I Have ADHD Podcast

Latest Episodes:

277 Conquering Your Email Inbox and Using ChatGPT for the ADHD Brain with Paula Engebretson Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

Join me in welcoming my friend and colleague, Paula Engebretson! In this episode, we dive into productivity strategies, managing emails, and how tools like ChatGPT can make a difference in our daily lives. Paula’s focus on productivity and my passion for personal growth blend perfectly in this engaging and insightful conversation.
One of the highlights of our conversation is the practical advice Paula provides on email management. She breaks down different types of emails and offers strategies to keep your inbox clutter-free. From thought downloads to responding to emails from the bottom up, Paula’s tips are game-changers. We also touch on the emotional complexities tied to unsubscribing and how grounding processes can help manage feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
We dive into additional strategies for managing deadlines and tasks, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic timelines and using techniques like “body doubling” for productivity. Paula introduces ChatGPT as a valuable tool for individuals with ADHD, aiding in communication, planning, and time management. I share how ChatGPT has enhanced my professional communication, helping me draft emails and create show notes from podcast transcripts. It’s like having a supportive friend that aids in idea iteration and communication improvement.
This episode is packed with resources for managing prioritization and productivity, including Paula’s own “I’m Busy Being Awesome” podcast and various coaching options. Whether you’re looking to improve your email management, understand your ADHD strengths, or find new tools to boost productivity, this episode has something for everyone.

Podcast episode link: Episode 255: An ADHD ChatGPT Guide

Workbook: https://imbusybeingawesome.com/chat

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276 From Self-Sabotage to Brave Expression: A Conversation with Africa Brooke Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

I’m thrilled to share a deeply insightful conversation with my mentor, Africa Brooke. Africa’s latest book, “The Third Perspective,” dives into the complex realms of self-sabotage and censorship, and in our discussion, we unpack the significance of moving beyond binary thinking in today’s society.

In this episode, Africa and I explore the evolutionary roots of societal pressures to conform and the vital importance of brave expression and embracing nuance, especially amidst the increasing intolerance we see around us.

We delve into the personal challenges that come with non-conformity, particularly for those of us with ADHD or from dysfunctional backgrounds. Africa sheds light on the internal conflict between being authentic and staying safe, emphasizing how self-censorship in relationships often leads to deep dissatisfaction.

One of the standout moments in our conversation is Africa’s reflection on her open letter, “Why I’m Leaving the Cult of Wokeness,” which she penned during the pandemic. This letter critiques the intense societal pressures surrounding racial justice and public health debates, touching on the painful conflict between staying true to oneself and feeling like a traitor to others. We also tackle the implications of cancel culture and the paramount importance of authenticity over conformity.

Africa and I discuss the intricacies of identity, activism, and the unique pressures faced by women online, particularly the phenomenon of “context collapse.” This is where our curated online personas can lead to misunderstandings. We advocate for acknowledging personal contradictions and fostering curiosity and awareness, especially for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle with black-and-white thinking.

I hope you found this episode as enlightening and empowering as I did. Africa's insights are a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, bravery, and nuance in our lives.

Why I'm Leaving the Cult of Wokeness

The Third Perspective

More about Africa Brooke
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275 Marriage, ADHD, and Growth: A 20-Year Journey with Kristen and Greg Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

I'm celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary with my husband Greg by having him on the podcast today! We’ll be diving into the ups and downs of our relationship, how we’ve navigated the challenges brought on by the early pandemic, and how we’ve grown individually and together over the past two decades. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and join us for an intimate conversation about love, life, and ADHD.

We’ve both learned so much about compassion, communication, and the importance of accepting each other’s flaws. We’ve grown a lot in managing conflicts and emotional regulation, and today, we’re sharing some insights from a recent disagreement that actually showcased our improved conflict management skills.

As parents of neurodivergent children, we’ve had to shift our expectations and communication strategies. Instead of trying to force habits, we’ve learned to accept our children’s inherent traits, which has made a world of difference in our family dynamics.

Greg and I also want to offer some advice for maintaining a successful marriage, especially when ADHD is part of the equation. We can’t stress enough the importance of grace, mercy, apologizing, compromising, and making time for connection. Long-term partnerships are complex, but with proactive communication, mindfulness, and understanding each other’s emotional experiences, they can also be incredibly rewarding.

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274 Understanding Dyslexia (and Breaking Down the Myths) in Neurodivergent Adults Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Dyslexia expert Natalie Brooks joins me today to dive deep into the interplay between ADHD and dyslexia, exploring the importance of recognizing multiple neurodiversities.
Natalie shares her personal experiences with dyslexia and sheds light on its overlap with ADHD. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that uncovers the challenges and triumphs of living with multiple neurodivergencies.
Natalie critiques common misconceptions about dyslexia, particularly the notion that dyslexic individuals are overly verbose yet struggle with clarity and editing. She contrasts her supportive educational journey, aided by a dedicated dyslexic unit, with her parents’ negative experiences due to undiagnosed conditions.
Obtaining a dyslexia diagnosis as an adult is another crucial topic we touch upon, acknowledging the financial and personal challenges it entails. Natalie emphasizes that while a formal diagnosis can provide exam accommodations, self-identification is often accepted in workplaces. She shares her own journey towards an ADHD diagnosis, highlighting the validation received from knowledgeable friends and the varying needs for recognition among individuals based on their past experiences.
As we wrap up this insightful episode, Natalie and I emphasize the importance of confidence building and healing within supportive communities. We encourage you to connect with others facing similar struggles to foster self-acceptance and personal growth.
Dyslexia In Adults
Instagram - dyslexia_in_adults
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273 Healing from Dysfunction and Complex PTSD with Adult Child Podcast Host, Andrea Ashley Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

Andrea Ashley is the host of the Adult Child podcast. She's blazing the trail in recovering from addiction and Complex PTSD. Andrea and I dive into a heartfelt conversation about the intricate web of ADHD, trauma, dysfunctional families, and Complex PTSD. Andrea shares her powerful personal journey, from growing up in a dysfunctional family to her profound realizations about trauma and healing.
Reflecting on her past, Andrea discusses her mother’s alcoholism and how she was unfairly scapegoated within her family. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing deeper family issues and seeking help, explaining how accumulated experiences contribute to trauma, rather than just major events.
We delve into the concept of Complex PTSD, childhood shaping beliefs, and the impact of emotional neglect on self-development. Andrea’s healing journey is a central theme, highlighting inner child work, coping mechanisms, and the launch of her own podcast. She talks about dealing with abandonment wounds, self-care, and the challenges and growth involved in the healing process.
We also touch on Andrea’s struggles with phone addiction, attention span issues, and her ADHD diagnosis. She explains how social media and intense content preferences have impacted her addiction and shares her efforts to reduce shame by being open about her story. Andrea underscores the importance of community healing through support groups for childhood trauma and neurodivergence.
I hope you find today’s conversation with Andrea Ashley as enlightening and inspiring as I did. Her journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. If you’re dealing with similar issues, know that you’re not alone and that seeking help can make all the difference. Don’t forget to check out Andrea’s podcast her community, The Shitshow.

Are You An Adult Child?
Laundry List of Adult Child Behaviors
Toxic Family Test
Adult Child Podcast
Andrea's Shitshow Community

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272 From Denial to Recognition: Let's Talk About Trauma and ADHD Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

For the longest time, I denied having any trauma, but through therapy and a ton of research, I’ve come to realize its significant impact on my life and my ADHD.
In today's episode, I discuss what trauma is and provide definitions and resources, especially focusing on Complex PTSD and its links to ADHD. One of the key takeaways is understanding how our experiences and the way we handle them can shape our mental health. For example, proper support and validation can prevent traumatic outcomes, as highlighted by trauma expert Peter Levine.
I also delve into various types of trauma and the importance of creating safe environments. This is particularly crucial for neurodivergent individuals like us, as unhealed emotional wounds can have profound effects on how we show up in the world. I even share a personal story about my son to illustrate how validation, support, and protection can prevent lasting trauma.
A significant part of our conversation revolves around the ongoing debate about whether ADHD is caused by trauma or genetics. While unaddressed trauma can mimic ADHD symptoms, it’s crucial to differentiate and understand both. We explore Complex PTSD and how emotional flashbacks can resemble the ADHD trait of emotional dysregulation. I also talk about the trauma responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and share my personal experiences, including how I’ve often suppressed my true self for safety.
Finally, I recommend some fantastic resources such as books by Dr. Bruce Perry and Pete Walker, and even suggest trauma assessments. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of seeking therapy with a trauma-informed therapist. Addressing our past wounds is essential for personal growth and overall well-being. This episode is a deep dive into a subject that’s both personal and universal. Thank you for joining me in this exploration. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support systems available to help you through this.
What Happened to You
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving - Free with a Spotify Subscription
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire
Multidimensional ADHD Symptom Profiles
Toxic Family Test
Check out this Episode on YouTube!
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271 The Ex Good Girl: A Recent ADHD Diagnosis, Perimenopause, and How to Stop Avoiding Difficult Conversations with Sara Fisk Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the woman who trained ME as a coach, the incredible Sara Fisk. Sara helps people pleasers stop avoiding difficult conversations, and let me tell you, we GET INTO IT on this episode.
From understanding ADHD symptoms in adulthood to dealing with perimenopause, this conversation covers it all. We also explore the concept of being an “ex good girl,” focusing on self-care and moving away from people-pleasing behaviors.
Sara shares her reflections on her Mormon upbringing, achievements, and the challenges of moving from a rule-based system to making choices based on personal preferences. For both of us, our ADHD diagnoses clarified a lot of past behaviors related to rejection sensitivity and constant pleasing. This shift has allowed us to make decisions for our personal satisfaction rather than conforming to societal norms.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into the importance of prioritizing personal values over seeking approval from others. We discuss how shame, anxiety, and fear can impact decision-making and the need to embrace our emotions.
Sara’s training in somatic experiencing and internal family systems has helped her redirect self-criticism and assert control over her decisions and emotions. We highlight the significance of building an internal dialogue, working with emotions, setting boundaries, and being assertive, especially for individuals with ADHD.
We wrap up our conversation by emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, authenticity, and navigating emotions with compassion. Sarah and I share our personal experiences of embracing vulnerability and finding strength through prioritizing our needs in relationships. It’s been such a powerful discussion, and I hope you find it as enlightening as I did. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there’s a whole community here to support you.
Get in touch with Sara Fisk

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270 Alcohol Use and ADHD: My Journey and "Local Sober" Approach Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Special shoutout to @adhdwithjennafree on IG for the term 'local sober'.
Research shows that people with ADHD are at high risk for alcohol dependence.
In this episode, I open up about the struggle of using alcohol as a nightly aid to combat insomnia, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm, only to realize the negative consequences it had on my sleep and overall well-being.
Reflecting on my experience during Dry January, I discovered the extent of my cravings and how they misaligned with my values, prompting a reevaluation of my relationship with alcohol.
Tune in as we explore the higher risk of alcohol use disorder among those with ADHD, and what that can mean for us.
In the final segment, I share my approach to embracing "local sober," where I only drink on special occasions away from home.
I recommend resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous, reaching out to a friend, and the Sober Awkward podcast. Additionally, for women, I highly recommend the work of Emily Lynn Paulson and her program Sober Mom Squad.
Binge Drinking And Your Body - Mayo Clinic
How Addictive is Alcohol?
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
How Chronic Drinking Increases Cortisol Levels

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269 Stop Exploding! How to Master Emotional Regulation in Relationships Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

What if mastering your emotions could radically improve your relationships?
Join me as we explore the powerful impact of emotional regulation on our personal and professional connections.
Living with ADHD often means dealing with intense feelings that can lead to explosive reactions, affecting how we relate to those around us. By becoming more self-aware and learning to self-soothe, we can reduce conflicts and develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
We'll discuss how understanding our emotions can help us cut down on emotional outbursts and build stronger bonds.
Ever wondered why certain emotional patterns, like resisting or impulsively reacting, can harm our relationships? We'll unpack the common pitfalls, from explosive reactions to emotional shutdowns that lead to inauthentic interactions.
This episode introduces the RAIN tool, a widely used method in therapy and coaching, designed to help us pause and allow emotions to be present. Finding a balanced approach to feeling and expressing our emotions is crucial for healthier interactions, and this tool offers a practical way to achieve that balance.
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268 The Relationship Hack That Will Change Your Life Forever Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

Discover the distinct difference between neurotypical and ADHD brains in terms of ranking priorities, and understand why learning to prioritize relationships can drastically improve your social life.
Navigating relationships with ADHD requires a strategic approach. Imagine categorizing your relationships into three tiers to better manage your emotional and social capacity—that's exactly what we'll discuss.
I'll share my experience in identifying the top five mutual relationships that deserve the most emotional investment, while also setting boundaries with other connections.
Learn why this method isn't about exclusion but about ensuring deeper, more meaningful interactions with those who truly matter. Tune in to discover how this strategy can foster a balanced, enriching social life, reducing the chaos and enhancing your emotional well-being.
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