Rhythms of Focus
Kourosh Dini
Join psychiatrist, musician, and productivity strategist Dr. Kourosh Dini on a journey to transform your relationship with work, creativity, and focus. "Rhythms of Focus: for Wandering Minds, ADHD, and Beyond" explores the intersection of meaningful work and the art of engaging creativity and responsibility without force, particularly for wandering minds, ADHD, and beyond.
Each week, Dr. Dini weaves together insights from psychiatry, mindfulness practices, and creative experiences to help you develop your own path beyond productivity, and to mastery and meaningful work. Whether you're neurodivergent or simply seeking a more authentic approach to engaging the world, you'll discover practical strategies for:
- Building supportive environments that honor your unique way of thinking
- Transforming resistance into creative momentum
- Developing personalized workflows that actually stick
- Understanding and working with your mind's natural rhythms
Drawing from his experience as both a practicing psychiatrist and creative artist, Dr. Dini offers a compassionate perspective on productivity that goes beyond traditional time management techniques. You'll learn why typical productivity advice often falls short and how to craft approaches that genuinely resonate with your mind's natural tendencies.
Each week, Dr. Dini weaves together insights from psychiatry, mindfulness practices, and creative experiences to help you develop your own path beyond productivity, and to mastery and meaningful work. Whether you're neurodivergent or simply seeking a more authentic approach to engaging the world, you'll discover practical strategies for:
- Building supportive environments that honor your unique way of thinking
- Transforming resistance into creative momentum
- Developing personalized workflows that actually stick
- Understanding and working with your mind's natural rhythms
Drawing from his experience as both a practicing psychiatrist and creative artist, Dr. Dini offers a compassionate perspective on productivity that goes beyond traditional time management techniques. You'll learn why typical productivity advice often falls short and how to craft approaches that genuinely resonate with your mind's natural tendencies.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2025 • 22min
ADHD and the Nature of Time
Time struggles for wandering minds are often misinterpreted as personal flaws. Instead, it's about the clash between rigid clock time and our natural rhythms. Discover why the traditional second feels hostile and how connecting with nature's cycles can enhance harmony. Explore the Lighthouse Technique, a new way to ease transitions and foster agency without the pressure of alarms. Plus, learn how music influences our perception of time through varying rhythms. It's a fresh perspective on aligning personal time with the world's demands.
16 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 16min
A Major To Do List Mistake
Explore why to-do lists often fail, as emotions like frustration can sabotage our progress. Learn to treat lists as living tools that evolve with us. Discover how tuning into the present can invigorate decision-making, likened to adjusting a guitar. Embrace the idea of sharpening the ax—making solid decisions now to pave the way for impactful actions later. Plus, enjoy an original piano piece that captures the magic of creative beginnings!
11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 56min
Dr. Fuschia Sirois and the Vital Importance of Emotion in Procrastination
Dr. Fuschia Sirois is a renowned professor of social and health psychology at Durham University, specializing in procrastination and emotional management. She discusses how self-compassion can counteract procrastination and the societal norms that fuel self-criticism. The conversation delves into her innovative TEMPO toolkit, designed to tackle the emotional roots of avoidance and provide strategies for better motivation and planning. Fuschia also touches on the generational differences in procrastination and the effects of financial procrastination.
25 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 16min
A Delight in Craft - The Unconscious Mind Board Game
Ever felt your mind clear just by appreciating true craft? Explore how art and meaningful work can ground restless minds, especially in adults with ADHD. Delve into the board game 'The Unconscious Mind' and discover how it brings psychoanalytic elements into playful decision-making. Hear insights on embracing mastery amidst chaos and finding depth in mundane moments, such as conversations about football. Plus, enjoy a unique piano improvisation that beautifully illustrates the harmony of creativity and play.
Sep 4, 2025 • 21min
Juggling Creation and Confusion
Creativity can feel like a juggling act, especially for those with wandering minds. Embracing confusion is explored as a catalyst for growth and discovery. Passion is framed as a nurturing rhythm, not just a fleeting excitement. Strategies for befriending confusion and transforming daily rhythms into meaningful flow are shared. Listeners can learn to recognize when play turns into overload, seeking self-compassion and clarity. An original piano composition adds a playful touch, celebrating the exploration of creative journeys.
4 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 16min
Decision Overload and the Anchor Technique
Explore the intriguing dilemma of decision overload and its ties to emotional complexity, especially for those with ADHD. Discover how compulsive behaviors stem from a need for relief rather than just instant gratification. The podcast introduces the anchor technique to help lighten decision fatigue in hectic moments. Moments of mindful pause are emphasized to sort through feelings and bring clarity to chaotic choices. Plus, enjoy an original piano piece, 'Veranda,' reflecting the journey from overwhelm to calm.
13 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 13min
The Ultimate Trick Will Ultimately Fail
Shortcuts for motivation may sound appealing, but they often backfire, eroding our self-confidence. The discussion reveals how genuine trust in ourselves is built through mindful practice, not fleeting tricks. Embracing manageable risks can serve as powerful stepping stones toward mastery. Delve into the significance of facing challenges to bolster confidence, while enjoying a unique piano composition that underscores this journey. Discover a more sustainable path to motivation that encourages intentional living and personal growth.
Aug 14, 2025 • 17min
The Power of Doing Nothing
Discover the surprising benefits of embracing inactivity and the art of 'visiting' your tasks without pressure. This discussion highlights how allowing yourself to simply be can spark motivation and clarity. Learn to face your fears and procrastination, while thoughtful pauses enhance creativity and reveal new insights. Each 'visit' promotes agency and self-compassion, reminding us that true progress often sprouts in moments of stillness.
17 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 21min
Comments on ADHD as an "Erectile Dysfunction of the Mind"
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Kourosh Dini dives into the complexities of ADHD, drawing parallels to the concept of 'erectile dysfunction of the mind.' By challenging the typical views on willpower, the conversation shifts toward fostering self-trust and agency. Listeners discover the importance of engaging with tasks through compassion and emotional awareness. The podcast highlights innovative practices, like the 'daily visit,' to maintain momentum even in low motivation moments. It concludes with a reflection on music's role in shaping focus and connection.
26 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 30min
The Magnified Mind
The conversation dives into the nature of the wandering mind, revealing how it can be both a challenge and a source of creativity. Personal experiences with ADHD are explored, highlighting the importance of subjective understanding over traditional metrics. A captivating metaphor compares the lens of an eye to consciousness, emphasizing the impact of mental distractions on focus. The discussion also covers emotional depth and offers practical techniques for managing a wandering mind, culminating in a lively musical improvisation that embodies these concepts.
