On this episode, Matt Beardsley joins me in my office.  First off, thanks to Matt for giving me the motivation to clean my office!  Matt is a husband, father, and friend.  In his professional life, he works in technology as a site reliability engineer.  Since his diagnosis in April of 2017, Matt has been able to go on a deeper journey of self-discovery, finding along the way, himself and the community he cherishes.    In this conversation, you will hear Matt’s story.  He talks about his academics and emotions as a youth.  He explains his love for math and why he sees math as a place for creativity.  When Matt was evaluated for ADHD, he was nervous that he would not be diagnosed because, in his research, it seemed to answer so many questions.  You will also hear Matt describe some of the tools he uses to be efficient.    You’ll Learn:  [04:28] - Matt shares information on his background, which includes being labeled “sensitive” and being moved back and forth from advanced and standard classes.   [12:32] - Matt explains why he found it easier to pay attention in math classes and he says that math has space for a lot of creativity.  [14:38] - Matt talks about how numbers are abstract. An example is the fact that zero was not a number until a certain point.  [16:45] - Matt looks back on the anxiety he would feel with tasks and the introduction of the “what if” monster.  [21:42] - Matt says that, for him, numbers have shapes and feelings.  He explains why certain numbers are comfortable and uncomfortable.   [25:30] - Matt explains agile methodology and “cracking the code of you.”  [32:16] - Matt points out that we overestimate our ability to remember.  [33:17] - Matt talks about doing a budget.   [35:22] - Matt explains that 10% of your effort gets you to 90% of your goal.  The remaining 90% of your effort goes to the last 10% of your goal.   [37:37] - Matt talks about his routines and some of the adaptations he uses to be efficient.   [45:03] - Matt says his commute is the best three hours per day and he shares how he utilizes that time.  [50:56] - Matt tells the story of his diagnosis.  [1:00:07] - Matt talks about the support and love he receives from his family and the ADHD community.  [1:04:25] - Imposter Syndrome is something Matt has encountered.  We talk about reframing the situation by saying “Welcome to the party.”  [1:14:00] - Matt shares what a real apology sounds like.   [1:16:49] - Matt talks about “emotional flood” and the loss of control that comes as a result.  [1:20:00] - Matt explains that  made a lot of sense to him and his wife.  [1:22:59] - Matt listened to the first episode of this podcast and my sharing that I felt “normal” after starting medication.  He had the realization he had never felt normal.   [1:26:00] - Matt describes his first day on medication.  [1:38:44] - Matt says that if you want to be good, you have to be the best that you can be.  Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Early registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group is now open. To learn more and schedule your interview, .  Early registration pricing is limited to the first 18 people.   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.  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.  ADHD Women’s Palooza   I will be one of the presenters at the 3rd annual Women’s Palooza!  Join me and over 30 other ADHD experts at this conference.  This is an online event, and you can catch all of the sessions and the replays.  Learn more and register at   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 .

No guest in the history of ADHD reWired has appeared as many times as Tom Nardone, and he joins me again on this episode.  If you’re new to the podcast, Tom and I have been friends since the start of this show.  He is the host of .  Tom was diagnosed with brain cancer in September of 2017. In this episode, you’ll hear a lot of laughter and emotion from Tom.  Tom is always an open book, and this visit to the podcast is no exception.  Most of this conversation is Tom sharing the emotions that he is experiencing at this stage of his brain cancer recovery.  He is incredibly transparent and I think we all have a lot to learn from Tom, and how he handles this situation. Connect with Tom Nardone: Website -  You’ll Learn: [09:21] - Tom came on the podcast about a week after brain surgery.  We talk about his communication skills after the surgery. [11:16] - Tom talks about his experience leading up to and immediately following his surgery. [17:00] - Tom describes what it’s like to go through radiation treatments. [20:55] - Tom explains why he tries to maintain a sense of humor throughout the process and provides a few examples of his humor opportunities. [27:55] - While Tom’s radiation has ended, and there is a tapering off period, he still has physical effects which leads to other people acting differently. [32:01] - Tom has been experiencing some unexpected symptoms that he considers a night panic attack. [37:17] - Tom shares why he struggles with his emotions during this time. [46:28] - We are trying to raise money to help Tom with his healthcare costs.  You can donate at  [54:08] - Tom talks about the anxiety he’s feeling and the fear of disappointing others. [1:05:03] - When it comes to ADHD, Tom says that he “is” ADHD.  He shares his thoughts on labels. [1:10:14] - Tom shares how he feels about people interacting with him after they know he was diagnosed with brain cancer. [1:13:40] - I have a little fun at Tom’s expense by having him repeat something he said earlier in the show. [1:17:04] - Tom explains how paralysis has caused him to spit when he talks and eats. Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group Early registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group is now open. To learn more and schedule your interview, .  Early registration pricing is limited to the first 18 people. 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.  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. ADHD Women’s Palooza I will be one of the presenters at the 3rd annual Women’s Palooza!  Join me and over 30 other ADHD experts at this conference.  This is an online event, and you can catch all of the sessions and the replays.  Learn more and register at  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 .

Linda Roggli joins me on this week’s episode. This is Linda’s third appearance on the podcast.  She is a professional certified coach, award-winning author, founder of the ADD Diva Network, and co-founder of the ADHD Women’s Palooza, which is just around the corner.  Linda is an expert in later-life ADHD. Linda is a popular speaker at national and international conferences and has coached 100s of women. In this conversation, you will hear Linda share the role that estrogen plays in ADHD behavior.  This is something that a lot of OB GYNs don’t know about.  She also shares information on her observational study that you can participate in.  This could be an awakening and explain as much as an ADHD diagnosis. Linda also talks about the upcoming ADHD Women’s Palooza conference.  This leads to a discussion on the importance of connecting with other people.  Linda explains how Women’s Palooza offers the opportunity to connect and speak with others. Connect with Linda Roggli:  Website -  You’ll Learn: [03:10] - In Episode #199, I talk about my year in review.  I share that I would like to bring music back into my life and give you access. [13:18] - Linda talks about attending a conference last week and hearing details a lot of interesting research.  She talks about how it was clarified for her that ADHD is not about willpower. [17:44] - Estrogen plays a huge role in your ADHD behavior, Linda explains. [24:26] - We talk about stimulant medications being with severe depressive episodes. [25:46] - Linda shares that most OB GYNs don’t know about the role of estrogen in ADHD. [34:40] - Linda talks about her survey, which is a deep, observational study. [36:45] - Linda shares a conversation she had with a presenter at this conference.  This woman is setting up a world-wide study. You can donate at  [43:17] - We talk about the importance of connection with other people.  Group work has helped us achieve results we never saw without connecting with other people. [43:33] - Linda explains that ADHD Women’s Palooza was created to bring people and information into one place. [47:15] - Linda shares that the Women’s Palooza offers the opportunity to connect and speak with each other through a phone interface. [49:52] - Linda encourages you to go to use  to connect with local people. [51:38] - Linda talks about organizing the Women’s Palooza without Terry, her counterpart. [57:16] - Linda recently finished one of Stephen Hinshaw’s books, and he is a featured speaker at this year’s Women’s Palooza. [1:06:52] - Linda says that there are health issues that people with ADHD struggle with at a higher rate. [1:09:00] - Linda talks about purchasing 33 sets of necklaces and earrings. Your Resources: - Stephen Hinshaw Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:  ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  Early registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group is now open. To learn more and schedule your interview, .  Early registration pricing is limited to the first 18 people. 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.  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. ADHD Women’s Palooza   I will be one of the presenters at the 3rd annual Women’s Palooza!  Join me and over 30 other ADHD experts at this conference.  This is an online event, and you can catch all of the sessions and the replays.  Learn more and register at  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 .

Laura Wrzesinski joins me on this episode of ADHD reWired.  Laura is a licensed marriage, and family therapist, who was a member of the most recent ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group.  In her private practice, Radical Realness Therapy, she works with LGBTQIA folks, feminists, and ADHD millennials who are ready for self-acceptance and healthy relationships.  Laura was diagnosed with ADHD about two and a half years ago.  In this conversation, you will hear Laura share her ADHD story and her professional background.  Laura is “trauma-informed” and talks about trauma, including EMDR, which is a form of trauma therapy.  Laura was a member of the last ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group, and she shares some of her personal experiences from the group and explains how you could benefit from joining our next group.  Connect with Laura Wrzesinski: Website - You’ll Learn: [04:50] - Laura was diagnosed with ADHD about two and half years ago. She tells her ADHD story.  [06:40] - Laura explains what prompted her to seek a diagnosis. [09:58] - Laura says that her favorite assignment in the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group was listing successes. She explains why this list gave her mixed emotions. [11:30] - Laura describes her “current lens” and says that she is at peace with her past decisions. [12:25] - Laura admits that she feels weird sharing her story, as a therapist. [15:56] - We talk about the opinion that ADHD is not real. [17:07] - Laura explains what trauma is and what she means when she says she is “trauma-informed.” [20:36] - Laura describes EMDR, a form of trauma therapy. [22:58] - We talk about brainspotting. [25:16] - Laura and I talk about James Ochoa’s work with EMDR and ADHD. [29:03] - Laura says that she realizes that ADHD is more than just about focus. [34:26] - Laura talks about the emotional regulation piece she discovered around ADHD and explains how she had a better understanding because of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group. [37:32] - Laura shares that she had a hard time achieving big goals, and that is a reason she joined the group. [39:11] - Time-blocking is a strategy that Laura has tried to implement. [44:40] - One of the things Laura wanted to tackle was her early-morning exercise routine. She shares her progress in that area.  [50:18] - Laura knows that she has too many items on her to-do list. She shares how she manages this list. [56:25] - Laura talks about working with her accountability group. [57:45] - Laura shares her struggles with balancing executive functioning. [1:00:35] - Laura has a message for you if you’re considering joining the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group.   Your Resources:   Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group Early registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group is now open. To learn more and schedule your interview, .  Early registration pricing is limited to the first 18 people.  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.  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 . ADHD Women’s Palooza I will be one of the presenters at the 3rd annual Women’s Palooza!  Join me and over 30 other ADHD experts at this conference.  This is an online event, and you can catch all of the sessions and the replays.  Learn more and register at 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 .

We did it!  We made it to episode #200!  I would have never guessed we would have over one million downloads over 176 different countries.  You and your stories are why this podcast is the top-rated ADHD podcast on iTunes.  Thank you.  This episode is the recording of December’s live Q&A.  These Q&A sessions take place the second Tuesday of every month.  The questions answered in this episode were submitted by listeners of this podcast, both ahead of time and live.  I am joined on this episode by Brendan Mahan.   In this discussion, you will hear Brendan, and I answer several questions from You’re welcome to join these monthly live Q&A sessions.  They take place the second Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm (Central).  Go to .  You’ll Learn: [05:58] - I talk about how our moods can be affected by the weather this time of year. This impacts my ability to play, and I plan to be intentional about making that a priority. [07:57] - Brendan talks about starting his podcast. [09:58] - I share that I have experienced a dopamine crash as I’m between major projects. [16:07] - Brett was diagnosed about two months ago. He has gone back to school and realized through his struggles that he might have ADHD.  He is still struggling with certain things.  We talk about the possibility that he could have dyslexia.  [22:29] - Brett has experienced incredible weight loss. He has concerns about weight loss from medication.  [26:46] - Kat joins the call to talk about her 2018 planning. She shares her plan for this planning session and asks for some tip on staying focused and productive. [46:12] - Ben shares that he currently hates his job because of tasks he does not like. He asks how to be productive in this type of a situation.  We talk through Ben’s situation. [57:08] - Natalie jumps on the call to ask about accessing her thoughts. I explain how meditation can help her with this. [1:04:30] - Tamara is wondering about online and local support groups. I encourage her to join our ADHD reWired Facebook Group.  [1:05:40] - Someone asks about mirroring feelings and emotions when mirroring is not appropriate. I talk about mindful awareness. Your Resources: Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group Early registration of our 12th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group begins January 16th. To learn more and schedule your interview, .  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.  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 .

Originally, I was not going to release an episode of the podcast, but at the last minute, I changed my mind.  This podcast exists to give you some updates on things.   We made it to 2018!  I planned to spend an entire day doing my annual planning.  Instead, we had frozen drain pipes!  This was quite an ordeal that resulted in me losing a few days of work and $1800.   I have been thinking about my goals for 2018, although I haven’t had time to put everything together.  I’ve also been looking at my quarterly planning and I will be setting aside a full day for my annual planning.  You can actually help me meet one of my goals.  I’d like to get about 15 guests scheduled for the podcast.  You can schedule a pre-interview call . Our newest podcast, ADHD Essentials will be out next week!  You will be able to find it in all of the podcast apps.   Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group The 11th season of our ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group starts on January 8th, and it is already full!  Our 12th season starts April 16th and registration starts January 16th.  To learn more, 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.  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 week’s episode, we’re looking at our year in review and taking a sneak peek at the year ahead.  You will just hear my voice on this episode.  Every year, I spend time reviewing my goals from the prior year.  I believe it’s critical to reflect before you look forward.    A lot of wonderful things happened in 2017, yet it was a really hard year.  You will hear what my goals, wins, and challenges were.  I also share the themes and aspects of my life and business that I am considering when looking at my goals for 2018.    You’ll Learn:  [05:30] - “Moving” was not on my list of goals for 2017.  This one thing was the most challenging thing of the year.   [07:20] - I start the year by identifying overarching themes.  In 2017, I identified joy, music, gratitude, and balance as my themes for the year.    [08:02] - In January, I made the decision to decrease the number of hours I was putting into my work.  I explain how our move changed this strategy.   [10:45] - Around April or May, I realized I was falling into a scarcity mindset.  Upon recognizing that, I made a conscience effort to have an abundance mindset.   [13:33] - I had a category of things I wanted to learn.  This included becoming a better writer, learning LinkedIn, and learning organizational strategies around things and stuff.  [17:28] - One of my goals was to launch a new website.  This was a big goal that took longer than I wanted it to, but it was a successful launch!  [19:13] - Another of my goals was to hire a Virtual Assistant.  That was a success with Jessica.  [20:05] - I had a goal of maintaining six clients for my clinical practice.  During this calendar year, I closed my practice.  I see this as a shift based on life circumstances.  [21:10] - My #1 podcast goal was to interview Brene Brown.  This did not happen, and I share my feelings on that.   [22:12] - I wanted to hit ONE MILLION downloads in this calendar year. That goal was met!  [22:57] - I share some other goals I had for the podcast.    [26:10] - When looking at specific goals, I did not hit most of them.  This serves as a reminder that goal-setting is to provide direction.    [27:03] - I share my goals on speaking.  I did not do anything in this category, and I blame our move.  [27:30] - I did hit my financial goals for this year.  [28:05] - I share my goals for coaching groups, which I did hit.  [31:40] - I talk about my Patreon goals for 2017.    [32:30] - Our Facebook community has been a real challenge for me.  I share why this is a challenge and describe my solution to this problem.  [35:18] - I share a lesson I learned from moving.  [37:05] - The best decision I made in 2017 was to say, “no.”  [38:31] - I talk about the importance of friendship.   [39:37] - The theme of “play” is something I need to bring back into my life.  [40:57] - Tomorrow, I will be taking a day to focus on annual planning.  I share some of the themes I may be focusing on in 2018.  Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles:    ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group  The 11th season of our ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group starts on January 8th, and it is already full!  Our 12th season starts April 16th and registration starts January 16th.  To learn more, 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.  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 .

Aaron Anastasi returns to the podcast for this episode.  Aaron is a Southern Californian actor and film-maker who graduated with a master’s degree from Princeton.  He is a serial entrepreneur with an online presence that grosses seven-figures.  Aaron has the #1 singing life lesson channel on YouTube with over 20 million organic views and 250,000 subscribers.  Aaron is also a prominent success coach with a book that reached Amazon’s Top 100 Best-Sellers list within a week of its release. In this conversation, you will hear Aaron talk about his new book, and he shares some stories and philosophies from the book.  Aaron talks about going from living in fantasy to seeing in reality. He shares some strategies on how to get to that point, and the role that feedback plays.  We also talk about passion, priorities, and music. Connect with Aaron Anastasi: Website -  Facebook -  Instagram -  You’ll Learn: [05:30] - Aaron talks about his new book, and what prompted him to write the book. [08:34] - Aaron shares a story from his childhood that shows that it’s possible to live in fantasy and not see reality. [12:55] - Aaron says that seeing reality is a necessary first step. [17:55] - Aaron talks about what he wants to gain from asking questions. [21:35] - I explain that we can’t control our automatic thoughts, but we can hit pause to re-think the situation. [22:20] - Aaron encourages people to consider what’s “as true” or “more true.” [24:46] - Aaron spent a few years preparing a music course.  He considers it a “major failure.” [26:16] - Aaron talks about feedback and says that feedback is the connection between fantasy and reality. [29:10] - We talk about the value of passion. [33:05] - Aaron and I talk more about feedback.  He shares what kind of feedback he looks for with his books. [37:50] - Aaron shares what he is doing with production and acting. [39:22] - Aaron explains that he uses feedback to determine which areas of his life he should master. [42:58] - Aaron talks about his acting, and how he moved into music.  We both talk about our relationship with music. [46:00] - Aaron shares how he can tell when he’s stretched himself too thin and where his priorities are. [51:13] - Aaron talks about tension in his book.  He explains there are two types of tension and how he processes this information. [55:15] - Aaron explains how he will be celebrating the release of his book. [56:30] - Aaron shares who his thought-leader influences are. Your Resources: Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group The 11th season of our ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group starts on January 8th, and it is already full!  Our 12th season starts April 16th and registration starts January 16th.  To learn more, 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.  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 November’s live Q&A.  These Q&A sessions take place the second Tuesday of every month.  The questions answered in this episode were submitted by listeners of this podcast, both ahead of time and live.  I am joined on this episode by Brendan Mahan.   In this discussion, you will hear Brendan, and I answer several questions from diagnosis and medication to refocusing after interruption, overwhelm by digital tools, and everything in-between.  You’re welcome to join these monthly live Q&A sessions.  They take place the second Tuesday of every month at 12:30pm.  Go to . You’ll Learn: [05:52] - Colleen asks about fish oil and other supplements. [10:25] - Beth asks for tips on getting diagnosed with ADHD. We share tips and warnings about the diagnosis process. [15:20] - Catalina asked if medication should help with organizing your space.   [21:02] - Catalina follows up with a question about medication dosage.  We also talk about medication and insurance costs.   [24:30] - Dmitri asks about emotional control and disruptions.  Brendan talks about the role that mindfulness plays in controlling emotions. [36:44] - We answer two questions that are similar on procrastination and taking control of our lives away from ADHD. We discuss this topic in regards to interviews.   [47:59] - Deborah was part of an ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group and asks what her follow-up should be after the group.  I share that I am building a community for alumni.   [52:57] - Olivia asks how to assist her 19-year-old son with life decisions. [57:13] - We answer a question about refocusing after interruptions.  Brendan explains that the process starts with avoiding interruption. [1:03:46] - Carl has trouble differentiating between his thoughts and ADHD thoughts.  Brendan states that he draws the line at useful thoughts and unuseful thoughts. [1:04:22] - A questioner is looking to avoid overwhelm by digital tools. [1:05:48] - A listener asks how to explain ADHD to others.   Your Resources: Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired’s 200th Episode! Our 200th episode is coming up, and I’d like you to be a part of it.  Do you have a great ADHD story, poem, or song?  It could be funny, triumphant, inspiring, or even cringe-worthy.  Record yourself using a voice recording or memo app on your smartphone.  Submissions are due no later than December 19th.  You can email me the mp3 file at and put “#200” in the subject line.   ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group The 11th season of our ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group starts on January 8th, and you can go to my website and reserve your registration time.  Registration starts today and goes through Wednesday, November 22nd.  To learn more and schedule your interview, . 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.  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 .

Justin Classen joins me on this episode.  Justin is 27-years-old, and a whirlwind of intense, hyper-active energy, born, raised and distracted in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  He received a diagnosis of ADHD only 9-months ago.  However, this diagnosis was prolonged by two years, due to lapses in memory to actually attend his evaluation.  Considered a “jack of all trades” by those who know him, Justin has found success in a multitude of endeavors, and an acceptance in a profound number of failed ones.  Justin is currently maximizing his energy and investing into his careers as a journeyman, industrial scaffolder, exotic dancer, as well as a music producer and nightclub DJ.   In this conversation, you will hear Justin talk about his life before and after his ADHD diagnosis, 9-months ago.  Justin says that his ADHD diagnosis gave him confidence at work.  He describes how his diagnosis and medication have impacted his work as a journeyman on scaffolding.  Justin is a man of many interests and passions, and I think you will enjoy this conversation and glimpse into Justin’s life.  Connect with Justin Classen: Music - You’ll Learn: [05:27] - Justin talks about his life before his ADHD diagnosis. He shares how he felt he was losing his identity. [07:12] - Justin describes his childhood and schooling. [09:14] - Justin shares how he “discovered” ADHD. [10:42] - Justin explains the ADHD evaluation process in Canada. [14:55] - Justin describes his work as a journeyman working on scaffolding.   [16:42] - Justin says that working after his diagnosis gave him confidence.   [19:18] - Justin talks about some of the risky behavior he engaged in prior to his diagnosis. [22:19] - Justin explains what a journeyman is. [24:25] - Justin shares how he became an exotic dancer. [29:46] - Justin talks about his current interest in computer processing and building his own instruments. [32:08] - We talk about MIDI. [33:27] - Justin describes his career as a DJ.   [38:41] - Now that he has been diagnosed, Justin shares that he needs to go back and review his past. [40:10] - Impulsivity is something that Justin is still struggling with. [42:45] - We talk about fidget items and the need for them. [44:04] - Justin shares that he does not get restful sleep.   [47:31] - Justin looks to the future. Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired’s 200th Episode! Our 200th episode is coming up, and I’d like you to be a part of it.  Do you have a great ADHD story, poem, or song?  It could be funny, triumphant, inspiring, or even cringe-worthy.  Record yourself using a voice recording or memo app on your smartphone.  Submissions are due no later than December 19th.  You can email me the mp3 file at and put “#200” in the subject line.   ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group The 11th season of our ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group starts on January 8th, and it is already full!  Our 12th season starts April 16th and registration starts January 16th.  To learn more, 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.  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 .