Women & ADHD

Episode 13 with Emily Prokop."I absolutely love my hyper focus as long as I can harness it."Emily is a speaker, author, podcaster, and journalist. She’s been podcasting since 2015 and a podcast listener even longer. She has two podcasts: The Story Behind, which was nominated for a Webby Award in 2019 and has since turned into a best-selling book, and Hate to Weight where she and her cohost discuss their weight loss journeys together. In addition to all this, Emily became a podcast editor and consultant in 2017, and helps podcasters start their shows and continue podcasting. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two kids, and two cats.Emily was diagnosed 7 years ago at the age of 30, and we talk about the symptoms she had as a girl that went unnoticed. We also talk about the tendency to “over study” which leads to analysis paralysis, as well as the importance of structures and systems to harness all those idea gnats that are constantly buzzing around your head.Emily shares how she got into podcasting (spoiler alert: it was a hyperfocus) and it will come as no surprise that most podcasters she has encountered and worked with also have ADHD.TRIGGER WARNING: We talk about her weight loss journey, intermittent fasting, and scale numbers are mentioned. If you have a history with an eating disorder or disordered eating, you’ll want to skip this interview.Website: Epodcastproductions.com Instagram: @emilypeckprokop - - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcast Twitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 12 with Alejandra Kottke.“You buy all the ingredients to make spaghetti and you come home and you realize you don't have the pots and pans to make it. You need to make sure that you have the pots and pans before you can go to the grocery store and buy all the ingredients!"Alejandra lives in Northern Illinois with her husband and their 4 sons. Her brick and mortar tanning business closed in 2020 thanks to COVID and she pivoted to working one-on-one with clients as a master certified spray tan artist.Alejandra has only been diagnosed a couple of months when we spoke, and so much of her inner journey since then is SO relatable, so if you’ve just been diagnosed hold onto your pants because you’re really going to relate to this interview SO much — she has a real gift for articulating the emotional roller coaster we all ride after discovering we have ADHD.We also talk about how she got into the business of tanning and how, since sunlight is supposed to be very helpful for the ADHD brain, it kinda makes sense that she really loved tanning.This leads to us talking about impulsivity, starting a business on a whim, following our guts, the logic behind why people with ADHD are chronic procrastinators and why we thrive with strict deadlines — so, lots of great insights into entrepreneurship and the highs and lows of starting a business when you have ADHD.I’ve discussed Jessi Romero’s ADHD Female Entrepreneurs Facebook group with past guests, and I always forget to include a link in the show notes, but I’ve finally done it this week. Jessi is awesome and she’s created an amazing resource for ADHD female entrepreneurs. Find her on Instagram and join her Facebook group.Website: Cornerstone Sunless Instagram: @cornerstonesunless- - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcast Twitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this engaging conversation, Amanda Pye, the owner of Saint Paulia bath and skin care products, shares her journey of discovering her ADHD later in life, triggered by her son’s diagnosis. She discusses the emotional challenges of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and how it affects personal relationships. Amanda also dives into the world of eco-friendly skincare, detailing her entrepreneurial path and the innovative products designed for RV enthusiasts. Her insights on mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provide a refreshing perspective on managing ADHD symptoms.

Episode 10 with Bri Plyler.“On the days where I feel extra hyperactive — when it's like, super engaged — I feel like there is a swarm of bees in my body trying to get out. It's just this, like, buzzing, almost painful energy and there's really nothing that I can do to expel it. But it doesn't translate to energy to get things done. That's a completely different kind of energy.”Bri lives in South Carolina, where she and her husband are the owners of Odin Custom Construction. She is also the creator of The House that ADHD Built, an online community centered around helping those with ADHD learn to love themselves and their brains. She’s also a regular contributor to ADHD Lifestyle Magazine.Bri says, “I believe that the key to unlocking our gifts is to learn to observe our challenges instead of judging them. As an entrepreneur with ADHD and a relentless optimist, my passion is sharing the message that struggles and success go hand in hand.”Bri was diagnosed with combined inattentive/hyperactive about a year ago at age 34. And she’s also in what feels like the minority of women with ADHD who has always actually exhibited physical hyperactivity — and she talks about what that feels like and also some of the stigma she’s experienced around that.And we also talk about the importance of the online community and feeling accepted after you’ve been diagnosed, and finding and building your tribe, especially if you’re not getting the necessary in-person support from the people in your day to day life.And we talk about her Fun Fails Fridays and owning your mistakes, and how important failing is to the process of growth, not only as a business owner, but in your life in general. OK, lots of wisdom packed into this episode, so enjoy!Instagram: @currentadhdcoaching - - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcast Twitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 9 with Ada Sewell."I'm in this turbulent ocean of all of these feelings and it's like, Do I want to struggle against the waves for my whole life or do I want to learn how to surf?"Ada is a life coach who works with creatives and entrepreneurs in busting the myth that “the struggle is real,” and changing your mindset in order to lean into what challenges you.She was diagnosed a few years ago at the age 26 after a close friend of hers who has ADHD starting talking about her own experiences and Ada thought, “Hmm, this is really relatable.”Ada talks about her intense emotions as a child and her sensitivity to criticism and how quick she was to anger — and the strategies she uses in adulthood now that she understands her ADHD.We also talk a lot about imposter syndrome among creatives and artists and coaches, too, and how to deal with that crippling fear of failure that can keep us from achieving our highest potential.DISCLAIMER: Ada and I talk for a bit about the various medications we’ve tried over the years and their effects, so I want to remind you that neither of us is a medical professional, we’re just discussing our personal experiences. We are not offering any advice — and it should go without saying that you should consult your own doctor when it comes to the right medication for you.OK, that said, this is a lovely conversation and I had a great talking with Ada so enjoy!Website: Ada Sewell Coaching Instagram: @coachadasewell - - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 8 with Melissa Helmick."Just because it’s common for moms to struggle, doesn’t mean it’s normal."TW: Melissa and I get really vulnerable in this episode, and we discuss some pretty serious topics, including domestic violence, sexual assault, miscarriage, infertility, abortion, and PTSD. So if you’re feeling like any of those topics might be difficult to listen to, then you might want to move on to another episode.Melissa is a birth and parenthood photographer who lives in Southeastern Virginia with her husband, her 3 rambunctious children, and their dog, Lilly. She is also finishing training to be a birth, postpartum, and bereavement doula.During our conversation, we discuss the difficulties we face when seeking a diagnosis — like when doctors aren’t on your side, or when you constantly question yourself and wonder if you need help at all, and the emotional roller coaster ride of finding the right medication.We also talk about emotional regulation in motherhood and how sleep deprivation and the noise and chaos of young children can make you feel like a failure at everything, and how to deal with that chronic overwhelm.If you ever felt pre-diagnosis like “something is not right with me” but you couldn’t put your finger on it and couldn’t find the support you need, then this episode is definitely for you. Enjoy! Website: The Photographic Storyteller Instagram: @thephotographicstoryteller_- - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 7 with Tameka Allen. "One of the things I really want to change in the online world is to create content and courses that are conducive to both types of brains." Tameka is the CEO of Allen Digital Group, a boutique project management agency based in Houston. They partner with business owners to help them plan and launch their online courses, memberships, and coaching programs. Tameka’s youngest daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in the 3rd grade, but it still Tameka a few more years after that to look into getting her own diagnosis. She loves performing and credits her ADHD with helping her feel super human on stage. Whenever she’s singing or dancing or even giving a presentation, she feels like she can be this alter ego without feeling weird. Yes! Tameka never planned to be an entrepreneur, but after years in the corporate HR world, she realized she was struggling 10 times harder to excel because she was working in an environment that assumed she had a linear brain.⁠ That, plus a terrible boss, let her into business for herself, and also helped her realize the importance of having compassion for others whose needs differ in the workplace. I gotta say, this conversation is full of cool insights and connections about ADHD symptoms, especially in girls and women. Enjoy! Website: Allen Digital Group Instagram: @allendigital- - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 6 with Crystal Dionysopoulou. "I procrastinated a lot, but I didn’t mean to. It’s not that I didn’t want to do the things I needed to do, it’s that I just couldn’t." Crystal is the Creative Director and founder of Lucid Fox, a web design and development agency that specializes in building custom sites for nonprofit organizations. Crystal grew up in the US and now lives with her husband and their toddler in Athens. She was diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year after she started to notice a proliferation of ADHD-related memes online and recognized enough of herself in them that she sought a diagnosis with a psychiatrist in Athens. We talk about her life growing up, and how her brother was actually diagnosed with ADHD as a child because he exhibited the physical hyperactivity and he was disruptive, but it was overlooked in Crystal because she tended to be quiet and well-behaved. (Hmm, doesn’t that sound familiar?) We also talk about how she started her own website design business at the age of 11, going door-to-door to local retailers, yet she also dropped out of college 3 times with 3 different majors. Crystal’s family also moved around the US a lot when she was growing up — she went to 18 different schools. We discuss how this and a difficulty with object permanence affected her ability to manage conflict in long-term relationships, but it also sparked her love of travel, which is how she met her now-husband and ultimately moved to Greece. Crystal has so many great insights into this neuro-divergent journey of ours, and I hope you enjoy our conversation! Website: https://lucid-fox.com Instagram: @lucid.fox.studio - - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 5 with Barbie Haven. "Your ability to set boundaries is directly tied to your alignment with your values." Barbie is an author, motivational speaker, certified life coach, Beachbody Coach, and CEO of Desired Lives where she helps career women and entrepreneurs create self-care routines that last so they have more joy, energy and success in business and in life. After Barbie left her corporate job and became a full-time entrepreneur in November 2019, she was struggling with time management and focus. A friend asked her if she might have ADHD, so she looked into it and was diagnosed a few months later. We talk about her journey, as well as the importance of self-care, her transformational experiences as a young woman navigating life with an addict, her recovery from codependency, and her passion for empowering other women to put themselves at the top of their list. Barbie live in Vancouver, WA, and she is an avid runner, dog mom, wife, and empty nester. Website: www.desiredlives.com Instagram: @desired_lives Facebook page: Desired Lives Barbie's book: The One Thing That Changed Everything: Powerful Stories by Women Who Now Have It All- - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 4 with Angela Sulfaro-Menconi. "I wouldn’t even say I’ve 'accepted' my ADHD brain. I’ve embraced having an ADHD brain. I’ve realized that I wasn’t lazy, and I wasn’t a morally-flawed person." Angela is a trained Cultural Anthropologist with interests including Poverty and Homelessness, Gender and Sexuality, and Chicana Feminism. Angela earned her PhD in 2017 and is self-diagnosed with ADHD. She lives with her family in Phoenix, AZ, where she is the headmistress at an exclusive, experimental, interest-based learning academy (her family practices unschooling). She strongly supports autistic self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement. On the weekends, she works as a freelance content writer and crafts soap to promote zero waste living. Website: www.writtenculture.com Instagram: @writtenculture- - - - -Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com- - - - -Reserve your spot in the next book club: www.womenandadhd.com/bookclub- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Women & ADHD listeners can now receive 10% off your first month of BetterHelp. Click here to get started!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast@gmail.com.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhd Facebook: @womenandadhd Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Calm: https://calm.com/WOMENADHDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy