"You Are A Lot" (an ADHD/AuDHD 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. 🎁❄️ 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! 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

If holiday gift-giving stresses you out, you need to listen to this one. In this episode, I talk about why gifting can be so overwhelming (executive dysfunction, decision fatigue, social pressure) and how to make it easier. I share simple ways to lower the mental load, like using gift categories, anchoring to one idea, and giving yourself permission to give late (or not at all). I also created a few curated, neurodivergent-friendly gift guides to help you shop with less stress. Listen now and take some pressure off your season! Gift Guide Links: Kitsch, Bookshop, Appointed Jen's Gift Guide Affiliate Links: Kitsch Bookshop Appointed Hugimals UnHide Sources Used: The Psychology of Gift Giving A Quick Guide to Gifting With ADHD Understanding the Brain Science Behind Giving/Receiving Gifts The Art & Science of Gift Giving

Using shopping for a quick hit of dopamine is definitely an emotional regulation issue, and trying to fill any empty hole in our soul with stuff is a very deep situation. BUT that's not what this episode is about. Sometimes, being organized about how we spend money can bring us into reality where we can clearly see how much we spend (if we overspend) or how quickly we make decisions to spend (if we are impulsive with spending) and from there we can make changes. But we have to get organized first so that we can analyze our habits. I'm giving some very easy and quick tips for staying organized and accountable to yourself so that you can spend in a way that won't end up causing you stress or debt. 🎁❄️ 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! To get on the waitlist for the lowest price for jen's How to R.I.D.E Out Panic Attacks course click here: Get on the Panic Attack Waitlist 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: 16 Ways To Better Manage Your Money: ADDitude Magazine ADHD Overspending & Impulsivity: ADHD Specialist Managing Money & ADHD: CHADD Org

Feeling drained, foggy, or emotionally tapped out during the holidays? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn what empathic burnout is, how it shows up in your body, and why certain times like the holiday season can increase the risk due to higher emotional exposure, shifting routines, and layered relational dynamics. Whether you're neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or just carrying too much, this episode will help you understand why self-compassion is the most powerful (and most misunderstood) tool for recovery. I'll walk you through specific self-compassion strategies like "in for me, out for you" breathing, micro-movements, grounding touch, and internal phrases to help you stay steady especially when you don't have the option to step away. Mindful Self-Compassion For Burnout: Kristen Neff (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org) SHOW NOTES: Mindful Self-Compassion For Burnout: Kristen Neff (20% off with my link to Bookshop) 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! 20% off everything on Jen's Holiday Gift Guide Bookshop dot org Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com SOURCES USED: Mindful Self-Compassion For Burnout: Kristen Neff (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org) The Mindful Self Compassion Workbook: Kristen Neff

Have you ever thought: "Why am I so tired all the time? Why do I feel disconnected, like I'm watching life happen but not really in it?" You probably thought something was wrong with you and didn't consider that it could be a nervous system thing. In this episode: what your nervous system actually does, what "regulation" really means (without cold plunges), and why feeling tired or foggy sometimes is normal even if it's not ideal. And how if you're neurodivergent, your nervous system may function in a more intense way. Get The Nervous System Workbook: by Deb Dana and get 20% off with this link while you support independent bookstores all over America by shopping on Bookshop dot org. Show Notes: The Nervous System Workbook: Deb Dana (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org) 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: The Autistic & ADHD Nervous System: Article by Dr. Kristen Neff Heal Your Nervous System: Dr. Linnea Passaler (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org ) Polyvagal Prompts: Deb Dana (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org ) The Nervous System Workbook: Deb Dana (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org ) Glimmers Journal: Deb Dana (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org )