Rebecca Barrera, a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina, shares her inspiring journey living with ADHD. She describes growing up in a rigid educational system that failed to understand her unique brain. Rebecca discusses her experience with early medication and how it redefined her approach to learning. In nursing, she highlights managing ADHD symptoms amid the emotional challenges of the role and emphasizes practical strategies that help her stay focused, turning her perceived weaknesses into strengths.

Set Intentions, Not Resolutions and Making 2025 Your Best Year YetJanuary feels like a fresh start, but for many ADHD brains, resolutions quickly lose their spark. In this solo episode, Tracy Otsuka takes a deep dive into why the beginning of the year feels so energizing and how to harness that momentum all year long. She introduces the concept of temporal landmarks—natural reset points like New Year’s, birthdays, or even Mondays—that help our ADHD brains reframe goals and create clarity.Tracy shares her own journey with setting intentions over resolutions, explaining how defining a single word of the year has transformed her mindset and productivity. She walks listeners through the process of finding their North Star—a guiding intention that simplifies decisions and keeps them aligned with their true goals. From overcoming perfectionism to embracing micro-actions, she offers practical strategies to maintain focus and build momentum without falling into the cycle of self-criticism.This episode is packed with actionable advice to help ADHD minds thrive, including daily rituals, micro-goals, and simple strategies to reset and stay on track throughout 2025. Tracy also shares her own word of the year and how it will shape her goals. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by resolutions, this episode will show you a better way to approach the new year—with clarity, confidence, and a plan that actually works.Resources:A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok-everydayFor other resources:Bracelets, rings and necklaces: adhdforsmartwomen.com/epi-314 Send a Message: Your Name | Email | MessageLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Dana Lewis, a communication and vocal coach and founder of Undeniable Voice, empowers neurodivergent women to embrace their authentic voices through singing. She shares her personal ADHD journey, recounting challenges in school and the impact of harsh criticism on her confidence. Lewis emphasizes how singing can regulate the nervous system, boost emotional clarity, and foster resilience. By connecting voice work with self-acceptance, she offers practical insights for managing ADHD symptoms and encourages embracing one's unique identity.

In this conversation, Catherine Morgan, a Certified Financial Coach and Trauma of Money Expert, shares her inspiring journey with ADHD and how it shaped her approach to finance. She discusses the often-overlooked link between ADHD and financial trauma, revealing why traditional budgeting fails for many. Catherine offers practical strategies like automating finances and breaking tasks into manageable steps. Her compassionate insights emphasize seeing money as a tool for freedom, urging listeners to transform their financial challenges into opportunities for growth.

Gina Marie Rodriguez, a curly hair specialist and owner of The Cultivated Curl salon, blends her passion for natural beauty with advocacy for neurodivergence. She shares her personal ADHD journey, revealing how it inspires her work and educational initiatives for clients. Gina discusses the challenges of societal expectations, embracing authenticity, and nurturing curly hair, while emphasizing the importance of community in supporting neurodiverse individuals. Her insights encourage listeners to celebrate their unique identities and love their natural hair.

How do ADHD, trauma, and addiction intersect, and what strategies can help break this harmful cycle? In this episode, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Andrea Epting, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, addiction, and neurodivergence. As a professional with ADHD and OCD, and a mother to two neurodivergent young adults, Andrea brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation.Andrea delves into the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and addiction, explaining how trauma, emotional dysregulation, and a search for dopamine can create vulnerabilities. She shares her therapeutic approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of abstinence, community, and replacing unhealthy habits with meaningful alternatives. Andrea also highlights the unique challenges ADHD women face in emotional regulation and how breaking harmful cycles can lead to resilience and healing.This episode provides strategies for navigating the intersections of ADHD, trauma, and recovery. Andrea offers insights into the role of mindfulness, self-compassion, and creating structure in building healthier habits. She also discusses her work through her nonprofit, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS), to make mental health resources more accessible.Website: lightninginabottle.bizheadsupsavannah.org/PlannerSocial Media:instagram.com/liab_lightninginabottle pinterest.com/liablightninginabottle youtube.com/@directimpactimpactae Send a Message: Your Name | Email | MessageLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Izzie Chea, an educator and neurodivergence advocate, shares her empowering journey after a late ADHD diagnosis. She discusses how growing up in a traditional Latinx environment influenced her experiences and fueled her passion for advocacy. Izzie highlights her innovative projects, including La Neuropicante and the Hiki app, aimed at uplifting neurodivergent voices. She also offers practical productivity tips and emphasizes the importance of mental health and community support, showcasing how her challenges transformed into opportunities for growth.

Explore the brilliance of ADHD minds in a chaotic world! Discover how ADHD women navigate overwhelm, harness creativity, and cultivate meaningful connections. Practical strategies like breaking tasks into micro-goals can lead to clarity and focus. Learn about the A-OK system that empowers small steps for big changes. Tracy shares personal stories and insights that highlight the unique strengths of ADHD traits and encourage listeners to embrace their authenticity. It's a motivating reminder of the incredible achievements possible with ADHD!

Dr. Idit Hazan, a genetics and molecular biology expert from Grand View University, argues that ADHD should be seen as a natural human variation rather than a disorder. She shares her personal journey embracing ADHD traits that enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. The discussion delves into the genetic landscape of ADHD, highlighting the evolutionary advantages of traits linked to the DRD4 gene. Dr. Hazan emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and innovative teaching methods for neurodiverse learners, showcasing the potential of neurodivergence in driving societal change.

Luci Taylor, author of the "Midwestern Bookish Belles" series, reimagines heroines with neurodivergent traits, sharing her inspiring journey of self-discovery post-ADHD diagnosis. She discusses how understanding her ADHD empowered her creativity, leading to the completion of her first book. Luci highlights the importance of community support and using unique strategies, like colorful Post-it notes, to organize her thoughts. Her story encourages aspiring neurodivergent writers to embrace their quirks and showcases literature's power to reflect diverse experiences.