ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

Cas Aarssen, a self-proclaimed 'super slob' turned organizing expert, shares her journey from chaos to clarity. After a late ADHD diagnosis at 40, she developed the Clutterbug® Organizing Philosophy, identifying four unique organizing styles that cater to individual brains. She discusses the struggles with clutter tied to ADHD and decision fatigue, offering practical organizing hacks that work. With a passion for helping others, she emphasizes that one-size-fits-all organization is a myth and shares her mission to transform homes without shame.

Chelsea Kunz, an actor, creator, and the hilarious mind behind 'Karen Disapproves,' shares her candid journey with ADHD. Growing up as the youngest of ten, she learned to embrace her loud and funny side, even as she navigated impulsivity and focus challenges. Chelsea discusses her chaotic upbringing, emotional sensitivity, and the overwhelming struggles of motherhood that led her to seek an ADHD diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of creative outlets and balancing big ideas with everyday life, offering relatable insights for fellow ADHDers.

In this discussion, Dr. Christine Li, a clinical psychologist known as The Procrastination Coach, shares her decades of experience helping individuals tackle procrastination, clutter, and perfectionism. She delves into the complex emotional ties to possessions, shedding light on how ADHD can exacerbate these struggles. Christine emphasizes the power of small, daily actions to boost productivity and offers actionable strategies to lighten the load of procrastination. Her insights aim to inspire listeners to embrace their unique traits and regain control of their lives.

Emily Ransdell, a former tech marketer turned published poet and creative writing instructor, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention after retiring at 59. Diagnosed with ADHD in her 60s, she discusses the impact of unrecognized struggles throughout her life. Emily's transition to a creative career exemplifies that it's never too late to pursue your passions. She emphasizes the power of community and self-acceptance, revealing how her ADHD enhances her creative process and healing, proving that age is just a number when it comes to following your dreams.

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup__Most people don’t think of ADHD and aging in the same sentence, but what happens when someone reaches their 60s, 70s, or beyond—never knowing they had ADHD in the first place? Jami Shapiro is tackling that question head-on. As the founder of Silver Linings, she helps seniors navigate major life changes like downsizing and moving. But her journey into ADHD advocacy became personal when she realized ADHD had been running through her family for generations—including her parents, two of her three children, and herself.Jami was diagnosed with ADHD at 45, after her child’s evaluation led to an unexpected realization: she had more “yes” answers on the ADHD questionnaire than they did. Suddenly, the struggles she’d faced—talking too much in class, procrastinating on big projects, feeling scattered while juggling work and family—made sense. But the biggest lightbulb moment came when she recognized the same patterns in her aging mother. Her discovery led her to create Grandma Has ADHD, a podcast and platform dedicated to shedding light on undiagnosed ADHD in seniors and helping families navigate it with understanding and support.In this conversation, Jami shares her own diagnosis story, what it’s like to build a business with ADHD, and why the senior community desperately needs more awareness around neurodiversity. She also offers practical advice on managing life transitions—whether it’s decluttering, right-sizing a home, or setting up systems that actually work for ADHD brains. If you’ve ever wondered how ADHD plays out in later years—or how to support an aging parent who might have it—this episode is an eye-opener.Resources:Website: https://silverliningstransitions.com/ Website: http://grandmahasadhd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverliningstransitions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverliningstransitions/ Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn 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

Brittany Madrid Mogenson, a dynamic TV host and executive producer of BZenTV, shares her inspiring journey from struggling with dyscalculia and ADHD in school to thriving in a fast-paced media career. She discusses how her curiosity and adaptability became assets in sports reporting and acting. Facing rejection in the entertainment industry, Brittany emphasizes resilience and the importance of embracing one's unique strengths. With tales of dogs and the power of philosophy in shaping her critical thinking, she encourages others to love their ADHD brain.

Jennifer Nicole Schmitz shares her inspiring journey from addiction to advocacy while pursuing a psychology degree. She discusses how generational trauma intertwines with ADHD and the impact of misdiagnosis. Jennifer highlights her struggles with self-worth and emotional turmoil in her early years, plus the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety. She offers coping strategies for managing ADHD, emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, and advocates for women and young girls facing similar challenges.

Dr. Kathy Zhang, a hospice physician and certified coach, shares profound insights from her career at the intersection of life and death. She discusses her late ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her journey. Kathy emphasizes the importance of nervous system regulation, and the transformative power of hypnosis and meditation. Through stories from her practice, she highlights life's fleeting nature, urging listeners to embrace authenticity and meaningful connections. Kathy also explores emotional sensitivity and practical strategies for managing anxiety, ultimately redefining the narrative around ADHD.

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.

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___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 | Message Learn 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