ADHD Scapegoat Podcast

Do you struggle with setting boundaries as someone with ADHD? Is it hard to say "no" or prioritize your own needs? Join Angie as she discusses the unique challenges of boundary setting with ADHD, especially when you're also navigating family dysfunction.

Do you feel like your emotions are "too much"? Angie dives into the struggles of emotional dysregulation with ADHD. Learn how being labeled "dramatic" can impact you deeply, especially when combined with family scapegoating dynamics.In this video, we discuss:‣ Understanding ADHD & emotional dysregulation‣ The 7 Emotional Needs Everyone Has (via @the.holistic.psychologist)‣ How family scapegoating invalidates your feelings‣ Actionable strategies for managing emotions & setting boundariesDon't let anyone tell you your feelings aren't valid!

ADHD Overwhelm & Scapegoating: Is your family dynamic making your ADHD worse? Join Angie as she unpacks the unique challenges of ADHD overwhelm, especially when combined with being the family scapegoat. Learn practical coping strategies & start healing.

Going No Contact can feel like the hardest decision you’ll ever make—but for many of us, it’s the healthiest choice to protect ourselves from ongoing harm. In today’s episode, we explore what it means to go No Contact with toxic family members or harmful relationships. We break down insights from Dr. Sherrie Campbell’s book, Adult Survivors of Toxic Family Members, including the difference between the silent treatment (a punishment) and No Contact (a boundary for self-protection). You’ll hear personal stories, impactful quotes, and empowering lessons on maintaining boundaries, overcoming criticism, and healing from shame after cutting ties. This episode is for anyone struggling with the guilt, fear, or misunderstanding that often comes with No Contact decisions. Let’s talk about it.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the painful reality of growing up in emotional abuse and how it impacts adult relationships. From gaslighting and emotional manipulation to silent treatment and boundary violations, we uncover 12 toxic tactics often used by narcissistic parents. These patterns can become ingrained in our relational dynamics—until we learn to recognize and break them. We'll also share self-assessment quizzes to help you identify emotional abuse in your life and discuss actionable steps to reclaim your worth and build healthier connections. If you’ve ever felt scapegoated, criticized, or silenced, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it. Watch now to uncover the truth and start your journey toward healing.

Ever wonder why one sibling is praised while another is constantly blamed? In this special episode, I (the ADHD Scapegoat) sit down with my sister—once labeled our family’s “Golden Child”—to tackle the unspoken roles within a dysfunctional, narcissistic family system. We share how pitting siblings against each other creates lasting emotional damage, and we discuss the unspoken “rules” that keep everyone in line (or in constant conflict). From understanding why rage gets normalized to discovering how fear and shame kept us from forming deeper bonds, we reveal how we’re finally healing and rebuilding a genuine sisterly connection. If you’re seeking clarity about scapegoating, favoritism, and the complexities of growing up in a narcissistic family, this episode is for you.

Holiday gatherings can be a whirlwind, but for those of us with ADHD stuck in dysfunctional families—often featuring narcissistic abuse—this whirlwind is nonstop chaos and confusion. As the family “scapegoat,” I share what I’ve learned from years of research, therapy, and reading books like "You’re Not the Problem" (Helen Villiers & Katie McKenna) and "Adult Survivors of Toxic Family Members" (Dr. Sherrie Campbell). In this episode, we break down the telling signs of narcissistic and toxic family systems, drawing from Dr. Ramani’s insights on narcissistic behavior vs. an official NPD diagnosis. If you’ve grown up in dysfunction, these 🚩“red flags” 🚩 may feel normal—but recognizing them is the first step toward healing. I’ll also guide you through a three-part exercise to raise your awareness: identifying unhealthy traits, naming the emotions they trigger, and envisioning how to avoid repeating these patterns in the family you create. It’s time to break free from the cycle of chaos and reclaim your life.

January often comes with massive pressure to set—and stick to—New Year’s resolutions. But for ADHDers, these rigid goals can quickly trigger boredom, frustration, and guilt. In this episode, I share why “resolutions” often lead to burnout for those of us with ADHD. Instead, I focus on embracing growth and flexibility, finding novel ways to stay engaged in workouts, daily tasks, or any new habit—without forcing ourselves into an all-or-nothing routine. From time blindness and overambitious planning to the freedom of starting a new habit on any day (not just January 1st), you’ll learn strategies for building sustainable changes that don’t drain your motivation or harm your mental health. If you’re tired of resolutions that never stick, this episode offers a fresh approach: no deadlines, no shame—just growth, day by day.

The holidays can amplify our grief when we’re reminded of those we’ve lost—either physically or through family estrangement. From the heartbreak of ambiguous grief (mourning someone still alive) to the anxiety of anticipatory grief (fearing loss yet to come) and secondary loss (the ripple effect of your primary loss), we explore the deeply personal ways grief intersects with ADHD. As the “ADHD Scapegoat,” I share my emotional journey coping with family dysfunction, narcissistic abuse, and shattered trust. Together, we’ll discuss the importance of acknowledging and honoring grief rather than burying it. If you’ve ever felt alone in your pain—especially during a season meant for “togetherness”—this episode offers insight and support. Remember: Healing begins when we give ourselves permission to feel and move forward on our own terms.

Being targeted by a narcissistic smear campaign can leave you feeling confused, isolated, and heartbroken—especially when it involves those closest to you. In this episode, we unpack the tactics narcissists use to tarnish reputations and manipulate others, including gaslighting, false accusations, and spreading rumors. We also explore actionable steps to cope, such as maintaining boundaries, gathering evidence, and prioritizing self-care. Sharing your truth is not a smear campaign—it’s empowerment. Join us as we navigate this painful experience, offering insights to protect your mental health and reclaim your narrative.