ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I've been doing intermittent fasting, well, intermittently for a few years now and have found that for me personally, it helps me eat intuitively and clears my brain fog. However, I've been hesitant to talk about it on the podcast because I know it isn't a lifestyle that works for everyone, but when a listener recommended author Gin Stephens as a guest I knew that she was the right person to tackle this tricky subject.Gin, who's written multiple bestsellers on clean eating and intermittent fasting, doesn't promote the lifestyle as a weight loss strategy or make any claims that it can "cure" your ADHD or anything like that; rather, she focuses on the research into the gut-brain connection and how what and when we eat affects our mood, our immune systems, our cognitive functioning, and our cravings, among many other things.In this episode, Gin gives a great breakdown of what intermittent fasting is, the science behind it, and how to ease into it responsibly. We also talk about metabolic syndrome, how to find the foods that work best for your body, and much more. Again, intermittent fasting isn't right for everyone, but if you're curious to learn more about it, come join our conversation.______________Resources:Instagram: @GinStephensWebsite: ginstephens.comHer books: ginstephens.com/get-the-booksSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___When Martha Barnard-Rae was finally diagnosed with ADHD after years of being told it was just anxiety, she started structuring her home and work life around her brain's unique needs and saw a complete transformation in how she lives and speaks to herself.Since getting her diagnosis, Martha has gone on to give an inspiring TedX talk about ADHD and start her own copywriting business, Word Candy, where she has the freedom to let her ADHD strengths shine."I want people to understand that ADHD is a part of me and I can use these powers such as they are for good. And I think the more that I can kind of say about it, the more people will understand and they can go, 'oh, I want to work with her because she does those hyperfocus weeks because she can work in that way.' That's a feature, not a bug."Join us this episode as Martha shares all the ways she's redefining success for herself, her vulnerable experience on the TedX stage, how she fills her "bowl of resilience," and so much more.______________Resources:Website: wordcandy.com.auInstagram: @wordcandycommsLinkedIn: Martha Barnard-RaeSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Alexis Tomaszewski knew she wanted to be a dentist by the age of 12. When she got to dental school, however, she realized that although she had the clinical and hand skills for dentistry, she struggled with multi-choice tests, which led to her essentially flunking out the first time around.Alexis thought about not returning to dental school, but after stepping back to get some clarity and rediscovering her purpose of opening up an ADHD-friendly dental practice, she returned to school in full force, this time with a lot more intention and positive emotions. Her imposter syndrome and RSD were and are still there, but keeping sight of her purpose has allowed Alexis to push through the negative thoughts even when things get hard.Alexis's goal to create a comfortable, shame-free, and fun dental experience for ADHDers is admirable (and much needed!), and her story is a great reminder that, when we align ourselves with our purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve.______________Resources:Tiktok: @tooth_be_toldEmail: toothbetoldbyalexis@gmail.comSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I first met Amanda Smith in my Your ADHD Brain is A-OK program, and ever since she has been bringing so much empathy and joy to the group that I knew I had to get her on the podcast.In Amanda’s own words, she is not your typical ADHD brain. She didn’t struggle with executive functioning or memory growing up, so when doctors discovered Amanda had a Multiple Sclerosis lesion on her prefrontal cortex, causing sudden-onset ADHD with working memory and cognitive impairment, she realized she was going to have to completely change how she had been operating for the past 32 years.Amanda’s life was turned on its head when she got the diagnosis –her life snow globe got kicked down the stairs, as she puts it– but her ability to find new ways to forge forward and move her life in the direction she wants it to go in is truly an inspiration.______________Resources:Instagram: @dandylion_wishesBRIDGING THE GAP: Exploring community, connections, and overcoming barriers through intergenerational careTherapeutic Benefits of Children for People With Dementia (verywellhealth.com)Toddlers and Seniors Together: The Benefits of Intergenerational CareSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I wasn’t planning to do anything special for this 200th episode, but my wonderful friend Sandra wouldn’t hear of it. She suggested I invite my family onto the podcast to mark the occasion–after all, they’ve been putting up with this for 200 episodes now–so that’s exactly what I decided to do.In a podcast first, I’m sitting down with my husband and kids to get their perspectives on how ADHD impacts our family, what makes us different from other families, and what it’s been like behind the scenes of this whole podcasting journey so far. My family generates so much positive emotion for me and I truly couldn’t keep this podcast going without them, which is why I’m so excited to introduce you to them in this milestone episode.I also couldn’t have made it this far without the support of all you wonderful listeners, who have allowed me to show up as my authentic self and make something that matters to so many people. I am so appreciative of you all for showing up these past 200 episodes and I can’t wait to see where all our unique paths will take us in 200 more.______________Resources:Instagram: @ateastefaniSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Okay, so you did a bunch of learning and self-reflecting and you suspect you might have ADHD. Now what? The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can, ironically, be super inaccessible for the ADHD brain, so I wanted to do an updated re-release of my episode on how to seek out a diagnosis for those of you who don't know where to start.Whether you're afraid that you won't be believed by your provider, that you'll be accused of drug-seeking, or that you won't be able to remember anything you wanted to say in the moment, I've created a checklist of adult ADHD symptoms based on the DSM-5 and Russell Barkley's Adult Scale that will help you discuss your experiences with confidence.I'm not a doctor, but I know how your brain works because I share it, and my aim with this episode is to give you the framework and the courage to fight for the medical support you deserve.______________Resources:spyhappy.me/adhdprofslistSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I've always had a general idea of what an occupational therapist does, but I didn't realize just how many areas of ADHD they can help with until I invited occupational therapist Vanessa Goreklin onto the podcast.As a licensed OT, Vanessa's work focuses on helping ADHDers live their lives to the fullest while harnessing their unique skills. She may not have ADHD herself, but both her son and husband do, which has given her real-life experience in understanding ADHD.Vanessa works with her clients to develop skills in everything from basic self-care to executive functioning to exercise, taking into account that the ADHD brain has different needs, motivations, and ways of doing things than a neurotypical brain.She says, "The neurotypical world is for people who stand in line and color in the shapes just so, and are very, very good at showing up and doing exactly what they're supposed to do. And that's not people with ADHD, who can do what they're supposed to do but they have new and creative and wonderful ways of doing it."Vanessa believes that occupational therapy can be a key to unlocking the potential of people with ADHD, and my hope is that our conversation gets people talking about all the ways occupational therapy can be a wonderful support for ADHDers through every stage of life.______________Resources:Website: vanessagorelkin.comInstagram: @humanist_therapistSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___This episode is a little different from how I usually do things, but this story was so moving and has such a unique tie-in to ADHD, I knew I had to share it.Renee Grewe, who is the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors, recently received a translated copy of her grandfather's journal that details his capture and imprisonment by Nazi soldiers and his miraculous and courageous escape. Renee believes that the details of her grandfather's escape are indicative of him having undiagnosed ADHD and that this was the very reason that he was able to survive all of it.During our conversation, Renee shares about her own ADHD journey and how she moved past learned helplessness before reading sections of her grandfather's journal, which details his imprisonment and harrowing escape and outlines the aspects of his story that show bravery, empathy, quick thinking, ingenuity, hope–all strengths of ADHD.This story is so moving because, in all of the horror, there is something so hopeful and uplifting about it; it serves as a reminder that when we are really put to the test, it's amazing what we can accomplish.______________Resources:Instagram: @reneegreweSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___There are so many great ADHD podcasts out there that deliver the latest research and feature leading experts, but I think that what makes this podcast so different and valuable are the stories.Hearing about the lives and internal thoughts of other ADHD women who seem to have it all together from the outside reminds us that we're not alone in our self-doubt. It also shows us that if even the most successful of us still struggles under the weight of imposter syndrome, maybe the problem is our thoughts telling us that we aren't good enough, rather than a reflection of our actual abilities.My guest this episode, author and sales expert Shianne Sampson, is a perfect example of why these stories matter. From the outside, Shianne is a confident and outgoing sales leader whose hard work has led to incredible success, but no matter how many accomplishments she has under her belt, that imposter syndrome is always there to make her feel like she doesn't deserve it.In our conversation, Shianne shares the ADHD strengths that shine in the sales world, the specific challenges that can lead to imposter syndrome as you climb the sales ladder, and we chat strategies for tackling the self-doubt, starting with celebrating our accomplishments.Shianne's story is a great reminder that imposter syndrome grows in the shadows of shame, and the more we shed light on it through vulnerability and connection, the less power it holds over us.______________Resources:Website: shiannesampson.comLinkedIn: Shianne D. SampsonHer book: Triage - Sales Coaching by Shianne SampsonSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___When I first started this podcast, I had so many creative ideas and big ambitions for how to connect with other ADHD women, but actually executing my ideas consistently was a whole different story.Even though I was drowning on my own, I couldn’t imagine hiring someone to help me with the tasks I was struggling with. What if their work wasn’t up to my standards? Could I really afford to do that? Where would I even begin?It wasn’t until digital marketing strategist Jen Lehner came along with her program Front Row CEO that I was finally convinced that not only was it possible to hire help, it was a necessity if I wanted to grow my podcast and achieve my goals. So, I finally caved and hired a virtual assistant, and I haven’t looked back since.Being ADHD herself, Jen knows how easily all the little tasks can start to snowball on us until we’re left buried under a pile of overwhelm and shame. Getting a virtual assistant completely changed her relationship with her business, her home life, and most importantly, her family, because it allowed her to focus her time and energy on the work she’s brilliant at and take the rest off her plate.Jen now helps others navigate the process of hiring a VA, including how to find quality candidates, what tasks you can delegate to a VA (it’s more than you’d think!), and how to establish and maintain open communication.If you’re drowning in overwhelm but don’t feel deserving of a virtual assistant or don’t know where to start, I know Jen’s guidance and encouragement in this episode will give you that push you need to take the first step, just like it did for me.______________Resources:Instagram: @jen_lehner160 Tasks you can outsource to a VA: jensprograms.comFront Row CEO program: frontrowceo.comJoin our Front Row CEO Masterclass: jensprograms.comAffiliate links:Front Row CEO Masterclass: Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy 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://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com