Hacking Your ADHD

Jackie Silver, a Registered Dietitian and founder of Accessible Wellness, discusses the unique challenges of eating with ADHD. She highlights issues like low appetite, executive dysfunction, and sensory aversions. The conversation offers practical strategies for meal planning and managing cravings, while also addressing the emotional complexities of mealtime. Jackie shares insights on accommodating picky eating and encourages mindful eating practices, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and support for neurodivergent individuals.

This week features Stephen Tonti, co-founder of Attention Different, an ADHD edutainment platform, and Aaron Smith, a licensed therapist specializing in ADHD coaching. They discuss the messiness of adult life with ADHD, addressing why coping strategies may fail and emphasizing the importance of self-compassion. Their insights on shifting mindsets about productivity, navigating emotional conflicts, and the power of community support make this a relatable and practical conversation. They also explore creativity's role in the ADHD experience.

H.H. Rune, a Pacific Northwest author, discusses her late ADHD diagnosis at 52, transforming years of confusion into self-acceptance. She candidly explores the emotional processing involved, comparing it to the five stages of grief. Rune reflects on how ADHD has influenced her creative journey, turning challenges into inspiration. Listeners will gain insights on celebrating curiosity over shame and the importance of community and tools to support productivity. This conversation highlights the nuanced relationship between identity, creativity, and neurodivergence.

Cynthia Hammer, the founder of ADD Resources and the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, is a passionate advocate for recognizing inattentive ADHD in girls. In this conversation, she highlights how symptoms often go unnoticed, especially in educational settings, leading to late diagnoses. Cynthia introduces a new ADHD screening checklist and emphasizes the importance of identifying co-occurring conditions like sleep disorders and histamine intolerance. She also shares insights on the challenges girls face, including the pressure to mask their symptoms and the push for improved representation in society.

Jacob Nordby, author and creative mentor, shares his journey of self-discovery after a late ADHD diagnosis. He discusses the challenges of masking one’s true self and how journaling can reconnect us with our emotions. Jacob emphasizes the importance of nurturing curiosity and embracing authenticity for personal growth. He also touches on viewing rest as active recovery and the unique strengths that come with ADHD, offering insights on how to better understand one's creative energy. A heartfelt conversation packed with practical tips!

This week features Dr. Maggie Sibley, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Washington, specializing in ADHD research. She discusses her findings on the fluctuating nature of ADHD symptoms, revealing that they often change more than previously thought. Dr. Sibley explores how life demands can impact symptom severity, the evolving understanding of adult ADHD, and the importance of personalized strategies for management. Listeners will gain insights into motivation, the role of community support, and practical tips for navigating ADHD challenges.

Join Andy J. Pizza, a vibrant podcaster and illustrator, as he shares his journey of embracing ADHD. He dives into the struggles of masking, the costs of conformity, and the importance of authenticity. Andy reflects on how those with ADHD can thrive in creative spaces and the joy of self-acceptance. He also shares tips on productivity and creativity, highlighting the balance between spontaneity and structure. Discover how living 'right side out' can lead to a more fulfilling life.

In this engaging discussion, Jessica Summers, a hypno-psychotherapist and founder of Hypnogenics, shares her unique insights on ADHD and rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD). She explains how hypnotherapy can help manage anxiety and improve focus for those with ADHD. The conversation delves into the limbic system's role in emotional responses, providing practical strategies for coping with RSD. Jessica highlights the importance of reframing thoughts and fostering empathy, all while exploring holistic approaches to enhance emotional resilience.

Jaye Lin, an ADHD podcaster and community builder who co-founded the ADHD-Women@Google group, shares insights on navigating the optimization trap. She explains how excessive planning can lead to burnout and hinder task completion. Jaye uses relatable anecdotes, likening indecision in projects to the chaos of cooking chicken parmesan. They discuss the importance of starting small and being authentic in creative endeavors while prioritizing genuine intentions over perfection. Their conversation also touches on balancing passion with financial stability and the pressures of holiday planning.

In this discussion, Danielle Elliott, a science journalist and documentary producer known for her work on ADHD, explores the surge of ADHD diagnoses among women during the pandemic. She delves into the historical underdiagnosis of women and its profound effects on mental health. Personal stories illuminate the often-misunderstood ways ADHD manifests in women, while insights reveal the emotional struggles many face. Elliott's engaging narrative sheds light on the urgent need for awareness and understanding of ADHD's unique challenges for women.