"You Are A Lot" (an ADHD/AuDHD podcast)

To get this episode ad-free as well as a video version and E-book visit the Patreon join page for more info and a free trial. Why do you feel excited and dread at the same time? Why do you want something and also don't? In episode #71 ADHD and AuDHD: Why Feelings Feel Permanent, I talk about when you feel two opposite feelings at the same time. Don't worry. You're not unstable! You're emotionally complex. Listen if you want to learn how we process multiple feelings at the same time, how our attention determines what feeling is "true" in the moment, and how relationships and situations can influence our mixed feelings. Show Notes: Join Jen's Accountability Club! A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Membership is $19.99/month, and you can get a one-week free trial! Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime. The Big A## Calendar I have the Big A## wall calendar that maps out the entire year and the Big A## personal planner. I'm obsessed. With my unique link you can get 10% off of your order. See all 365 days in one view, dry erase, color-coded labels, and a 3-step planning system to change your life! Use JENKIRKMAN at checkout. Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires). Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link. The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast. Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN. UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20. Sources Used: How Our Brain Navigates Complex Feelings: Psychology Today Two Truths Can Exist At The Same Time: Psychology Today Can You Feel Two Emotions At Once: Psychology Today What Does It Mean To Have Mixed Feelings: Psychology Today

To get this episode ad-free as well as a video version and E-book visit the Patreon join page for more info and a free trial. Why does it feel like the emotion you're in right now is going to last forever? In episode #70 ADHD and AuDHD: Why Feelings Feel Permanent, I explore why we struggle to hold onto the idea that feelings change because when one shows up, our attention locks onto it, making it feel permanent and all-encompassing. I explain how time perception, working memory, and emotional regulation affects the way we predict our future feelings. You'll learn all about Affective Forecasting, and Impact Bias. I'll help you make sense of why feelings feel so intense, and convincing. Listen to learn language for things that are common with feelings but are rarely explained. Show Notes: Join Jen's Accountability Club! A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Membership is $19.99/month, and you can get a one-week free trial! Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime. The Big A## Calendar I have the Big A## wall calendar that maps out the entire year and the Big A## personal planner. I'm obsessed. With my unique link you can get 10% off of your order. See all 365 days in one view, dry erase, color-coded labels, and a 3-step planning system to change your life! Use JENKIRKMAN at checkout. Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires). Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link. The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast. Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN. UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20. Sources Used: Affective Forecasting: Psychology Today Understanding the Ways We Think About Our Future Emotions: Lawyer Well Being Impact Bias: The Decision Lab Deficient Emotional Self-Regulation: Russell Barkley ADDitude Magazine/You-Tube

It's Feelings February, on the "You Are A LOT" podcast, and I'm starting the first episode of the month with a basic question: what's the difference between an emotion and a feeling? Emotions are real-time body signals—racing heart, tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing. Feelings are what you become aware of and can name after your brain interprets those body signals. For ADHD and AuDHD humans, there's often a lag between the emotion happening and the feeling "forming," (due to our issues with interoception) which can make it hard to answer a simple question like "What's wrong?" I explain how to use a Feelings Wheel and why naming the body state can sometimes ground you more than naming a feeling too fast. Show Notes: Join Jen's Accountability Club! A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Membership is $19.99/month, with an annual option currently available at 31% off (that's over three months free) with code 2AD87. Offer expires 2/1/26. Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime. Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires). Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN. Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link. UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20. The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast. Sources Used: The Difference Between Feelings And Emotions: Wake Forest University The Feelings Wheel: The New Happy Blog Toxic Positivity: Book, Whitney Goodman (20% off)

In this episode, I share how I use accountability as a practical tool for ADHD without it feeling punishing or pressured. If you've got ADHD (or AuDHD), deal with time blindness, procrastination loops, or resistance like PDA / demand avoidance, this approach can help you stay present, reduce overwhelm, and actually follow through. I break down the three types of accountability (personal, public, and community), explain why body doubling works so well for ADHD brains, and show how simple check-ins can turn "I'm stuck" into momentum—plus why celebrating small wins rewires motivation over time. You'll also hear about my Patreon Accountability Club (including daily body-doubling sessions and weekly check-ins), and I'm offering a free month for listeners for a limited time. Click here and claim your one free month to the Tier A Plus Patreon Community. Show Notes: Join Jen's Accountability Club! A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Click here and claim your one free month to the Tier A Plus Patreon Community. Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime. Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires). Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN. Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link. UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20. The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast.

In this episode, I'm talking about capacity and why so many ADHD/AuDHD humans feel blocked from doing the things they genuinely care about. It covers the Fresh Start Effect, and how dopamine spikes when we look forward to things more than when we're actually doing them, which is why January motivation fades so quickly. I get into the difference between wanting to create, connect, or rest, and having the space, energy, or setup to actually do it. This year, I'm still figuring out daily goal-setting, realistic planning, and building to-do lists, because what no one really ever tells us is that planning and researching drain our battery — and we have to work with that reality. Show Notes: My podcast webpage is another place to listen, along with an easy-to-read blog that expands on ADHD/AuDHD topics from the show — with pins you can save to Pinterest. Read my FAQ page if you want to access diagnostic tests for ADHD/AuDHD, find a therapist or coach in your area, and get info from ADHD organizations. Join Jen's Accountability Club! - A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Membership is $19.99/month, with an annual option currently available at 31% off (that's over three months free) with code 2AD87. Offer expires 2/1/26. Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day - It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime. Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults - I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires) Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods - Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN. Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend - I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link. UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort - I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20. The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! - I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast.

This January I'm not making resolutions, I'm making space in my life. In this episode, I talk about what happened when I realized my 2025 ideas weren't sustainable, why I canceled projects I'd been grinding on for months, how I'm re-thinking my goal-setting and as an AuDHD human, what I refuse to carry into 2026. To listen to this episode without ads, try the ad-free version (of all episode) on Patreon for 7 days just by clicking here. Show Notes My podcast webpage is another place to listen, along with an easy-to-read blog that expands on ADHD/AuDHD topics from the show — with pins you can save to Pinterest. Join Jen's Accountability Club! A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Membership is $19.99/month, with an annual option currently available at 31% off (that's over three months free) with code 2AD87. Offer expires 2/1/26. Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime. Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires). Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN. Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link. UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20. The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast.

In This Out From The Paywall Episode: I chat with my ADHD coach Paula Engebretson, host of the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast. Take Paula's free quiz to find out your overwhelm response type! We talk about the realities of navigating ADHD through different "seasons of life," why rigid systems rarely work, and how values, energy levels, and self-understanding need to guide how we build routines. I share my own ADHD "rock bottom" and what shifted when I stopped chasing the "perfect planner" and instead worked with Paula to design flexible systems that support my unique brain and my very random life. The conversation is equal parts personal insight and practical wisdom, offering you a candid look at why learning how your brain works is more powerful than any one productivity tool. Get Paula's great online course Overwhelm to Action right here! SHOW NOTES Online Course - Overwhelm to Action Jen's Monthly Action Club Just $19.99 You Are A Lot Podcast On Patreon 7 Day Free Trial You Are A Lot Podcast Website & Blog Follow Jen's ADHD/AuDHD Tips on Pinterest "You Are A Lot" Black Tote Bag "You Are A Lot" coffee mug & travel mug "You Are A Lot" black long-sleeved tee 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus! Jen's Favorite & Highly Recommended ADHD/AuDHD Items Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com

It's an ADHD trait that people are starting to talk about as something uniquely part of our executive functioning difficulties. It refers to throwing out our DOOM (Didn't Organize, Only Moved) piles or any amount of clutter because starting or planning the large task of organizing is causing us to be too overwhelmed. Experts agree that this is not the best way to handle our clutter and recommend other strategies which I'll list below. I tell a personal story about when I had to "toss" and how it was a hugely emotional experience but I believe that sometimes, despite knowing intellectually how to get rid of things perfectly, that we have to accept that we have a developmental disorder and allow ourselves this reset if we truly know that we aren't planning to handle things that way again. Show Notes: Click to Get Jen's Free Guide How To R.I.D.E Out Panic Attacks Jen's Monthly Action Club Just $19.99 You Are A Lot Podcast On Patreon 7 Day Free Trial You Are A Lot Podcast Website & Blog Follow Jen's ADHD/AuDHD Tips on Pinterest Jen's Every 10 Day Newsletter: "This Is A Lot" "You Are A Lot" Black Tote Bag "You Are A Lot" coffee mug & travel mug "You Are A Lot" black long-sleeved tee 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus! Jen's Book Recommendations With 20% Off Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Sources Used: ADHD & Tossing: Private ADHD UK Tossing. A Potential Sign of ADHD: Huffington Post Tossing The Doom Pile: Global ADHD

In this episode I talk about the constant cycle of burnout, clutter, and resentment that comes with our brain, from tossing bags on the table, leaving yesterday's project out, and then facing the chaos that feels like the FBI searched your home. I talk about why putting things away feels boring, impossible, or like it will take ten hours, and why I get mad at "Past Me" for leaving messes for "Future Me." I share how I stumbled onto something called Clutter Check, a 10–15 minute daily routine that keeps things from piling up. I teach you how to trick your brain into making peace with this ritual by looking at it through a non-neurotypical lens. 🎁❄️ Happy Holidays! Please take me up on this GIFT of one FREE month of Patreon (did I mention FREE?) at Tier 1 giving you access to the entire archive, video episodes, 4 extra episodes per month, body double sessions, and more!

Rest can feel confusing, uncomfortable, or even stressful when you're neurodivergent. In this episode, I talk about how rest shows up differently for ADHD, autistic, and AuDHD brains, why typical advice doesn't always work, and how to stop treating rest like a reward. I walk through the difference between rest and isolation, how to rest with people, and offer 27 quick, micro break ideas. If rest makes you feel guilty, or restless, I hope this episode will help you rethink what rest can look like on your terms. Show Notes: Click to Get Jen's Free Guide How To R.I.D.E Out Panic Attacks Click to Get On The Waitlist For Jen's Panic Course Feb 2026 Jen's Monthly Action Club Just $19.99 You Are A Lot Podcast On Patreon 7 Day Free Trial You Are A Lot Podcast Website & Blog Follow Jen's ADHD/AuDHD Tips on Pinterest Jen's Every 10 Day Newsletter: "This Is A Lot" "You Are A Lot" Black Tote Bag "You Are A Lot" coffee mug & travel mug "You Are A Lot" black long-sleeved tee 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus! Jen's Bookshop.org Gift Guide (books, bags, games, more) 20% Off Jen's Sensory Seeking Gift Guide From Kitsch 15% Discount Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Sources Used: The Power of Micro Breaks For Well-Being 7 Types of Rest How Sleep Affects Your Immune System Rest Is Resistance The Nap Ministry Laziness Does Not Exist 20% Off