Hacking Your ADHD

In this discussion, Kara Cruz, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience, highlights the intricate relationship between ADHD and hormonal changes in women. She explains how symptoms can intensify during puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause, often leading to misdiagnosis. Kara shares insights on establishing practical routines, recognizing late ADHD diagnoses, and the importance of body awareness in preventing burnout. Her tips on navigating life transitions and protecting energy are invaluable for anyone facing these challenges.

Niklas Jonnson, a bestselling author and executive coach, shares his powerful journey through loneliness and addiction. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and connection in overcoming these struggles. The conversation dives into practical strategies for building relationships and creating accountability systems, while also highlighting the risks of modern habits like social media. Niklas advocates for replacing harmful coping mechanisms with meaningful activities and encourages finding supportive communities to foster resilience and recovery.

Sky Watterson, the founder of Unconventional Organization and an ADHD coach, dives deep into the interconnection between boredom proneness and ADHD. They discuss how boredom can lead to addictive behaviors, especially in adolescents. Sky introduces two intriguing studies linking delay aversion to inattention, revealing how our neural responses to boredom affect attention. Practical strategies are also shared to combat distractions, demonstrating how understanding these concepts can empower those with ADHD to manage their daily lives more effectively.

Kat Rende, an Emmy-winning composer known for her work on Sesame Street, teams up with her husband JP Rende, also a composer, to share their innovative AIDEE project. They discuss how music can transform ADHD routines and emotional regulation. Explore the power of 'sticky songs' for memory and motivation, reducing shame through playful tunes, and techniques like breathing exercises. They also touch on parenting challenges and collaboration dynamics as a couple. Tune in for a creative take on helping kids with ADHD thrive!

Dr. Christine Hargrove, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in financial therapy for neurodiverse individuals, joins the conversation. She dives into how ADHD impacts earning potential and memory, leading to financial challenges. Christine explains her unique financial therapy approach, using tools like money genograms to uncover family patterns. She also discusses common issues couples face, offering practical budgeting strategies and automation tips to promote financial well-being. A wealth of insights for those navigating ADHD and finances!

Skye Waterson, ADHD researcher and founder of Unconventional Organization, breaks down a fascinating study on how executive dysfunction impacts preschoolers. They discuss key findings linking working memory to later academic success while exploring the roles of time perception and delay aversion. Skye also offers practical strategies for managing time blindness, like using visual timers. Listeners walk away with tangible tips to support young children navigating ADHD symptoms and academic challenges.

This week, Beverly Atkins, founder of Pauseture and certified Feldenkrais instructor, shares her journey of managing ADHD through mindful movement. She discusses how the Feldenkrais Method helped her calm her nervous system and improve sleep. Beverly emphasizes the importance of novelty in regulating attention and shares insights on developing an app tailored for neurodivergent needs. With practical mindfulness strategies, she encourages listeners to embrace their individuality in managing ADHD and explore what truly works for them.

Rita Ramakrishnan, a seasoned leadership coach and neurodivergent advocate, dives deep into empowering ADHD and autistic individuals in the workplace. She shares her journey of transforming diagnoses into strengths and discusses vital topics like emotional regulation and building a supportive team strategy. Rita offers actionable tools, such as creating a Minimum Viable Routine and tracking energy levels to leverage unique strengths. Her insights on authentic leadership and personal advocacy aim to uplift neurodivergent voices in leadership roles.

Sky Waterson from Unconventional Organization joins the host to dissect the intriguing effects of physical exercise on children with ADHD. They explore a systematic review revealing how exercise can significantly reduce anxiety and depression while enhancing emotional regulation. The discussion emphasizes the benefits of moderate to high-intensity workouts and offers practical tips for incorporating exercise into daily routines. Personal stories illustrate overcoming barriers, making it clear that moving your body can lead to a calmer, happier mind for kids.

Danielle Elliot, a health and science journalist and documentary filmmaker, dives into the surge of ADHD diagnoses among women since the pandemic. She debunks myths surrounding women's ADHD, highlighting the societal misconceptions and the significant role of social media in raising awareness. The conversation also explores how hormonal factors are often overlooked in research. Through personal stories and practical insights, Danielle sheds light on the unique challenges women face, emphasizing the importance of individualized strategies for managing ADHD.