Translating ADHD

This episode revisits the coaching concept of journey thinking and why it’s especially useful for people with ADHD. Rather than fixating on a distant outcome or an idealized destination, journey thinking asks you to stay on the current “stepping stone,” notice what’s actually happening, and get curious about the next possible step. Asher and Dusty explain how detaching from outcomes reduces magical and all-or-nothing thinking, makes small wins visible, and protects motivation when progress is slow or messy. They walk through real coaching examples: reframing career identity by valuing advocacy work, making small workplace changes (notifications, meeting timing, tracking commitments) that dramatically reduce overwhelm, and using gut sense plus staged information-gathering to find a middle path in big decisions. The hosts offer two practical mantras — “I’m here now” and “What can I do?” — and emphasize starting small, measuring success beyond outcomes, and building resilience by keeping yourself in the picture. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Ash and Dusty discuss how ADHD traits (hyperfocus, justice sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and perfectionism) shape the way people approach allyship. Ash opens with a vivid story about feeling unintentionally objectified at a conference after coming out as transgender, illustrating how well-meaning curiosity and requests for education can put emotional labor on the person with a marginalized identity. Dusty describes common ADHD patterns—the over-eager ally who wants to demonstrate knowledge, the panic after a misstep, and the tendency to seek drama online—and explains how those patterns can derail genuine support. Both emphasize that intention alone isn’t enough: allies must match intent with respectful action. They offer practical guidance for managing capacity and making meaningful choices: focus on a few causes you can sustain, donate or volunteer locally, and pick moments where conversation can lead to real change instead of getting into futile online fights. Learn independently rather than relying on marginalized people to educate you; when interacting, meet people as people first and let them set the boundaries for how much their identity becomes the topic. Small, thoughtful actions (checking safety, providing accessible spaces, following diverse voices) often create outsized positive effects and are more valuable than performative gestures. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the intense overlap between ADHD and early gender transition, focusing on how sudden, widespread change taxes executive function and identity. Ash describes the real-world disruptions—wardrobe overhaul, haircuts, public outings, bathroom access, and safety concerns—that made routine tasks overwhelming. He discusses how ADHD can make introspection and identity work harder, and why finding queer and trans communities provides essential context, normalization, and compassion during that liminal period. He also addresses medical and emotional factors: the practicalities of hormone therapy (scheduling, dosing forms like gels that require stillness), how hormones can alter attention and emotional experience, and the increased need for logistical planning and accessible care. Both hosts emphasize the importance of supportive networks, adaptive strategies (including coaching and somatic outlets like kickboxing), and small, present-focused steps to move forward while navigating the fog of transition. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode, Ash and Dusty open the season by revisiting Ash’s transition and how it has intersected with his work helping people with ADHD. Ash describes transition as a liminal, between-states process that forced reexamination of identity, relationships, and public context. They discuss how coming out shifted social dynamics, revealed hidden “masks” shaped by social expectations, and resurfaced—rather than erased—questions about self that ADHD can complicate: weak identity formation, dissociation, sensory issues, and social coping strategies. The hosts connect these experiences to coaching practice, explaining how Ash’s personal work sharpened a professional specialty: helping neurodivergent clients clarify who they are so ADHD becomes more manageable in practical ways. Ash shares concrete moments that mark growth (feeling more able to choose how to present and when to be visible) and a culminating story from a concert that illustrated a change in belonging. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Ash and Dusty dive into the challenges of getting proper support for ADHD, revealing how well-intentioned help often misses the mark. They share personal stories about the frustrations of misunderstood accommodations. The duo stresses the importance of clear communication and understanding personal needs. They also discuss the emotional toll of past negative experiences and the significance of advocating for oneself. With practical tips for effective interactions, they highlight that successful support comes from mutual understanding and ongoing dialogue.

Ash and Dusty dive into the challenges of moderation for those with ADHD, exploring impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. They share personal stories on managing behaviors like alcohol and internet use. The discussion includes practical strategies, like using apps to pause impulsive actions and gradually shifting habits for better memory and productivity. They emphasize the importance of small, sustainable changes over perfection and highlight that setbacks are just part of the journey towards healthier choices.

Forgetfulness is a major hurdle for those with ADHD, causing chaos in daily life. Simple, adaptable systems can drastically improve task management. Personal stories highlight practical tools like calendars and planners that foster awareness. The importance of building a solid foundation for long-term success is emphasized over quick fixes. Coaching strategies encourage patience, accountability, and incremental progress. This ongoing journey requires curiosity and the right support to thrive.

This discussion dives into the intricacies of honesty and communication for individuals with ADHD. It highlights how impulsivity can lead to misunderstandings, while also showcasing the strength in being direct with empathy. The hosts explore emotional challenges like rejection sensitivity and the importance of positive feedback. They introduce 'radical candor' as a way to balance honesty with care in relationships, while encouraging listeners to identify their communication preferences. Ultimately, it’s about fostering deeper connections through understanding and support.

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the complexities of managing hyperfixations and hobbies as individuals with ADHD. They discuss the common experience of having interests that are “an inch deep but a mile long,” the guilt and shame surrounding inconsistent engagement or financial investment in hobbies, and the struggle to align identity with fluctuating passions. Both hosts share personal stories that highlight different patterns of engagement—from impulsively diving into new interests to learning to take smaller, manageable steps and focusing on mastery over novelty. They emphasize the importance of redefining what it means to be “into” something, allowing space for both deep commitments and casual, purpose-free enjoyment. The conversation also delves into strategies for sustaining interests, including community involvement, mentorship, and deliberately choosing to deepen existing hobbies rather than constantly starting new ones. They highlight the value of “constructive” activities that replenish energy without demanding productivity or long-term outcomes. Ultimately, Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to reject self-judgment, embrace curiosity about their current phase, and find balance between exploring new threads of interest and committing to core passions. This episode offers compassionate insights for anyone with ADHD seeking to understand and nurture their unique relationship with hobbies and identity. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Explore the intricate bond between sleep and ADHD, with insights revealing that up to 90% of individuals face sleep disorders. Discover how sleep quality significantly impacts mood and functioning. The hosts share strategies for overcoming sleep procrastination, including personalized bedtime rituals and the potential use of melatonin. They emphasize the importance of a calming environment and patience as listeners embark on improving their sleep routines. Gain practical tips tailored for neurodivergent individuals aiming for better rest.