I Have ADHD Podcast
Kristen Carder
The I Have ADHD Podcast is a clear, concise, and FUN podcast for adults with ADHD. Listen to learn about how ADHD impacts every area of your life from the boardroom to the bedroom...and how you can begin to overcome your symptoms by accepting who you are, flaws and all. Host Kristen Carder is a dually certified coach who has supported thousands of people with ADHD worldwide. Kristen's extensive experience working with ADHDers began in 2012, and she now leads a global community of adults with ADHD in her coaching program, FOCUSED. ****OBVIOUSLY, the content in this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Kristen Carder is not a medical professional.
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 11min
355 BITESIZE | What to Do When Someone Says “Everyone Has ADHD”
In this engaging discussion, Brooklyn shares her journey of suspecting she has ADHD and the mixed reactions from her family who downplay her concerns. The conversation reveals how this dismissal can be hurtful and confusing. Kristen offers validation and emphasizes the importance of seeking supportive communities while pursuing a diagnosis. They explore the heritability of ADHD and how family patterns can lead to minimization of symptoms. Listeners are encouraged to protect their vulnerability and surround themselves with understanding allies.
37 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 12min
354 Why Even Your Own To-Dos Feel Like an Attack: The Explosive Reality of Adult PDA
In this enlightening discussion, Kendahl Damashek, a parent coach and PDA autistic mother of four, and Casey Ehrlich, a fellow coach at At Peace Parents, dive into the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance in adults. They reveal how everyday tasks can trigger intense anxiety, the importance of recognizing subtle signs of PDA, and effective strategies for navigating these challenges. From understanding the nervous system's responses to tailoring practical accommodations, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed by self-imposed demands.
17 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 13min
353 BITESIZE | Why You Can't Start Until The Last Minute: Unlocking ADHD & Motivation
The discussion delves into the unique motivation framework for those with ADHD. Key factors like interest, challenge, novelty, and urgency shape how tasks are approached. The role of dopamine in initiating actions is highlighted, revealing emotional barriers like perfectionism and fear. Personal anecdotes shed light on parenting neurodivergent children with compassion. Listeners learn about common obstacles to starting tasks and the importance of clarity and external support. Ultimately, the focus is on harnessing determination over waiting for motivation.
9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 17min
352 The Kids Who Can’t Be Told What to Do: PDA & Low-Demand Parenting (with Casey Ehrlich)
In this engaging conversation, Casey Ehrlich, founder of At Peace Parents and a leading expert on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), shares her insights as a researcher and mother of two PDA children. She dives into the concept of PDA as a nervous system response to perceived threats and explains how traditional parenting strategies can misinterpret a child's need for autonomy as defiance. Casey provides practical tips for low-demand parenting, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in navigating these behaviors to foster safety and regulation.
21 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 12min
351 BITESIZE | Clutter, Shame, and the ADHD Brain
The discussion dives into the challenges of organization for those with ADHD. Kristen reflects on her evolving views about clutter, influenced by her understanding of executive function. She highlights the impact of childhood environments on adult organization skills and reframes clutter as a neutral aspect, rather than a moral failing. Emotional regulation is emphasized as a key to action, with insights on how overwhelm can hinder efforts to declutter. The introduction of a coaching program aims to bridge knowledge and action for individuals navigating these struggles.
32 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 60min
350 From Cemetery Shifts to a Career That Fits: Matt’s ADHD Comeback Story
Matt Cicarelli, a basketball referee and devoted listener, returns to share his inspiring journey from unemployment to finding a fulfilling job at a supportive agency that truly understands ADHD. He recounts a zig-zag path through grocery and cemetery jobs, the relief of working where he can drop the mask, and the importance of a boss who values neurodiversity. Matt also discusses emotional regulation techniques he honed as a referee, illustrating how to stay calm under pressure—both on the court and at home.
27 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 13min
349 BITESIZE | Stop Making Everyone Else Comfortable: Waking Up to Unequal Relationships
This podcast dives into the repercussions of accommodating others due to ADHD. It explores how childhood experiences shape ADHD individuals' tendency to prioritize others' comfort. The host encourages listeners to seek mutual relationships where both parties share responsibilities. Therapy is highlighted as a crucial step for emotional healing, especially when paired with ADHD treatment. Additionally, resources for improving relationship dynamics are introduced, including an upcoming book on the topic.
33 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
348 Too Bored to Function: Why ADHD Brains Would Rather Do Anything Than Be Bored
Dr. Marcy Caldwell, a psychologist and founder of the Center for ADHD, shares insights on why boredom can feel unbearable for those with ADHD. She explains the two types of boredom—apathetic and agitated—and discusses the 'optimal stimulation zone' that ADHD brains require. Dr. Caldwell reveals how boredom triggers stress hormones like cortisol and offers practical strategies to manage this discomfort. Learn about techniques like visualization and cognitive reframing to enhance engagement in daily life.
22 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 17min
347 BITESIZE | ADHD, Internalized Shame, and the Pep Talk from Kristen You Need NOW
In this engaging discussion, listeners explore how to combat internalized shame linked to ADHD. Kristen shares her personal win of missing an appointment without spiraling into self-criticism. She highlights the importance of shame resilience and encourages recognizing its signs to break free from its negative impact. The podcast also examines how shame can travel through families and stresses compassionate parenting. By reframing mundane tasks with self-compassion, listeners can learn to separate self-worth from task performance, fostering a more positive mindset.
23 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
346 Voicemails from the ADHD Trenches: Marriage, Faith, Regret, and Rage (Yep, We’re Going There)
Listeners share their messy, beautiful ADHD stories, from workout struggles to marriage challenges. Discover insights on maintaining faith amidst rigid expectations and coping with heartbreak. Kristen offers advice on job frustrations and how couples with ADHD can communicate better. She emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and community support. Whether dealing with regrets from a late diagnosis or navigating complex relationships, this episode is a comforting reminder that you’re not alone in the ADHD journey.
