ADHD-ish

In this episode, I sit down with Mikey Schumacher, the 29-year-old creative entrepreneur behind “but cute”—a start-up brand of plush toys designed to celebrate mental health and celebrate our imperfections. In this episode, Mikey & I discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the healing power of community, and how comfort objects can open up much-needed conversations around anxiety, ADHD, and more.I came across Mikey & but cute on TikTok, became part of the startup’s Kickstarter campaign, and have been an enthusiastic supporter of his mission, vision, and passion. Mikey is part of a new generation of founders whose businesses serve a social purpose, while meeting a market need, and in his case, a personal one as well.  About Mikey SchumacherMikey, who lives in Oceanside, California, and is the youngest of six children, is a lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for creating meaningful products. From lemonade stands and failed T-shirt ventures to a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from USC, Mikey’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and turning setbacks into springboards. Now, with the viral success of But Cute, Mikey empowers people of all ages to embrace their quirky, anxious, or imperfect sides—one plush toy at a time.Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:1. Learning by Failing ForwardMikey shares how every “failed” business (including a Kickstarter flop and one epic T-shirt company bust) was actually just a bootcamp for founder growth.2. Why Comfort Objects Are Powerful (at ANY Age)Explore the real science and sentimental magic behind plush toys—and why adults are snatching them up too.3. Turning Insecurity into CommunityDiscover how But Cute’s Discord became a safe haven for people to share insecurities and get massive support, no judgment.4. Practical Advice for OverthinkersHear Mikey’s simple but game-changing reminder: “Don’t predict the future. Take one step at a time.” (Diann co-signs HARD.)5. Creative Chaos is Your FriendPeek into Mikey’s wild idea process: fusion-creature brainstorming, accidental croissant claws, and the beauty of letting go of perfection.Mentioned during this episode:SquishmallowsLabubuConnect with Mikey & But CuteBut Cute Website TikTok: @butcutetoysBut cute club Discord channel Join the Conversation!Are you an adult with an emotional support plushie? Has a comfort item helped your mental health?  Follow but cute, join their discord community and tag them on social media on posts that focus on embracing imperfections. Did this episode inspire you? Thank you for listening to ADHD-ish! Subscribe & leave a review if this conversation brought you comfort, courage, or just a smile.  © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Explore the nuances of context switching and its impact on productivity, especially for those with ADHD. Discover practical strategies like the Transition Bridge System that makes task shifts smoother and less draining. Learn how to create 'breadcrumb' notes for easier re-entry into projects without losing momentum. Plus, find out how to navigate unexpected disruptions and maintain your focus amidst the chaos of solopreneur life.

Explore the impact of perfectionism and rejection sensitivity on ADHD entrepreneurs. Learn how the 'improvement vortex' keeps you stuck in endless tweaking instead of launching. Discover the addictive nature of over-researching, which can masquerade as productivity but actually stalls progress. Dive into practical strategies, including the 'Completion Compass,' to diagnose and overcome creative blockages. Embrace the idea that 'good enough' can propel you forward and transform launching into a valuable learning experience.

Dive into the struggles of starting, stopping, and switching gears as an entrepreneur with ADHD. Explore the 'messy start method' that prioritizes action over perfectionism. Discover the 2% + 20% formula that simplifies taking first steps. Learn practical systems and strategies for everything from launching a podcast to reaching dream clients. Overcome procrastination with small, manageable steps and embrace the power of imperfection. Join the journey to build sustainable momentum and finally get those projects off the ground!

In this enlightening conversation, ADHD coach and author Dave Greenwood shares insights on overcoming the traps of people-pleasing and managing rejection sensitivity in the workplace. He emphasizes the importance of embracing oneself while also being open to change. Drawing lessons from Alfred Adler's teachings, Dave discusses how the separation of tasks can liberate individuals from the burden of others' expectations. He candidly explores burnout, the value of genuine connections, and the freedom that comes with accepting being disliked for personal growth.

Do you ever feel like you’re walking around with your emotional skin turned inside out whenever you spot unfairness? This week’s podcast episode is for you!  I’m Diann Wingert, your neurodivergent navigator, and in this episode, we are unpacking the lesser-known ADHD traits of justice sensitivity—what it really is, why it matters, and how it could become your business’s hidden strength instead of a recipe for burnout. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:What Justice Sensitivity Actually Is:We bust the myth that it’s just being “too emotional”—it’s a real, measurable trait, and science backs that up!Why It’s SO Common in ADHD Brains:Discover why our brains are wired to spot (and feel) unfairness at lightning speed, and what emotional dysregulation has to do with it.The Double-Edged Sword in Business:Justice sensitivity can help you build a business with true integrity—but (yup, there’s a but), it can also lead to exhausting decision paralysis and burnout if you’re not careful.The 3-Part Framework to Make it Work For You (Not Against You):Audit your outrage, channel your fire, and protect your resources—so you can transform that righteous energy into business gold without burning out.Action Steps for Real Impact:From “name it to tame it” to boundary-setting and finding your values-driven tribe, I spell out concrete ways to work with your justice compass, not against it.Fun Fact from this episode:ADHD justice sensitivity can turn you into the “canary in the coal mine” for spotting unfairness—but just like a smoke detector, you don’t want it blaring 24/7! Learn how to schedule your “outrage hours” so you can still get sh*t done.Thanks for listening, for caring, and for being a good human. Take care of your sensitive heart, and let’s keep building sustainable businesses that actually stand for something.Ready to Take Aligned Action?If you want to make a difference for girls with ADHD (seriously, they lag behind boys by decades in getting identified and treated), check out Find the ADHD Girls—an amazing organization I’m proud to be a part of.  Click this link to find out more.  © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Jess Malli Mercier, a creative powerhouse known for her podcast and business rebrand, dives into the chaotic world of creative solopreneurship. She discusses the struggles of finishing projects while embracing her unique identity. Jess shares her journey towards self-acceptance and the value of collaborative branding. The conversation includes insights on breaking free from perfectionism and the importance of balancing productivity with creative rest. She also highlights the power of community support in understanding ADHD and nurturing creativity.

Dive into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making, especially for those with ADHD. Discover why optimism can be misleading and how the sunk cost fallacy traps even the best of us. The conversation offers practical strategies for self-awareness and accountability. Learn to identify mind traps and transform your relationship with your goals, leading to better outcomes in both your personal and professional life. It’s not just about pitfalls; it’s about harnessing these biases for innovation!

In this enlightening conversation, Meredith Carder—a speaker, writer, and ADHD coach—shares her journey of embracing the ADHD brain through her book, "Now Everything Makes Sense." She reveals how ADHD entrepreneurs often navigate the tricky balance between ambition and capacity, leading to cycles of burnout. Topics include the importance of self-compassion, challenging societal expectations, and strategies for avoiding toxic productivity. Listeners gain insights into embracing their unique paths while learning to stretch their capacity without breaking.

I decided to do something special for this episode, because this week is our 5th podcast anniversary (and it's also Mental Health Awareness Month.) One of the most challenging things about being neurodivergent is learning to accept ourselves in a world where being different often marks you as an outsider.  Using my obsession with Wicked and exploring four of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic songs  —from the hopeful longing of "The Wizard and I" to the defiant liberation of "Defying Gravity"—my goal in this episode is to connect them to the distinct stages of our ADHD journey in learning to embrace our differentness.  So, grab your broomstick and let’s go on an adventure to Oz. Episode Highlights:Let's take a trip through four major songs from “Wicked” that map out the ADHD journey to self-acceptance:“The Wizard and I”: The bittersweet hope that someone or something outside of us will finally fix what feels broken.“Popular”: The pressure to fit into neurotypical molds, no matter how unnatural it feels, and why those “helpful tips” so rarely work.“Defying Gravity”: The exhilarating breakthrough of embracing your true self and rejecting systems that were never built for your brain.“For Good”: Honoring everyone who contributed to your journey, finding peace with imperfection, and stepping into deeper self-acceptance.Whether you’re still searching for that magic fix, trying to fit into neurotypical norms, or learning to soar with your own brand of brilliance, this episode is an invitation to recognize the real magic within yourself. Join me as I encourage us all to “keep defying gravity together”—and celebrate just how far we’ve come, thanks to a little help from our friends in Oz.Inspired by this episode?  Click this link to share it with a friend. Complete song lyrics for “The Wizard and I”, “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “For Good” can be accessed here for reference.  Used with permission by Scribd. All songs from “Wicked” were written by Stephen Schwartz and the clips used in this podcast recording were performed by various artists from The Studio Allstars Used with permission from One Media PublishingDigital distribution label based in Pinewood Studios, UK ©2008 © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast