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
26 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 30min
14. 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.
11 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 12min
13. Avoiding a Taskmaster
Struggling with procrastination? This discussion dives deep into the frustrations of relying on others for reminders, revealing the emotional cycle of resentment that can develop. It highlights the challenges of managing tasks, especially with ADHD, and introduces a fresh perspective on being present with work. By breaking the cycle of dependency, listeners can foster productivity and harmony in task completion. The conversation wraps up with an exploration of the musical piece 'Wooded Hills,' adding an artistic touch to the journey.
8 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 11min
12. Procrastination, ADHD, and I'll Come Up With the Rest of this Title Later
Dive into the fascinating psychology behind procrastination, especially for those with ADHD. Discover how avoidance can serve as a recovery mechanism rather than a flaw. Learn why traditional productivity strategies often backfire and how a rhythm-based, gentle approach can enhance focus. Gain actionable insights to shift your mindset and reclaim your agency without shame. Plus, enjoy an original piano composition designed to support your creative journey and reflection.
27 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 57min
11. An Interview with Dr. Joel Anderson - Philosophy and the Wandering Mind
In this engaging dialogue, Dr. Joel Anderson, a leading philosopher specializing in moral psychology, delves into the intricacies of wandering minds and procrastination with host Dr. Kourosh Dini. They explore 'agentic play' and how well-designed environments can enhance creativity. The conversation balances agency with emotional engagement, addressing how emotions can guide motivation. They also discuss self-binding strategies for resisting temptation and fostering self-trust, ultimately reflecting on how these insights can transform our approach to work and life.
8 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 15min
10. Calm Focus, Not Crisis: Reimagining Productivity for ADHD
Explore the curious phenomenon of how looming deadlines can both elevate and drain focus, particularly for adults with ADHD. Discover the hidden costs of a 'last-minute mode' and how to embrace a kinder, gentler approach to productivity. Replace pressure with self-compassion and learn to 'visit' your projects without the burden of completion. Reframe deadlines as prompts rather than stressors to foster natural focus. Plus, enjoy an original piano composition that invites warmth and gentle growth.
18 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 28min
9. "I Just Don't Wanna" and the Power of Agency
Explore the challenges of wandering minds and how they shape our daily tasks. Discover the power of agency in personal growth, emphasizing that it's not about forcing action but nurturing decision-making. Learn practical strategies to transform overwhelm into clarity and honor those 'I don’t wanna' moments as opportunities for self-compassion. Experience an original piano composition that ties together themes of play and agency, reminding us to embrace our creative rhythms.
12 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 18min
8. Creative Brains Need More than Interest
Feeling stuck? Discover a gentle approach to productivity for creative minds and those with ADHD. Learn how emotions can guide your focus instead of hindering it. Explore the 'CHIN-UP' method for deeper engagement, emphasizing challenge, interest, and novelty. Practical strategies like mindful visits and self-compassion can facilitate smoother transitions into focused work. Plus, enjoy an original piano piece to inspire your creative rhythm as you embrace your unique thought process!
16 snips
May 29, 2025 • 18min
7. Cautions of Dopamine and a Lean Into Mastery
Struggling with motivation and focus? Dive into the complex relationship between dopamine and genuine mastery. Discover how to shift from chasing quick fixes to embracing meaningful learning experiences. Uncover the power of play and ease in transforming challenges into achievable goals. Learn actionable steps like prioritizing self-compassion and breaking tasks down into manageable pieces. Plus, explore how music can shape emotions, enhancing engagement through its structure. Find your rhythm and reignite your passion for growth!
13 snips
May 22, 2025 • 11min
6. A Wandering Mind's Moral Approach
Discover how feelings of guilt and shame can trap those with wandering minds in a cycle of self-blame. Embrace a kinder approach to focus and organization that fosters self-trust. Explore the evolving nature of music as a form of creative expression, challenging conventional views of emotions tied to musical keys. Tune in for insights on compassionate strategies and reflections that can reshape the way we think about productivity and creativity.
15 snips
May 15, 2025 • 15min
5. A Wandering Mind's Paradox of Potential
Discover the paradox of a wandering mind, where creativity can surge like a wave only to leave you scattered. The discussion reveals why traditional productivity hacks often fall flat, and what truly works for maintaining focus. Explore the complexities of mental experiences that spark creativity, particularly in music. Plus, enjoy an original composition, 'Bunnies on the March', inviting listeners into a world of whimsical inspiration. Embrace self-compassion and gentle productivity strategies for navigating the unpredictable currents of your thoughts.
