Sparring with ADHD: Recent Episodes
Sparring with ADHD
Two guys with ADHD, talk about the challenges, advantages, and the science behind ADHD.
New Episodes Weekly
Join Adam on his life-changing adventure through the 75 Hard program. This intense challenge demands unwavering dedication to daily tasks like two workouts, a strict diet, reading, water intake, and more. Witness the incredible benefits he reaped, from increased mental toughness to improved physical fitness and a renewed sense of self-discipline on his ADHD Journey.
#ADHD #ADHDawareness #Neurodiversity #ADHDcommunity #ADHDadvocate #ADHDsupport #ADHDstruggles #ADHDmanagement #ADHDinspiration #ADHDparenting #ADHDadults #ADHDstrengths #ADHDmindset #ADHDlife #ADHDjourney
In podcast episode 49 of "Sparring with ADHD," Steve candidly shares his experience of facing adversity after sustaining an injury in jiu-jitsu. Tune in to discover how he harnessed his ADHD tools and resilience to triumph over this challenging setback.
#ADHD #ADHDawareness #Neurodiversity #ADHDcommunity #ADHDadvocate #ADHDsupport #ADHDstruggles #ADHDmanagement #ADHDinspiration #ADHDparenting #ADHDadults #ADHDstrengths #ADHDmindset #ADHDlife #ADHDjourney
BRAVE DAVE joins Steve and Adam on the podcast to discuss his journey with ADHD, parenting with ADHD, and Peer Support. Brave Dave is a Mental Health Creator and works at White Flag, a peer support platform we would encourage everyone to check out!
We dive into many different areas on this podcast and one that you won't want to miss!
Connect with Brave Dave below:
IG: brave.dave.official
email:
brave.dave.official@gmail.com
Part 7 of 7 of the Procrastination Series and we end on the Overdoer, a perfect place to wrap up the series.
The Overdoer can find themselves taking on other's responsibilities and/or providing support as a way to avoid doing the hard work on themselves or projects. On the surface-level, this form of procrastination may appear to be good-hearted or even a quality... However, if left unchecked, this form of self-sabotage will leave you battered by never addressing your own needs.
Adam and Steve talk about this insidious form of procrastination and and how to combat it in your own life.
Ever find yourself being stubborn to be stubborn?
The defier's mode of procrastination is to go against another's wishes, which can present itself in the form of procrastination. A tricky form to tackle, but Steve and Adam untangle the mess and dig into passive aggression along with some other quirks that could be associated.
Wonder why your ADHD seems to disappear when it's crunch time? This is crisis mode and most ADHD folks encounter it so often that they become Masters at being cool under pressure. While that may be the case, it does not mean it should be the standard operating model. Adam and Steve talk about the benefits and risks of running in the red for too long in crisis-mode.
Ever get into the feedback loop filled with anxiety and worry and you can't get started on a project or task?
Adam and Steve dive into one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination - Anxiety fueled. We touch on the way to identify it and how to thwart the terrible foe before it sinks its teeth in. Spoiler, DO NOT start scrolling when WORRY kicks in, this will paralyze you even faster.
Steve and Adam talk to Dr. Vicki Waller, author of "YES! Your Child Can - Creating Success for Children With Learning Differences," and what a treat was our conversation
Dr. Waller is a certified reading specialist focusing on reading and learning differences with children. Basically, she is the Child Whisperer when it comes to reading and getting to the core of a child's struggles with reading.
We loved our conversation, and particularly enjoyed all the stories that Dr. Waller shared about how she is able to connect with children to help them succeed. Her ability to connect with children and her passion to help them learn shines through the entire episode and we cannot wait to have her on the show once again!
If your child has any struggles with reading - This podcast is a MasterClass in tactics on how to engage with your child.
DM us if you would like a copy of Dr. Waller's "If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It" PDF on activities for children!
Instagram: @DrVictoriaWaller
FaceBook: @DrVictoriaWaller
Twitter: @DrVickiWaller
Website: http://www.drvictoriawaller.com
PROCRASTINATION SERIES PART 3/7 - The Dreamer
Are you the big thinker with grand ambitions, but can't keep your feet on the ground and detailed enough to make those dreams come true? This is a tendency of "The Dreamer". Steve and Adam discuss some ways to offset some of those "detail" gaps with a team and other ways to mobilize your talents.
Procrastination Series Part 2/7 - THE PERFECTIONIST
Steve and Adam do a deep dive into how Perfectionism is a seductive form of procrastination.
This manifests in many ways, but we identify two primary drivers:
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The inability to start because you fear the work that needs to be done to deliver a perfect project.
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The inability to send a project to execute a project because it is not up to your standards.
REMEMBER - Perfect is the enemy and in 99.9% of the instances, is impossible. Do not get caught in this trap and recognize when you are there so you can escape.
Sick and tired of being sick and tired?
So was Charmaine, until she started working with her ADHD instead of against it. Steve and Adam talked to Charmaine Fuller - Life Strategist for ADHD Moms. (@charmedwithchar). Charmaine talks with the guys about her journey with ADHD living in an ADHD house. She also gives some tips on how to be your own brand of excellence and not living for other people's expectations.
Connect with Charmaine on IG at @charmedwithchar.
New Year - New You! Does ADHD impact your Money Management?
Managing money with ADHD can be a challenge. Procrastination, impulsivity, disorganization, hating tedious and boring tasks, and not to mention the GUILT behind it!!! Steve and Adam introduce a Multi-Part Series about ADHD and Money Management to discuss some of their experiences.
Ever feel mentally clear after a big meal...?
As folks with ADHD, the food we eat can greatly impact how we perform and our brain operates.
Eating the right foods is ever more critical. A few examples of foods to eat are:
- Complex Carbs: Fruits, Cereals and Grains, Vegetables and Legumes, Dairy Products
- Protein: Lean Beef, Pork, Poultry, Fish, and Eggs
- Good Fats: Nuts, Olive Oil, Almonds, etc.
- Water: Nuff said.
Steve and Adam discuss what works for them and how they apply it to their daily lives.
RED DYE #40. SUGAR. PROCESS FOODS! Drop some comments with some top infractions!
Foods NOT to eat could be as important, if not, more important than foods TO eat. Adam and Steve discuss what foods to avoid and their personal experiences with these troublemakers. Part 2 of a 3-Part Series Overview on Food and Diet.
#ADHD #ADHDMEMES #FOOD #DIET
How does DIET & FOOD impact ADHD...?
Food has a massive impact (+/-) on focus, distractability, emotions, and almost all of your Executive Functions. Steve and Adam discuss their relationship with food and how it has impacted them on their ADHD Journey. In this episode, the guys introduce Diet and ADHD as Part 1 of a 3 Part Series Overview on Food & Diet.
Challenges in social settings are only the beginning.........
Folks with ADHD can struggle with social situations as a result of their inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Steve and Adam discuss their experiences with communication and some on how to improve in some of those settings. Scroll Right and listen to the Podcast to learn more.
Resources: https://chadd.org/for-adults/relationships-social-skills/
Do you struggle with losing things? How about buying something that you already have a dozen but forgot about? Last question… Do you keep all of your important stuff visible so you do not forget about it?
Steve and Adam discuss what they call the “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” issue. Both have identified that they are forgetful with objects and often times buy anew, or simply lose items for eternity.
If this sounds like you, give this episode a listen!
REFERENCES:
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-spotlight-object-permanence-6274355
Ever find yourself lying awake into the deep hours of the night? Many ADHD folks describe themselves as “night owls” or find their thoughts racing when they lay down their heads at the end of the day.
Steve and Adam discuss 4 common Sleep Disturbances and how they impact them on the day-to-day.
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Restless sleep
- Difficulty waking up
- Intrusive sleep
A few tactics for better sleep:
- Phone on silent
- Minimize lights
- Comfy sheets
- Bed is for sleep
- Great pillow
- No doom scrolling
- No alcohol
- Some water
- Deep breathing
- Melatonin
- No caffeine
BOTTOM LINE: Sleep is one of the core pillars that ADHD folks need to focus on for their well-being (ie. Exercise, Diet, Sleep, Discipline)
Be good to yourself and get a few extra ZZZ’s!
RESOURCES:
- https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-sleep-disturbances-symptoms/
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/adhd-and-sleep
- https://chadd.org/about-adhd/adhd-and-sleep-disorders/
Parenting a child with ADHD while having ADHD is a challenge that many ADHD folks have to overcome. Tracey Bromley Goodwin and Holly Oberacker, from Navigating ADHD, join Adam and Steve to discuss how they work with their patients.
Tracey & Holly work with families and individuals whose lives are affected by ADHD and other executive functioning weaknesses. Steve and Adam dive into some of the key areas of parenting a child with ADHD, and somethings to watch for in children.
Contact information is below:
IG: @navigatingadhd
Website: https://www.navigatingadhd.com/
#adhd #mentalhealth #adhdawareness #add #adhdproblems #mentalhealthawareness #adhdlife #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #adhdbrain #neurodivergent #adhdmemes #adhdparenting #adhdwomen #adhdisreal #adhdcommunity #adhdentrepreneur #adhdsymptoms #adhdparenting #adhdparent
Ever hear that little voice that tells you to “Do better”, “You’re not good enough”, or “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!?” ADHD folks have a tendency to be overly critical of themselves, while they simultaneously being wildly empathetic and forgiving with others…
Steve and Adam talk to Jess DuBose about the internal dialog and how it impacts everyday life. Jess is a phenomenal ADHD Coach who sits on the balcony without having ADHD, but has surrounded herself with “Hunters” throughout her life!
Connect with Jess below:
@adhdersaremagical
@coachingwithjess
https://www.jessdubose.com/
https://beacons.ai/coachingwithjess
Hello@jessdubose.com
“To do two things at once is to do neither.” - Publilius Syrus Steve and Adam dive into multi-tasking and how ADHD folks often fall into the multitasking trap. If this is an area that sometimes hinders you, give listen on how to be more intentional with your focus. They will focus on the below 3 areas of multi-tasking:
- Classic Multi-Tasking - Trying to perform more than one task at the same time (driving/texting).
- Rapid Task Switching - Moving from one task to another in quick succession (switching tab to tab on the computer).
- Interrupted Task Switching - On topic and moving to another when interrupted and the original task goes unfinished (phone call to do a task).
REFERENCES:
- https://www.hackingyouradhd.com/podcast/a-deep-dive-into-multitasking
- https://untappedbrilliance.com/single-tasking-and-adhd/
- https://www.additudemag.com/multitasking-with-adhd-productivity-fixes-at-work-and-home/
- https://www.additudemag.com/time-management-strategies-singletasking/
Are you often late? Do you always think that you can squeeze that last-second phone call, task, or traffic will be just perfect for you?
Timeblindness is a real problem for folks with ADHD and is regarded as the inability to sense the passing of time. Steve and Adam dig into some of their challenges and strategies to overcome their own struggles in this area.
Below are some resources outlined during the discussion:
- https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/stop-wasting-time/#:~:text=People%20with%20ADHD%20tend%20to,at%20how%20we%20understand%20time.
- https://www.verywellmind.com/causes-and-symptoms-of-time-blindness-in-adhd-5216523
- https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_10_15_BeatingTimeBlindness.pdf
If you enjoy the Podcast, please drop a review for Steve and Adam on whichever Podcast Network you are listening on. We are grateful for any feedback!
Timers & habit-trackers & body-doubles - OH MY! If you have ever struggled with Procrastination, this episode is for you! Mandy Bauer joins Steve and Adam on this episode to discuss methods to avoid that dreaded procrastination loop. Mandy walks us through some of the personal tactics she employs to stay disciplined and how she coaches some of her ADHD clients to stay on task.
You don’t want to miss this episode, as we came away with pages of notes and have been leveraging them ever since our conversation. In fact, I am using a timer right now as I write this. Follow and find Mandy below:
IG: @heymandybauer
Do you embrace a growth mindset or are you limited by your belief system? Steve and Adam talk to Actor and Entrepreneur, Jordan Gelber about how she embraces her ADHD for creativity and to build her businesses. She also explains how she has eradicated some negative beliefs and turned them into positives for her business and life.
This is an excellent listen for those who want to hear from someone who has struggled with ADHD and grits through it all to be successful!
IG: jordie_starbaby
Website: https://linktr.ee/jordie_starbaby
Website: https://www.aperteur.tv/
Website: https://www.starbabyenterprises.net/
Do you find yourself with extreme fatigue or low motivation after a bout of hyperfocus or being “ON” for an extended period of time? Share some stories in the comments about your experiences.
Steve and Adam discuss if ADHD Fatigue is real or if mental fatigue impacts folks with ADHD differently. Further, they drill into some tactics that they use to help recover from mentally draining activities.
RESOURCES:
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-fatigue-syndrome-run-down-by-add-symptoms/
Many people with ADHD live with a shame-based narrative of their life and the stories they tell themselves. Adam and Steve talk to Olivia Silvana about her ADHD journey and how she overcame her late ADHD diagnosis.
Olivia shares her insights as School Psychologist and now as an ADHD Coach and talks about the shame-based narrative and how she helps some of her clients overcome negative self-talk. We had an awesome conversation and encourage our listeners to reach out to Olivia, her contact info is below:
Website: https://oliviasilvana.com/get-started/
IG: iamoliviasilvana
Email: support@oliviasilvana.com
Rejection Sensitive Disorder (RSD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are both disorders commonly connected to ADHD. Approximately 40% of folks with ADHD experience ODD, while almost all who have ADHD experience some sort of RSD.
With this in mind, Steve and Adam dive into some of the science behind both disorders and discuss the impact they have on their lives. These are both easily overlooked and it is critical to understand their role in your everyday relationships.
Resources used below:
https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/
https://www.additudemag.com/oppositional-defiant-disorder-odd-and-adhd/
How often have you acted without thinking about the consequences? Does this oftentimes result in a negative outcome - Or do you see more positives?
Regardless, ADHD folks have a higher tendency to act impulsively in day-to-day life, which can yield both positive and negative outcomes. Steve touches on his impulsive tendencies (skydiving) while Adam shares some of his experiences and how it has impacted his life.
The science is light behind this episode; however, it is important to remember that impulsive behaviors can shift the direction of a day, a week, a year, or even a lifetime if left unchecked - For better or worse.
ADHD is commonly referred to as a deficit of attention - But in reality is that true? Or are we too focused and overwhelmed with all the stimulus and competing priorities? Coach Ron walks us through his life story and how he was able to untangle his ADHD Life with grace, compassion, and a game plan!
He now helps others to do the same with his ADHD Coaching Classes! Please check out his IG and webpage below - I’d also recommend an initial 30-minute consultation if you are looking for an exploratory conversation!
https://www.adhdcoachron.com/
@adhd_ron
If you have ever thought about getting into a consistent meditation practice to help with your ADHD, this is the episode for you!
Adam and Steve talk to Evelyn @latinxadhders_experiences about her ADHD experience in the LatinX Community. Further, we discuss her role as she advocates in the community as a Meditation & Healing Circle Facilitator.
The guys learned a ton from Evelyn about how to get into a consistent meditation practice and why mindfulness is important. Please give her a follow and if you are in the Riverside, CA area - Reach out about getting involved in the community!
What do Binaural beats, classical music, jazz, and epic movie trailer music all have in common?
Adam uses all of them to help maintain focus. Adam and Steve have a short chat about how they leverage music to focus.
ADHD Coach Tina Madsen joins the guys to discuss ADHD and her life experiences and WOW does the trio get into the weeds on some different topics. Everything from parenting children with ADHD, the bulls*** stories that we tell ourselves, and her 70% rule. We had a blast - One of the most engaging conversations the guys have had on the podcast!
Tina is a former professional athlete who found her way to coaching after being diagnosed later in life. She is launching a group program on 9/6 with early bird specials affectionately named “From Fckd to F’awesome”
Please check her out at the below platforms:
IG: @tinamadsen2.0
Website: tinamadsen.com
FB: @tinamadsen
Tina’s offerings are all about supporting fellow ADHD’ers to embrace their imperfections and flaws. Stepping into a space of radical self acceptance, and learning how to identify and shift your self talk. Shifting perceptions and interpretations of experiences that were otherwise hindering them, and instead coming to a place of complete self acceptance.
Thanks Tina - Can’t wait to have you ack on the show soon!
Do you Mask your ADHD? Share some examples in the comments!
Masking & Camouflaging or Chamelion & Mirroring? Or are they the same thing? Adam and Steve dive into the concept of masking which is when someone with ADHD tries to cover up their symptoms by copying the behaviors of others who do not have ADHD.
The guys discuss whether masking is a negative or if can be used as a tool to socially engage with others in the community. Spoiler Alert - The verdict is still out!
Steve & Adam take a step back and dig into a simple, but deep topic that can impact all people, not just those of us with ADHD, self-confidence. They unravel the impact that ADHD may have on self-confidence/self-esteem.
Finally the guys hone in on the role of parenting in building a foundation of confidence in young people with ADHD and how important that is to the development of the individual.
Coach Andy Gil joins the guys to talk about his experience with ADHD and how his life's continued pivots lead him to become an ADHD coach. The guys go down many different veins including parenting with ADHD, social presence, growing up with ADHD, and everything in between!
Please give Andy a follow and check out his content, his videos will have you rolling on the floor! Connect with him on IG @CoachAndyGil
Thanks for joining us Andy, we look forward to having you back on the show soon!
Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten what you went in there for? This is a problem that Steve and Adam struggle with as well as many of our fellow ADHD'ers. The guys discuss some of their techniques to combat the ever-lingering forgetfulness and a bit behind why it happens in the first place.
Steve and Adam discuss their diet and the impact it has on their ADHD. Unsurprisingly, this will vary for each individual, but the guys discuss their experiences and some of the science behind how the ADHD brain can be affected by the food you eat.
Ever feel like you can intuit what someone is thinking or have the ability to connect with others at a deeper level? Adam and Steve both experience this and discuss if this is associated with their ADHD.
Considered by many to be an advantage of certain ADHD types, join the guys in Episode 12 as they talk about ADHD and Human Connections.
Spotify Link in BIO - Available on all major Podcasts platforms
#adhd #mentalhealth #adhdawareness #add #adhdproblems #mentalhealthawareness #adhdlife #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #adhdbrain #neurodivergent #adhdmemes #adhdparenting #adhdwomen #adhdisreal #adhdcommunity #adhdentrepreneur #adhdsymptoms #adhdparenting #adhdparent
Adam and Steve both stumbled upon the notion that high-intensity workouts were wildly advantageous for their ADHD. The guys discuss how this has become a North Star in both their lives and a bit of the science behind why it works.
AnnMarie Espina joins the guys to talk about her ADHD journey and what lead her to become an ADHD Coach. Throughout the conversation, we drill into ways to work with ADHD instead of against some of the challenges that we all encounter.
Please give AnnMarie a follow and check out her content, she is a great advocate in this space and does an excellent job coaching entrepreneurs with ADHD!
IG: @annmarie.espina
website: https://www.annmarieespina.com/instagram/
ADHD and addiction can be closely related and can come in many different forms. Many have used different substances as a way to cope with undiagnosed ADHD, while others may have got hooked on the prescribed meds to help treat ADHD.
Steve and Adam do some self-reflection and talk about addiction and the ADHD impact.
In our first Guest Podcast, Dorian joins us to discuss her journey of raising a child with ADHD. A few topics include the process of getting diagnosed, some of the indicators leading to the diagnosis, and the positive impact of a growth mindset! Please give Dorian (@seeingcharliesmiles) a follow on Instagram. She is doing a tremendous job of driving awareness in the ADHD community.
Steve and Adam dive into Hyper-Focus and hacks on how to put yourself into a Hyper-Focus state when necessary.
Further, the guys discuss the power of experiential learning for those of us with ADHD and the value it can provide.
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Adam and Steve discuss one of the biggest challenges for those of us with ADHD.
Attention Span.
Listen to some of the experiences from the guys and a few of the hacks they've developed on how to overcome the challenge.
Steve and Adam regroup on earlier conversations and Steve dives into his "Dark Clouds" Theory.
Then the guys jump into Fidgeting and movement and if it helps stimulate the mind.
Adam and Steve talk about Emotion Management, or more properly put, "emotional dysregulation." The guys discuss some stories, some hacks they have taught themselves, and some methods the pros subscribe to. #adhd #sparringwithADHD #emotionalintelligence #mentalhealth #adhdawareness #add #adhdproblems #mentalhealthawareness #adhdlife #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #adhdbrain #neurodivergent #adhdmemes #adhdparenting
Steve and Adam dive into the dangerous pitfalls of disorganization and the sometimes unrecognized benefits of disorder.
Organization is a staple challenge for those of us with ADHD and the guys share some stories about their experiences.
Adam and Steve talk about the challenges of procrastination and some of the odd advantages and how it can spur creativity.
Resources:
www.additudemag.com
Steve and Adam introduce The Sparring with ADHD Podcast and discuss the topics to be covered in the ensuing podcasts. We also introduce ourselves and each of our unique journeys with ADHD over the years.