ADHD Aha!

Derek Miller wears many hats: money coach, musician, athlete, performer, cider guide, and more. His ADHD story is just as full of twists. Derek didn’t find out he had ADHD until college. The jump from high school left him struggling to focus — especially while also caring for his wife during her cancer treatment. To get through the stress, he often used caffeine, while also working on managing his emotions and finding ways to improve himself.Derek’s view of life and money also changed during his time in Mozambique, where he served as a Mormon missionary. That experience shaped how he thinks about community and resilience. In this episode of “ADHD Aha!,” host Laura Key talks with Derek about majoring in math even though he had math anxiety, how he learned to handle his emotions and focus, and why he now helps others build a healthier relationship with money.For more on this topicADHD and managing moneyADHD and caffeineDerek's financial education instagramTimestamps(00:00) Intro(01:07) Derek’s college ADHD diagnosis story(05:53) Math anxiety(09:04) Self awareness and introspection(12:32) How emotional money can be(15:49) Derek’s time living in Mozambique, and what he learned about rejection sensitivity(21:40) What’s next for Derek(22:53) Outro and creditsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org or record a message for us here.  Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sari Solden, a pioneering psychotherapist and author, is a steadfast advocate for women with ADHD. In her discussion, she reflects on her personal journey of discovering her own ADHD while shaping the field in the 90s. She addresses the societal pressures and stigma surrounding women with ADHD, sharing candid anecdotes about her struggles with shame and working memory. Sari emphasizes the importance of community support and self-acceptance, highlighting the recent surge in diagnoses and the evolving understandings of ADHD in women.

Erica Shoemate, a maternal health strategist and advocate, shares her powerful story of navigating motherhood after a traumatic birth. She reveals how her experiences led to a late ADHD diagnosis and highlights the layered mental health stigma that exists within the Black community. Erica discusses the intersection of ADHD and hormonal changes, reflecting on her challenges with postpartum anxiety and PTSD. Her journey underscores the importance of mental health advocacy and support, encouraging open conversations about these issues.

Canadian writer and performer Kate Hammer, now based in Scotland, talks about her journey with ADHD and the emotional rollercoaster of seeking a diagnosis. She reveals how candid feedback from loved ones influenced her understanding of herself, alongside her experience navigating the UK evaluation process. Kate shares insights into her short film 'Bear,' a creative representation of ADHD through the metaphor of a clumsy bear, shedding light on the chaos of neurodivergence and the power of humor in addressing invisible struggles.

John Michael Hinton, a magician and speaker diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager, shares his journey from struggling academically to embracing his vibrant creativity. He reveals how caffeine helped identify his ADHD, and a mentor encouraged him to shift from ‘Ready, FIRE, Aim’ to ‘Ready, AIM, Fire.’ John performs mesmerizing magic tricks and discusses how ADHD fuels his unique performance style, all while navigating life as a husband and father in an ADHD family. His insights inspire others to embrace their quirks and find strength in their uniqueness.

Jiyoung An, a UX designer diagnosed with ADHD this year, reflects on her transformative journey from self-doubt and stigma to self-acceptance. She discusses the frustration of navigating hustle culture and perfectionism while realizing her brain is simply different, not broken. Jiyoung candidly shares insights from her past, including the challenges of growing up undiagnosed and recognizing ADHD traits in her sister. Her story emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and the power of understanding in living with ADHD.

Marc Almodovar, a social media influencer and founder of the Men's ADHD Support Group, shares his journey with ADHD after being diagnosed at 16. He discusses the emotional challenges men face due to societal pressure to mask their feelings. Marc highlights the importance of redefining masculinity and creating safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health. He also emphasizes transformative self-talk strategies and the power of community in overcoming stigma around ADHD, encouraging men to embrace their emotions without shame.

Laura Mears-Reynolds had reached a breaking point with anxiety and depression—until she realized something deeper was going on. She didn’t feel safe in her own hands, and she knew she needed help. What she didn’t know? ADHD was at the root of it all.The UK-based host of the ADHD AF podcast joins ADHD Aha! to share how understanding her brain finally helped her shed shame, find self-acceptance, and build a thriving community. Her message is clear: You’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone.Related resourcesAmerican Foundation for Suicide PreventionLaura’s podcast and community website, adhdasfemales.comADHD and depressionADHD and anxietyTimestamps(02:37) The most ADHD thing that’s happened this week(03:29) Laura’s ADHD diagnosis story, and crisis point(07:20) Identifying as naive and overly trusting(10:18) Laura’s ADHD “aha” moments(13:02) A constant level of chaos, and assuming (what ended up being) ADHD symptoms were from partying a lot(15:18) The “little” ADHD things that add up and cause shame(17:27) Struggling with the “ADHD superpower” narrative(19:50) How would life have been different with an earlier diagnosis?(21:21) How Laura’s life has changed since her diagnosis, and creating the ADHD AF podcastFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org or record a message for us here.  Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nikki Daye, a school psychologist and ADHD advocate, grew up in the foster care system. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, her medical records were lost, leading to misdiagnoses of anxiety and PTSD. She shares her journey of feeling misunderstood and the clarity she found in adulthood. Nikki discusses her experiences with echolalia, the intersectionality of ADHD, and her passion for advocating for children in similar situations, including her own daughter. Her story highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and the need for better awareness of ADHD.

In this engaging discussion, Shane Thrapp, Operations Director of the Men’s ADHD Support Group and advocate for neurodiversity, reflects on his journey with ADHD and autism. He delves into the challenges of societal expectations about masculinity and masking one's true self. Shane emphasizes the strength found in authenticity and the importance of community support among men with ADHD. He also sheds light on misconceptions surrounding neurodivergent men and the need for a more inclusive future for their children.