The ADHD Skills Lab
Skye Waterson
Navigate each day in an ADHD-friendly way – with research-backed strategies, real-life experiences and expert advice. Each week, UO founder Skye Waterson chats with expert guests, reviews the latest ADHD research, takes your questions and offers practical support to help you move past whatever may be holding you back. Skye Waterson is a former academic turned coach, podcast host, and founder of an international ADHD support service, Unconventional Organisation. After getting a surprise ADHD diagnosis in the first year of her PhD, Skye turned her struggles into research-based strategies. She researched and wrote over 50 articles with a combined readership of 250,000+ and then began her next phase of disseminating these strategies around the world. After being invited to share her strategies with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) in 2022, Skye has supported late-diagnosed healthcare professionals, professors, lawyers, reporters, fortune 500 directors, and entrepreneurs. She crafted her vision for Unconventional Organisation after realizing how few personalized ADHD strategies were available for adults following her diagnosis.
Episodes
Mentioned books
50 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 34min
Holiday Boundaries for ADHD brains: a Research Recap
Explore the vital need for setting boundaries as an individual with ADHD, especially during the holiday season. Delve into personal stories and the unique challenges faced in establishing limits. Learn about the 'Four C's' of boundary-setting: clarity, consistency, communication, and confirmation. Discover tools like a prioritization filter to manage overwhelm and commitments effectively. The conversation emphasizes compassion in communication, self-advocacy, and the psychological benefits of healthy boundaries.
10 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 26min
ADHD in the Creative Industry: Insights from Tevis Houston
Tevis Houston discusses the impact of a late ADHD diagnosis and the strengths it can bring to the creative industry. She shares personal strategies that fuel her creativity, emphasizing the importance of community and support. The conversation highlights how dedicated workspaces enhance productivity and the value of unique collaborations in empowering female creatives. Listeners also gain practical tips to manage ADHD during the hectic holiday season, including embracing multitasking and prioritizing breaks for a better balance.
13 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 34min
Basketballs to Balance Beams: Movement that actually supports your ADHD Executive Functioning
Discover how intentional movement can enhance cognitive performance for those with ADHD! The hosts delve into research linking physical activity to improved executive functioning in children and explore the benefits of group play therapy. They emphasize the role of play in developing essential skills and emotional health. Personal anecdotes add a relatable touch, while listeners are encouraged to incorporate enjoyable movements into their routines for better mental well-being.
38 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 1min
How ADHD Brains Learn Best: Tapping into Levity with Brandon Hendrickson
Brandon Hendrickson, Founder of Science is Weird and author focusing on innovative educational methods, shares insights on how ADHD brains learn best. He discusses unconventional learning strategies that tap into intrinsic motivation to boost engagement. The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling in education and examines practical approaches for teaching neurodiverse learners. Additionally, Brandon explores the challenges of task initiation and the impact of writing on executive functioning, urging a reimagining of educational practices.
41 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 42min
Vagus Nerve Magic: How ADHD brains can find calm
In this insightful discussion, Abbie J., a coach with a master's in genetic counseling and a background in bioethics, delves into the profound effects of the autonomic nervous system on ADHD. She highlights why emotional dysregulation is common in ADHD and shares alluring concepts like 'micro-moments' that can enhance daily life. Abbie introduces gentle grounding techniques, including the 'seaweed' movement, to help reset the nervous system, ultimately guiding listeners toward emotional stability and calm.
17 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 26min
Delegation? In this economy?! How to Gamify with the ADHD Big Brother
Russ Jones, host of The ADHD Big Brother Podcast and creator of a vibrant ADHD community, dives into gamification as a powerful tool for motivation. He shares how turning mundane tasks into game-like challenges can invigorate daily routines. Russ also discusses the struggles of delegation and offers humorous insights on household chores. The episode emphasizes community support's role in making tasks enjoyable, creating accountability through fun, and ultimately redefining how ADHDers can approach their daily responsibilities.
Oct 14, 2024 • 40min
The Doctor is in... ADHD Meds & Heart Risk: Research Recap with an Epidemiologist
Dr. Fred Hooven, a Professor of Public Health and epidemiologist, dives into the intriguing connection between ADHD medications and heart health. He tackles the dual findings that some medications may heighten heart disease risks while simultaneously lowering early death rates. The conversation also covers essential study designs and highlights the importance of tailored patient discussions before treatment. With insights from Swedish research, Dr. Hooven emphasizes how lifestyle factors and pre-treatment screenings play crucial roles in safeguarding cardiovascular health.
16 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 47min
Conquering Clutter with ADHD: Megs Crawford Shares Organising Tips that Work
Discover practical strategies for organizing your space while navigating the challenges of ADHD. Learn how to shift from perfectionism to functional organization. Explore effective ways to declutter and set personal boundaries. Embrace the importance of small wins and mindful transitions in creating routines that stick. Plus, gain insights from a courageous journey into entrepreneurship and the empowering mindset necessary for thriving with ADHD.
Sep 30, 2024 • 34min
ADHD & Finances: More Than Just Impulsivity?!
Dive into the complex relationship between ADHD and finances! Discover how impulsive spending might stem from factors beyond ADHD. Uncover findings from a community study examining personality traits and their influence on financial decisions. Explore the paradox of ADHD as both a unique challenge and potential asset in the workplace. The discussion highlights significant research gaps regarding ADHD's impact on financial management and the urgent need for deeper investigation into financial distress within this community.
Sep 23, 2024 • 54min
How Google’s Lisa Ballard Closes High-Value Deals with ADHD: Secrets to Success in Tech
Lisa Ballard, Director at Google Cloud with 20 years in enterprise tech sales, shares her insights on navigating ADHD in high-stakes environments. She discusses her late diagnosis and the emotional shift it brought, highlighting how individuals with ADHD can leverage their unique strengths. Lisa provides practical strategies for managing overwhelm, such as using planner pads and family planning meetings. Her experiences reveal the importance of community support and mindfulness in achieving professional and personal balance.
