ADHD reWired

I have two guests joining me in the studio for this episode.  Alex is a proud husband of eight years and is a father to two children.  He teaches special education at the middle school level. His daily practice of mindfulness and meditation has had a profound effect on his life. His ADHD witness story comes into focus in 2008.  The most recent stage of his ADHD journey began with the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group. Alison joins Alex (her husband) on this episode. They have known each other since 2008, and she is a mental health nurse. In this conversation, you will hear Alex and Alison share how they have navigated the obstacle course that is a marriage or relationship with one person who has ADHD and one person who does not.  Alex and Alison discuss their challenges and explain how they resolve conflict. Connect with Alex: Email: You’ll Learn: [09:45] - Alex shares how the two met.  He explains why he saw her as mysterious. [12:30] - Alison talks about the impact diagnosis, and medication had on their conversations. [13:46] - Alison was once brought to tears by Alex having a spotlessly clean living area. [16:06] - We talk about our memories from before we started medication. [22:30] - Alison talks about one of their challenges with parenting. Alex describes his feelings when he’s frustrated with his son, who displays some ADHD characteristics. [26:12] - Alison shares how she allows Alex space in some of these difficult situations. [27:47] - Alex struggles with sharing what is happening in his brain. [30:06] - When Alex’s ADHD is winning, Alison takes his reactions personally. [31:55] - I share that non-ADHD spouses can understand ADHD by listening to these conversations. [33:11] - Alex explains how they engage in constructive problem-solving. [37:38] - Alex considers himself lucky to have someone like Allison, who understands his situation. [39:17] - Alison says that she’s needed to explain Alex’s characteristics with her family. [41:10] - We talk about the dance between accommodating and enabling. [50:54] - Alex talks about why he made the decision to join the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group.  Alison chimes in with developments she’s seen. [55:22] - The two talk about changes they’ve seen since Alex joined the group. [59:20] - Alison shares what she has learned about ADHD since meeting Alex. [1:02:30] - We talk about the long-term aspect of marriage, which involves things like apologizing, and the process of resolving conflict. [1:11:24] - Alex shares his experience with mindfulness. Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin on September 24th, and the group is now full.  If you’d like to secure an early spot and an early registration price for our winter session of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group, RSVP for our registration event on October 4th at 2pm Central.  This session starts January 7th. To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to .   Support the podcast on Patreon Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall. Learn more at ADHD reWired Facebook Group: If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to and fill out an application. Productivity Q&A Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to . Want to be a guest? Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story? Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician? If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

Shawn Smith joins me on the podcast this week.  Shawn has his Master’s in Education and Counseling.  He is the proud founder and CEO of Don’t dis-my-ability Consultation Services, an innovative, multi-faceted coming specializing in the emerging field of neurodiversity.  He is a counselor, psychotherapist, and national award-winning entrepreneur.    Diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive Type at age 30, Shawn struggle through every level of the public education system prior to his diagnosis.  It took Shawn 32 attempts to earn the 18 credits required to graduate high school.  Medication gave Shawn’s brain a jump start it needed to wake from 30 years of slumber, taking his thought process from dial-up to fiber-op.   In this conversation, you will hear Shawn talk about his company and the services he provides.  He explains why his company being located in a cooperative creates a constructive environment for his work.  Shawn discusses his background, his struggles in school, his diagnosis, and why the entrepreneurial life fits him well.    Connect with Shawn Smith:  Website -   You’ll Learn:  [07:45] - Shawn describes the Villa cooperative, where his business is located.    [09:41] - Shawn provides some details on the services Don’t dis-my-ability provides, and shares how this environment fits him.    [10:47] - Keynotes and workshops are things that Shawn frequently does, and he describes the content of these offerings.  [11:54] - Shawn describes his life before diagnosis as “hell.”  [12:28] - We discuss the idea of being “lazy.”  [14:07] - Shawn describes some of the strategies he uses to stay organized and productive.  [15:47] - Shawn talks about growing up and seeing people around him making changes he wasn’t making.  [18:23] - A labor dispute is what led to Shawn’s diagnosis.  [22:07] - Shawn describes the changes in his life after diagnosis, and he started medication.  [24:06] - Shawn talks about being “snuck in” to college.  [25:26] - We talk about trying to filter out background noise, and I share my technique for accomplishing this.    [28:45] - Shawn shares more specific information on the services Don’t dis-my-ability provides.  [30:35] - Shawn talks about being a social entrepreneur and describes some of the challenges he faces in this role.  We also talk about being drawn to entrepreneurship out of boredom and resentment.  [34:42] - Shawn says the name of his business came from a rap beat he had in his head.  [40:06] - Shawn lists some of the things he does with his company.    [42:50] - Shawn shares how he plans projects. I talk about using  to help with time zones.  We also talk about the challenge of writing checks and addressing envelopes as “macro thinkers.”  [45:49] - Shawn describes how to make context matter.  [48:37] - Shawn talks about his podcasting experience, including his upcoming video podcast, Don’t dis-my-ability Podcast.   [52:50] - Shawn speaks about the term neurodiversity and why it’s being used.  [1:00:05] - I talk about the book , and understanding the unique skills we as people with ADHD have.  Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th, and the group is now full.  If you’d like to secure an early spot and an early registration price for our winter session by RSVPing for our registration event on October 4th at 2pm Central.  This session starts January 7th. To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to .    Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at    ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application.  Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to.  Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

This episode is the recording of August’s live Q&A.  The questions answered in this episode were submitted by listeners of this podcast, both ahead of time and live.  Brendan Mahan once again joins me on this Q&A.    This month, we have a few questions on careers.  We talk about exploring careers and finding the one that best suits us and our strengths and weaknesses, and we talk about being successful with a manager or in a workplace that is not necessarily ADHD-friendly.   If you’re listening to this on the day it is published, you can listen to September’s live Q&A at 1:30pm Eastern.  Join Brendan Mahan and me as we answer your questions live.  You can register at .    Connect with Brendan Mahan    You’ll Learn:  [07:09] - Jennifer starts with a question about working for a manager or in an organizational structure that is not friendly to techniques people with ADHD use to thrive.  She also asks about disclosing ADHD.    [18:13] - Nick asks about using rewards to manufacture a habit.    [23:30] - Madeline admits to starting a lot of things, and finishing few of them because of “choice paralysis.”  She asks how to overcome this.   [30:40] - Christian shares a dilemma with us.  He believes he is in the career field he wants to do, but now he’s not sure.  He’s having trouble with blending his passions with his abilities, which are impacted by ADHD.  This leads to a discussion on self-awareness and strengths.    [44:45] - We answer another question about accomplishing career goals.  Brendan and I share our thoughts on satisfaction in careers.  [49:05] - Sheila is worried about being overwhelmed and stressed with her daughter visiting.  She wonders how to get her emotions under control.  We share some ideas with her.  [1:00:30] - Brendan shares how the heat and humidity have impacted his productivity.   [1:03:10] - Brendan asks me how I transition from one minor task to another minor task.  I share my strategy with these situations.  [1:04:45] - Brendan asks how I avoid being derailed by infrequent appointments. This leads to a discussion on cars.  Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th.  If you’d like to try to snag one of the last two spots, RSVP for the last registration event. To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to .    Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at    ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application.  Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to.  Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

Today’s guest is Bob LeVitus.  Bob is the author of more than 80 technical books and has been a columnist for the Houston Chronicle since 1996.  He’s known about his ADHD for almost 20 years, and he says at this point, he considers it “kind of a blessing.”  Bob has a company called Working Smarter for Productions. Bob is a Mac aficionado, and he’s going to help us understand how he uses different Mac products to improve his productivity, and hopefully help your productivity.  If you don’t have a Mac product, I would encourage you to still listen to this conversation.  Bob says that most of his information is applicable across other platforms. In this conversation, Bob shares a ton of great tips for organization and time management. You will hear us discuss lots of apps and services. If you would like to take Bob’s course, you can get it 50% off!  The coupon code is ADHD reWired. Connect with "Dr. Mac": Website -  You’ll Learn: [07:50] - Bob shares his ADHD story. [09:46] - Being in a group for adults with ADHD was more beneficial for Bob than individual therapy. [11:17] - Bob explains that he tried several strategies for organization and time management. [12:40] - Bob describes the Pomodoro Technique. [14:33] - Not a single one of David Allen’s suggestions worked for Bob. [15:56] - Bob talks about time-blocking and keeping himself in the chair. [17:16] - I talk about one of the oldest documented descriptions of ADHD. [18:41] - We talk about predicting the amount of time a task should take you and comparing that to the amount of time it actually takes. [20:17] - Bob talks about typing speed, and suggests TypingTest.com to test yourself and improve your typing speed. [22:35] - Most thinner keyboards actually slow your typing speed down.  Bob talks about keyboards built in a manner that helps your typing. [25:44] - We talk about using dictation and enhanced dictation.  Bob compares Dragon to the built-in dictation on Mac. [28:40] - Bob shares how he uses voice with his iOS devices. [33:53] - I share that I wish location reminders were able to be micro-location reminders. [35:36] - When Bob was writing an article, he discovered weird things you can get Siri to answer.  This leads us to a rabbit hole and a beat-boxing Siri. [39:56] - Bob talks about how you can create snippets or shortcuts on Mac and iOS. [48:00] - Bob suggests not obsessively checking email. He shares ways to pry yourself away from the inbox. [49:52] - Bob doesn’t pay for many services, but he pays for . [52:03] - Turn off your notifications! [52:40] - Bob used to believe he was great at multitasking. He now realizes he CAN’T multitask. [54:53] - We talk about the amount of time it takes to create or break a habit. [56:16] - Bob talks about the Pomodoro Technique app he likes to use, . [56:55] - I talk about one of my favorite apps, . [58:35] - I share how I use . [1:00:06] -  is a paid service that we have both used in the past. [1:01:52] - I share that Bose headphones have helped my focus. [1:03:07] - Bob talks about how he organizes the apps on his iPhone. [1:05:03] - Bob attributes almost all of his weight loss to the Apple Watch. [1:08:00] - I share a usage monitoring tool for the iPhone, which leads to a confession. Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 21st.  Registration ends this week! To learn more or RSVP for a registration event, go to . Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at  ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application. Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to. Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

Katie Schonwit joins me on this episode.  Katie is a 30-year old Brooklyn, NY native who is a Senior Office Manager and an Executive Assistant, a gamer, and a nerd extraordinaire.  After her mother passed away when she was 18, she was forced to grow up and struggled for years until she was finally diagnosed with ADHD a year ago.  She is now on a path of self-discovery.    In this conversation, you will hear Katie’s story.  Katie has experienced a lot in life, but you will hear that she has the perseverance to get past any barrier she encounters.  She talks about her childhood, the early and sudden death of her mother, an abusive relationship, and multiple miscarriages.    Connect with Katie Schonwit:  YouTube:   You’ll Learn:  [06:47] - Katie describes her life pre-diagnosis.    [09:53] - Katie shares her family situation growing up, including her mother’s sudden death.  Now, Katie can appreciate her even more.  [13:55] - Katie talks about working retail and her work history.  She explains why she has stayed at her current job.    [17:51] - Katie shares her experience in an abusive relationship.   [21:03] - Katie talks about her relationship with her fiance.   [22:44] - Katie was prompted to seek an evaluation because of a subway sign.   [26:20] - Katie describes the grieving process around her evaluation.    [28:06] - In the last year, Katie has gone on a path of self-discovery, and she explains her growth.    [31:20] - Katie shares a message for anyone who is recently diagnosed.     [35:55] - I talk about my past experience with Minecraft.   [42:59] - Katie talks about some of the hardships she’s faced recently.   [53:40] - Katie describes how it felt to “come clean” about what she has been going through with her accountability group.    [56:11] - Katie talks about her action steps regarding pregnancy.   [58:44] - Katie talks about her YouTube channel.  [59:50] - There is a profound underrepresentation of women in gaming.  [1:05:30] - Katie shares that she’d like to cover the miscarriage experiences on her YouTube channel.   [1:09:36] - Katie dedicates to start working on her YouTube channel this weekend.    Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th.  Our next, and possibly last registration event is coming up this Thursday at 4pm Eastern.  To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to .    Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at    ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application.  Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to.  Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

Today’s episode is the final installment of our special series of mastermind sessions we recorded with a small group of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group alumni.    This episode is Tina’s turn in the hot seat.  When you listen, think about what questions you would have asked and what ideas you would have shared.  Then, share them with us in the comments section of this episode, or tweet at me .  In this conversation, we are going to help Tina address some challenges she’s having in her business. If you struggle with emotional flooding, overwhelm, or decision-making, you will like this episode.  If you are an entrepreneur, I think you’ll love this episode.    You’ll Learn:  [06:14] - Tina describes the issue she would like to mastermind in this conversation.  [07:11] - Tina shares what her career is, and where these situations tend to arise.   [10:54] - Tina identifies which situations trigger these emotional responses.  [13:18] - Marisol asks Tina if she could have her lawyer involved in some of these conversations from the beginning.  [14:58] - Natalie asks some detailed financial questions to put things into context.   [18:56] - Erica asks if Tina could start conversations earlier to avoid some issues.  [22:35] - Will asks if there is any sign that a client could cause problems, and if there’s a way to prepare for that.    [25:19] - Tina shares some insight into the nature of her business.  She also explains that she has no qualms evicting people.  I talk about the importance of bending the world to us, and not spending time working in areas that are not our strengths.  [26:54] - Natalie talks about using intuition and identifying problem clients.   [29:24] - I ask a general question about real estate on renting vs. selling.   [31:26] - Will brings up the fact that Tina has been considering moving.   [34:29] - Erica comments that Tina is very professional and straight-forward, so when she’s faced with people who don’t operate in the same manner, it is upsetting.  [35:55] - Will shares his techniques for handling specific situations.  I share the STOPP method.  [43:39] - Marisol asks Tina about meditation or mindfulness practices.  [47:22] - Will talks about anxiety, how it impacts him, and how he works through it.  [50:38] - Tina dives a little deeper into her current position.   [54:00] - I ask Tina, “What is the one thing you can do to make this easier?”  [57:48] - Natalie goes over some organizational structure with Tina.   [1:01:23] - Tina shares her takeaways from this conversation.  [1:02:33] - We check in on progress from previous discussions.  Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th.  To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to .    Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at    ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application.  Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to.  Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

This episode is the recording of July’s live Q&A.  The questions answered in this episode were submitted by listeners of this podcast, both ahead of time and live.  Brendan Mahan once again joins me on this Q&A.  In this conversation, you will hear us discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and many other topics.  You will even hear what prompted me to request a medication change.   If you’re listening to this on the day it is published, you can listen to August’s live Q&A at 1:30pm Eastern.  Join Brendan Mahan and me as we answer your questions live.  You can register at .    Connect with Brendan Mahan    You’ll Learn:  [06:13] - Brendan launched his coaching group the day this was recorded.  Brendan talks about making structure and systems successful, which he covered with this group.  [09:33] - I explain why I recently requested a medication change.  [12:25] - Brendan puts on his coaching hat with me.  [13:52] - Erica asks why perfectionism has such an effect on people with ADHD.  We share our personal thoughts and experiences on this topic.  [22:12] - Sara weighs in from the chat and says, “Procrastination is my out from perfectionism.”  This can be a good strategy.  [22:50] - Marisol asks how to stop the drive of perfectionism when you recognize it.  [25:37] - Marisol has a follow-up question.  She says that at the moment, she acknowledges she’s overdoing it, but it’s hard to stop.   [28:40] - Brendan talks about disconnecting physically, but struggling to disconnect mentally.   [36:05] - Sara says that when her students use fidgets, it’s distracting for others.  Brendan explains that her students need to understand it’s a fidget, not a toy.  I also share my feelings on this topic.  [41:35] - Gina asks the difference between rejection sensitive dysmorphia and regular rejection feeling bad.     [45:59] - Carl joins the call.  His husband has done a lot of research about ADHD, but at times, he sees Carl’s ADHD as work.  He would like his husband to understand his struggles.    Your Resources:    Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th.  To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to    Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at    ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application.  Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to.  Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

This week, we have another special episode for you.  This is the next installment in a series of mastermind sessions that I did with a few members of the coaching group alum.  This episode is Natalie’s turn in the hot seat.  You may remember Natalie from . When you listen, think about what questions you would have asked and what ideas you would have shared.  Then, share them with us in the comments section of this episode, or tweet at me .  In this conversation, we talk with Natalie about her business.  The bulk of the conversation is on figuring out how she can narrow her focus and building her website. These are the two things that we determine will lead to immediate income.    You’ll Learn:  [09:49] - Natalie lays the groundwork for this conversation.  She launched her business ten years ago, but feels overwhelmed and is looking for guidance.   [11:08] - Natalie shares what she is doing with her business right now.   [14:45] - Will asks Natalie about her business’ social media presence.   [15:38] - Erica wonders how Natalie would like to divide and spend her time.   [18:52] - Tina brings up the topic of blogging.  Natalie explains that she has a few written, but she has not published them yet. She also explains how she will produce the blog as a video.  [21:26] - Marisol asks Natalie if she’s able to devote her entire work day to her business.  She talks about the distractions she faces during the day and explains how her medication helps with this.   [23:15] - Erica talks about the paralyzation we can feel with the number of social media outlets.  She asks Natalie if she can focus on her specific platforms because that’s where her audience is.   [28:50] - I ask Natalie which medium she could develop to make posting on social media easier or unnecessary.  This leads to a discussion on how she can show people that she’s good at what she does.  [33:07] - Tina gives Natalie an idea for video, focusing on the emotional aspect of organization.  [37:30] - Erica compliments Natalie’s “hot box” strategy for desks.    [38:36] - Will suggests that Natalie raise her prices, without even knowing where her pricing is.  He explains the thought process behind this.   [43:45] - I ask Natalie what the one thing is that she could finish that would make everything else easier or unnecessary.   [45:23] - Because Natalie also speaks French, she would like to market to the French-speaking community. We talk about the practicality of doing this.   [51:00] - Marisol asks if Natalie should break down information so that she can get it out more quickly in a manner that would be better suited for people with ADHD.   [52:53] - Erica asks Natalie how she markets the ADHD component of her business.  [58:18] - Marisol suggests partnering with someone to share ideas.  [59:44] - Erica asks Natalie if she is connected with therapists and psychologists.  [1:01:55] - Marisol brings up something she heard on  on networking.   [1:03:16] - Will reminds Natalie (and everyone) that you should network before you need it.   [1:04:30] - Tina suggests writing hand-written notes.   [1:05:05] - Erica reminds Natalie that therapists protect their clients, so she needs to show that she is trustworthy, and this could take some time.  [1:07:04] - Natalie shares the commitments she would like to make, going forward.  This leads to a discussion on language and publishing the website in French.  Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:  ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th.  To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to  Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at  ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application. Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to. Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

Over the next few weeks, you’re going to hear a few very special episodes that are a part of a series of mastermind sessions that I did with a few members of the coaching group alum.    On this episode, Erika is on the hot seat over travel challenges.  She explains the aspects of traveling that give her the most trouble.  Then, other members of the mastermind ask questions and share ideas and advice to help Erika overcome these situations.  You’ll Learn: [07:53] - Marisol starts things off by giving us a little update on our last mastermind conversation, which was in .   [12:03] - Erika lays the groundwork for this discussion on traveling.    [15:48] - I share that over the years, I have become less interested in leaving the house.  I like being places, but I don’t like going places.  [18:19] - Will asks for clarification on the source of Erika’s anxiety in these situations.  [19:46] - Marisol asks how long these vacations or trips are.   [21:53] - Natalie is a professional organizer with a lot of experience in this area.  She says she understands Marisol’s need to have things clean before she leaves, and provides a few tips.  [27:09] - I speculate that Marisol is experiencing executive functioning anxiety, and share some other examples of this.   [29:41] - Tina asks if routine would help alleviate pressure and anxiety.  [31:50] - Will shares something he recently read in a Brene Brown book that is related to this conversation.  [33:08] - I ask Marisol to consider the one thing she would like to accomplish on a short trip.  [34:42] - Marisol points out the time restrictions on these shorter vacations.    [38:22] - We discuss the issues around clothing and body issues and traveling.  [44:27] - Will says that he doesn’t have as much time as he thinks he does during the day.  He has a trip coming up, and he talks about making a list of things to do when he returns.    [47:05] - We talk about the idea that this anxiety is caused by a disturbance in routine. This leads to a discussion about negative talk and staying positive in this situation.   [52:53] - Natalie revisits the discussion on clothing size and options.   [59:37] - I talk about the five-second rule, which sometimes works for me.    [1:01:54] - Natalie offers help as her accountability partner.    [1:02:27] - Erika shares her action steps, moving forward.    Your Resources:        Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th.  To learn more or RSVP for the group registration, go to    Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at    ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application.  Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to.  Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .

On this episode, I am joined by two guests in my studio.  These two people are in, what we are calling, a “mixed (almost) marriage,” where one of the partners has been diagnosed with ADHD.  Emily and Josh, a couple from Chicago, have been together for three years and sat behind my mics for this conversation.    Josh has ADHD and Emily does not.  He was diagnosed with ADHD right before they met, so his journey has coincided with their relationship.  Josh works as a support engineer at a tech company and codes on the side for fun.  Emily works at a non-profit for middle and high school girls.    In this conversation, you will hear Josh and Emily share the techniques and strategies they have discovered and created to have a successful mixed relationship.  The discussion includes their stories, their experiences, and their intentional efforts to overcome. You’ll Learn: [06:25] - Josh talks about his diagnosis.  He met Emily a few months later, and he recounts his first impressions and conversation.  [09:00] - Emily and Josh talk about the step of moving in with each other.  Emily explains what it was like to move in with someone with ADHD.   [12:12] - Emily shares a tip she learned on this podcast.  [14:25] - We talk about self-awareness being part of executive functioning.  [17:00] - Emily talks about the discoveries they have made.   [20:16] - Emily shares that Josh is quick to look at the system, and look for a solution that involves technology.  [23:50] - Josh shares two changes he’s made with technology that has helped them.  This leads to a discussion on setting alarms.  [27:30] - Josh and Emily share what they have learned from each other.  Emily says that Josh has helped her leave open space on her calendar.   [30:26] - Emily gives some advice to the neurotypical person in a mixed marriage.    [33:32] - Emily talks about the idea of suggesting someone “try harder” or “focus more.”  [40:53] - Emily and Josh explain how they have names for features of ADHD.    [48:40] - Emily says if you are with someone who was diagnosed as an adult, they are probably beating themselves up for things that have happened over the years.  [49:45] - Josh explains that Emily pauses and gives Josh time to come up with the words to convey what he is going through.  He provides an example.  [56:23] - Emily explains “the true step one.”  [59:37] - Josh shares what he finds challenging about Emily, as she is neurotypical.  He goes on to explain how people with ADHD have an advantage with systems in this time of technological intrusion.  [1:05:50] - Emily describes some strategies that help her in this relationship.  Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Our fall season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group will begin September 24th.  Registration dates and times will be announced later.  If you’d like an email to let you know when registration is opening, sign up at    Support the podcast on Patreon  Patreon allows listeners like you to support content creators like me.  With a monthly contribution, you can get access to different levels of perks.  One perk example is our Patreon-only Adult Study Hall.  Learn more at    ADHD reWired Facebook Group:  If you would like to join the ADHD reWired secret Facebook group, go to  and fill out an application.  Productivity Q&A  Get your ADHD questions answered live!  These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to.  Want to be a guest?  Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .