SuccessFULL With ADHD

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome my colleague and fellow neurodivergent leader, Skye Waterson! Skye is the founder of Unconventional Organisation, a global ADHD support service, and host of the ADHD Skills Lab podcast. We talk about her winding journey from academia and burnout to building a thriving coaching practice that helps professionals worldwide create focused, balanced lives with ADHD. Skye shares how her late ADHD diagnosis during her PhD changed everything—from how she works to how she supports others, including leaders and entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.We dive into the latest research on ADHD, including how AI may play a surprising role in identifying ADHD through speech patterns, and what that means for the future of diagnostics. Skye also walks us through the tools and systems—like Notion AI and the prioritization filter—that help her clients go from overwhelmed to intentional and effective. Whether you’re a late-diagnosed adult, a business leader, or someone looking to better understand how ADHD impacts performance and communication, this episode will give you insight, validation, and practical strategies to take with you.Skye Waterson is a former academic turned coach, podcast host, and founder of Unconventional Organisation, an international ADHD support service. After her surprise ADHD diagnosis during her PhD, she developed research-based strategies and wrote over 50 articles reaching 250,000+ readers. Invited to share her insights with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, Skye has supported late-diagnosed professionals across various fields. As host of the ADHD Skills Lab podcast with over 100,000 downloads, she helps overwhelmed professionals create focused, balanced lives. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, Skye has assisted thousands in understanding and managing their ADHDEpisode Highlights:[0:00] – Skye introduces research exploring how AI may detect ADHD through voice patterns.[0:56] – Welcoming Skye and a little behind-the-scenes on how this rescheduled episode finally happened.[2:13] – Skye’s academic background and her "spiky profile" with dyscalculia and ADHD.[4:18] – The surprising journey to her ADHD diagnosis during a PhD burnout.[7:55] – How ADHD and masking impacted her personal and professional life.[10:09] – The rise of AI in ADHD research and how it may change diagnostics.[11:59] – ADHD in leadership: why your boss might have ADHD too.[13:30] – Communication patterns and how AI might pre-diagnose ADHD through language use.[15:26] – Brooke breaks down current diagnostic standards and methods.[18:19] – The pros and cons of early detection and potential misdiagnosis using AI.[20:43] – Why Notion AI is a game-changer for ADHD task management and prioritization.[24:54] – Skye’s coaching philosophy: simplify, systematize, and focus on the 20% that matters.[26:30] – Writing her book and balancing what to include vs. what needs coaching support[31:18] – Where to follow Skye and her work (Instagram, Substack, podcast).[32:00] – The one thing Skye wants every ADHD-er to hear: You’re already working hard—now work smarter.Connect with Sky Waterson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/ Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/ Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

On today’s episode, I sit down with a long-time friend and powerhouse in the world of educational advocacy, Christine Levy. Christine and I go way back—we met during our grad school days at NYU, and since then, she's become a fierce advocate for children with disabilities and their families. With over 20 years of experience in education, Christine has sat on every side of the IEP table—as a teacher, admin, RTI coordinator, and now as a passionate parent advocate.In this conversation, Christine and I dive into what parents really need to know about navigating the special education system when their child is diagnosed with ADHD or other learning differences. From decoding neuropsych evaluations to tackling 504 plans and IEPs, we unpack what services and support are actually available—and how to get them. Whether you're just starting your journey or you're deep in the trenches of school meetings and documentation, this episode is filled with clarity, strategy, and heart. Christine’s calm, connected approach brings hope and real tools to families feeling overwhelmed by the process.Christine Levy, M.Ed., is a leading expert in Educational Advocacy with over two decades of experience in special education as a teacher, administrator, and MTSS coordinator. She holds advanced degrees from NYU and Bank Street College of Education and is the founder of Levy Educational Advocacy. Christine empowers families by guiding them through the complexities of special education, ensuring their children receive the support, services, and placements they need to thrive. A passionate advocate and parent herself, she brings both expertise and empathy to every case she supports. Episode Highlights:[0:57] - Meet Christine Levy: educator turned advocate with a mission to empower families[3:26] - Our shared journey from grad school to special ed leadership[5:50] - When ADHD is diagnosed: What happens next?[6:52] - Misconceptions around diagnosis and eligibility for services[8:43] - Why RTI/MTSS documentation is critical before special ed referrals[10:02] - The importance of parent-provided data: binders are more than paper—they’re your child’s story[12:49] - “Behavior” is often misinterpreted ADHD—how advocacy can change the narrative[14:30] - Supporting emotionally dysregulated parents through the process[16:58] - Do ADHD and anxiety automatically qualify for a 504? The nuance explained[19:50] - Advice for parents on the verge of burnout or considering school changes[23:46] - Understanding the types of advocates and what support really looks like[27:02] - Breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma through calm, effective advocacy[28:46] - Executive functioning at home: how parents can build consistency with the school[30:54] - When a child “looks fine” at school but struggles at home—how to present the full picture[33:23] - Twice-exceptional students: the challenge of advocating for kids who mask their needs[34:17] - Final words of empowerment: “You are not alone, and we see you.” Connect with Christine Levy:Christine Levy’s Website: levyadvocacy.comChristine Levy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levyadvocacy/ Christine Levy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077923336637 Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

In this engaging discussion, Caroline Maguire, an author, coach, and TED Talk speaker, dives into the social challenges faced by those with ADHD. With her innovative social emotional learning method, she offers insights on enhancing communication and building genuine friendships. Caroline addresses the complexities of trust and self-acceptance, highlighting strategies for nurturing meaningful connections. She also explores the impact of interests in forming bonds and encourages a supportive atmosphere to foster curiosity and acceptance in both educational and workplace settings.

If you've ever struggled with feeding yourself consistently, felt overwhelmed by meal planning, or wondered how ADHD impacts your relationship with food—this episode is for you. I sat down with Becca King, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified intuitive eating counselor who also happens to have ADHD herself. Becca’s story is incredibly relatable and eye-opening. She shares how her ADHD played a role in her past eating disorder, and how she now uses that lived experience to help other ADHDers find food freedom without shame or restriction.In this conversation, we explore how dopamine, executive dysfunction, sensory issues, and emotional regulation all intersect with eating behaviors. We also talk about what disordered eating actually looks like (it’s more common than you think) and how to start building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food. Becca’s weight-inclusive approach is all about permission over perfection, and her advice is both practical and compassionate. You’ll walk away from this episode with real, ADHD-friendly tools to help you nourish your body without the guilt.Becca King is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor from Charlotte, North Carolina. As an adult with ADHD who struggled for years with disordered eating, Becca is passionate about helping other adults with ADHD who struggle with binge eating, chronic dieting, and body image issues find food freedom and improve their self-esteem. She uses the Principles of Intuitive Eating and a weight-inclusive approach to nutrition for ADHD in her virtual practice. Episode Highlights:[0:58] – Meet Becca King, RDN: Her journey with ADHD and disordered eating.[6:03] – Finding the connection between ADHD and private practice dietetics.[7:06] – How her eating disorder developed and tied into ADHD symptoms.[9:57] – The role of dopamine in disordered eating.[10:22] – Why so many ADHDers struggle with binge eating and food regulation.[12:51] – Defining disordered eating and how it manifests in ADHDers.[16:40] – Living in recovery and developing healthier coping tools.[18:25] – Emotional dysregulation, sensory issues, and other overlooked triggers.[22:20] – Real talk about ARFID, safe foods, and honoring sensory needs.[24:54] – Mindful eating and how it actually looks for ADHD brains.[27:33] – Simple, realistic advice for feeding yourself with ADHD.[30:50] – Debunking the fear around processed foods and shortcuts.[33:57] – Intermittent fasting and ADHD—what you really need to know.[37:19] – Becca’s upcoming book and her practical nutrition philosophy.[38:55] – Final advice: Let go of "shoulds" and find what works for you. Connect with Becca King:Follow Becca King on Instagram: @adhd.nutritionistBecca’s Book: How to Eat Well for Adults with ADHD – Available on Amazon and major booksellersThank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

Are sleepless nights and racing thoughts keeping you awake? Emmy Award-winning ABC News anchor and bestselling author Diane Macedo joins Brooke to share her personal journey of late ADHD diagnosis and her transformative "Sleep Fix" method. Diane reveals how ADHD intensifies sleep challenges, why common sleep hygiene advice can backfire, and practical solutions designed specifically to support ADHD brains.Diane shares candidly about her ADHD diagnosis journey, motherhood, and how restructuring everyday habits—like fridge organization—significantly improved her daily life. Whether you're struggling with insomnia, overwhelmed by household responsibilities, or simply looking for ADHD-friendly life hacks, this episode provides insights and actionable strategies to help reclaim your rest and rediscover joy in your routines.Episode Highlights:[0:42] Introduction to Diane Macedo and Her Background[3:37] Diane’s Personal Experience with ADHD[7:21] Impact of ADHD on Daily Life and Relationships[14:27] Diagnosis and Coping Mechanisms[28:07] Sleep Fix Method and Its Application[45:09] ADHD and Sleep Interconnection[47:46] Practical Tips for Improving Sleep[56:17] Impact of ADHD on Daily Life and RelationshipsConnect with Diane:diane@sleepfixmethod.com@dianermacedo & @sleepfixmethodThank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://bit.ly/CWBCoachCertHelp your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 18 PAAC CCE’s💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice💥Qualify to be listed as a “Professional ADHD Coach” Under ACO DirectorySave your seat for the Q&A to learn more ▶️ https://bit.ly/CWBCoachCertWant to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of burnout, pushing yourself to the limit only to crash and start over again? My guest today, Jamie Toyne, knows that struggle all too well. A former professional tennis player turned entrepreneur and ADHD coach, Jamie has experienced burnout—first on the court, then in business. But through his journey, he discovered the power of flow and alignment. Now, through his Flowjo method, he's helping ADHD entrepreneurs break free from burnout and step into their full potential.Jamie is Coaching with Brooke's 3C Activation ADHD Coach alumni. After researching the connection between 'ADHD', 'Burnout' and 'Flow' Jamie developed a coaching program called 'Flowjo' which helps ADHD founders to cure burnout, harness their ADHD superpowers, and start flowing towards their goals. Jamie is also the Author of the 'Pressure Gauge Mindset' and Founder of two other companies called Dealflow and Exitplanr, that helped more than 400 entrepreneurs successfully exit their business. Episode Highlights:[00:57] - Meet Jamie Toyne: From professional tennis to ADHD entrepreneurship.[03:15] - Getting diagnosed with ADHD at 11 and struggling in school.[07:56] - The pressure of professional tennis and a dramatic exit.[10:42] - The realization: ADHD and burnout are deeply connected.[13:36] - Understanding flow: More than just peak performance hacks.[19:15] - How different people access flow and why it's personal.[22:03] - The difference between active recovery and passive recovery.[25:07] - How to recognize when you need to step back from flow.[31:48] - How Jamie helps ADHD entrepreneurs master their own flow. Connect with Jamie Toyne:Find Jamie & Take His Flow Finder Quiz: https://www.jamietoyne.com/flowjo-finder Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamietoyne1 Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or struggled with that all-or-nothing mindset that so many of us with ADHD have, then today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by Colleen Kachmann—certified master life and recovery coach, mindful drinking coach, and host of It’s Not About the Alcohol. Colleen has a powerful story of overcoming alcohol use disorder while navigating ADHD, and she’s here to break down the science behind addiction, dopamine, and why traditional sobriety approaches don’t work for everyone.Colleen introduces how self-directed neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, and how shifting your mindset from “I have to quit” to “I want to feel better” changes everything. Colleen shares her personal journey, the myths around addiction, and the small, sustainable steps that make lasting change possible.  Episode Highlights:[2:26] – Colleen’s journey with ADHD, alcohol use disorder, and the moment she realized something had to change.[6:31] – The difference between an addiction and an identity—why the word “addict” kept her stuck.[10:47] – Debunking the “once an addict, always an addict” myth and the science of how the brain heals.[15:06] – Why traditional sobriety doesn’t work for most people and what to do instead.[21:05] – The first step to breaking the habit (and why it’s NOT quitting cold turkey).[25:12] – Why small habit shifts are more effective than all-or-nothing thinking.[30:40] – The importance of nervous system regulation and how to stop living in fight-or-flight mode.[36:06] – How to bounce back from setbacks and avoid the shame spiral.[40:00] – Colleen’s unexpected analogy for negative thoughts (this one’s hilarious and SO true!).[41:45] – Trusting your felt experience and paying attention to your body’s cues.[43:50] – Find the non-judgmental support and getting out of your head. Connect with Colleen Kachmann:Podcast It’s Not About the Alcohol: https://itsnotaboutthealcohol.com/ Social: Instagram @thehangoverwhisperer TikTok @thehangoverwhispererThank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

In this conversation with JM Ryerson, a leadership coach and bestselling author, listeners explore life-changing strategies for ADHD and beyond. JM emphasizes the power of self-compassion and the significance of gamifying daily tasks to boost motivation. He advocates for personalized morning routines, suggesting flexibility over rigid schedules. The discussion also delves into accountability as a catalyst for success and the importance of identifying core values to enhance fulfillment. Authenticity and empowered choices are presented as keys to personal growth.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Linda Karanzalis, a nationally recognized cognitive specialist and advocate for nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD). Linda is on a mission to spread awareness about NVLD, a condition often misunderstood and misdiagnosed as ADHD, autism, or other learning challenges.Linda breaks down what NVLD really is, how it differs from autism and ADHD, and the struggles people with NVLD face in communication, school, and the workplace. We also dive into the stigma surrounding NVLD, its unique learning and processing challenges, and how proper diagnosis and understanding can make a life-changing difference. Linda shares her own experiences growing up with NVLD, why she wrote her book "Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood", and how we can foster empathy and awareness to support those who think and learn differently. Episode Highlights:[0:49] - Introduction to Linda Karanzalis and her inspiring mission. [3:23] - What is nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), and how does it differ from autism and ADHD? [9:10] - The challenges of diagnosing NVLD and why it’s often misunderstood. [16:27] - Why many psychologists and schools struggle to recognize NVLD—and how to advocate for proper evaluation. [25:15] - Key markers of NVLD in psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations. [37:24] - Teaching strategies and accommodations for students with NVLD. [40:00] - How workplace stigma affects adults with NVLD—and why empathy is essential. [41:35] - Linda’s advice for fostering understanding and patience toward neurodivergent individuals. Connect with Linda Karanzalis:Linda Karanzalis’s website: LindaKaranzalis.comLinda’s book: "Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood" https://www.lindakaranzalis.com/book Advantages Learning Center: https://addvantageslearningcenter.com/The NVLD Project: nvld.orgThank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by two incredible guests, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, the dynamic duo behind the new book, Unapologetically ADHD. With decades of combined experience in coaching, podcasting, and living with ADHD, Pete and Nikki share their unique journey of co-authoring their book and the lessons they’ve learned about failure, success, and working together as a team. We dive into their podcasting journey, strategies for navigating big projects, and how they’ve redefined ADHD productivity with compassion and practicality.Nikki Kinzer is a professional certified ADHD coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She’s been coaching adults with ADHD since 2010 and has built a business around supporting the ADHD community through coaching, teaching, and podcasting. She lives with her husband, Brad, in Springfield, Oregon. Pete Wright was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 28 and has spent the better part of his life since then studying and podcasting about his lived ADHD experience. He is a professional podcaster and co-founder of the TruStory FM podcast network. He’s a former journalist, educator, and public relations executive and lives with his wife, Kira, in Portland, Oregon. Episode Highlights:[0:00] - Pete reflects on reprogramming how we view failure.[0:44] - Introducing Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, their backgrounds, and the new book.[2:35] - The origins of their podcast and the magic of their partnership.[7:15] - Nikki’s journey into ADHD coaching and the transition to focusing on ADHD clients.[13:20] - Pete’s perspective on working with a professional organizer and managing ADHD.[17:03] - How their second book came to life and what made the process smoother.[22:22] - Strategies they used to tackle challenges during the writing process.[29:01] - Key takeaways from Unapologetically ADHD for managing big projects. [37:37] - Pete’s deep dive into routines, executive function, and strategic friction. [43:12] - Final reflections: reframing failure and embracing being unapologetically ADHD. Links & ResourcesVisit Pete and Nikki’s website: takecontroladhd.comOrder their book, Unapologetically ADHD: https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook Listen to their podcast: Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. https://takecontroladhd.com/the-adhd-podcast Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd