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Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Start with my this training: Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

_____

“Why can’t I just?” was the question Clare Edwin kept coming back to.

Why can’t I just answer that email? Why can’t I just leave the house on time? Why can’t I just do the ordinary things everyone else seems to manage?

Clare grew up in Nigeria, studied aeronautical engineering, earned a master’s in mathematical modelling, worked as a quality engineer, and became a secondary school maths teacher. She was rated a good teacher, but behind the scenes, she was struggling. The same pile of books came home to be marked night after night and went back untouched. Eventually, the demands of teaching contributed to repeated episodes of depression, and she left the profession.

While off work, Clare started making beaded bracelets on her coffee table, mostly to get herself off the sofa. That small beginning became Lollamac, the jewellery business she still runs fifteen years later.

Her ADHD diagnosis did not come until 2021, after a woman in her business group described her own experience and Clare found herself mentally ticking off the same traits.

If you have ever worked hard, looked capable from the outside, and still felt like you were falling short, you will recognise yourself in this one.

Resources
Website: https://www.lollamac.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lollamac_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lollamac

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Start with this training: Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up
_____

About one in nine adults is on a GLP-1 right now. And women with ADHD kept telling me the exact same thing after starting GLP-1 medications: they expected to lose weight, but they did not expect their brains to feel different.

The brain fog lifted. The food noise got quieter. Energy felt steadier. Emotional reactions became easier to interrupt. For some, inflammation, pain, bloating, cravings, and compulsive behaviors changed too.

So I brought back Dr. Kalin Johnson to tell us whether there is real science behind that or whether we are getting ahead of the evidence. Kalin is a licensed clinical pharmacist, functional medicine wellness coach, and patient advocate who runs a concierge whole-person care practice for high-achieving, high-masking neurodivergent adults. She is also queer, ADHD, autistic, and living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and this is her fourth time on the show.

In this episode, Kalin and I get into how GLP-1 receptors communicate across the gut, brain, pancreas, immune system, and vagus nerve, and why that matters for ADHD women. They also talk about food noise, brain fog, inflammation, metabolic health, emotional regulation, microdosing, side effects, muscle loss, access, and what the research still cannot tell us.

Resources

• Website: https://www.kalinjohnson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalinpharmd
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalin-johnsonpharmd
• Ania Jastreboff, MD - Director of the Yale Obesity Research Center, principal investigator on many of the landmark trials for tirzepatide and retatrutide. If you watch only one thing, watch her Lincoln Center talk. https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/ania-jastreboff
• Dr. Spencer Nadolsky - https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky
• Rocio Salas-Whalen MD - https://www.instagram.com/drsalaswhalen

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Start here: Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up
_____

Faye Lawrence got blackout drunk at 13. What she remembers is not the drinking. It is the relief.

She started drinking heavily as a teenager and kept going for decades. From the outside she looked successful and high functioning, right up until late 2017, when the wheels came off the cart and she found herself in inpatient detox.

She got sober. Then she waited five more years to find out why she had been drinking in the first place. Faye was diagnosed with ADHD at 48, and suddenly the chaos, the burnout, the emotional intensity, the boredom, and the constant need to switch her brain off all made sense. Alcohol had not come out of nowhere. It had been doing a job.
Faye is now a certified grey area drinking coach and ADDCA certified ADHD coach with degrees in psychology and counselling, and she has spoken at TEDx and SXSW. She founded Untoxicated, which grew into Australia's largest alcohol-free social community back when being sober was decidedly uncool.

In this episode, Tracy and Faye get into grey area drinking and why the all-or-nothing label keeps people stuck, what alcohol is actually doing in an ADHD brain, the mummy wine culture that was sold to women on purpose, and why the carrot works where the stick never will.

If you have ever needed a drink to get your brain to be quiet, this conversation is not here to shame you. It is here to give you clarity.

Resources
Website: https://fayelawrence.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_fayelawrence_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FayeLawrenceCoaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faye-lawrence-aus
Free Wine O'Clock reset guide: https://fayelawrence.com.au/tracyo
ADHD-alcohol small group coaching program also opens in mid-August: https://fayelawrence.com.au/loop

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Start here: Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up
_____

Some brains cannot sit still long enough to be careful. Ella Fielding found a machine that runs on exactly that.

Ella has a BA in Fine Art Sculpture, a Masters in Fine Art, and a chainsaw operator's license, and she uses all three to turn whole trees into monumental sculpture. But she left school at 14 because it was too traumatic to stay. She was quick with her hands and slow to get anything out of her head onto paper, and for most of her life nobody named why. She was 38, running her own art business and drowning in the admin, when a work coach kept mentioning ADHD and she kept insisting she was just dyslexic. Turns out it was both.

Now she carves outside in full gear, running a machine most people won't touch and making it behave like a scalpel. Not despite the ADHD. Because of it. A chainsaw does not let you drift or second-guess or wait for the perfect plan. It demands you be right here, right now, which is the one place her brain has always worked best.

In this episode, Tracy and Ella get into the school years that nearly broke her, the "poof" moment where a thought vanishes the second she reaches for a pen, why immediate and physical beats slow and planned for a brain like hers, and how she reads her own overwhelm as a signal instead of a character flaw.

If you have ever been told you were too much, this one might reframe the whole thing.

Resources:
Website: https://ellafielding.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ella.fielding.sculptor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellafieldingsculptor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-fielding-sculptor

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Start here: Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up
_____

She was good at the job. She just kept bombing the people.

Dr. Shannan Palma has a PhD from Emory, founded a master's program, and taught as a college professor. Then, in midlife, she found out she was autistic. ADHD turned up right behind it.

For decades she had followed the rules exactly as they were written and could not work out why that kept failing her. She was direct when directness was not wanted. She said no when everyone else said yes and did nothing. She ran full speed until she collapsed, then ramped back up and did it again. The diagnosis did not just explain the pattern. It ended it.

Today she identifies as AuDHD, co-founded the autistic-led nonprofit Independence Through Interdependence, and serves as CEO of ITI Lab, where her team built Decide, an app for decision fatigue.

In this episode, Tracy and Shannan get into why decision fatigue is not a willpower problem, what happens when the autism wants routine and the ADHD wants novelty, the assessment that went badly wrong, and what it takes to rebuild after burnout on your own terms instead of someone else's.

If your brain has ever turned a small decision into a full-body shutdown, this one will help you understand why. And more importantly, what actually helps.

Resources
Website: https://weareiti.org
Website: https://itilab.io
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannanpalma

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up
_____

Laura Pasley is a child and youth worker in Ontario, Canada, who has spent more than a decade in intensive mental health and dual-diagnosis treatment programs for children and adolescents. She is the person who runs toward the crisis when everyone else is running away from it.

After postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, complex trauma, and her sixth concussion, Laura started questioning whether ADHD had been part of her story all along. At 32, she finally received the diagnosis that helped her see herself differently. Not as someone who had fooled everyone. Not as someone who was not smart. As someone whose brain had been working hard to keep her alive.

In this episode, Tracy and Laura talk about ADHD, trauma, fawning, concussions, crisis work, motherhood, shame, and what changes when a woman finally stops explaining every struggle through what happened to her. Laura also shares why she is now returning to school, writing a memoir, and learning to embrace being a daydreamer.

If you have ever wondered whether it is ADHD, trauma, anxiety, or all of the above, this conversation offers a gentler question: what if understanding your brain is not about proving what is wrong with you, but finally seeing what has always been true?

Resources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arttaropy
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@arttaropy

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Stuck in an ADHD pattern that keeps repeating? SHIFT is a collection of 120 guided audio experiences designed to help you see yourself and your ADHD brain differently. Explore SHIFT here: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
_

How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll do it when I feel more confident”?

When I feel ready, I’ll apply for that job. When I feel more confident, I’ll start the business. When I believe in myself more, I’ll have that hard conversation.

We spend so much of our lives waiting to feel ready. More confident. More certain. More qualified.

But what if we have had it backwards all along?

I want to talk about why confidence does not actually come first. It does not magically appear before we take the risk, try the thing, or do something that scares us.

Confidence comes after.

If you have been waiting to feel ready before taking the next step, this episode will help you stop waiting for confidence and start building it.

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start seeing yourself differently, explore SHIFT here: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

_____

Your kid got labeled the “problem.” The defiant one, the behavior kid, the one who couldn't sit still or keep up. What if the room was the thing that didn't fit?

Beven Byrnes is a neurodivergent educator, nonprofit leader, and a mom of four. She's the Executive Director of Bridges Middle School in Portland, the only middle school in Oregon built specifically for students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and anxiety.

Beven spent 25 years and raised over $15 million building environments where kids actually fit. But she didn't have her own ADHD diagnosis until this past year, at 50. Cancer treatment forced her into menopause at 45, her estrogen dropped, and the masking she'd done her whole life without knowing it stopped working. The square-peg feeling she'd carried since childhood finally made sense. Now she runs a school on one idea: behavior is communication, and the job isn't to fix the kid, it's to fix the environment around them.

In this episode, Tracy and Beven get into why behavior is almost always communication, what happens to a child's confidence after years of being misread, and what it looks like to build a school around how kids actually learn instead of forcing them to fit.

If your child, or you, ever got treated like the problem to be solved, this one will show you what was actually broken. And it was never the brain.

Resources:
Website: https://www.bridgesms.org/staff-spotlight-beven-byrnes-executive-director
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_byrnes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beven-byrnes

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Stuck in an ADHD pattern that keeps repeating? SHIFT is a collection of 120 guided audio experiences designed to help you see yourself and your ADHD brain differently. Explore SHIFT here: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
_

Have you ever noticed that the harder you try to think your way out of feeling overwhelmed, the more overwhelmed you become?

You replay conversations. You worry about the future. You analyze every possible outcome. You keep thinking that if you can just solve the problem, you will finally feel better.

But what if thinking is not the answer?

For a long time, I thought the only way to feel better was to think differently. If I could just figure it out, solve the problem, or make sense of what I was feeling, then I would finally feel better.

But sometimes the fastest way to calm your brain is not to think harder. It is to start with your body.

When I get into my body, my attention has somewhere else to go. Instead of replaying my thoughts, I start paying attention to what I am doing, what I see, what I hear, what I smell, and what I feel.

If you have ever tried to think your way out of overwhelm and only made yourself feel worse, this episode will help you stop asking your brain to do all the work and let your body lead for a few minutes.

Resources:
SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start seeing yourself differently, explore SHIFT here: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift

Listen to ADHD for Smart Ass Women:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-for-smart-ass-women-with-tracy-otsuka/id1443678424
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bG9rgwPgi8zRkQxV6ykk0
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

_____

You have heard of art therapy and talk therapy. Charlotte Hastings does therapy in the kitchen, and it opens people up in a way the usual chair never quite does.

Charlotte Hastings is a psychodynamic therapist, founder of Kitchen Therapy, and author of Kitchen Therapy: How to Become a Conscious Cook. Trained first as an anthropologist, she taught drama to neurodivergent teenagers before building an entire therapeutic approach around the kitchen.

Charlotte recognized her own ADHD in her forties, after years of self-medicating and a chaotic childhood with an undiagnosed, alcoholic father. School had convinced her she was not smart. Anthropology, Jung, and eventually a wooden spoon proved otherwise. Now she uses cooking the way other therapists use art or drama: a side-by-side, low-pressure space where the real stuff surfaces.

In this episode, Tracy and Charlotte talk about why cooking can work like art or drama therapy, why food and love are so entwined, how recipes can both support and shut down ADHD brains, and why the way you hold a wooden spoon might reveal the way you hold life. If cooking has ever felt loaded, boring, chaotic, or impossible, this conversation offers a gentler reframe: the meal is not just the result. The journey is the meal.

Resources

• Website: https://therapykitchen.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy.kitchen

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Stuck in an ADHD pattern that keeps repeating? SHIFT is a collection of 120 guided audio experiences designed to help you see yourself and your ADHD brain differently. Explore SHIFT here: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
_

Have you ever had a really productive day and still felt like you didn’t do enough?

You answered the emails. You made the calls. You went to the meeting. You finished the project. Maybe you even did the thing you had been putting off for weeks. And still, by the end of the day, your brain was already moving on to everything you missed, forgot, or still needed to do.

Today, I want to talk about why success does not always feel like success for ADHD women.

Our brains are often scanning for what is unfinished, unresolved, or potentially threatening. So even when we complete ten things, we can still end the day focused on the one thing we did not get done.

But today, I want you to practice noticing what is going right. Noticing your progress. Noticing the effort it took. Noticing the evidence that you are capable, that you do follow through, and that you can do difficult things.

Because success does not create confidence when we ignore it. Success creates confidence when we notice it.

If you have ever struggled to feel proud of yourself, even after doing so much, this episode will help you pause long enough to collect the evidence your brain keeps overlooking.

Timestamps:
[00:00 – 03:58] Why Success Does Not Always Feel Like Success
[03:58 – 06:22] How Negativity Bias Keeps Us Focused on What Is Unfinished
[06:22 – 07:15] Breathwork Practice
[07:15 – 08:28] Gratitude Check-In and Noticing What You Have Done
[08:28 – 10:10] Reassessing Your SUD Score and Collecting the Evidence
[10:10 – 11:00] Closing Reflection and SHIFT Invitation

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start seeing yourself differently, explore SHIFT here: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

Listen to ADHD for Smart Ass Women:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-for-smart-ass-women-with-tracy-otsuka/id1443678424
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bG9rgwPgi8zRkQxV6ykk0
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

ADHD #ADHDWomen #ADHDforSmartAssWomen #AdultADHD #WomenWithADHD #LateDiagnosis #ADHDBurnout #ADHDSelfTrust #ADHDConfidence #adhdsupport

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

_____

You bought the planner. You loved the planner. You were absolutely, positively sure this planner was going to change your life.

And then, by March, you forgot it existed.

When we moved out of our family home of 25 years, I found boxes. Boxes and boxes of barely used planners I'd been saving for who knows why. For a long time I thought that meant something about me. That I wasn't disciplined enough. That everyone else got some secret instruction manual for adulthood that I'd missed.

But the women I work with aren't lazy or unfocused. They're brilliant, driven, running companies and raising families. And they can't stick with a planner either. That's when it clicked. This was never a planning problem. It's a time problem, a decision problem, and an emotional regulation problem. Planning is just where those show up.

In this episode I talk about why ADHD brains experience time differently, why importance alone won't get you started, why most planners quietly set you up for an impossible day, and why one meaningful goal beats ten random ones.

If you've got a planner graveyard sitting in a drawer somewhere, this one is for you. The question was never what's wrong with you. The question is what kind of system actually works for your brain.

Resources:

• Get the planner: https://tracyotsuka.com/planner
  Use code PODCASTPLANNER for $10 off
• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• FREE 3-days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain training on Jan 6th: https://tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Stuck in an ADHD pattern that keeps repeating? SHIFT is a collection of 120 guided audio experiences designed to help you see yourself and your ADHD brain differently. Explore SHIFT here: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
_

Have you ever noticed that some tasks feel impossible to start, even when they are not actually difficult?

Maybe it is an email, a budget, a project, a decision, or one small thing you keep avoiding. From the outside, it looks like procrastination. But what if the task is not the real problem?

In this first Monday Shift episode, I want to introduce you to a new way of looking at avoidance. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” I want you to ask a better question: “What does my brain think this means?”

Because sometimes your ADHD brain is not resisting the task itself. It is reacting to the meaning attached to it.

If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to begin something that should be simple, this episode will help you look underneath the avoidance with curiosity instead of judgment.

Resources:
SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

Listen to ADHD for Smart Ass Women:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-for-smart-ass-women-with-tracy-otsuka/id1443678424
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bG9rgwPgi8zRkQxV6ykk0
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

_____

You know what to do. So why can't you make yourself do it? If you have ever stared at one small task and quietly wondered what is wrong with you, I want to offer a different possibility.

Nothing is wrong with you. Your brain already made a prediction about how that task was going to feel before you ever started, and a lot of the time you are not avoiding the task at all. You are avoiding that prediction.

The email isn't an email anymore. It's criticism.

The budget isn't a budget. It's shame.

Once the task stops being the task, no amount of yelling at yourself is going to move you.

In this episode I talk about why the same woman who can't answer an email can build a company, why your brain reaches for Instagram over the thing that actually matters, and the practical ways to break the spell: changing your visual field, moving your body, getting curious, and becoming a detective about what your brain thinks the task really means.

If you have ever called yourself lazy for avoiding something you genuinely wanted to do, this one is for you. The problem was never willpower. It was the prediction.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

_____

You look like you have it all handled. So why are you so exhausted?

Kristen Baird-Goldman is a licensed therapist, ADHD specialist, and author of The CBT Workbook for Adults with ADHD. She has spent more than 15 years working with high-achieving neurodivergent women, and she is the owner and clinical director of the Neurodiversity Care Center in Los Angeles.

Diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s, and someone medication never worked for, Kristen has built her practice around the quiet cost of high performance, especially for women moving through perimenopause. She treats ADHD as a whole-body issue, looking at the nervous system, hormones, and functional health instead of one more productivity hack.

In this episode, Tracy and Kristen get into why hyperfocus fools you into thinking you are fine, what high performance is actually doing to your brain and body underneath the productivity, and what real recovery looks like. If you have built an identity around doing more and pushing through, this one is your permission slip to stop.

Resources:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.bairdgoldman
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadhdguru
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-baird-goldman-6178817
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KristenBaird-Goldman

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

As women with ADHD, we are not only dealing with executive dysfunction. We are also dealing with medical systems, gender roles, and social expectations never built with us in mind.

In this episode, I’m talking about why ADHD in women is so often missed, misunderstood, and shaped by gender bias.

We’ll start with Tiffany McIntosh’s story of growing up “too much” in a world where she was expected to sit down, be quiet, and become the kind of woman society wanted. Her story speaks to so many ADHD women who are ambitious, curious, intense, and brilliant, while also carrying shame because domestic expectations, caregiving roles, and feminine ideals don’t fit the way their brains work.

Let’s break down how medical misogyny, gendered roles, and gendered bias shape ADHD diagnosis, treatment, motherhood, domestic labor, and self-worth.

If you have ever thought, “I should be able to do this,” this episode will help you question who taught you that, who benefits from it, and what changes when you stop measuring your worth by work you were never designed to carry alone.

Resources:
FREE 3-days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain training on Jan 6th: https://tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

A lot of ADHD women are not using executive function to get things done. They are using anxiety. If panic, pressure, or shame is what finally gets you moving, this episode explains why.

Dr. Tamara Rosier is an ADHD coach, founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, and author of Your Brain’s Not Broken. Through her work with adults, families, and students, she helps people understand the emotional side of ADHD in a way that feels practical, concrete, and deeply human.

Tamara realized that many ADHD brains are not relying on calm systems to transition, prioritize, or follow through. Instead, they are using emotional intensity to create enough urgency to act. Fear to remember. Shame to stay motivated. Anxiety to get started.

That shift changed how she approached ADHD support. Instead of focusing only on productivity strategies, she began helping people understand the emotional patterns underneath the behavior first. Because when the nervous system is overloaded, no planner or system will stick for long.

In this episode, we talk about the “angry neighbor” versus the “butler” brain, why transitions feel so hard, and how divergent thinking can turn one small problem into twenty imagined outcomes. We also get into emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, humor as regulation, and why so many ADHD women feel emotionally exhausted even when they look high-functioning on the outside.

If you have ever wondered why you can only seem to function under pressure, this episode will help you understand what your brain has been relying on all along.

Resources:
Website: https://www.tamararosier.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tamararosier
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-rosier-phd

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

You worked harder than everyone around you and still felt like you were falling behind. This episode unpacks why the workplace was never built for your ADHD brain.

Meghan French Dunbar, author of This Isn’t Working, is an entrepreneur, former business journalist, CEO, speaker, and workplace consultant. After years of building and selling a company, going to grad school, launching a media career, and burning out more than once, Meghan was diagnosed with ADHD only four years ago.

That diagnosis reframed everything. Instead of forcing herself into traditional work models, Meghan started building systems around how her brain works best, from stronger boundaries and values-based decisions to AI support, intentional work hours, and a new definition of success.

In this episode, Tracy and Meghan talk about late ADHD diagnosis, ADHD workplace burnout, entrepreneurship, guilt, toxic management, and why so many high-achieving women leave jobs before anyone connects the dots with ADHD.

If achievement has always been your scorecard, this conversation offers a better one: purpose, passion, quality of life, and work your brain is able to sustain.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanfrenchdunbar
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanfrenchdunbar
• TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZfuHsa27yk&authuser=0

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What if your “motivation problem” has nothing to do with discipline?

In this episode, Tracy sits down with Liz Tenuto, better known as The Workout Witch, to talk about the body, trauma, neurodivergence, and why so many ADHD women feel stuck even when they know exactly what they need to do.

Liz’s work focuses on somatic healing, using small, accessible movements to help the nervous system release stress and come out of survival mode. But this conversation goes far beyond movement. Liz and Tracy talk about what happens when a body has spent years bracing, masking, people-pleasing, and trying to stay safe.

They get into CPTSD, ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, functional freeze, and the difference between pushing through and actually feeling regulated enough to act. Liz also shares how her own diagnoses helped her understand parts of herself she had spent years trying to explain away.

This episode is for anyone who has ever looked at their life and thought, “I know what to do, so why can’t I do it?”

Because the answer isn’t always more motivation.

Sometimes, the first step is helping your body feel safe enough to move.

Resources:

• Website: https://liztenuto.com
• The Workout Witch Website: https://theworkoutwitch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworkoutwitch
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theworkoutwitch
• YouTube: https://www.tiktok.com/@theworkoutwitch
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-tenuto

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

In part one, we talked about her story. In this episode, we go deeper into what shame actually is. She explains that shame is not internal. It is a social emotion that forms when we feel like we have violated someone else’s standard, and for many ADHD women, that correction starts early and happens often.

That matters because ADHD creates what she calls the perfect storm. A sensitive nervous system, frequent correction, and social exclusion all combine over time, shaping how we interpret ourselves and others. Without understanding what is happening, those moments do not just pass. They become identity.

In this episode, we talk about the difference between shame and guilt, why ADHD makes you more vulnerable to shame, and how rejection sensitive dysphoria is actually a trauma response. We also get into neuroception, what your body is scanning for at all times, and why social media can trigger the shame reflex even when nothing is actually wrong.

If you have ever wondered why your reactions feel so intense or why you keep replaying social moments long after they happen, this episode will help you understand what is happening in your body and not just your mind.

Resources:
Website: https://www.drshawnhorn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshawnhorn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshawnhorn
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drshawnhorn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shawn-horn-2934347

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

The hardest part of ADHD is not the symptoms themselves, but the shame story built around them?

Dr. Shawn Horn is a licensed clinical psychologist and the author of Thrive Socially with Adult ADHD. Known as The Shame-Busting Psychologist, she helps adults understand the painful stories they have carried about being “too much,” “not enough,” or “bad at relationships.”

Growing up, Shawn was constantly corrected for talking too much, interrupting, and not paying attention. She was placed in special education, misunderstood at school, and spent years believing those experiences meant something was wrong with her. It was not until much later, after earning her doctorate and looking back at her history, that ADHD finally made sense.

In this episode, we talk about how shame gets attached to ADHD early, how those experiences shape identity, and why being misunderstood can turn into a lifelong story. We also get into rejection sensitivity, nervous system dysregulation, and why healing starts with changing the story you tell yourself.

If you have spent years feeling like you were too much or not enough, this episode offers a different lens. You may not need a new personality. You may need a new story.

Resources:
Website: https://www.drshawnhorn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshawnhorn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshawnhorn
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drshawnhorn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shawn-horn-2934347

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What if the hardest part of friendship isn't meeting people, but knowing when a connection is real?

For a lot of ADHD adults, friendship still feels confusing, painful, or just out of reach. Not because they don't care, but because the actual steps were never clear. How do you move past an acquaintance? How do you know if someone genuinely likes you? How do you stop rushing in and ending up hurt?

Caroline Maguire has spent 21 years answering exactly those questions. She's a coach, educator, and author of Why Will No One Play With Me and the newly released Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults, the first book by a neurodivergent person, for neurodivergent people, on friendship. Diagnosed with ADHD at 12 but told it wouldn't matter because she was a girl, she grew up carrying what so many ADHD women carry: the weight of feeling socially behind without ever knowing why.

What changed everything was breaking friendship down into something learnable. Patterns. Stages. Signs. Instead of treating connection like something that should just happen, she teaches how to actually build it. From understanding the impulsive friendship cycle, to recognizing that trust is a track record, not a feeling, to knowing the difference between a participationship and a real friend.

If you've ever felt like you missed the memo on friendship, this episode will show you that nothing is wrong with you. You may have just been moving faster than the relationship was ready for.

Resources:
Website: https://carolinemaguireauthor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcarolinem
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorcarolinem
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorcarolinem
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorcarolinem

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Are you on the right medication but with the wrong dose?

Maggie Alexander is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who has spent over a decade treating ADHD in teens and adults. Since 2013, she has worked with hundreds of patients using a holistic but grounded approach that includes medication, micronutrients, and targeted strategies.

When she first entered the field, she did not even believe in ADHD. That changed after a patient came to her suicidal, despite looking like he had everything together, and then improved within days on the right medication. That experience pushed her to question what she thought she knew and learn how ADHD treatment actually works.

In this episode, we talk about why stimulant medication fails for so many people, how to find the right dose, what side effects are actually telling you, and how labs, genetics, and hormones can shape treatment.

If medication has not worked for you, this conversation may change the way you think about it.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/maggie-alexander-beaverton-or/141306
• Website: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Shine-ADHD/Maggie-Alexander/9798887971841
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-alexander-0912b1a0

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What happens when someone who helped build attention-grabbing tech decides to help people get their focus back?

Dr. Nodira Khoussainova is the CEO and co-founder of Focused Space, a body doubling platform for creatives, business owners, artists, and freelancers, many of whom are neurodivergent. Before Focused Space, she was an early co-founder at Streamlit and led the experimentation team at Twitter.

She built her career in high-performance tech, but focus was still a struggle. It was only after building Focused Space and working closely with neurodivergent women that she began to see those challenges differently.

That shift changed how she understood the problem. It was not laziness or lack of ambition. It was attention, task initiation, and the environments people are expected to work in. After years spent helping build systems designed to keep people scrolling, she began building the opposite.

In this episode, we talk about how tech platforms are built to capture attention, why body doubling works, what makes Focused Space different, and why joy is part of what helps people move.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.focused.space/ (use smartass for code)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focused_space
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nodira-khoussainova-74540267
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focused.space.inc

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Clutter is not just about stuff. It is about how your brain processes what is in front of you. In this episode, I walk through the connection between clutter, overwhelm, and how ADHD brains track what matters.

For a lot of us, clutter builds up not because we do not care, but because when something is out of sight, our brain stops tracking it. So we leave things out. Papers on the counter, sticky notes everywhere, piles that slowly grow. Over time, that visual noise turns into stress, decision fatigue, and avoidance.

The shift is realizing clutter is not just physical. It is emotional too. Every pile can carry delayed decisions, unfinished tasks, and stories we start to believe about ourselves. In this episode, I talk about why clutter builds up for ADHD brains, how it reinforces overwhelm, how tapping can help regulate the emotional response, and simple ways to get started without freezing. If clutter has been weighing on you, start smaller than you think. One surface. Five minutes. That is enough to shift your energy and begin building trust with yourself again.

Remember: the goal isn't a Pinterest-worthy desk. It's one shift forward that makes your brain feel like it can breathe again.

Resources:

• Download a quick start tapping guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bgo4UztHoYd2E3OFsZn3dvrvemTxpaQQ/view?usp=sharing
• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What if the problem was never that you were bad at learning, but that no one ever taught you how to learn in a way that fits your brain?

Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer is the founder of Awakened Learning, bestselling author of Feel Good Learning and Raising Well Learners, and a learning strategist who helps students, families, educators, and leaders build systems that work in real life.

Her work began with bright students who were struggling, not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked the right support. Over time, she realized that study skills alone were too narrow. What people really need are learning strategies that take attention, memory, time, well-being, and emotional capacity into account.

In this episode, Tracy and Deena talk about why sleep matters for learning, how chunking tasks can reduce overwhelm, why learning styles are a myth, and how tools like NotebookLM, Magic To Do, and ChatGPT’s study mode can support ADHD brains.

If learning has ever felt harder than it should, this conversation is a reminder that struggling does not mean you are not smart. It may simply mean you have not been taught in a way that fits your brain.

Resources:

Website: https://www.awakenedlearning.ca/deena
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/deenakarashaffer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenedlearning
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@awakenedlearning

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Most of us never actually choose our values. We absorb them from parents, culture, and community, and then wonder why our lives feel like a scratchy sweater we can't take off. That works for a while until something starts to feel off. Nothing is technically wrong, but you have the sense that the life you're living may not actually fit you.

Procrastination lives in the same neighborhood. It's not about the task. It's about the feeling the task creates, boredom, confusion, fear, or perfectionism, which is fear in a tailored blazer.
The shift comes when you realize you get to choose.

You can drop values that feel like an uncomfortable sweater and replace them with ones that actually feel right.

In this episode, let’s talk about how to identify what you actually value, why motivation follows action and never the other way around, how to shrink the start so small your brain can't resist, and how to hack dopamine so it works for you instead of against you.
If you've been waiting to feel ready, motivated, or confident before you start, this episode will flip that. You don't become the person first. Every small action teaches your brain who you are becoming.

Resources:

• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What if the problem was never you… but the tools you were handed?

Dani Donovan is an award-winning ADHD creator, bestselling author, designer, and founder of the Anti-Boring Project. Her book The Anti-Planner: How to Get Shit Done When You Don't Feel Like It has sold over 100,000 copies.

Dani was diagnosed with ADHD as a freshman in college after years of being told she was too smart to have it. She did well in school, pulled all-nighters, burned herself out, and quietly assumed the everyday stuff she couldn't manage, laundry, hygiene, keeping up with life, were character flaws. They weren't. They were executive dysfunction.

Once she finally understood her brain, she started translating that into art. Her ADHD comics took off fast, her first hit 100 million views and was shared by Mindy Kaling. That reach turned into something bigger: The Anti-Planner, a 100+ strategy toolkit organized around how you're feeling when you're stuck, not around dates.

In this episode, Dani talks about why traditional planners fail ADHD brains, how she mapped procrastination by emotion, what tools like "how to half-ass it" look like in practice, and what she learned self-publishing 40,000 pre-orders while running a business with no business background.

If you've ever felt like you were the problem because you couldn't stick with a system, this episode will shift that. You don't need one perfect tool. You need the right tool for the resistance you're facing.

Resources:

• The Anti Planner: https://www.anti-planner.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danidonovan
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danidonovan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danidonovanart
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dani_Donovan
• X: https://x.com/danidonovan

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Your ADHD brain is one of the best storytellers in the room. The problem is it doesn't always know when it's making things up.

I'm recording this two days before movers arrive, from a house I no longer own, in a t-shirt, with dilated pupils. Classic.

I sold Bullfrog Farms, my six-and-a-half-acre country home, and decided to do the most opposite thing possible: move into a high-rise in San Francisco. Three HOA rejections later, all because of two small dogs named Teddy and Moe, I went from "this is inconvenient" to "we're basically going to be homeless" in under a week.

That spiral brought me back to something I keep teaching but had to relearn myself. In this episode I talk about the ADHD brain's compulsive need to fill uncertainty with narrative, the difference between reacting to a story and reacting to data, why public criticism hits differently than private criticism when your nervous system has no agency, and how a misidentified baby egret became the most honest lesson of the month.

If your brain has ever taken one rejection, one unanswered text, one hard week, and turned it into a verdict about your entire life, this one is for you.

Resources:

• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• FREE 3-days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain training on Jan 6th: https://tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What if the season that feels the most destabilizing is the moment your brain is asking to be understood differently?

Dr. Anupriya Gogne is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist specializing in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry at Brown University Health. She recently authored Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Adult Women.

When Dr. Gogne became an attending, her caseload doubled overnight. She stayed late finishing notes while colleagues went home. Around the same time, she impulsively adopted a baby husky. Six years into her career, testing confirmed ADHD and NVLD, a visual-spatial learning difference that explained why she didn't drive until age 30 and why every parking lot looked identical.

Now she treats pregnant and postpartum women with ADHD, addiction, and trauma. In this episode, Tracy and Dr. Gogne discuss ADHD and NVLD in adult women, how visual spatial differences show up in daily life, the overlap between trauma and addiction, the role of stimulants in recovery when carefully managed, and why pregnancy and postpartum can intensify symptoms through hormonal shifts and sleep deprivation.

If you are in a season where your systems stopped working, this conversation offers context. Sometimes it feels out of control because it is out of control. And that means you need support, not shame.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.brownhealth.org/providers/anupriya-gogne-md
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Adult Women: Special Considerations in the Perinatal Period: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-86588-6

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Many neurodivergent women are not struggling because they lack ability. They struggle because the systems around them were never designed for how their brains actually work.

In this episode, Tracy talks with Stephanie Ray, a neurodivergent lawyer, coach, and founder of Growthset Coaching. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 30s, Stephanie spent years succeeding on the surface while quietly struggling with memorization, rigid study methods, and performance pressure in law school and legal practice.

Once she understood how her brain learns best, she stopped forcing traditional systems and built visual, movement-based, and story-driven approaches that actually worked. Tracy and Stephanie break down why standard study advice often fails ADHD learners and what makes information stick instead.

They also cover imposter syndrome, accommodations, time blindness, and task initiation, along with practical strategies for studying, exam prep, and managing demanding careers. If you feel smart but still behind, this episode will help you see why and what to change.

Resources:
Website: https://www.growthsetcoaching.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-didomizio-ray-esq-75157347

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Many kids aren’t struggling because they lack motivation or discipline. They’re struggling because their nervous systems are overwhelmed.

In this episode, Tracy talks with Lyndsay Morris, a former teacher and school counselor diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, about what actually helps ADHD brains learn and regulate. Lyndsay shares how masking as the “good student” kept her ADHD hidden for years and why school only worked when learning felt engaging. What once looked like boredom, emotional sensitivity, and focus struggles were never a lack of effort.

That realization reshaped her work. After years in classrooms, Lyndsay saw how often dysregulation was treated as defiance and punished instead of supported. Her approach centers on regulation, connection, and reflection as foundational skills, not behavior control, including her Regulate, Connect, Reflect framework and simple nervous system supports like movement and emotional safety.

Tracy and Lyndsay also explore ADHD masking in girls, why adults must regulate themselves before expecting kids to do the same, and what changes when schools stop shaming and start teaching skills. This conversation offers practical, brain-based tools for parents, educators, and adults who want to build capacity rather than compliance.

Resources:
Website: https://www.generationwellness.com
Portfolio: https://www.lyndsaymorris.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsay__morris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaymorris

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

If you feel busy, stimulated, but still oddly unsatisfied, this episode will explain why.

ADHD isn’t a dopamine deficiency. It’s a regulation problem. Tracy breaks down what dopamine actually does in the ADHD brain and why chasing it through scrolling, shopping, sugar, urgency, or constant stimulation leaves so many women feeling flat or burned out. ADHD brains don’t have a broken gas tank. They have a sticky accelerator. The issue isn’t pleasure. It’s how often and how intensely we spike it.

Tracy explains dopamine spikes versus baseline, why wanting outpaces liking, and why novelty driven motivation fades so quickly for ADHD brains. Drawing on neuroscience research, she shows how constant stimulation lowers baseline motivation and turns productivity hacks, new planners, and

systems into part of the same dopamine loop. This has nothing to do with discipline or follow through. It’s biology.

The episode closes with practical ways to work with dopamine instead of fighting it, including dopamine pauses, time bound resets, replacement instead of restriction, and small doses of productive discomfort. Tracy explains why confidence comes from self trust and why environment design matters more than willpower. Dopamine isn’t the enemy. It’s fuel. Learning how to steer it changes everything.

Resources:

• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• FREE 3-days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain training on Jan 6th: https://tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What if the most ADHD-friendly “plan” is simply following what lights you up?

In this episode, we’re talking with Clare Adams, a British-Canadian artist, poet, community builder, and humanity advocate who was diagnosed with ADHD at 50, after both of her kids were identified. Clare’s story is full of movement and reinvention: 24 moves, a career that spans law, healthcare, finance, airline operations, marketing, and fundraising, plus a strong pull toward creativity, connection, and service. She also shares how her diagnosis first brought grief and a fix-it mindset, and what helped her come back to self-trust.

We get into what changes when you stop treating ADHD like a trade-off and start seeing the “good and bad” inside the same trait, why supportive environments matter more than willpower, and why connection isn’t optional for long-term wellbeing. Clare also shares the real-world workarounds she relies on (including “racing the kettle”), the phrase that stops her perfection spiral, and the meaning behind “pretirement,” her choice to build a values-led life now instead of waiting for later. If you’ve ever felt pulled between who you are and who the world wants you to be, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

Resources:

• Website: www.compassionartcreations.ca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61565941119375/
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/CompassionartCreations
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/compassionartcreations
• Website: www.fishslapbooks.ca

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

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Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Wanting to be understood is completely normal. Especially for ADHD women. But there’s a moment where that need quietly shifts, and suddenly we’re not trying to connect anymore. We’re trying to survive.

In this episode, let’s talk about why feeling misunderstood doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It can feel unsafe. When that happens, the nervous system takes over. The brain speeds up. We explain more. We repeat ourselves. Not because we’re trying to win an argument, but because our body is trying to prevent rejection. We explore how rejection sensitive dysphoria, a reactive amygdala, and years of being misread wire ADHD brains to overexplain as a form of self protection.

Let’s unpack why overexplaining is not a communication problem, it’s a nervous system response. We explore rejection sensitive dysphoria, the empathy gap, and why saying more often creates more distance, not more understanding. We also talk about the shift that changes everything: moving from chasing understanding to choosing safety, and how to protect your energy without shrinking, defending, or disappearing.

Resources:

• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• FREE 3-days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain training on Jan 6th: https://tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

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Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

New Year comes with a loud promise: new goals, new habits, new you. But real change does not come from flipping the calendar. It comes from changing the lens you look through, especially if your brain defaults to “I’m behind,” “I’m failing,” or “I should be better by now.”

In this episode, let’s break down the simplest framework that explains why you feel stuck: your thoughts create your feelings, your feelings drive your actions, and your actions create your results.

When an ADHD brain gets caught in rumination, catastrophizing, and “monkey mind” loops, it can feel like you are working on the problem when you are really just flooding your system with fear.

You will also learn practical ways to step out of that spiral, including mindfulness basics and the STOP skill (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed) for regulating your nervous system in real time. Learn how to use intention, visualization, and positive emotion in a grounded way that actually supports ADHD brains, plus why the goal is not “never feel negative,” but learning how to guide your mind back to safety so you can move again.

Resources:

• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• FREE 3-days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain training on Jan 6th: https://tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

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Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Every year, many of us feel pressure to set resolutions, overhaul our lives, or become a “new version” of ourselves. That approach rarely works for ADHD brains.

In this episode, let’s talk about a different way forward. Instead of adding more goals, habits, or systems, this episode explores the power of choosing one word to guide the year and why simplicity works so well for ADHD brains. Tracy walks through the science behind why a single, emotionally charged word is easier to remember, easier to act on, and more motivating than long to do lists or rigid plans.

The episode also shares the personal experiences that shaped Tracy’s word for 2026, including major family health events, big transitions, and the decision to let go of a long time family home. Along the way, she explains why ADHD brains do not thrive on more, how clutter and obligation quietly drain cognitive bandwidth, and why subtraction can actually bring clarity, creativity, and energy back online.

You’ll hear how subtracting is not about minimalism or doing less for the sake of it, but about making space for what actually matters. From simplifying systems and commitments to questioning beliefs that no longer fit, this episode offers a grounded way to think about growth that does not rely on pressure or perfection.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or ready to stop carrying what no longer fits, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Website: tracyotsuka.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyotsuka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
• FREE 3-days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain training on Jan 6th: tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain
• Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Join Tracy as she breaks her women only guest rule by welcoming Dr. Edward Hallowell to Episode 106 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. If you know anything at all about ADHD you recognize Dr. Hallowell’s name as the leading authority in the field of ADHD. Dr. Hallowell is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, and a New York Times bestselling author. He, along with Dr. John Ratey wrote what Tracy considers to be the bible of ADHD, Driven to Distraction. Now retired from the faculty of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hallowell has been featured on 20/20, 60 Minutes, Oprah, PBS, CNN, Today, Good Morning America, and in The New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, Time. He is a regular columnist for ADDitude magazine, and is also the host of his weekly podcast called Distraction. Dr. Hallowell is the founder of The Hallowell Centers in Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Seattle. He lives in the Boston area with his wife and their three grown children.

Dr. Hallowell shares the circumstances surrounding his ADHD diagnosis, Why he and Dr. John Ratey decided to write their new book ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction. Who he wrote this book for, Why most medical professionals have ignored the strengths in ADHD for so long, His opinion on ADHD and intelligence, Exciting research around the task positive network and default mode network and how you can use them to benefit the ADHD brain, The ADHDers need to create and constantly improve their life, Why those of us with ADHD should never worry alone, Where he believes the field of ADHD research and treatment is going, Whether he believes that there’s a relationship between introversion/extroversion and ADHD types, Why ADHD women have not been part of ADHD studies.

Resources:
Website: drhallowell.com
ADHD 2.0 Book: https://drhallowell.com/read/books-by-ned
Amazon: ADHD 2.0: https://www.amazon.com/ADHD-2-0-Essential-Strategies-Distraction-ebook/dp/B0871LK27X

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

What if the intensity you’ve chased in relationships wasn’t love, but dopamine?

Amanda McCracken is an award winning journalist, endurance athlete, and intimacy researcher who was diagnosed with ADHD at 36, long after she had built a successful career.

From the outside, her life looked accomplished and disciplined. Inside, she struggled with distraction, emotional intensity, anxiety, and a lifelong pattern of romantic fixation. In this episode, Amanda shares how ADHD showed up quietly in her life, from trichotillomania and overthinking to using extreme exercise as a form of self regulation, long before she had language for what was actually happening.

The conversation centers on limerence, a psychological state of intense romantic longing marked by obsession, idealization, and emotional highs and lows. Amanda explains how limerence thrives on uncertainty, making it especially powerful for ADHD brains that crave novelty and fast dopamine.

Tracy and Amanda explore how rejection sensitivity, perfectionism, and trauma can blur the line between desire and self worth, and why many women mistake intensity for connection. Amanda also shares how chasing emotionally unavailable partners became an organizing force in her life, and how that pattern kept her stuck in fantasy instead of intimacy. She also had to confront a deeper truth: real intimacy feels quieter than fantasy.

Today, Amanda is married to a securely attached partner and is the author of When Longing Becomes Your Lover, a deeply personal exploration of limerence, ADHD, and what it takes to receive love instead of chasing it.

Resources:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-mccracken-4716373
• Website: https://www.amandajmccracken.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.mccracken.39

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Some ADHD stories come from authors, psychologists, and researchers. This one comes from a 23-year-old ER nurse who learned early that the brain she has is exactly the one she needs.

Nina Padilla spent ten years trying to get someone to take her ADHD symptoms seriously. From age thirteen through twenty-one, she told her pediatrician every year, “I think I have ADHD,” and every year she heard the same dismissal: good grades and good behavior meant she couldn’t possibly have it. It wasn't until her last semester of nursing school, during a three-day panic attack, that she finally found a therapist who listened. At 23, she was formally diagnosed with combined-type ADHD and started on Adderall.

Today Nina works in the pediatric emergency room at the same hospital where she fell in love with the chaos during her final clinical rotation. She calls herself an energizer bunny, moving so fast that a pediatrician once told her, "Nina, don't fix whatever's going on up there." That was the moment she realized her ADHD wasn't a disability. It was her superpower.

In this conversation, Tracy and Nina talk about growing up emotional and misunderstood, finding your people early, seeking rejection on purpose to heal rejection sensitivity, and why the ER is the perfect place for an ADHD brain that never gets bored.

For any listener in their twenties who feels unsure about the future, Nina offers the clarity so many of us need at that age: follow what interests you, work with the brain you have, and stop chasing a version of “productive” that does nothing but make you miserable.

Resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_izabella

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Gratitude is talked about a lot, but for us with ADHD brains it isn’t just a feel-good idea. It is a physiological strategy that changes how the brain functions.

In this episode, Tracy breaks down why gratitude is not optional for ADHD. It starts with dopamine. ADHD brains rely on positive emotion to initiate action, sustain focus, and regulate emotion. Gratitude spikes dopamine, boosts serotonin, improves sleep, and builds the emotional foundation that makes everything else feel more doable. Tracy explains how this loop works and why even trying to think of something to be grateful for is enough to start shifting your brain chemistry.

She also shares personal stories, including the impact of a daily gratitude practice, the “positive emotion dossier” she developed for A-OK, and the profound lessons she learned from a woman with ADHD living with metastatic cancer who embodied gratitude in the hardest circumstances. Tracy walks through the five levels of gratitude, the ADHD habit of scanning for what’s wrong, and how gratitude helps interrupt the spiral.

This episode is both practical and encouraging, giving listeners a clear understanding of how gratitude improves executive function, stabilizes mood, strengthens habits, and helps ADHD brains filter out noise. Tracy also explores how gratitude intersects with trauma and how emotional healing can lead to post-traumatic growth. If you’ve ever wondered why gratitude matters or how to build a practice that actually works for your brain, this episode offers tools you can use immediately.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Explore more from me:
🧘 SHIFT: https://tracyotsuka.com/shift
📚 Free resources: https://tracyotsuka.com/learn
📖 Get the book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book
🧠 Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok
🌐 Visit my website: https://tracyotsuka.com/

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/sign-up

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-book

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

Dr. Gilly Kahn spent years studying psychology before realizing how much of her own emotional world had been shaped by ADHD.

Dr. Gilly earned a Master’s in Experimental Psychology, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, and built a full clinical practice before receiving her ADHD diagnosis in her early thirties. Looking back, the signs had been there all along: migraines that never made sense, intense emotional reactions, shifting hormones, and a lifelong habit of masking so well that even she missed the patterns. Like many of us, she excelled in school and in her career, which kept her symptoms invisible until they could no longer be explained away.

Now based in Atlanta, Dr. Gilly specializes in neurodiversity and emotion regulation, helping women understand the parts of ADHD that rarely get named.

In this conversation, she and Tracy explore why women are so often misdiagnosed, how migraines and PMDD intersect with dopamine and estrogen, and why emotional dysregulation is often the hardest part for women who appear “put together” on the outside. Dr. Gilly also breaks down the science behind sleep, memory, and hormones, and explains why trauma is often confused with ADHD in clinical settings.

Her new book, Allow Me to Interrupt, brings clarity to the experiences so many women have carried silently for years and focuses on the emotional patterns that shape women’s ADHD, from hormonal shifts to migraines to the pressure to stay composed even when everything feels overwhelming.

Resources:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilly-kahn-m-a-ph-d-1996892b4
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgillykahn
• Website: https://www.drgillykahn.com
• Article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kAg0EnN_nwN1cVTM3P9cyD1wFspLg71m/view?usp=sharing

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

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Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

When Susanne Schotanus was fifteen, she spent two years in weekly psychiatric appointments before someone finally said she had ADHD. No one explained what it meant or how to work with it. She simply left with a label that didn’t change much of anything. Years later, as a university student struggling to finish assignments she deeply loved, she realized she was still battling the same invisible barrier. That rediscovery set her on a new path that would eventually change how thousands of people think about writing.

Susanne became the first person in the world to call herself an ADHD writing coach for adults. Since founding her practice, she’s helped hundreds of writers finally finish what they start, find joy in their process, and rebuild trust in their creative voice. Her work sits at the intersection of ADHD research and the craft of writing, a space where emotion, structure, and imagination can finally coexist without friction.

In this episode, Susanne and Tracy talk about why consistency is a myth for ADHD writers, how perfectionism and shame shape creative blocks, and what it takes to repair a “toxic relationship” with writing. Susanne also shares how acceptance and play restore joy to the process, how writing can be healing when approached with care, and why ADHD creativity isn’t broken.

She reminds us that ADHD storytelling is not messy or broken. It is multidimensional, intuitive, and deeply human.

Resources:

• Website: https://passionatewritercoaching.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-schotanus
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionatewritercoaching

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

When Devene Godau adopted a retired racing greyhound, she thought she was just rescuing a dog. Instead, she found her purpose. What started as an effort to help an anxious greyhound with separation anxiety became a lesson in communication, connection, and compassion. Those lessons didn’t just transform her career; they changed how she saw herself.

A certified professional dog trainer with ADHD, Devene spent more than 25 years working with everyone from family pets to professional scent detection dogs for the TSA. She learned that dogs, much like humans, thrive when they feel safe, understood, and motivated — not shamed into obedience. Her work with scent detection dogs taught her that behavior isn’t about control, it’s about clarity. The same applies to people. Now through her platform The Distracted Dog Lover, Devene helps neurodivergent dog owners build stronger bonds with their pets using humor, empathy, and science-based, real-world strategies that actually work.

In this conversation, Devene and Tracy talk about why traditional training methods often fail for ADHD owners, what clicker training can teach us about communication, and how dogs mirror our emotions in ways that reveal what we need to work on ourselves. Devene also shares how gamifying training makes it easier to stay consistent, why sniffing literally boosts serotonin and calms a dog’s nervous system, and how the best kind of learning happens when you stop aiming for perfection and start enjoying the process.

Resources:

• Website: https://distracteddoglover.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devene-godau-cpdt-ka-b696a71a0
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disney_devene
• Gerty: https://thegerty.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqWlLvwRhiG3tP96j9mICCIcZSa98gj5w1YRsy4jUJxWbZZtk4W

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

View Details

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

_____

A 10-year-old boy sat across from Dr. Kalaki Clarke, MD during her psychiatry rotation, and she saw herself. Smart, charming, good grades but couldn't get it together. That's when she knew she had ADHD too.

Dr. Clarke was in her first year of residency at UC Irvine, working 80-hour weeks in a system designed to test you constantly. She'd been the good kid, the high achiever, the one who always kept it together. But in residency, surrounded by neurotypical colleagues, sleep-deprived, and constantly performing, the mask finally came off. Her 2015 diagnosis became a turning point, launching her into advocacy for physicians with ADHD. She helped craft equity guidelines for neurodivergent resident physicians, spoke at the International Conference on ADHD, and delivered a TEDx talk called "Seeing is Freeing: How Observation Releases ADHD Potential."

Now, as a board-certified family physician and Associate Professor of Medical Education at USC's Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Clarke spends her time providing care for underserved communities in Los Angeles while shaping the next generation of doctors.

In this conversation, Dr. Clarke and Tracy talk about what it's like to have ADHD in a profession that demands perfection and how "seeing is freeing" applies to both patients and physicians. Dr. Clarke introduces her CAT method (Capture, Analyze, Transform), a framework for turning struggles into strategies. She also talks about leading by example, why she came out publicly about her ADHD at work, and what it means to create space for others to be seen when you've spent so long feeling invisible yourself.

Resources:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmclarkemd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this_md_kalaki/
TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKmRyxlas3I

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_____

You walk into a room and forget why you're there. You miss deadlines even though you care deeply about the work. You can remember a random conversation from 15 years ago but not what someone just told you five minutes ago. Welcome to life with an ADHD brain and a memory system that works differently.

Dr. Daniella Karidi knows this firsthand. Diagnosed with ADHD in college, Dr. Daniella finally understood why she'd always felt "off" despite being highly successful. A researcher who earned her doctorate from Northwestern University studying memory and ADHD, Daniella is now the founder of ADHDtime, where she works as a professional ADHD and executive coach. She's spent years translating complex memory research into practical strategies that actually work for ADHD brains and in this conversation, she breaks down exactly why our memory fails us and what we can do about it.

Daniella and Tracy dive deep into prospective memory (remembering to remember in the future), why time-based cues are terrible for ADHD brains, and the five steps where memory can break down. Daniella explains why we forget we took our medication, why she needed multiple cues instead of just one, and why she believes people who master their own memory patterns can finally stop feeling like they're failing at life. She also shares the grief and relief of late diagnosis, and why she'll never stop advocating for better understanding of how ADHD women's brains actually work.

Resources:

Website: https://www.adhdtime.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ADHDtime
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDtime

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_____

Kiersten Lyons spent most of her life being told she was too much. Too loud, too dramatic, too many feelings all at once. She was also told she wasn't enough. Not pretty enough, not the right fit, not what Hollywood was looking for. The dichotomy nearly broke her. But it also became the foundation of her story.

As a working actress in LA for over a decade, with recurring roles on Grey's Anatomy and Mad Men, Kiersten kept hearing the same feedback: "You're great, we just don't know what to do with you." So she created her own work, writing and starring in her award-winning one-woman show Crushed. It was supposed to become a TV series. Then the producer ghosted her.

At 42, while advocating for her son's ADHD evaluation, she finally got her own diagnosis and suddenly all those years of rejection, of being "too much" and "not enough," made sense. She understood why she could memorize all 50 states in under 20 seconds to impress boys (it didn't work), why she felt everything so intensely, and why masking had left her exhausted for decades.

Her debut memoir Crushed: The Boys That Never Liked Me Back opens with her fiancé confessing he didn't love her and had cheated at The Magic Castle while she was addressing their wedding invitations. Six months later, he won $100,000 on reality TV. Her life unraveled publicly, but the book isn't about revenge. It's about reclaiming yourself when everything falls apart.

In this conversation, Kiersten and Tracy explore pattern recognition, rejection sensitivity, and why so many creative women with ADHD end up in industries that require constant validation. They talk about the loneliness of being the eldest daughter who takes care of everyone, the grief of late diagnosis, and why acceptance, not positivity, is what allows us to heal.

Resources:

Website: https://www.kierstenlyons.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kierstenlyonsroar
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kier

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If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_____

Nicole Bela was brilliant at her job. She could read a room in seconds, remember every donor’s story, and raise millions for causes she believed in. But behind the polished professionalism, she was quietly unraveling. The same systems designed to do good were slowly breaking her down, and she couldn’t understand why.

After being diagnosed with ADHD at 37, just after the birth of her second son, Nicole finally had the missing piece. Suddenly, the patterns made sense: the anxiety that exercise once kept in check, the brain fog after Zoom meetings, the guilt of forgetting critical details while remembering someone’s cat’s name. What began as relief quickly turned into a mission. Nicole wrote a groundbreaking article for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, “Unmasking Burnout,” connecting the dots between masking, mental health, and why so many fundraisers, especially women, are burning out.

In this conversation, Nicole and Tracy unpack why the nonprofit world may be full of undiagnosed neurodivergent professionals, how the pandemic exposed the cracks in traditional workplace culture, and what leaders can do to build real belonging. Nicole also shares how unmasking her ADHD changed the way she leads, works, and parents proving that inclusion starts when we stop pretending and start asking what people truly need to thrive.

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskedartstudio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bela-msw-cfre-a484571b

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If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_____

What happens when doing everything "right" still leaves you miserable? You start asking better questions.

Shell Mendelson was a successful CEO of KidzArt, an international children's art franchise she founded, when everything fell apart. Despite looking accomplished on paper, she was disconnected, dysregulated, and drowning in work that no longer fit. At her lowest point, she found an ADHD book a therapist friend had sent years earlier, opened it, and finally understood why she'd always felt like an outcast. Diagnosed in her fifties, Shell realized the masking, hypervigilance, and constant feeling of being "off" had been ADHD all along.

Now, after 35+ years as a career coach, Shell helps ADHD and neurodivergent adults stop job-hopping and start building careers that actually fit. She's the author of Unlock Your Career Path and creator of the Career Galaxy framework—a process that helps people define their must-haves in writing so they never forget what they need to thrive. In this conversation, Shell and Tracy explore why career assessments fail neurodivergent people, how DEI rollbacks are pushing ADHD professionals into hiding, the rise of workplace surveillance, and why people who need accommodations are often just in the wrong job.

Shell also shares her recent move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she's building a life by the beach with her two dogs—a story about reinvention, clarity, and refusing to stay somewhere that doesn't serve you, even when it looks successful from the outside.

Resources:
Website: www.careercoachingwithshell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareerCoachingwithShell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourpassiontocareer
Website: https://unlockyourcareerpath.com

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_____

Burnout was Skye Waterson's PhD companion. She'd switch majors—psychology to law to sociology—convinced each time that she just hadn't found her passion yet. The truth was simpler and more complex: she was trying to outwork her undiagnosed ADHD, and no amount of grinding harder was going to fix a brain that needed different systems entirely. By the time she finished her master's thesis, she was so burned out she couldn't even process being offered a guaranteed PhD scholarship. Instead, she worked at a bakery and took art classes until her now-husband asked the obvious question: "Wait, you did a master's? You have a scholarship? What's going on?"

The ADHD diagnosis came at the perfect time—right as she was starting her PhD. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, Skye turned her academic brain toward understanding how her mind actually worked. She started researching, writing articles, and building the productivity systems that traditional advice couldn't provide. What began as survival became her calling, and eventually, her business grew so successful that her supervisors encouraged her to leave academia entirely.

Now, as founder of Unconventional Organisation, Skye helps entrepreneurs, founders, and executives scale their businesses without scaling their stress. In this conversation, she and Tracy dive into why neurotypical productivity advice fails ADHD brains, how to prioritize when everything feels urgent, and Skye's game-changing approach to delegation using AI. They explore her "recipe" method for breaking down tasks, why the Pomodoro technique wasn't designed for us, and how understanding dopamine timing can revolutionize your work flow.

Resources:

Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_____

Sometimes the thing that saves you is also the thing that masks your greatest struggle.Swimming was Meg Hennessey Schofield's lifeline through college—three to four miles a day that kept her ADHD brain calm and focused. When she quit her senior year to focus on teaching, everything fell apart. The anxiety and depression that led to her diagnosis at 21 made sense in hindsight, but she pushed the ADHD piece aside. Everyone has a little ADHD, right? It wasn't until postpartum struggles led a provider to revisit that ignored diagnosis that everything changed. Two hours after taking medication, Meg saw herself clearly for the first time in years—the mental noise had quieted.

Meg is a special educator with a Master's in Severe Special Education and co-creator of the SMYLE program, which blends sensory-based yoga with trauma-informed education. Her revelation about regulation didn't just change her life—it transformed her classroom. When she made subtle changes to help manage her own anxiety, her students with severe disabilities began accessing parts of their brains they hadn't reached in years.

In this conversation, Meg and Tracy explore how chronic stress hijacks learning, why "acting out" is actually nervous system dysregulation, and what it looks like to start each school day with regulation instead of demands. Meg shares her coffee cup analogy for how students arrive each morning and how she teaches both kids and adults to reconnect their bodies and minds through breath and movement.

Resources:

Email: meghenscho@gmail.com
Website: sensoryenhancedyoga.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-hennessey-schofield-784449102

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_____

Sometimes, the most humbling moments teach us the most about ourselves. Tracy recently found herself in Santa Barbara, recording courses for major companies like LinkedIn Learning and Google. After three flawless, scripted trainings, she was asked to do an impromptu training on ten ADHD tips. Despite having written a book and recorded 350 podcast episodes, Tracy couldn't do it. Her brain needs a runway to get off the ground, and being forced to wing it made her brain refuse to cooperate.

That experience forced her to confront every ADHD pitfall she coaches other women through. In this solo episode, Tracy introduces her "table legs" analogy for understanding how ADHD challenges are interconnected. RSD, feeling judged, overthinking, perfectionism, and their cousins all act like legs holding up a table built on self-doubt and shame.

Here's what Tracy discovered: you don't have to fix everything at once. Kick out just a few of those legs, and the whole table collapses. Tracy walks through each "mental mindfield," shows how they're connected, and offers practical strategies for interrupting these cycles.

This episode is for anyone trapped in the endless loop of ADHD perfectionism and self-doubt. Tracy's vulnerable story and actionable framework prove that these patterns don't disappear with success—but they can be dismantled.

Resources:
Website: https://tracyotsuka.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
Free Training: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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_____

From the outside, you look like you've got it all together. But inside? You're drowning in the endless mental load, feeling guilty because you need breaks from your kids, and wondering why other moms seem to breeze through daily routines that leave you completely drained.

Amy Marie Hann was diagnosed with ADHD at just five years old in the mid-1980s—making her what she calls an "ADHD unicorn." She was the straight-A student taking medication alongside the little boys in the nurse's office, the one who followed all the rules and excelled academically. But when she became a mom to three neurodivergent kids, everything fell apart.

Amy is the author of Master the Mundane, a practical guide for ADHD moms juggling life, home, and family. In this conversation, Amy and Tracy explore how early diagnosis shaped her identity, why traditional parenting advice fails ADHD families, and what it really means to "master the mundane" when your brain craves novelty. Amy shares her game-changing approach to limiting taxing tasks, why she gave herself permission to be bored by the boring things, and how she learned to model self-acceptance for her three ADHD kids.

Resources:

Website: www.amymariehann.com
Website: www.amymariehann.com/mtmbooklaunch
Instagram: @amymariehann

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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Natasha M. Nurse lived 37 years not knowing she was neurodivergent. Then motherhood changed everything. The crying, the overwhelm, the dark thoughts that felt like more than typical new parent struggles—all of it led to a discovery that would reshape her understanding of herself completely.

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 37, Natasha finally had answers for a lifetime of feeling out of place. The child who preferred HBO to Sesame Street, who spent her Manhattan childhood with books instead of friends, who excelled academically while feeling painfully lonely—suddenly it all made sense.

Now Managing Director at MRM Education, she’s turning her neurodivergent perspective into a strength by building systems that celebrate, not just accommodate, different learners.

With Tracy, Natasha explores why traditional education fails, the double edge of hyperfocus, and why knowing your brain is the ultimate workaround. She also shares what it’s like to parent a neurodivergent child while healing her own wounds, the power of being seen, and how she’s helping families navigate systems never built for brains like theirs.

Resources:

Website: www.dressingroom8.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/natashamnurse
Instagram: www.instagram.com/natashamnurse
Schedule a call: cal.com/natasha-nurse
Email: natasha@mrmeducation.com

MRM Education Info:
Phone: (973) 997 8274
Website: www.mrmeducation.com
Email: info@mrmeducation.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrmeducate
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/1611107013001431
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrmeducation
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/c

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_

Barbara Baskin spent 30 years convinced she wasn't very smart. School was academic probation and "needs to try harder" report cards. Then came an ADHD diagnosis at 30, followed by three decades of raising four kids (including triplets), caring for her mother with dementia, and running a business while being everyone's executive function.

At 60, Barbara made a decision that shocked everyone: she moved from a small town in Florida to a fifth-floor walk-up in New York City and started online dating.

Barbara is a writer, journalist, and author of The Ponytailed Guy from Last Night. She discovered that journalism was perfect for her word-loving, curious ADHD brain after struggling through university with brilliant workarounds—alternating "hard" semesters that put her on academic probation with "easy" semesters of ceramics and tennis. She learned she could master anything if she could touch it, which made her an excellent videographer and producer.

But decades of being the family's executive function while masking her ADHD took its toll. High functioning, Barbara realized, wasn't the same as being okay. When a psychiatrist asked what she'd done for herself that week, she couldn't think of a single thing.

In this episode, Barbara and Tracy explore how she built a successful career around her learning differences, survived the chaos of managing everyone else's life, and found the courage to reinvent herself in her 60s completely. They talk about why New York City feels like home to an ADHD brain, how online dating became an unexpected path to self-confidence, and what it means to choose adventure over settling.

Her motto: if they're not interesting, they better be damn interested in me.

Resources:

• Website: https://hightechindustrynews.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraqualmann
• Website: theponytailguy.com

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

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Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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_

What would it be like if you could see music as colors dancing in front of your eyes? For Justine Glaser, that's just a normal Tuesday.

Justine is a creative force who doesn't just hear music, she sees it. Diagnosed with ADHD at age 3 and born with synesthesia, a rare neurological trait where sound shows up as color, Justine has always experienced the world differently. Instead of masking these traits, she's made them her superpower. As the founder of Blue Midnight Music and Colors by Midnight, she creates work that's bold, multi-sensory, and completely original.

Diagnosed so young that her babysitter lost weight chasing her around, Justine's childhood was marked by curiosity, creativity, and, unfortunately, relentless bullying from ages 8 to 16. She calls the K-12 system "broken" for her neurodivergent brain, but everything changed when she left traditional school behind. Art school became her sanctuary, where her project-based learning style finally made sense.

In this conversation, Justine and Tracy dive deep into how synesthesia shapes creativity, why she believes color comes from "an inherent sense of self," and how she creates personalized color palettes by listening to people's voices. They talk about performing as an alter ego named Blue Midnight, why ADHD makes it easier (not harder) to blend multiple disciplines, and how she's learned to honor her need for breaks and nature to stay creative.

Justine's journey from a bullied kid drawing on people's houses to a multi-disciplinary artist proves that what makes you different isn't something to fix—it's your greatest gift.

Resources:

Website: https://www.bluemidnightmusic.com
Website: https://www.colorsbymidnight.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justine-glaser-cdi-ccd-36aa4a1a8

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

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_

You know that feeling when someone tells you you're "too intense" or "ask too many questions"? Lucia Kanter St. Amour has built an entire career on exactly those traits.

Lucia is a negotiation expert, law professor, and the kind of ADHD woman who writes Amazon reviews so detailed she got invited to their exclusive Vine program. She's the author of For the Forces of Good, a guide to everyday negotiation that flips traditional power dynamics, and The Covert Buccaneer, a nonlinear novel that mirrors how her ADHD brain actually works. With a background in global law and leadership at UN Women, she combines strategy with a genuine understanding of how women navigate the world.

Diagnosed with ADHD at 54, Lucia finally understood why she'd always felt like a "disco ball" in a world of dimmer switches. Her childhood was marked by misdiagnosed seizures (likely panic attacks) and years on experimental medication that left her struggling. But she found her superpowers in foreign languages, piano, and tennis, activities that naturally regulated her nervous system.

Lucia and Tracy explore how the traits that make us feel "too much" actually become negotiation superpowers. Our intensity, emotional intelligence, and hyperfocus are assets, not liabilities. They discuss why women avoid negotiating, how to practice with everyday situations like getting your toddler to eat dinner, and why deep listening transforms every interaction.

Resources:

Website: https://www.pactumfactum.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santaluciasf
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luciakanterstamour/
For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation: https://www.amazon.com/Forces-Good-Superpower-Everyday-Negotiation/dp/B0B92HCMWB
The Covert Buccaneer: https://us.amazon.com/Covert-Buccaneer-Lucia-Kanter-Amour/dp/B0FCVRTYR6/
Linktree:

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ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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_

You want to make changes, but can't seem to start. Or maybe you're doing the work, but it's not working fast enough. This solo episode tackles the number one thing that keeps ADHD women stuck, and it's not what you think.

Tracy Otsuka breaks down why change feels so hard even when you really want it, and why having access to all the tools in the world won't help if you're stuck believing you're not making progress. She explores the real culprit: the story your brain tells you about who you are and how you're doing.

From the 95% of thoughts and actions that run on autopilot, to why your words literally shape your reality, Tracy reveals why ADHD isn't a discipline problem—it's an identity problem. She shares why progress is never a straight line, how to shift from "I should be farther along" to "I'm learning," and why the real work isn't about managing your time—it's about managing your emotions.

Plus, Tracy celebrates the international success of "Your ADHD Brain is A-OK," now available in Polish, Romanian, Turkish, Korean, and more languages. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to do it perfectly, you just have to keep going. Because stuck doesn't mean stopped, and you're not behind, you're becoming.

Resources:

Website: https://tracyotsuka.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracyotsuka4796
Free Training: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes from dropping the mask and reclaiming your story after decades of living someone else's version of your life. Dr. Shafer Stedron knows this journey intimately.

Dr. Shafer is a neurologist, life coach, author, and host of Talks with Dr. Shafer. Drawing from both clinical expertise and lived experience, she helps others reframe their stories with creativity, compassion, and courage. Her work explores the intersections of burnout, movement, and emotional regulation, plus why traditional systems often fail ADHD minds.

In this conversation, Dr. Shafer and Tracy dive into the reality of being neurodivergent in medicine—from the 2016 study showing 34% of medical students with disabilities have ADHD, to why doctors with ADHD often catch things others miss (hello, pattern recognition and environmental scanning). They explore Shafer's journey from a 19-year-old who said yes to marriage after two weeks, through decades of domestic abuse, to finally learning to listen to her "harm alarm" and reclaim her story.

Dr. Shafer also shares her approach to helping people drop the mask and create what she calls a "bubble sheet"—not a linear trajectory, but a sheet covered with all your goals and interests, because that's who you are as a person. Plus, she breaks down her children's book The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks, which explores pathological demand avoidance and why connection beats correction every time.

Resources:

Website: drshaferstedronova.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talks_with_dr_shafer
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkswithDrShafer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shafer-stedron-4b7a19263

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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___

Aging with ADHD isn't about decline—it's about finally coming into your own. Sandy Reynolds is challenging everything we've been told about getting older, especially as neurodivergent women.

Sandy is a coach, facilitator, and fierce advocate for women navigating their third act. With more than 25 years of leadership and adult education experience, she helps women untangle themselves from outdated roles, people-pleasing patterns, and identities that no longer fit. Diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s after a fellow grad student pointed out that she "checked out a lot," Sandy brings lived experience to conscious aging—an approach that's about healing the past and embracing the future so you can flourish now.

In this conversation, Sandy and Tracy explore why ADHD women often look and feel 10 years younger, how our relentless curiosity keeps us growing when others stagnate, and why so many of us hit our stride in our 50s instead of winding down. They dive into the intersection of hormones, dopamine, and aging, discuss why Sandy's closest friend and she "carry on like they're 35," and explore how conscious aging reframes getting older as gaining wisdom rather than losing relevance.

Sandy also shares her approach to life review and life repair, explains why one-third of people don't have wills (hint: executive function), and reveals her number one ADHD workaround that no guest has mentioned in 350+ episodes. From Cambodia's reverence for elders to our culture's ageism, this episode will make you rethink everything about what it means to age as a neurodivergent woman.

Resources:

Website: https://www.sandyreynolds.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandyareynolds
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyreynolds
Substack: A Crone in the Woods: https://crone.substack.com

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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___

When you're the eldest daughter of immigrants with ADHD and autism, you learn to mask early and master systems—but at what cost? Meral Alizada knows this story intimately, and she's using it to transform how companies think about neurodivergent talent.

Meral is the founder of Results of Kindness (ROK), where she helps organizations build workplaces where neurodivergent minds aren't just accommodated, they're celebrated. With degrees in Law and Psychology and a background in organizational psychology, she knows how to navigate systems. But what sets her apart is how she redesigns them with empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of what actually works for ADHD and autistic brains.

Diagnosed with both ADHD and autism in her late twenties while working one-on-one with a brilliant child who shared her traits, Meral's journey from law to psychology to entrepreneurship is as nonlinear as her thinking. In this conversation, she and Tracy explore the weight of being ultra-organized out of anxiety, the loneliness of outgrowing friendships, and why our relentless drive for self-development might be our greatest superpower.

Meral also breaks down her "Genius Retention" program, explaining why kindness isn't just nice to have—it's profitable. When 89% of workers want kindness in the workplace but 77% are disengaged globally, she argues that treating people as human beings strengthens the hands with which they contribute to organizations. Born to Afghan-Uzbek parents and raised across Europe, Meral brings both global perspective and deeply personal insight to the future of work.

Resources:

• Website: https://resultsofkindness.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themeralalizada
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meralalizada

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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___

People with ADHD are built for the future of work. While everyone else worries about AI taking over jobs, we're the ones who'll figure out what to do with it next.

Muxin Li studied at UVA and Rice, but her real education came from following a winding path through anthropology, teaching, journalism, and now AI. Today, she's building tools designed to reduce cognitive overload and help people focus on what actually matters. Diagnosed with ADHD in business school after struggling through chaotic team meetings, Muxin brings a neurodivergent lens to the future of tech—one that sees ADHD not as a barrier, but as a design blueprint.

In this episode, Muxin and Tracy explore why the traits we're told to tone down—intuition, creativity, nonlinear thinking—are exactly what the world needs more of. They dive into how ADHD brains connect dots in ways others can't, why we're naturally drawn to entrepreneurship (hello, 50-60% of founders), and how our bottom-up processing gives us superpowers in an AI-driven world.

Muxin also shares a profound synchronicity experience that shifted her understanding of intuition, love, and possibility. From Carl Jung's scarab beetle to her own moment of cosmic clarity, she explores how tuning into that deeper intelligence might be the key to creating the future we actually want to live in. Plus, she breaks down the AI tools that are actually helping her manage the chaos of modern life—and previews Maestro, the project management tool she's building for brains like ours.

Resources:

Website: https://www.muxinli.com
X: https://x.com/muxin_li
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muxinli

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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___

What if your doctor could prescribe a fishing group instead of another medication? A birdwatching club for your anxiety. An art class for your depression. Welcome to social prescribing—a healthcare movement that's changing how we think about healing by focusing on connection, not just pills.

Julia Hotz is a journalist and author of The Connection Cure, the first book to explore the science behind social prescribing. As someone who recognizes herself in ADHD symptoms—the scattered attention, the 10,000 browser tabs, the plates left out for days—she's discovered something fascinating: when do we feel our symptoms the least?

In this conversation, Julia and Tracy dive into why ADHD brains are particularly sensitive to loneliness and disconnection, and how social prescriptions can be game-changing. From Dave's fishing group that helped him overcome addiction and ADHD symptoms, to forest bathing backed by Japanese research, to bibliotherapy that eases anxiety, Julia shares real examples of how connection-based healing works.

They explore attention restoration theory, why 20 minutes in nature can work as well as Ritalin, and how moving from "what's wrong with you" to "what matters to you" can transform everything. Julia shows us how giving our brains what they actually need—connection, nature, purpose—can help us thrive alongside traditional treatments.

Resources:
Website: https://www.hotzthoughts.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-hotz-06510161

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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___

Nobody prepares you for ADHD pregnancy brain. Decisions become impossible when choosing between 200 strollers for a baby you've never met, how appointments can completely derail your routine, and focus. The brain fog that hits like a wall, or the surprising clarity that some women experience when hormones align just right with their neurodivergent wiring.

Dr. Kalin Johnson is back, and this time she's sharing what she learned from experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood with ADHD firsthand. Diagnosed with ADHD, autism, PTSD, and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in adulthood, Kalin recently welcomed her daughter Indie Rue—and discovered just how much the medical system doesn't prepare ADHD women for this journey.

In this episode, Tracy and Kalin explore the hormonal rollercoaster of each trimester, why some ADHD women experience incredible focus during pregnancy while others struggle with brain fog, and how conditions like MCAS, dysautonomia, and hypermobility intersect with ADHD. They dive deep into medication decisions, the realities of postpartum life, and why being kinder to yourself isn't optional—it's essential for being the parent you want to be.

Whether you're thinking about pregnancy, currently pregnant, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will give you the real talk nobody else is having—and the science to back it up.

Resources:

Website: https://www.kalinjohnson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalinpharmd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalin-johnsonpharmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@queensoftheneuroverse?si=kuneU-Fcnz1Ea2RI⊂_confirmation=1
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LqfhlyNcPLo1CmJXGJvEw

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Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next?

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2

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___

When you live with ADHD, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of overwhelm, shutdown, and shame. But what if there’s a way to interrupt that pattern without judgment, without spiraling, and without trying to “fix” yourself?

Vanessa Gorelkin is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and returning favorite on the podcast. With 30 years of experience across clinical care and executive leadership, she specializes in helping ADHD women find clarity, stability, and actual tools that work. In this episode, she introduces us to Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful framework that helps us make sense of our emotional chaos by getting curious instead of self-critical.

Tracy and Vanessa dive into the difference between the “manager” and “firefighter” parts of our brain, how IFS can reframe emotional dysregulation, and why so many high-achieving women with ADHD still feel like they’re “too much.” They also talk about the surprising way shame shows up in our daily lives, and how compassion is more than just self-care; it’s a powerful strategy for long-term emotional regulation.

Vanessa also shares how IFS creates space for your inner world to feel less chaotic, less punishing, and more connected. You’ll learn how identifying and working with your internal parts can build self-awareness, reduce reactive patterns, and unlock a deeper sense of agency.

Whether you’re new to IFS or already deep into parts work, this episode offers real, relatable guidance for anyone looking to create more emotional balance and self-trust.

Resources:

Website: https://vanessagorelkin.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsvanessagorelkin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessacahngorelkin1

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Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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___

How do you thrive in one of the most demanding industries in the world, while quietly navigating ADHD the whole time?

Nancy Shapiro spent 33 years as a senior executive at the Recording Academy, home of the GRAMMYs, where she led all twelve regional chapters and built groundbreaking programs that changed the face of music education and artist development. But behind the scenes, she was often working twice as hard to manage distraction, emotional intensity, and the quiet self-doubt that comes with an undiagnosed ADHD brain.

In this conversation, Nancy and Tracy discuss drive, resilience, and the unique energy ADHD women bring to leadership. Nancy shares how she built a legacy in the music industry while masking for decades, what changed after her diagnosis, and why executive coaching has become a new mission in this chapter of her life. She opens up about perfectionism, relationships, the power of creative instinct, and how women like us can channel our intensity without burning out.

They also explore how ADHD can both fuel ambition and quietly sabotage it—and what happens when women finally stop performing and start living in alignment with how they’re wired. Nancy’s story is about more than music. It’s about identity, reinvention, and finally giving yourself the grace you’ve always given everyone else.

Whether you’re in the music world or not, Nancy’s story is a powerful reminder that ADHD doesn’t disqualify you from success—it’s part of what makes your brilliance so undeniable.

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-shapiro-741255218

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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___

You can’t out-organize trauma. You can’t schedule your way out of burnout. But you can begin to heal, and in doing so, everything else starts to shift.

Dr. Lorre Laws has spent over three decades helping people do just that. Known affectionately as “Dr. Lorre,” she’s a bestselling author, integrative nursing professor, and founder of The Haelan Academy, a nonprofit that supports trauma recovery and holistic well-being. She’s also a woman with ADHD who knows what it’s like to look calm on the outside while feeling dysregulated, scattered, or stuck on the inside.

In this conversation, she and Tracy explore how trauma and ADHD often intertwine, especially in women who have spent years high-functioning their way through stress, disconnection, and self-doubt. They talk about the nervous system’s role in attention and emotion, why so many ADHD women push themselves past the point of depletion, and how healing often starts with something as simple as breath and awareness.

Dr. Lorre shares powerful insights from her journey, what changed when she finally connected the dots between trauma, ADHD, and burnout, and how she now helps other women do the same. She offers concrete, compassionate tools for slowing down, listening to your body, and shifting out of survival mode… without shame or overwhelm.

This episode is for every woman who’s ever thought, Why can’t I just get it together? You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You’re likely just carrying more than your nervous system was ever meant to hold—and this conversation will help you start to set it down.

Resources:

Website: drlorrelaws.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drlorrelaws
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drlorrelaws

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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___

Vickie Howell discovered something most people never do: the exact moment her brain went quiet. It happened when her hands were busy with yarn and needles, long before she had words for ADHD or understood why making things felt like medicine.

Vickie has spent over two decades at the forefront of the modern craft movement. She’s best known as the host of Knitty Gritty on HGTV, but her reach goes far beyond the screen. She’s written bestselling books, launched hit YouTube shows and PBS segments, and recently founded StitchWell Social Club, a membership community that connects creativity with nervous system care. At 51, when she was diagnosed with ADHD, everything came into focus—her rocky school years, the urgency behind her creative drive, and the systems she built to stay afloat in a world that didn’t always make room for brains like hers.

In this episode, Vickie and Tracy unpack the connection between fiber arts and focus, between making things and making peace with your own mind. Vickie shares how handcrafts became her regulation tool, how bullet points saved her writing life, and why crafting deserves a seat at the mental health table. They also talk about imposter syndrome, building a business around your strengths, and what it means to get a diagnosis later in life—and realize you were never actually “lazy” or “scattered,” just misunderstood.

Whether you knit or not, Vickie’s story will leave you thinking differently about how we soothe ourselves, how we process the world, and how creativity can become a powerful form of self-advocacy.

Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickie-howell-0592b55
Website: https://vickiehowell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vickiehowell

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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___

What happens when your brain is loud, your schedule is chaotic, and your best coping skill is making people laugh?

Jessica Michelle Singleton is a no-filter comedian, podcast host, and the kind of ADHD woman who can command a stage, lose her keys, and write a killer joke—all before lunch. She’s dropped two #1 comedy albums, racked up millions of views with her stand-up, and performed alongside comedy heavyweights like Mark Normand and Melissa Villaseñor. But behind the laughs? A woman who always knew her brain worked differently, even if it took years to get a name for it.

Diagnosed in college after nearly losing her scholarship, Jessica shares how undiagnosed ADHD shaped her identity, her anxiety, and her early drive to do it all—four sports, a packed schedule, and straight As. She and Tracy talk about how ADHD shows up in her comedy, why perfectionism nearly sidelined her special, and how growing up in chaos made her both resilient and hilarious. They also unpack family dynamics, trauma, and the real reason so many comedians come from childhoods that were anything but funny.

If you’ve ever felt like a hot mess with a high-octane brain, Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder: sometimes the traits that made you feel “too much” are the exact ones that make you unforgettable.

Resources:

• Punchup: https://punchup.live/jms
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmscomedy
• X: https://x.com/JMScomedy
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicamichellesingleton

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Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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___

What happens when the thing you thought wasn’t for you, like meditation, turns out to be exactly what your brain needed?

Kelly Smith is a meditation teacher, yoga instructor, podcast host, and the creator of Mindful in Minutes, which has guided over 23 million meditations to date. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, Kelly grew up feeling like she didn’t quite fit anywhere. School was a struggle, friendships were hard, and her self-esteem took a major hit. But everything began to shift when, at just 16, she discovered yoga and mindfulness as a way to support her mom through breast cancer and to reconnect with herself.

In this episode, Kelly and Tracy talk about why traditional meditation advice often fails ADHD women and what actually works instead. Kelly shares her unique approach to building a sustainable meditation practice that doesn’t require perfection or stillness. Sometimes it just takes a few moments of self-awareness to create a real shift. They talk about creative batching, emotional regulation, her color-coded systems, and why walking without your phone might be more powerful than you think.

Whether you’re curious about meditation, skeptical of mindfulness, or simply looking for a way to feel more grounded, this episode offers a fresh and practical take. It’s about finding calm in ways that work with your brain, and creating space to come back to yourself.

Resources:Website: https://www.yogaforyouonline.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyouonline
Podcast: Mindfulness in Minutes Meditation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindfulinminutes

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___

What if the systems you were told to follow just… never worked for you?

Latrice Prater spent years trying to fit into traditional jobs and structures, feeling like she was always falling short, until her ADHD diagnosis in her 30s made everything click. A Navy veteran, certified Director of Operations, and now founder of The Digital Solutions Team, Latrice has since built a thriving agency that helps women create neurodivergent-friendly businesses built around their actual brains, not just business blueprints.

In this episode, Latrice and Tracy dive into the realities of being an ADHD entrepreneur, the problem with cookie-cutter strategies, and the power of building systems that serve your energy, not drain it. Latrice shares how her military background shaped her discipline, why she believes in automations as acts of self-kindness, and how she transformed chaos into clarity for herself and hundreds of clients.

They also talk about how motherhood, burnout, and masking pushed Latrice to the edge and how the decision to embrace her neurodivergence became the foundation for her agency, her book, and her healing. She opens up about the pressure to “do it all,” the toll of hiding her struggles, and the freedom she found in building a business that finally worked with her brain.

You’ll also hear how she redefined leadership, what finally helped her stop feeling “bad at life,” and why your zone of genius is the one place you should never outsource. Whether you’re a business owner, a creative, or just someone tired of trying to do things the “right” way, this conversation will give you permission to build something better.

Resources:
Website: https://www.thedstagency.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latrice-prater
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualsolutionsforher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualpro

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___

What happens when you stop trying to prove your worth and start building what only you can see?

Elizabeth Elfenbein is a creative powerhouse, a purpose-driven leader, and a visionary storyteller who’s redefining women’s health, equity, and representation on a global scale. But like so many ADHD women, that journey started with feeling like she didn’t quite fit in.

Diagnosed later in life after both of her children received ADHD diagnoses, Elizabeth realized she’d spent decades navigating the world with an undiagnosed brain. School was a struggle, especially growing up in a family that valued academics above all else. But when she discovered design and visual storytelling, everything clicked. That passion led her to Pratt Institute and a trailblazing career in branding, healthcare, and advocacy—all built on instinct, creativity, and a refusal to accept the status quo.

In this conversation, Elizabeth and Tracy talk about the energy behind ideas, the power of purpose, and why ADHD minds are wired for innovation. They explore how mission-driven work becomes a container for restlessness, how meditation and self-care keep Elizabeth grounded, and why she’s never been afraid to run toward a problem others might avoid. She also opens up about parenting ADHD children, managing emotional energy over time, and what it means to finally recognize your own brilliance, not just in what you create, but in who you are.

Resources:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethelfenbein
Website: otherhoodagency.com
Website: underthehoodofwomenshealth.com
Under the sisterhood: underthesisterhood.com
Blog: medium.com/@elizabethelfenbein

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___

How do you build a writing life when your brain refuses to follow rules? For Paulette Perhach, the answer has always been a mix of creativity, structure, and compassion.

Paulette is an award-winning author, writing coach, and creator of the Writer’s Mission Control Center and Finishing School for Writers. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Vox, Glamour, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan. But before all that, she was a gifted kid with a brain full of ideas—and no clue why some things came so easily while others felt impossible.

In this conversation, Paulette shares how growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and without financial resources—shaped her writing path, her self-image, and her relationship with money. She talks with Tracy about the emotional cost of feeling "less than," the unpredictability of social energy, and how finding a creative community changed everything. Diagnosed in adulthood, she finally began to understand the why behind her chaos and built systems that helped her move from intention to execution.

Paulette also breaks down her FINISH framework, a six-part approach to help ADHD writers build structure, create momentum, and finally complete the work they care about. She shares how she bootstrapped her own software tool to support writers like her, and why creating spaces that center neurodivergent needs isn't just helpful—it's transformative.

Whether you're a creative with too many ideas or someone still trying to trust your voice, Paulette’s story will make you feel seen, inspired, and ready to try again, with a little more self-compassion this time.

Resources:Website: https://www.pauletteperhach.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-perhach-23b12832
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulettejperhach
X: https://x.com/pauletteperhach

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___

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or just “too much,” this episode is here to tell you: you’re not. You’re intuitive, and that might just be your ADHD superpower.

Julie Jancius, known as The Angel Medium, is a spiritual teacher, podcast host, and bestselling author who helps people reconnect with their intuition, their energy, and their purpose. Diagnosed with ADHD in middle school, Julie always knew she was different—driven, creative, deeply empathic, and always tuned in to something just below the surface. But it wasn’t until she experienced major life upheaval as a teen and later lost her father unexpectedly that she began to fully understand the power of intuition and energetic sensitivity—and how it had been guiding her all along.

In this conversation, Julie and Tracy explore the link between ADHD and spiritual gifts, from intuitive decision-making to emotional depth and the ability to read a room without saying a word. Julie shares why traditional ADHD solutions didn’t work for her, how energy healing and spiritual connection became her lifelines, and why learning to follow your internal compass might just be the most important skill of all. They also talk about breaking cycles, building purpose-led businesses, and why listening to your intuition isn’t “woo”—it’s wisdom.

If you’ve ever felt like your brain doesn’t follow the rules and your heart doesn’t either, Julie’s story will leave you feeling more seen, understood, and inspired to trust yourself.

Resources:

Website: https://theangelmedium.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelpodcast
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelmedium

Podcast & Membership Links:
Podcast: https://angelsandawakening.com
Angel Membership: https://theangelmedium.com/angelmembership
Angel Reiki School:

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___

Money advice rarely works for the ADHD brain. We’re told to budget, track every dollar, and rely on willpower—but what if the real answer is to make it easier, not harder?

Nicole Stanley gets it. A financial coach, Latina entrepreneur, and founder of Arise Financial Coaching, Nicole helps women ditch the shame, confusion, and overwhelm around money. But before she coached hundreds of women and couples to pay off debt and build wealth, Nicole was a young mom in financial survival mode. Married at 22, she had to learn about money fast when her husband’s modest salary wasn’t enough to make ends meet. With a baby on her hip and a brain that struggled with traditional systems, she slowly built a business that now serves over 100 clients and supports a full-time team—long before she even knew she had ADHD.

Nicole was diagnosed with ADHD at 31, and everything started to make sense: the disorganization, the impulsive spending, the exhaustion from trying to do money “the right way.” She realized that what worked for neurotypical people didn’t work for her—or for many of the women she coached. That’s when she began designing tools and systems rooted in compassion, simplicity, and sustainability—approaches that honor how the ADHD brain actually works.

Nicole and Tracy talk about the emotional weight many women carry when it comes to money. They dive into why ADHD women are often labeled “bad with money,” how to build dopamine-boosting routines that stick, and what it means to make peace with your finances—not through shame, but through clarity and choice.

Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arise.financial.coaching/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@arise.financial.coaching/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/arise.financial.coaching/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arisefinancialcoaching
Book a discovery call:

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___________

What happens when a self-taught, multi-passionate entrepreneur builds a six-figure Etsy business from scratch—while homeschooling on a farm and running multiple income streams?

You get Lizzie Smiley.

Known for her hot-mess mom humor and contagious high energy, Lizzie is the host of How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy, where she helps creative entrepreneurs build thriving online businesses. But behind the success is a story many ADHD women will find deeply familiar: years of self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the constant feeling of being “too much.”

In this conversation, Lizzie opens up about her late realization that she likely has ADHD, how it shows up in her personal and professional life, and the mindset tools that help her stay grounded amidst the chaos.

Tracy and Lizzie dive into everything from hyperfocus and imposter syndrome to business pivots, family dynamics, and anxiety spirals. Lizzie also shares how delegating, tapping into joy, and leaning on her strengths helped her 10x her income—and build a life that works with her brain, not against it.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much and still not enough, this one’s for you.

Resources:

Website: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smiley_lizzie
How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy Podcast: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/podcast

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___________

For many ADHD women, relationships can be complicated—especially when navigating emotional intensity, executive dysfunction, and the feeling that something just isn’t right. Kate Anthony, host of the Divorce Survival Guide Podcast and author of The D Word, joins Tracy to talk about what it means to reclaim your agency, especially when you’ve spent years feeling like you’re the problem.

Kate shares her story of growing up undiagnosed, struggling in traditional learning environments, and always feeling like she was “bad at school”—until her son’s diagnosis helped her connect the dots in her own life. The discovery gave her a new lens of self-compassion and helped her understand why experiential learning worked when academic structures didn’t. Now, as a divorce coach and certified domestic violence advocate, Kate helps women—especially mothers—do the deep personal work of deciding whether to stay in or leave their marriages, with an approach grounded in self-knowledge, clarity, and safety.

Kate and Tracy also explore how ADHD shows up in relationships: the dopamine-seeking behavior, the impulse to over-function, and the toll of living beneath your potential. They talk about how abuse can be subtle and confusing—especially for ADHD women who are naturally empathetic, people-pleasing, or used to masking—and why working on yourself is essential before making big relationship decisions.

This episode is a powerful listen for anyone stuck in the question: Should I stay or should I go?

Resources:

Website: https://kateanthony.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivorcesurvivalguide
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/YourDivorceSurvivalGuide

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___________

Rejection stings, but what if you could flip it into your greatest advantage?

Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story, knows that rejection isn’t just part of the game—it is the game. Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Alice struggled for years with imposter syndrome, social rejection, and the fear of putting herself out there. But everything changed when she set a radical goal: to get rejected 100 times in a year. What happened next? More success than she ever imagined.

In this conversation, Alice shares how growing up undiagnosed shaped her confidence, why ADHD brains are wired to fear rejection, and how she rewired her mindset to see “no” as a step toward “yes.” She dives into the science of rejection, how our ancestors depended on acceptance for survival, and why ADHD brains feel it even more intensely. Tracy and Alice also talk about harnessing rejection as a tool for success, why storytelling is a superpower, and how to shift from perfectionism to action.

Now a publicity strategist and media expert, Alice helps under-recognized women entrepreneurs land press and podcast guest spots—proving that rejection isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of something bigger. If you’ve ever hesitated to put yourself out there for fear of failure, this episode will challenge you to rethink rejection—and maybe even celebrate it.

Resources:

• Website: http://hustlingwriters.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicedraper/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-m-draper/
• Podcast: https://hustlingwriters.com/podcast/
• Course: https://hustlingwriters.com/pitchyourpower/

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__

Some people are naturally organized. Cassandra Aarssen is not one of them. A self-proclaimed “super slob” turned organizing expert, Cas spent years struggling with clutter before realizing that traditional organizing methods simply didn’t work for her ADHD brain. That revelation led her to develop the Clutterbug® Organizing Philosophy, identifying four unique organizing styles to help people work with their brains—not against them.

In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Cas shares her incredible journey—from being a homeless teen to finding stability, only to feel like she was constantly dropping the ball as an adult. She opens up about how her late ADHD diagnosis at 40 transformed her self-perception, the organizing hacks that changed her life, and why a one-size-fits-all organization is a myth. Tracy and Cas also dive into why ADHD brains struggle with clutter, how decision fatigue plays a role, and practical strategies to make organization effortless—even for those who think they’re beyond help.

Cas is now the host of HGTV’s Hot Mess House, a bestselling author, and the creator of a wildly popular YouTube channel, podcast, and online community. Through it all, she remains on a mission to help others reclaim their homes, their time, and their peace of mind—without the shame or frustration that so often comes with being “messy.”

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter or convinced you’re just bad at organizing, this episode will completely change the way you see your space—and yourself.

Resources:
Website: https://clutterbug.me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-aarssen-5bbba22b
ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home & Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1098781682
Hot Mess House: https://www.hgtv.com/shows/hot-mess-house

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__

Growing up as the youngest of ten kids, Chelsea Kunz learned early how to be loud, funny, and grab attention—which, as it turns out, is pretty on-brand for an ADHD brain. Now an actor, creator, and self-described hot mess mom, Chelsea built an online following as Karen Disapproves, blending comedy and chaos into relatable parenting content. But behind the laughs, she’s been on a deep dive into self-development, spirituality, and purpose, which led her to launch the Soul Slumber Party podcast.

In this conversation, Chelsea shares her ADHD diagnosis journey, from being the class clown (and occasional teacher’s nightmare) to struggling with focus, working memory, and traditional academics. She opens up about how ADHD showed up in motherhood, why she felt overwhelmed and irritable after having kids, and what finally led her to seek a diagnosis. Tracy and Chelsea also talk about nervous system regulation, how overstimulation can lead to emotional dysregulation, and why finding the right creative outlet can make all the difference for ADHD brains.

Chelsea also breaks down how she balances big ideas, creative projects, and intuitive decision-making, from social media to screenwriting. If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling too much or struggling to follow through on what matters most, this conversation will leave you laughing, nodding along, and maybe even rethinking how you approach your creativity.

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulslumberparty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulslumberparty
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulslumberparty

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__

Procrastination, clutter, perfectionism—these aren’t just bad habits. For many ADHD women, they’re constant battles that drain energy and create overwhelm.Dr. Christine Li, a clinical psychologist and The Procrastination Coach, has spent over 25 years helping people break free from these struggles. A Princeton and Columbia graduate, she has worked extensively with university students, led workshops at top institutions, and built an online platform to help people regain control of their time.

In this episode, Christine shares her personal experience with procrastination and disorganization—including how she unknowingly struggled with extreme last-minute scrambling for years. She explains why clutter isn’t just about stuff, but about emotional attachments, fear, and decision-making. Tracy and Christine also talk about why ADHD brains are particularly prone to clutter and procrastination, how perfectionism fuels avoidance, and why small, daily actions can completely shift your energy and productivity.

Christine’s insights go beyond theory—she provides simple, actionable strategies that make productivity feel lighter and more natural. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of procrastination, clutter, or overwhelm, this conversation will give you the tools (and the mindset shifts) to start moving forward today.

Resources:

Website: https://procrastinationcoach.com
Facebook Group: https://procrastinationcoach.com/facebook
Instagram: https://instagram.com/procrastinationcoach
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach
Podcast: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com
Discover the Secret to Clearing Your Clutter Easily and Quickly 5-Day Challenge: https://procrastinationcoach.lpages.co/challenge-re-energize-your-home-spring-2025-tracy-otsuka

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__

Some people see retirement as slowing down—Emily Ransdell saw it as a chance to finally do what she was meant to do.

After a career in tech marketing, she walked away at 59 and went all in on her lifelong love of writing. At 60, she enrolled in a Master’s in Creative Writing, and by 67, she had published her first poetry collection, which won the Lewis Award from Concrete Wolf Press. Now, she teaches writing workshops, gives public readings, and continues to build a life centered around creativity.

But Emily’s story isn’t just about reinvention—it’s about understanding herself in a way she never had before. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 60s, she finally made sense of the struggles she’d faced for decades: disorganization, perfectionism, and the feeling that she was always working harder than everyone else just to keep up. In this conversation, Emily shares how she managed school and career before her diagnosis, how ADHD affected her creative process, and why getting diagnosed later in life changed everything.

She also talks about breaking free from the idea that it’s “too late” to start something new. Whether you’re considering a career shift, exploring a creative passion, or just wondering if there’s more out there for you, Emily’s story proves that it’s never too late to start.

Resources:
Website: https://emilyransdell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyransdellpoet/

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__

Most people don’t think of ADHD and aging in the same sentence, but what happens when someone reaches their 60s, 70s, or beyond—never knowing they had ADHD in the first place?

Jami Shapiro is tackling that question head-on. As the founder of Silver Linings, she helps seniors navigate major life changes like downsizing and moving. But her journey into ADHD advocacy became personal when she realized ADHD had been running through her family for generations—including her parents, two of her three children, and herself.

Jami was diagnosed with ADHD at 45, after her child’s evaluation led to an unexpected realization: she had more “yes” answers on the ADHD questionnaire than they did. Suddenly, the struggles she’d faced—talking too much in class, procrastinating on big projects, feeling scattered while juggling work and family—made sense. But the biggest lightbulb moment came when she recognized the same patterns in her aging mother. Her discovery led her to create Grandma Has ADHD, a podcast and platform dedicated to shedding light on undiagnosed ADHD in seniors and helping families navigate it with understanding and support.

In this conversation, Jami shares her own diagnosis story, what it’s like to build a business with ADHD, and why the senior community desperately needs more awareness around neurodiversity. She also offers practical advice on managing life transitions—whether it’s decluttering, right-sizing a home, or setting up systems that actually work for ADHD brains. If you’ve ever wondered how ADHD plays out in later years—or how to support an aging parent who might have it—this episode is an eye-opener.

Resources:
Website: https://silverliningstransitions.com/
Website: http://grandmahasadhd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverliningstransitions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverliningstransitions/

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___

Some people spend years trying to figure out what they want to do. Brit Madrid Mogensen does it all.

From sports reporting and acting to hosting her own TV show, Brit built a career that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and adaptability—hallmarks of the ADHD brain. But before she found her rhythm in the fast-paced world of media, she struggled in school, particularly with math, where her dyscalculia made numbers feel impossible. Despite excelling in subjects like literature and philosophy, she often felt held back by traditional education’s narrow expectations. It wasn’t until college that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD, a realization that helped her understand why certain things came so easily while others felt impossible.

Brit shares how she went from feeling like she wasn’t measuring up to carving her path in media, taking on opportunities without always knowing what she was doing—but trusting she’d figure it out along the way. She opens up about rejection in the entertainment industry, how she’s learned to bounce back, and why ADHD has been her greatest asset in a field that rewards quick thinking and adaptability. Whether she’s reporting from the sidelines, acting on the Dallas reboot, or creating TV that blends wellness and pop culture, Brit has found success by following her interests instead of forcing herself into a traditional mold.

She also dives into her love of astrology—how it helps her understand herself and others, and why it might resonate with ADHD brains. If you’ve ever struggled to stick to one path or felt like your interests pull you in a million directions, Brit’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t about narrowing yourself down—it’s about finding the through line that makes it all work together.

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britmadrid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bzentv/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/bzentv/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bzentv
Podcast:

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___

How do generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction intertwine—and how can understanding them save lives?

In this deeply personal episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Jennifer Nicole Schmitz, whose journey is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Jennifer candidly shares her experiences growing up in a home marked by trauma, her mother’s undiagnosed ADHD, and struggles with addiction, and how these shaped her own path. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jennifer reflects on her teenage years battling addiction and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety.

Jennifer is now pursuing a psychology degree with the mission to help women and young girls navigate ADHD, trauma, and the impact of misdiagnosis. She discusses the tools and strategies that helped her manage her ADHD and build a healthier life, including creating space for emotions, self-awareness, and connecting with a supportive community.

This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the critical links between ADHD, addiction, and mental health while offering insights on breaking free from shame, recognizing personal worth, and finding purpose amid life’s challenges.

Resources:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.n.schmitz

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___

Dr. Kathy Zhang has spent her career on the frontlines of life and death, supporting patients in their most vulnerable moments. A hospice and palliative care physician, TEDx speaker, and certified coach, Kathy transforms the wisdom of those nearing the end of life into lessons that inspire the living. Diagnosed with ADHD in her mid-30s, Kathy has used her neurodivergent brilliance to pioneer techniques that connect people to their inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and overcome emotional blocks.

In this episode, Kathy shares her journey from a sensitive, introverted child to a medical doctor driven by connection and purpose. She reflects on the challenges she faced as a first-generation immigrant navigating cultural expectations and societal pressures, and how those experiences shaped her compassionate approach to caregiving. Through stories from her practice, she illustrates how understanding and addressing nervous system dysregulation can unlock resilience, clarity, and peace.

Kathy also delves into the transformative power of hypnosis and meditation, explaining how these tools can help rewire the brain for positive change. Whether you’re seeking to calm your mind, address trauma, or embrace life with intention, Kathy offers practical strategies rooted in neuroscience and empathy. Her insights remind us to live fully while we can and to use the lessons of mortality as a catalyst for meaning and connection.

Resources:

Website: https://luyikathyzhang.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luyikathyzhang
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luyikathyzhang/

Other Resources:
To download a free video guide from Dr. Zhang to learn 3 techniques to help soothe and calm your nervous system, please visit this link: https://exciting-mover-6982.kit.com/bc79a6821a

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___

Some kids can’t sit still in class. Others stare out the window, lost in their thoughts. Then there are kids like Rebecca Barrera, who ask a million questions, try their hardest, and still get told they’re not learning fast enough. When Rebecca was five, a teacher dismissed her as an academic lost cause—her mother refused to accept that.

Rebecca was diagnosed with ADHD early, but school was still an uphill battle. Standardized tests, rigid expectations, and a system that didn’t understand how her brain worked made things harder. But with a mother who fought for her, Rebecca figured out how to work with her brain instead of against it. She went on to earn a nursing degree and build a career that keeps her engaged, moving, and connecting with people in a way that makes sense for her.

In this conversation, Rebecca shares what it was like growing up with ADHD, how early medication rewired her approach to learning, and why she still has to be intentional about managing her symptoms at work. She also talks about the fast-paced nature of nursing, the emotional weight of the job, and the daily strategies that help her focus. If you’ve ever struggled in traditional settings, you’ll probably see a bit of yourself in her story.

Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becsb1229/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbarrera1229

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___

Set Intentions, Not Resolutions and Making 2025 Your Best Year Yet

January feels like a fresh start, but for many ADHD brains, resolutions quickly lose their spark. In this solo episode, Tracy Otsuka takes a deep dive into why the beginning of the year feels so energizing and how to harness that momentum all year long. She introduces the concept of temporal landmarks—natural reset points like New Year’s, birthdays, or even Mondays—that help our ADHD brains reframe goals and create clarity.

Tracy shares her own journey with setting intentions over resolutions, explaining how defining a single word of the year has transformed her mindset and productivity. She walks listeners through the process of finding their North Star—a guiding intention that simplifies decisions and keeps them aligned with their true goals. From overcoming perfectionism to embracing micro-actions, she offers practical strategies to maintain focus and build momentum without falling into the cycle of self-criticism.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help ADHD minds thrive, including daily rituals, micro-goals, and simple strategies to reset and stay on track throughout 2025. Tracy also shares her own word of the year and how it will shape her goals. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by resolutions, this episode will show you a better way to approach the new year—with clarity, confidence, and a plan that actually works.

Resources:

• A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok-everyday

For other resources:

• Bracelets, rings and necklaces: adhdforsmartwomen.com/epi-314

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Your voice is more than what you say—it’s who you are.

Dana Lewis, a communication and vocal coach, is on a mission to amplify the voices of neurodivergent women. As the founder of Undeniable Voice, she brings two decades of expertise in vocal pedagogy, nervous system awareness, and trauma-informed coaching to help ADHD women reconnect with their authentic voices.

Dana shares her personal ADHD story, from masking as a child to rediscovering her quirks as a source of strength in adulthood. These formative experiences inspired Dana’s journey of self-acceptance, where she discovered how singing and voice work can not only regulate the nervous system but also boost confidence and foster emotional clarity.

Dana recounts pivotal moments in her youth that shaped her journey. In grade school, a teacher’s harsh criticism of her learning style left a lasting mark on her confidence. In high school, rumors about her having a learning disability fueled her determination to mask and overcompensate, striving for perfection to prove her capabilities. These challenges ultimately guided Dana toward finding her voice, building resilience, and igniting her passion for helping others do the same. Her later discovery of singing as a tool to reconnect with suppressed emotions solidified her commitment to empowering others to embrace their voices and identities. She now sees voice work not just as a tool for communication but as a pathway to healing and self-expression.

Through her Bold and Brilliant program, born from this desire to help others reclaim their voices, Dana empowers ADHD women to build resilience, express their truths, and embrace their unique identities with pride.

Resources:
Website: https://www.undeniablevoice.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danalewis-undeniablevoice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undeniable_voice/

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ADHD brains and money: What if your challenges could become your greatest strength?

In this episode of ADHD with Smart Ass Women, Tracy is joined by Catherine Morgan, a Certified Financial Coach and Trauma of Money Expert, about the emotional side of money and how ADHD shapes financial habits. Catherine, the founder of The Money Panel® and author of the bestseller It’s Not About the Money, shares her own ADHD story and how it reshaped her understanding of impulsive spending, budgeting struggles, and financial shame.

Catherine breaks down why traditional budgeting doesn’t work for many ADHD brains and offers practical tips like automating finances, focusing on what truly matters, and simplifying money tasks into smaller, achievable steps. Her insights are not just about managing money but about transforming how we see it—as a tool for creating freedom and resilience, rather than a source of stress.

This episode goes beyond the numbers to explore how trauma and neurodivergence influence our relationship with money. Catherine’s compassionate and relatable approach offers actionable strategies to help listeners build healthier habits and see their financial challenges as opportunities for growth.

Resources:
Website: https://catherinemorgan.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/catherinemorganmoney
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherine-morgan

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Let’s talk about your crowning glory—your hair—and how it can help you embrace your authentic self.
Gina Marie Rodriguez, a self-described "nerdy/sciency hairstylist," is on a mission to help clients love their natural curls and waves. As the owner of The Cultivated Curl in Fair Oaks, CA, Gina’s work blends natural hair movement, gray hair acceptance, and neurodivergence advocacy, creating a space where authenticity is celebrated.

In this episode, Gina shares her personal ADHD journey, from childhood masking to embracing her neurodivergent traits as an adult. She opens up about how ADHD has fueled her passion for learning and teaching, driving her to innovate within the salon industry. By creating a pre-appointment educational course, Gina is empowering clients to better care for their hair and embrace their individuality.

Gina also dives into the challenges of masking, breaking societal expectations, and finding community in spaces that honor neurodiversity. Her story is a testament to the power of leaning into your quirks, whether that’s in hair care, creativity, or daily life.

If you’ve ever felt the need to shrink yourself to fit in, this episode will remind you that there’s beauty in being exactly who you are.

Resources:
Website: https://www.cultivatedcurl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_thecultivatedcurl/
Facebook: facebook.com/TheCultivatedCurl/

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How do ADHD, trauma, and addiction intersect, and what strategies can help break this harmful cycle?

In this episode, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Andrea Epting, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, addiction, and neurodivergence. As a professional with ADHD and OCD, and a mother to two neurodivergent young adults, Andrea brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation.

Andrea delves into the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and addiction, explaining how trauma, emotional dysregulation, and a search for dopamine can create vulnerabilities. She shares her therapeutic approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of abstinence, community, and replacing unhealthy habits with meaningful alternatives. Andrea also highlights the unique challenges ADHD women face in emotional regulation and how breaking harmful cycles can lead to resilience and healing.

This episode provides strategies for navigating the intersections of ADHD, trauma, and recovery. Andrea offers insights into the role of mindfulness, self-compassion, and creating structure in building healthier habits. She also discusses her work through her nonprofit, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS), to make mental health resources more accessible.

Resources

Website:
lightninginabottle.biz
headsupsavannah.org/
Planner

Social Media:
instagram.com/liab_lightninginabottle
pinterest.com/liablightninginabottle
youtube.com/@directimpactimpactae

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ADHD brains are creative powerhouses, built for innovation, connection, and resilience.

In this episode, Tracy Otsuka sits down with Izzie Chea—a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and neurodivergence advocate—whose ADHD diagnosis unlocked a world of possibilities. From building a viral virtual piano studio during the pandemic to creating impactful initiatives like La Neuropicante and the Accountable Otters Club, Izzie shares how she turned challenges into opportunities to uplift herself and others.

Izzie opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, the burnout that led to it, and the transformative impact of understanding her brain’s unique wiring. She recounts how growing up in a culturally traditional environment shaped her experiences and how she now advocates for neurodivergent voices, particularly in the Latinx community.

As the head of social media and customer experience for the Hiki app and founder of a successful social media agency, Izzie talks about balancing her many passions while prioritizing mental health. She shares practical strategies for managing time and staying productive, including tools like Llama Life and time-boxing techniques.

Resoures:
https://www.laneuropicante.com
https://accotters.com
Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@IzzieCheaMusicStudio
Hiki App

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ADHD brains are built for brilliance.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Tracy reflects on the unique strengths of ADHD women and how they navigate a chaotic world. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of ADHD women, she explores why their minds excel at creativity, connection, and meaningful work.

Tracy talks about the real challenges ADHD women face—overwhelm, juggling too many responsibilities, and feeling misunderstood—and offers practical strategies to create more focus and clarity. She explains how breaking tasks into micro-goals and aligning with your values can make life feel more manageable and purposeful.

Through her A-OK system, Tracy has seen how ADHD women can take small steps that lead to big changes. She shares how understanding your brain’s unique wiring can help you stop feeling stuck and start building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

This episode is a reminder of the incredible things ADHD women can achieve when they embrace their strengths. With personal stories and practical insights, Tracy encourages listeners to see their ADHD traits in a new light and use them to create a life that truly works for them.

Resources:
spyhappy.me/blackfriday

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Hot take: ADHD behavior is a normal variant, not a disorder. This is what our guest, Dr. Idit Hazan believes.

Dr. Idit Hazan, a pediatrician turned entrepreneur and professor, redefines what it means to embrace neurodivergence in medicine and beyond. Through her journey as a parent and professional, Dr. Hazan recognized traits in herself that align with ADHD, helping her reframe her challenges as strengths and fueling her creativity and problem-solving skills. Her insights have led to groundbreaking innovations in pediatric care.

In this episode, Dr. Hazan shares how her experiences as a parent and professor helped her uncover the hidden strengths of an ADHD brain. She reflects on how embracing outside-the-box thinking has shaped her approach to problem-solving and innovation. As a professor of Biology at Grand View University and a trailblazer in pediatric healthcare, she demonstrates how leaning into neurodivergence can transform industries.

Dr. Hazan discusses the development of her pioneering platform, designed to make clinical environments more engaging and empowering for children. She also offers insights on balancing life as a parent of three college-aged kids, a professor, and an innovator. Her story challenges the narrative of ADHD as a deficit and highlights the potential of neurodivergence to unlock creativity and drive meaningful change.

Resources:
X: https://x.com/genetics_prof/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idit-hazan/

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What if understanding your ADHD brain is the key to achieving your biggest dreams?

For Luci Taylor, an ADHD diagnosis in her twenties became a turning point, giving her the clarity and confidence to finish her first book. Her journey—from crafting her first stories in kindergarten to creating complex, neurodivergent characters—is a testament to the power of self-discovery and embracing your unique strengths.

In this episode, Luci opens up about the struggles and breakthroughs she’s faced with ADHD, from challenges in school to finding her creative voice as a writer. Diagnosed later in life, Luci shares how finally understanding her ADHD transformed the way she saw herself and her goals. Her “Midwestern Bookish Belles” series reimagines classic heroines with neurodivergent traits, inviting young readers to see themselves in characters who defy convention and embrace their quirks.

Luci also shares insights into her creative process, which includes using colorful Post-it notes to organize her ideas and letting go of perfectionism in early drafts. For aspiring neurodivergent writers, Luci’s story is a reminder that embracing your brain’s unique wiring can fuel both creativity and resilience. Her journey offers encouragement and practical advice for anyone learning to live authentically with ADHD or supporting someone who is.

Resources:
Website: https://www.lucitaylorbooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luci.taylor.books/

Resources:
Website: https://www.womenandadhd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenandadhdpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/womenandadhd

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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Are you feeling uncertain about your life's direction? Join Tracy Otsuka's free "What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass" to discover how to make better, more confident decisions and realize your full potential. Become an expert on yourself and choose the right path forward. Register now at spyhappy.me/class.

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From parenting struggles to podcasting success, Katy Weber’s ADHD journey has reshaped her life.

Diagnosed at 45, Katy—a health coach and founder of Women & ADHD—found herself rethinking everything she thought she knew about ADHD. This unexpected self-discovery helped her understand how ADHD had influenced her as a mother, professional, and individual. Through her podcast, she’s built a supportive, encouraging space for neurodivergent women to connect, share stories, and find community.

Katy’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery, full of twists that many will find relatable. Before entering the ADHD advocacy world, Katy spent years as a journalist, covering a range of human experiences and honing her ability to tell powerful stories. With experience at publications like National Geographic and PsychCentral, she now brings her storytelling expertise to Women & ADHD, sharing stories and insights that make listeners feel seen and understood. This episode captures her journey from the fast-paced world of New York City to finding a new sense of balance in the Hudson Valley, where she has found purpose in health coaching and community-building.

Through Women & ADHD, Katy addresses topics that resonate with her listeners on a personal level, such as the complex relationship between ADHD and binge eating and moving beyond diet culture to embrace a more holistic approach to health. She shares how ADHD affects not only personal identity but also how women show up in their work and family lives. Katy’s story goes beyond diagnosis; it’s a journey of learning, unlearning, and embracing the strengths that come with ADHD. Her message is clear: it’s never too late to understand your own mind and rewrite your narrative in ways that are both empowering and authentic.

Resources:
Website: https://www.womenandadhd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenandadhdpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/womenandadhd

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When life gets overwhelming, self-compassion and mindfulness can be the key to thriving.

Breanna Autolitano, a mother of 9 and mindfulness expert, shares how she embraced neurodivergence and used compassionate communication to transform her life. As a mindfulness tour guide certified by Eckhart Tolle, Breanna uses her skills to help others find balance amidst the chaos of daily life.

Diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, Breanna talks about her journey of self-discovery and the tools that helped her cope with childhood trauma and the pressures of raising a neurodiverse family. She opens up about the challenges of being misunderstood growing up, from struggling with dyslexia and math in school to finally receiving the support she needed. Her experience with mindfulness and compassionate communication gave her the ability to navigate her own neurodivergence and become a more present, understanding parent.

In this episode, Breanna shares insights on how mindfulness and compassionate communication can reshape relationships, especially with children. From applying empathy in everyday situations to creating systems that work for ADHD minds, her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and connection.

Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breannaautolitano/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-autolitano-88227778/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breannaautolitano3

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When life feels chaotic, humor can be your greatest tool for finding balance.

Kristen West, founder of The Centered Life Co., has built a thriving online community around her fun, ADHD-friendly tools that bring joy and structure to daily life. With over half a million followers, her playful, shame-free videos on mental health and productivity inspire others to embrace their quirks and find motivation in unexpected ways.

Diagnosed with ADHD at 26, Kristen struggled in traditional work environments, constantly facing burnout and frustration. Her diagnosis became a turning point, allowing her to build a life suited to her brain’s unique strengths. Now, through her planners and videos, she helps others create routines incorporating joy and play, proving that productivity can be fun and tailored to individual needs.

Kristen’s work goes beyond to-do lists, blending humor and creativity with effective planning tools. In this episode, she shares her journey of managing ADHD, offering insights into overcoming challenges with self-compassion and humor. Her experiences show how turning perceived limitations into strengths can bring more balance and happiness into everyday life.

When Kristen isn’t creating viral content, she’s likely climbing, baking bread, or trying to keep her vegetable garden alive. Her story is a reminder that success comes from embracing who you are and building systems that align with your unique needs, leaving room for fun along the way.

Resources:
Website: https://thecenteredlife.co/
Website: https://www.findyourmagic.biz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenteredlifeco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findyourmagicbiz/
Tiktok: @findyourmagicbiz

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When art became a refuge, it became a revolution.

This episode is about embracing neurodivergence and challenging beauty standards. Yolanda Liu, a Taiwan-born artist based in London, is renowned for her work across photography, film, collage, illustration, and tattoo art. Featured in outlets like BBC, Vogue, and i-D, her story reflects resilience as she navigates life with ADHD and a recent autism diagnosis. From her early days nurtured by a creative mother to the launch of her second book, Thank You For Playing With Me, Yolanda's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Through her art, she challenges societal beauty standards and promotes authenticity.

Initially misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, Yolanda found relief in an accurate ADHD diagnosis, which allowed her to better understand herself. Embracing her neurodivergent strengths, she explores how creativity has served as a sanctuary and a means to empower others. Her projects—spanning tattoo artistry and collaborative photography—emphasize representation, connection, and breaking down societal norms.

Yolanda shares insights on managing empathy, self-care, and productivity, emphasizing the strength of embracing one’s uniqueness. Her journey is a testament to the resilience within neurodivergence, offering fresh perspectives on mental well-being, creativity, and self-expression.

Resources:
Website: https://yolandaliou.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yolandaliou/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-y-liou-45234142

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Imagine trying to visualize something in your mind, only to be met with a blank canvas.

This is the reality for people with aphantasia, a condition where the mind's eye struggles to conjure images. In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I'm joined by Dr. Chelsea Twiss, a licensed psychologist from Colorado with an impressive background. She specializes in ADHD, women's health, chronic pain, and relationships, and conducts psychological testing with a focus on adult ADHD. As if that wasn't enough, she's also a talented musician and artist, holding a doctorate in counseling psychology from New Mexico State University.

Interestingly, Chelsea experiences hyperphantasia, the opposite of aphantasia, where mental imagery is remarkably vivid and detailed. Her research delves into the fascinating connections between ADHD, trauma, and brain function, particularly in relation to visual memory and identity. Our conversation explores how cognitive differences like aphantasia and hyperphantasia can significantly influence the ADHD experience, especially for women who often face unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Twiss and I discuss the ways in which ADHD can alter how we perceive and process visual information, highlighting the importance of understanding these nuances when diagnosing and treating ADHD, particularly in women who are frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed.

Resources:
Website: https://www.drchelseatwisscounseling.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healththruconnection/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-twiss-755092196/
Eastwood & Holly - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iyNkncezKr61GX7GVMHvN?si=yN4oLcwFRwyVvKf4jKb9lQ
Russick Smith - Cello Trees 🌲 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnNvvMVcy_Y

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Celebrating the 300th Episode with a Special Guest—My Son, Markus

For this milestone episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I wanted to do something meaningful and personal. So instead of interviewing a high-profile guest, I invited my son, Markus. While we usually only feature women, there have been a few exceptions—like Dr. Ned Hallowell, my husband, and Markus, who has been on twice before.

Now, Markus is at a different stage in life. He’s just graduated from college after navigating a challenging academic journey with ADHD and dyslexia, including attending three high schools and changing majors multiple times. Despite being told he wasn’t “college material,” Markus has proven that those labels mean nothing in the long run. He’s thriving in his first job in recruitment consulting and has gained a lot of wisdom along the way.

In this episode, Markus shares advice that blew me away. He talks about what it means to take risks, to stay hungry in a fast-paced career, and how to push through setbacks with resilience. His story is not just about overcoming challenges, but about thriving and finding success on his own terms.

Join us for this special conversation, filled with lessons on embracing discomfort, managing ADHD in academic and professional settings, and building resilience in both life and work. You may even catch a glimpse of yourself or your children in Markus’s story.

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Do you have PCOS and ADHD? Struggling with anxiety and fertility too? Kristyn Hodgdon’s story might sound a lot like yours.

Kristyn discovered her ADHD and PCOS while navigating fertility treatments and the challenges of motherhood. Balancing her role as co-founder of Rescripted with the emotional toll of trying to conceive, heightened ADHD symptoms eventually led to her diagnosis. In this episode, Kristyn opens up about how understanding her ADHD has reshaped her life, particularly in parenting and self-care.

The conversation also addresses broader women’s health issues like anxiety, depression, and the link between ADHD and conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Kristyn highlights the importance of time management, advocating in medical settings, and the need for more research into women’s health. Her story empowers women to embrace their unique health challenges and find strength in their journey.

Kristyn Hodgdon is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rescripted, a global media platform for women's health. After discovering she had PCOS and ADHD in adulthood, she became a fierce advocate for women's health. Kristyn lives in Long Island, NY, with her husband, twins Brooke and Charlie, and their dog Nash.

Kristyn’s journey is a reminder that understanding your health is key to personal empowerment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about navigating ADHD, fertility treatments, and the complexities of women’s health.

Resources:
Website: https://rescripted.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristynwithawhy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyn-hodgdon

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What if you could draw your way out of a scattered mind?

For Brandy Agerbeck, drawing became the key to turning her chaotic thoughts into something clear and manageable. Long before she was diagnosed with ADHD, Brandy used her visual skills to take control of her fast-paced brain, translating abstract ideas into organized visuals. In this episode, she shares how drawing helped her make sense of the world and how it’s become her go-to tool for managing ADHD—and empowering others to do the same.

From childhood, Brandy learned that drawing wasn’t just an artistic outlet, but a way to visually organize her thoughts and reduce overwhelm. We discuss how she honed this skill, growing up in a creative family, and found her community of neurodiverse thinkers in college. Brandy also talks about choosing self-employment to avoid the friction of traditional jobs, building a career she could thrive.

In this episode, Brandy walks us through her practical strategies for managing ADHD using visual tools—breaking down tasks with sticky notes, mapping ideas with diagrams, and creating flow states through drawing. We also explore the common challenges of ADHD, like time blindness and staying organized, and how visual thinking offers a way to navigate these issues.

Brandy’s story shows that for those who think visually, drawing can be more than an artistic skill—it can be a way to bring clarity and structure to even the most scattered thoughts.

Resources:Envision: http://loosetooth.com/smartass
Website: https://www.loosetooth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loosetoothcom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agerbeck

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Do you often feel swamped by money decisions? Or find yourself wondering how to make your spending really reflect what matters most to you?Money management isn't just about crunching numbers - it's deeply personal, shaped by who we are and how we think.

In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, we explore the complex relationship between personal identity and financial behavior with Ellyce Fulmore, a 29-year-old queer and neurodivergent financial educator, content creator, and best-selling author of "Keeping Finance Personal: Ditch the 'Shoulds' and the Shame and Rewrite Your Money Story." Ellyce is the founder of Queerd Co., a financial literacy company that takes an innovative approach to money matters.

Ellyce's had a late ADHD diagnosis at 25, discovered through TikTok during the pandemic. This transformed her understanding of financial behaviors and led her to develop a unique approach to financial literacy.

With an online community of over half a million, Ellyce is dedicated to helping people find the right tools, strategies, and perspectives to create a life where financial stability and joy coexist. Her expertise has been recognized by major platforms including The New York Times, CBS News, Vogue, The Globe and Mail, and The Financial Post.

Ellyce shares insights from her journey - from post-university struggles to becoming a financial educator and author. Ellyce shared how factors such as neurodiversity, gender, race, and past experiences can profoundly influence our financial decisions and overall well-being.

Elise offers tips from outsourcing tasks to creating spending systems that work for neurodivergent individuals. Her insights are valuable whether you're trying to better understand your own financial habits or looking for new ways to approach money management.

Resources:
Website: https://queerdco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellyce.fulmore/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@queerd.co
Get my book: https://queerdco.com/book
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dopamine-dollars/id1747386954

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Can trauma be stored in the body? And if so, could understanding fascia - the connective tissue enveloping our muscles and organs - be key to unlocking healing? Join us as we explore these questions and delve into the often overlooked world of fascia with expert Anna Rahe.

Anna Rahe, founder of GST Body, has dedicated over 25 years to the study and practice of fascia health and wellness. Born in the US and raised in Hobart, Australia, Anna's journey includes a personal history with ADHD, diagnosed at age 21. Her experiences with learning differences and trauma therapy significantly influenced her path toward fascia care. Now based in Boulder, Colorado with her family, Anna has established a successful business teaching fascia health, working with a diverse clientele including athletes, medical professionals, and figures from the entertainment industry.

In this episode, we explore the connections between fascia, frozen shoulder, and hormonal changes. Anna shares insights on fascia's responsiveness to movement and hormonal fluctuations, with particular focus on the challenges during perimenopause and menopause. The conversation touches on cultural perspectives, such as Japan's concept of "50-shoulder," and examines the impact of fascia issues on individuals with ADHD.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Anna offers practical strategies for improving fascia health. She introduces simple, accessible movements that can be integrated into daily life, emphasizing the importance of consistent and varied motion for maintaining healthy fascia. The discussion highlights how these practices may alleviate muscle aches, enhance hydration, and potentially influence both physical and mental well-being. Anna's approach provides listeners with tangible methods to apply this knowledge, offering a new perspective on how caring for fascia can contribute to overall health and vitality.

Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annarahe
https://www.instagram.com/annaraheofgst/
https://www.instagram.com/gstbody/
https://gstbody.com/
https://www.annarahe.com/

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Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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Understand your ADHD brain with Tracy Otsuka’s AOK Academy—personalized strategies, community, and coaching. Learn more at spyhappy.me/earlybird.

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From feeling lost to running a 7-figure business: Is it possible with ADHD?

Molly Claire's journey shows it can be done. As a coach trainer and founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, Molly has built a 7-figure coaching business while navigating the challenges of ADHD. She's a mom of three, hosts a popular podcast, and wrote "The Happy Mom Mindset."

Molly has learned to embrace her ADHD brain and hopes to inspire others – including her two kids with ADHD – to do the same. She's passionate about helping her clients with ADHD recognize their unique strengths while being kind to themselves during difficult moments.

Growing up in the 90s, Molly was diagnosed with ADHD at a time when it was rarely recognized in girls. Rather than feeling ashamed, the diagnosis helped her understand herself better.

Molly believes that with persistence, most challenges can be overcome. This mindset has helped her through various life transitions – from learning to rock climb to adjusting to parenthood and changing careers.

Molly opens up about dealing with self-doubt, anxiety, and the complexities of balancing work and family life. She shares how traits often associated with ADHD, like empathy and creativity, became assets in her coaching career.

Molly offers a realistic look at building a thriving business while managing ADHD, showing that it's possible to turn perceived obstacles into stepping stones for success.

Resources: Website: https://www.mollyclaire.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyclairecoaching/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-claire-coaching/*

Resources:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

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Why does our ADHD brain get stuck on those annoying negative thoughts?

It's all about two parts of our brain: the Task Positive Network (TPN) and the Default Mode Network (DMN). The TPN is our "get stuff done" network - it lights up when we're in the zone, laser-focused on a task. The DMN, on the other hand, is our "daydream/worry" network. It's where creativity flows, but also where negative thoughts creep in. For us ADHD folks, switching between these networks can be tricky. We might get stuck in worry-mode (thanks, DMN) or hyperfocus so hard we forget to eat (hello, TPN).

But here's the secret: when you're caught in a loop of negative thoughts, the key is to get into action! Go for a walk, call a friend, or dive into a project. By doing something, you're jumpstarting your TPN and quieting that pesky DMN. It's like changing the channel in your brain. Remember, it's never too late to rewire things upstairs. By understanding how our ADHD brains work and playing to our strengths, we can handle the tough stuff better.

It's all about working with our quirky brains, not against them. So next time you're in a funk, remember: your brain has superpowers - you just have to learn how to use them!

Resources:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

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Do you ever feel like your emotions are too much to handle?

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a powerful yet often overlooked aspect of ADHD, particularly in women. If you've ever wondered whether your emotional turbulence is more than just "in your head," you're not alone. Many people with ADHD experience RSD, but it's frequently misunderstood - especially among women.

In this episode, we're going to have an honest chat about RSD and how it relates to ADHD. We'll explore why those of us with ADHD often feel things so intensely, and why criticism or perceived rejection can hit us hard. It's not just "being too sensitive" - it's a real part of how our brains work.

We'll also talk about how RSD can make us perfectionists, always striving to do better but never feeling quite good enough. If you've ever felt like an imposter in your own life, we'll discuss why that might be happening and how it connects to your ADHD.

But we won't just talk about the challenges. We'll also share some ways to cope with these intense emotions. From therapy techniques like DBT and CBT to mindfulness practices and medication options.

This episode is designed to bring awareness, understanding, and support to those navigating the emotional landscape of ADHD.

Resources:

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Symptom Test for Adults
• Emotional Regulation
• Rejection Sensitivity and Depressive Symptoms in Women
• New Insights Into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

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"I thought I was just lazy and stupid." These words from Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll hit hard. At 37, with a PhD in education, she discovered she had ADHD - after her son's diagnosis.

Tracy sits down with Dr. Mutti-Driscoll to explore ADHD in women, from feeling like an imposter to navigating social interactions. They discuss her groundbreaking work at the Hollowell Center and her book, "The ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls." This resource tackles the perfect storm of hormones, social pressures, and ADHD that teen girls face. The conversation covers strategies for success in education and work with an ADHD brain, offering a toolkit for self-discovery and empowerment.

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mutti-driscoll-ph-d-b9847919/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/catherinemuttidriscoll
Website: catherinemuttidriscoll.com
Tarot for Change
Modern Hue Tarot
Rider-Waite Original Tarot Deck Cards
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Send a Message: Name | Email Address | Your Message

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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Your thoughts create your feelings.

For women with ADHD, negative thoughts and emotions can be particularly challenging. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for personal growth and mental mastery. By recognizing that our emotions stem from our thoughts, we can better manage our actions and achieve our goals. Mindfulness plays a crucial role in this process, improving attention, enhancing emotional regulation, and reducing anxiety.

Visualization is a powerful tool in this journey. By imagining positive outcomes with strong emotional investment, we can boost motivation and build confidence. The Reticular Activating System (RAS) in our brain plays a key role here, helping us focus on opportunities that align with our clearly set, positive intentions.

It's important to remember that while we can't control external circumstances, other people's actions, or our past, we have full control over our thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. This internal locus of control is where our power lies.

The dialogue we have with ourselves - our inner narrative - is crucial. By consciously shaping our thoughts, we can influence our emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, the results we achieve in life.

________

Resources:

• Mindfulness STOP Skill - https://cogbtherapy.com/mindfulness-meditation-blog/mindfulness-stop-skill

________
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Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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How do you effectively prepare for a meeting with an ADHD clinician to seek a diagnosis?

Many women feel anxious about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, fearing encounters with professionals who lack expertise in how ADHD presents in women or who may doubt their intentions. As someone who has been through this process for both myself and my son, I understand these concerns and the importance of thorough preparation.

Effective preparation involves understanding the comprehensive testing process and finding qualified professionals for an accurate diagnosis. It's crucial to recognize that medication effectiveness varies, and personalized treatment plans are essential. When pursuing an ADHD assessment, consider the benefits of standardized tests and research clinicians with expertise in adult ADHD, particularly in women.

To aid in your preparation, I've developed a structured approach based on the DSM-5 criteria and Russell Barkley's adult scale. This comprehensive checklist can help you organize your thoughts and experiences before your appointment. Additionally, for those concerned about costs, there are low-cost support options available, such as university clinics, support groups, and online resources.

Remember, this journey toward diagnosis and understanding is unique for everyone. By arming yourself with knowledge and preparation, you can approach your appointment with confidence and clarity, ensuring you get the most out of your meeting with an ADHD clinician.
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Resources:

• adhdforsmartwomen.com/adhd-doctor
• spyhappy.me/adhdprofslist
• adhdforsmartwomen.com/booklist
• add.org/professional-directory/
• https://chadd.org/professional-directory/
• https://directory.additudemag.com/
• additudemag.com/top-adhd-clinics/
• addca.com/adhd-coach-training/ADHD-Coaches/
• pi.ai/onboarding

________
Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

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Send a Message: Name | Email Address | Your Message

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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The digital landscape can pose challenges for individuals with unique needs—a challenge Nikki Kuhn is passionate about addressing. As an advocate and entrepreneur in the accessibility field, Nikki shares her journey of overcoming hurdles and fostering change in digital accessibility. She discusses her experiences with ADHD and dyslexia and the importance of inclusive design, showing how her neurodiversity shapes her perspective and approach.

Nikki talks about the relief and self-discovery she felt upon understanding her ADHD and dyslexia. She openly discusses her struggles with executive functioning and time management, and how visual aids like timers have become her secret weapons. She shares practical tips and solutions that she has found helpful for managing daily challenges, aiming to support others facing similar difficulties.

With over 15 years of experience, Nikki Kuhn is a dedicated senior-level accessibility designer. Her passion for creating inclusive digital experiences has significantly improved the accessibility of websites, applications, and digital content for numerous organizations.

Her ADHD and dyslexia give her a unique viewpoint, and her ability to connect with others and understand their needs stems from her own journey, making her work in accessibility deeply impactful.

At home, Nikki is a loving mom to two spirited children who teach her new things every day. Her children inspire her to stay curious and creative. In her free time, Nikki loves to indulge in her passion for crafting and DIY projects, finding joy in creating and building things with her own hands. This creative outlet not only enriches her personal life but also fuels her professional creativity.

Through her work and personal experiences, Nikki continues to inspire and lead by example, showing that challenges can be transformed into strengths.

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Resources:

• Website: https://www.sca11ywag.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-kuhn
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capt.sca11ywag

_______

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

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Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
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Unlock your best days with Blends:

Send a Message: Name | Email Address | Your Message

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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Harnessing hyper-focus, effective prioritization, and community support are the ADHD traits that Michelle Harris credits for her success. Initially, her signs of ADHD were overlooked due to cultural misunderstandings, but she has since embraced her unique abilities. This episode highlights how unexpected life changes can bring lifelong conditions into clear focus.

Michelle's entrepreneurial spirit showed early on, selling snacks at school and later exploring the MLM and insurance world. Inspired by her mother's military career and driven by her ambitions, she eventually found her passion in capturing weddings after trying her hand at newborn photography. She openly discusses the stigma surrounding ADHD medication within the Black community and how overcoming these barriers has strengthened her professional performance and personal growth.

Michelle Harris is a leader in the destination wedding photography industry. Her expertise in posing has been featured in well-known publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Luxury Wedding Magazine, and People Magazine. Michelle is dedicated to inspiring photographers worldwide to build successful six-figure businesses. She teaches smart marketing and advanced photography techniques, helping them grow without the stress and burnout of constant hustle. Living with ADHD, Michelle designs her classes to be straightforward and easy to follow under pressure. Michelle is also a proud mother of two tween daughters and a 5lb Yorkie.
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Resources:
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/mharrisstudios15/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mharris_studios/
Website: https://mharrisstudios.com/
______
Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
spyhappy.me/class

Unlock your best days with Blends:
https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Send a Message: Name | Email Address | Your Message

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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Imagine homeschooling five kids, battling chronic pain, and navigating life with ADHD—all during a pandemic. That's the incredible journey of our guest, Sarah McGlory. After years of dismissal by doctors, she finally received an ADHD diagnosis in her 40s, bringing much-needed validation. Her story is one of resilience and innovation.

Sarah's ingenuity shines through in her creation of the Adaptive Cleaning system. Born out of necessity, this system helps manage a household without succumbing to unrealistic standards of perfection. In this episode, you'll uncover the emotional toll of "cleaning trauma" and the societal pressures, especially on women, to maintain spotless homes. Sarah emphasizes the importance of rest and self-compassion, supported by practical tools like physical planners and weekly cleaning plans.

Sarah is a digital entrepreneur working from home while caring for five kids, aged 3 to 13, and a 24-year-old who has moved out. She once felt like a failure because her home was always in disarray. Comparing herself to social media cleaning gurus with "endless energy" and "perfect homes" only made things worse. With chronic pain and mismatched furniture, Sarah knew she needed a different approach.

Her Adaptive Cleaning system aligns with her time and energy needs, helping her stay organized without spending hours cleaning. Now, Sarah has almost a million followers on TikTok, where she teaches others how to achieve the same balance.

Sarah's passion for visual storytelling and content creation intersects with her ADHD, allowing her to help others stay organized without feeling overwhelmed. Her system thrives on realistic, manageable tasks that align with daily capacities, offering a practical approach to a cleaner home and a calmer mind.

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Resources:

• Website: https://www.sarahmcglory.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmcglory
• Tiktok: http://www.tiktok.com/@sarahmcglory
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahMcGloryHome

_______

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

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Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

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Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
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Unlock your best days with Blends:

Send a Message: Name | Email Address | Your Message

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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Heather Florio's journey is one of resilience and growth. Her advice? Do overwhelming things one step at a time.

Diagnosed with ADHD in high school and discovering she was autistic at age 41, Heather turned these traits into sources of strength and creativity. Growing up in a military family in Germany, she embraced her unique perspective and developed innovative strategies to manage her symptoms, such as using music to aid her focus and finding solace in books. Heather’s experiences highlight the importance of adapting and finding personal solutions to thrive despite challenges.

Heather Florio, the second-generation owner of Desert Harvest, has collaborated with medical professionals worldwide since 1993 to develop products and advocate for health in various fields, including urology, pelvic health, and dermatology. She serves on the board of the Northern Light Health Center for Healthy Brain Aging and launched a fundraising campaign for the AANE organization in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Heather's dedication to promoting health and wellness extends beyond her company, reflecting her passion for making a positive impact on the broader community.

As the CEO of Desert Harvest, Heather's ability to hyper-focus and multitask has driven the company's growth by 1,000% since 2012. She has created effective systems to manage her time and responsibilities, showcasing how her ADHD traits can be powerful assets. Heather's dedication to her work, combined with her roles as a mother and advocate for women's health, has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the top 50 Women in Wellness and a feature in Forbes. When not at the helm of Desert Harvest, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons, and three dogs, embracing the joy and balance of family life.

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Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-florio-468822a4/ * Website: https://www.desertharvest.com*

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Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
spyhappy.me/class Unlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Send a Message: Name | Email Address | Your Message

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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Struggling with perfectionism? Feeling like there's always more to achieve? You're not alone!

Join us as Laura Key, host of the ADHD AHA podcast, shares her journey from an anxiety disorder diagnosis to discovering her ADHD. She talks about the moments that led to her diagnosis, including a discovery in her childhood journals. Laura reflects on her sensitive and perfectionist childhood, revealing how she turned struggles with focus and burnout into strengths. This episode highlights the inspiring experiences of women with ADHD and the importance of embracing mental health awareness.

Laura discusses the unique challenges women face with ADHD, from societal expectations to internal battles with self-worth. She shares personal stories and practical advice on embracing ADHD and finding balance in life.

Laura Key is a longtime editor and the host of the "ADHD Aha!" podcast, where she shares interviews about the surprising and emotional ways ADHD symptoms appear. She also leads content strategy at Understood.org, an organization dedicated to supporting people with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia. Laura’s mission is to create a supportive community where individuals can share their stories, find resources, and feel less alone in their journey.

Resources:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-key-720b7436/
• Understood Org: https://www.understood.org/en/people/7FTVkuE50LuQJhQRx8AYXX
• Website: https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/adhd-aha

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
spyhappy.me/class Unlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Send us a Text Message.

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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Managing time with an ADHD brain can be tough, but what if there were ways to make it easier?

Join us as Alexis Haselberger shares her story of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s and how it changed her life for the better. She talked about practical strategies for coping with ADHD, tips for managing digital communication, and the benefits of using tools like TickTick. Alexis revealed her secrets to staying focused and balancing work and life, all while celebrating the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals.

Alexis Haselberger is a time management and productivity coach who helps people do more and stress less through her coaching, workshops, and online courses. Her down-to-earth and fun approach makes it easy for people to adopt realistic strategies into their daily lives. She has helped over 160,000 individuals take control of their time and has worked with companies like Google, Lyft, Workday, Capital One, Upwork, and more.

After realizing she faced many of the same challenges as her clients, Alexis discovered she had ADHD. She was already teaching strategies that work for ADHD brains, proving the saying, "You do the work you need."

Alexis lives in San Francisco with her husband and two teenage sons, and she currently loves spending her free time on pottery.

Resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/do.more.stress.less/
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/domorestressless/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/domorestressless
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-more-stress-less-with-alexis-haselberger/id1735825992
• Alexis Haselberger Coaching and Consulting, Inc.: https://www.alexishaselberger.com/

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
spyhappy.me/class Unlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Send us a Text Message.

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go.

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Can creativity and chaos coexist to create brilliance? Let’s unlock the secrets to mastering storytelling and entrepreneurship with Kris Jones in this week’s episode of the ADHD for Smart Ass Women.

Kris Jones is a pioneer in storytelling and entrepreneurship. She founded Red Door Stories in 2003 after overcoming significant challenges, including a struggle with writing and a fear of being seen. Kris has worked with experts like Donald Miller of "Building a StoryBrand" and has collaborated with major names like Jeff Bezos, Nike, and Adidas. Despite these achievements, Kris's heart beats strongest for female coaches and service providers, empathizing with their struggles in copywriting, visibility, and the transformative potential of a well-crafted Signature Story.

In this episode, Kris shares her journey from initial skepticism and a 2017 ADHD diagnosis to overcoming childhood challenges with anxiety and executive function. She reveals how writing, once a source of torment, became a delightful journey of self-expression and professional growth. Discover how Kris found solace in writing during college, transforming her academic struggles into triumphs, and laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. Learn about the "idea list" and the impact of Donald Miller's StoryBrand framework on effective communication. We also discuss the unique hurdles faced by individuals with ADHD in professional settings and offer practical tips for articulating your work and accomplishments with clarity and confidence.

Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddoordesign/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reddoorportland/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reddoordesigns/ * Website: https://www.reddoordesigns.com/ * Building a StoryBrand, Donald Miller:* https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Donald-Miller-audiobook/dp/B072J8WRND**

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https:/

Send us a Text Message.

Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com. Also, if you're near Burlingame, California, join me at Barnes and Noble on Burlingame Avenue this Saturday, June 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a chat about ADHD, sharin

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Teachers once said, “She’ll never amount to anything academically,” but Arielle proved them wrong.

This podcast episode celebrates the resilience and brilliance of women with ADHD, featuring Arielle Paul's remarkable journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and strategies, such as neurofeedback and tailored education, triumph is within reach.

Arielle's story highlights the challenges of ADHD and dyslexia, showing how she turned her struggles into strengths. Her journey through academic hurdles to becoming a successful journalist illustrates how every challenge can lead to incredible growth.

Arielle Paul is a writer, musician, adventurer, and lifelong student and practitioner of Kriya Yoga.

Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at ten, she couldn't read or write. Despite teachers saying she would “never amount to anything academically” and suggesting Ritalin, her parents had other plans. Through neurofeedback therapy, tireless work with tutors, and meditation, she eventually graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley with a double major in English and Performance Studies.

Turning learning disabilities and the written word into something tangible and meaningful has been the cornerstone of Arielle’s journey. She wrote for the Los Angeles Times for six years, penning the My Favorite Room column and covering design, architecture, and mental health stories. Now, as a contributing reporter for The New York Times, she writes on development in live-work-play spaces intersecting with sustainability and climate change. Her feature on excess water consumption in Dubai, which appeared on the Business and International front pages, brought desalination to the forefront at last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Arielle is also the proud mother of three adorable cats – Frodo, Hobbes, and Drogon.

Resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellepaul/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariellepaul/
• NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/by/arielle-paul
• https://muckrack.com/arielle-paul

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
spyhappy.me/class Unlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Send us a Text Message.

Are you feeling uncertain about your life's direction? Join Tracy Otsuka's free "What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass" to discover how to make better, more confident decisions and realize your full potential. Become an expert on yourself and choose the right path forward. Register now at spyhappy.me/class.

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Do you love true crime stories and want to see how ADHD plays a role in them? Then, this episode is for you!

Lori Hellis is a former lawyer turned true crime author. Lori believes she has ADHD, evident in her constant need for activity, family history of ADHD, and love for doodling. Her journey from law to writing is driven by her restless mind's need for new challenges and constant stimulation.

Lori's impressive background includes working as a prosecutor, public defender, and advocate. She holds degrees in Journalism and Creative Nonfiction, which enable her to turn complex legal matters into compelling stories. Her first book, "The No-Nonsense Guide to Divorce," offers practical advice for Millennials. Lori also serves in the Air National Guard, demonstrating her commitment to helping others.

In this episode, Lori gives us a fascinating view of the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case, a chilling story of missing children, doomsday beliefs, and mysterious deaths, that has captivated the nation. She shares her expert insights, explaining how her ADHD has helped her unravel complex legal narratives. Her upcoming book, "Children of Darkness and Light: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - A Story of Murderous Faith," promises to be a must-read when it releases on September 3, 2024.

Lori's expert insights and engaging storytelling bring true crime to life, making this an episode you won't want to miss.

Resources:

• Book Website: https://thelorivallowstory.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@childrenofdarknessandlight
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelorivallowstory/
• X: https://twitter.com/lorihellis
• Facebook group, The Good Lori https://www.facebook.com/groups/277177093926535

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:
spyhappy.me/class Unlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Send us a Text Message.

Are you feeling uncertain about your life's direction? Join Tracy Otsuka's free "What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass" to discover how to make better, more confident decisions and realize your full potential. Become an expert on yourself and choose the right path forward. Register now at spyhappy.me/class.

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Did you know there's such a thing as productive anxiety and toxic anxiety? One can give you a boost, while the other can drag you down. Managing ADHD, anxiety, time management, and social expectations can be tricky, but they also open doors to self-discovery and growth. Dr. Saline, with over 30 years of experience and a strengths-based approach, offers down-to-earth advice to help you tackle social anxiety, emotional regulation, and time management, especially during life transitions like menopause. Her personal and professional insights help smart women manage their busy brains and use their intelligence as a tool, not a mask.

In this episode, Dr. Saline breaks down how to understand and handle anxiety. She helps women tell the difference between productive anxiety, which can be a helpful motivator, and toxic anxiety, which can feel overwhelming. Her tips include being self-aware and using practical strategies like setting realistic time goals and trying out visual meditation techniques to stay emotionally balanced.

Dr. Saline, author of the award-winning book What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew, specializes in working with ADHD and neurodivergent individuals of all ages, helping them improve cognitive and social skills, resilience, self-confidence, and personal relationships. She consults internationally with schools, clinics, and businesses, runs a private practice, and is a part-time lecturer at the Smith College School for Social Work. Additionally, she is a blogger for Psychology Today, a contributing expert on MASS Live, and hosts a bi-weekly Facebook Live event for ADDitude Magazine. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including MSN.com, The Psychotherapy Networker, Smith College Studies in Social Work, and Attention Magazine.

Resources:

• Website - https://www.drsharonsaline.com
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drsharonsaline/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrSharonSaline/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DrSharonSaline

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Send us a Text Message.

Are you feeling uncertain about your life's direction? Join Tracy Otsuka's free "What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass" to discover how to make better, more confident decisions and realize your full potential. Become an expert on yourself and choose the right path forward. Register now at spyhappy.me/class.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Is it possible that the vibrant energy of ADHD can harmonize beautifully with the serene practice of mindful gardening? Kendall Marie Platt, who was diagnosed with ADHD at 36, is living proof that it can. She shares how this diagnosis transformed her life, channeling her dynamic energy into the calming rhythms of gardening. Throughout our conversation, Kendall and I delve into the unique strengths that ADHD brings—such as creativity, hyperfocus, and resilience—discussing how these qualities enhance our lives and the importance of a supportive community in this journey. We explore not just coping with ADHD, but celebrating it, understanding our neurobiology, and fostering a space where personal growth and acceptance flourish.

Kendall, known as The Mindful Gardening Coach, has seen her transformative approach featured in House Beautiful, Bustle, BBC, The Telegraph, and Metro. She empowers women to embrace their bustling minds and create moments of peace through gardening. Having used mindful gardening to manage her vibrant brain for over a decade, Kendall grew up on the South Coast of England and now lives near Reading with her husband and two daughters. Today, she is revolutionizing perceptions of mental well-being, tearing down outdated stigmas, and encouraging overwhelmed women to join her in a mindful gardening revolution.

Whether it’s crafting a personalized gardening plan, choosing swimming over running, or indulging in other relaxing activities, it’s crucial to find what truly works for you. Identifying activities that resonate with your lifestyle is key to living a balanced and fulfilling life with ADHD.

Resources:
Main Website: https://www.adventureswithflowers.com/
Garden Glow Up: adventureswithflowers.com/gardenglowuprr
Instagram: @kendallmarieplatt
Substack: https://adventureswithflowers.substack.com/subscribe?

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

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Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Are you feeling uncertain about your life's direction? Join Tracy Otsuka's free "What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass" to discover how to make better, more confident decisions and realize your full potential. Become an expert on yourself and choose the right path forward. Register now at spyhappy.me/class.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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What makes us different can be the very thing that makes us shine. For writers with ADHD, navigating the creative process is both a challenge and a fascinating opportunity. Bestselling author Allison Larkin has turned the unique challenges of ADHD into the fertile ground from which her successful writing career has blossomed. Join us as we explore Allison’s journey from facing academic struggles in an unsupportive environment to discovering her passion for storytelling—a powerful expression of her true potential. Her experiences demonstrate how ADHD's perceived limitations can actually enhance creativity.

Allison’s story is not just about accepting neurodiversity but celebrating it, showing that authenticity fosters the deepest connections and the most impactful work.

Allison Larkin is the acclaimed author of novels such as Stay, Why Can’t I Be You, Swimming for Sunlight, and The People We Keep. Her stories and essays have appeared in publications like the Summerset Review and Slice, as well as in anthologies such as I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship and Author in Progress. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Jeremy, and their rescue dog, Roxy, Allison was diagnosed with ADHD at 19. She didn’t start writing until her mid-twenties when she discovered how to channel her unique thought processes into storytelling. Now, she considers her ADHD her biggest asset in her writing career and is passionate about helping others harness their creativity.

Resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allielarkinwrites/
• Patreon: patreon.com/allielarkinwrites (coming soon)
• Website: AllieLarkinWrites.com

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) bring unique strengths and opportunities, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities and resilience of those who experience these conditions. In our latest podcast episode, Linda Karanzalis, a board-certified cognitive specialist, shares her enriching personal and professional insights into NVLD and ADHD. She highlights how these conditions enhance everyday interactions with unique social perspectives and innovative problem-solving abilities, while also discussing the positive impacts of emotional depth they can bring.

In this conversation, we celebrate the often-overlooked strengths of NVLD, examining its synergistic relationship with other neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism. Linda underscores the critical need for accurate recognition and appreciation of NVLD within the medical community to further empower those it affects.

With over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with NVLD and ADHD, Linda Karanzalis authored Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood and established ADDvantages Learning Center, a pioneering program for neurodivergent learners. Additionally, she serves as a social ambassador for the NVLD Project and hosts the podcast NVLD & Neurodivergent Pioneers. Her valuable insights into neurodiversity have been featured in the US Daily Times and ADDitude magazine.

Resources:
Website: https://www.lindakaranzalis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NvldPioneers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lkaranzalis
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADDvantagesLearning

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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**Recognizing the importance of self-care and body connection is crucial for those with ADHD, which is what makes Caitlin Doherty’s work with Mindful Movement for Misfits so significant. As a therapeutic yoga and movement practitioner, Caitlin not only offers guidance but also embodies the vibrant possibilities of living with ADHD and autism. Her personal journey is one of resilience, navigating the obstacles of a late diagnosis and limited early support to transform her unique traits from childhood struggles into adult strengths. In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, we delve into how neurodivergent characteristics, often misunderstood in youth—like outspokenness and a relentless pursuit of truth—actually signify intelligence and creativity.

Caitlin Doherty is a therapeutic yoga and movement practitioner with a deep passion for animals and a curious outlook on life. She applies her expertise at an eating disorder clinic, teaching yoga with a focus on compassionate care. As an autistic woman with ADHD and Pathological Demand Avoidance, Caitlin understands the complexities of mental and chronic illnesses. Through her company, Mindful Movement for Misfits, she creates inclusive spaces for those often marginalized in traditional wellness environments, helping them reconnect with their bodies just as they are.

Resources:**

• Mindful Movement for Misfits: https://www.caitlindohertywellness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-doherty-700a6349
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMovementforMisfits1

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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**Get ready to crack up and nod in agreement as the hilarious Ellie Hino, a Minneapolis gem in the stand-up comedy realm, joins me, Tracy Otsuka, for this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. llie's candid recount of her diagnosis following the trials of motherhood, her journey through emotional regulation, and the quest for effective coping strategies isn't just relatable – it's a masterclass in finding humor in the chaos. Her stand-up comedy illuminates the ups and downs of ADHD with a wit that resonates with anyone looking for a good laugh mixed with heartfelt honesty.

Ellie Hino is a Minneapolis-based stand-up comedian known for her engaging humor and self-described "heart of gold." Originally from Wisconsin, Ellie pursued theater studies but left college just shy of graduation. Her comedy career has included appearances at prestigious events such as the Limestone Comedy Festivals in 2019 and 2021, Boston's Women in Comedy Festival, and the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival where she was highlighted as one of the "best of the fest." Ellie has had the opportunity to open for well-known comedians like Maria Bamford, Atsuko Okatsuka, Dana Gould, and Bobcat Goldthwait, underscoring her growing reputation in the comedy scene. In addition to her stand-up pursuits, Ellie co-hosts "Darlings" with Ben Katzner every Thursday night. This weekly showcase held at Zhora Darling in Minneapolis features a mix of local and national comedic talents.

Ellie Hino doesn't just stand up; she stands out. Her debut comedy album "Soft Bones," released last April 5th, is now available in iTunes for download. Get it here: Soft Bones Album (*https://www.blondemedicine.com/bm125-soft-bones*).

Resources:**

• Soft Bones: https://www.blondemedicine.com/bm125-soft-bones
• Website: https://www.elliehino.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliehino/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf69YxhTo2vSeu5vvn1XUHg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliehino

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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**In a world where ADHD and neurodiversity often complicate the seemingly simple task of eating, Stephanie Sorrentino Mulholland brings a refreshing and enlightening perspective to the table. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist and a neurodivergent individual herself, Stephanie delves deep into the heart of 'picky eating,' transforming it from a common challenge into an inclusive, enriching experience.

Our discussion ventures beyond mere coping mechanisms, delving into the personal narratives surrounding ADHD diagnosis and the diverse reactions to medication. We emphasize the pivotal role of genuine connections and clear communication, not just in fostering personal growth but also in enhancing the effectiveness of therapy.

This episode provides insights into converting 'picky eating' into a joyful dining experience and demonstrates how structured outlines and schedules can serve as invaluable tools in managing the dynamic thought processes characteristic of ADHD.

Stephanie Sorrentino Mulholland distinguishes herself in the Chicagoland area as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, weaving her personal experiences with neurodivergence into her professional expertise. Her roles in community outreach and as an adjunct professor at Saint Xavier University highlight her deep commitment to advocating for neurodiversity. Through her practice, Bite-Sized Beginnings, she offers specialized feeding and language support, making her a crucial resource for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie's life with her husband, Trent, and their dachshunds, Rizzo and Pasqualie, reflects a balanced and holistic approach to enjoying life's moments, big and small.

Resources:**

• Bite-Sized Beginnings - https://www.bitesizedkids.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitesizedkids/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bitesizedkids
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephanie

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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**Alyssa Fontaine's life story highlights the crucial need for mental health diagnosis and care accuracy. Misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder as a teenager, she faced the challenges of ADHD and medication mismanagement, which set her on a path to self-advocacy and profound change. This experience fueled her passion to support women entangled in cycles of incarceration and addiction and to lead a transformative cheerleading program in her hometown, demonstrating the power of empathy and proper care.

In her current roles, Alyssa combines her journey with professional dedication. As a Community Support at Crossroads for Women and a Cheerleading Coach in Highland Hornets, she empowers women and children from her community to overcome mental health challenges and social barriers. In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Alyssa and I put highlight on the impact of self-advocacy and community support, offering practical wisdom for those navigating similar struggles.

This episode showcases triumph over misdiagnosis and advocates a relentless drive to empower others facing mental health challenges and social obstacles.**

Resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssafontaine89
• Highland Hornets: https://www.instagram.com/highlandhornetscheerleading
• Crossroads for Women: https://crossroadsabq.org

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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**Navigating grief can be a challenging and emotional journey, especially when coupled with the complexities of ADHD. However, it can also be an opportunity for growth and resilience. In this upcoming discussion, we'll hear from a group of remarkable women, including Sandra Centorino, the beacon of positivity, Laurie Peterson, an authority on ADHD and educational assessments, and Anita Robertson, the insightful psychotherapist, as they share their personal experiences of loss and how they have found ways to cope with the unique challenges of ADHD. Through their candid stories, we'll gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate executive function issues during times of crisis and find hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Laurie Peterson is the founder of Diagnostic Learning Services and eDiagnostic Learning. She helps students and adults with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia and ADHD.

Anita Robertson is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in Attachment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She developed the ADHD Relationship Boot Camp and authored "ADHD & Us: A Couple’s Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD."

Sandra Centorino is a digital veteran with two decades of experience. She's known for her vibrant energy and kindness and has built a loyal following on platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. She assists others, particularly in the ADHD community, and shares her talents in live video and podcasting.

This episode is an homage to those we've loved and lost, a testament to the power of honoring their wishes, and a beacon of hope for anyone seeking support and understanding in the aftermath of grief.**

**Follow these amazing ladies here:

Laurie Peterson:
Website: https://www.ediagnosticlearning.com/ Podcast: https://ltldpodcast.com/ Anita Roberston:
Webinar: https://www.lifewithanadhdspouse.com/adhd-midlife-sandwich-replay Website: https://www.anitarobertson.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitarobertsonlcsw/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/strengthinyourmind LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/anitarobertson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strengthinyourmind YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@strengthinyourmind Sandra Centorino:
Website: https://www.sandracentorino.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@PositivityPractitioner**

Are You Re

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dulce Vasquez, who's not only making waves in the political arena by running for California State Assembly District 57 but also reshaping the conversation around ADHD and mental health. At 36, Dulce's life took a transformative turn with her ADHD diagnosis, providing her with the clarity she'd been seeking in both her academic pursuits and political endeavors.

As a formerly undocumented LGBTQ+ Latina, Dulce brings a rich tapestry of experiences to the table. Her advocacy work spans across education, housing, public transportation, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ and women's communities. Serving as the Assistant Vice President for Arizona State University's Los Angeles outpost, her journey from being a Los Angeles City Commissioner to a contender for the Los Angeles City Council and now a candidate for the State Assembly showcases her commitment to societal change.

During our conversation, Dulce opens up about the challenges and revelations of living with inattentive type ADHD and complex PTSD. From navigating the world of medications to the intricacies of personal and professional relationships, her story is one of vulnerability, resilience, and empowerment. Dulce's candid sharing underscores the significant role personal narratives play in driving societal change and highlights the importance of representation and understanding within our communities.

Join us as Dulce Vasquez shares her inspiring journey, her challenges and triumphs with ADHD, and her passionate advocacy for accessible mental health care. Her story is a powerful reminder of the intersection between the personal and the political, and the profound impact of embracing one's true self.

Tune in to hear more about Dulce Vasquez's remarkable journey and her vision for a more inclusive and understanding society. Whether you're interested in the political implications of ADHD, the journey of self-discovery, or the nuances of advocating for mental health, this episode promises insights and inspiration in equal measure.

Follow Dulce Vasquez here:

• Website: Dulcevasquezcom
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dulcevasquez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DulceforLA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasquezdulce/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vasquezdulce

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book
Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok
Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracy

Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Brooke Schnittman worked closely with ADHDers for years providing disability supports, not realizing she had ADHD herself until she moved to virtual coaching and was suddenly unable to focus and stay on top of administrative tasks like she was before. Getting a diagnosis gave Brooke the tools and understanding to take her services and self-care to the next level. Through her company, Coaching with Brooke, she and her eight coaches help ADHDers transform their chaos and frustration into focused success through executive functioning skills. She also wrote a book, Activate Your ADHD Potential, in which she provides strategies for conquering the cycle of underwhelm and overwhelm that so often keeps ADHDers stuck. Brooke’s book is transformative because she breaks the work down into 12 easy-to-follow steps, from gaining control of the chaos of your brain to organizing your schedule in a way that works for you. With the help of guided worksheets, Brooke’s book will give you strategies for success that are strengths-focused and achievable, and I’m so excited to share her insights with you this episode. Resources: Website: Instagram: @coachingwithBrooke Brooke’s book:Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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The term “self-care” has become synonymous with bubble baths and meditation classes, but for ADHDers who are already overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, the last thing we need is to pile more “shoulds” onto our plates. Taylor Elyse Morrison always felt overwhelmed by the idea of self-care until she realized that, in her words, “self-care is listening within and responding in the most loving way possible,” and it completely changed her perspective on what it looks like to care for herself. Taylor went on to turn her newfound relationship with self-care into a career. She’s now the founder of the company Inner Workout and the author of a book by the same name. Taylor uses her coaching, mindfulness, and movement training to meet people where they're at and offer actionable steps towards creating a world without burnout. Taylor’s approach to self-care feels so welcoming and accessible because she knows the struggle firsthand. During our conversation Taylor shares her own ADHD diagnosis story, how she incorporates neurodivergent needs into her work, her advice for making movement fun, the importance of community, and much more. Resources: Website: https://innerworkout.co Instagram: @innerworkout; @taylorelysemorrison Photo credit: Pooja Shah Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Priscilla Tollin was born with neurofibromatosis (NF), a neurological disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue and can impact mobility. Priscilla’s physical limitations meant that any hyperactivity she experienced growing up was turned inwards, and her ADHD flew under the radar until finally getting a diagnosis at 32. Once Priscilla understood her ADHD brain, so many pieces of the puzzle fell into place. She was able to address her RSD, to shift her mindset to one of optimism and positivity, and to pursue a career she’s genuinely passionate about. Now, Priscilla is studying pet nutrition and working on starting her own dog treat business. She is also an advocate for neurofibromatosis, disability, and ADHD. During our conversation Priscilla shares her unique experience of having ADHD with no physical outlet, what NF is and the range of ways it can manifest, how self-acceptance led her to create the life she had always imagined, and her helpful advice for ensuring our pets are getting the nutrition they deserve. Resources: spyhappy.me/bookreview Dog Treat Instagram: @ro_dogtreats Personal Instagram: @potatoesocks_ Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Many people know I'm a gusher, meaning that when I find something I really believe in, I want the whole world to know about it. I truly believe that the bottom-line goal with ADHD is to master our nervous systems, which is why I'm so delighted to sit down with clinical social worker and coach, Gabrielle Juliano-Villani. Gabrielle began her career in child protective and victim’s services and eventually started her own private practice working with older adults, folks with chronic pain and illness, and trauma. After hitting her own ADHD burnout in 2021, she sold her practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Gabrielle pulls from her experience as an EMDR and polyvagal-informed therapist to utilize mind/body approaches to help others implement everyday strategies to manage stress and live their best lives. During our conversation she provides an easy-to-digest breakdown of what EMDR is and how it works, the basics of Polyvagal Theory, what it means to “map” your nervous system, and how these somatic therapy approaches can help us to get out of our heads and back into our bodies. Resources: Instagram: @gjvconsulting Tiktok: @gabriellejulianovillani Youtube: @gabriellejulianovillani Website: Gabriellejulianovillani.com Medicareconsultingfortherapists.com GJVConsulting.Etsy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellejulianovillani/ Retreat discount code is ADHD Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Katy McFee spent the bulk of her career undiagnosed, and struggled for years until she learned how to work with her ADHD and not against it. After 18 years in the corporate world she founded her company, Insights to Action, which is on a mission to help close the gender gap in senior leadership. Katy discovered through her entrepreneurship journey and ADHD diagnosis that we can all thrive as our authentic selves once we are ready to accept ourselves for who we are. She is passionate about empowering women and helping more women break into senior leadership and thrive as leaders without burning out, a passion that shines through in everything she does. Join my insightful conversation with Katy to hear about her personal ADHD journey, how she sets herself up for success each day with an energizing morning routine, everything she’s learned about leadership in the corporate world, and all the work she’s doing to help other incredible women like herself make meaningful changes in male-dominated industries. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a/ Instagram: @katy.mcfee Website: www.insightstoactioncc.com Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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After being diagnosed with ADHD at age twelve, Jessica McCabe struggled with a brain she didn’t understand. Determined to understand her challenges, Jessica reached out to experts, read articles, and decided to share her findings with others. This determination and curiosity set her on the incredible path she’s on today. Jessica is now the founder and host of the award-winning YouTube channel, How to ADHD, where she has built a community of millions who follow along as she uses up-to-date research, consultations with mental health professionals, and her own personal experiences to create fun educational content to help people better understand their unique brains. She is also the author of a brand new book, How To ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working With Your Brain (Not Against It). The ADHD world isn't pie, there’s plenty to go around for everyone. The more of us that are talking about ADHD, the more likely that we’ll actually change more lives, which is why I’m inviting you to join my conversation with Jessica and learn more about her new book and all the wonderful work she does helping ADHDers to live their most fulfilling lives. Resources: Book Events: spyhappy.me/bookclub adhdforsmartwomen.com/happywomendinners adhdforsmartwomen.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/howtoadhd Instagram: @howtoadhd Book link: https://howtoadhdbook.com Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Dr. Ashley Portmann had always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian ever since she was a little girl, but like with many fast-paced careers in the medical field she soon found herself hitting burnout from the chaos of general practice. Ashley attended a conference on home hospice care and realized that maybe she wouldn’t have to leave the profession she loved so much after all, maybe she could pivot in a new direction that would work for her ADHD brain and allow her to dig her way out of burnout instead of contributing to it. In early 2018 Ashley decided to start her own practice, Home Together Veterinary Services, offering in-home care for senior pets and their people. This style of practice allows her to form genuine connections with her patients and take a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine, which has reignited her self-confidence and her passion for the field. The services Ashley offers and the empathy and comfort she brings to families during a difficult time are so crucial, and I hope Ashley’s story of finding her niche inspires you to start thinking about how you could make a meaningful pivot in your own life. Resources: Website: https://www.hometogethervet.com/ Facebook: Home Together Veterinary Services Instagram: @hometogethervet (business); @abportmann (personal) IAAHPC website: https://iaahpc.org/ Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Melinda Shepherdson’s sense of adventure has led her up mountains, down rivers, and across the world. Her long list of travel destinations is impressive, but what Melinda cares about most on these adventures is her connection with nature. The outdoors provides her with regulation, energy, positivity, and helps to calm her ADHD mind–all benefits she knew she had to share with others when starting a business. In the last few years, Melinda discovered the Adventure Bush Therapy space and partnered with an experienced outdoor education specialist to create small group programs for children, including autistic individuals and those with ADHD, anxiety, and intellectual disabilities. The work allows her to combine her passion for nature with her desire to help children and the results are pretty incredible. Join my conversation with Melinda to hear her personal ADHD journey, what her travels have taught her, how she was able to pivot from occupational therapy into the career she has today, the differences in medication when you have ADHD vs. AuDHD, and so much more. Resources: Website: https://www.inmotu.com.au Email: ot@inmotu.com.au Video of a beautiful song our women's choir sang - definitely worth a look. I'm in it! https://youtu.be/LZ_fXuy6R1k?si=2fqJ5UzzpKh4cHW3 Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Last episode, I had the pleasure of introducing you to five brilliant women who were all in different stages of their own ADHD journey, and what I discovered is they found reflection and resonance within our book. All of these women shared their personal stories that showcase the unique paths they've walked, and they discuss the impact that our book had on them. In this episode, we’ll hear from four more incredible women who share their warmth, wisdom, and community in their stories and insights. Let's dive in and see where their experiences might echo your own, or even better, help you add that missing piece to your own ADHD puzzle. Resources: 📕 ADHD FOR SMART ASS WOMEN 📖 adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookToday, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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For this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women and the next episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with 9 real women who are in different stages of their ADHD journey and have also found reflection and resonance within our book. You’re going to meet 5 of them and then in our next episode you’ll meet 4 more of these wonderful women. They've generously shared their personal stories, that showcase the unique paths they've walked, and they'll share with us the impact our 📖 has had on them. You'll find warmth, wisdom, and a community in their stories and insights. So let’s Dive in and see where their experiences might echo your own or even better help you connect that missing piece to your own ADHD puzzle. Resources: Stephanie Bilotta (Ballada) Hookedasheville.etsy.com Ruth Malloy facebook.com/ruth.malloy.90 Kathy Spence podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/align-hustle/id1521886538 Esther Nagle redshoesrecovery.com 📕 ADHD FOR SMART ASS WOMEN 📖 adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookToday, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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This is going to be a very different episode than anything we've ever done here. I have invited my good friend, Dr. Christine Lee, to the podcast to interview me about my new book, ADHD for SMART ASS WOMEN. Christine is a procrastination coach, a seasoned clinical psychologist, and was the first ever guest on my podcast, which makes her the perfect person to help me reflect back on how far we’ve come and what I’m hoping for this book. Christine and I discuss my relationship with control and how that played out during the writing process, why writing this book has been both the most challenging and one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, what we have to gain when we push ourselves past our comfort zones, and the lessons I hope ADHD women will take away from my work. I have spent two and a half years pouring myself into this book and I’m so delighted to finally share it with you, our wonderful listeners, who reminded me why I was writing it every step of the way. Resources: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comToday, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Doing this kind of work, I often feel like I’m going up against an industry that sees ADHD only as a weakness. But not only is there science and research to refute these negative misconceptions, there's also you, the thousands of ADHD women that I've had the privilege of meeting. And I just know after meeting all of you that they're getting it wrong. Everywhere I go, there's another kick-ass entrepreneur who tells me that they have ADHD too. So the way I see it, I had to write this book not just for you and other women, but for the young girls who will follow us, because if they can grow up in a world that values their brilliant, albeit unique brains, their lives are going to be completely different. Writing this book is about more than just turning pages in a book, it's about changing chapters in women and girls' lives. I hope that my book doesn't just flip the script on ADHD, I hope that it totally rewrites the ending. So now I bring you the Audible introduction of my book, ADHD for Smart Ass Women.Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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We’ve known for quite some time that ADHD doesn’t just “go away” with age, yet only about 4% of boomers have a diagnosis. So why the huge discrepancy, what are the impacts, and most importantly, what can we do about it? Dr. Kathleen Nadeau has been working to answer these questions for the last few decades. Along with many other accomplishments, she’s the author of Still Distracted After All These Years, the only book focusing on the needs of older adults with ADHD. During my conversation with the brilliant Dr. Nadeau, she shares about her personal ADHD journey, her work in the field, the three biggest factors impacting older ADHD women, and ways to support your body, brain, and well-being through all stages of life. Dr. Nadeau’s work serves as an important reminder that life doesn’t have to stop at retirement, and we can always continue adding joy and meaning to our lives no matter our age. Resources: Website: thechesapeakecenter.com Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Show Notes–Ep. 256: Cults, Child Marriage and ADHD Optimism with Dr. Tamara MC Dr. Tamara MC is a cult, child marriage, and human trafficking Lived Experience Expert who advocates for girls and women to live free from gender-based violence worldwide. Married off at 12, Tamara has firsthand experience with fundamentalist cults, giving her valuable insight into how these organizations operate. She now uses her experience combined with her PhD in applied linguistics to research and educate others on how language is used to manipulate vulnerable populations. Join my conversation with the wonderful Dr. Tamara MC to hear about her harrowing story and the bravery it took to leave, how ADHD, autism, OCD, and complex PTSD contributed to both her confinement and her freedom, ways to identify when a community is exhibiting cult-like behavior, and how to find optimism in the face of hopelessness. Resources: Website: https://tamaramc.com/ https://muckrack.com/tamaramc/portfolio https://linktr.ee/tamaramc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamaraMC11 Twitter: @TamaraMCPhD Instagram: @tamaramcphd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramcphd/Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought the topic of ADHD and gratitude couldn’t be more perfect. Gratitude is so important for every single human to feel good, but for those of us with ADHD, it's crucial. With our dopamine deficiency, we can't get anything if we’re not in positive emotion! Positive emotion has been shown to increase dopamine, which drives our memory, our behavior, our focus, and our motivation. When we're in positive emotion, we get stuff done, we're happier, and we're more driven, and it all begins with a simple shift in mindset. Join me for a special solo episode, where I’m sharing some easy and effective ways to change your thoughts from self-doubt to gratitude. Our thoughts have the power to create the lives we want, and I think you’ll be amazed by how different life starts to look when you make positivity a priority. Resources: Tamara Rosier: drrosier@miadhd.com Vanessa Gorelkin: https://vanessagorelkin.com Denese Marshall: info@denesemarshall.com Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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When Dr. Nanci Smith realized her neurodiverse childrens’ needs weren’t going to be met by the public school system, she knew she had to try a different approach to education. Luckily, Nanci has a background in psychobiology and is motivated by a challenge, so the transition to homeschooling was a no-brainer. Nanci learned how to support her childrens’ sensory, socio-emotional, and executive functioning needs, and along the way she learned how to support her own unique brain as well. She has since gone on to become certified with the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) social skills program, is an expert in teaching executive function skills, runs Improv classes for kids on the spectrum, and is training to become an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. Nanci’s belief is that kids do well where they can, and her empathetic approach to education will have you seeing neurodivergence in a whole new way. Resources: Get $15 off classes at Outschool by entering coupon code NORELPODCAST15 at checkout. Promo available until Nov 28, 2024. https://outschool.com/teachers/Nanci-Norelli-Smith-Ph-D https://www.wyzant.com/match/tutor/87452302 Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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For years, Kalin Johnson was operating with a dysregulated nervous system and putting her body through unnecessary stress, and it was only once she started listening to her body’s needs that she realized how much easier things could be. Kalin now combines her personal experience with her professional training as a healthcare provider to help others bridge the gap between mental and physical health. Through her work, she shows high-achieving, neurodivergent, and hypermobile individuals how to “unmask their health” and feel their best. Join me in welcoming Kalin back onto the podcast (you can listen to her first episode here, ) as she shares her knowledge on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the ways it impacts ADHD, why so many of us are stuck in fight-or-flight, and how to regulate our nervous systems and get our brains back online so we can start feeling our absolute best. Resources: Website: https://www.kalinjohnson.com/ TikTok: @kalinpharmd Insta: @kalinpharmd Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Lisa Lewis’s skill of talking to anyone and everyone has taken her on unexpected adventures around the world, from the Scottish Highlands to the running of the bulls, and now she’s here to talk to us about her ADHD journey. For the last twelve years Lisa has worked as an HR professional who focuses on diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. She received a late diagnosis of ADHD and now attributes her diverse background and success to her neurodiversity. Join my conversation with Lisa to hear her take on disclosing ADHD in the workplace, ways to advocate for your needs without fear of judgment or stigma, why ADHD awareness is so crucial for our success and well-being, and more. Resources: Website: www.mindmosaic.ca LinkedIn: https://wwww.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lewis-cphr-46203236/ Instagram: @lisajolewis Photo credit: Sheena Davies Photography Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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When Alice Gendron entered the workforce, she struggled to manage the workload of a nine-to-five job and also stay on top of the endless demands of adulting. When she was diagnosed with ADHD at 29, it all finally made sense. Alice started making doodles about her ADHD experience, a skill she had been honing since grade school. Before she knew it, her illustrations had grown into the popular online platform ‘The Mini ADHD Coach’, with over half a million Instagram followers and a brand new book of the same name. Looking at them, it’s easy to see why so many ADHDers are drawn to Alice’s illustrations; her simplistic doodles get right to the heart of what having ADHD feels like in such a sweet and relatable way. Join our conversation to hear how Alice was able to turn her passion project into a fulfilling career, what she’s learned about leading since becoming an entrepreneur, the cultural shifts around ADHD in France, and so much more. Resources: Instagram: @the_mini_adhd_coach Website : Youtube: My new book: Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Antonia Bowring is a top executive coach who works with founders, C-Suite executives, and leadership teams. One of Antonia’s areas of expertise is helping neurodiverse leaders create the necessary scaffolding to leverage their gifts and maintain their focus. She is a frequent speaker to companies and groups on topics ranging from mindfulness, ADHD in the workplace, and communication best practices. Her new book, Coach Yourself! Increase Awareness, Change Behavior and Thrive provides practical frameworks for exploring the power of performance coaching to become the best version of yourself. Join our conversation to hear about Antonia’s unique life-changing experience that led her to an ADHD diagnosis, how she helps her coaching clients move past shame and into confidence, the importance of managing up no matter your position, her thoughts on disclosing ADHD in the workplace, and more. Resources: Linked in: IG: antonia_abstrategies TikTok: @antoniabowring963 Website:Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Resources: Visit: Tracy Otsuka: Instagram: @tracyotsukaToday, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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This is the hardest episode I’ve had to record to date. In truth, I’ve been avoiding it like the plague, which means procrastinating everything so I don’t have to go there, but I knew I had to do it for my beautiful mother. Since starting this podcast back in 2019, many of you have asked for an episode on grief. Just like my episodes on trauma that took years, I dug my heels in because the words I was telling myself sounded like, “how can you talk about grief when you haven’t experienced it?” Unfortunately, I am now part of this illustrious club that no one wants to be part of. In this episode I talk about grief and how those of us with ADHD may handle it differently, from time perception challenges to social challenges to how we react in a crisis. But first, I hope it’s okay that I share the story of my incredible mother because hers is a story that I need to tell. Resources Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Growing up, Author Sivan Hong struggled to focus on reading long enough to connect with the text, until she discovered audiobooks and a whole new world opened up for her. Years later Sivan was diagnosed with ADHD and she finally understood why visual reading had been such a challenge for her and had caused so much unnecessary shame. Sivan’s diagnosis opened her eyes to how much easier things could’ve been if her different learning style had been encouraged and she was inspired to start writing books that show how neurodivergent differences can be turned into strengths if given the right supports. Her books, which are of course offered in both written and audiobook format, focus on helping neurodiverse children face changes and challenges with courage, and just as importantly, they aim to normalize different behaviors and supports for all children. In her words, “We normalize these differences. And then it becomes okay, right? It becomes something that isn't seen as different.” Sivan’s journey from struggling reader to bestselling children’s author along with the incredible work she’s done through her books is truly inspiring and I’m so delighted to share her story with you this episode. Resources: Instagram: @sivan_hong_author Website: LinkedIn:Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Show Notes–Ep. 247: Breaking Up with Booze and Living Your Best Life with Amanda Kuda Amanda Kuda was acutely aware of being different from her peers growing up–the movie Matilda made her feel seen, minus the telekinesis–so when she discovered that alcohol made it easier for her to fit in, it became a regular part of her social life. After an ADHD diagnosis in her early 20’s, Amanda started to take note of what was and wasn’t helpful for managing her symptoms and realized the habit change that benefitted her the most was removing alcohol from her lifestyle. Now, seven years later, Amanda is an author and holistic life coach who helps other ambitious women stop drinking and start manifesting the lives they want and deserve. She tells me, “What transpired after I stopped drinking alcohol was that my potential, my authenticity, my magic came online at a level that I hadn't before been able to access it.” Join my insightful conversation with Amanda to hear about how alcohol may be holding you back from your authenticity and all the ways life can open up for you when you take a step back from substances and embrace who you really are. Resources: Website: Instagram: @amandakudaToday, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Personally, I can't think of anything scarier than being a live performer, but there's something about the ADHD brain that seems to make us happier when we're running into the fire rather than away from it. For comedian Blaire Postman, what scared her more than getting up on a stage was the idea of never trying, which is why at 43 she chose to run headfirst into that metaphorical fire and turned her passion for comedy into a full-time career. Speaking with Blaire, it's easy to see why she was drawn to comedy; with her quick wit and affinity for the silly she can’t help but be funny. Join our conversation to hear more about Blaire’s gutsy leap from lawyer to performer, how her ADHD diagnosis helped her embrace her traits and led to her comedy special “LADY ADHD,” and much more. Resources: Website: TikTok: @ADHDComedy IG: @PostmanComedy Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.

Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

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Stephanie Caldero is a self-made, self-taught interior designer who owns a boutique design firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stephanie has always loved interior design starting when she was a child circling items in catalogs and learning from her seamstress grandmother. For years she designed for friends and family on the side while she worked various marketing jobs, until 2021 when she finally turned her side hustle into her main hustle and never looked back. Stephanie knew she had to turn interior design into a career when she realized it was the one thing she could always get lost in for hours, a decision that was only bolstered by her ADHD diagnosis. Stephanie now understands that this level of passion for her work isn’t just important, but crucial in order for her to find sustainable success in a fulfilling career. Stephanie’s story shows us how much easier things can be when we build our careers around our natural motivators and flow states. I hope our conversation inspires you to start thinking about ways to incorporate your own natural motivators into everyday life. Resources: Website: Instagram: @StephanieCalderonInteriors

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Perfectionism causes so many of us ADHD women to get in our own way and stops us from reaching our full creative potential for fear of criticism. My guest this episode, Dr. Fiona Peters knows firsthand just how disabling the anxiety-perfectionism spiral can be, which is why she’s so passionate about helping others escape it.  Dr. Peters is a speaker and trainer for schools and is currently touring with her talk entitled "Perfectionism and Anxiety,” with which she helps parents, educators, and ADHDers recognize the true cost of this obsession with perfection. “We really rob the world of the genius that we are because we are so worried about external validation and the fear of criticism that actually we don't start things.” Join our conversation to hear the brilliant Dr. Fiona Peters share her incredible ADHD journey from struggling student to PhD program, why it’s so important to be a last 5% finisher, her tips for navigating the workplace when you have ADHD, and ways to start moving away from the need for external validation and toward a more balanced life that allows you to experiment, to make mistakes, and to find validation from within.  Resources: Instagram: @adhd_life LinkedIn: Website: Facebook:

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Sarah McCall is the author of the book, Cecil Gets a Haircut, which she wrote as a tool to help parents, educators, and superintendents of schools work with children with anxiety. Her work both on the pages and in the classrooms helps get the conversation started about ADHD, autism, and mental health, making it easier for students to get the understanding and support they deserve.    Sarah’s life goal is to help children and their adults better understand mental health, but it wasn’t until she went through my “Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!” program that she figured out how to channel her passion into a fulfilling and sustainable career. My program is designed to help ADHD women like Sarah discover who they are and what’s important to them, giving them the foundation and skills to build long-lasting success.    Sarah says, “Now that the doors have opened, these opportunities are abounding. And it's because I'm ready, it's because I'm equipped. I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for coming through [the program]. I wouldn't have the skills, tools, and techniques, I wouldn't be believing in myself. I wouldn't even dream that I could make any money at this.”   Join our conversation to hear about Sarah’s ADHD journey, her impactful work in mental health, and how, by getting clear on who she is, she was able to build a wonderful career beyond her wildest dreams.

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Jessica Liddell is a professional mosaic/mural artist and the owner and founder of Bella Mosaic Art, where she’s been making mosaics professionally since 1997. Before becoming a professional artist Jessica tried pursuing a more practical career in teaching, but after an eye-opening trip to Barcelona, with its exquisite mosaic buildings, she realized that art is where her true passion lies.    When Jessica returned home she dove headfirst into mosaic art, eventually merging her two passions of teaching and art together into one fulfilling career. She’s been able to sustain her business for the last twenty-five plus years because the work is dynamic and ever-changing, which keeps her creative ADHD brain engaged.    Jessica’s story is a great reminder that, for ADHDers, our passions are our greatest motivators, and we have the ability to turn those passions into incredible careers when we have the drive, the hyperfocus, and the self-belief to make it happen. Resources: Website: Instagram: bellamosaic Facebook: bellamosaic

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Growing up, Kathy Joseph was convinced she wasn’t smart because she struggled to memorize facts like everyone else. But as she got older she realized she is smart, she just has to do things her own way.    Kathy leaned into her pattern recognition skills and became a math whiz; she went on to receive four higher education degrees in physics, engineering, and science education and spent 12 years teaching high school physics before ultimately starting her popular YouTube channel, Kathy Loves Physics.    Kathy’s channel is so engaging because she not only uses real human stories to teach science, she also lets her ADHD intensity and curiosity take center stage, which makes her content feel authentic and super fun to watch. Join our conversation to hear more about Kathy’s mission to make science fun again, her personal ADHD journey, how her book "The Lightning Tamers" led her to find success doing what she loves, and much more.    Resources: Website: Youtube: Book:

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I have been searching high and low for the perfect specialist to come on the podcast and talk about autism and ADHD, and I think I finally achieved that with this episode’s guest, Dr. Megan Anna Neff.    Dr. Neff is not only a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent adults, but she herself is an autistic ADHDer, giving her an essential understanding of the internal experience. She was officially diagnosed at 37, and since then her work has grown to focus on educating the mental health field on non-stereotypical presentations of autism and ADHD.    During our conversation Dr. Neff shares her expert insights into AuDHD, the overlaps and differences between the two, the challenges and gifts of having both, what alexithymia is and ways it affects emotional regulation, how to talk about autism using neurodivergent-affirming language, and much more.    Resources: Instagram: @neurodivergent_insights 1) My book is now available for pre-order: 2) My podcast is now live, which can be found here:

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Anna Daphna is an ADHD and executive function coach, mentor, and psychologist based in London. She started off her career in education with the goal of giving kids a better school experience than she had herself, but eventually she felt called to psychology and pursued a psychology degree. Now, Anna combines her two passions by coaching people with ADHD using holistic and neuroscience-based strategies specifically designed for neurodivergent brains to maximize happiness, confidence and performance. In this episode Anna provides an easy-to-understand overview of how the nervous system works, the basics of polyvagal theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol, why a dysregulated nervous system impacts our ADHD symptoms, and tips for nervous system regulation. We also discuss neuroplasticity, ways to grow your confidence, how to be mindful even if you struggle to sit still, and more. Resources: Website: Instagram: @annadaphnaofficial  Facebook: LinkedIn: Twitter:

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ADHDers tend to be good at a bunch of different things, but just because we're good at something doesn't necessarily mean it's the right career path for us. In fact, career counselor Shell Mendelson is here to ask us: forget about the things you’re good at, what are the skills you love using?    As a career coach and counselor of 30 plus years, Shell specializes in supporting ADHD adults in building lasting, fully satisfying careers and businesses. She has developed a unique career counseling system based on Richard Bolles’s book What Color is Your Parachute? that involves taking a deep dive into all the aspects of what would make up an ideal job on an individual level.   During our conversation Shell shares her own ADHD backstory before getting into how to identify whether you’re in the wrong job, why building a career foundation based on what excites you is so crucial for ADHD health and happiness, ways to advocate for your specific needs during the hiring process, and much more.    Shell believes in focusing on the skills that bring us joy rather than simply what we excel at, a simple yet important mindset shift that just may have you considering a whole new career path.  Resources: Website: Facebook: Career Coaching with Shell  LinkedIn: Gmail: Tracy’s program: spyhappy.me/mc

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Applying to college feels more like a grueling competition these days, with an acceptance into one of the top 20 schools being the ultimate prize. But when you “win” the competition, what are you actually winning? That’s a question author Irena Smith poses in her recent memoir, The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays.  Irena, who also runs a private college counseling practice, has seen how much the pressures of college are impacting our kids’ mental health and limiting their futures, and she believes that it’s our job as parents to take a step back and remember what’s really important. “Pushing a kid to punch above their weight in terms of applying to college is not necessarily a healthy thing. Maybe just the goal is the kid graduates from high school with health and sanity intact. There's a lot of time to figure out what to do.” During our conversation we discuss Irena’s brilliant book and the writing process behind it, her ADHD childhood and emigration from the Soviet Union, some measurable ways parents can reduce the pressure on both their children and themselves during the college admissions process, and so much more.   Resources: Website: Facebook: Instagram: @irena.smith   Tracy’s program:

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Hey there! This is a bonus episode Resources: AOK: with the code PODCASTSASS Juliann Decker: Tracy Otsuka: Instagram: @tracyotsuka

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When Mandy Zelinka and I first crossed paths in a women's marketing mastermind group years ago, her vibrant energy and unmistakable talent made it clear she was headed for big things. However, nobody including Mandy could’ve predicted the eccentric places her creative ADHD brain would wind up taking her.

Mandy’s foray into filmmaking first began when she got bored and convinced her Mayor husband to run off to a nudist colony and live in a tiny RV nestled in the Issaquah Alps. Their three-year adventure in the nudist colony, which she describes as being “like one giant SNL skit that took place on the set of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,” became the catalyst for her captivating documentary, Escape from Tiger Mountain Family Nudist Park. Mandy’s documentary received recognition from film festivals around the world, and before she knew it, she was an award-winning documentarian.

During our heartwarming and humorous conversation, Mandy shares her experiences as a self-taught documentarian and how she transformed her ADHD into a formidable asset. We explore the beauty of hyperfixation, the importance of embracing boredom as a creative person, and the power of treating ADHD as a lifelong journey of self-discovery.

Resources:

Substack: MandyFans.com
Youtube show: www.TheMandy.Show
Documentary: EscapeFromTigerMountain.com
Instagram: @MandyZelinka

12 Weeks of Mandy’s meal plans are usually $27, but Tracy’s listeners get them for $17. They are Perfect for neurodivergent people that forget to eat or get exhausted easily by the idea of having to come up with a different meal every day so they eat the same thing. You can the recipes at a reduced price over at mandysmealplans.com

Tracy’s program: Your ADHD Brain is A-OK
spyhappy.me/aok with the code PODCASTSASS
https://www.tracyotsuka.com
Instagram: @tracyotsuka https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/

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Hey there! This is a bonus episode Resources:

AOK:
spyhappy.me/aok with the code PODCASTSASS

Trinlee Chodren:
https://www.facebook.com/trinlee.chodren

Tracy Otsuka:
https://www.tracyotsuka.com
Instagram: @tracyotsuka https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/

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Whether it scares or excites us, artificial intelligence is here to stay. So instead of fighting it, what if we learned how to make it work for our ADHD brains? Unfortunately, even talking about AI is completely out of my wheelhouse, which is why I invited product designer Laura Vig onto the podcast to talk about how we can use AI to improve our lives.

Laura recently got her ADHD diagnosis back in February, which unlocked a new level of understanding and insight into how to best support herself. She learned how to make AI work for her and she's cautiously optimistic about what this technology can do for us in the future.

In our conversation Laura provides a breakdown of AI in really simple terms–what it is, where to start, what tools to use, and all the ways we can use it to help us structure and simplify our lives.

Resources:

Instagram: @why_i_ai
Chat GPT: https://chat.openai.com/
Bard by Google: https://bard.google.com/
Goblin.tools: https://goblin.tools/
Pi Bot Google: Pi Chat Bot
Pi Bot Apple: Pi Apple

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Hey there! This is a bonus episode Resources:

AOK:
https://www.tracyotsuka.com/aok/

Haley Lin:
Instagram @7am.hlz https://www.instagram.com/7am.hlz/
Red

Tracy Otsuka:
https://www.tracyotsuka.com
Instagram: @tracyotsuka https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/

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If you connect with some of the ADHD traits but have never really felt like the label fits you perfectly, you might relate to my guest this episode, Andi Wilkinson, who has both ADHD and autism and describes the combination as “having internal opposite personalities that are constantly fighting with each other.”

Andi, who is a creative and digital marketer, didn’t get her ADHD and autism diagnoses until 45, but once she did she realized just how much it explained about her life–why she’s so good at creating a mess but can’t stand messiness, why she loves to visit new cities but gets overwhelmed by travel, and why she’s able to spend hours and hours on organizational tasks that other people find incredibly boring.

During our conversation Andi shares what it’s like to manage the often-opposing interests of ADHD and autism, the overlaps and differences between the two, her experiences with early trauma and a strict religious upbringing, the intersection of ADHD, ASD, and tech, and so much more.

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andonette/
Instagram: @andonette

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I don't think I've broken my rule yet that all guests must be women who are either diagnosed or have a child who is diagnosed with ADHD, but I think that what our guest is going to talk about in this episode warrants me breaking my rule. Besides, as I told her during our interview, she has a lot of ADHD traits.

An innovator and author in the field of neuroeducation, Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s work utilizing the principles of neuroplasticity is used worldwide to enhance cognitive functioning. Her work, begun in 1978, is recognized as one of the first examples of the practical application of neuroplasticity to address learning difficulties. Since then, its use has expanded to include those dealing with traumatic brain injury, addiction, cognitive decline with aging and those who want to enhance performance.

Barbara’s vision is to “put the Brain in the Education Equation” and she’s well on her way to making that happen, with her Arrowsmith Program already being used in over 100 schools around the world. I am so fascinated by Barbara and the work she’s done, and I'm confident that after our conversation, you will be too.

Resources:

Website: www.arrowsmith.ca

Recent blog article: Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

Arrowsmith Blog: https://blog.arrowsmithprogram.com/

Free webinar series on the brain: https://learn.arrowsmithprogram.com/webinar-series-shaping-our-brains Barbara Arrowsmith-Young – TEDx Presentation: https://youtu.be/o0td5aw1KXA

Book Resources (including The Woman Who Changed Her Brain, authored by: Barbara Arrowsmith-Young): https://arrowsmithschool.org/books-3/

Learn more about your cognitive profile by completing the free Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire: https://questionnaire.arrowsmithprogram.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arrowsmithprogram

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrowsmith-program

Instagram: @thearrowsmithprogram

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1s61VxMQgdk7fO-3h7tRKw

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Author Cynthia Hammer’s journey with inattentive ADHD first began when she received her diagnosis at the age of 49, a pivotal moment that sparked her passion for advocacy and education. She founded the non-profit ADD Resources, which aimed to educate adults about ADHD and grew to become a thriving organization.

Then, while in Covid isolation Cynthia wrote her memoir, Living with Inattentive ADHD, and through her book she discovered the disheartening truth that children and adults with inattentive ADHD in particular continue to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This realization led her to establish The Inattentive ADHD Coalition, a new non-profit with a mission to ensure that children with inattentive ADHD are diagnosed by the age of 8 and that adults seeking help receive accurate diagnoses.

During our conversation, Cynthia and I discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals with inattentive ADHD, the reasons why it’s missed so often, the value of early diagnosis, and the critical work her organization is doing to change things, thirty years after her diagnosis. Cynthia's expertise and advocacy efforts shed light on a lesser-known aspect of ADHD and bring hope to those who have long struggled without a proper diagnosis. I’m just delighted to share Cynthia’s insights with you this episode. What I love most about her is that she has no plans to retire and fade into the sunset. Instead, she spends hours a day helping those with ADHD. When I grow up, I hope to be just like her.

Resources:

Website: www.iadhd.org

Questionnaires that are helpful for identifying adults and children with possible inattentive ADHD: www.iadhd.org/adult/#info and www.iadhd.org/child

Parent support groups on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/601537296692135

https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdparentsgroup

Photo credit: Gayle Rieber

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Thanks to fearmongering and misinformation, being a feminist nowadays comes with all kinds of political baggage that leaves many running away from this label. But put quite simply, a feminist includes anyone who supports equal rights for women. So if you believe that you or the women in your life should have equal rights to a man, then congratulations, you’re a feminist!

Viewing ADHD through a feminist lens allows us to see how gender factors into our experiences, from diagnosis and treatment to ongoing impact. Feminism allows us to question gendered expectations, to see them as social constructions that bear no basis in reality, to stop conflating them with virtue, and to start embracing our uniqueness.

Women with ADHD have so many gifts to offer, the problem is we cannot recognize and celebrate those gifts without a more level playing field. Join me this episode as I take a closer look at the impacts of inequality on ADHD women and explore some ways to level out the playing field and start taking on more roles that generate positive emotions and self-worth.

Resources:

https://www.divergentlit.com/

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/saving-normal-allen-frances?variant=40974806155298

https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/558415/gender-and-our-brains-by-gina-rippon/

https://www.everodsky.com/fair-play

https://drgailsaltz.com/books/

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If you’ve ever wished for a compass to help you navigate the complexities of ADHD relationships, look no further than psychotherapist Anita Robertson and her book, ADHD & Us: A Couple's Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD. Anita’s book, is built around what she calls the five pillars. These pillars –praise, growth mindset, games, positive acceptance, and acknowledgement– provide a much-needed foundation for couples to return to whenever they find themselves drifting apart. Anita's work stands out because it creates a bridge of empathy between partners, allowing them to recognize that ADHD is not a character failing but simply a difference in brain wiring. By providing this awareness and understanding, she equips couples with the tools to nurture their strengths, communicate effectively, and ultimately create a thriving partnership. Join me this episode for an encouraging and strengths-focused conversation with Anita that will revolutionize the way you navigate relationships as an ADHD couple.

Resources:

Website: www.anitarobertson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buildingresiliency

Instagram and TikTok: @strengthinyourmind

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anitarobertson

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Raising a strong-willed ADHD child when you have ADHD yourself is a specific challenge that connects so many of us, including my guest this episode, author Katherine Ellison. Too often as parents we can find ourselves in power struggles over things that ultimately don’t matter and only serve to damage our relationships, which is why Katherine is here to tell us that when we’re in those power tug-of-wars with our children, it’s our job to drop the rope. Katherine is the author of the brilliant book, Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention, where she details her experiences raising a spirited ADHD child and the lessons she learned about how to support him best. “You can't be the person, as the mother, having the power struggles with them and teaching them what they need to know. You just have to love them. They're getting so much negativity from the rest of the world that they need you to be their solid ally.” Join me and the extraordinary Katherine Ellison as we dive into the ups and downs of raising spirited ADHD children, ways to take a step back when you notice a power struggle starting, the importance of identifying our childrens’ strengths and areas of brilliance, and the absolute necessity of creating a loving and supportive environment where that brilliance can flourish.

Resources:

Website: www.katherineellison.com

Book: BUZZ: A Year of Paying Attention - https://www.amazon.com/BUZZ-Paying-Attention-Katherine-Ellison/dp/B0BPGMCQVH

Facebook: Katherine Ellison official

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As ADHD women we are often endlessly creative and optimistic about how much we can accomplish, but when that optimism turns into setting impossible goals for ourselves, it stops us from actually bringing our brilliant ideas into reality. My guest this episode, Roxanne Jarrett, is an entrepreneurial coach who helps her ADHD and dyslexic clients tackle this problem head-on by giving them the skills and supports to follow through on their dreams from beginning to end. Roxanne is ADHD herself, so she knows firsthand that a traditional approach won’t work for her clients’ unique brains. Instead, she teaches people how to get realistic about time, set up a positive environment, prioritize self-care, and reduce lofty expectations in order to create goals that are actually achievable. Roxanne is passionate about supporting creators as they reduce overwhelm by designing a structure and environment in which to thrive. I hope her incredible insights inspire you to start taking small steps toward your own big dreams. 

Resources:

Website: www.swellhead.com

Instagram: @roxannejarrett 

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When nutritionist Nicole DeMasi Malcher first came onto the podcast three years ago to talk about nutrition and ADHD (go back and listen to Episode #84 if you haven’t yet!), she briefly mentioned the gut-brain connection and how what we eat can directly influence our central nervous system, and therefore our physical and mental health. At the time I asked Nicole if this connection was controversial, but she reassured me that the science is there to support it.

Ever since, I’ve wanted to get her back on the show to dive deeper into this important topic, which we’re finally doing this episode. Join us as Nicole gives a breakdown of what the gut actually is (aka the “second brain”), the research behind the brain-gut connection, how the gut microbiome impacts mood and ADHD symptoms, and some easy ways to improve your gut microbiome when you’re already struggling with the executive functioning and sensory aspects of eating and meal-planning.

Resources:

Website: www.eatingwithadhd.com

Instagram: @eatingwithadhd

Episode 84: ADHD and Nutrition with Nicole DeMasi Malcher - Tracy Otsuka

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Growing up in a politically active environment, local Wales politician Sara Robinson was always drawn to social justice, and when she realized she had ADHD at 41, her life path started to make perfect sense.

Sara’s strong reaction to injustice–one of her ADHD strengths–drove her to get involved with local politics in order to make positive changes at the community level, and most recently, led her to advocate for changes in U.K. legislation around ADHD in criminal, education, and healthcare settings.

Like many of us, Sara struggles with rejection sensitive dysphoria, but her passion for social justice has always overridden any fears she has of being seen. She says, "Now that I've opened my eyes to it, post-diagnosis, I can't unsee the injustice."

Join us as Sara shares her ADHD journey, what’s changed since getting diagnosed, how building community has transformed how she sees her ADHD, the importance of women getting involved in politics at the local level, and so much more.

Resources:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararobinson; www.sararobinsoncomms.co.uk

Insta: @sararobinson_81

Whatsapp group: ADHDivas

Photo credit: Mike Hall

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Steph West is the creator and director of Starfish Social Club, which teaches neurodivergent kids and teens how to make friends without masking or conforming. She’s on a mission to change the way we teach social skills, as well as the way we raise our neurodivergent kids in general.

Steph was formally diagnosed with ADHD in 2021, which has made her even more committed to her students and helps them relate to her on a very personal level. Her goal with her work is never to teach autistic and ADHD students how to conform to neurotypical society, rather, it’s to help them develop dynamic social awareness and problem-solving skills to connect with their peers, while still preserving the traits that make them unique.

Steph’s ideology serves as a great reminder that we can all learn how to move through social interactions more easily without sacrificing our authenticity, and I’m so delighted to share her valuable perspective with you this episode.

Resources:

Website: www.StarfishSocialClub.org

Facebook: www.FB.com/StarfishSocialClubSATX

Podcast: Social Skills Unscripted

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Get ready to finally learn how to fold in the cheese, because author Rachel Floyd is joining me this episode to discuss her hilarious new cookbook Tastes Like Schitt: The Unofficial Schitt's Creek Cookbook and share how her ADHD led her to find sustainable success in a field she’s always been passionate about. 

Rachel and her sister Hannah started the parody cookbook as a fun way to stay connected during Covid, and over time their unique idea snowballed from a self-published online resource to a traditionally-published cookbook lining the shelves of independent bookstores, all because they were brave enough to follow through on their dreams. 

Much like Moira Rose, Rachel lets her curiosity guide her and isn’t afraid to dream big, and I hope her boldness inspires you to channel your own inner Moira, outrageous wigs and all. 

Resources:

Website: Racheljfloyd.com  Instagram: @racheljfloyd; @littlebisonpress

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Jen Kohms has faced huge hurdles throughout her life, raising herself from age 13 and living on her own starting at 15 all while managing undiagnosed ADHD. Despite a difficult start, Jen figured out many pre-diagnosis workarounds and always held onto her optimism, which carried her through to the other side. She got an official ADHD diagnosis at age 34 after her son was diagnosed, and this new understanding allowed her to lean into her gifts and build a supportive life around her unique brain.

Now, Jen is working toward her goal of becoming an ADHD coach and still incorporates gratitude into everything she does. She tells me that she has found success through her innate ability to listen around corners and through walls, to read people and their needs, and to care enough to help, all of which shines through in speaking with her. 

Jen’s optimism, gratitude, and determination make her an inspiration for anyone, and I’m so excited to share her story with you this episode.

Resources:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenkohms68

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Amelia Etherton, a freelance editor and writer living in Ireland, bravely reached out to me with a request that I have more older (personally, I prefer venerable) ADHD women on the show who can speak to the specific type of grief that comes with a later-in-life diagnosis and all of the ‘what-if’s that come with it. Amelia herself was recently diagnosed with inattentive ADHD at 57, so I thought, who better to speak on this topic than her?

Amelia’s diagnosis brought with it an almost overwhelming sense of grief over how hard it was to bring up her kids mostly alone without knowing they were all neurodivergent, but it also gave her a newfound feeling of hope and self-understanding that has been life-changing. 

She wants other late-diagnosed ADHD women to see that it’s possible to move beyond the grief of what could have been and to embrace your unique brains in order to truly enjoy the time you have left, and I’m delighted to share her message of hope with you this episode. 

Resources:

Website: www.picincottage.com

Instagram: @ameliajmaiden

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When I work with older ADHD women they often ask me, “I’ve made it through life this far, what would really change if I got a diagnosis?” Well, self-leadership coach and author Angela Raspass is here to answer that question, and her response is “everything.”

Angela was diagnosed last year at 53, and even she was shocked by just how drastically her life was altered when she started to understand and accommodate her ADHD. She was lucky enough to find a medication that works for her brain, but Angela credits the biggest improvements to lifestyle and positivity changes, which have manifested into better relationships with her business, her family, and most importantly, herself.

Angela’s ADHD diagnosis allowed her to finally feel like she was taking the reins on her own life after so many years of not realizing the reins were even there. I hope her story inspires you to grab your own reins no matter your age.

Resources:

Website: angelaraspass.com.au, angelaraspass.com.au/anchored (a new program)

Insta:@angelaraspass

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaraspass/

Promo Codes:

https://www.angelaraspass.com.au/strengths-profile/ SMARTSTRENGTHS - for $50 off

https://www.angelaraspass.com.au/yournextchapterbook/ SMARTBOOK - for $10 off

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ADHD women are known for being tenacious (probably because we’ve had to be!), but my guest this episode takes it to a whole new level. Jamie Cutino is a Master of Occupational Therapy, an entrepreneur, and an ADHD advocate and coach. Her tenacity has gotten her through a difficult upbringing, onto the TedX stage, and has driven her to found two different companies where she gets to do what she loves.

Jamie never questions whether she can do something, she just takes the leap and trusts that she can make a net appear. Her secret, she tells me, is an unwavering dedication to her purpose: “My ‘why’ is showing women with ADHD that they are brilliant, and if I allowed my fear to get in the way of that I wouldn't be able to help anybody.”

Jamie has gotten to where she is today through her persistence and her refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer, and I’m so delighted to share her story with you.

Resources:

TikTok: @jamie_outsmartadhd

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1094275877830692

Instagram: @jamie_outsmartadhd

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw-MJok_WBfSiKy8w10N4ag

Website: Outsmartadhd.com

Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/8rIzzoyU8IY

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In true ADHD style, artist Micah Clasper-Torch has had a winding career path, leading her to a variety of jobs in art, fashion, and startups. When Micah discovered the traditional craft of punch needle rug hooking, however, she unexpectedly uncovered a passion that would finally allow her to focus her creativity in a single direction. After completing a rug hooking program in 2019, she successfully launched her own business, Punch Needle World, with a mission to uplift the craft and make high-quality supplies and training accessible to all.

Micah’s passion may have inspired her to start her business, but it was when she received her official ADHD diagnosis that the rest of the entrepreneurship puzzle pieces fell into place. Her diagnosis taught her that her creative brain needs structure to thrive, and since building ADHD-friendly systems and supports into her days her business has only grown stronger.

Join our conversation to hear how Micah structures her days to get the most out of her creativity, what’s changed since getting diagnosed, her thoughts on creative entrepreneurship, and much more.

Resources:

Personal website: www.micahclasper-torch.com

Instagram: @claspertorch

Punch Needle World website: www.punchneedleworld.com

Instagram: @punchneedle.world

If you're interested in learning punch needle, check out her online courses here https://www.punchneedleworld.com/pages/online-courses. Use the coupon code ADHDPODCAST for 20% off of Micah’s online course.

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Emily McKaskle grew up in the 70’s during a time when girls “didn’t have ADHD,” so when she started struggling with reading in the 2nd grade her teacher dismissed her as just not being very bright and left it at that. It wasn’t until she discovered a Harlequin Romance novel at age 11 that her passion for reading, and therefore her reading ability, skyrocketed.

Now, Emily is now an award-winning author of nearly forty books and co-founder of her own company, Book+Love Ink. Her impressive leap from struggling reader to bestselling author definitely improved her confidence, but the imposter syndrome and rejection sensitive dysphoria never really went away. 

Join our conversation as Emily shares how she quiets that negative voice by incorporating gratitude and positive emotion into her writing process, what’s changed since getting her ADHD diagnosis, how she survives the brutal book editing process, and much more. Emily’s journey just goes to show how crucial interest is for the ADHD brain and what we’re capable of when we follow it, and I’m so excited to share her story with you this episode. 

Resources:

Website: emmaleejayne.com; emilymckay.com

Instagram: @emmaleejaynewrites

Romance Writers of America

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After grooming her own Shih Tzu during the pandemic and posting a picture online, Elly Linam started having neighbors reach out to her, asking if they could pay her to groom their dogs. One thing led to another, and within a month of that first neighbor asking, she knew there was a passion brewing and enrolled in grooming school. 

Now, only a few short years later, Elly is a Certified Pet Groomer with her own dog grooming business and a career she’s endlessly passionate about–one that’s dynamic, creative, and perfect for her ADHD brain. Elly found her dream profession at 35 by putting herself out there and growing her spark of passion into a flame, but she’s been able to maintain that flame by supporting her ADHD needs and giving herself permission to do things differently. 

Join our conversation to hear Elly’s ADHD entrepreneurship story, what changed once she got her official diagnosis, how she builds a balance of work, creativity, and rest into her daily routine, and much more. 

Resources:

Instagram: @ellywentwest; @elly.scissorhands

Time Timer: https://www.timetimer.com/

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In my 200th episode I made a callout for someone to come on the podcast who’s been listening for a while, but who doesn’t think they’re accomplished or successful enough to measure up to my other guests. I personally know having interviewed hundreds of ADHD women at this point, that regardless of how much we've done in our life, we still think we haven't done enough. So I challenged our listeners to raise their hand, because every listener resonates differently with every guest and we can learn so much from each other regardless of our age or where we happen to be in life.

Well, listener Amanda Feliciano took a giant leap out of her comfort zone and volunteered for the challenge despite her fears, and I’m so glad she did. Amanda, who’s a customer service representative by day and the co-founder and president of Full Circle Theatre Collective by night, has seen huge changes in her confidence, anxiety, and self-talk since receiving her ADHD diagnosis at 32.

Her story is a great example of what we can accomplish when we get out of our ruminating brains and into action, and I hope Amanda’s leap of bravery inspires you to take even the littlest step out of your own comfort zone–I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with just how much you’re capable of.

Resources:

Instagram: @amanda_eff @thefullcircletheatrecollective Email: fullcircletheatercollective@gmail.com

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Emma Dodi is the founder of Emma Dodi Cakes in London, a luxury cake and hand-painted macaron business. In true ADHD fashion, Emma’s path hasn’t been a straight one. In a previous life, she was a banker working at top financial companies. Now with four kids, a hands-on husband, and a business of her own that’s creative and dynamic, she couldn’t be happier with where she’s ended up, no matter how unexpected.

In our conversation, Emma shares her ADHD journey and diagnosis story, the challenges of socializing as you age, how she carved out a niche for herself in the baking world, the value in getting an ADHD diagnosis, and more. 

Not only am I blown away by Emma’s incredible edible works of art, but I’m inspired by her drive to discover her true ADHD self and live an authentic life, and I couldn’t be more excited to introduce this episode.

Resources:

Instagram: @emmadodicakes 

Website: https://emmadodicakes.com/

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Emily Yudofsky struggled with reading growing up, but luckily her dyslexia was identified at a young age and she was given the proper reading interventions to support her differently-wired brain. Emily knows how different her life would’ve been if her dyslexia had gone undiagnosed, which is what inspired her to co-found her company, Marker Learning.

Marker Learning’s mission is to level the playing field by making learning disability evaluations and supports more accessible and affordable for families, schools, and individuals no matter their location or financial situation. Emily says, “Previously, evaluations for things like ADHD and dyslexia have been incredibly expensive and cost-prohibitive for many families. Our whole goal is to make access to these services more equitable so that they're not just available for a small echelon of the world.”

If you’ve been stuck on a year-long waitlist trying to get an evaluation, or if you haven’t even made an appointment yet because of the outrageous costs, Emily Yudofsky just may have what you need to finally access the supports you deserve.

Resources:

Website: https://markerlearning.com/

https://www.instagram.com/marker.learning/

https://www.tiktok.com/@markerlearning

emily@markerlearning.com

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I always talk about how creative the ADHD mind is, but creativity can only get us so far if we don’t also have structure to make things happen. The problem is, there’s so much advice out there on how to create that structure and monetize creativity, most of which isn’t written for our unique brains, that it’s hard to know where to begin. This is why I invited Miriam Schulman back onto the podcast (go back and listen to her first episode #136 if you haven’t already!) to talk about her recent book, Artpreneur.

In Artpreneur, Miriam provides actionable steps to turn your creative ideas into a thriving business in a way that works for neurodivergent brains. She’s an expert at cutting through the noise and consolidating everything down into simple, straightforward advice for creative entrepreneurs and I’m so excited to be able to share her brilliance with you again. Join our conversation as Miriam and I discuss the book-writing process, what defines art, how to market your work, the importance of believing in the buyer, and so much more.

Resources

Podcast [The Inspiration Place]: schulmanart.com/itunes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/schulmanart

Instagram: @schulmanart

Book pre-order: ArtpreneurBOOK.com; schulmanart.com/BELIEVE (free chapter of Artpreneur)

https://www.tracyotsuka.com/podcasts/136/

https://pemachodronfoundation.org/product/fail-fail-again-fail-better-ebook/

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Kacy Peterson DeLong will tell you that she’s had a lot of goofy jobs that sometimes seemed like they were all over the place: librarian, apprentice cabinet maker, artist's live model, soooo much food service, bouncy castle carnival operator, Christmas tree shearer, goat-herder, self-employed science communicator, and fundraiser for kidney disease… you know, the usual ADHD career path. 

Today however, Kacy can look back at that zigzag path and see the path to the career she was always meant to have, the one that feeds her soul and helps her live her purpose. Kacy is a municipal politician and climate consultant and credits all those goofy jobs for helping her build tools for the toolkit that she regularly uses today.

If you’re feeling directionless, all over the place and not sure what to do with your life, this is the episode for you. Kacy will confirm for you that the path that you can’t see looking forward becomes crystal clear once you look backwards; your journey will connect the dots.

Resources:

Email address: kacydelong@gmail.com

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/tree-planting-drones-successfully-planted-thousands-of-saplings/

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Kristen Baird-Goldman is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD certified clinical specialist with a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology and integrative wellness. Kristen recently released her first book, The CBT Workbook for Adult ADHD, which was inspired by her and her clients’ experiences as adults with ADHD. Reading through the workbook, it’s clear it was created with ADHD brain in mind; it has simple exercises designed to help you examine the most common obstacles that adult ADHDers encounter, followed by mindfulness and CBT-based techniques for navigating those obstacles successfully. 

Kristen’s philosophy and approach to therapy is strength-based, allowing individuals to discover their best selves, which is why I knew she would be the perfect person to cover these topics on the podcast. During our conversation she provides an easy-to-understand explanation of what CBT is, how she uses it with her ADHD clients and herself, the important role of discomfort, and more. 

Resources:

Website: bairdintegratedtherapy.com

Instagram: @theadhdguru

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This episode I'm delighted to re-introduce you to Vanessa Garkin. We talked to Vanessa a few months ago about occupational therapy (go back and listen to Episode 198 if you haven’t already!), and as we were wrapping it up, it became very clear to me that in Vanessa we also had an expert in emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). So, at the end of our conversation I asked Vanessa if she would come back and share her expertise on these topics, and lucky for us, she said yes.

During our conversation, Vanessa explains what DBT is, how it differs from CBT, and how she uses it to help her ADHD clients break out of the RSD cycle. We also dive into ADHD and emotional dysregulation, shame and perfectionism, the link between RSD and trauma, and so much more.

Resources:

Website: https://vanessagorelkin.com

Instagram: @humanist_therapist 

Episode 198: How to Unlock Your Potential with Occupational Therapist, Vanessa Gorelkin

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For years I used to write out a long list of New Year’s resolutions like I thought I was supposed to, only to not be able to remember what was on the list a week later, let alone where the hell the list even is. So a couple of years ago I started choosing one word and one word only to set the direction for my new year instead, and I discovered that I was capable of setting and sticking to goals in the new year–I just had to start doing it my way. 

Choosing just one word for the year works so well for my ADHD brain because it's intentional and it’s simple. I may forget about a whole list of goals, but I can focus on one word every day, all year long because that one word sums up who I want to be in that specific year. My word acts as my compass and helps me make my daily decisions with intentionality. It serves as a North star for me, moving me toward my goals throughout the entire year, and I think it'll have a huge impact on you too if you choose to join me.

With one word as your focus, your New Year's goals don’t need to be big cosmic shifts and changes in action and behavior, because it's the little things you do, the tiny actions you take every single day that lead to fulfilling a very big intention or goal in 2023.

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We know that shame grows in silence, but the thought of actually sharing our traumas and innermost thoughts out loud can feel so scary that many of us end up burying it down deep instead. Allison Lane, a marketer for non-fiction authors and people who should be, tried using this approach with her own childhood trauma; for years she kept everything inside, afraid of making others uncomfortable and unable to face it herself, until a suicide attempt forced her to confront how much pain and shame she had been hiding, and how isolating it was to carry her trauma alone. 

Once Allison started sharing openly about her experiences, she discovered how empowering it was to be able to say, “this happened to me, but this is not me.” Now, her mission in her work is to empower other women to share their stories and to use their voices in a way that reaches people. Allison has seen firsthand the value of sharing our stories and shedding light on our shame, and I hope her words give you the courage to let down some of your own walls, even when it feels vulnerable.

Resources:

@allisonlanelit on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn

Website: allisonlaneliterary.com 

Email: allison@allisonlaneliterary.com

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I initially started talking with fitness coach Marnie Bothmer because I told her that I often get pushback from ADHD women around exercise; they know it’s beneficial for the ADHD brain, but they want to know how “real people” are supposed to fit it into their busy lives. Marnie pointed out that the whole concept of what “real people” can do for exercise reveals the root of the problem: the societally-ingrained belief that exercise has to be extreme, and is therefore unattainable.

My conversation with Marnie completely changed the way I think and speak about movement (in fact, it got me to stop saying ‘exercise’ and start using ‘movement’ with my students and clients), so I knew I had to get her on the podcast to dive into this subject. In this episode Marnie talks about the value of listening to your body and finding movement that feels good for you, how her multiple sclerosis diagnosis challenged her ideology around the fitness industry, her ADHD-friendly tips for making movement more rewarding and attainable, and so much more.

Resources:

Instagram: @mbstrength4life 

Website: www.marniebothmer.com

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Luzia Tschirky was born and raised in the Swiss Mountains in a small town close to the border of Austria and Lichtenstein. As a child, she knew she wanted to become a journalist, so much so that she started her own newspaper at the age of eight and began working for the local newspaper at 14. Now 28, not only is Luzia a professional journalist, she’s the first-ever female correspondent in Moscow, where she covers all post-Soviet countries, including Russia and Ukraine. 

For the past nine months Luzia has been covering the war in Ukraine, which she says has given her a newfound appreciation for her ADHD. She credits her ADHD brain for her intense curiosity, her intuition, and her hyperfocus and quick thinking in moments of crisis, all of which have helped her to thrive in high-intensity situations and produce impactful journalism even in a warzone. 

What sets Luzia apart (on top of everything else) is her incredible empathy for the humans behind the stories, which shines through in everything she does and is one of the many reasons why I’m so excited to share her story with you this episode. 

Resources:

Instagram: @luziatschirky

Twitter: @luziatschirky

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I’ve been doing intermittent fasting, well, intermittently for a few years now and have found that for me personally, it helps me eat intuitively and clears my brain fog. However, I’ve been hesitant to talk about it on the podcast because I know it isn’t a lifestyle that works for everyone, but when a listener recommended author Gin Stephens as a guest I knew that she was the right person to tackle this tricky subject.

Gin, who’s written multiple bestsellers on clean eating and intermittent fasting, doesn’t promote the lifestyle as a weight loss strategy or make any claims that it can “cure” your ADHD or anything like that; rather, she focuses on the research into the gut-brain connection and how what and when we eat affects our mood, our immune systems, our cognitive functioning, and our cravings, among many other things.

In this episode, Gin gives a great breakdown of what intermittent fasting is, the science behind it, and how to ease into it responsibly. We also talk about metabolic syndrome, how to find the foods that work best for your body, and much more. Again, intermittent fasting isn’t right for everyone, but if you’re curious to learn more about it, come join our conversation.

Resources:

Instagram: @GinStephens

Website: www.ginstephens.com

Her books: ginstephens.com/get-the-books

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When Martha Barnard-Rae was finally diagnosed with ADHD after years of being told it was just anxiety, she started structuring her home and work life around her brain’s unique needs and saw a complete transformation in how she lives and speaks to herself. Since getting her diagnosis, Martha has gone on to give an inspiring TedX talk about ADHD and start her own copywriting business, Word Candy, where she has the freedom to let her ADHD strengths shine.

“I want people to understand that ADHD is a part of me and I can use these powers such as they are for good. And I think the more that I can kind of say about it, the more people will understand and they can go, ‘oh, I want to work with her because she does those hyperfocus weeks because she can work in that way.’ That's a feature, not a bug.”

Join us this episode as Martha shares all the ways she’s redefining success for herself, her vulerable experience on the TedX stage, how she fills her “bowl of resilience,” and so much more.

Resources:

Website: www.wordcandy.com.au

Instagram: @wordcandycomms

LinkedIn: Martha Barnard-Rae

TedX Talk: ADHD in Girls and Women

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Alexis Tomaszewski knew she wanted to be a dentist by the age of 12. When she got to dental school, however, she realized that although she had the clinical and hand skills for dentistry, she struggled with multi-choice tests, which led to her essentially flunking out the first time around.

Alexis thought about not returning to dental school, but after stepping back to get some clarity and rediscovering her purpose of opening up an ADHD-friendly dental practice, she returned to school in full force, this time with a lot more intention and positive emotions. Her imposter syndrome and RSD were and are still there, but keeping sight of her purpose has allowed Alexis to push through the negative thoughts even when things get hard.

Alexis’s goal to create a comfortable, shame-free, and fun dental experience for ADHDers is admirable (and much needed!), and her story is a great reminder that, when we align ourselves with our purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Resources:

Tiktok: @tooth_be_told

Instagram: @toothbetoldbyalexis

Email: toothbetoldbyalexis@gmail.com

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I first met Amanda Smith in my Your ADHD Brain is A-OK program, and ever since she has been bringing so much empathy and joy to the group that I knew I had to get her on the podcast.

In Amanda’s own words, she is not your typical ADHD brain. She didn’t struggle with executive functioning or memory growing up, so when doctors discovered Amanda had a Multiple Sclerosis lesion on her prefrontal cortex, causing sudden-onset ADHD with working memory and cognitive impairment, she realized she was going to have to completely change how she had been operating for the past 32 years.

Amanda’s life was turned on its head when she got the diagnosis –her life snow globe got kicked down the stairs, as she puts it– but her ability to find new ways to forge forward and move her life in the direction she wants it to go in is truly an inspiration.

Resources

Instagram: @dandylion_wishes

BRIDGING THE GAP: Exploring community, connections, and overcoming barriers through intergenerational care

Therapeutic Benefits of Children for People With Dementia (verywellhealth.com)

Toddlers and Seniors Together: The Benefits of Intergenerational Care

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I wasn’t planning to do anything special for this 200th episode, but my wonderful friend Sandra wouldn’t hear of it. She suggested I invite my family onto the podcast to mark the occasion–after all, they’ve been putting up with this for 200 episodes now–so that’s exactly what I decided to do. 

In a podcast first, I’m sitting down with my husband and kids to get their perspectives on how ADHD impacts our family, what makes us different from other families, and what it’s been like behind the scenes of this whole podcasting journey so far. My family generates so much positive emotion for me and I truly couldn’t keep this podcast going without them, which is why I’m so excited to introduce you to them in this milestone episode. 

I also couldn’t have made it this far without the support of all you wonderful listeners, who have allowed me to show up as my authentic self and make something that matters to so many people. I am so appreciative of you all for showing up these past 200 episodes and I can’t wait to see where all our unique paths will take us in 200 more. 

Resources

Instagram: @ateastefani

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Okay, so you did a bunch of learning and self-reflecting and you suspect you might have ADHD. Now what?

The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can, ironically, be super inaccessible for the ADHD brain, so I wanted to do an episode on how to seek out a diagnosis for those of you who don’t know where to start.

Whether you’re afraid that you won’t be believed by your provider, that you’ll be accused of drug-seeking, or that you won’t be able to remember anything you wanted to say in the moment, I’ve created a checklist of adult ADHD symptoms based on the DSM-5 and Russell Barkley’s Adult Scale that will help you discuss your experiences with confidence.

I’m not a doctor, but I know how your brain works because I share it, and my aim with this episode is to give you the framework and the courage to fight for the medical support you deserve.

Resources

https://www.tracyotsuka.com/checklist/

https://www.tracyotsuka.com/booklist/

https://www.spyhappy.me/adhdprofslist

https://add.org/professional-directory/

https://chadd.org/professional-directory/

https://directory.additudemag.com/

https://www.additudemag.com/top-adhd-clinics/

https://addca.com/adhd-coach-training/ADHD-Coaches/

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I’ve always had a general idea of what an occupational therapist does, but I didn’t realize just how many areas of ADHD they can help with until I invited occupational therapist Vanessa Goreklin onto the podcast.

As a licensed OT, Vanessa’s work focuses on helping ADHDers live their lives to the fullest while harnessing their unique skills. She may not have ADHD herself, but both her son and husband do, which has given her real-life experience in understanding ADHD.

Vanessa works with her clients to develop skills in everything from basic self-care to executive functioning to exercise, taking into account that the ADHD brain has different needs, motivations, and ways of doing things than a neurotypical brain.

She says, “The neurotypical world is for people who stand in line and color in the shapes just so, and are very, very good at showing up and doing exactly what they're supposed to do. And that's not people with ADHD, who can do what they're supposed to do but they have new and creative and wonderful ways of doing it.”

Vanessa believes that occupational therapy can be a key to unlocking the potential of people with ADHD, and my hope is that our conversation gets people talking about all the ways occupational therapy can be a wonderful support for ADHDers through every stage of life.

Resources

Website: https://vanessagorelkin.com

Instagram: @humanist_therapist

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This episode is a little different from how I usually do things, but this story was so moving and has such a unique tie-in to ADHD, I knew I had to share it.

Renee Grewe, who is the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors, recently received a translated copy of her grandfather's journal that details his capture and imprisonment by Nazi soldiers and his miraculous and courageous escape.

Renee believes that the details of her grandfather's escape are indicative of him having undiagnosed ADHD and that this was the very reason that he was able to survive all of it.

During our conversation, Renee shares about her own ADHD journey and how she moved past learned helplessness before reading sections of her grandfather’s journal, which details his imprisonment and harrowing escape and outlines the aspects of his story that show bravery, empathy, quick thinking, ingenuity, hope–all strengths of ADHD.

This story is so moving because, in all of the horror, there is something so hopeful and uplifting about it; it serves as a reminder that when we are really put to the test, it’s amazing what we can accomplish.

Resources:

Instagram: @reneegrewe

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There are so many great ADHD podcasts out there that deliver the latest research and feature leading experts, but I think that what makes this podcast so different and valuable are the stories.

Hearing about the lives and internal thoughts of other ADHD women who seem to have it all together from the outside reminds us that we’re not alone in our self-doubt.

It also shows us that if even the most successful of us still struggles under the weight of imposter syndrome, maybe the problem is our thoughts telling us that we aren’t good enough, rather than a reflection of our actual abilities.

My guest this episode, author and sales expert Shianne Sampson, is a perfect example of why these stories matter.

From the outside, Shianne is a confident and outgoing sales leader whose hard work has led to incredible success, but no matter how many accomplishments she has under her belt, that imposter syndrome is always there to make her feel like she doesn’t deserve it.

In our conversation, Shianne shares the ADHD strengths that shine in the sales world, the specific challenges that can lead to imposter syndrome as you climb the sales ladder, and we chat strategies for tackling the self-doubt, starting with celebrating our accomplishments.

Shianne’s story is a great reminder that imposter syndrome grows in the shadows of shame, and the more we shed light on it through vulnerability and connection, the less power it holds over us.

Resources

Website: shiannesampson.com

LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/shiannesampson/

Her book: Triage - Sales Coaching by Shianne Sampson

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When I first started this podcast I had so many creative ideas and big ambitions for how to connect with other ADHD women, but actually executing my ideas consistently was a whole different story. Even though I was drowning on my own, I couldn’t imagine hiring someone to help me with the tasks I was struggling with. What if their work wasn’t up to my standards? Could I really afford to do that? Where would I even begin? It wasn’t until digital marketing strategist, Jen Lehner, came along with her brilliant program, Front Row CEO, that I was finally convinced that not only was it possible to hire help, it was a necessity if I wanted to grow my podcast and achieve all my goals. So, I finally caved and hired a virtual assistant, and I haven’t looked back since.

Being ADHD herself, Jen knows how easily all the little tasks can start to snowball on us until we’re left buried under a pile of overwhelm and shame. Getting a virtual assistant completely changed her relationship with her business, her home life, and most importantly, her family, because it allowed her to focus her time and energy on the work she’s brilliant at and take the rest off her plate. Jen now helps others navigate the process of hiring a VA, including how to find quality candidates, what tasks you can delegate to a VA (it’s more than you’d think!), and how to establish and maintain open communication.

If you’re drowning in overwhelm but don’t feel deserving of a virtual assistant or don’t know where to start, I know Jen’s guidance and encouragement in this episode will give you that push you need to take the first step, just like it did for me.

Resources:

Instagram: @jen_lehner

160 Tasks you can outsource to a VA: https://www.jensprograms.com/vatasklist

Front Row CEO program: https://frontrowceo.com/365

Join our Front Row CEO Masterclass: https://www.jensprograms.com/freemasterclass

Affiliate links:

Front Row CEO Masterclass: https://tracyotsuka--jenlehnermedia.thrivecart.com/front-row-ceo-365/629f94be0f38d/

VA Task List: https://tracyotsuka--jenlehnermedia.thrivecart.com/front-row-ceo-365/62f013f930846/

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ADHD and trauma overlap quite a bit in how they affect the brain, so much so that clinicians often misdiagnose one for the other.

So how do clinicians distinguish between ADHD and trauma when both impact the same areas of the brain and can cause similar symptoms?

And moreover, what happens when ADHD and trauma co-occur, which they so often do, due to the inherent trauma of growing up with a differently wired brain?

This solo episode I’m diving into the research on how trauma impacts the brain and nervous system, how untreated ADHD can lead to trauma, and where to start with treatment when you have that oh-so-wonderful combo of ADHD and trauma.

Just like with ADHD, trauma is never your fault and your symptoms are not moral failings or character flaws to be hidden away.

Shame is a component of both trauma and ADHD, and the more we shed light on it, the easier it is to eradicate it. In other words, what is sharable is bearable.

Resources

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

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When ADHDers are faced with a problem, we often try to either go around it or develop new strategies to get better at it. My guest this episode, author and money mentor Denise Duffield-Thomas, has mastered the art of stepping back from the problem and determining whether she can eliminate it altogether, which is the foundation of her “keyless life” philosophy. Born from the idea to literally go keyless by installing keypads on the doors after losing her house keys so many times, Denise’s keyless life philosophy is all about protecting your mental energy by automating, delegating, or removing the difficult-to-manage tasks that drain you the most, rather than trying to muscle or self-improve your way through them.

Her philosophy is so supportive of ADHD brains especially because it’s rooted in forgiveness and self-love–the antithesis to the shame and self-sabotage many of us carry around. Join our wonderful conversation to hear the ways Denise uses this philosophy to set herself up for success and lean into her ADHD strengths, her shame-free approach to money management, how to live a life of abundance without the burnout, and more.

Resources:

Website: www.denisedt.com

Instagram: @denisedt

Twitter: @denisedt

Facebook: Denise Duffield-Thomas

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Sign up for "5 Days to Fall in Love with Your ADHD Brain" here: https://www.tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain/

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It isn’t a stretch to say that imposter syndrome likely takes up space in most ADHD brains (and how could it not when we’re constantly feeling like we aren’t reaching our potential?), but there’s an extra layer of self-doubt that comes with the vulnerability of putting yourself out into the world creatively. Artist and entrepreneur Katie Hayes always felt drawn to art growing up and knew she had a great talent for it, but she never considered that she was good enough to turn her art into a full-time creative career.

It wasn’t until 2019, after a college degree and a career in higher education that was gratifying but never felt like her ultimate calling, that Katie said “screw it” to imposter syndrome and started her printmaking business, New South Pattern House. She discovered that the more she aligned herself with her purpose and pushed herself out of her comfort zone, the less imposter syndrome she felt calling herself an artist, until one day it was gone completely.

Katie may have taken the long way to follow her dreams, but she believes that she wouldn’t be where she is today if not for the detours, which gave her invaluable knowledge and helpful ADHD strategies that she incorporates into her business and her art every day. Katie’s winding journey on the way to living unabashedly as an artist is an inspirational one, and a great reminder that it’s never too late to become who you truly are.

Resources:

Instagram: @newsouthpatternhouse

Website: newsouthpatternhouse.com

Shop Wallpaper and Fabric: spoonflower.com/profiles/katie_hayes

Photo credit: Mallory Cash

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Parenting activist and author Debbie Reber had a difficult time with the structure of school growing up, so when her son Asher also started struggling to have his unique learning needs supported in the classroom, she knew she had to do things differently. Incorporating expert advice and a strengths-based philosophy, Debbie started creating the resources that she wishes she’d had when she was younger, and, after much collaborating and fine-tuning, she found an approach to teaching that supported Asher’s ADHD learning needs and encouraged emotional intelligence and self-understanding.

What started as an alternative approach to schooling for her son eventually transformed into Tilt Parenting, an educational resource aimed at helping parents who are raising differently wired children do so from a place of confidence, connection, and joy. Debbie founded Tilt Parenting because she knows how isolating it is trying to navigate a system that wasn’t built for differently wired brains and she wanted to help other parents avoid the same painful roadblocks she and her husband encountered. For all the parents of differently wired children who are feeling hopeless about finding the right supports, Debbie’s story will give you encouragement that a different way of parenting and educating is out there and possible.

Resources:

Website: tiltparenting.com

Instagram: @tiltparenting

Twitter: @tiltparenting

Facebook: Tilt Parenting

https://drrossgreene.com/

https://www.positivediscipline.com/

https://monadelahooke.com/

https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences.shtml

Photo credit: Jacquelyn Tierney

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Talk therapy can be a valuable resource, but what happens when you’re all talked out and still feel your body is holding onto trauma? This is where teacher’s assistant Lara Connolly found herself after years of trying talk therapy and never feeling like it was quite enough to help alleviate her physical exhaustion and stress. It wasn’t until she tried EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), a form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress caused by traumatic memories, that she finally started to feel her body come back to life. 

Looking back, Lara can see how much shame and rejection was stored in her body after a lifetime of having untreated ADHD and how significantly it had been impacting her emotional regulation and physical health. Lara not only took the steps to heal her trauma, but she also made real changes to her lifestyle that provide more balance and prioritize joy; her dedication to living an authentic ADHD life is truly inspiring and I’m delighted to bring you this conversation.

Resources

Instagram: @theaddventuresoflaraandfrida

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ADHDers are often stereotyped (accurately, admittedly) as being obsessed with psychology, personality tests, birth charts–anything that might give us answers on why we do the things we do. But when we’ve spent our whole lives feeling different and not knowing why, is it any surprise that we’re so hyperfocused on trying to understand ourselves?

My guest this episode, Tenrikyu priestess and personal empowerment coach Latoya Williams, finally got some of these answers when she started studying the teachings of Tenrikyu, a Japanese religion that taught her the value of mindfulness and completely changed how she shows up for herself each day. Latoya’s spiritual practice, combined with her ADHD diagnosis, opened her eyes to what was possible in the world and gave her clarity on her purpose, which she knows is to help others.

A self-described “professional disruptor of culture,” Latoya is dedicated to helping the other misfits out there uncover and embrace their own unconventional paths through her trauma-informed work. Join me as Latoya shares how embracing her uniqueness and following her passions led her to her purpose, the value in healing our trauma and examining our deeply-held beliefs about ourselves, and the absolute necessity of marching to the beat of your own weird drum.

Resources

Website: yggcoaching.com

IG: @yourgreatestgood

https://tenrikyo.com/; https://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/eng/

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Our ADHD brains are driven by interest, not importance, meaning that boring tasks can feel almost physically painful to us. On the flipside, when we find something that sparks our interest, we have the power to become unstoppable forces. Pastry chef and food blogger, Rebecca Eisenberg, felt this spark with cooking and baking, and, to even her own surprise, turned it into a full-time career through her blog The Practical Kitchen.

Not only does Rebecca’s ADHD give her insight into how to structure her recipes in a way that will keep neurodivergent brains focused and engaged, but she also considers it to be the driving force behind making her business sustainable: “The amount of work that goes into a food blog, I don’t know that I could’ve sustained it without my ADHD really driving me to learn more and to do more and to just be excited about it even when it’s really hard.”

Join us this episode as Rebecca Eisenberg shares her best tips for managing ADHD in the kitchen, her personal approach to simple meal planning, and how she works around her ADHD by working with it.

Resources:

Instagram: @the.practical.kitchen; @ryeisenberg

Twitter: @practicalkitch

Blog: The Practical Kitchen | Creative Recipes & Baking Blog

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I always say that ADHD has the potential to be our greatest superpower if we can learn how to harness it, and my guest this episode, recording artist Devyne Bean, is the living embodiment of that. At a young age, Devyne figured out that if she could channel her hyperactivity and add structure to her days, her entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic would allow her to follow her passions wherever they led her, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Now 17, Devyne already has an impressive list of accomplishments under her belt, from graduating high school early to starting 3 businesses in her passion areas of music and fashion. Her drive and determination are remarkable, but ultimately she credits patience and baby steps for her success: “Be patient with yourself. You may have those days where you may not achieve every single thing that was on your list, but if you achieved something, you did something right.”

Devyne’s wisdom and insights blew me away during our conversation, and I know that no matter your age, her words will make you feel inspired to follow your own dreams, one small step at a time.

Resources

Webpage: unitedmasters.com/d-vyne

Instagram: @iamdvynee @mooshoobeatzproductions @lussograndeur

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Curiosity is one of our most powerful ADHD strengths, but it can also be one of our greatest hindrances if the people around us see our curiosity as a challenge to authority, rather than a genuine interest in understanding the world. When my guest, Siw Slevigen, was growing up she always had her strong curiosity met with either excitement or disdain by teachers, and–surprise, surprise–it always impacted her ability and willingness to learn.

Rather than shrink herself in shame, Siw leaned into her curiosity and let it guide her down a path of joyfulness and self-acceptance. Now a money management coach, Siw believes that the only way to change our relationship with money is by accepting ourselves exactly where we are and infusing curiosity and excitement into everything we do. Siw’s positive approach to economics has completely changed my own attitude toward money and my ability to save it, and I know our wonderful conversation will give even the most impulsive spenders out there a fresh perspective.

Resources:

Website: happypenger.no/english

Instagram: English: @happy.penger.money.magic; Norwegian: @happy_penger

TikTok: @happy_penger

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ADHD and politics has been at the top of my ‘topics I want to cover’ list for quite some time now, but given the extreme political division within the United States and around the world, I wanted to wait until I had something to share that could possibly make things better and wouldn’t add more fuel to the fire.

Well, I recently read the book The Molecule of More by Dr. Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long, and I was inspired to finally tackle this topic in a way that I thought my listeners especially would be able to understand: with biology. What if, just like with ADHD, we could connect the differences in how we see the world to our brains, rather than character flaws or a moral failing?

I’m hoping that by answering this question, I can give you a new, gentler lens through which to view those on the other side of the political spectrum. The only way we’re going to bridge the political gap is by trying to understand those who are different from us. If we can find an understanding through biology, rather than shaming and blaming, perhaps we can let down our guards enough to come together and start doing the work.

Resources

The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race By Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD, and Michael E. Long.

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Last episode I did a solo overview of imposter syndrome to lay the foundation for my wonderful conversation with my guest this episode, Danielle House. Danielle is a shining example of how imposter syndrome can weasel its way into the lives of even the most accomplished ADHD women. At 30 she became the CEO of a medical device company, yet, up until recently, she held the belief that her success was due to luck, a mistake–anything but her own intelligence and ability.

Danielle says the biggest factor in tackling her imposter syndrome has been finally understanding how her brain works: “The imposter syndrome is still very much there, but I’m starting to recognize and be able to come to terms with my success and how I got here, not despite my ADHD but because of it.” Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be a lifelong sentence, and Danielle’s story gives me hope that we can all learn to see ourselves as the badasses we are.

Resources:

Website: OCTOdent Dental Aerosol Suction Unit

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/housedanielle/

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Every day I meet amazingly brilliant ADHD women who cannot see their own brilliance. These women may have an impressive list of accomplishments, but because they struggle to keep up with the behind-the-scenes tasks that society tells us are a measurement of our value, all they can focus on are those struggles. 

In this episode, I’m covering the basics of imposter syndrome–what it is, why it develops, and why I believe it impacts so many ADHD women especially–and giving some tips for changing the internal narrative that you aren’t good enough. Imposter syndrome relies on shame and self-doubt to thrive, and when we can step out of that shame and into our most authentic selves, that’s when we take back our power.

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If you got a puppy during the COVID lockdown like I did, you’ve probably seen some weird and frustrating social behaviors and anxieties crop up as a result of missing out on crucial socialization time. Between the nightmarish vet appointments and the anxiety-fueled barking, my dog is driving me bonkers and I’ve been at a loss for what to do about it.

Luckily, canine behavior consultant Rene Smith is here to help us take a closer look at the purpose behind our dog’s behaviors and reevaluate our approach to intervention. Being ADHD herself, Rene understands that strict training schedules will never work for her mostly ADHD clients, nor do they need to. Instead, she focuses on building trust and connection between dogs and their humans by giving dogs agency over their space and providing humans with the tools and know-how to interpret communication attempts and reinforce healthy behaviors.

Rene’s passion for helping a population that’s often misunderstood is inspiring (not to mention, so ADHD!), and I’m delighted to have you join our wonderful eye-opening conversation.

Resources:

Instagram: @streetdogrehab

Website: Street Dog Rehab

Facebook group: Human End of the Leash

Podcast: Dog Life with No Spoons

Organization/Cleaning coaching: https://www.freshstartdetailers.com/virtual-organizing-coaching

Website to book sessions and learn more: www.streetdogrehab.com

Discount code for listeners: NOSPOONS

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We ADHDers are often unfairly labeled as “flaky” in the workplace, but in my experience, if you find the right ADHD person who’s motivated by an interest and investment in the work, there is truly no one better for the job. I believe I’ve found the cream of the ADHD crop in my podcast producer, Grace Bourey, who has reorganized everything for me and put systems in place that keep the podcast running smoothly, leaving me with the mental energy to focus on the work that matters most to me.

Beyond her organizational skills, Grace has a clever sense of humor that comes in handy on her own podcast, Weirds of a Feather, which she and her childhood best friend created to provide a shame-free space for ADHDers to laugh about the challenging, incredible, and absurd aspects of life with ADHD. This episode, we’re talking about the importance of embedding creativity and fun into anything you do, the challenges of trying to follow a linear career path when you have non-linear thinking, and more. Like me, Grace isn’t afraid to march to the beat of her own weird drum, which is key to discovering your bravest and most authentic self.

Resources:

Instagram: @graceminna; @weirdsofafeather

Facebook: Weirds of a Feather

Podcast: Weirds of a Feather on Apple Podcasts

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Of all my ADHD gifts, interpersonal intuition is the one that I consider my ultimate superpower. I’ve always had this ability to walk into a room and know what’s going on without hearing one word, it’s like I can read the energy of everyone around me and determine who’s happy, who’s pretending to be happy, who’s struggling, who cares about others and who doesn’t.

‘Intuition’ may sound like a woo-woo concept to some, but at the most basic level it’s simply a subconscious level of thinking; it’s that automatic “gut feeling” you get when you know what to do but can’t explain why. Our intuition has the power to guide us in the right direction, but only if we can learn how to listen to and honor it. 

This episode I’m diving into what intuition is, why it’s so strong in ADHDers, and how to tune into your intuition and use it as your decision-making rudder. My interpersonal intuition is so important to me because it allows me to see gifts in others before they can see it in themselves, and I believe you, too, can channel your intuition into one of your greatest strengths.

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At this point in the podcast I’ve covered just about every ADHD topic under the sun, but

one area I’ve always tiptoed around has been sexuality and ADHD; I’ve never been quite sure how to approach it, or whether my listeners even wanted to hear me talk about it for that matter!

Luckily, sex educator, journalist, author, and podcaster, August McLaughlin, isn’t afraid to run head-on into the scary and taboo. She offered to hold my hand this episode as we slowly wade into the tricky but wonderful world of sex and ADHD, from self-connection and masturbation, to rejection sensitivity and relationships, to even ‘girl boners’–yup, you read that right.

If you’ve ever wondered how ADHD impacts your own relationship with sexuality but have felt embarrassed or unsure of where to start, August’s brilliance, empathy, and passion for this work will give you the perfect jumping-off point and may even empower you to go on a self-discovery journey of your own.

Resources:

Instagram: @augustmclaughlin

Podcast: Girl Boner Podcast

Her website: augustmclaughlin.com/august/

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ADHD women have heard every excuse under the sun for why their doctors won’t consider an ADHD diagnosis or take their concerns seriously; everything from the classic “it’s just anxiety,” to “you’re too smart to have ADHD,” to even “you just think it’s cool to have ADHD and that’s why you want a diagnosis.” Seriously, what the hell?! Being gaslit, misdiagnosed, and dismissed by medical professionals can prevent us from getting a proper diagnosis and accessing treatment for years, even decades, because of the shame and self-doubt that follows these appointments. This episode I’m sharing misdiagnosis stories from members of the Facebook group to highlight just how often it happens. I’m also giving you some tips and tools for pushing back against the ADHD stereotypes that still very much exist in the medical community.

We know our brains best and we know ADHD is real, and my hope is to empower you to keep advocating for yourself and your health until someone finally listens.

Resources

Help With ADHD Diagnosis: Symptom Evaluation Mistakes (additudemag.com)

Was ADHD to Blame All Along? 8 Reasons Symptoms Are Mistaken (additudemag.com)

‘If you can pay attention, you do not have ADHD’ — and 9 other misperceptions about the disorder - The Washington Post

ADHD Signs Hidden in Plain Sight: Overlooked Symptoms (additudemag.com)

ADHD Misdiagnosis Stories: Symptoms Mistaken for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar (additudemag.com)

3 Defining Features of ADHD: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, Hyperfocus, Emotionality (additudemag.com)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-40-how-to-prepare-to-meet-with-your-adhd-doctor/id1443678424?i=1000452867649

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There’s nothing quite like the ‘aha’ moment of realizing you have ADHD after a lifetime of trying to understand yourself, but after the initial shock wears off many of us are left wondering: okay, so what comes next? I’m frequently asked how to go about pursuing a diagnosis and finding a team of medical and mental health professionals who actually understand ADHD, which is why I’m so excited to invite Kalin Johnson onto the podcast to answer these questions and more.

Kalin, a clinical pharmacist, healthcare advocate, and neurodivergent mentor, recognized a huge gap in supports for neurodivergent people trying to navigate the complicated medical world after struggling to find the right medications and treatments herself. So, like the Smart Ass woman she is, she decided to do something about it. Kalin now uses her medical knowledge and personal experience living life as a queer person and late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic individual to help others create sustainable, individualized healthcare plans with a team of neurodivergent-affirming providers who will take a whole-person approach to treatment.

For those of you who are ready to take the next steps on your ADHD journey but are apprehensive about starting, you won’t want to miss this encouraging and informative conversation with the delightful Kalin Johnson.

Resources:

Website: https://www.kalinjohnson.com/

Instagram: @kalinpharmd

TikTok:@kalinpharmd

Book an Initial Consult: https://www.kalinjohnson.com/get-started

Upcoming free class: Unmasking Your Health

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I always love talking with ADHD women who are making waves in positions traditionally held by men, so when my guest this episode, Danyell DiLena, mentioned she was kicking ass in not one but two male-dominated fields, I knew I had to have her on to share her story.

Danyell’s journey hasn’t been easy–she’s had to deal with sexism both in her career as a medic and on the literal field as a baseball coach–but her determination, creativity, and resiliency have made her an unstoppable force when she sets her mind to something. For the past 5 years she has served as the first female Coach Coordinator for district33/San Diego where she’s in charge of thousands of baseball teams. Even since recording this conversation, she has been offered a new position managing an all-girls U-16 baseball team to take to the Nationals Tournament; seriously, she’s unstoppable.

Danyell is passionate about empowering women and girls to feel like they can succeed in any area they choose, gender barriers be damned, and I know her words will empower you too.

Resources:

Instagram: @CoachDiLenaBaseball

Youtube: Coach DiLena Baseball

Facebook: Coach DiLena

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Those of us with ADHD brains know that no matter how vigilant we are, slip-ups are bound to happen, especially when sleep deprivation is thrown into the mix. We can only do so much to prevent mistakes, but what we can control is how we choose to react to them. This episode I’m joined by ADHD coach and reformed people-pleaser, Leslie Robbins, who took an embarrasing ADHD moment and turned it into a brilliant teaching opportunity. Like me, Leslie believes that what we pay attention to grows, good or bad, so we might as well learn to focus on the good. Besides, there’s no such thing as mistakes anyway, right? We either get what we want or learn something even more important. Join us as Leslie shares her late diagnosis story, some ways to stop from spiraling into rejection sensitive dysphoria, and the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously.

Resources:

Instagram: @leslierobbins_adhdcoaching

Facebook: Robbins Life Coaching, @LeslieRobbinsADHDcoach

Email: leslie.robbins.adhdcoach@gmail.com

Website: leslierobbinscoaching.com

Gas pump story: My Gas Pump Debacle

VIA Character Strengths Survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/Register

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Since starting this podcast, I’ve been able to help thousands of ADHD women around the world discover their true selves and lean into their strengths. None of this would be possible, however, without the ADHD for Smart Ass Women Facebook group–the place where it all began–and the help of Catheryn Wreford-Holden, our lead Facebook group administrator. What makes our group different is the seventeen moderators who approve all posts.

Catheryn leads this team of volunteer moderators and administrators, now known as the Mod Squad, and ensures that the 65K members of our Facebook group are focused on their strengths and have a positive place to find community and feel inspired to seek out solutions. Catheryn herself is a source of inspiration and strength; despite facing unimaginable hurdles throughout her life, she makes a conscious choice every day to focus on the good.

Our Mod Squad is as strong as it is today because she empowers each member to find their gifts and let them shine through. I’m so excited to finally have Catheryn share her story with you.

Resources

Instagram: @essentially_cathie

Facebook: Essentially Cathie

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Dr. Grace Esan, now a pediatrician in Indiana, grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where it was the cultural norm to show up to parties and events fashionably late. It wasn’t until she moved to the United States, where time is taken much more seriously, that she realized she had difficulty with time management and procrastination that extended beyond cultural differences. Once Dr. Grace connected these traits to ADHD she also realized that ADHD was also responsible for her unique way of seeing the world.  

Since her diagnosis, Dr. Grace has been on a mission to create awareness around ADHD and destigmatize the diagnosis within the medical community, particularly for girls and women, who are often overlooked. Join me for a conversation with this wonderful doctor as she shares her diagnosis story, the workarounds she used to get through school, how she challenges the status quo in medicine, and so much more. 

References

Instagram: @thrivewithdrgrace

Website: Thrivewithdrgrace.com

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Many people who know me would describe me as a tough critic–just ask my kids–but I like to think of it as valuing excellence. This means that when I do recommend a product or service, it’s only because I believe in it so much that I want to shout it from the rooftops.

In this episode, I’m sharing my list of rooftop-worthy ADHD hacks that have completely transformed my life. From organization to productivity to home care, these resources have helped me manage the more difficult aspects of my ADHD, leaving me more time and energy to focus on my strengths. At this point I truly couldn’t make it through the day without them, they’ve had such a positive impact on my ADHD brain, and I think they’ll make a big difference to yours too.

Resources

https://bear.app/

https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/tab-resize-split-screen-l/bkpenclhmiealbebdopglffmfdiilejc

https://superhuman.com/

https://remarkable.com/

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quicky-sticky-notes/id990867594

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FPX819Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://readwise.io/

https://www.plackers.com/

https://downy.com/en-us/fabric-softener/wrinkle-spray/wrinkle-releaser

tracyotsuka.com/kajabi/

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As a dentist’s daughter, I have to admit I was always spoiled when it came to my dental health. That is, until a terrible root canal (is there any other kind?) made me realize I had to start taking my dental health more seriously, even if that involved wearing the dreaded night guard I had cast aside many years before. It also got me thinking: ‘Wait, is this another thing that is somehow related to my ADHD?’ After diving into the research and taking a poll in our Facebook group, I discovered that an overwhelming number of ADHDers have experienced dental problems at some point in their lives, and there are some explanations as to why. Join me for a solo episode, where I break down the causes of this correlation, and share helpful suggestions from our Facebook group members, and hopefully convince you to learn from my mistakes and wear your damn night guard!

Resources

https://chadd.org/attention-article/adhd-and-dental-care-guidance-for-parents-and-caregivers/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17587293/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14684974/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23659259/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5534274/

https://decisionsindentistry.com/article/caring-patients-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder/

https://friscokidsdds.com/dentistry-children-special-needs/

https://dental.washington.edu/wp-content/media/sp_need_pdfs/ADHD-Dental.pdf

https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/patient-and-family-resources/health-and-safety-information/dental-health-in-children-with-adhd

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317871.php

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318458341_Specific_Central_Nervous_System_Medications_Are_Associated_with_Temporomandibular_Joint_Symptoms

https://www.plackers.com/ and yay! They’re now made with recycled materials.

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As Smart Ass women, we know ADHD varies wildly in how it presents compared to the stereotypes, but what do we do when the rest of the world hasn’t caught up? After a lifetime of having our symptoms dismissed by teachers, parents, and even medical professionals, it can feel terrifying and futile to pursue a diagnosis. My guest this episode, April Kane, was so worried about having her ADHD suspicions invalidated that she put off getting an official evaluation for years, despite being a clinical psychologist herself.

April finally got assessed and received the affirming diagnosis of ADHD she had been hoping for, but she knows not everyone is so lucky, especially in cases of inattentive ADHD when symptoms are internalized and easier to miss. April Kane emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, gives a breakdown of the lesser-known signs of ADHD that are frequently missed in girls, women, and those with inattentive type, introduces me to schema therapy, and more. 

Resources:

Instagram: @journeythree6five  

Website: perthpsychologycollective.com.au

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I always say our best purposes give meaning to our past, and my guest this episode, Dr. Abbey Weinstein, proves just how true this is. Abbey struggled with school for most of her life, so she surprised even herself when she not only turned it around and started getting straight A’s in college, but went on to get her Master’s degree and P.h.D. in Special Education. Now an Educational Diagnostician, Abbey has found her purpose in making learning more accessible for others and getting students the supports they need to be successful in school.  

Join our conversation to hear the inspiring Dr. Abbey Weinstein share how she was able to go from academic probation to completing her doctorate, some of the ADHD strategies she used to get herself through her dissertation (truly a feat of strength!), her tips on feeling good about yourself every day, and so much more.

Resources

Podcast: Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities 

Instagram: @weinsteinabbey

Website: Dr. Abbey Weinstein - EDiagnostic Learning

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Dating has changed quite a bit since I was last single–for one, dating apps have replaced personal ads and handwritten letters–but no matter how you’re approaching it, dating can feel overwhelming and impossible. My guest, Jackie Newman, is passionate about empowering people to face the challenges of the dating world, so she gave herself the challenge of going on 100 first dates to figure out how to make the whole process as easy as possible.

Through trial and error, Jackie developed an ADHD-friendly guide to dating to help others find someone worth their time and hopefully avoid having to go on 100 first dates themselves–an invaluable gift to women if you ask me. Join us for this marathon episode to hear Jackie’s tales from the dating world, her insights and strategies for efficient online dating, and she even pulls a few dating stories out of me that I’m not sure I’ve ever shared on the podcast before.

Resources:

Dating Instagram: @the100datechallenge

Personal Instagram: @jackienewm

Resources mentioned:

Women with ADHD by Sari Solden

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

West Elm Caleb story

The Science of Sex Appeal

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ADHD women constantly amaze me with their brilliance and fearlessness, and my guest this episode, atmospheric scientist Natalia Bliankinshtein, is no different. Natalia works in a flight research laboratory in Canada, where she collects data for climate research by flying a ‘flying laboratory’ aircraft directly into storms and treacherous weather–talk about fearless!

Natalia may refer to her risk-taking as ‘craziness,’ but I call it a huge ADHD strength and one of the keys to her success. Join our conversation to hear how Natalia went from being a gifted kid to hitting a wall in her early 20s, and how understanding and working with her ADHD helped her to get un-stuck and discover a career and life she’s passionate about.

Resources:

Instagram: @prosto_blank

https://www.facebook.com/bliankinshtein

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bliankinshtein/

https://brenebrown.com/

https://gettingthingsdone.com/

https://www.focusmate.com/signup/ADHDforSmartAssWomen

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Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as skin picking and nail biting can feel like a bad habit we need to break, but these behaviors go beyond just a habit; it’s actually a complex condition that causes people to repeatedly touch their body in a way that results in physical damage. For years, BFRBs were thought to be a member of the OCD family, but new research shows they’re commonly co-morbid with ADHD as welll, which shouldn’t surprise too many ADHDers including myself.

In this episode I’m hoping to lessen the shame many of us have surrounding these behaviors by sharing some of my own experiences and looking into the physiological reasons behind why we do them and why we often can’t stop doing them with willpower alone. I’ll also provide some helpful strategies for stopping or lessening BFRBs that were shared with me by our amazing Facebook group members, many of whom have struggled with BFRBs themselves. Remember, the more we can understand why we do the things we do, the more power we have to change them.

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I’ve always considered myself an avid reader. I read all the time, but up until recently I rarely finished any of them and had convinced myself that I needed a physical book, which led to an overwhelming amount of half-finished books scattered throughout my house. The clutter was a constant reminder that I wasn’t reading as much as I wanted to, and as that negative emotion built, so did my resistance–I felt like a reading fraud.  

I started asking myself if there’s a way to remove some of the resistance I have towards reading so that I can finish more than a few chapters. I also wanted to figure out a way to better integrate what I was learning into my life. Enter: the Kindle. Now, I read every spare moment I can, the book piles are dissipating, and my brain feels more organized and less cluttered. I also figured out a way to better integrate what I’m reading into my life. In this solo episode, I’m on a mission to help you remove your own negative emotions around reading and find the path of least resistance so that you can feel successful and fall in love with reading again, just like I have. 

Resources

readwise.io/

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If you’ve been listening to the podcast for any length of time, you know that I’m a huge proponent of using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, to manage and alleviate ADHD symptoms. Kate Moryoussef, a wellbeing/lifestyle coach and EFT practitioner, shares my passion for tapping and helping ADHD women, so I knew I had to invite her onto the podcast to tell us more. Kate uses tapping with her clients, many of whom are ADHD women, to help them feel calmer, reduce overwhelm and anxiety, accept themselves, and step into their potential. Join me this episode as Kate provides an overview of what EFT is and why it works, describes how she uses tapping to clear negative beliefs and manage her own ADHD in moments of chaos, and much more.

Please excuse any mic issues on my end, I know it’s a little annoying but I promise the episode is worth it!

Resources

Instagram: @kate_moryoussef

Business Instagram: @adhd_womenswellbeing_pod

Website: coachingbykate.me.uk

Podcast: ADHD Women’s Well-Being Podcast

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Many of our ADHD traits bode well with entrepreneurialism, from our curiosity to our fearlessness. Other aspects of ADHD, however, like perfectionism and something I call “procrastilearning”, combined with outside influences telling us what we “should” be doing, can cause us to get in our own way. Entrepreneur and business coach, Jessi Romero, is here to remind us that ADHD women have all the skills necessary for starting and growing successful businesses, we just need to approach it in a way that works for our brains and aligns with our values, nervous systems, and even our circadian rhythms. In this episode, Jessi gives some of her best tips on structuring your business to fit your needs while avoiding burnout, shares how her approach to teaching sets her apart from other business coaches, and explains why changing your expectations for yourself can make all the difference in your business’s longevity. Plus, she has some valuable information about a little-known eye condition called Irlen Syndrome that changed her life and just may change yours too.

Resources

Instagram: @adhdfemaleentrepreneurs

Website: Adhdfemaleentrepreneurs.com

Irlen Syndrome website: irlen.com

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Reading is everywhere and in everything we do, but most reading curriculums taught in schools aren’t aligned with the current research on the most effective way to teach reading. Kathleen Germs, a second-grade teacher and Instagram educator, is on a mission to change not just the way reading is taught, but the entire dynamic between teachers and students in the classroom–starting with asking kids what they need to learn best. 

Unsurprisingly, Kathleen’s students adore her because she makes learning as easy as possible and helps them feel empowered and valued in the classroom. Join our conversation as Kathleen explains how she adjusts her lessons to meet her students’ needs, the importance of bringing mental health into the classroom, and how her ADHD makes her the phenomenal teacher that she is.

Resources:

Instagram: @kathleengerms

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Hypnosis is often thought of as a sensational magic trick used for controlling minds and embarrassing people on cruise ships, so I admit I was a bit skeptical when I heard about hypnotherapy being used in ADHD management. However, I always try to keep an open mind when it comes to alternative treatments, which is why I wanted to sit down with hypnotherapist Meggie Houle to discuss the science and research behind it.

Meggie, now a certified hypnotherapist and self-hypnosis teacher, and author of Finish What You Start: Breaking out of the “Busy Mind, Restless Body” Trap to Create a Life You Love Even with ADHD, first discovered the benefits of hypnosis after experiencing a life-altering paragliding accident. She found that self-hypnosis not only reduced her stress and PTSD symptoms after the accident, but it also helped her manage her ADHD for the first time. In this episode Meggie gives us an introductory lesson into what hypnotherapy is exactly, the growing research behind it, and how she uses it to calm her nervous system in moments of stress.

Resources:

Website: Navigation Hypnosis

Her book: Finish What You Start: Breaking out of the ''Busy Mind, Restless Body'' Trap to Create a Life You Love Even with ADHD

Instagram: @meggie.houle

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5635845/

https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2016/07/study-identifies-brain-areas-altered-during-hypnotic-trances.html

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/montreal-children-s-hospital-uses-medical-hypnosis-to-reduce-anxiety-pain-1.4716814

https://www.additudemag.com/hypnosis-adhd-treatment-natural-alternative/

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ADHDers are often drawn to entrepreneurship, and not only because we have difficulty working for someone else! When we have room to follow our creativity and work within our flow, that’s when our superpowers shine through. My guest today, Jennifer Zahourek, was working as an ER nurse when she discovered that her unique way of learning (due to ADHD and dyslexia) meant she also had a unique way of explaining complex medical concepts to patients in simple language they could easily understand. Jennifer realized she could use her simplifying skills to fill a need and help her fellow nursing community lessen the struggles she herself faced in nursing school. She got to work figuring out what else she needed to turn her idea into a business, and now only a few years later she is the founder and CEO of RekMed, a company that makes educational planners for nurses. Join me this episode as the innovative Jennifer Zahourek takes us through her ADHD and dyslexia journey, shares the aspects of her ADHD that make her an unstoppable entrepreneur, and makes a case for planners that’s so convincing, you just may decide to give them another try.

Resources

Website: Rekmed.org

Instagram: @studentnurseplanner

Tiktok: @JennRekMed

Jennifer’s personal Instagram: @JennRekMed

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I’m sure you’ve heard me say a million times that our best purposes give meaning to our past, we become incredible teachers when we’re driven by passion and personal connection. My guest this episode, Dr. Susan Varghese, knows firsthand just how important that personal connection is for living her purpose.

Dr. Varghese is a General Practitioner and Family Physician who first discovered she has ADHD when perimenopause started to wreak havoc on her previously managable symptoms. As far as Susan could tell, no one in the medical community was talking about how much perimenopause and menopause can exacerbate the mental and physical symptoms of ADHD, so, being the leader she is, she decided to do it herself.

Join me this episode for an insightful conversation with the incredible Dr. Susan Varghese, where she breaks down the role estrogen plays in our ADHD symptoms, the overlaps between ADHD and menopause (some of which even surprised me!), and so much more.

Resources

Instagram: @drsusanvarghese

Website: www.drsusanvarghese.com

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Many ADHD women are known for being bold, outspoken, and strong-willed, but in a society where those attributes are often reserved for men it can leave us feeling like we’re “too much.” My guest this episode, author Andrea Owen, used to let this fear of taking up space prevent her from letting her stand out. In her mid-30s when she started to embrace her “too-muchness” she realized just how much she had been diminishing herself for the comfort of others.

Since then, Andrea has taught hundreds of thousands of women tools and strategies to empower themselves and live their most kick-ass life. Her most recent book, Make Some Noise: Speak Your Mind and Own Your Strength, felt like I was reading something I myself had written; the things Andrea struggled with are exactly the things that I and many ADHDers struggle with as well. Join us for an insightful conversation where we discuss the impact people-pleasing has on ADHD women, the importance of taking up space with our emotions and voice, how to have compassion for ourselves, and more.

Resources

Instagram: @heyandreaowen

Website: andreaowen.com

Her book: Make Some Noise: Speak Your Mind and Own Your Strength

Workbook link: andreaowen.com/msn

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Well before I was diagnosed with ADHD I was using exercise as a form of self-medication; it’s a way to start the day out right and it helps me to think more clearly and work off my excess energy. All my life I’ve known that exercise helps with focus and self-regulation, but I was curious to find out why that is. After all, if we know the ‘why’ behind something, we’re much more likely to do it. In this episode I break down some of the research into why exercise has such a huge impact on the ADHD brain, the connection between exercise and learning, and the importance of finding a form of movement you enjoy.

Incorporating exercise into my daily routine has been the key to managing my ADHD, which is why if you were to choose only one goal to focus on for 2022 I believe it should be this: find a way to move that generates positive emotion and just focus on that. I think you can change your brain that way, and if that’s not motivation to exercise more, I don’t know what is.

Resources

spyhappy.me/planner

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Like many ADHDers, I hate doing the same things everyone else is doing, and New Year’s resolutions are at the top of that list. A few years ago, instead of writing out a long list of unrealistic goals (and then losing that list a couple of days later), I started choosing one word and one word only to set the intention for my new year. Each year my word sums up who I want to be, it’s my compass when making decisions, and it shapes not only my year, but it shapes me as a person. 

Using a single word to guide my decision-making changed me in more ways than I ever could’ve imagined; in fact, this podcast never would’ve started if I hadn’t chosen ‘nervy’ as my first word back in 2018. 

Join me in this episode for some ideas on brainstorming your own word of the year, tips on how to use your word as your compass, and I’ll tell you my new word for 2022! Setting an intention for the year using a single word has had a huge impact on my life and I think it’ll have a huge impact on yours too.

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Can you tell that dyslexia is my current hyper-focus? This will be the last episode on the subject for a while (I promise!) but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to speak with my extraordinary guest today, Jennifer Knopf. Jen is the Founding Director of REED Charitable Foundation, which is committed to putting an end to the literacy crisis and ensuring all children learn to read, write and spell by providing financially accessible, best-in-class structure literacy training - known as Orton-Gillingham - to all teachers.

Jen first learned about dyslexia when her son Reed was diagnosed after a long, emotional struggle to figure out why reading was so difficult for him. As she dove deep into the research to find her son the right kind of intervention, Jen discovered there was a literacy training program that was not only ideal for dyslexic students but also the best instruction for all kids learning to read, only for some reason it was not being used in schools. Ever since this discovery, Jen has made it her mission to provide this literacy training to as many teachers as she possibly can, something she knows firsthand has the power to transform lives. Join our conversation to hear about Jen’s inspiring story, the incredible work of her foundation, and much more.

Resources

Foundation website: REEDcharitablefoundation.org

Instagram: @reedcharitablefoundation

Email address: info@reedcharitablefoundation.org

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I’ve wanted to talk about navigating ADHD emotions for a while now, but like many other great topics it has sat untouched on my list, waiting for the perfect guest. When I read the incredible book ‘Your Brain is Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD’ by Dr. Tamara Rosier, I not only immediately added it to the ADHD for Smart Ass Women book list, but I also knew I had to have Tamara on the podcast.

Dr. Tamara Rosier is the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she leads a team of coaches, therapists, and speech pathologists to help individuals, parents, and families develop an understanding and learn effective skills to live with ADHD effectively. Tamara has gained an impressive amount of knowledge from working with ADHDers and those who support them across a variety of setttings, but just as importantly, she explains complex topics like divergent vs. convergent thinking in a way that sticks in my brain. The analogies she uses in the book and during our conversation are brilliant; among many others, Tamara likens the neurotypical brain to a pleasant butler and the ADHD brain to an angry neighbor. It’s simple and made me laugh and explains in real world language how the prefrontal cortex and limbic system impact our brain’s ability to function.

We’ll also talk about the role anxiety and emotion play in our motivation, and why it’s critical to work on our emotions before introducing executive function strategies!

You won’t want to miss this insightful and laughter-filled conversation.

Resources

Instagram: @brain_not_broken

Book website: tamararosier.com

ADHD Center website: miadhd.com

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Ever since we discovered that my son Markus has dyslexia--a diagnosis he now wears with pride--I’ve been on a mission to talk to everyone I can about ADHD and dyslexia, which is exactly why I wanted to have a conversation with my guest this episode, the incredible Melanie Florsheim.

Melanie Florsheim is an ADHD Family Life Coach, Certified Academic Language Therapist, and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist in Texas. She has dyslexia and ADHD herself, which gives her a deep connection to her work and allows her to relate to her students and clients on a personal level. Melanie knows firsthand just how life-changing dyslexia therapy can be, so, like me, she’s also on a mission to increase awareness about the high co-morbidity rate between ADHD and dyslexia and encourages people to look deeper if they feel something else may be going on beyond ADHD.

Join us as Melanie provides a comprehensive overview of what dyslexia is, gives some signs of dyslexia to look for even before children hit reading age, and explains how dyslexia therapy can rewire the circuitry of the brain and increase language processing speed. As for whether adults with dyslexia can benefit from dyslexia therapy, Melanie says, “The plasticity of the brain is a real deal, so there’s no age limit in teaching your brain how to read, write, and spell, how to re-circuit your brain to do it better.”

Resources:

Instagram: @melanieflorsheim1

Website: gatewaygrowth.net

Email: Melanie@gatewaygrowth.net

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It’s December 1st - the start of the holiday season - and WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE is that in this season of light and laughter there are a lot of people who aren’t feeling holly or jolly. This is exactly why I’m inviting YOU to join me in giving 29 gifts in 29 days. It's more difficult for us Smart Ass ADHD women to get out from under the overwhelming pile of gift lists, cookie making, and magic creating. We need something to help us change course. Enter the 29 Gifts Challenge (based on the book by Cami Walker). Beginning today, I’m going to give away a gift every day for the next 29 days and I want you to join me! The more Smart Ass ADHD Women who get on this giving train, the more fun it will be! I know you have a list that rival’s Santa’s, but these gifts are different. The gift can be a compliment given, a phone call to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, time volunteered, a thank you note written. The only “rules” are that it must be INTENTIONAL, and you have to WRITE IT DOWN (putting it in the comments counts!). The 29-day prescription also involves noticing the gifts that you receive from others every day. You can keep track of the gifts you give and the gifts you receive in our 29-day journal. Download it at tracyotsuka.com/29gifts What we focus on gets BIGGER, so let’s focus on JOY, GRATITUDE, & MEANING. Are you in? So we can see each other’s generosity in action, be sure to: Tag me in Instagram or on my Facebook Page Use #29SmartAssGifts I’m going to be highlighting some of your gifts in my stories over the next 29 days!

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No matter how much we learn about our ADHD, there is always somehow more to uncover. One of my personal ADHD blind spots has always been social skills; for some reason, I was convinced that I didn’t have any difficulties with social skills and had escaped this ADHD trait. That is, until social skills expert and my guest this episode, the wonderful Caroline Maguire, brought me back down to Earth when she told me the areas of social intelligence that she likes to talk about and I realized I actually struggle with every single one. Who knew!

Luckily, Caroline is the founder of a revolutionary social-emotional learning methodology that helps teach social skills to children, teenagers, and young adults, so she came ready with some helpful insights on why we struggle with things like giving TMI and hating small talk and what we can do about it while remaining true to ourselves. Her work may be designed for children--her book Why Will No One Play With Me? was awarded Best Family and Parenting book of 2020--but all of her concepts and learning materials are just as applicable to adults. In her words, “It’s all the same dilemma, it’s just whether or not you’re 5 and you can’t articulate it or you’re 60 and you know darn well what’s going on.”

Caroline doesn’t want us to change or hide who we are, rather, her goal is to help ADHDers of all ages learn how to be present in each moment in order to demonstrate the greatness that we all possess.

Resources:

Instagram: @authorcarolinecm

New seminar starting Dec 7th: Adults with ADHD Social Skills Training: How to Get Along with Everyone https://carolinemaguireauthor.com/product/adults-with-adhd-social-skills

Free download: Calming Intrusive Thoughts at carolinemaguireauthor.com

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The role of motherhood constantly shifts as our children grow up and move through different stages of life, and then when they leave the nest that shift becomes more like a giant leap. My guest this episode, the wonderful Patricia Sung, has two young children who are still very much “in the nest.” Patricia reached out to me with an interesting question that I knew had to become the topic for our conversation: “When you’re looking back and your kids are out of the house, what really mattered?”

Patricia is a podcaster herself and her work is aimed at helping other ADHD mothers get their “crap” together (as she puts it). She has built a supportive community of women, something she says has been integral to her own motherhood journey. Join us as we chat about our different perspectives on parenthood and Patricia shares her thoughts on how to let go of perfectionism and start seeing ourselves as the amazing mothers we already are.

Resources:

Instagram: @motherhoodinadhd

Website (with free resources): motherhoodinadhd.com

Courses: ADHD Courses for Moms

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No matter how many extraordinary ADHD women I meet, I’m still constantly blown away by the incredible things they’re capable of, especially once they start to understand their own brains. I first met my guest this episode, therapist Emerald May Rubio, when she took my program Your ADHD Brain is A-OK; within only a few days of classes Emerald had determined that she was interested in activism and started taking steps toward making it happen. Embracing her ADHD unlocked a new level of understanding in herself and ignited a passion for working with those in the BIPOC community with complex trauma and ADHD.

Emerald has a deeply personal connection to her work and uses her experiences to help others heal from their trauma and re-write their own stories. She brings so much creativity, light, and awareness into her practice and hearing Emerald speak gives me hope that therapy is shifting to encompass a wider range of needs and communities.

Resources:

Instagram: @healwithemerald

Email: erubio@trihealing.com

Website: Emerald May Rubio (trihealing.com)

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Many listeners and A-OK students have suggested I invite author Lisa Woodruff onto the podcast, and after this incredible conversation with her it’s clear why they were so insistent. Lisa is an author, former teacher, and parent who has spent the last 20 years researching ADHD and applying solutions to support executive functions in our home life. Not only are her ideas about home organization unique, such as organizing by the stages of life and a time-saving “Sunday Basket” system, but her approach to teaching contains so much kindness and understanding that home organization starts to feel possible.

In this episode Lisa takes us through her systems and why they work so well for ADHDers, shares the script she taught her own children to use when they’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start, and explains why we need to stop using our incredible computer brains as to-do lists. Lisa believes we should all be spending as little time as possible doing household work so we can live our unique callings in life and I couldn’t agree more.

Resources:

Instagram: @organize365

Website: Organize 365

Podcast: Organize 365 Podcast

Book mentioned: Phases of Life by Neil Howe

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Normally (and ironically) there’s nothing that makes me fall asleep faster than talking about proper sleep hygiene. However, the more I learn about sleep’s impact on our overall health and our ADHD symptoms specifically, the more I realize how crucial it is for ADHDers to make good sleep a priority. Most of us know what we should be doing to get better sleep--keeping a consistent sleep schedule, no naps during the day, no technology at least an hour before bed--but actually putting these habits into action is easier said than done, especially when our ADHD is fighting us every step of the way. 

In this episode I cover not only the latest research behind why sleep is so important to our functioning and learning, but I also provide some concrete sleep strategies that are geared toward the ADHD brain, such as connecting positive emotion with getting into bed on time. Like all things ADHD, once we know why we’re struggling with these habits we can start to find workarounds and implement sustainable systems that allow us to be successful.

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My guest this week, Juliana Hock, gives a whole new meaning to the word ‘resilient’. Seriously, this woman does not give up on herself; Juliana recently fulfilled her dream of becoming a realtor after 12 attempts at the Real Estate exam. Her difficulty with written tests is something I know many ADHDers can relate to, but where many people would have given up Juliana pushed through, knowing that once she overcame the hurdle of passing that exam she would thrive in the job itself.

Juliana credits her resilience to a strong support system, a passion for everything she does, and a positive mindset, among many others. She wakes up every morning saying, “this is going to be the best day ever!” and then goes forward to make it so. My conversation with Juliana is a great reminder that prioritizing fun, passion, and self-determination is so important to living a fulfilling life.

Resources:

Instagram: @Juliana.Evolves

Email: julianamhock@gmail.com

David & Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell

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In our last episode we discovered why our ADHD brains struggle with time so much. Understanding this ‘why’ provides us with a foundation for building long-lasting time management skills, so make sure to listen to Episode #145 first if you haven’t already! 

Now that we have our ‘why,’ the next step is to figure out how to develop a more effective and less stressful relationship with time. In this episode I’ll give you some concrete strategies to help you work with your brain’s natural flow rather than struggling against it. When we learn how to pause, check in with our bodies, stare down our discomfort, create a plan based on history, and celebrate our accomplishments, we can stop waiting for the perfect time to feel inspired and instead we can start creating it ourselves.

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What is it about our ADHD brains that causes so much difficulty with time and what can we do about it? Executive function plays a role, but like most of our ADHD challenges there are also other factors that, when combined, can make time awareness feel downright impossible. In this episode I’ll take you through the contributors to time blindness, such as emotional regulation and working memory, because the more we understand why we do what we do the more successfully we can tackle the problem. 

Then, next week I’ll talk about what we can do to improve our relationship with time and share some of the strategies that have really worked for me. I still haven’t mastered time, but I have gotten so much better at it the more I learn how my brain works. I hope I can do the same for you. 

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Why is it that a single negative comment can ruin my entire day, even amongst a sea of otherwise positive feedback? Our ability to hyperfocus is one of our greatest ADHD strengths, but if that hyperfocus gets ahold of a negative thought it can send us into a spiral of shame and self-doubt that feels impossible to break out of. In this episode, I’ll give you 7 unusual, research-based strategies to help you tune into your body, get out of your head, and calm your nervous system when you find yourself ruminating on thoughts that don’t serve you.

Resources:

​​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715326/

https://www.amazon.com/Octorox-Spiky-Massage-Balls-Shoulder/dp/B0759KK3HS/ref=sr_1_10?crid=24LXTWCKR1LTL&dchild=1&keywords=spiky+massage+balls+for+feet&qid=1630383559&sprefix=spiky+mass%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-10

https://www.healthline.com/health/cryotherapy-benefits

https://integrisok.com/resources/on-your-health/2019/february/what-is-cryotherapy

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspx

https://anxietycontrolcenter.com/stop-negative-thoughts-using-rubber-band-snap/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21645566/

https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B0084DD2XM/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=Center+Shock&qid=1629392022&sr=8-6

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21645566/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158435/

https://www.thehealthy.com/aging/mind-memory/benefits-of-chewing-gum/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N8KR2NS/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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My son Markus has always been incredibly introspective and self-aware, so when, even after receiving ADHD accommodations and visual processing intervention he felt there was still something else going on, I believed him. Markus suspected that dyslexia was the underlying cause of his inconsistent gaps in learning, yet whenever he was evaluated in the past these gaps were overlooked or attributed to his ADHD. Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia are very common comorbidities with ADHD, so why weren’t these evaluators ever digging deeper?

Enter the incredible Laurie Peterson, a brilliant Educational Diagnostician who you may recognize from Episode 61 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, and my guest this episode. Laurie evaluated Markus a third time, and to his relief, his suspicions were confirmed--it was dyslexia all along. Having the complete picture of his brain finally allowed Markus to advocate for his needs, which is exactly why Laurie does the work she does. Join me for another wonderful conversation with Laurie as she provides an overview of the different learning disabilities that can co-occur with ADHD, explains why whole-picture interventions are so important, and dispels some common myths surrounding learning disabilities.

Resources:

Website: ediagnosticlearning.com

Apps mentioned: Snap Type; Mod Math

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‘Intuitive eating’ is a term we hear more and more these days, but in a culture where restrictive diets are king, the concept of listening to your own body may seem foreign and even “woo woo.” My guest this week, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Becca King, admits that she also thought intuitive eating was pretty “woo woo” when she first heard about it, but after closer examination, she discovered that intuitive eating wasn’t too out there at all. In fact, it was quite the opposite: intuitive eating helped Becca heal her relationship with food and her own body and started her on a path to help others, specifically those with ADHD, heal those relationships too.

Whether you’re curious to learn more or you still need some convincing, in this week’s episode, Becca will teach you the basics about intuitive eating and provide you some helpful eating tips for the ADHD brain.

Resources:

Instagram: @adhd.nutritionist

Website: adhdnutritionistllc.com

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When licensed professional therapist, author, and speaker KC Davis first began a self and home-care TikTok account, she didn’t intend to make ADHD content. In fact, she didn’t even know she had ADHD at the time, she just knew her unique brain required equally unique systems in order for her to stay on top of home care tasks. When KC’s content inevitably ended up on the ADHD side of TikTok, her number of followers exploded. So many people with ADHD were relating to her content and finding success with her systems that, after receiving yet another comment asking if KC had ADHD herself, she decided to get an evaluation, and soon it was confirmed that she does indeed have ADHD.

Since receiving her diagnosis KC’s content has expanded to include creative ADHD-specific systems and solutions for care tasks, but the underlying message in her work has always remained the same: “Care tasks are morally neutral. They have nothing to do with being a good or bad person, with failing or succeeding in life.” Join me this week as the insightful and hilarious KC Davis explains why thinking of care tasks as ‘morally neutral’ is so important for our mental health, teaches us her ‘condiments in the produce drawer’ ADHD fridge hack that everyone is talking about, and gives us the tools to implement a no-fold laundry system that saved her sanity.

Resources

Instagram: @strugglecare

TikTok: @domesticblisters

Website: Strugglecare.com

Book: How to Keep House While Drowning

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This week I break my cardinal rule of only interviewing women with ADHD on the podcast, which should tell you just how strongly I believe in author and marriage consultant Melissa Orlov’s work. Melissa may not have ADHD herself, but her daughter does, which is exactly what prompts Melissa to learn as much about ADHD as she possibly can. She dove deep into the research, even working alongside renowned ADHD expert, Dr. Edward Hallowell, one of my only other guest to break the podcast rule (go back to Episode 106 to listen to his insightful interview).

All of Melissa’s research led her to the surprising realization that her own husband had ADHD as well. Hello, rabbit ---> bunny! Suddenly, all of the disagreements that they’d been having for years around their relationship suddenly made sense. With this realization came a new level of compassion and understanding for each other. Together Melissa and her husband were finally able to find solutions and create systems that worked for both of them.

Since this marriage-saving discovery, Melissa has been researching and writing about how ADHD impacts relationships and marriage with the goal of providing others with the roadmap she and her husband wish they’d had sooner. Whether you’re in a relationship with a neurotypical or another ADHDer, Melissa has some helpful tips and insights that may just end that argument about emptying the dishwasher for good.

Resources:

Melissa’s website: adhdmarriage.com

Her couples’ seminar: The ADHD Effect In-Depth

Her book: The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps

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When Covid hit the U.S. in 2020 and hair salons all across the country shut down, more and more people started taking the scissors into their own hands, often with disastrous results. While the rest of us were laughing at quarantine haircut memes (or creating our own), Jayne Matthews was brainstorming a solution: What if she could teach people how to cut their own hair using the same technique she used on clients at her salon? Now less than two years later Jayne teaches people all around the world how to give themselves stylish haircuts in a way that’s intuitive and easy to follow. This ability to problem-solve in the face of seemingly unsolvable problems is a skill Jayne attributes to her ADHD and is one she believes is the key to her success. 

Join me this week as educator and trendsetting hairstylist Jayne Matthews and I discuss the importance of blazing new paths rather than trying to fit in, how to be okay with not being great at everything, and some favorite ADHD workarounds.

Resources:

Website: Jaynematthews.com

Instagram: @jayne_edosalon

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This week I’m sitting down with ADHD expert, author and coach René Brooks to talk about Vertical Heterophoria -- a little-known eye condition that, when René stumbled upon the diagnosis by happenstance, changed everything for her. While René is grateful that she was able to find relief from a lifetime of headaches and neck pain, she’s frustrated by how close she came to missing such an important diagnosis and believes the medical community still has a long way to go in understanding and treating ADHD comorbidities. “It’s right there, it’s not hidden, people just don’t put it together. People are so mired down in the research about ADHD that it’s difficult for them to understand how these things apply to real-life scenarios.”

Vertical Heterophoria and the connection to ADHD is so unknown that I myself had never heard of it, but by the end of the episode, René helps me to realize that this just might be the missing piece in my own son’s unresolved vision struggles. This realization is a great reminder of why these conversations are so important to have, and for that reason and many more I’m so excited to bring you this episode with the brilliant René Brooks.

Resources

Instagram: @blackgirllostkeys

Twitter: @Blkgirllostkeys

Blog: Black Girl Lost Keys

Vertical Heterophoria: The Unknown ADHD Related Eye Condition (scroll to the bottom of the blog post for a link to the online test for Vertical Heterophoria)

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Tracy shares:

• Why forcing ourselves to do mundane tasks doesn’t work
• The real question to ask ourselves that helps us get things done
• Why do our ADHD brains struggle to get through boring, predictable, mundane tasks
• What three things must an ADHD strategy employ for us to successfully get a boring, predictable task done?
• What generates positive emotion?
• Why deadlines don’t work over time?
• How light and easy can work every time!

Resources:

Frank Sinatra - Nice 'n' Easy

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Miriam Schulman to Ep. 136 of her podcast ADHD for Smart Ass Women.

So for all these reasons, I am delighted to introduce you to Miriam Schulman, artist and founder of The Inspiration Place. Through her online classes, business coaching programs, and popular podcast, she’s helped thousands of artists around the world develop their skill sets and sell more art.

Miriam is a graduate of Dartmouth College and M.I.T. who has been featured in major publications including Forbes, The New York Times, Art of Man, Professional Artist magazine, and Art Journaling magazine. Her artwork has also been featured on NBC’s “Parenthood” and the Amazon series “Hunters” with Al Pacino. Her forthcoming book with HarperCollins Leadership on how to make it as an artist is scheduled to be released in October 2022.

Miriam shares:

• Her and her family’s experience with ADHD
• Her challenging first year in college
• Why originality is so important to her
• Her observations on the link between creativity and ADHD
• What it means to be a lifelong learner
• Why she started The Inspiration Place
• The difference between selling art online or in person
• The ADHD traits that she regularly sees in artists
• What artists tend to struggle with
• The importance of practicing your creative
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible for her success?
• The key to living successfully with ADHD is?
• Her number one ADHD workaround?

Resources:

https://www.schulmanart.com/

The Inspiration Place Podcast, Artists and ADD: Creatively Distracted, with Tracy Otsuka

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This week Tracy welcomes Grace L’Orange to episode #135 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Grace is a school psychologist, behavior specialist, and suicide prevention coordinator working in public education with a B.S. in Psychology and an advanced Education Specialist degree in School Psychology. Grace is passionate about equity, inclusion, and advocacy for all students, especially those with disabilities and other differences. In addition to her direct work with students, she collaborates with and educates other adults to better understand and address the specific impacts these differences have on daily life.

Grace recently implemented systemic changes in her district by developing updated policies and procedures for special education and suicide prevention/intervention focusing on equity and best practice. She serves as Director-At-Large on the board for her state school psychologist association. She also collaborates with the broader community through the Suicide Prevention Coalition in her county. Initially drawn to school psychology due to the school struggles of her brother with ADHD, little did Grace know that she would be diagnosed much later at the age of 32. Since then, Grace has been integrating this new ADHD facet of her life in the context of being an educator working with students with disabilities and behavior challenges.

In this episode Grace shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• What has changed since she was diagnosed
• How learning about her ADHD shifted her understanding of how ADHD presents in girls and helped her better notice symptoms that are often overlooked in female students
• Information surrounding the alarming number of ADHD women who have attempted suicide and the societal factors that may contribute to these high rates
• Signs of suicidal ideation to look out for and ways you can responsibly help someone who may be at risk (resources listed down below)
• How she uses audio journaling to move past perfectionism, externalize her thoughts in order to process them, and speak more kindly to herself
• Her key to living successfully with ADHD

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-8255

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-someone-else/

Mental Health Crisis Response Program: 1-888-989-9990 (for parents of children through age 17)

Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth)

Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) online training for anyone: https://qprinstitute.com/

Hopesquad Prevention: https://hopesquad.com/prevention/

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden, MS and Michelle Frank, PsyD (book mentioned)

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This week Tracy welcomes Kamden Hainsworth to Episode #134 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Kamden lives with her husband and three (almost four) daughters in Springville, Utah. She enjoys spending time in the nearby mountains, traveling, working on home improvement projects, and serving in her community and church. Kamden worked as an educator in a variety of capacities for over ten years. She has always felt the most fulfilled helping others realize their true potential. Years after her daughter was diagnosed, Kamden received her own ADHD diagnosis at 36 years old and quickly began advocating and researching to learn how to build her new amazing life as an ADHDer. She now helps solopreneurs with ADHD find their voice and translate that into their business specifically with marketing and social media.

Kamden shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• What has changed since she was diagnosed
• The importance of surrounding herself with people who see and appreciate her ADHD gifts
• Why social media can be so challenging for the ADHD brain
• The ways perfectionism and over-thinking can prevent us from posting on social media
• How asking the question, “Who makes the rules about what social media needs to look like?” can help us overcome perfectionism and get started
• Her strategies for building your online presence one puzzle piece at a time
• How determination and trusting her own creativity and problem-solving skills has led to her success
• Her #1 ADHD workaround: visuals, visuals, visuals

Resources:

The ADHDirectory

Kamden's Instagram

Kamden's TikTok

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This week Tracy welcomes Adrienne Smith to Episode #133 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Adrienne is a beekeeper who was accepted into the Oregon State Master Beekeeper program. She will take her final journeyperson exam at the end of this month and has been studying honeybee beekeeping since 2014. She lives in Central Oregon with her husband on a small farm with her bees, chickens, donkeys, a cat and some koi fish.

Adrienne shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her own ADHD diagnosis
• Her struggle with Auditory Processing Disorder
• How she got into beekeeping after years of “hobby hopping”
• Why ADHD women are often drawn to careers that go against the status quo
• The challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field
• Why beekeeping is so appealing to the ADHD brain
• Her knowledge on native bees and which species need the most protection
• Why hyperfocus is her ultimate ADHD strength

Resources:
Youtube-Farmstead Smith

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This week Tracy welcomes Denese Marshall to Episode #132 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where the conversations will be all about ADHD and trauma.

Denese Marshall, MA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. She has a BA in Psychology, a BA in Criminology and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Denese works with adolescents and adults facing addiction, trauma and OCD. She is passionate about the acceptance of differences and has authored a bullying prevention book to teach children ages 4-7 to accept differences and exercise acts of kindness.

She has worked with clients with a criminal background to assist in both rehabilitative/reintegration following incarceration, as well as helping clients with addiction to prepare for incarceration.

Denese believes that our past or life choices influence our behavior, but they do not define who we are. She helps clients find meaning in their experiences and develop a sense of peace that comes from making sense of our experiences.

Denese has two teenage children, a private practice in Connecticut and she speaks regularly on trauma and finding the value and meaning of life challenges.

Denese shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her own ADHD diagnosis
• What has changed since she was diagnosed?
• Her definition of trauma
• How to distinguish between trauma and ADHD
• The symptoms of trauma
• Why it’s important to address trauma before working on ADHD executive function issues
• What happens to the traumatized brain when there is discomfort?
• What works to address trauma?
• What happens when trauma is not addressed?
• How to find ADHD professionals who are expert in both trauma and ADHD

Resources:

https://www.denesemarshall.com

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Join Tracy for Episode #131 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women as she celebrates the one-millionth download of her podcast and expresses her gratitude for your support and confidence. Tracy spends this episode sharing how this podcast has changed her life. She discusses what she’s learned and how it might help you too.

Discover:

• What it means to be future focused vs. past focused
• How to figure out your own ADHD formula
• The importance of not believing everything you think and how what they say about you is none of your business
• How action generates positive emotion
• Why it’s never too late and you’re never too old
• How to never be bored another day of your life
• What ADHD women have in common
• Three simple steps to moving that big thing forward

Resources:

Ep. 93: ADHD, Positive Emotion and Being Future-Focused

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Join Tracy for Episode #130 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she talks about challenging kids with ADHD and the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) system developed by Dr. Robert Greene. CPS was developed as a way to diffuse power struggles between parents and their challenging kids, specifically kids with explosive behavior issues. It’s used in juvenile detention facilities, prisons, schools and of course with families around the world.

Tracy shares:

• Why even if you don’t have kids you will learn something about yourself from this podcast
• Why telling an ADHD child what to do, doesn’t serve them or the parent-child relationship over time
• The most important role that a parent plays in their child’s life
• The question she always ask when she’s trying to figure out what to do next
• The statement that underpins Dr. Greene’s CPS philosophy and changes everything
• Why switching from drill sergeant to coach and collaborator is so much more effective with ADHD kids
• The problem with lagging skills and how to assess them
• The 3 Step CPS system
• Who’s opinion must be considered to address challenging behaviors

Resources:

Why Will No One Play with Me?: The Play Better Plan to Help Children of All Ages Make Friends and Thrive, PCC, M.Ed

The Explosive Child by Dr. Robert Greene

https://drrossgreene.com/

Dr. Ross Greene Video: Kids Do Well If They Can

https://www.livesinthebalance.org/about-lives-in-the-balance

https://www.livesinthebalance.org/paperwork

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Join Tracy as she welcomes her guest Mrinal Gokhale to Episode 129 of her podcast, ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Mrinal Gokhale is a writer, business analyst, and mental health advocate based in the Midwest. Mrinal just published her first book, Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted, to increase education and acceptance on mental health in the South Asian diaspora. Her future goals include teaching self defense and developing a health and wellness app.

Mrinal shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her struggle with school
• What has changed since she was diagnosed
• What made her write her book
• The model minority stereotype
• How the model minority stereotype impacts ADHD, mental health and affects self-esteem and increases shame
• What ADHD strengths make her good at her job
• Her key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her ADHD workaround

Resources:

Instagram @lotus_mkg

Email

Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted

https://www.additudemag.com/model-minority-myth-indian-girls-adhd/

https://www.additudemag.com/mental-health-stigma-asian-stereotype-adhd-asd/

https://www.additudemag.com/forced-smile-asd-adhd-woman/

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Jessica Fern to Ep. 128 of her podcast, ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Jessica is a Senior Director of Training & Development for the 4th largest multifamily management company in the US and doubles as a national speaker, coach, and strategist. Jessica is a keynote speaker, who was most recently featured on a national panel for Women in Leadership. She has a series on Multifamily Leadership Studio that includes Legendary Leadership which earned her the nickname The Wolf of Leadership. Jessica's newest project is her solutions-oriented coaching/consulting and podcast called "Living with Einstein."

Jessica shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her two ADHD diagnoses
• What has changed since her recent diagnosis
• Her struggle with and triumph over Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
• How hyperfocus almost wrecked her
• How she discovered her gift of speaking
• Her advice on creating a winning speech every time
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her ADHD workaround

Resources:

Living with Einstein Podcast

Jessica's LinkedIn

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Adell Bridges to Episode 127 of her podcast, ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Adell is an international yoga teacher, health coach, and author who applies her degree in psychology with her training in the neurology of movement to her yoga and movement teachings. She now splits her time between London and Florida, and shares her love for the power of mindful movement to her online community on MoveWithAdell.com and her half a million Instagram followers. She is currently coauthoring a book on hyper-mobility.

Adell shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her recent ADHD diagnosis
• What has changed since she was diagnosed?
• Her advice around managing RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)
• What made her fall in love with yoga
• Why yoga is perfect for the ADHD brain
• The link between hyper-mobility and ADHD
• How she uses her Instagram to inspire and generate positive emotion not only for herself but also her followers
• ADHD and vertical heterophoria
• ADHD and cerebellar stimulation
• The key to living successfully with ADHD

Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/adellbridges/

https://www.movewithadell.com

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Today Tracy welcomes Tiffany Jackson to the podcast. Tiffany shares her indefatigable childhood story of being abandoned by her mother, bouncing from one relatives home to another, and spending one perfect year at an elite boarding high school only to end up at a homeless shelter as a minor. Throughout all of this, Tiffany had a dream to make something out of her life. Since then she’s graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from the Dan Rather School of Communications at Sam Houston State University, attended a year of law school which is where she received her ADHD diagnosis and in 2018 she graduated from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences with a Master of Biomedical Science.

Tiffany plans to attend medical school and work as a physician epidemiologist. She loves photography and car racing.

Tiffany shares:

• Her thoughts on how grit, drive and determination allowed her to keep going despite so many setbacks and challenges
• How she sees her drivenness as hyperactivity
• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her childhood symptoms of ADHD
• What happened once she was finally diagnosed
• What she’s learned she needs to be successful and happy
• What she thinks the key to living successfully with ADHD is
• Her workarounds
• How she discovered what she’s always meant to do with her life

Resources:

Email: tiffany.jackson@me.com

Instagram: @Texas_Senator

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Tracy welcomes you to Episode #125 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she invites the ADHD non-believers to join her for a little education. She gets requests for this podcast every week so she decided to do something about it.

Tracy shares:

• Why the authoritarian model of parenting doesn’t work with an ADHD child
• Nora Volkow’s research about ADHD and interest
• What the NIH, AMA, U.S. Surgeon’s General, American Association of Psychiatry and the U.S. Department of Education all say about ADHD
• Whether or not there’s ADHD in France
• If it’s true that ADHD is strictly an American phenomenon
• What it means that more kids are getting diagnosed with ADHD
• What happens when ADHD is not treated
• If it’s true that everyone has a little ADHD
• If ADHD is an invention of modern society
• If video games, social media, smart phones are making people more ADHD
• Whether or not medicating kids for ADHD turns them into addicts
• Why willpower, consequences, discipline and punishment is the wrong formula for the ADHD brain
• What happens to children when they’re told that they’re lazy, unmotivated and need to work harder
• What works to motivate ADHD children
• The one question you should ask yourself about your ADHD child

Resources:

Dr. Nora Volkow's regarding the Dopamine Reward Pathway in ADHD

Dr. Ross Greene: Kids Do Well If They Can

ADHD Child vs. Non-ADHD Child Interview

Father to Father: Robert Dendy

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/putting-the-efficacy-of-psychiatric-and-general-medicine-medication-into-perspective-review-of-metaanalyses/39C15F3428BDD1F8A4C152B67C06A5A6

https://psychcentral.com/blog/do-french-kids-get-adhd-yes/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5510191/

https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-news-and-research/do-french-kids-have-adhd-surement/

https://www.alcohol.org/guides/global-drinking-demographics/

https://ourworldindata.org/smoking

https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/07/health/07essa.html

Sir Ken Robinson’s Ted Talk on Gillian Lynne who had to move to think. Here’s the excerpt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dewkj80G4as Here’s the full TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity#t-77984

Erin Ez shared this link that gives you a real world snapshot of how your child feels struggling with attention and learning challenges: https://www.understood.org/en/tools/through-your-childs-eyes/player?simq=66dc223a-29e3-4956-ae1e-e7b1beff3584&gradeId=f774ec64-d556-4a06-abae-035bc8683bb6&personalized=true

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Rebecca Brianceau to Episode 124 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Rebecca is an autodidact artist and an international mindfulness art teacher who hails from Toronto, Canada. Rebecca has lived in Dubai, the UAE, London, England, Zurich, Switzerland and São Paulo, Brazil. She spent 15+ years in the music industry where she worked with multi-platinum selling and indie recording artists in hiphop, soul and RnB, as well as with producers, video directors, DJs, and fashion designers.

In 2011 she left a successful career in the music world to launch her art career. Her Ocean Soul Series of stunning ocean paintings has been exhibited in galleries and art shows throughout Canada and Mexico. She now lives in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Rebecca shares:

• The story of what inspired her to create her beautiful resin ocean paintings
• Her ADHD diagnosis
• Her ADHD symptoms
• What changed once she was diagnosed
• How she fell into the music industry and traveled all over the world as a band manager
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible for her success
• The key to living well with ADHD
• Her number one workaround
• Information about her Ocean Soul Series, Riviera Maya art exhibit in Playa Del Carmen

Resources:

Rebecca's Instagram: @rebeccabrianceauart

Rebecca's Ocean Soul Series Riviera Maya art exhibit in Playa Del Carmen

Music:

Taj & Director

Director X

Hamdan Al Abri

Kamal Musallam, creator of Arabic/Jazz Fusion

Kamal's created a new guitar "the glissentar" that allowed him to play oud guitar sounds on a more comfortable guitar face https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbTqZp4KFDE

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This week Tracy welcomes you to episode #123 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she is going to talk about ADHD, procrastination and tapping. Tapping combines Ancient Chinese accupressure and modern psychology. You tap specific meridian points on your body while focusing on negative emotions and/or physical sensations. Tapping can resolve stress, anxiety, phobias, emotional disorders, chronic pain and limiting beliefs and there’s science behind why it works.

Tracy shares:

• The science behind tapping
• How the VA uses tapping for veterans with PTSD
• Why body-based somatic therapies work better for trauma
• What tapping can do for gene expression
• How tapping can help reduce anxiety for ADHD women
• How trauma encodes itself in the body
• What EFT/tapping can do to the brain’s learning
• How tapping calms the nervous system
• The difference between tapping out and tapping in
• How she uses tapping to start work that she doesn’t want to do
• The tapping process and how to do it

Resources:

Tracy's Diagram of the EFT Tapping Points

Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22986277/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23364126/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27543343/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23452711/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26894319/

Tapping and test anxiety

https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ftra0000563

Tapping and Gene Expression

https://www.energiepsy.com/uploads/3/1/7/7/3177769/andrade_feinstein_paper-1.pdf

Tapping and Food Cravings

The Tapping Solution App

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells to Episode #122 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where the conversation will be all about ADHD and medication.

Dr. Lentzsch-Parcells is a board-certified pediatrician and the owner and President of Girls to Women/Young Men’s Health and Wellness Fort Worth, a multi-faceted clinic providing integrated medical care dedicated to meeting the physical and emotional needs of young women and men from 10-25 years old.

As a physician with ADHD herself, Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells has a special interest in caring for patients with ADHD and learning issues. She regularly speaks to parent, student, and professional audiences on subjects such as parenting, ADHD, depression, anxiety and stress, adolescent development, sexuality, preparing for college and medication.

Carolyn shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her own ADHD diagnosis
• What changed once she was diagnosed?
• What it means to be a slow metabolizer
• The importance of setting expectations around medication
• Her opinion around women, anxiety and ADHD medication
• The various types of medication used for ADHD
• Medications used for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
• The medication that reduces the chance of misuse
• Her thoughts on genetic testing
• The medication that most 40+ women are usually prescribed
• What she believes the key to living successfully with ADHD is?

Resources:

Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells' website

ADHD Medication Chart from ADDitudeMag

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Terry Matlen to episode 121 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Terry Matlen, LMSW, ACSW, is an internationally recognized expert on ADHD in women. She is a psychotherapist, author, consultant, and coach.

She is also the author of the award-winning book, The Queen of Distraction and Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD. "The Queen of Distraction” and "Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD”.

With over 25 years of experience helping women with ADHD, Terry is a sought-after presenter at conferences, webinars, and interviews. She has written hundreds of articles for various publications, including ADDitude Magazine, Attention Magazine, Healthline.com, and more.

She served for many years on the board of directors of ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Assoc.) and is an immediate past coordinator of the E. Oakland County CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) Chapter in Michigan.

Terry has been interviewed by NPR, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Time Magazine, Glamour Magazine, and now ADHD for Smart Ass Women.

Terry shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her own ADHD diagnosis
• What hypersensitivities are
• Whether or not ADHD women have more hypersensitivities than neurotypical women
• If hypersensitivities are more prevalent in one type of ADHD over another
• Whether or not women with hypersensitivities tend to have more comorbidities.
• Her own experiences with hypersensitivities
• How hypersensitivities make parenting with ADHD even more difficult
• Ways to work with hypersensitivities

Resources:

Follow her at https://www.facebook.com/ADDconsults/, https://twitter.com/addconsults, https://www.instagram.com/terrymatlen_adhd/

Terry can be reached at terry@ADDconsults.com.

The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Done

Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD: Beyond Piles, Palms & Stickers

ADDconsults.com

The Queens of Distraction

Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World

ADDITUDEMag: “I’m a Sensitive Woman:” ADHD Sensory Overload in Adults

ADHD and Women: When Your Senses Are Extra Sensitive

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Today on Episode 120 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy invites Dr. Elizabeth Sanchez to her podcast. Dr. Sanchez earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago and will join Adventist Health White Memorial (Los Angeles, CA) as a Family Medicine resident. While working with many underserved communities in Chicago and Los Angeles, Elizabeth found her niche in primary care where she integrates her passions of caring for underserved communities, public health advocacy, research and mentorship for the next generation of doctors.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Sanchez spent over 5 years working in translational and clinical research at the UCLA School of Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, and later at UC Irvine, School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesia. Most recently, Dr. Sanchez worked as medical data manager for COVID-19 testing at a San Jose medical start up called Work Health Solutions. She also is dedicated to mentoring medical students with adult ADHD and eliminating the stigma within the medical community.

Dr. Elizabeth Sanchez shares:

• Her ADHD story and the circumstances surrounding her diagnosis?
• Her experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• How her ADHD challenged her in medical school
• Her struggle with the NBME board and being denied additional time for the USMLE exams
• How socioeconomic status can affect a person’s ability to succeed with ADHD in medical school
• The importance of mentoring underrepresented minority medical students
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one ADHD workaround?

Resources:

Anki : https://apps.ankiweb.net/

How to use anki in medical school: https://www.yousmle.com/5-keys-rock-usmle-step-1-anki-spaced-repetition/

Peloton Desk Accessory: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088D88FP8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_A5FT6FQDMTHXNSSQEDSE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

My email: drelizabethkeller@gmail.com

Pema Chodron

The Podcast Index

Our Podcast Page

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Join Tracy as she welcomes her delightful guest Dr. Lola Day to Episode 119 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Dr. Lola Day is the mom of 3 amazing children. She also is a double-boarded physician (pediatric and fetal cardiologist) who has ADHD herself. Dr. Day is the CEO and Founder of Lollie Tasking where she specializes in work-life balance for easily distracted women (ADHD) and high achieving moms who have the will to accomplish their goals, but their brain keeps sabotaging them.

Lola coaches women on productivity strategies that help them harness their superpowers and put blocks on their kryptonite so they can thrive in their zone of genius without sacrificing time away from family or being overwhelmed.

Dr. Lola Day shares:

• The circumstances around her ADHD diagnosis in medical school
• The surprising statistic her mentor shared with her about doctors and ADHD
• The two things that drove her hyperfocus in school
• Why getting diagnosed actually helps us to come to terms with just how smart our brains are
• How structure and organization help her to be happier and less anxious
• How she manages to not only work as a busy physician but also to carve out time in her day to work as a productivity and work-life strategist for struggling women
• Her five keys to entrepreneurial success
• How we can combat overlearning
• Why we should buy for just in time learning rather than just in case learning
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible for her success?
• The key to living successfully with ADHD is?
• Her number one ADHD workaround?
• Information about the programs that she offers

Resources:

• https://www.subscribepage.com/2xproductivityatwork
• Instagram: @lollietasker
• Lollietasking.com
• loladay@lollietasking.com

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Francesca Rizzo to Episode 118 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women to share her tips on downsizing and setting up an organized home for ADHD living. Francesca Rizzo is a multi-media artist expressing powerful, provocative ideas in funny, human ways. Her work is prolific. The multiple medias she has distinguished herself in range from the fine arts and interior design to her work as an award-winning actor, writer, producer and director in theater, film, television and digital media.

As a college dropout, Francesca left NJ and struck out on her own at 19, mining her creative talents for skills she could use to pay the rent in New York City. Along the way she carved out a career as a children’s book illustrator, professional actor, co-founder of a downtown theater company and eventually, as a filmmaker and CEO of MovieBaby Productions, a Tribeca-based media company creating innovative videos, independent films and tv promotional campaigns. Does that sound ADHD or what?

When she lost Moviebaby and her Manhattan apartment after 9/11, she landed back in Jersey and went back to the basics, earning her degree in Media Arts as well as the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. While making her mark in the fine arts and interior design, she penned and performed three theatrical productions, curated The Cinema-Femina film series and, created Believe Women, a rape activist initiative that championed the Cosby survivors along their journey to justice.

Francesca shares:

• What made her downsize from a 3,000 square foot, 3-story home in New Jersey to a 600 square foot apartment in New York City
• The 3 requirements every item must meet to end up in Fran’s world
• How to let go of things and make room for those things that you really want in your life
• Her decision making tier of
• • I love it
  • I like it
  • It does its job
  • It annoys me
  • I hate it
• When you need to just “pick the best”
• How she feels after getting rid of 98% of her possessions
• What she would do differently if she had to do it again
• How you can use Fran’s downsizing mindset to move through anything that causes you fear and overwhelm
• What the key to living successfully with ADHD is

Resources:

Simple Systems for Creative Minds: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1078102928980874

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Join Tracy in episode #117 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she shares the #1 most impactful concept that she has learned this year. She talks about this concept every day with students and those who contact her because they’re struggling with rumination, RSD, and just plain not feeling good.

Tracy shares:

• Who she learned this concept from
• Why our ADHD brains can get stuck in a loop of negative thoughts which leads to rumination, RSD and general brooding
• The role environment plays in all of this
• What epigenetics and neuroplasticity can teach us
• How you can change your brain at any age and be happier
• The network in our brain that lights up when we’re in action
• The network in our brain that is responsible for our creativity
• The network in our brain that is responsible for many of our negative, depressive thoughts
• The reason why so many people are starting to look so distracted whether or not they have or don’t have ADHD
• The part of our brain that is responsible for addiction and what we can do about it
• What 6-3-8-3 breathing is and why it works
• When our ADHD brains are happiest

Resources:

https://drhallowell.com/read/books-by-ned/

Breaking Binaries: https://bit.ly/2O7fuVZ

https://www.theactivetimes.com/travel/how-to-be-a-better-lgbtq-ally-pride-month

 10 Things You Can Do to Be an Ally to People Who Are LGBTQ+: https://bit.ly/3fy4dcD

 5 Days to Fall in Love With Your ADHD Brain: https://www.tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain

Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!: https://www.tracyotsuka.com/aok

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In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about ADHD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and why she took such an interest in this episode. Tracy starts by mentioning the connection between OCD and repetitive body focused behaviors (RBFBs) and then discusses what they are. She then goes on to share:

• What OCD is
• What obsessions are
• What compulsions are
• The conditions that make up the OCD Spectrum
• What OCD is not
• What Pure Obsession is
• At what age does OCD typically show up
• Where ADHD and OCD look very different
• Where ADHD and OCD look similar
• What those with OCD are most concerned about
• The role that executive functions play in both ADHD and OCD
• How hoarding plays into ADHD and OCD
• How OCD is best treated
• What Exposure Response Prevention is
• The reasons why ADHD with OCD is often misdiagnosed
• A Do I Have OCD? Survey

Resources:

link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12402-014-0146-x

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006322306005877

iocdf.org/expert-opinions/expert-opinion-ocd-and-adhd-dual-diagnosis-misdiagnosis-and-the-cognitive-cost-of-obsessions/

www.additudemag.com/slideshows/symptoms-of-ocd/

www.additudemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/10230_Understand-Conditions_is-it-ocd-or-adhd.pdf

www.ocduk.org/ocd/history-of-ocd/howard-hughes/

www.additudemag.com/howie-mandel-ocd/

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Lynn Miner-Rosen to Episode 115 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Lynn Miner-Rosen, M.Ed., ACC, CDCS is the founder of LMR Coaching and the creator of the ADHD JOB SQUAD™ where she provides coaching, instruction, and support to college students and adults with (and without) ADD, ADHD, Executive Functioning Deficits and Learning Differences worldwide. Lynn is a leading expert on ADHD career coaching and is an ICF Credentialed and Board Certified Career Development Coach, and an ADHD, Executive Function and Life Coach. She’s been a Special Education Teacher and an IEP coordinator and has a BS in business administration and two Masters Degrees in education and Special Education

Like you she’s also learned how to manage the demands of her life and career whil navigating symptoms of ADHD.

Lynn shares:

• Her ADHD diagnosis story
• The truth about our current pandemic job market
• Why women are struggling the most
• What we need to consider when trying to decide if we should make a career change
• Advice for those of us who are reentering the workforce decades after we left
• Why she decide to start the ADHD Job Squad
• A special deal just for ADHD for Smart Ass Women listener

Resources:

learn.adhdjobsquad.com/smartasswomen

www.adhdjobsquad.com

Instagram: @adhdcoachlynn

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lynnminerrosen

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/adhdjobsquadcommunity

adhdpalooza.com/women/

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In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about women, ADHD and hormones. She starts out by thanking those female pioneers, most of whom have ADHD, for leading the charge in teaching us about what ADHD looks like in women. Experts like Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, Dr. Ellen Littman, Dr. Patricia Quinn, Dr. Sari Solden, Dr. Sandra Kooj who she has learned so much from.

Tracy shares:

• Why ADHD has always been about the boys
• How ADHD looks different in girls
• The biggest problem among health care practitioners that impacts women
• Why girls/women are often misdiagnosed
• Who struggles more with ADHD, men or women
• How societal pressures and gender role expectations affect ADHD women
• Her thoughts around perfectionism and ADHD
• How estrogen impacts ADHD symptoms and is not stable during our lifespan
• New research about hormone related mood disorders that may impact ADHD women
• Whether or not there’s such a thing as adult onset ADHD
• Some information on is it dementia or ADHD

Resources:

www.tracyotsuka.com/aok

adhdpalooza.com/women/

chesapeakeadd.com/home/our-team/kathleen-nadeau/

www.drellenlittman.com/

www.sarisolden.com/

www.eunetworkadultadhd.com/author/sandra-kooij/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPerPxb-RNs&fbclid=IwAR2WmX55i1V5jCoGxVsRJLK7Ee42KeYaiVKvGcV8sftahJ6kvpq_IZigilw&ab_channel=BroadcastingADHDEurope

www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-in-women-symptoms-treatment-support-podcast-337/

www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-in-older-adults-dementia-medication-podcast-331/

www.additudemag.com/pmdd-adhd-in-women/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=diagnosis&fbclid=IwAR2R6hdGmEN53XqbecFAeGE9caRriHos9nE184yoeryTTBKg8f3szC99Cnw

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Join Tracy on Episode 113 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she talks about how to live a life of meaning and to your potential with an ADHD brain.

Tracy shares:

• How to know that the decisions you’re making in your life are the right decisions for you.
• What are the questions that you need to ask regarding if you’re in the right career, relationship, friendships, etc.
• Her 6-step Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! system
• How to answer the What Should I Do With My Life question
• Whether or not ADHD women care more than neurotypical women of living a life of meaning and to their potential
• Her favorite ADHD strength-focused resource
• What ADHD women need to be doing in order to be happy
• Her 25%/75% theory
• The sweet spot that plays right into our ADHD brilliance
• Why environment is so important to our ADHD brains

Resources:

adhdpalooza.com/women

tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain

additudemag.com/adhd-life-plan-questions/

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In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Raven Baxter. Raven is also known as Raven the Science Maven, she is an award-winning and internationally acclaimed science communicator, educator and molecular biologist who is working to share science and champion for inclusivity and diversity in STEM.

Raven is also the founder of Science Haven, a non-profit organization that operates at the intersections of science, education, and the public. Science Haven houses STEMbassy, a live web series that connects the public with science and technology professionals, and Black In Science Communication, a group that works to build relationships in the science community, equipping others with the knowledge and resources necessary to share science with the world in their own flavor.

Raven is an entertainer and content creator known for her unique style of combining science and hip hop music that teaches and empowers those in STEM and beyond.

She has recently been featured in Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40 List of the most influential young leaders for the year, BuzzFeed News, Mother Jones Magazine, on the mayor of Buffalo’s social media accounts trying to convince teenagers to stay home in the age of Covid; and of course, she has her own TedX Talk.

Raven shares:

• The circumstances surrounding both her ADHD diagnoses
• The tweet that she shared regarding her struggle to memorize even small snippets of text
• What has changed since her last diagnosis
• Why she started her science rap music videos
• What she thinks the key to living successfully with ADHD is

ADHD brains work so that they too may discover their amazing strengths. And your reviews really help in that regard.

Resources:

Instagram: instagram.com/raventhesciencemaven
Twitter: twitter.com/ravenscimaven
Facebook: facebook.com/raventhesciencemaven
Website: scimaven.com

5 Days to Fall in Love with Your ADHD Brain: tracyotsuka.com/ilovemybrain

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Dr. Diana Mercado to Episode 111 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Dr. Mercado is the daughter of Mexican immigrant workers. She graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, earned her medical degree from the University of Texas and did her residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Diana became a family medicine physician so that minority patients would have a physician who “looks like them.” Today Dr. Diana Mercado is a Nurse Practitioner mentor, Clinic Medical Director and was just elected Chief Medical Officer for Jackson County Hospital in Texas.

Diana shares with us:

• Her struggles in medical school
• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her symptoms in childhood
• What changed once she was diagnosed
• Her struggle with imposter syndrome
• The medication that works best for her
• The ADHD traits that make her a better doctor?
• What she believes to be the key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her interest in coaching

Resources:

• Brooke Castillo, The Life Coach School
• Mydais Medication
• Dr. Diana Mercado's email: overachievewithadhd@gmail.com

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In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Dr. Amy Cain. Dr. Cain is a Molecular Biologist who uses genomics to study deadly, antibiotic resistant bacteria. She completed both her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry (graduating with first class honours) and then her PhD in Microbiology at the University of Sydney, Australia. After PhD submission, she moved to Cambridge, UK, for a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Wellcome Sanger Institute (where they first sequenced the human genome!) and was awarded a prestigious fellowship at the University of Cambridge. Dr. Cain then moved to Malawi in sub-Saharan Africa to track outbreaks in hospitals, employed by the Wellcome Trust charity.

Since 2018, Dr. Cain has been a Senior Lecturer/Assistant Professor at Macquarie Macquary University, Sydney, having received a number of grants to develop new antibiotics and study antibiotic resistance; setting up her research group across 3 different labs. Dr. Amy Cain is also Deputy Director of the JAMS organisation, a microbiology society that runs over 5 countries and she has just started a podcast called JAMSpod to spread microbiology knowledge far and wide. She loves travelling (having visited 70-odd countries so far), scuba diving, live music and cooking.

Amy shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her diagnosis
• The ADHD symptoms that she always wondered about but now recognizes as clearly ADHD.
• Why she became an infectious disease and genetics expert
• What has changed since her diagnosis
• Why she loves science so much
• Why she started a podcast interviewing microbiologists
• Her advice to young women with ADHD
• Her ADHD workarounds
• What she believes the key is to living successfully with ADHD

Resources:

Amy's Facebook Profile Page

Amy’s Twitter handle: @flamycain

The Waking Up App

Manuka Honey

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In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Sarah Gise. Sarah is an award nominated Chicago actor who got her BFA degree for Acting at the University of Southern California (USC). She’s worked a thousand different jobs and gigs because she experiences intense FOMO (fear of missing out), so in addition to acting, she’s dipped her toes into teaching, writing, directing, podcasting, bartending, and coaching. She is currently an ensemble member with Interrobang Theatre Project, and has performed in numerous shows with different companies around Chicago. Her performance in Interrobang Theatre Project’s production of the one woman show THE AMISH PROJECT (2016) was nominated for Best Solo Performance at the 2017 Joseph Jefferson Awards. In addition to theatre, she has appeared in several web series, films, commercials, and audiobooks. Sarah currently works as an Executive Functioning Coach for Effective Artistry, and is the Host/Producer of The ADHD Artist Podcast, which explores and celebrates the lives of artists with ADHD.

Sarah shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her childhood symptoms
• Why she chose to study the arts
• Her experience with medication
• What made her start The ADHD Artist Podcast
• The key to living successfully with ADHD

Resources:

Actor website: http://sarahgise05.wixsite.com/sarahgise

ADHD Artist Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Theadhdartistpod

Effective Artistry: EffectiveArtistry.com

UCLA Mindfulness (the one Sarah uses every day is the first one, "Breathing Meditation" 5 min): uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations

The Headspace App

Interrobang Theatre Project: interrobangtheatreproject.com

Tracy's FREE 5-day workshop, How to Fall in Love with Your ADHD Brain

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Join Tracy in episode 108 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she introduces you to Judith Houlding. Judith has been a professional organizer for 11 years. She is also an ADHD coach who has trained in “brain-based differences” and has received certification from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Coach Approach for Organizers, and the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals. Judith is the mother of three adult children, two of which were diagnosed as having ADHD. She describes herself as being on the ADHD spectrum … but not quite at the tipping point. Judith understands the frustrations and struggles that the ADHD brain deals with when it comes to organization. She believes that perfection is an illusion that no organizer will ever promise you. Judith believes that, good enough is truly Good Enough!

Judith shares:

• Her own personal story with ADHD.

• Why she decided to become a professional organizer

• What the Institute for Challenging Disorganization does

• Concepts that she uses with ADHD clients to help them with organization
• The questions to ask when you’re trying to decide what to keep and what to get rid of
• Organization tips and workarounds for the ADHD brain
• What to start with when everything is a mess
• Tips on school organization

Resources:

Judith Houlding's Website

Institute for Challenging Disorganization

National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals

Join the waitlist for the FREE 5-day Workshop, How to Fall in Love with Your ADHD Brain here.

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Join Tracy and her delightful guest, 18-year-old Lucy Van den Heuvel. At 16 Lucy left high school, not knowing how she was going to go forward with her education. She eventually found a college that accepted students as young as 16, and applied. In May, Lucy will graduate from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Massachusetts, where she will receive her Associates of Arts degree instead of a high school diploma. In college she is studying sustainable agriculture, and co-manages the campus farm. When she’s not farming or studying, she spends her time hiking, oil painting, rock climbing, and crocheting.

Today she looks at the decision to leave high school without graduating as one of the best she’s ever made.

Lucy shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her childhood symptoms
• How her love of storytime got her into trouble in pre-K
• Her life-long struggle with school
• Her struggle with anxiety
• Why she decided to drop out of high school
• Why Bard college was the perfect fit for her curious brain
• Her plans after graduation
• What has changed since she was diagnosed
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible for her success?

Resources:

Lucy's Facebook

Bard College at Simon's Rock

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Join Tracy as she breaks her women only guest rule by welcoming Dr. Edward Hallowell to Episode 106 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. If you know anything at all about ADHD you recognize Dr. Hallowell’s name as the leading authority in the field of ADHD. Dr. Hallowell is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, and a New York Times bestselling author. He, along with Dr. John Ratey wrote what Tracy considers to be the bible of ADHD, Driven to Distraction. Now retired from the faculty of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hallowell has been featured on 20/20, 60 Minutes, Oprah, PBS, CNN, Today, Good Morning America, and in The New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, Time. He is a regular columnist for ADDitude magazine, and is also the host of his weekly podcast called Distraction. Dr. Hallowell is the founder of The Hallowell Centers in Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Seattle. He lives in the Boston area with his wife and their three grown children.

Dr. Hallowell shares:

• The circumstances surrounding his ADHD diagnosis
• Why he and Dr. John Ratey decided to write their new book ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction.
• Who he wrote this book for
• Why most medical professionals have ignored the strengths in ADHD for so long
• His opinion on ADHD and intelligence
• Exciting research around the task positive network and default mode network and how you can use them to benefit the ADHD brain
• The ADHDers need to create and constantly improve their life
• Why those of us with ADHD should never worry alone
• Where he believes the field of ADHD research and treatment is going
• Whether he believes that there’s a relationship between introversion/extroversion and ADHD types
• Why ADHD women have not been part of ADHD studies

Resources:

https://drhallowell.com/
ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction

Amazon: ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction - from Childhood through Adulthood

Fall in Love with Your ADHD Brain, 5 Day Challenge

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In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to 21 year-old, Mikayla Kee. Mikayla is currently a senior, finishing her bachelor’s degree at The Evergreen State College in Washington. She will be entering the Master’s in Teaching program next. Mikayla also volunteers as a para educator at a local elementary school and, in true ADHD fashion, Mikayla has been doing all of this while working as a semi professional soccer player for the past three years.

Mikayla shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her ADHD symptoms
• Her struggles during her first year in college
• How collegiate athletics is the perfect ADHD compliment to her education
• When she connected soccer as a workaround for her ADHD
• How her college addresses different learning styles and why this works so well for her ADHD brain
• How important trust is in dealing with emotional dysregulation
• What has changed since she was diagnosed
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible for her success
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one ADHD workaround

Resources:

Instagram - @mikaylakfit

John Ratey's book Spark

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Tracy Otsuka welcomes you to Episode 104 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she talks about goal setting, planners and planning, the perfect subject for the last podcast of 2020.

Tracy talks about

• Why goals and planning can be hard for our ADHD brains
• The truth about multi-tasking
• Other episodes of this podcast that might be helpful when it comes to time and planning and ADHD.
• • Ep. 8: Why Am I Always Late? ADHD and Time
  • Ep. 9: Practical Strategies for Being on Time and Better Planning

• Why ADHD brains may need to externalize time

• What it means to have a short time horizon
• What time is actually linked to
• What it means to develop an awareness around time and how that can help you
• Why focusing on the actions rather than the goal might work better for you
• How to choose the right goal
• Why looking inside yourself rather than outside of yourself works better for us in choosing a goal
• Why knowing your values and what’s important to you helps makes goal setting so much easier
• Why having goals is even important
• The thing that most of us with ADHD share in common
• When a practice of gratitude may make goal setting easier
• Creative themes/mottos to help you reach goals and generate positive emotion
• What to look for in a planner for the ADHD brain
• Her A-OK! Brain Download and how she uses it to get everything out of her brain
• Her Goal Decode process that allows her to break down her goals into much smaller tasks
• Why Saturday morning planning sessions are the best thing that Tracy does
• If you’re procrastinating what the problem may be

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Stacey Machelle to Episode 103 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Stacey is a multi-hyphenate doer of things. She is a sketch writer/performer, producer, comedian and former broadcast news reporter and anchor. Stacey’s credits include on-air contributor and writer for TMZ, commercials, television and film roles. She is also a live studio audience warmup comic in Los Angeles, most recently for the late-night show "A Little Late With Lilly Singh."

But the biggest reason that Stacey really needs to be here with us today is the YouTube show that she created to raise awareness in black women and women of color about ADHD. It is called ADHD Is The New Black.

Stacey shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis the first time, and the second time
• The symptoms she had as a child and now recognizes as ADHD
• What made her decide to start her YouTube show, ADHD is the New Black
• How ADHD is different when you’re a woman of color
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible for her success?
• Her number one ADHD workaround?

Resources:

Stacey Machelle's YouTube show, ADHD is the New Black

The A-OK! EVERY DAY Planner

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In Episode 102 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy welcomes Dr. Melody Kuphal. Dr. Kuphal has a bachelor’s in Special Education with a minor in music, a Master’s in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate of Worship Studies. She currently works as Adjunct Professor at Judson University, is a member of the Teaching Faculty of IWS teaching research writing, works full-time as Music Director at Hosana Church, teaches private music lessons,and is a recording artist who records at least one new album per year.

Melody shares:

• Her own ADHD story
• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• RSD and her struggle with the emotional aspects of ADHD
• Her experience with medication
• The Qb-test and what she learned about herself
• Advice on better reading and note taking for ADHD students pursuing higher education
• Advice on better writing for ADHD students pursuing higher education
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her theory of leaving life with empty pockets

Resources:

Melody's Website: melodysmusic.com
Tracyotsuka.com/podcastindex

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Episode 101 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, is actually part two of the 100th episode of this podcast. In the 100th episode Tracy reviewed all previous 99 episodes of her podcast and shared the key thoughts that reframed her personal understanding of ADHD. There was so much content that this ultimately ended up becoming not only podcast episode #100 but also episode #101. Episode #101 starts with a discussion on ADHD and RSD or Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Tracy also created a 100th episode gift for her listeners which is a Podcast Index that organizes all 99 episodes. You can find it here. tracyotsuka.com/podcastindex

Episode 19: ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity

Episode 25: ADHD and Addiction

Episode 29: Psychotherapist Perry Janssen who talks about ADHD, emotion and feelings.

Episode 30: My Favorite Tech Tool, How the Apple Watch Saved My ADHD Brain

• Apple Watch
• Bear App

Episode 34: ADHD and Repetitive Body Focused Behavior (RBFB)

Episode 40: How to Prepare for a Meeting with Your ADHD Doctor

Episode 49: What you can do about it

Episode 50: ADHD Life Coach, former therapist and former USC adjunct professor Diann Wingert about meditation is also a must listen.

Episode 53: Neuroplasticity, Mindfulness, Meditation and ADHD

Episode 62: Cannabis and ADHD

Episode 63: Choose to be the Hero, not the Victim in Your ADHD Life

Episode 75: Why ADHD Coaching Works

Episode 78: What Does ADHD Look Like in Women? The Update. (Ep. 2)

Episode 87: ADHD Means That You’re Never Too Old

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Join Tracy as she celebrates her 100th episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. For her 100th episode, Tracy reviewed all 99 episodes of her podcast and shared the key thoughts that reframed her personal understanding of ADHD. This was a lot of content to go through and ultimately ended up becoming not only podcast episode #100 but also episode #101. Tracy also created a 100th episode gift for her listeners which is a Podcast Index that organizes all 99 episodes. You can find it here.

Episode 1: Tracy Otsuka Shares her ADHD Story and her ADHD Superpowers

Episode 3: Kids and ADHD: Why Their Journey is Important to You

Episode 4: The One Trait That Everyone with ADHD Has

Episode 8: Why Am I Always Late?

Episode 9: Practical Strategies for Being on Time and Planning Better

• Time Timer
• Datexx cube
• Apple Watch
• Google Calendar
• Tiny Calendar
• Amazon Echo
• Focusmate - (you can find the link to join our ADHD for Smart Ass Women specific Focusmate group by joining our Facebook Group)

Episode 10: ADHD and Exercise

• Spark by Dr. John Ratey

Episode 12: Learned Helplessness and ADHD

Episode 16: Intuition and ADHD

Episode 17: The 10 Things I Wish I Would Have Been Told About ADHD When I Was First Diagnosed

• Pomodoro Method

Episode 18: Message to My Kid’s Teachers

100th Episode Gift: Podcast Index

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Join Tracy in Episode 99 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women as she welcomes executive function coach and math tutor, Julia Clements. Julia has a strong affinity for teens with ADHD and has working with them for 23 years. She attended the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at The University of Redlands and believes this is where she developed her love of the individualized and creative learning process.

Julia shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her philosophy on teens and learning
• The one thing she never employs with her students or her child
• What ADHD teens need more than anything to learn
• What are executive functions
• Why she uses Sarah Ward’s executive function program with her students
• How it is different than other programs that help students learn
• Some suggestions for distance learning in the time of COVID
• How ADHD makes her outstanding at her job
• What she believes the key to living successfully with ADHD is

Resources:

Sarah Ward's Executive Function Programs

Time Timer

Datexx TimeCube

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In Episode 98 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy shares information about planners and planning for 2021. She talks about her decades long struggle with planners and schedules. She had tried everything from Filofax, Steven Covey, Quo Vadis, Daytimer, the Palm Pilot, The Elephant Planner, The Passion Planner, The Bullet Journal (which she actually never used despite purchasing all the necessary materials) and her favorite, a planning system that felt like a restaurant menu.

Tracy talks about:

• What a planner needs to work for ADHD brains
• The writing implement that Tracy now swears by
• A-OK! Every Day, The Unplanner System for Planning Success
• Gold stars, literally
• Her goals in creating a planning system
• Her beta launch for A-OK! Every Day
• What it will include
• The four simple resources that Tracy feels are a must for gaining control of your life.
• Who A-OK! Every Day is for and who it is not for

Resources:

A-OK! Every Day Waitlist

Podcast with Francesca Rizzo

Muji Pencil

Google Calendar

The Momentum App

Alexa Echo Spot

The Apple Watch

Tiny Calendar App

Bear App

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Michelle Nickel to Episode 97 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Michelle earned a degree in liberal arts and followed that up with an MBA. She went to work for a major brokerage firm at the age of 25. Along the way she earned AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist) and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designations and also holds series 7, 63 and 66 Securities Licenses. Working in a small town, Michelle did everything from making sure little old ladies didn’t run out of money, designed retirement plans, set up college savings accounts and everything in between. Her favorite thing to do is to take a giant pile of financial statements and data and turn it into a comprehensible and workable plan for her clients.

Michelle learned how to manage investments from her company, but managing day to day finances was harder, because of her ADHD. After 23 years working as an advisor, Michelle was able to retire at 48. Michelle lives with her husband and two teenage boys, both of whom have ADHD, in Alabama.

Michelle shares with us:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her ADHD symptoms
• How to save
• The importance of automating everything you can
• How to save if we’re self-employed
• What we should do with credit cards
• How to pay bills
• How to budget
• The importance of cash
• The ADHD traits that Michelle feels are responsible for her success
• The ADHD traits that Michelle still struggles with
• Her key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one ADHD workaround
• What it means to make decisions in advance
• Her future plans for “retirement”

Resources:

Michelle's Blog

Raymond James

Edward Jones

The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

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In Episode 96 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Juliann Decker. Julie Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Massachusetts and her master’s degree in Training and Development from Lesley University in Cambridge. She is a coach and an expert in leadership program design and delivery with broad work experience in industries such as technology, banking, consumer goods, retail and finance.

Juliann designed, delivered and launched Monster.com‘s first global Management Development Program for high-potential leaders and trained and coached participants in their newly created MBA executive program. She also developed global leadership programs at Aspen Technology and founded her own leadership and coaching company.

Juliann shares:

• Her childhood symptoms
• The circumstances surrounding her initial ADHD diagnosis

• Her recent re-diagnosis

• How midlife affected her symptoms

• What has changed since her recent diagnosis?
• Her experience with A-OK!
• What the key to living successfully with ADHD is

Resources:

Juliann’s email: juliann@theunobstructedview.com

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Aleta Storch to Episode 95 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Aleta has earned Master’s degrees in both Nutrition Science, Dietetics, and Clinical Health Psychology. She is an anti-diet Dietician, Therapist, and Certified Body Trust Provider, specializing in eating disorders, autoimmune conditions, and ADHD. Her work is centered around helping folks move away from diet culture and instead develop an intuitive, trusting, compassionate relationship with food and movement. She firmly believes that everyone is the expert of their own body. When she is not focused on her work, she can typically be found skiing or foraging for mushrooms in the mountains, snuggled on the couch with her dog, partner, and a good book, or making a creative mess in the kitchen.

Aleta and Tracy talk about:

• The link between ADHD, disordered eating and eating disorders
• The grim statistics on bulimia and anorexia for ADHD women
• Which type of ADHD is the best predictor of an eating disorder in girls
• The circumstances surrounding Aleta’s own ADHD diagnosis
• Why she chose to study Nutrition Science and Psychology?
• The difference between disordered eating and eating disorders
• Why eating disorders and disordered eating are so prevalent in ADHD women?
• Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) and how it relates to ADHD
• How problems with self-regulation and executive function deficits can lead to disordered eating and ultimately, eating disorders
• What the pyramid of food needs is
• How to use this pyramid to address disordered eating
• How Aleta uses the hunger and fullness scales
• What to do if you are in the middle of an eating disorder but think you can’t afford to get help?
• Aleta’s favorite resources for a good relationship with food, your body and yourself
• What Aleta thinks about intermittent fasting
• How meal delivery services can help
• Aleta’s new eating with ADHD program
• Aleta’s favorite ADHD workaround

Resources:

Wise Heart Nutrition

Instagram: Wise Heart Nutrition

Understanding Girls with ADHD

Hello Fresh

Intuitive Eating, 4th Edition

The Anti-Diet

Food Psych Podcast with Christy Harrison

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Join Tracy as she welcomes Jaimie Harris to Episode 94 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Jaimie is from Essex, just outside of London. She is 29 and was a paparazzi for a decade. She now works for celebrity magazines as a picture researcher, a job which she absolutely loves.

In this podcast, Jaimie shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her childhood symptoms
• How she felt different her entire life
• How she ended up working as a paparazzi?
• Why this career was very ADHD friendly
• How her ADHD makes her very good at her job
• The ADHD traits that Jaimie feels are responsible for her success?
• Her key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one ADHD workaround

Jaimie's Instagram:
@whatjamiedid
@diaryofagirlpap

Resources:

Website: www.tracyotsuka.com

Waitlist: www.tracyotsuka.com/waitlist

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/1541724249266515

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In Episode 93 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women,Tracy talks about the difference between being past and future-focused and which one is better for our ADHD brains.

She shares:

• How you can tell if someone is future vs. past-focused
• Why it’s so important for those of us with ADHD brains to be future-focused
• How most of us start out being future-focused but then we opt for the security of being past-focused
• Which of the three types of ADHD struggle more with being future-focused and why
• How everything that is possible and what we dream about is built from our future and not our past
• Why being future-focused builds confidence
• Why being future-focused builds positive emotion

Resources:

Website: https://www.tracyotsuka.com

Waitlist: https://www.tracyotsuka.com/waitlist

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1541724249266515

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Join Tracy as she welcomes guest Isabelle Baker to Episode 92 of her podcast ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Tracy interviewed Isabelle as one of four students who completed her Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! program. That episode aired last week but Tracy didn’t include Isabelle because she felt that Isabelle needed her own episode. In this episode Isabelle talks about trauma, never fitting in, giving up, thinking it was too late for her because she was too old. She also talks about AOK and ultimately falling in love with her ADHD brain.

Isabelle Baker is from Lakeland, FL. With over 25 years of business development, C-suite partnerships, and enterprise training; Isabelle is now her own CEO. Today she combines her professional experiences along with her love of problem solving, listening to understand, and relentlessness, to serve her clients whom she loves to see succeed.

Some of her best successes are personal though: she is passionate about helping children in the foster care system and looks forward to being a coach to those who age out.

Isabelle shares:

• Her childhood trauma
• Her struggle with school
• Her struggle with social problems and always feeling different
• Her discovery of ADHD
• Her experience going through the A-OK! Program
• Her new found love and appreciation of her ADHD gifts
• The key to living successfully with a non-linear brain
• Her number one workaround

Resources:

Sign up for Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! here

ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Ep. 76, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!, My 6-Step System

Isabelle’s Email

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In Episode 91 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Hayley Lin, Trinlee Chodren and Juliann Decker who are all graduates of her Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! System.

Hayley Lin is 25 years old and was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago while in college. She graduated last year from the University of Toronto with a specialist in Computer Science and a major in Cognitive Science. Haley is also a makeup enthusiast with two full bookcases of makeup and a social media account with 470k followers! Haley’s #1 value is living to her full potential.

Trinlee Chodren is in her early thirties and is a former pharmacist, novelist, teacher, personal development junkie, an advocate of kindness and doing things that benefit humanity but most of all Trinlee is an ideation machine. She is entrepreneurial to her core.

Juliann Decker, 56, is a coach and an expert in leadership program design and delivery with broad work experience in industries such as technology, banking, consumer goods, retail and finance. She designed, delivered and launched Monster.com‘s first global Management Development Program for high-potential leaders and trained and coached participants in their newly created MBA executive program. She also developed global leadership programs at Aspen Technology and founded her own leadership and coaching company.

All three women share:

• The circumstances surrounding their experience with ADHD
• About their childhoods and growing up
• Their experience with our coaching system, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!
• Their key to living successfully with a non-linear brain

Resources:

Hayley Lin:

• Instagram
• Red

Trinlee Chodren:

• Facebook

Juliann Decker

• Email

Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! Waitlist

ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Ep. 76, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!, My 6-Step System

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In Episode 90 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Katelyn. Katelyn is a special educator who has her masters in Reading and is the author of the childrens’ book, “Hi It’s Me! I have ADHD!” She just launched a podcast for kids titled Journey With Me Through ADHD which is designed for children with ADHD to listen to and feel understood. Katelyn lives in Wisconsin with her husband and 4 young kids and passion is to speak into the hearts and minds of children and families with ADHD so feel connected and understood!

In this podcast Katelyn shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her childhood diagnosis
• The question that she was often asked by adults as a child that rocked her self-esteem
• Why she decided to get a master’s degree in Reading
• What made her start her new podcast for kids
• How to talk to your kids about their ADHD in such a way that instills confidence in how their brain works?
• How do you tell your child that he/she has ADHD?
• The best way to talk about your child’s weaknesses?
• How to teach your child to respond to other kids when they make inaccurate comments about ADHD?
• How to work with you child on mindset
• The “red dot” method
• The importance of breaking things down into bite-sized pieces

Resources:

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In Episode #89 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about how she gets so many emails and DMs from young women with ADHD who have been positively affected by this podcast. This makes her want to have more young women on the podcast because the younger we start to see our ADHD brains for the brilliant brains that they are, the better. Tracy wants them to hear stories of young, inspiring women who are just like them so in this episode, she introduces you to Jade Le Quesne who just turned 23 yesterday.

Jade is from the U.K. and was diagnosed with ADHD at the beginning of the year. Jade struggled through school, was always behind her classmates academically but since childhood she had a dream. Her dream was to attend college in the U.S. Jade did just that and graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s in International Studies from the University of Tampa.

Jade is currently back in the U.K. studying nutrition and fitness which she uses as a way to manage her symptoms. She believes that mental and physical health are intrinsically linked and looks forward to starting her own business very soon.

In this podcast Jade shares:

• Her life-long battle with anxiety and emotional dysregulation
• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• How she always felt different than others
• Her interest in motorcross
• What has changed for her since being diagnosed
• Why she decided to write for ADDitudeMagazine
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible for her success
• How she manages her ADHD symptoms
• The link between empathy and emotional dysregulation
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one ADHD workaround

Resources:

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-women-missed-signs-low-self-esteem/

https://www.instagram.com/jadeeatsfit/

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In Episode #88 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy shares her own personal experience with rumination. She talks about how even when you’re in your own zone of interest and genius and doing what you really love it’s still difficult to be on even the smallest platform because you will be roundly rejected by some.

She shares:

• All about her critics on Reddit
• Information on essential oils
• Information on medication
• Her biggest fear around delivering this podcast every week
• How she feels about paying it forward
• What it means to be a Karen
• Her commitment to BLM: diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism
• Her favorite podcast for learning how to be anti-racist
• Why you’re no different than she is
• What to do when things don’t go so well
• The importance of getting back in the arena regardless
• Why what people say about you is none of your business
• How ADHD women are meant to lead
• The ADHD women that struggle the most

Resources:

That's Not How That Works

https://brenebrown.com/

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In Episode 87 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy announces that this podcast is now the #1 podcast for ADHD women and among the top 10-14% of all podcasts regardless of subject. Tracy then shares:

• Her experience with her amazing Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! students
• The fear that many of her students have, that it’s too late or they’re too old to do something really meaningful that allows them to make a difference in the world and live to their potential
• Her story of why it’s never too late to live to your potential and find and do what you love
• Her purpose and her big WHY
• How she became an expert in ADHD in an unconventional way
• The ADHD trait she’s discovered in all her A-OK! Women
• Information about inspiring women who reimagined their lives after the age of 50
• • https://www.instagram.com/trainwithjoan/
  • https://www.trainwithjoanofficial.com/
• Statistics about startups based on age
• Why she won’t share her age

Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/312943

https://www.smallbizgenius.net/by-the-numbers/entrepreneur-statistics/#gref

https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/a-study-of-27-million-startups-found-ideal-age-to-start-a-business-and-its-much-older-than-you-think.html

https://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/resource-center/older-entrepreneurs-the-startup-mentality-is-not-bound-by-age-000959494/

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Join Tracy Otsuka as she welcomes Dr. Kristen Nicole to Episode 86 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women.

Always a feisty, fiery person who looks to be challenged to stay engaged, Kristen went to the Air Force Academy on a whim. After graduation, she left for Subsaharan Africa for a two-year stint in the Peace Corps. Deeply moved by this experience, Kristen went on to medical school in South Florida with the goal of responding to global humanitarian crises. She is also deeply passionate about the influence of lifestyle choices - food, rest, stress management - on one's ability to live a happy, productive life. Kristen has a health coaching business called Coach Kristen, MD. In her "spare" time, she loves tennis, running, and her 3 dogs.

In this podcast, Kristen shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis
• Her childhood experience of ADHD
• Her approach to mental health and pharmacology
• What she learned about herself at the Air Force Academy
• Her experience in medical school
• The ADHD traits that she feels are responsible of her success
• What she believes the key to living successfully with ADHD is
• Her number one ADHD workaround

Resources:

coachkristenmd.com

mydayis.com

Mini Phone Safe

health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection

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Join Tracy as she welcomes entrepreneur Helena Hills to Episode 85 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Helena co-founded True Start Coffee with her husband Simon when they were both triathletes. True Start is a feel-good coffee company that is all about positivity and putting people first. It is one of the fastest-growing young drink brands in the UK and has won a host of impressive awards. True Start retails in over 1000 UK outlets, and is exported to several international markets as well. Helena is also the mother of 2 little boys.

Helena shares:

• How she started a business that she realizes today was literally her treatment
• The circumstances surrounding her diagnosis
• How ADHD affected her childhood
• What kind of teenager she was
• Her favorite subjects in school
• How she realized that drivenness is a form of hyperactivity
• The importance of interest to her brain
• The importance of environment and positive emotion
• Her experience with RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria)
• What she loves to do at TrueStart
• What she doesn’t love to do at TrueStart
• The ADHD traits that she believes are responsible for her success
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• The importance of reducing stress levels
• Her best ADHD workarounds

Resources:

www.truestartcoffee.com

https://www.instagram.com/truestartcoffee/

https://www.calm.com/

Chiropractic neurology

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Join Tracy in episode 84 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. introduces you to dietician and nutritionist Nicole DeMasi Malcher. Nicole is the founder of DeMasi Nutrition, a virtual private practice based in Los Angeles, CA. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Diabetes Educator with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition. Nicole spent 10 years working at Los Robles Hospital in the ICU, and as a nutrition coach at UCLA, Kaiser Permanente and DaVita Dialysis. In her practice, she uses nutrition therapy & coaching to help people lose weight, improve their health, and prevent & treat medical conditions through personalized diet & lifestyle changes. Nicole was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type) about a year ago at the age of 32 & since then has been determined to understand how nutrition impacts ADHD symptoms.

THIS EPISODE IS NOT FOR WOMEN WITH DISORDERED EATING.

Nicole shares:

• The circumstances surrounding her later in life diagnosis
• Her ADHD symptoms including those that she always wondered about but now recognizes as clearly ADHD
• How she always felt different than others
• How her childhood and teen years were impacted by her ADHD
• What has changed since you were diagnosed?
• The relationship between sugar and dopamine
• The food group that spikes our dopamine naturally
• What kind of carbohydrates help cognition
• How she feels about intermittent fasting for the ADHD brain
• Information on the gut-brain axis and how inflammation affects the brain
• What the enterac nervous system is and how it affects our brains
• The one food to get rid of to feel better
• Her number one ADHD workaround
• A page that she’s built just for us that’s all about nutrition for the ADHD brain

Resources:

https://www.nicoledemasi.com/

https://www.nicoledemasi.com/ADHD

https://www.instagram.com/nutritionbynikki/

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In Episode #83 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about the things you can do to increase your productivity, stop procrastinating and just start when your ADHD brain doesn’t want to cooperate.

Tracy shares:

• Her experience working with the incredible women in her Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! Program
• Her new discovery about ADHD women and their need to make a difference and live to their potential
• How she procrastinated around creating the A-OK! System and why that was
• What she finally did to create forward movement on this big project
• Her favorite platform for an online business
• What procrastination actually is and what causes it
• What to do every morning to make yourself more productive
• Why there should be no big things on your todo list
• Why our brains are more productive when we’re having fun
• How to get out of your head and into action
• How she “templates” whatever she can
• Her ADHD for Smart Ass Women Focusmate group where women can buddy up with a virtual body double 24/7
• Her writing protocol and the importance of figuring out your own unique productivity schedule
• How to create your own accountability
• How to reward yourself and increase your productivity
• The importance of doing things once and finishing
• How all of our ADHD weaknesses have opposing strengths and procrastination is no exception

Resources:

The online application that made everything in my business easier.

My favorite way to get out of my head and into action

Calendly scheduling app

Join our ADHD for Smart Ass Women Focusmate Group

• some of these links are affiliate links but I would never recommend anything that I didn’t wholeheartedly love

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In Episode 82 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Natalie Cluck. Natalie is 24 and works at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is training to become a certified flight controller to fly the International Space Station from Mission Control Houston.

In this podcast, Natalie shares:

• The circumstances of her diagnosis which occurred shortly after arriving at NASA
• The light bulb event that triggered her desire to find out more about ADHD
• Information around her school career
• They symptoms that she always wondered about but now sees as part of her ADHD
• What has changed since she was diagnosed
• The ADHD traits that she feels make her an even better flight controller than those without ADHD
• The traits that she feels are responsible for her success
• The ways she has always felt different than others
• What she believes is the key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her ADHD workarounds

Resources:

How to ADHD

Jessica McCabe's Ted Talk

STAR stands for Stop - Think - Act - Review

The Brili App

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In Episode 81 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to the incomparable Gracie Dix. Gracie is a rising high school senior and author of two books that she released in 2020; Journey to Superhero School and Welcome to Superhero School, a fantasy fiction novel. Both books were Amazon #1 New Releases in the genre. Gracie lives in Dallas, Texas with her parents, Richard and Jennifer, her brother Nate when he’s home from college, and her beloved dogs, Snowball and Sandcastle. She attends Shelton School of Dallas which is a school for smart students who learn differently.

Learn:

• About the article that Gracie wrote for ADDitudeMag
• About Gracie’s ADHD diagnosis
• How Gracie became so focused on her strengths
• What Gracie thinks her strengths are
• What Gracie wishes she could change about her ADHD brain.
• What made Gracie decide to write a book?
• What Gracie’s books are about?
• If there are any ADHD characters in her books?
• What Gracie wants to study in college
• What ADHD traits Gracie feels are responsible for her success
• What ADHD traits she feels are responsible for her success?
• Gracie’s ADHD workarounds

Resources:

https://www.additudemag.com/success-story-finding-positives-in-adhd-symptoms/

https://graciedix.com/

https://www.shelton.org/

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In Episode #80 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Janet Murray who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 45. Janet is a content marketing expert, author and international speaker who has built a multiple six-figure business with multiple streams of income (including a membership community, and online courses). She is also the creator of the Social Media Diary & Planner - a content planning tool for coaches, consultants and entrepreneurs.

Over the past five years Janet has published over 400 podcast episodes, a book and thousands of words of email marketing copy - despite, in her words being one of the most disorganised people on the planet. How does she do it? She creates easy-to-follow systems and processes to help her stay productive (strategies that work for anyone who struggles to stay focused).

Discover:

• The circumstances surrounding Janet’s diagnosis
• What Janet’s ADHD symptoms were/are
• How drivenness relates to ADHD
• How her ADHD presented in grade school, high school and college
• What has changed for Janet since her diagnosis?

Janet and Tracy talk candidly about female friendships and ADHD.

• Not knowing the rules of female friendships
• Why entrepreneurs are such a good fit for ADHD brains
• How interpersonal intuition can get in the way of relationships
• How intensity plays a roll in choosing relationships
• When to just walk away

Janet shares:

• The ADHD traits that are responsible for her success
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one and number two ADHD workarounds

Resources:

https://www.janetmurray.co.uk/

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9qYW5ldG11cnJheS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw/episode/YTY0NzhhNmItOWIwYS00NTA2LWJkMDctNTkxMTE2MWZhYjJh?hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwjznI__hMLqAhXHr54KHZeHA2YQjrkEegQICxAG&ep=6

https://www.onepeloton.com/shop/bike

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In Episode 79 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about imposter syndrome, where the term comes from, what it is and why so many women with ADHD have it. She shares:

• How Reward Deficiency Syndrome contributes to imposter syndrome
• Why we rarely feel as we’ve accomplished enough
• Why we might not trust our success and believe we can recreate it
• How being hyper-critical of ourselves contributes to imposter syndrome
• What inverse imposter syndrome is
• What you can do to combat imposter syndrome
• How to deal with shame
• Why community and interest are so important to our ADHD brains

Never Enough? Why ADHD Brains Crave Stimulation

https://brenebrown.com/

https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-and-imposter-syndrome-3888166

https://www.additudemag.com/adult-adhd-diagnosis-impostor-syndrome/

https://takecontroladhd.com/podcast/269

https://thrivewithadd.com/adhd-feel-like-fraud/

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In Episode 78 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy updates her second most popular podcast episode which is all about what ADHD looks like. She discusses:

• The fact that there is no cookie cutter, one-size fits all formula when we’re talking about ADHD symptoms.
• That we all have our own individual ADHD puzzle to solve.
• What ADHD is
• Why she believes that ADHD is misnamed and is not a disorder
• The importance of a comprehensive strategy. Medication is not enough.
• Why she believes that all ADHD women are brilliant at something?
• What executive function skills are
• What ADHD is not
• ADHD statistics
• The fact that the existence and impact of ADHD has been validated for decades by various medical organizations.
• How ADHD brains are wired for interest not information.
• The role of trauma in ADHD
• The three sub-types of ADHD
• The 18 symptoms the DSM uses to diagnose ADHD
• What symptoms look like for hyperactive/combined-type ADHD
• What symptoms look like for inattentive ADHD
• What presentation of ADHD is seen most often in girls and women
• Why ADHD is often missed in girls
• Why smart girls struggle more than girls of average intelligence
• The positive side of ADHD
• The key to living successfully with ADHD

Resources:

DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD

American Psychiatric Association - Symptoms and Diagnosis

How to Prepare to Meet With Your ADHD Doctor, Ep. 40, ADHD for Smart Ass Women

Understanding Girls with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman and Patricia Quinn

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Join Tracy in Episode 77 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she introduces you to Jaklin Levine Pritzker (“Jak”):

Jak is a certified health/life coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She’s also an ADDCA trained ADHD coach. After graduating from law school and receiving her own ADHD diagnosis, Jak founded AuthenticallyADHD where she coaches, runs retreats and hosts a membership group for women and/or non-binary.

Jak shares information about:

• Receiving her own ADHD diagnosis at the end of law school
• Her own struggle with anxiety, depression and panic attacks
• Self-medication
• Her other health challenges
• How she came to terms with walking away from the practice of law and instead found a new direction more suited to her
• Things she always wondered about but now sees as symptoms of ADHD
• Getting off medication when it doesn’t work for you and finding other workarounds
• How her ADHD diagnosis changed her life
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one ADHD workaround

Resources:

www.authenticallyadhd.com

https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyadhd/

https://www.facebook.com/authenticallyadhd/

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In Episode 76 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces Your ADHD Brain is A-OK! It’s a 6-step system that she created for her ADHD brain, to help her make better decisions around her career, relationships and interests.

She shares:

• Why it’s so important for those of us with ADHD to pursue the right interests
• How to stop getting sidetracked by the newest bright, shiny thing
• Why we need a process, structure and system to tidy our brains
• The 25/75% What Do I Do With My Life formula
• Why it’s so important for those of us with ADHD to be clear on what we really value
• How getting clear on your values helps you make better decisions
• The importance of choosing a theme for your life
• How knowing your character strengths helps you begin to live values that you’re not currently living
• Why we feel disconnected when who we are is not in alignment with what we do
• The importance of knowing what you’re passionate about
• How to choose which of your many passions to pursue by discovering your purpose
• Her purpose formula
• Why purposes that give meaning to your past are often the best purposes to choose
• The importance of identifying the overlap or the sweet spot where your interests, natural abilities, positive emotion, and motivation converge.
• How to never forget what’s important to you again

If you’re interested in learning more about Your ADHD Brain is A-OK, you can find it here.

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In episode 75 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women Tracy talks about why she changed her introduction to her podcast. She shares her experience with coaching and why she didn’t believe that it worked. Since she’s always concerned with authenticity she felt she owed her community an explanation and wanted to tell you why she changed her mind and why she now believes that ADHD coaching is the best thing for anyone struggling with ADHD symptoms to try.

Tracy shares:

• How she connected this need of hers to be crystal clear on her values and purpose with her ADHD
• Her constant quest around living to her full potential
• Her experience with regular life coaching
• How developing a program to coach herself ultimately led her to create Coretography and Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!
• How her desire to learn more about ADHD and how to respond to women and help them get out of their victim mindset in her facebook group led her to consider ADHD coaching
• Why telling people with ADHD what to do never works
• Why regular life coaching doesn’t work for the ADHD brain
• How the ADHD coaching model needs to go much deeper than traditional life coaching to be effective
• How important prompts are to the ADHD brain
• What it means to charge neutral and why ADHD coaches can’t do this and be successful with ADHD clients
• Why the best coaches for ADHD people, are those coaches who also have ADHD
• The steps of the ADHD coaching model and why they’re so successful with ADHD clients

Resources:

https://addca.com/

Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!

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Join Tracy in Episode #74 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she introduces you to Rachel Elliott. Rachel is a life-long resident of Washington, D.C., where she earned a BS in Biology at Salisbury University and will begin classes for her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at George Washington University.

Rachel has been using Focusmate to conquer her short-term and long-term goals for over two years. She has more recently realized the power of Focusmate to maintain daily routines and now uses Focusmate for her morning routines and to meditate, practice yoga and finish those nagging projects that need to get done.

Rachel shares with us:

• The circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis as a sophomore in high school.
• The symptoms that she always wondered about but now recognizes as clearly ADHD
• How Focusmate works
• How Focusmate revolutionized her life and increased her productivity
• Why Focusmate is so effective for her
• How she has made friends on Focusmate
• Tips for using Focusmate
• How 4-7-8 breathing can help with anxiety, panic attacks and focus
• The ADHD traits that are responsible for her success
• The key to living successfully with ADHD
• Her number one ADHD workaround

Resources:

Podcast Ep. 14: What's a Body Double and How Can it Help Me Get My Work Done

ADHD for Smart Ass Women Focusmate Group Link

Unlimited Focusmate sessions are free until July 28, 2020 using this link.

Rachel’s E-mail: crush.all.your.goals@gmail.com

Internet + App Blockers

1. Freedom (Works across all browsers and devices) https://freedom.to/
2. Stay Focused Chrome Extension: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stayfocused&hl=es
3. StayFocused App: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stayfocusd/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji?hl=es

4-7-8 breathing

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324417#how-to-do-it

Rachel shared these additional Focusmate tips:

1. Use two computers or a laptop + tablet or Chromebook ((Focusmate can take up a lot of CPU and drain your battery so many users have a main computer + a second device that runs Focusmate.)
2. Use the recurring feature to set up Focusmate routines (Mouse over session on the FM calendar, then click on the pencil icon)
3. Install an internet/app blocker.
4. Turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode during the session. My phone has a “don’t interrupt feature” that automatically silences the phone for an hour.
   1. My friend Meg puts her phone in her desk drawer during sessions.
5. Physically remove your phone from view- out of sight out of mind.
6. Share your screen for added accountability if you are getting off-track.
   1. I actually learned about 4-7-8 breathing from a Foucsmate partner
7. Be honest with your partner. Share what worked and what didn’t, your partner may have suggestions.

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In Episode 73 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy shares ADHD hacks contributed by members of her Facebook Group, also of the same name. There were so many good tips but here are some of the most popular ones.

Discover:

• What every ADHD women needs in the shower
• How big is too big for a bathroom clock
• The trick to keep your bathroom clean
• How much time you really take for your morning routine
• How music might help you get to work on time
• The one thing you need at your front door
• How many laptop chargers do you really need
• How to never forget anything when you travel
• The best place to write down your morning and nighttime routines
• How to finally schedule appointments so you’re on time
• How to sign up for free trial apps or software without ending up paying for it
• What a Not Now List is
• What to keep in your desk at work
• Why you should always hit snooze and not turn off an alarm even though you’re going to get to the item next

Resources:

ADHD for Smart Ass Women Podcast

ADHD for Smart Ass Women Facebook Group

https://www.think-board.com/collections/think-boards/products/small-dry-erase-sheets

Bullet Journal

Facebook Minimalist Bullet Journals

OurGroceries