
Future ADHD
Future ADHD is a podcast hosted by Grace Koelma, Founder & Educator at futureadhd.com, and creator of the Future ADHD Planner, with 50,000+ downloads and recommended by psychologists, therapists and coaches. Future ADHD exists to serve neurodivergents who have a deep sense that — while they struggle with self regulation and executive functioning on a daily basis — they’re not flawed or disordered, but rather living in a fast-paced world that wasn’t designed for their brain.
Being diagnosed with combined type ADHD at 33 helped make sense of my entire life — and while I wholeheartedly support an empowered and strength-based approach to ADHD, I also hold space and honour the daily complexity and difficulty of being neurodivergent in a world that isn’t designed for us.
Over decades, we have accumulated layered self-beliefs and negative messages that plague us — after a lifetime of feeling misunderstood and simultaneously too much, and not enough.
But what if our daydreaming, impulsivity, and fierce obsessions all make complete sense... What if we’re not flawed or disordered, but rather living in a fast-paced world that wasn’t designed for our brilliant ADHD brains?
If this resonates for you, and you want to join a community of brilliant, like-minded people, and learn more about your neurodivergent mind, then come along.
Join me for a new episode or interview each week, as I explore methods backed by science, including polyvagal theory & nervous system nourishment, breathwork and self care, planning & organisation, neural plasticity & unconscious programming, mindset and self-perception, and habit forming. I’ll also chat to a range of neurodivergent guests, so we can challenge the status quo, change the conversation and shape the future of ADHD together.
Come check out my science-based planners and other resources at > futureadhd.com.
Latest episodes

Apr 6, 2023 • 58min
Impulse spending & budgeting overwhelm: money tips designed for ADHD brains
Emotional spending, impulsivity, credit card debt, internalised shame & budgeting phobia... these are just a few of the areas that ADHDers often report struggling with when it comes to financial management. So it was no surprise that after 25K+ downloads of our ADHD planner, adding a finance/budgeting section was the No. 1 user request.
In today's episode, I'm joined by Eric & Georgie from the Future ADHD team to talk about the launch of our brand new 25-page finance section in the ADHD planner called 'Conscious Cash', which comes as a FREE lifetime update for all customers.
Because our mission is to shape the future of ADHD, we wanted to bring you powerful finance trackers based on scientific research that would really help you move the needle on your money habits... so we spent 2 months testing, designing and re-imagining the standard money templates to REALLY motivate and support divergent ADHD brains. Trust us, making sure you're not bored and have lots of dopamine-filled options was our main goal!
The response from our audience so far has been hugely positive. So if you need a bit of guidance as you're setting up your planner or just want some money re-frames for ADHD brains, this valued-packed episode has something for everyone!
Disclaimer: We are not financial experts and are not qualified to give financial advice, so this episode is merely generalised information - please refer to your financial advisor about your personal situation.
Come and join us!
Join 25K+ neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/
Follow on IG - @future.adhd
Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

15 snips
Mar 17, 2023 • 53min
Every neurotypical needs to hear this... why neurodiversity makes our society stronger
In this engaging discussion, Eric, Co-Founder of Future ADHD, highlights the importance of neurodiversity in society. He shares why neurotypicals should be educated on ADHD and how they can become allies. The conversation dives into the meaning and history of neurodiversity, emphasizing its essential role in fostering a balanced perspective on strengths and challenges. Eric also discusses creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace and the significance of celebrating the unique contributions of neurodivergent individuals. Tune in for insights that can transform understanding!

Mar 8, 2023 • 1h 7min
Oversharing, vulnerability hangovers & conflict with Dr. Ali Arena
Dr. Ali Arena is a communications & relationship expert specialising in the unique relational dynamics between neurodivergents and neurotypicals, both adults and kids. Ali has ADHD herself, and is both a Speech-Language Pathologist & Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She’s a kind of like an interpersonal detective that searches for patterns to increase connection either in romantic relationships, friendships, or parent-child dynamics.
Dr. Ali & I talk about:
the differences in communication style between women and men
the social strengths of ADHD in relationships
how to navigate chronic oversharing, info-dumping and vulnerability hangovers
all or nothing catastrophizing in arguments
having arguments because we’re bored and it’s a dopamine hit
becoming disembodied during conflicts and disconnecting from our intentions/spiralling out of control
setting boundaries and scheduling down time to nourish your nervous system
sensory regulation tips for supporting the ADHD kids in your life
helping your ADHD partner calm down when they’re spiralling
and so much more...!
Ali’s instagram @connectingwithali
Ali’s website www.connection-squared.com
Join 20K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/
Follow on IG - @future.adhd
Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

Mar 1, 2023 • 51min
Neural pathways in slow motion: your ADHD challenges explained with behavioural scientist Liliya Engelke (Part 2)
[PART 2 of Interview]
Liliya Engelke (M.S. CHWC) is an ADHD coach and behavioural scientist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. In this two-part conversation we examine the neurobiology and chemistry of the ADHD brain.
Lilly talks about:
• the cascade of overwhelm and the shame spiral behind ADHD / ADD paralysis & doom scrolling on the couch
• the link between dopamine and motivation
• the genius ‘spoon analogy’ that explains ADHD executive dysfunction
• “white coat syndrome” and the diagnosis process
• why neurodivergents can avoid support after being gaslit by medical professionals
• how a behavioural coach can help you modify your ADHD / ADD behaviours, create systems to support you and empower you to find your own solutions long term
• why Lilly loves our Future ADHD planner so much and recommends to her clients
And make sure you check out Part 1 for the rest of this value-packed conversation.
Follow Lilly on IG - @itssliliyaa
Lilly’s Coaching Support - https://www.wellnessmantra.org/
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Join 20K+ neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/
Follow on IG - @future.adhd
Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

Mar 1, 2023 • 55min
Masking, emotions as behaviour & executive dysfunction: with behavioural scientist Liliya Engelke (Part 1)
[PART 1 of Interview]
Liliya Engelke is an ADHD coach and behavioural scientist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. In this two-part conversation we take a deep dive into behavioural patterns and habit forming with the challenges of ADHD.
We explore how behavioural science can help you peel back the layers and examine why you’re doing what you’re doing, instead of operating on autopilot.
Lilly talks about:
• observable vs. internal behaviour traits and why that’s an important distinction in the scientific study of ADHD
• how our behaviours are learned on an unconscious level
• why Lilly assesses her client’s external environment to create modifications for habit success
• why emotions can also be learned behaviours
• how emotional dysregulation contributes to overwhelm and executive dysfunction
• how our brains create positive/negative associations unconsciously
• the all important question... why we always crave junk food when watching TV
• plus so much more!
And make sure you check out Part 2 for the rest of this practical, value-packed conversation.
Follow Lilly on IG - @itssliliyaa
Lilly’s Coaching Support - https://www.wellnessmantra.org/
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Join 20K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners:
https://futureadhd.com/
Follow on IG - @future.adhd
Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

Feb 5, 2023 • 1h 6min
Therapist Laura Sgro on re-authoring your own story, EMDR, somatic & narrative therapies for ADHD
Today I'm bringing you a conversation with Laura Sgro, who's a licensed therapist based in California who was diagnosed with ADHD in her late 20s. Laura and I crossed paths when she bought my ADHD planner and reached out to say how much she was loving it. We traded emails back and forth and had sooo much to talk about when it came to the female experience of ADHD and understanding the complex emotional journey that comes with being diagnosed late in life.
We talk about so much good stuff, including:
Laura's story being diagnosed with ADHD, neurodiversity in females compared to the stigmas and research about males
Laura's thoughts about the Future ADHD planner from a therapist lens and her favourite pages
De-stigmatizing labels like ADHD and neurotypical and the value of 'bridge labels'
unconscious and limiting beliefs and understanding the language of our nervous system
the role of shame, negative self critics and guilt when it comes to ADHD, and how to begin the journey of healing our wounded inner child even when self compassion feels impossible
therapeutic modalities like EMDR, breathwork, somatic therapies, and narrative therapy that really support you as you learn more about your brain, and start to heal parts of yourself that weren't valued by society and systems in your childhood
and so much more!
Laura gives loads of actionable tips and wise advice from her therapeutic lens, so I hope you get lots of value from our conversation.
Show notes: https://futureadhd.com/podcast/ep-4/

Jan 29, 2023 • 1min
Trailer: The Future ADHD Podcast, Launching in January 2023
Join me as we explore the latest ADHD research, and take a deep dive into topics like unconscious limiting beliefs, habits & productivity, mindset, self-perception, and nervous system nourishment. I'll also chat to a range of neurodivergent guests, so we can challenge the status quo, change the conversation and shape the future of ADHD together.
For more, visit futureadhd.com

Jan 29, 2023 • 37min
Why your inconsistency is a hidden strength
Our modern, industrial world has conditioned us to believe that productivity comes from consistency. It can, and for many people there's a strong link. But doesn't always. I've been exploring consistency and why it might be time to re-think society's obsession with it being the only link to success. What if being inconsistent could provide just as many routes towards achieving our goals and creating incredible things as being consistent could? Here are 4 unconventional things I've discovered by playing with being inconsistent more, and learning to work with my spontaneity and impulsivity.
Show notes: https://futureadhd.com/podcast/ep-3/
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Thanks so much for joining me for today's episode... and if you're keen for more, we have a LOT of free resources on our website futureadhd.com, where you can also buy our planners and support tools.
Join 20K neurodivergents who have downloaded our planners and say that this is the first planner they've ever been able to stick with... because it's designed to work with your creative, inconsistent, divergent, non-linear brain. And if you want to watch planner walkthroughs, or learn more about Future ADHD and our mission, check out our Instagram and TikTok @future.adhd and of course, our website futureadhd.com

Dec 21, 2022 • 35min
[Holiday Series] Exhausted & Uninspired? 12 Self-Care Tips for ADHD brains
The podcast discusses the importance of self-care for neurodivergent individuals during the holiday season. They explore alternative terms for self-care and suggest a calming exercise for individuals with ADHD. They discuss the impact of jaw tension on emotions and offer strategies to reduce mental clutter. The practice of sound bathing for calm and nourishment is also explored. They recommend feeding one's brain as a form of self-care and mention their own upcoming podcast, Future ADHD.

Dec 7, 2022 • 11min
[Holiday Series] Why is self care SO exhausting? New free resource coming...
Podcast discusses challenges of self-care during the busy holiday season. Introduces 'nervous system nourishment' as an alternative. Explores struggles with self-care and the need for stimulation. Plans to create a manageable resource to support listeners.
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