The Adulting With ADHD Podcast

Sarah Snyder
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Jan 31, 2026 • 10min

Decluttering for Dopamine (and Why Traditional Systems Fail ADHD Brains)

Clutter is often treated like a motivation problem but what if it's really a systems problem? 🎙️ In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah sits down with ADHD and autistic decluttering specialist and podcast host Heather Tingle, founder of Untangled by Tingle, to explore how home organization, dopamine, and executive function are deeply connected for adults with ADHD. Heather shares how her own experience living in chaos led her to create decluttering methods that work with neurodivergent brains instead of against them. Together, they unpack why consistency can feel so hard with ADHD, how perfection based organizing systems create burnout, and how decluttering can become a source of safety rather than another area of pressure or shame. 💬 This conversation offers a compassionate reframe: instead of asking "Why can't I stay organized?" we can start asking "What makes my space easier to live in?" 🧩 In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Why traditional decluttering systems don't work for ADHD and autistic brains 👀 How dopamine and visibility affect motivation and follow through 🏁 Why finishing matters more than starting 🧠 How executive dysfunction impacts home organization 🎶 How competition, music, and time limits can increase momentum ❤️ Why emotional attachment matters more than logical rules 🪜 How small, bite sized tasks make decluttering more achievable 🛠️ Heather also shares practical strategies, including: ⏱️ How to "beat the kettle" or a song with a tiny decluttering task 📦 Why gathering similar items into one visible place helps ADHD brains 🤝 How body doubling and shared accountability reduce overwhelm 🎮 How turning decluttering into a game builds motivation 🌱 Why starting with the smallest possible step creates success 🗺️ How treating decluttering as a "side quest" lowers resistance 🌈 If clutter feels overwhelming, emotionally loaded, or impossible to maintain, this episode offers a gentler way forward one that centers dopamine, ease, and self compassion instead of perfection. 📚 Resources mentioned: 🎧 Decluttering Untangled podcast by Heather Tingle 🏡 Untangled by Tingle (professional decluttering services) 👥 Untangled by Tingle Declutter Community (Facebook group)
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Jan 25, 2026 • 12min

How Nutrition Supports the Nervous System (and Why That Matters for ADHD)

Stress, trauma, and nutrition are often treated like separate issues but what if they're all part of the same conversation? In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah sits down with licensed nutritionist and author Meg Bowman to explore how the nervous system and nutrition are deeply connected, especially for adults with ADHD. Meg shares how her own Crohn's diagnosis led her into the world of mental health nutrition, and why supporting the nervous system is just as important as choosing the "right" foods. Together, they unpack how stress and trauma shape the body's relationship with food, why consistency can feel extra hard with ADHD, and how nutrition can become a source of safety rather than another area of pressure or shame. This conversation offers a compassionate reframe: instead of asking "What should I be eating?", we can start asking "What helps my body feel safe enough to eat?" In this episode, we talk about: How the nervous system and digestion influence each other Why fear, stress, and trauma can shut down hunger cues What polyvagal theory has to do with food and regulation Why traditional nutrition advice often doesn't work for ADHD brains How visibility, simplicity, and support can make eating easier The idea of "taking care of future you" with low-effort planning How community and shared executive function can reduce decision fatigue Meg also shares insights from her book, This Is Your Body on Trauma, including: How trauma shows up in the body as inflammation Why chronic stress is linked to long-term health conditions A framework for understanding food, gut health, stress, and mental health together How to build a personal nutrition toolkit that feels supportive instead of restrictive If food feels complicated, overwhelming, or emotionally loaded, this episode offers a gentler way forward, one that centers safety, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion instead of perfection. Resources mentioned: This Is Your Body on Trauma by Meg Bowman Meg's Substack: Nutrition Needs Nuance Meg's website: megbowmannutrition.com
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Jan 17, 2026 • 21min

Jumping In Sloppy: Why Starting Imperfectly Is an ADHD Superpower

In a thought-provoking conversation, Russ Jones, a late-in-life ADHD-diagnosed podcaster and productivity advocate, shares insights about overcoming the paralysis of perfectionism. He discusses his personal journey through burnout and isolation during the pandemic, highlighting how 'jumping in sloppy' can be a liberating approach for ADHD brains. The duo dive into strategies like using timers to ease anxiety, the power of community for accountability, and why sometimes quitting can actually help you start. This dialogue emphasizes that progress is born from connection and momentum, not flawless planning.
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Jan 5, 2026 • 4min

January Update - Happy New Year!

In this episode, I share a personal update, highlighting a shift in content based on audience feedback. I also tease a new resource set to debut in 2026 to meet listeners' needs more effectively.
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Dec 17, 2025 • 23sec

What's Next.

Survey: https://forms.gle/8XHTKRNcnWGd9SQG8
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Dec 16, 2025 • 14min

Self-Compassion as an Advantage: Prioritizing and Setting Boundaries with Alexis Haselberger

In this episode, host Sarah is joined by Alexis Haselberger, a time management, productivity, and leadership coach. Alexis, who was diagnosed with ADHD through her work with clients, shares her journey from the high-pressure world of Silicon Valley startups to becoming a coach focused on sustainable success. The conversation explores crucial strategies for adults with ADHD, particularly in high-pressure environments, focusing on the power of self-compassion. Alexis discusses: Reframing Self-Criticism: Why kindness and celebrating small wins (even just putting on your shoes!) are essential for motivation, contrasting with the common belief that being harsh leads to improvement. Practical Workplace Boundaries: Implementing communication boundaries, like turning off notifications and using "away" messages, to protect mental health and maintain focus. The External Brain: The necessity of a trusted external task system (like alarms and reminders) to manage short-term memory issues and reduce anxiety. The Myth of "Doing It All": How accepting that you cannot "do it all" gives you agency over your life and time, making life about intentional trade-offs and effective prioritization rather than endless overwork. Tune in to learn how to leverage self-compassion to increase productivity and gain a sense of control over your life. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Adulting with ADHD Podcast Archives: patreon.com/adultingwithadhd Sponsor Offer (ADHD Online Assessment): Visit ADHDOnline.com and use promo code ADULTINGADHD40 to save $40. 🔗 Connect with Alexis Haselberger Website: www.alexishaselberger.com
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Dec 8, 2025 • 7min

Understanding the Overlap Between ADHD and OCD with Natalia Aza

Natalia Aza, a licensed therapist and co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective, discusses the overlap between ADHD and OCD. Natalia shares her personal journey with ADHD and OCD, the importance of proper diagnosis, and the specific treatments for OCD. She highlights the challenges of misdiagnosis and discusses lesser-known OCD presentations that individuals with ADHD might overlook. Highlights Natalia's Journey with ADHD and OCD Understanding the Overlap Between ADHD and OCD Lesser-Known OCD Presentations in ADHD Steps to Take if You Suspect OCD Mentions kairoswellnesscollective.com adhdonline.com/adultingwithadhd
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Dec 4, 2025 • 35sec

Let's Build Something - Your Expertise Needed NOW!

Exciting changes are on the horizon as the host invites listeners to shape the future direction of the show. A super simple survey link is shared, encouraging audience participation. The regular show schedule is confirmed, with a promise of more engaging content to come. Listeners are reminded to stay tuned for the next installment arriving on Friday!
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Nov 29, 2025 • 30min

Burnout and Self-Empowerment with ADHD Coach Christine Kotik

In this episode, ADHD coach Christine Kotik shares her journey to becoming an ADHD coach, discusses the impact of burnout on adults with ADHD and provides actionable steps for managing time, productivity and emotional regulation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments for neurodivergent employees and implementing strategies that benefit everyone in the workplace. Highlights Understanding burnout in adults with ADHD The concept of the 'Me Hat' Supporting neurodivergent employees Mentions www.ckadhdcoach.com http://adhdonline.com/adultingwithadhd 📣 If you enjoy the show, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 20min

Navigating Burnout with ADHD Coach and Therapist Megan D'Angelo

In this episode, ADHD coach and therapist Megan D'Angelo shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. She discusses practical strategies to manage ADHD, navigate burnout, and maintain household routines, especially in neurodivergent families. Highlights Megan's Personal ADHD Journey The Role of ADHD Coaches Understanding Burnout in ADHD Strategies to Combat Burnout Managing a Neurodivergent Household Final Thoughts and Contact Information Mentions https://www.whateverworksadhd.com/ - Megan's ADHD coaching and consulting practice http://adhdonline.com/adultingwithadhd - Affordable mental health assessments 📣 If you enjoy the show, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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