

“You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD podcast)
Jen Kirkman
This is the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD podcast) and I’m your host, Jen Kirkman.
Has anyone ever said to you, "Um, you're kind of a lot?" If they have this podcast is your new favorite show. Welcome to You Are a Lot in ADHD, AuDHD podcast. I'm your host Jen Kirkman. On this show, I talk about my personal experience of my later in-life diagnosis as an AuDHD human. That is ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I discuss the latest research and I aim to create an affirming lesson from neurodivergent people, helping us all to feel less confused, more connected, and as a result, fully validated.
Has anyone ever said to you, "Um, you're kind of a lot?" If they have this podcast is your new favorite show. Welcome to You Are a Lot in ADHD, AuDHD podcast. I'm your host Jen Kirkman. On this show, I talk about my personal experience of my later in-life diagnosis as an AuDHD human. That is ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I discuss the latest research and I aim to create an affirming lesson from neurodivergent people, helping us all to feel less confused, more connected, and as a result, fully validated.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 24, 2025 • 34min
EPISODE 37 “PDA: PATHOLOGICAL DEMAND AVOIDANCE”
In this episode: Jen breaks down the ins and outs of PDA; Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. She chats about why even the simplest requests can feel like too much and how people with PDA handle those constant demands. Jen looks at the behaviors, challenges, and some ways to work on keeping a sense of autonomy even when triggered. SHOW NOTES: For bonus episodes, transcripts, captioned videos, live online events with Jen, a private chat community and more - go GET A LOT in the “You Are a LOT” podcast Patreon community. Start with a 7-day-free-trial at any level, and when you join take 15% off if you subscribe annually. CLAIM YOUR FREE 7 DAY TRIAL Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter Buy a “You Are A Lot” Podcast Mug Buy a “You Are A Lot” Podcast Sticker Buy an “I Am A Lot” Tote Bag Shop Jen’s Amazon Storefront for ADHD supplies! Shop Jen’s Digital Download Guides For ADHD Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: Defining Symptoms of PDA from PDA Society The discovery of PDA from Psychology Today Changing The Name To Pervasive Drive For Autonomy Dr. Megan Anna Neff on PDA vs. Neurodivergent Traits Causes of PDA on Neurosparkhealth website PDA in Adults from Psychology Today PDA Coping Strategies from PDA Society

Feb 17, 2025 • 6min
PATREON ONLY EPISODE 36 "MEDICATION" TEASER
In this episode: Jen answers a question from a listener regarding medication for ADHD. Jen gives researched information about what to discuss with your doctor such as; things to consider when doing trial and error with ADHD medication, the different types of medication available and what they do, how meds interact with various life situations, and why it’s a more complex issue than a podcast is equipped to solve but luckily - Jen can give a LOT of sourced facts in one place that helps everyone know what they should be talking about with their prescriber. SHOW NOTES: For bonus episodes, transcripts, captioned videos, live online events with Jen, a private chat community, and more - go GET A LOT in the “You Are a LOT” podcast Patreon community. Start with a 7-day free trial at any level, and when you join take 15% off if you subscribe annually. 7 Day Free Patreon Trial Click here to write a 5-star review of the podcast Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter Shop Jen’s Digital Download Guides For ADHD Shop Jen’s Amazon Storefront for ADHD supplies! Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: “You Are A Lot” Podcast Episode 14: ADHD & Estrogen ADHD Medication: ADDitude Magazine ADHD Medication Quick Facts: ChADD Organization

Feb 10, 2025 • 29min
EPISODE 35: “UN-MASKING PART 2”
In this episode: Jen talks about the other side of masking which is unmasking! She explains how we can safely and consciously choose to un-mask, the risks for some of unmasking, and how we may find ourselves unconsciously unmasking as people around us say things like, “You’re acting more ADHD/Autistic ever since your diagnosis.” But it’s not an act. It’s our authentic selves coming through. SHOW NOTES: For bonus episodes, transcripts, captioned videos, live online events with Jen, a private chat community and more - go GET A LOT in the “You Are a LOT” podcast Patreon community. Start with a 7-day-free-trial at any level, and when you join take 15% off if you subscribe annually. CLAIM YOUR FREE 7 DAY TRIAL Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter Buy a “You Are A Lot” Podcast Mug Buy a “You Are A Lot” Podcast Sticker Buy an “I Am A Lot” Tote Bag Shop Jen’s Amazon Storefront for ADHD supplies! Shop Jen’s Digital Download Guides For ADHD Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: What ADHD Masking Looks Like ADHD Masking: Does Hiding Your Symptoms Help Or Harm? Masking Is Life 7 Masks We Use To Hide Our Faults Why ADHD Masking Is A Form of Self-Sabotage Why Un-Masking In ADHD Can Help Us Unmasking As A Black Neurodivergent Employee

Jan 27, 2025 • 34min
EPISODE 34: “MASKING PART 1”
In this episode: Jen talks about the exhausting art of masking with ADHD and/or AuDHD. She explores why so many of us feel the need to mask (both consciously and unconsciously), what the very real consequences of masking are and when it benefits those of us with ADHD. SHOW NOTES: For bonus episodes, transcripts, captioned videos, live online events with Jen, a private chat community and more - go GET A LOT in the “You Are a LOT” podcast Patreon community. Start with a 7-day-free-trial at any level, and when you join take 15% off if you subscribe annually. CLAIM YOUR FREE 7 DAY TRIAL Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter Buy a “You Are A Lot” Podcast Mug Buy a “You Are A Lot” Podcast Sticker Buy an “I Am A Lot” Tote Bag Shop Jen’s Amazon Storefront for ADHD supplies! Shop Jen’s Digital Download Guides For ADHD Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: What ADHD Masking Looks Like ADHD Masking: Does Hiding Your Symptoms Help Or Harm? Masking Is Life 7 Masks We Use To Hide Our Faults Why ADHD Masking Is A Form of Self-Sabotage Why Un-Masking In ADHD Can Help Us Unmasking As A Black Neurodivergent Employee

Jan 20, 2025 • 6min
PATREON ONLY EPISODE 33 "TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS" TEASER
In this episode: Did you know that people with ADHD/AuDHD are vulnerable to ending up in toxic relationships (of all kinds)? You are not broken and neither is your “picker”. There is science behind this. It’s due to our issues with communication, impulsivity, low self-esteem, and that old need for dopamine! This episode may make you feel sane and help your confusion as to how you got here - especially if you don’t have any “big T” trauma in your upbringing. SHOW NOTES: For bonus episodes, transcripts, captioned videos, live online events with Jen, a private chat community and more - go GET A LOT in the “You Are a LOT” podcast Patreon community. Start with a 7-day-free-trial at any level, and when you join take 15% off if you subscribe annually. 7 Day Free Patreon Trial Click here to write a 5-star review of the podcast Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter Shop Jen’s Digital Download Guides For ADHD Shop Jen’s Amazon Storefront for ADHD supplies! Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: The Gaslighting Risk For Adults With ADHD Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative And Emotionally Abusive People Why Do Toxic Relationships Swallow People With ADHD? Autistic People Might Be More Susceptible To Abusive Romantic Relationships Alexithymia & Manipulation

Jan 13, 2025 • 31min
EPISODE 32: “JUSTICE SENSITIVITY”
Delve into the intriguing world of Justice Sensitivity, especially for those with ADHD and AuDHD. Discover how intense feelings of fairness and injustice shape daily life, relationships, and self-perception. Hear personal stories about navigating bullying and the quest for acceptance, along with emotional challenges in educational settings. Explore the complexities of emotional overwhelm and learn effective strategies for managing reactions to perceived injustices, underscoring the importance of self-care and mental health.

Oct 7, 2024 • 43min
Episode 31: ADHD & Imposter Syndrome Explained + How To Beat It
In episode 31: Jen talks about the very real psychological issue of feeling like an imposter despite our accomplishments. While this can happen to neurotypicals as well, especially in a career context, ADHD humans walk around feeling this way consistently. We can feel like a secret failure at just LIFE itself, and since having ADHD erodes self-trust, we also feel like imposters if we don’t seem “ADHD or AuDHD enough”. - For exclusive podcast bonus episodes, transcripts, and more, join the You Are A Lot podcast at patreon.com/ALOTADHDPOD for just $6.99 a month and 15% off if you pay annually. You can sign up for a 7 Day Free Trial today! Click here to write a 5-star review of the podcast Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Follow Jen on Instagram Follow Jen on TikTok SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: A Neuroscientific Exploration of Self-Doubt and Success How to Counteract Imposter Syndrome Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with ADHD All About Imposter Syndrome Overcoming Imposter Syndrome The 3 C’s Model For Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Aug 26, 2024 • 40min
EPISODE 30 "MAINTAINING FRIENDSHIPS"
In this episode: Jen talks about how ADHD humans can withdraw from friendships due to our “out of sight, out of mind” brains despite loving our friends and gives advice on how we can maintain our friendships. For exclusive podcast bonus episodes, transcripts, and more, join the You Are A Lot podcast at patreon.com/ALOTADHDPOD for just $6.99 a month and 15% off if you pay annually. You can sign up for a 7 Day Free Trial today! Click here to write a 5-star review of the podcast Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an adhd podcast) webpage Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Follow Jen on Instagram Follow Jen on Tik Tok For More Info on Jen SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: The Buddy System ADHD, Women & Emotional Withdrawal The ADHD Friendship Paradox ADHD “Out of Sight Out of Mind” Object Permanence

Aug 19, 2024 • 36min
EPISODE 29 “HYPERFOCUS"
In this episode: Jen talks about the pros and cons of hyperfocus. Pro: In a hyperfocus we are working at our optimal ability. Con: Too much hyperfocus and we’re neglecting our basic needs and the needs of people in our lives. Also, Jen talks about why she thinks that “flow” and “hyperfocus” are two different states of being. For exclusive podcast bonus episodes, transcripts, and more, join the You Are A Lot podcast at patreon.com/ALOTADHDPOD for just $6.99 a month and 15% off if you pay annually. You can sign up for a 7 Day Free Trial today! Click here to write a 5-star review of the podcast Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an adhd podcast) webpage Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Follow Jen on Instagram Follow Jen on Tik Tok For More Info on Jen SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: Recovering From Hyperfocus Burnout (article) The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of Hyperfocus (article) Hyperfocus In Adults: Dr. Ned Hallowell Flow State VS. Hyperfocus (article)

Aug 12, 2024 • 44min
EPISODE 28 “MISUNDERSTOOD”
Jen, a passionate advocate for ADHD awareness, dives deep into the complexities of living with this neuro-developmental disorder. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding ADHD traits, clarifying that they aren't character flaws but neurological differences. Jen shares personal experiences of being labeled as 'lazy' and 'rude,' and highlights the impact of these labels on self-esteem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and educating others on ADHD, fostering understanding and empathy in both social and professional settings.