The Hidden 20% cover image

The Hidden 20%

ADHD Arctic Explorer: "The Biggest Risk Was The Impact On My Family"

Feb 26, 2025
46:05

Record-breaking Arctic explorer and ocean conservationist Pen Hadow achieved the impossible—trekking solo to the North Pole. Now, on his 63rd birthday, he bravely opens up for the first time about his ADHD diagnosis, reflecting on how it shaped his risk-taking, resilience, and focus—for better and worse.


In this chat with Ben, Pen unpacks the puzzling contradictions of ADHD—being able to laser-focus on extreme expeditions yet struggling with simple tasks like taking out the bins. They explore how ADHD made him one person at work and another at home, its impact on his family and self-esteem, and why embracing different ways of thinking is crucial for the future of our planet.


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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.

 

Host: Ben Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

 

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

 

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Follow & subscribe…

 

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Pen Hadow @penhadow


If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.






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