ADHD reWired

Listen as your host Eric Tivers and his guest Roland Tanner talk about how he procrastinated his way to success on . Roland Tanner has procrastinated his way through careers as a book seller, Medieval historian, author, publisher, software developer, podcaster, and would-be politician. He has sometimes been accused of being an entrepreneur! After a decade of battling depression, he scored top marks on an online ADHD test and was formally diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 50. What will you find in this episode? [00:01:29] - Eric introduces Roland as he procrastinated his way through careers as a book seller, Medieval historian, author, publisher, software developer, podcaster, and would-be politician & has been accused of being an entrepreneur. [00:02:00] - Hear Roland's voice! [00:02:13] - Eric brings to light how Roland feels that what he has to share doesn't have much value [00:02:33] - Roland talks about having an unplanned career. He explains his life with ADHD is an "interesting" example and that his career paths have certain been varied. [00:03:00] - Eric and Roland talk about how Roland wanted to be a politician, motivated by wanting an assistant to take care of his calendar & email, before he had any inkling of ADHD [00:03:40] - Roland talks about the executive functions of running his own business [00:04:03] - Roland really enjoys talking about politics & talks about his involvement and saw how others had their "executive function" minds externalized and handed to other people so they could concentrate on the conversations and people in front of them [00:05:10] - Roland says it didn't work out, but it was a fun process [00:05:13] - Eric asks how close the political race was [00:05:30] - Roland talks about the way the local politics work in Canada [00:05:41] - Roland explains the jobs and roles he played in running for local office [00:05:44] - He also talks about being a fairly shy guy and being described as introverted [00:06:01] - Roland observed that people liked talking politics [00:06:15] - Roland talks about being unsure if the job would have been very good for him because of the stress, but the "retail sales" part of it was a blast for him. [00:06:30] - The Dam Busters Story comes up [00:07:16] - Eric asks Roland about "Procrastinating the way to success" [00:07:40] - Eric asks what Roland was behind on when he scheduled this podcast interview [00:07:43] - Roland talks about debugging client websites & talks about his publishing company [00:08:00 - He talks about how he was supposed to be translating Medieval Latin documents but learned how to write code instead, which turned into an added job [00:08:32] - Roland talks about the challenges and being in a constant state of distraction [00:08:50] - Roland touches briefly about being a musician, what he thought about fidget spinners before he knew about his ADHD, and how learning guitar was his own way of fidgeting [00:09:45] - Roland uses playing instruments as his own equivalent of meditation [00:10:10] - Roland talks a bit about his experiences in the UK and taking A-Levels and how he'd play guitar instead of revise his notes [00:10:50] - Roland talks about his podcast for the "905" Telephone Code [00:11:20] - Roland brings up how the area is growing exponentially, how his area was portrayed, and how it's now one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Canada [00:12:08] - Roland brings up some of the issues in Canada surrounding the First Nations and Indigenous community with the discoveries of the graves and bodies being uncovered around residential schools [00:12:30] - Roland talks about working with First Nations involved with the Sixties Scoop [00:12:44] - He feels, even in a limited way, happy to be contributing to more knowledge of where (he) lives sharing the knowledge of First Nations & Indigenous issues in Canada [00:13:07] - He's relieved that there's something of an awakening of what's actually happened and what is still happening [in Canada] [00:13:33 - Eric asks Roland about going in deep into what he becomes interested in, and how that's gotten Roland into a bit of trouble at times [00:13:45] - Roland talks about being an "Accidental" entrepreneur and talks about not being very business-minded or driven like other people [00:13:58] - He also talks about how running your own business is tough [00:14:38] - Roland talks about the "boredom threshold" not being enough [00:20:50] - Before the break, Eric asks Roland about being a part of writing parts of speeches for the Queen (of England) [00:21:28] - Roland talks about his first career after the bookselling was a PhD in in Medieval history and talks about studying the Parliament of Scotland [00:22:44] - Roland brings up the speechwriting and how these experiences look good in a resume [00:23:15] - Eric asks what he's learned from all of these experiences [00:23:25] - Roland talks about the most frustrating part of the rules involved with these particular speechwriting opportunities [00:24:04] - Roland talks about his time at St. Andrews and the rules his friends had to follow [00:24:30] - Eric and Roland talk about age, not knowing about ADHD until later, growing up, and how Roland didn't do so hot in school [00:25:05] - Roland talks about the 1970's and how he was fortunate to have parents that didn't believe the negative things his teaches had commented about him [00:25:33] - Roland talks about being "spectacularly bad" at the teaching methods that didn't suit him but still ended up with a PhD. [00:26:13] - The subjects Roland was interested in were more like procrastination and fun, but other subjects felt like more work [00:26:44] - Roland and Eric bring up dyscalculia [00:27:15] - Eric talks about how people with ADHD don't have the luxury of doing "work that just pays the bills" and how we have to be interested in what we're doing [00:27:28] - Eric speaks to how interest drives dopamine and feeds the executive functions [00:27:51] - Roland also talks about how if he's really interested in a topic, he can't stop working on it, like staying up too late working on a task [00:28:19] - Roland talks about how staying up too late is self-destructive behavior [00:28:28] - Roland acknowledges that ADHD is still new to him, talks about getting formally diagnosed, recalls the first time he spoke with others who also have ADHD, and his moments of discovery [00:29:15] - Roland talks about how he got introduced to someone with ADHD and getting help with homework [00:29:35] - The thing that stood out to Roland was how a group of people talked similarly to how he does [00:30:03] - Roland brings up having an absent-minded professor thing his whole life even though he's not a professor [00:30:16] - Roland talks about some of the incredible things he's done because of a bad memory, and how moments of recognition can be powerful [00:30:56] - Eric acknowledges the reactions fellow ADHD brains get when they tell each other their ADHD stories [00:30:19] - Roland tells a story of one of his absent-minded moments with his at-the-time future wife [00:32:03] - Eric asks Roland if the ADHD diagnosis brings things into perspective as Roland acknowledges but still finds himself, through force-of-habit, having negative self-talk and what helps [00:32:41] - Roland brings up the first-time-wearing-glasses analogy [00:33:15] - Roland talks about tidying a drawer being a wonderful (and relatable) achievement [00:33:39] - Eric and Roland talk about the things that feel like big wins [00:39:05] - Eric asks Roland what he's been doing to address some of the negative self-talk [00:39:15] - Roland acknowledges that it's still a big challenge as a very transitional time in his life [00:39:34] - Roland uses the analogy of wearing "grooves into your mind" by saying something enough times, including using self-deprecation as a defense mechanism [00:40:04] - Roland feels lacking a sense of humor without it [00:40:15] - Roland is learning how to feel good about being confident vs. embarrassed about being confident [00:40:30] - He talks about how habits are difficult to change [00:41:13] - Roland finds it challenging to change even the smallest things [00:41:29] - Eric gives Roland a challenge [00:41:56] - Eric goes in depth about how, no matter someone's age, making positive changes IS possible [00:43:20] - Eric talks about accepting "what is" [00:43:30] - Eric talks about our itty-bitty shitty committee [00:44:38] - Eric acknowledges that with ADHD, "we want progress yesterday." [00:45:35] - Eric brings up how our brains and bodies want homeostasis [00:46:14] - Eric encourages Roland to keep connecting with the ADHD community [00:46:24] - Roland continues to learn and says the experiences are huge. [00:47:32] - Roland explains his next schemes for "world domination" [00:47:47] - Eric and Roland talk about history, repeating history, and making new mistakes after we've learned from history [00:48:46] - Roland shares his final thoughts Also mentioned in this episode:

In this episode, Eric Tivers is joined by Will Curb, MJ Siemens, and ADHD reWired coaches Moira Maybin & Roxie Martin. Barb also joins the panel as the ADHD reWired podcast family takes in and answers the questions from the listeners of the ADHD reWired Podcast. Brendan Mehan, we missed you this month! Every second Tuesday of the month, the ADHD reWired panel takes questions from our listeners live about their ADHD-related topics. Whether it’s personal or professional, the panelists are here every single month to ask questions and offer their knowledge and unique perspectives to help ADHD folks find the solutions they need.  Thank you for listening to the Q & A session this month. We cover a wide variety of topics and provide creative takeaways, no matter what stage you're in with your diagnosis. Listen in as we discuss your questions and the struggle we all continue working through as we navigate with ADHD. Find the other podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:   What will you find in this episode? [00:01:43] - Welcomin the ADHD reWired Podcast Family!  [00:02:10] - Roxie and Will confirm rumors about their new podcast [00:03:21] - Jane asks, “What can you do when you just cannot get your brain to engage, even if you want to?  [00:03:34] - Eric explains how trying to force it doesn’t work; he shifts to prioritizing sleep, and his brain doesn’t (typically) work with lack of sleep.  [00:04:27] - Will says going for a walk and getting movement in is helpful. [00:05:05] - Eric talks about how even though taking breaks is difficult, he always feels better after doing so. [00:05:38] - Moira talks about hormones and how expectations can be managed around hormonal cycles, while Eric mentions her podcast [the ADHD Friendly Lifestyle!] [00:06:37] - Roxie talks about riding on someone’s coattails, listens to ADHD-related podcasts & content, and enjoys singing karaoke for a break. [00:07:22] - Eric mentions Adult Study Hall and how a pomodoro dance break was really useful and fun! [00:07:52] - When MJ feels stuck, they talk about reaching out and telling someone, talking with their partner for a break, doing jumping jacks, and taking a pet-parent break.  [00:08:53] - Will encourages ADHD folks to write down things that don’t work and mentions how scrolling social media doesn’t typically work.  [00:09:18] - Eric likes video games but doesn’t usually stop at just 5 minutes of playing.  [00:10:03] - Scott asks about being on Adderall and wonders if his experiences are because of taking medication.  [00:10:27] - Eric encourages folks to talk to their doctors and the documented side-effects of stimulant medication.  [00:15:50] - Terry wants the panelists to talk about medications, particularly when kids are reluctant and contrary to medical advice. [00: 16:15] - Eric talks about how the research shows that when parents push medication during adolescence, the likelihood of the teens going back to medication as adults is drastically decreased. Eric encourages to allow the teen to make the call, which makes it more likely for them to go back to the medication as adults.  [00:17:04] - Eric also encourages parents to read about motivational interviewing. [00:17:56] - Moira encourages parents to include the kids as part of the conversation.  [00:20:10] - Eric encourages a healthy-fat high-protein breakfast before giving them their medication and let kids eat when they’re hungry.  [00:21:07] - Andrew wants to improve his communication skills and wonders if CBT or other methods could be helpful. [00:21:36] - Eric says CBT or DBT could be helpful.  [00:22:06] - Mentioned: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny and Kerry Patterson  [00:23:15] - Will talks about trying different communication models, such as a phone call or text to give the brain time to catch up. [00:24:13] - Eric says to take a break but 23] commit to coming back.  [00:25:00] - Roxie realizes trying to get into problem solving before we’re ready that we have such a huge breakdown. [00:25:10] - Mentioned: Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee Adams [00:25:25] - Kristen asks, “How do I lessen my interrupting in group discussions?” [00:25:36] - Moira talks about hyperarousal and treatments that helped her [00:26:03] - Eric and Moira encourage writing stuff down; Eric talks about some coping mechanisms and sitting in the discomfort of silence.  [00:27:00] - Will talks about cultural conversational styles across the U.S.  [00:27:37] - Suzanne asks about how to respond or having a set of pre-fabricated responses when people make comments about over-planning and other ADHD-related topics, while keeping composed. [00:28:20] - Eric thinks it’s cute when someone says, “You’ll remember that.”  [00:28:42] - MJ admits to being a chronic over-planner and talks about coping mechanisms they’ve developed with having ADHD. [00:30:23] - MJ encourages being okay with what we do and to give ourselves grace, and “Slow motion is better than no motion! [00:31:47] - Suzanne also asks if a lot of this is internal dialogue and talks about everything she writes down after grocery shopping.  [00:32:36] - Eric says, “Do what works for you!” [00:32:48] - Moira talks about being selective with sharing about her ADHD and driving with a GPS is always useful for her. [00:34:20] - Hannah asks about international support for people with ADHD. [00:41:10] - Mentioned: adhd-hub.com / adhdactually.com (not reviewed) [00:41:34] - Elaine asks about “transition dread” [00:42:48] - Roxie asks Elaine some coaching questions  [00:45:08] - Elaine talks about food sensitivities  [00:45:45] - MJ also asks Elaine some coaching questions and talks about doing new tasks. [00:47:06] - Elaine is reminded of fun things & wonders about doing brand new tasks.  [00:47:32] - Eric asks Elaine if there is anything she can let go of and talks about “CRS” [00:48:15] - Eric and Elaine talk about admin work while being self-employed and being seen. [00:48:57] - Eric stresses that it is important that you feel seen and understood by the professionals you are working with and to get people who understand you on your team. [00:49:46] - Eric says he will always need help, and needing help is okay. [00:50:38] - Rob asks if neurotypical folks have the same problems or issues that folks with ADHD have.  [00:52:17] - Eric mentions that we may not be fully aware that we do some things better than other people because those things don’t feel hard. [00:53:17] - Eric talks about the struggle of putting something in the mail. [00:53:58] - Moira acknowledges that neurotypical people have the same struggles, but that ADHD also affects us socially, at home, and affects our working memory.  [00:54:58] - MJ shares their observations about how certain tasks seem much easier for neurotypical folks than ADHD folks.   [00:56:05] - Grace asks if coaching would be useful even with a brand-new diagnosis and still earned a PhD [00:56:30] - Eric talks about coping skills, intelligence, and gives kudos for resilience and tenacity. [00:56:58] - All the panelists vote “Yes” to group-coaching for ADHD, no matter what stage or how recent the diagnosis was.  [00:57:58] - Jason asks how to go about getting a diagnosis in Canada. [00:58:23] - MJ highly encourages folks to find professionals who specialize in ADHD and why that’s important. [00:59:28] - Moira mentions CADDRA and CADDAC who list practitioners in Canada, and the importance of knowing what symptoms to talk about.  [01:00:56] - Eric encourages folks to get on a list to see someone even if it’s a long wait.  [01:02:41] - The panelists circle back to Terry’s question about keeping kids accountable without nagging them. [01:03:15] - Barb talks about dry-erase boards and letting her son check things off instead of nagging. [01:03:45] - Eric repeats motivational interviewing - it’s a great place to start, and says there is no such thing as failing when we’re trying new things.    Also mentioned in this episode: Become a of ADHD reWired

If this is the first time you’ve ever listened to this podcast, today’s episode features a different type of interview than Eric usually has on the show. If you have kids, this is a great one to get them to listen to (or listen to with them) as well. For long-time listeners, you’ve heard Eric mention his son on the podcast before. Well, guess what? His son is here today as dad’s very special guest! Listen as your host Eric Tivers and his son discuss his perspective on having ADHD (among other things) and its effect on him during this endearing and humor-filled episode of . Eric’s son is not just his favorite child interviewee on the podcast; he’s also the first child to be interviewed on the show. Eric asks his 9-year-old questions like: What does it feel like afterward when you do something, and you’re not sure why you did it? When is he likely to get distracted? As someone with both autism and ADHD, is he a big picture or small details kind of kid? Have other kids called him names at school? How does he view his giftedness, and how does it feel when something doesn’t come easily to him? What does he want to say to kids like him listening to the show? In this episode, you’ll also hear them talk about a tendency towards impulsiveness, a love for reading and math (including the Fibonacci sequence even at a mere six years old), and the different ADHD traits his son possesses. The 9-year-old even gets to take over the position of podcast host, interview his dad, and humorously offer his own tips towards the end of the show.  Get ready for spontaneous special effects, singing, sidetracking, and then some. ADHD adults and their ADHD kids will get a kick out of sharing this listening experience together! You'll learn: [01:52] Eric’s son says hello! [02:59] Listen to an explanation of neurodiversity from the perspective of a 9-year-old boy. [04:15] How does ADHD affect Eric’s son? [05:48] Eric’s son reveals his favorite thing to do to dad. [08:11] Eric shares an interesting tidbit about his son that’s always fascinated him. [09:35] Eric’s son loves to read! What book series is he reading right now? [11:40] When Eric read fiction as a kid, he had a hard time with this regarding characters. [13:32] Eric’s son shares a “time flies” joke before the break. [21:54] Before resuming the interview, Eric’s son gives a humorous plug for the podcast. [23:55] Eric’s son has been working on improving this social skill at school. How’s it going? [24:43] Despite not having autism himself, Eric still has trouble with this. [25:40] How does Eric’s son think other kids perceive him? He’s been waiting to hear someone call him this. [27:07] Listen as Eric’s son reveals what he thinks about his own giftedness. [29:37] Eric and his son discuss handling things that don’t come easily. [30:44] After a near-slip up transitioning to a new subject, Eric asks his son to define and opine on the word “transgender.” [31:02] The tables turn and Eric is now the one getting asked questions. [32:14] In answer to his son’s question, Eric discusses why he started this podcast. [34:52] We interrupt Eric’s answer for a spooky sound effect request complete with spooky laughter. [36:47] Eric cringes a little when he listens to his first 20 or so episodes. Here’s what that tells him, though. [42:13] Eric’s son tries his hand at saying “ADHD reWired” like dad. [43:52] In this special part of the episode, Eric’s son playfully offers his tips for those with ADHD. [45:48] When getting distracted while readying for school, here’s what Eric and his son say to get back on track. [48:31] Eric’s son signs off with a quick song about coronavirus. [50:10] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at .

"I know ADHD people who the minute the business is successful they sell it and start another business, because they’re bored; it’s running itself [and] it doesn’t meet any challenge anymore." Listen as your host Eric Tivers and his guest Judy Bass discuss overcoming challenges and finding success in the college classroom for ADHD students on this episode of . Judy is an internationally recognized expert in the field of college planning for students with ADHD and other learning challenges. Over the past 20 years, she has helped many ADHD adults in their late 20s and 30s realize their dream of earning a college degree. By focusing on their strengths and instead of their challenges, she helps ADHD adults develop a positive self-image, giving them the confidence to achieve success in life. Her website, , offers comprehensive college planning where students and their families are guided through the selection and admission process. BES assists with everything from high school course and extracurricular activity suggestions, visiting colleges, conducting interviews, filling out applications, and writing essays to reviewing testing and college accommodations and fostering independence and self-advocacy skill development. Listen as Judy shares some of her surprising revelations of and experiences with neurodiverse students. She talks about the types of college learning environments and workloads that can be better for those with ADHD to find success. She even discusses perfectionists vs. procrastinators, how to request and receive ADHD accommodations from your college, and preparations you should make before the start of the school year to help keep you organized and on track. You’ll also hear about alternative routes to traditional colleges, college graduation myths, changing majors, finding the best field of study for you, advice on talking to parents with certain career aspirations that you don’t want to pursue, and more. Along the way, Eric shares some of his experiences as an ADHD adult college and grad student and offers his own recommendations. Your Resources: You'll learn: [02:18] Welcome to the show, Judy! [03:31] ADHD college students experienced these pleasant surprises during the pandemic. [04:15] How did Judy get into this line of work? [06:15] Judy shares her self-advocacy recommendations for neurodiverse students. [08:05] Not every professor accepts that some students have ADHD. [10:18] When he was in college, Eric did this to minimize distractions in the classroom. [12:06] Finding the right professor that matches your learning style can make all the difference. [13:42] What surprising characteristics does Judy find in people with ADHD when it comes to the pursuit of higher education? [15:45] Two colleges in the country, to Judy’s knowledge, have six-week classes. But it can be both a blessing and a curse. [22:05] Judy discusses some alternatives to the traditional college environment available. [24:33] Judy reveals why it’s a challenge to shake perfectionists out of their perfectionism. [24:58] How did Eric handle his own perfectionist tendencies in college? [27:23] If you decide to go back to college and need accommodations for your ADHD, Judy lays out what you should do step-by-step. [29:35] Meet with someone during the summer before you start college to get your syllabi streamlined into your calendar. [30:33] Several technological aids exist to help ADHD students stay on track, take notes, and get organized. [32:35] What if a college student has been told to get a psych evaluation (despite research saying it’s unnecessary) to receive ADHD accommodations? [39:27] Eric divulges the key to getting the best accommodations for himself in college. [41:53] Smaller classes afford better opportunities to get to know your professors. [42:33] Here’s what Judy tells students who are thinking about attending a large university. [44:15] Sometimes, Judy has recommended that students not go the traditional college route. [45:45] Judy and Eric expose these myths about college graduation in the U.S. [47:12] When a student wants to change majors, how does Judy help them evaluate their decision? [48:14] Students with ADHD really need to go after degrees due to genuine interest in the field, not for the money. [50:19] Judy talks about how she guides students to converse with parents who have set career expectations for them. [52:32] How do you find the best field of study for you if you have ADHD? [53:12] Judy doesn’t recommend fields with these characteristics for those with ADHD. [56:10] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at  . Find Judy Bass:

"When you look at entrepreneurs, some of the most successful people in this world come from broken homes and troubled childhoods and poverty, and it’s because they’ve been able to navigate adversity and they’re so good at it." Listen as your host Eric Tivers and his guest Christian Morrow discuss growing up with ADHD, facing disease and addiction and depression in parents, and how Christian has and continues to work through the events of his life on this episode of . Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Christian has learned to navigate both a personal and professional life, as well as cope with tragedy in his personal life. More recently, he was also diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and his father passed away at age 64. He couldn’t enjoy his early 20s like most other young adults and found himself having to get organized and grow up really quickly just as he was about to finish college. His plans for grad school and his life were even put on hold for a while. From dealing with a parent with an addiction to the loss of a parent to suicide while he was in college, Christian has developed a new perspective about life, resiliency, and self-discovery. Now, he currently works in higher education where he recruits for Miami University and deals directly with respective college students, counselors, and faculty every semester. He’s also just graduated from grad school and has a home and a 4-year-old girl with his fiancée. Listen as Christian shares his experiences as a child with ADHD and the effect of his dad’s leukemia and addiction and his mother’s depression in his life from elementary school through college. He also reveals the difficulty he faced in trying to complete his education during some traumatic events involving his parents, discusses handling the aftermath of his mother’s death, and talks about how he continues to process what has happened in his life. You'll learn: [02:47] Welcome to the show, Christian! [04:50] How did Adderall and Strattera affect Christian? [06:54] A leukemia diagnosis for his dad in 1995 triggered the start of Christian’s hectic life. [09:02] Christian’s dad traded in his family for his addiction. [10:24] Christian discusses the beginning point of his mother’s depression. [12:24] After a period of rehabilitation, Christian’s dad moved back in with his son and ex-wife. [14:40] Why has Christian always preferred writing in cursive over print? [16:07] Miami U delivered a letter to Christian that kicked things into high gear. [24:31] For a few years, Christian was living two lives as a college student and a caretaker. [25:47] Christian discusses his OCD as a trauma response. [27:01] What was it about teaching middle schoolers that turned Christian off? [28:47] On the morning of April 10, 2015, Christian got some bad news from his dad. [31:17] Christian became the executor of his mom’s estate at age 22. [33:05] What kind of strategies helped Christian get organized? [38:23] ADHD is never just on an island by itself. It’s part of the greater picture of life. [39:55] Christian’s already done so much at age 29, and he’s often told he has an old soul. [42:01] How does Christian continue to process the events of his life? [44:32] Christian has felt obligated to take care of others, but how does he take care of himself? [46:05] If you’ve recently found out you have ADHD or are struggling with it, Christian offers this advice. [48:38] Christian has this thing about not starting anything unless he knows he’ll win or be successful beforehand. [50:27] How did his own upbringing shape Christian as a dad now? [53:16] To wrap up the show, Christian shares what he thinks listeners should take away from this conversation. [55:10] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at  .

"When I was in a high-stress situation, I don’t know if it’s the adrenaline acting like Adderall, but everything slows down for me and it’s by the numbers." Today, listen as your host Eric Tivers and his guest Jennifer G. discuss how her diagnosis affected her law enforcement training and career as well as some of the traumatic events from her childhood involving her family on this episode of . There are some officers out there who shouldn’t be and others who are meant to be in their position. The latter really want to help people; it’s what they do, and it’s a very strong feeling. Jennifer was born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard in the 1960s and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Nancy Drew and The Happy Hollisters mystery book series heavily influenced her as a child. She started her career in law enforcement as a meter maid in her town. Then she became an emergency dispatcher and finally a police officer like her father. The story of arrest is one of struggle and triumph and then struggle again, both with and against ADHD. With her ADHD, Jennifer always came to work hyper prepared for any incident on a call. Her trunk had everything she could need for any possible scenario, something that her co-workers both teased her for and took advantage of when they needed her help. Listen to her stories of struggle with anxiety and depression and embarrassing incidents while training and working as a police officer with ADHD. You’ll also hear about how Jennifer almost got hooked on alcohol and some hair-raising events during her childhood involving her older sister who suffers from drug and alcohol addiction. You’ll even discover her unusual rock collection where prized pieces keep...exposing themselves to her on the beach for her to discover. You'll learn: [02:27] Welcome to the show, Jennifer! [03:39] How did Eric’s podcast save Jennifer’s life? [05:16] Jennifer discusses how she first got into law enforcement. [06:21] Jennifer humorously reveals her biggest claim to fame. [07:09] A mishap during police academy training almost halted Jennifer’s career. [08:32] A squawking radio almost gave Jennifer away during an undercover drug call. [10:42] Hesitating to tell this story, Jennifer reveals a time she gave the wrong directions to her backup. [12:12] Was Jennifer more willing to take risks and enter dangerous situations? [14:30] Jennifer wonders if adrenaline acts like Adderall and slows you down. [29:15] Jennifer experienced a lot of trauma in her family growing up. [31:42] Has Jennifer explored the role PTSD might have played in her life thanks to her traumatic childhood? [32:25] At a young age, Jennifer discovered alcohol and could’ve gotten addicted. [34:52] If Jennifer hadn’t stopped drinking at age 23, she doesn’t think she’d be here right now. [37:00] Jennifer describes what her blue-collar dad and busy mom were like as she grew up. [39:42] The kindest thing Jennifer’s younger sister ever said to her. [41:14] Self-compassion is the way forward, no matter what struggle you’re working on. [49:27] Say what?! Jennifer has an erotic collection of rocks (which is growing every day). [51:31] Jennifer started rock hunting after her mother fell sick. She gets a bit emotional describing how her mom supported her. [53:21] For so many of us, the inner critic we hear comes in the voice of a parent. [55:09] Once you get diagnosed and start working with yourself, some people resist the changes in you. [55:36] Jennifer might be on the verge of a new invention. She’s an idea machine! [59:21] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at  .

In this episode, Eric Tivers and his guests, , , , , and Barb answer listener questions in our May Q & A session of . We’re taking questions from you about situations you want to discuss. It doesn’t matter if it’s personal or professional. We’re here to offer our knowledge and perspectives to help you find the answers you seek. Susan starts off the show with a question about her two ADHD children. She wants to know what the panel thinks about using functional psychiatry and nutrition to address ADHD symptoms. Winston asks about how to deal with his struggle with text messaging--sending them and responding to them in a timely manner, especially if they’re group texts. Jane is curious to know if any link exists between ADHD and body temperature control.  What are school systems doing regarding social-emotional learning for the fall when kids and staff will be in the same building for the first time in a while? Questioner Rich wants to ensure the best possibility for the upcoming school season to go as smoothly as possible for everyone. Les wants advice about anxiety, decision paralysis, and making the most efficient use of free time. Then the panel answers a question about the importance of healthy habits with sleep, movement, and nutrition. Marks wants to know how to loosely follow a GTD methodology while dealing with overwhelm by closing as many loops as possible. Diana has an action-oriented question for those who feel frantic about their list of priorities. Another listener wants advice for her ADHD-inattentive daughter on going to school for a future career in psychiatry. And the last somewhat related question from Sandra inquires about any professions where ADHD people tend to find success. Thank you for listening to the Q & A session this month. We cover a wide variety of topics and provide some creative takeaways no matter what stage you're in with your diagnosis. Listen in as we discuss your questions and the struggle we all still have dealing with ADHD. Your Resources: You'll learn: [02:08] Susan asks the first question. [02:57] Eric gives a caveat about natural approaches to health and treatment. [04:32] People respond differently to food, but crappy food leads to crappy feelings while good food makes you feel better. [05:30] Exercise is the best non-medicated tool for ADHD. [06:00] Moira addresses functional health and how it differs from holistic health. [07:50] Susan’s daughter hasn’t responded well to stimulant medications. [09:13] Winston has a question about texting which he struggles with. [12:00] Brendan realizes he forgot to respond to a text recently and shares how he prioritizes his messages. [13:09] If you’re worried about your tone while texting, Brendan shares a funny tip to alleviate your concern. [13:50] On the iPhone, you can pin text messages that you haven’t responded to. Eric shares how and offers another great way to respond. [16:48] MJ quickly talks about how she handles questions asked of her via text. [17:23] Eric realizes he hasn’t yet introduced the panel so does so now. [18:52] Barb reads a question from Jane about any link between ADHD and controlling body temperature. [19:44] MJ can’t seem to get her body into a comfortable temperature zone. [20:48] Moira has struggled with body temperature due to her thyroid disease and perimenopausal hormone changes. [22:17] Body temperature is a huge issue for many people during sleep. [32:14] After a long hiatus thanks to COVID, Rich wants to know what the landscape will look like for the students and staff returning to school. [33:29] Brendan answers part of Rich’s question by sharing what he’s seen and heard. [35:50] Teacher burnout is real. Their pay scale needs to be adjusted upward; otherwise, many will walk. [37:31] Getting on his soapbox for a minute, Eric expresses appreciation for what teachers have had to endure over the last year. [38:51] Barb reads a question from Les about advice on structuring free time. [39:37] Why is scheduling your free time activities not as restrictive as it sounds? [40:10] More than doing fun things,the anticipation of fun things will increase your enjoyment of them. [42:29] Even if you enjoy the work you do, your brain still needs to take breaks from it. [45:29] How important is it to establish healthy habits like cutting down on sugar, developing a good sleep routine, and physical activity? [52:29] Mark has a question about loosely following the GTD method. [53:13] Not all open loops need to be completed but some need to be dismissed. [54:37] When you know what you must do next and have a good list of priorities but feel frantic and overloaded, how do you get yourself to take action? [57:13] Eric believes that once you’ve had your top 3 priorities for the day, you have to earn the right to do anything else. [59:13] A listener has a daughter interested in becoming a psychiatrist but thinks going to med school would take too long and be too stressful. [01:00:50] Can you choose a career close to what you want but without a huge time and money commitment? [01:02:46] Sandra asks in what professions do people with ADHD tend to excel? [01:03:52] If you want to be a creative entrepreneur, just realize that you’re going into a business, not just your craft. [01:04:38] Barb discusses the need to consider the structure you want in your chosen career. [01:05:58] You’ve learned stuff and have a skill stack if you’ve bounced around from job to job. Take advantage of it. [01:07:01] Will quickly tells us his latest dad joke! [57:33] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at  . Links and Resources:

"It’s very easy to get lost in what other people say and think it’s your own thoughts.” Your host, Eric Tivers, welcomes back returning guest Justin Classen who was previously on the show in episodes and . They discuss Justin’s journey after his last appearance on the podcast, navigating issues of trust, attachment theory, and codependency, and his growth work today on . Since Justin’s ADHD diagnosis, he’s made a multitude of critical changes to gain better insight and control over his seemingly chaotic existence that helped transform his life. A series of traumatic psychological events proved to be a catalyst that transformed a desire for truth into diligent hyperfocus and dedication to reprogramming his entire understanding of reality through the labyrinth of human psychology.   The last time he appeared on the show, Justin had made significant progress on his journey to acceptance, positive change, and self-awareness development and discussed his strategies and results from transitioning between his home and work life. In this episode, he expands on what’s happened during the last year and talks about seeking help through a psychologist, spending time alone with himself for greater self-awareness, and his experiences with co-dependency and dealing with manipulative people. He also shares how he handles moments of wanting to quit his growth work, accountability for himself, and speaking truth from trauma. From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Justin is a hyper-active whirlwind with many interests and passions. Those who know him call him a “jack of all trades.” While he was diagnosed with ADHD in 2017, his diagnosis was prolonged for two years due to memory lapses that prevented him from attending his evaluation. But even with a profound number of failures, he’s found success too and is currently investing his intense energy into various chosen hobbies and careers. You'll learn: [03:20] Welcome back to the show, Justin! [05:50] Justin reveals his latest hobbies. [07:07] In the last year, Justin has started seeing a psychologist. [09:18] Self-awareness is an important core value that can uncover blind spots and accelerate your growth. [11:44] How has Justin learned to trust himself and deal with others’ feedback? [12:45] Often people with ADHD can be susceptible to narcissistic people. [14:21] Justin talks about why he often didn’t enjoy receiving recognition from others. [15:50] What does Justin go through when he realizes he’s in a manipulative relationship? [23:14] Eric and Justin discuss attachment theory. [24:51] Eric shares one of the most helpful pieces of information he found while reading up on attachment. [27:31] Justin has hit moments of wanting to get off the growth train for a while. [30:28] Organization is a big area Justin has been working on lately, but time management is still his biggest issue. [32:54] To remain accountable to himself, has Justin requested help from anyone to keep him disciplined? [33:45] Justin somehow manages to function on very few hours of sleep. [35:19] Eric finds it difficult to wind down when he’s out of town on business. [36:35] Justin has managed to find ways to integrate his leisurely time into his busy daily life. [42:19] What does the phrase “from trauma speaks truth” mean to Justin? [44:14] Despite his traumatic past, Justin doesn’t give off a feeling of resentment. [45:30] Friends that Justin thought he had a year ago are no longer friends. [47:07] Justin reveals the best thing he’s learned over the past year. [48:58] What would Justin say to anyone who thinks that beating themselves up is the only way to change? [50:14] For some people, negative attention is better than no attention at all. [52:21] Laughter can be some good medicine. Find the funny in the situation. [54:35] Justin is in a vastly different place from when he first appeared on the podcast. [57:33] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at  . Find Justin Classen:

“I think that expectation of neurotypical behavior is hopefully changing in companies so that if somebody acts a little bit different, they are not judged as less than or atypical, it’s just different.” Listen as your host, Eric, Tivers, and his guest Dr. George Sachs discuss his journey before discovering he has ADHD, the start of his practice, the growing neurodiversity in the workspace, developing his Inflow app, plus much more today on . George is the co-founder and clinical director of , the first science-based app built for and by people with ADHD. Inflow is grounded in the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and its mission is to help every person with ADHD reach their full potential by providing sustainable, accessible, and cost-effective support. Alongside their core seven-week program, Inflow offers a safe community space and a range of support tools, from ADHD-specific meditations to live events and personalized journaling. In this episode, Dr. Sachs discusses his experience as a late bloomer with ADHD, how he came to realize he had it himself, opening his practice, the overlap between ADHD and autism, and neurodiversity in the workforce and during the interview process. Then he shares how he came up with the idea for Inflow, what it does, and plans he has the app and its developing community. Dr. Sachs has committed most of his life to helping others with ADHD. He was diagnosed later in life and is a licensed child and adult psychologist. He’s authored four books on ADHD and is the founder of the in New York City. Half the team behind the Inflow app has ADHD, and Dr. Sachs is passionate about promoting neurodiversity in the workplace and wider society. You'll learn: [03:06] Welcome to the show, Dr. Sachs! [03:43] Dr. Sachs discusses the “experiments” he tried in his 20s. [05:21] What type of television work did Dr. Sachs do? [06:34] What was it like riding the dot com boom of the late 1990s? [07:11] Dr. Sachs realized he needed some stability in his life, so he went to Emory to major in psychology. [08:55] Dr. Sachs shares how he thinks he made it to grad school before his diagnosis. [09:55] With passion comes motivation and a decrease of ADHD symptoms. [11:21] What is sluggish cognitive tempo? [13:31] Dr. Sachs describes what came after graduation, including working in Compton and South Central L.A. [24:17] Autism comes with the benefit of directness. Here’s how honesty and directness have helped Dr. Sachs’ practice. [26:38] ADHD and autism have some overlap validated by research. [29:35] In the last few years, a lot of companies are creating space for neurodiversity in their workforce. [30:08] Interviews are conducted as if everyone’s neurotypical, so Dr. Sachs coaches people on the spectrum to do this at the beginning. [32:32] Why does Dr. Sachs not recommend self-disclosure in interviews for those with ADHD? [40:10] Dr. Sachs started developing the Inflow app a year ago. [41:56] What does the Inflow app do? [43:57] Dr. Sachs reveals his favorite challenge on the app. [46:39] Eventually, collaborations with companies like Peloton will create group challenges on Inflow. [48:09] Inflow strikes a balance between compassion and acceptance, as well as encouragement. [50:16] What is Dr. Sachs most excited about with the Inflow app? [50:56] Dr. Sachs and Eric discuss the impact of community and group work for those with ADHD. [52:11] What’s an antidote to perfectionism? [54:39] Dr. Sachs discusses his biggest struggle as an entrepreneur with ADHD [56:56] Dr. Sachs shares a final thought for listeners. [57:45] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at  . Find Dr. George Sachs:

"I feel really lucky, and I think I'm just trying to find meaning, helping other people and being good in the world around you and just taking it one day at a time." Listen as your host, Eric Tivers, and his guest Leya Russell discuss the plane crash she survived, her injuries and recovery, her art and photography, plus much more on this episode of . Leya is a proud mother, artist, photographer, and general magpie finder of shiny things and rays of light. Having all the fun letters behind her name, she was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia at the age of 30. Since her initial diagnosis, Leya has established a successful photography business, built a fine art studio, survived a plane crash, and earned even more letters after her name, including PTSD, anxiety, panic disorders, and many more. But nothing has dulled her effervescent curiosity, love for learning, and passion for life.    Listen as Leya shares surviving a plane crash in Bangladesh, being taken to a hospital where no one spoke English, and not being able to communicate with them about her injuries. She discusses coming home in a body cast and going through EMDR and other trauma-based therapies to cope with what happened and about where she is on her journey to recovery. Leya's primary income maker is her photography, but since the plane crash, recovering from her injuries, and Covid, she hasn't been able to work her business. Right now, her primary medium of art is soft pastel paintings, and she finds joy in helping others in her community. Listen as she shares what she is looking forward to once the pandemic has run its course and her work with the Centre for Disabilities in Development. You'll learn: [03:02] Welcome back to the show, Leya! [03:16] Leya shares how she survived a plane crash in Bangladesh. [05:43] When she was taken to the hospital, no one spoke English, which was very scary, especially when she broke her back and had a traumatic brain injury. [09:47] What do you attribute all of your resilience to?  [12:46] When she came home, she had so many injuries she was in a full-body brace. [14:00] Leya discusses going through EMDR and other trauma-based therapies. [25:45] Leya shares some ways she has learned to cope with the memories of what happened. [27:54] Where are you now on the recovery journey? [29:57] Leya defines what a magpie is. [32:38] Leya's primary income maker is her photography, but her primary medium of art is soft pastel. [33:40] Leya speaks about her paintings and the meaning behind them. [41:56] Leya shares some dreams that she has turned into action. [44:33] Leya discusses how she has purpose and compassion by helping others. [46:11] Where do you go from here? [48:11] Leya speaks about what she wants to do once Covid is behind us. [53:10] How are you surviving when you can't do the work that pays your bills? [54:58] Thank you for having me on the show. [55:52] Thank you for being on the show! [56:43] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron by clicking on our Patreon tab at Find Leya Russell: |