ADHD Founders

In this episode, Jesse, Marie, and Sharon dive into how they’re using AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT in their founder workflows for everything from coding whole apps in a weekend to meal planning and fighting writer’s block. Jesse shares how a bout of hyperfocus led him to build an iOS version of Wavepal (almost by accident). Sharon talks about testing AI agents with ChatGPT and the realities of building ADHD-friendly products like Shelpful. Marie breaks down how she uses AI for daily meal planning (and how it still manages to get the math wrong).The conversation spirals (in true ADHD fashion) into app subscription models, RevenueCat tips, the Apple App Store commission debate, and nostalgic computer games like Oregon Trail and King’s Quest.Follow us on social media: • this podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulSubscribe for free to Jesse’s Extra Focus newsletter: extrafocus.comCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com

In a candid conversation, the hosts reveal the unique challenges of ADHD entrepreneurship. They tackle context switching, motivation dips, and the highs and lows of product launches. With humor, they discuss community-building experiments and the struggle against perfectionism. Insights on using platforms like Circle for better communication add depth to their journey. Plus, they share tips on email marketing and the emotional hurdles of self-promotion, making it a relatable experience for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial world.

In episode 61, Jesse, Marie, and Sharon dive into the chaos of time zones, appointment scheduling quirks (like 11:11 start times), and the emotional rollercoaster of building ADHD-friendly tech products. They share raw stories about customer interviews, MVP struggles, subscription pricing models, and deeply personal reasons behind why their apps exist. From missed birthdays to AI-driven reminders that help rebuild broken connections, this episode is an authentic look at founders building tools to solve their own ADHD challenges, and hoping they help others along the way.Follow us on social media: • this podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulSubscribe for free to Jesse’s Extra Focus newsletter: extrafocus.comCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com

The hosts dive into the raw realities of burnout and grief as entrepreneurs with ADHD. They candidly discuss the struggle to regain focus and establish healthy work habits. Listeners hear about the healing power of changing environments and the importance of social connections. Emotional hurdles like guilt and invalidation are tackled, emphasizing self-care and acceptance. Additionally, the balance between routine and spontaneity is explored, revealing tips for managing distractions while celebrating creativity.

In this episode of ADHD Founders, hosts Jesse, Marie, and Sharon reconnect after meeting in person for the first time at the NeuroDiversion Conference — a groundbreaking event for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and creators. They share personal reflections on what it meant to unmask, connect, and be surrounded by a community that gets it. From the joys of real-life hugs to insights on building authentic support networks, this conversation is a heartfelt celebration of ADHD, entrepreneurship, and friendship.Follow us on social media: • this podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulSubscribe for free to Jesse’s Extra Focus newsletter: extrafocus.comCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com

In this episode of ADHD Founders, Jesse, Sharon, and Marie dive deep into the ever-shifting world of productivity systems for ADHD brains. From bullet journals to Google Calendar hacks and even racing appliances, the trio swap stories, wins, and fails in their quest for functionality without the shame spiral.Highlights:* How systems like bullet journals, Notion, and TickTick work—until they don’t* Sharon’s genius laundry bin system that’s ADHD-friendly and Pinterest-agnostic* Marie’s dopamine-fueled sock-folding stopwatch game* Jesse’s sacred reminder app rules and how he tricks his brain with “talk-driven development”* Using novelty, urgency, and accountability to beat procrastination* Calendar sync woes and why "racing the kettle" is the new life hack* Tricks like the “finger memory method” and doorway-effect exploitation* Why perfection isn't the goal—function isFollow us on social media: • this podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulSubscribe for free to Jesse’s Extra Focus newsletter: extrafocus.comCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com

In this episode of ADHD Founders, hosts Jesse, Marie, and Sharon dive into personal stories and practical insights from their lives as ADHD entrepreneurs.What you'll hear about:* Jesse’s first-time experience speaking at SXSW, plus the sensory overload (and perks!) of attending with a platinum badge* A candid look at missed opportunities and promoting early-stage products at big events* Marie’s unexpected journey into fundraising via Twitter (X) and joining an accelerator* Sharon’s unique fundraising path, including early support from Sam Altman* A breakdown of what accelerators like Y Combinator offer—beyond the money* Thoughts on idea execution vs. inspiration, and why “idea guys” rarely get fundedWhether you're curious about startup fundraising or just want real talk from founders with ADHD, this one’s packed with insights and laughs.Follow us on social media: • this podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulSubscribe for free to Jesse’s Extra Focus newsletter: extrafocus.comCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com

This is all about starting small so you can learn faster. We discuss: What even is an MVP (minimum viable product), and what can that look like when your brain wants to build the whole damn thing right now?We dive into: • Why starting small can feel impossible (but necessary) • How ADHD leads to both perfectionism and chaotic shipping • Stories from the early days of Llama Life, Shelpful. What Jesse is thinking about with his brand-new app he’s about to MVP.  • Learning to ship, iterate, and let go of “the perfect plan”Join Jesse, Marie, and Sharon as they share their ADHD-flavored approaches to building and launching—plus the hacks and mindset shifts that helped them actually ship something.⸻Follow us on social media: • this podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulSubscribe for free to Jesse’s Extra Focus newsletter: extrafocus.comCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com

Welcome to ADHD Founders! Join Jesse (author of "Extra Focus"), Marie (founder of Llama Life), and Sharon (founder of Shelpful) for some real talk on building businesses with ADHD brains.In this FIRST episode:Meet your hosts, as they share their (brief) company-founding stories as well as their ADHD stories.Hear tips on ADHD diagnosis, advocating for yourself, and embracing ADHD as an entrepreneur and creator.Some quick stories of ADHD both helping and/or hindering us in our journeys so farFave quotes:Sharon: “I'd rather start a company than book a dentist appointment.”Jesse: “If it's silly and stupid, but it works, then it's not silly and stupid."Marie: “Every feature I put in was something I really needed but couldn’t find anywhere else.”Resources:Marie’s app: llamalife.coSharon’s service: shelpful.com Jesse’s newsletter: extrafocus.comJesse's book: extrafocusbook.comFollow us on social media: @adhd_founders (Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok)Follow each of us: @adhdjesse, @llamalife.co, @shelpfulEpisodes to look forward to:Fundraising tipsDeciding product featuresADHD-friendly work schedulesMore honest ADHD business talkSUBSCRIBE to join us every other week, to navigate the challenges of ADHD and founder-hood together.

Marie updates the Llama mobile app; Jesse discusses the future of messaging. Topics include Llama Life, Beeper, Texts, and VergeCast. Reflecting on new business cards, challenges in printing accuracy, and distributing podcast stickers. Exploring mobile app development challenges, unified messaging platforms, and revenue impact.