Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast

Dr. Dodge Rea, an ADHD expert known for his unique grace sequence approach, joins Dr. Sharon Saline to discuss the neuroscience of emotional flooding in ADHD. They explore how overwhelming emotions are not flaws but responses shaped by biology and experience. Insights into the amygdala's role, coping strategies like the STAR approach, and the importance of self-compassion offer listeners practical tools for managing emotional dysregulation. They also highlight how humor and community can aid in processing these complex feelings.

Tamara Rosier, the founder of the ADHD Center in West Michigan and author of 'Your Brain's Not Broken', teams up with Brooke Schnittman, a nationally recognized ADHD coach and author of 'Activate Your ADHD Potential'. They dive deep into the overwhelm often felt by those with ADHD, linking emotional sensitivity to executive function issues. Tamara explains 'emotional flooding', while Brooke introduces practical micro-actions to break through moments of stasis. Together, they emphasize that feeling stuck isn’t a personal failure but a signal to listen to one’s unique brain.

James Ochoa, an ADHD pathfinder and author, joins Dr. Nachi Felt, a Columbia University ADHD specialist, to tackle the formidable force of shame in the context of ADHD. They explore how shame spirals can disrupt mental clarity and resilience, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and acceptance. With a blend of humor and expertise, they discuss the neurological underpinnings of shame and share strategies for emotional empowerment, making this conversation both enlightening and a call for self-compassion.

The impact of AI on productivity for individuals with ADHD is explored, revealing both its potential and pitfalls. The hosts discuss mastering prompt engineering to harness AI effectively, likening it to training a dog for better results. AI in education is examined, emphasizing the balance between productivity and personal expression. The versatile uses of AI platforms like Poe and Coda are highlighted. Finally, they unveil innovative AI tools like Adobe Voice Enhancer that elevate audio quality, showcasing AI’s transformative possibilities.

Artificial intelligence might just be the ultimate tool for those managing ADHD. The hosts dive into how AI can boost productivity, featuring tools that streamline task management and enhance focus. They discuss the double-edged sword of AI, balancing its potential benefits against ethical concerns and cognitive agency. Personal stories illuminate the unique ways AI can assist attention deficits, while the importance of understanding AI's limitations is emphasized. It's a thought-provoking exploration of technology's role in our cognitive lives.

Friendship. It’s a word that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and—if we’re honest—a twinge of confusion. Because once upon a time, it was effortless. A shared lunch, a game of tag, and suddenly, a best friend was born. But then, something happened. Adulthood. And with it came the slow realization that making and keeping friends isn’t just harder—it’s an entirely different proposition.We've heard the lamentations before: Why is this so difficult? Why do friendships slip away? Why does it feel like rejection when it’s just… life? Enter Caroline Maguire. She is no stranger to the complexities of human connection. A coach, a teacher, and the award-winning author of Why Will No One Play with Me?, Caroline has made it her life’s work to decode the unspoken rules of friendship—especially for those with ADHD.Today, she returns to the podcast with answers and a roadmap. What if the secret to adult friendships isn’t just about finding the right people, but about understanding the invisible structures that hold relationships together? What if the problem isn’t you, but the way we misjudge who is truly a friend? What if, in our rush to connect, we’re skipping the essential steps that turn acquaintance into ally?From the hidden psychology of trust to the overlooked power of consistency, this episode pulls back the curtain on the friendships we crave—and the ones we lose. Pete wrestles with the ghosts of old friendships, Nikki examines the seasons of connection, and Caroline offers not just wisdom, but action. Because friendship, like any great endeavor, requires more than just longing. It requires intention.Links & NotesCaroline Maguire on Instagram: @authorcarolinemWhy Will No One Play With Me? by Caroline MaguireJoin the Taking Control: The ADHD Discord CommunitySupport the Show on Patreon (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (01:36) - Support the Show: Become a Patron.. Please? :) (02:21) - Introducing Caroline Maguire (03:36) - What makes a friend? (09:48) - Different Friends for Different Seasons (25:06) - Anxious Over-correction (27:43) - How Apps Change Friend-finding (33:14) - What do we do? (44:48) - Learn More ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What if the very quality that makes those early, intoxicating moments of romance so vibrant—the spontaneous weekend getaway, the surprise bouquet of flowers—later becomes the source of relationship friction? The human brain, particularly one wired with ADHD, contains multitudes of contradictions, and nowhere is this more evident than in how impulsivity shapes our intimate partnerships.This week on the show, relationship expert Melissa Orlov peels back the layers of impulsive behavior in ADHD relationships with Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer. Pete's personal confession—renting a convertible for a romantic coastal drive during courtship, then later purchasing an entire car during what should have been a routine oil change—illuminates the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of impulsivity that Melissa has observed in thousands of couples."It came from somewhere," Melissa notes of impulsive words and actions that wound our partners. But where? The answer lies in a neurological tightrope walk between present-moment reward and long-term relationship consequences. The ADHD partner experiences the euphoria of now, while their significant other bears witness to the aftermath, creating an asymmetrical emotional experience that compounds over time.What of verbal impulsivity—those cutting remarks that can never be unsaid? Melissa offers a revelation that ADHD partners are "blessed with the ability to move on quickly," while non-ADHD partners ruminate, creating relationship dissonance long after the moment has passed.Let us take our cues from Melissa's "verbal cues," pattern interrupters in relationship conflict. The deliberate absurdity of an agreed-upon word like "hamburger" or "aardvark" serves as a circuit breaker during emotional escalation—a linguistic tool that transcends the heat of argument to preserve relationship integrity. It's a Safe Word, but for your ADHD.This is an invitation to understand how neurological differences fundamentally shape our perception of time, commitment, and connection—and how awareness of these differences might just be the greatest relationship skill we can develop.Links & NotesADHD MarriageIntent to Action Membership ProgramThe ADHD Effect on MarriageThe Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHDSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to The ADHD Podcast (00:39) - Support the Show! Become a Patron! (01:40) - Introducing Melissa Orlov (06:58) - Auto-Impulsivity (09:32) - Impulsivity is Not a Monolith (12:38) - How We Fight (15:22) - Trust & Boundaries (19:10) - Fidelity (20:43) - Breaking out of Impulsive Patterns in Relationships (25:16) - Collaborating with the Non-Impulsive Partner (31:19) - Transparency (34:24) - Emotional Dysregulation & Verbal Cues (41:30) - Learn more about Melissa's work ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This session features Jonathan Hassall, an ADHD and executive function coach known for his expertise in emotional regulation and relationships. He explores the unique communication challenges in relationships when ADHD is involved, emphasizing the need for empathy and adaptability. Jonathan highlights why misunderstandings occur and the importance of acknowledging emotions to foster healthier connections. He dives into strategies for transforming conflicts and the significant role of gratitude in strengthening bonds between partners.

ADHD shapes every type of relationship—romantic, familial, and social. Miscommunication can lead to frustration in partnerships, influencing intimacy and emotional connections. Parenting with ADHD introduces chaos, complicating discipline and family dynamics. Friends may struggle to maintain bonds due to emotional regulation challenges. The podcast highlights how ADHD's impact on empathy and social skills can create feelings of isolation, while also offering insights and strategies for strengthening these connections.

Emotional dysregulation is a profound and often unnoticed challenge for those with ADHD, leading to unpredictable emotional intensity. The speakers discuss the brain's role, particularly how an overactive amygdala and an underactive prefrontal cortex contribute to these struggles. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria intensifies feelings of perceived rejection, impacting self-esteem and relationships. However, the conversation offers actionable strategies for managing these emotions, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and professional guidance.