ADHD Founders

What happens when three ADHD founders try to optimize their way out of their own dopamine-seeking behavior? In this episode, Marie, Sharon, and Jesse start with iPhone automations designed to help them focus—then inevitably spiral into discussions about minimal phones, grayscale screens, monetization strategies, and why we keep building systems we immediately override. From the promise of productivity hacks to the reality of toggling them off minutes later, this conversation explores the beautiful contradiction of ADHD entrepreneurship: we're excellent at creating solutions, just not always at using them. Plus: why referral programs are harder than they should be, and the eternal question of whether to build or buy.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/adhd_foundersFollow us on social media:• This podcast: @adhd_founders• Jesse – @adhdjesse• Marie – @llamalifeco• Sharon – @shelpfulCheck out Wavepal: wavepal.appCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Creativity is key when bootstrapping a startup. The hosts discuss unconventional funding tactics, including Airbnb's cereal hustle and the power of viral lifetime deals. They dive into leveraging personal skills and community events to generate revenue. Insights on crowdfunding and the importance of showcasing non-technical wins highlight innovative funding methods. They emphasize the 'default alive' mindset to drive sustainability while forcing creative problem-solving under financial pressure.

In today's episode, Jesse and Sharon discuss exciting update for Wave Pal and Shelpful, then we present their discussion from Shimmer's ADHD Growth Summit. There so much to learn from this episode!Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/adhd_foundersFollow us on social media: • This podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulCheck out Wavepal: wavepal.appCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Three ADHD entrepreneurs dive into the emotional rollercoaster of building startups, from the euphoria of landing your first unknown customer to the challenge of celebrating wins when you're wired to immediately focus on the next mountain to climb. Jesse shares his breakthrough moment with WavePal, while Sharon prepares for Shelpful's app store launch and Marie gets reinvigorated at a Stripe founder event. The conversation explores why people with ADHD struggle with goal-setting and celebrating milestones, plus practical strategies for time awareness, physical reminders, and creating sustainable habits when your brain works differently. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/adhd_foundersFollow us on social media: • This podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulCheck out Wavepal: wavepal.appCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jesse, Marie, and Sharon check in on their accountability goals while navigating the realities of building apps with ADHD. The conversation covers everything from App Store submission challenges and user onboarding insights to the mental weight of incomplete tasks. They also explore practical ADHD strategies, discuss when it's okay to accept help from partners, and share what they're learning from early user feedback. . Follow us on social media: • This podcast: @adhd_founders • Jesse – @adhdjesse • Marie – @llamalifeco • Sharon – @shelpfulCheck out Wavepal: wavepal.appCheck out Llama Life: llamalife.coCheck out Shelpful: shelpful.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Journey through the chaotic world of ADHD and entrepreneurship with a twist! Discover the hilarity of balancing daily distractions alongside startup challenges. Unravel the mystery of 'doom boxes' and learn creative multitasking hacks. Dive into comforting self-care items and the struggles of accessing health services. Get insights on maintaining user engagement while prepping for new app launches and hear personal stories of vulnerability and resilience in the tech world. It's a raw, relatable exploration of navigating life and business!

Jesse and Sharon sit down with Lydia Swift, Sharon’s co-founder at Shelpful, to talk about starting a company with a decades-long friend, the whirlwind of launching during COVID, and how the ADHD community shaped their product’s direction. Lydia opens up about living in the “squishy middle” of ADHD (relating to nearly every trait without a formal diagnosis) and the hurdles of self-advocacy in the medical system. Together they swap stories about friendship, entrepreneurship, pivots, and building tools that make life a little easier for brains that work differently. 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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of ADHD Founders, Jesse, Marie, and Sharon dive into the complex relationship between ADHD, sleep, and streak-based motivation. From the highs and crashes of productivity apps to the shame spiral of missed days, they unpack how self-tracking tools like the Oura Ring can both help and harm. They also explore revenge bedtime procrastination, night owl tendencies, and how ADHD often intersects with insomnia and time blindness.Plus, a real-life look behind the scenes of each host’s business, from community building and monetizing digital products to the emotional highs and lows of founder life. This one’s full of insight, laughter, and the kind of real talk that makes you feel less alone on the entrepreneurial rollercoaster.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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of ADHD Founders, Jesse, Marie, and Sharon unpack how energy-draining conversations, negative feedback, and reactivity can derail an ADHD entrepreneur’s entire day. They explore the difference between venting and vibe-killing, the power of structuring your day around creative flow, and how AI (or even Zapier!) can help you protect your dopamine. Plus: hilarious background setup fails, the ultimate customer sentiment filter, and one surprisingly perfect question for identifying your ideal user. This one’s for every founder who’s ever answered emails in their workout clothes without working out.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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Explore the innovative use of AI tools like ChatGPT in app development and daily tasks. Hear stories of hyperfocus leading to unexpected creations, like an iOS app built in a weekend. The discussion also covers the challenges of managing app subscriptions, particularly for ADHD users, and the need for seamless payment processes. Nostalgic reflections on classic games like King’s Quest offer a playful backdrop to the tech talk, making for an engaging blend of productivity tips and personal anecdotes.