The Impulsive Thinker

André, The Impulsive Thinker®, sits down with autism expert Dr. Kenny Handelman for a direct look at how autism traits overlap—and differ—from ADHD, especially for the growth-minded ADHD Entrepreneur. In this episode, we cut through internet myths about autism and dig into what the DSM-5 really says, how "stimming" and fidgeting work, and what rigidity means for entrepreneurial routines and relationships. If you've ever wondered about the social challenges and unique wiring behind an autistic brain, this conversation will help clarify the differences, bust stereotypes, and give you practical insights for clearer self-understanding as an ADHD Entrepreneur. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. Dr. Megan Anna Neff ADHD & ASD Venn Diagram: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/adhd-vs-autism/ Guest: Dr. Kenny Handelman is a psychiatrist based in Ontario, Canada, who works with kids, teens, and adults. He is the founder of the CFIMH Specialty ADHD Clinic and a recognized expert in ADHD. Dr. Handelman is the author of "Attention Difference Disorder" and has taught doctors about ADHD in 22 countries across four continents. Books by Dr. Kenny Handelman: Attention Difference Disorder The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, reflects solo this week after an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Russell Ramsay, diving into his late realization of high functioning alcoholism. This honest episode unpacks how ADHD Entrepreneurs often use substances or habits like alcohol, food, or even doom scrolling not out of weakness, but as tools for emotional regulation and masking. André gets real about why simply "cutting back" rarely helps ADHD brains and why recovery starts with understanding your thinking habits, not just your actions. Get practical insights on building better regulation strategies and replace those old coping methods for lasting personal growth. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. www.cbt4adhd.com www.adhdandaddiction.com For more information on Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/ For more information on Refuge Recovery: https://www.refugerecovery.org/ Books by Dr. Russell Ramsay: The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills to Manage Stress, Find Focus, and Reclaim Your Life The Adult ADHD Tool Kit

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, sits down with psychologist Dr. J. Russell Ramsay for an honest conversation about addiction, masking ADHD, and the entrepreneurial journey. Together, they unpack what "high functioning alcoholic" really means and how undiagnosed ADHD can drive Entrepreneurs to use alcohol or other substances as a solution—or a way to hide struggles. Personal stories intertwine with strategies for recognizing unhealthy patterns, talking about the importance of support, and the reality of facing a thinking problem rather than just a drinking problem. This episode offers relatable insights for any ADHD Entrepreneur navigating substance use and self-understanding. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. Guest: Dr. J. Russell Ramsay is a psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD. He recently launched a solo virtual telepsychology practice, which can be found at www.cbt4adhd.com. Dr. Ramsay is recognized for his contributions to the field of adult ADHD and is a repeat guest on The Impulsive Thinker™ podcast. www.cbt4adhd.com www.adhdandaddiction.com For more information on Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/ For more information on Refuge Recovery: https://www.refugerecovery.org/ Books by Dr. Russell Ramsay: The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills to Manage Stress, Find Focus, and Reclaim Your Life The Adult ADHD Tool Kit

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, reflects on a powerful conversation with Mike Starkey about the tough realities ADHD Entrepreneurs face at the intersection of addiction and ADHD. Addiction often hides ADHD symptoms, and getting sober exposes them, making life challenging before things improve. André unpacks how substance use and other habits like food or social media can mask ADHD traits, and why recovery programs need to address both. This episode gets personal about the ongoing nature of recovery, the importance of real community support, and what it means to truly manage your ADHD brain. Listen in for honest insight and practical questions. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. www.adhdandaddiction.com For more information on Alcohols Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/ For more info on Refuge Recovery: https://www.refugerecovery.org/ Book references: "The Link Between ADD and Addiction" by Wendy Richardson. "The Drummer in the Great Mountain" by Michael Joseph Ferguson.

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, sits down with Mike Starkey—professor, musician, sailor, and ADHD advocate—to share Mike's honest journey through addiction and recovery while living with an ADHD brain. They explore why recovery for Entrepreneurs with ADHD needs more than just traditional programs, emphasizing community and real connection. Mike unpacks his path from years of self-medicating to building ADHDandAddiction.com, offering practical insights on why getting sober comes first and how community supports lasting change. Join us for an open look at what recovery really means and how mutual support can help Entrepreneurs with ADHD move forward—no matter how messy the journey. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. Guest: Mike Starkey is a professor, musician, and sailor with an ADHD brain who helps others with their addiction recovery in various ways. He co-founded the website www.ADHDandaddiction.com with Amber Harper, supporting ADHD brains with their addiction journey. www.adhdandaddiction.com For more information on Alcohols Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/ For more info on Refuge Recovery: https://www.refugerecovery.org/ Book references: "The Link Between ADD and Addiction" by Wendy Richardson. "The Drummer in the Great Mountain" by Michael Joseph Ferguson. Check out our free CHADD supported weekly ADHD and Addiction peer support group, Mondays at 7pm PST: RSVP on Meetup https://www.meetup.com/chadd-california/events/calendar/ Free Resource: Our ADHD and Addiction Toolkit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocRSWDOJ7-XdXLjYBT4mbTIGvlv7Dpfu/view?usp=sharing Email us! We'd love to connect, and can be reached at thrivingwithmikeandamber@gmail.com.

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, takes a real look at ADHD, addiction, and recovery with insights from Amber Harper's story. This episode breaks the silence between ADHD and addiction, diving into why alcohol became more than just a party favour—often a way to cope with untreated ADHD. Hear André share personal reflections on binge drinking, cravings, and how an ADHD diagnosis brought clarity and hope. If sobriety feels tough, you're not alone. Tune in for honest talk about self-medicating, triggers, and the path to stable recovery. For ADHD Entrepreneurs, understanding your brain is the first step to sustainable change. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. www.adhdandaddiction.com For more information on Alcohols Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, sits down with Amber Harper to share her moving journey at the intersection of ADHD and addiction. Amber—a seasoned data analyst, writer, and co-founder of ADHDandAddiction.com—gets real about how her ADHD diagnosis shifted her recovery process and offered new hope. They discuss denial, anger, relapse, and why recovery looks different for ADHD Entrepreneurs. If you've ever used alcohol or food to cope, Amber's honest perspective and tips on community support will hit home. Listen to learn how understanding your ADHD can change your relationship with addiction and open the door to true personal growth. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. Guest: Amber Harper is a seasoned data analyst and writer with an ADHD brain who supports others in their addiction recovery journeys in various ways. She is the co-founder, with Mike Starkey, of the website www.ADHDandaddiction.com , a resource dedicated to supporting ADHD brains with addiction. Amber brings lived experience, professional insight, and a commitment to empowering others in the ADHD and addiction community. www.adhdandaddiction.com For more information on Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/ Check out our free CHADD supported weekly ADHD and Addiction peer support group, Mondays at 7pm PST: RSVP on Meetup https://www.meetup.com/chadd-california/events/calendar/ Free Resource: Our ADHD and Addiction Toolkit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocRSWDOJ7-XdXLjYBT4mbTIGvlv7Dpfu/view?usp=sharing Email us! We'd love to connect, and can be reached at thrivingwithmikeandamber@gmail.com. CORRECTION: At around 13:15, Naltrexone is referred to as a beta blocker. It is actually an opioid inhibitor.

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, unpacks the real roots of addiction for the growth mindset ADHD Entrepreneur in this SUD Short. Inspired by a conversation with addiction expert Rand Teed, André cuts through the stigma, sharing how addiction is actually about brain dysregulation—not weakness or morals. This episode dives into why recovery is more about retraining your brain and finding healthy rewards than just quitting substances. If you've ever swapped one habit for another or struggled with emotional eating, this reflection might hit close to home. Discover why shame-free understanding and reconnecting with yourself are the keys to lasting change. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. Books by Rand Teed: Which Way to Turn: Understanding Adolescent Substance Use Collateral Damage: Understanding the Impact of Substance Use on Families and Friends and paths to recovery:

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, sits down with seasoned addiction counsellor Rand Teed to get real about recovery, substance use disorder, and the tricks your brain can play during the process. If you're an ADHD Entrepreneur, you'll relate to the tug-of-war between stress, maladaptive rewards, and finding healthier coping strategies. André opens up about his own journey—swapping alcohol for binge-eating—and Rand explains why this is so common, plus how the brain's reward system gets hijacked. Tune in for insights on building better habits and true recovery that lights up more of life than just the grind. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here. Guest: Rand Teed is a seasoned addiction counsellor with over 50 years of experience, specializing in the impact of substance use on individuals. For the past 25 years, his focus has been helping people understand and navigate the challenges associated with substance use. He has travelled across Canada presenting on recovery from substance use disorder. From Rand: "I send out a thought for the day with a photo I take, a quote by someone smarter than me and a piece of interesting music. Here is the link if someone wanted to subscribe. I do this to spread beauty and encourage thoughtfulness" https://drugclass.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=004153b492bc9cf07b684c2d4&id=3871aed6e1 You can find Rand on Facebook, Instagram, and X (@randteed) Drugclass.ca Books by Rand Teed: Which Way to Turn: Understanding Adolescent Substance Use Collateral Damage: Understanding the Impact of Substance Use on Families and Friends and paths to recovery

André, The Impulsive Thinker™, jumps into a fast-paced solo episode, reflecting on lessons from a recent chat with Adrienne Duffy. If you're an ADHD Entrepreneur feeling trapped or boxed in, this one's for you. André gets real about why feeling stuck often means you're out of alignment, and how bold moves aren't about size—they're about stepping outside your comfort zone and trusting your gut. By focusing on your true abilities and ditching people-pleasing habits, you can finally find your groove. Tune in for direct advice on breaking out of ruts and building a business that works with you, not against you. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.