2025

In this discussion, Dr. Ari Tuckman, a psychologist and leading expert on adult ADHD, reveals how ADHD can impact focus and self-esteem. He shares insights from his book, highlighting the connection between clutter and overwhelm. Dr. Tuckman debunks medication myths, emphasizing it's a helpful tool, but not a cure. He encourages listeners to celebrate small wins and cultivate self-compassion. Whether diagnosed or just feeling lost in adulthood, this conversation offers validation, laughter, and practical strategies for navigating life's challenges.

48:58

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Episode guests

Ari Tuckman

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Ari Tuckman highlights that ADHD in adults is a persistent issue affecting focus and self-esteem, rather than just situational struggles.

Strategies for managing ADHD emphasize the importance of self-compassion and creating structured routines to enhance productivity and well-being.

Deep dives

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

ADHD often presents in adults as a consistent pattern of struggle that affects various aspects of life, characterized by chronic overwhelm and distractibility. Dr. Tuchman emphasizes that unlike many common challenges that may appear situational, ADHD manifests as ongoing difficulties regardless of context, indicating a deeper, persistent issue. Individuals who suspect they may have ADHD usually find that their struggles are not fleeting but have been evident over time. Recognizing these patterns can be a vital first step for those trying to understand if they might be living with ADHD.

Intro

2min

Understanding ADHD in Adults

7min

Understanding the Emotional Toll of ADHD in Childhood

6min

Navigating ADHD: Diagnosis, Medication, and Productivity

19min

The Power of Small Wins: Building Motivation and Confidence

3min

Navigating ADHD in the Workplace

9min

Building Habits and Compassion: Navigating ADHD Challenges

3min

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly messing up — forgetting things, zoning out, missing steps, or just trying to keep your head above water — you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve wondered if you have ADHD… or maybe you’re just chronically overwhelmed and tired of feeling like you’re failing at “being an adult.”

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ari Tuckman — psychologist, speaker, and leading expert on adult ADHD — to talk about what it really means to be productive when your brain works differently.

We dive deep into how ADHD affects not just your focus, but your self-esteem, your past experiences, and your ability to trust yourself. Ari shares science-backed, shame-free strategies from his new book The ADHD Productivity Manual — and gives us permission to stop striving for perfection and start creating a life that works for us.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or just want to finally feel a little less behind all the time… this episode is packed with validation, laughter, and practical advice that will leave you feeling seen and supported.

✨ We chat about: