Penn and Kim Holderness, renowned online content creators and advocates for ADHD awareness, share their inspiring journey together. They discuss their book "ADHD is Awesome," emphasizing the necessity of reframing perceptions around ADHD. Penn reflects on his diagnosis and the unique challenges like 'time blindness.' The couple dives into their transition from traditional media to viral online content, revealing the lessons learned about boundaries and their family's privacy. They also touch upon innovative strategies for managing ADHD in daily life, highlighting the importance of empathy and support.
Penn and Kim Holderness leverage their platform to raise awareness about ADHD, shifting perceptions from stigma to embracing its unique strengths.
The couple emphasizes the importance of establishing boundaries in their personal and professional lives to maintain healthy family dynamics.
Their journey with ADHD has taught them to prioritize connection over correction, fostering an open environment for their son's challenges.
Deep dives
Introduction to Tomboy X
Tomboy X is a queer-founded brand that offers a range of comfortable bras and underwear designed for inclusivity and style. Their products are celebrated for their stunning designs that cater to diverse body types, ensuring wearers feel confident and amazing from the inside out. Many customers share positive experiences, with one noting that after switching from traditional boxers to Tomboy X boxers, her husband was equally impressed with their fit and comfort, prompting her to buy more for both of them. This highlights the broad appeal of their products across genders and preferences.
Kim and Penn Holderness’s Journey
Kim and Penn Holderness are content creators who have transitioned from traditional news reporting to digital media, gaining popularity through their comedic sketches and viral videos. They have been married for 18 years and have leveraged their platforms to raise awareness about ADHD, a condition that affects millions. Penn was diagnosed in college after struggling with symptoms throughout his childhood, and both he and Kim have embraced this part of their lives by sharing their experiences and research in their new book. Their journey reflects not only their personal growth but also their desire to educate others, particularly parents of children with ADHD.
Understanding ADHD as a Family
The Holderness family is now navigating ADHD with their son, who was diagnosed after Kim and Penn had started their book project. Initially, both parents faced a learning curve as they tried to comprehend how ADHD manifests in their child, particularly through typical behaviors like fidgeting or forgetting everyday items. They now focus on offering connection rather than correction, ensuring that their son feels safe discussing his challenges without fear of judgment or punishment. This approach fosters an open environment, allowing their son to express himself and seek help when needed.
The Creative and Community Aspect of ADHD
Both Kim and Penn recognize the unique strengths that come with having ADHD, including creativity and spontaneity, which they view as superpowers. They emphasize that while ADHD can present challenges, it also encourages innovative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. The couple draws parallels between their experience and societal views on neurodiversity, suggesting that the strengths associated with ADHD should be celebrated and harnessed rather than stigmatized. Their focus has shifted from viewing ADHD strictly through a deficit lens to appreciating the diverse talents and perspectives it can bring.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
The Holdernesses discuss the importance of setting boundaries in both their personal and professional lives, especially as they create content that blurs these lines. They have learned to redirect their work discussions during personal time, prioritizing family connections over business matters. Their experiences underline the necessity of maintaining a healthy balance to avoid burnout and preserve their family dynamic. By sharing their insights, they hope to inspire others to establish similar boundaries, fostering healthier relationships and improving overall well-being.
For online content creators Penn & Kim Holderness, the saying, "the couple that works together, stays together," is spot on!
The couple, who have been married for over 18 years, are best-selling authors, podcast hosts, and Season 33 'The Amazing Race' winners. They join Sophia to discuss their new project, taking on the stigma of ADHD with their book "ADHD is Awesome."
The power couple opens up about Penn's ADHD diagnosis, reframing how people think about ADHD, dealing with 'time blindness,' the viral video that jump-started their company and the lessons they learned along the way!