The Faster Than Normal Podcast: ADD | ADHD

Latest Episodes:

Award Winning Actress, Author, GenZ Influencer and ADHD Anti-bully Esabella Karena May 29, 2019

Show notes

I met our next guest at the Adobe Summit in glittery Las Vegas a couple of months ago. She was the youngest presenter in attendance! She's an award winning actress, film writer, co-author of a young adult novel "Then and There, Here and Where" -which is set to publish this Spring. (Did I mention her age yet..?) Recently nominated a top GenZ influencer, she is currently creating her own greeting card line, oh yes, and she too has been diagnosed with ADHD, and also Dyslexia. Esabella Karena joins us today to talk about her journey thus far. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Esabella discuss:

1:00- Intro & welcome Esabella!

2:30- When were you diagnosed with ADHD?

2:50- So 'grade one' was in 2010 for you aye..

3:20- How did ADHD blossom for you; how did things go after your diagnosis?

4:05- What was different for you when you moved to your new school?

4:50- On knowing if you're in the right school

5:25- Was it easy for you to fit-in & make friends?

6:08- How did you get through that tough time?

6:48- Kids are going to understand that it's ok to be different. What advice would you give to kids who have just been diagnosed, or who are maybe just realizing that they have a gift; that they are special.

7:30- Tell us more about you! What else are you up to lately?

8:32- How long have you had your tutor?

8:50- Tell us more about the extra-curricular activities that may be 'not so normal' for someone your age; like hosting a Variety show for example!

9:58- What do you think makes a good Influencer? ref: Generation Z Program

10:57- It seems you're prettymuch on top of the world right now; what's next for you?

11:37- What would you tell kids, especially ADHD & Dyslexic kids, who might have parents who are not as understanding as your's? Or, what advice would you give to parents in general?

12:41- Talk about some of your screw-ups?

13:37- Do you think making mistakes is how you learn?

14:00- What quote would you want people to remember you by?

16:12- How can people reach you? INSTA, Twitter, FB @EsabellaKarena www.EsabellaKarena.com

16:40- Thank you Esabella! And thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. Please.. stop right now and write us a review, EVEN IF you've reviewed us before, so that we will all be able to help & reach even more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

17:12- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

As always, leave us a comment below and PLEASE drop us a review on iTunes and of course, subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already! The more reviews we get, the more people we can reach. Help us to show the world that ADHD is a gift, not a curse! Know of anyone you think should be on the FTN podcast? Shoot us a note, we'd love to hear!

Graphic Designer Turned Cartoonist/Illustrator & ADHD Superhero Dani Donovan! May 22, 2019

Show notes

Today we visit with a Graphic Designer, Artist & ADHD Cartoon specialist, (and in my opinion, future superhero character designer). You have probably already seen Dani's Art without even realizing that it's her work, or that it was originally inspired by her ADHD. It was her Art & her fearlessness that brought us together today. I really want to share her full bio with you: Dani Donovan is a designer and illustrator who's recently risen to internet fame creating ADHD comics. Her first graphic (a storytelling flowchart) went viral, amassed over 100 million views, and has been reposted and praised by celebrities such as Mindy Kahling, Natalie Portman, and Jennifer Garner. Within a couple months, she quickly became a prominent voice in the online ADHD community. Dani's comics aim to help those with ADHD understand themselves and explain their struggles to loved ones. Her artwork struck a global chord and has been translated into four languages. She's partnering with Penguin Random House to illustrate a children's book based on her childhood experiences with ADHD. Dani works full-time as a designer for Gallup, runs a freelance branding business, and served on the board of directors for Nebraska's chapter of AIGA (American Institute for Graphic Arts). Her online store, ADHDDD.com, opens in early May. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Dani discuss:

:46- Intro & welcome superhero Dani Donovan!

1:33- You tweeted that you were nervous to join us today- why would you possibly be nervous!? ref: Dani's tweet

2:11- So you got diagnosed in college; tell us about what it was like growing-up undiagnosed?

3:56- When you got into college, what prompted the diagnosis?

5:25- Were you put on medication? ref: Adderall versus Ritalin&Vyvanse

5:50- Was it sort of a wake-up call- whenever you got a name for your ADHD?

6:50- How long have you been drawing?

7:16- Being an Artist, do you find that writing/drawing puts you at peace?

8:03- I found you through your cartoons. Tell us about how you got started & what happened?

9:20- Tell us about your experience with an Art Therapist?

10:43- What kind of responses have you been getting from your Art?

12:16- What's your personal favorite piece thus far?

13:10- Note to self: Brand everything you do! ref: Imposter syndrome

13:40- How can we find you & see your beautiful Art? Patreon.com/DaniDonovan Twitter, INSTA Behance LinkedIN Dribbble: @DaniDonovan. Facebook @DaniDonovanArt

14:36- One last question. What do you tell creatives & budding artists who are afraid to post their works?

16:05- So…"done is better than perfect"?

16:15- Thank you Dani! And thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. Please.. stop right now and write us a review, EVEN IF you've reviewed us before, so that we will all be able to help & reach even more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

17:01- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

Talking ADHD & Finding Greatness in Your Life w/ IRONMAN Hall of Famer Mike Reilly May 15, 2019

Show notes

I am talking to someone on today's show that has shouted the 2nd-best four words that I HAVE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE!! The Man you're about to meet is named Mike Reilly. He is probably best known as the "Voice of IRONMAN," (not the movie, the sport). If you are one of the 350k+ finishers of an Ironman challenge, chances are he has shouted your name also! In his great career, Mike also done on-site announcing and television coverage for over a thousand other triathlon & running events spanning ten countries. He is the only person inducted into all three endurance sports Halls of Fame: IRONMAN (2011), Running USA (2017), and USA Triathlon (2018). Mike and his wife of 43 years, Rose, live in San Diego. They have two children, Erin Paulson, (a Boston Marathon finisher), and Andy Reilly, (an IRONMAN & Boston Marathon finisher), and two grandsons. A bit more about Mike here. It is an total honor to welcome him today. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Mike discuss:

:46- Intro and welcome Mike Reilly!!

1:58- You have been doing this for roughly 30 years? For those of us who don't know, could you describe a little about Ironman?

3:19- About Mike's new book: Finding My Voice

3:42- Peter's experience in doing his first Triathlon

4:20- Mike, would you agree with the statement: "Once a triathlete, always a triathlete"?

5:50- On how training can affect relationships ref: I'm Training For An Ironman Video

6:32- On finding something great in your life

7:12- On addiction & Imposter syndrome, versus the Triathlete

8:30- "We are the cause of our own experiences"

9:37- On crossing the Finish line and my blog post about my first Ironman in Cozumel

10:36- I've read that the Triathlon is the sport with the largest amount of recovering addicts. Why do you think this may be true?

12:48- On setting dizzyingly difficult goals

14:20- Tell us a story about someone who credits finishing an Ironman with saving their life.

18:58- Wow.. if exercise could do something like that, for someone like him, imagine what it could do for school kids!!

19:40- About Eric Byrnes Triathlon & his physical education outreach. Let Them Play Foundation

20:14- Riding For Focus Specialized Foundation Podcast interview w/ Ted Theocheung, the CEO of the Specialized Foundation, and Kimberly Price, Ph.D., Director of Research & School Programs for the Specialized Foundation

20:57- Peter on "Must be present to win"

23:19- On Ironman has no shape or size. Working from the inside out.

24:10- What do you tell someone who says "Oh I could never, ever do a triathlon"?

25:37- When is your book "Finding My Voice" available for purchase? You can find it everywhere!

26:10- Thank you Mike Reilly!! And thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. PLEASE.. stop right now and write us a review so that we will all be able help more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

26:21: THE 2nd-best FOUR WORDS EVER!!!!!

26:58 Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

Mr. Mike Reilly on socials: MikeReilly.net Facebook Twitter & INSTA@IronManVoice LinkedIn

The One with the Second ADHD PhD w/ Janice Nieves-Bonilla May 08, 2019

Show notes

We are joined today by a scientist! I love interviewing scientists! Although diagnosed as a child, Janice did not get fully treated for ADHD until her second year at Harvard. She is doing amazing research as she finishes her fifth year of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences PhD program there, and has found her way to rock life with ADHD! Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Janice discuss:

:46- Intro & welcome Janice Marie Nieves Bonilla de Ouellette!

1:40- You didn't get diagnosed until you got to Harvard, correct? Tell us your story.

2:56- How was growing up for you; how did school & your classes go?

4:36- Can you tell any of our listeners who may be feeling like: "My ADHD is preventing me from being smart, or from being brilliant" exactly what it is that you are studying at Harvard? ref: Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Immunology and Autoimmunity, Joslin Diabetes Center

6:02- Your first language is Spanish. Sometimes people with ADHD are not great with languages; how are you with learning new ones?

7:04- Tell me about the medication you are on and how it's working out for you?

8:08- What is your dosage frequency?

8:55- You have been very active in Theater, Dance, etc. Do you find that physical activity helps you?

10:47- You mentioned in your 3 page bio that you didn't have many friend that were your age growing up. Do you think that's an ADHD thing- to have friends that are older or younger?

12:26- Your husband does not have ADHD. If you had to tell the non-ADHD listeners of this podcast what the one thing they could do to survive someone with ADHD, that they love, what would that be?

14:37- How can people find you if they want to learn more about you and what you are doing?

INSTA & Twitter @Janice_Nieves Email: JNievesBonilla@g.harvard.edu

15:22- Thank you Janice!! And thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. PLEASE.. stop right now and write us a review so that we will all be able help more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

15:47- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

Leading an International Sales Team & Using ADHD on the Job w/ Paul Berkson May 01, 2019

Show notes

As you may know, I worked at AOL for a few years and then for a company called Jumbo- my last ever full-time job. I lasted for about 7 months before I realized I just did not work well with people; my friend Paul couldn't either! We kinda bonded over that and we're still friends to this day! Paul is currently the Director of Sales-Technical Sales North America for Varian Medical Systems. He has been with them for 17 years w/ extensive experience in physical & virtual Oncology IT architecture. He is helping hospitals all over the world design the best possible network to help treat cancer patients from India, Europe and North America. Today we reminisce about what it was like to have ADHD 20 years ago, and we talk about the tools & systems we have in place to help us run things 'on our own' these days. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Paul discuss:

:46- Intro and welcome Paul Berkson

1:23- You and I are very similar in some ways; it always felt good to have sort of an ally in the ADHD world, back in the day when we 'too talkative' and were first climbing!

2:00- How was it growing up for you?

2:38- How did you get through school and stuff?

3:18- You pretty much work on your own now. Explain to us a little bit about your job & your dynamic there?

4:10- You are happy in your job. What is it about the job that keeps you happy & thriving?

5:00- Being on your own is great! How do you keep yourself on-track & on top of things like schedules, deadlines, etc?

5:56- On daily routines

6:28- How do you chill out, relax and stay sane?

7:18- Are you able to come directly out of 'work mode' and straight into 'family mode'?

8:09- Tell me about how you get past your demons; how do you deal with the negative stuff?

9:19- What tools do you use to keep organized? ref: Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Teams, Outlook AutoTools, Skype Business, and Google Drive

10:40- Do you keep a duplicate suitcase when traveling/working?

12:22- Do you ever screw-up 'en route' and have to restart?

12:45- On 'Proper Planning & Practice make for a Perfect Performance" *aka Michael P's 5P's ref: The SCOTTeVEST, Peloton Bike

15:20 How can people find you on the socials? Facebook email: BerksonP@optonline.net I couldn't seem to locate @BerkyBerk on INSTA

15:47- Thank you Paul and Thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. PLEASE.. stop right now and write us a review so that we will all be able help more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

16:10- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

Faster Than Normal EXTRA: "The ADHD Shockinator" w/ Dr. Jennifer Hartstein Apr 25, 2019

Show notes

So, I've been reading about this new eTNS system that was recently approved by the FDA and it kinda freaked me out. The thoughts of me using this on my kid!? I'm not a medical professional, but my dear friend Dr. Jen IS. (her bio is here and she's been on the podcast before today- you can listen to that here). I wanted to get her medical option and thoughts about this new machine.. and she freaked out too! So I invited her to come visit and share her opinion and about what she has learned with you. Let's talk and discuss. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Jen discuss:

:50- Neurosigma's "eTNS System"

1:18- Intro and welcome back Dr. Jen Hartstein

1:40- I showed this thing to you yesterday and you also freaked out! What are your thoughts about it today?

3:00- About the study group used in getting it's FDA approval ref: Dr. Stephen Hinshaw

3:50- Side effects and intended usage for ages 7-12.

4:21- About stimulation threshold(s) and other possible side effects listed.

5:04- As compared to non-stimulant medications

5:25- Four psychologists surveyed say…

6:51- Only sixty-two kids were studied, how do you think this was granted FDA approval so quickly?

7:52- Some benefits of ECT

8:18- We don't know how children's brains develop after this type of treatment, do we?

10:05- Is this maybe the next "good thing"?

10:25- Under the "Pills Don't Teach Skills" heading…

12:03- In our culture and educational systems in the US, we are missing ways to help people manage emotions effectively.

12:40- "A headache is not an aspirin deficiency"

12:46- I know people are going to have questions Jen, how can people find you? http://www.hartsteinpsychological.com www.drjen.com Twitter: @drjenonline FB YouTube

20:00- Thank you for coming on such notice Dr. Jen and Thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. PLEASE.. stop right now and write us a review so that we will all be able help more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

20:36- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

A Letter to the Little Boy Who Has Dyslexia & ADHD w/ Author, Coach & Speaker Jonathan "J.O." Oliver Apr 24, 2019

Show notes

Sometimes with ADHD, we can't figure out why things just aren't working out right. So when we finally get diagnosed, there can be a sense of relief- because we finally have a name for what's wrong. This guy knows all about that! After struggling through all of his high school & part of his college years, JO was diagnosed with Dyslexia and later with ADHD. He was struggling into his 30's. He has written a book about it, (in addition to a couple of others), that I started recently and am just loving. Now a husband and father, JO's mission is to help parents and families- particularly stay at home dads- redefine life & family according to what works best for them. We talk about how excruciatingly painful having undiagnosed ADHD & Dyslexia can be, (especially in classroom settings), about self-love, about what finding a true mentor can mean, and about his new book, which is J.O.'s love letter to his younger self, here today. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Jonathan discuss:

1:14- Intro and welcome J.O.!

1:45- You had a really tough time in school; tell us about it?

2:20- On reading aloud in the classroom

4:40- On his second time taking a collegiate Genetics exam, and finally getting tested for a learning disability.

5:50- Upon Jonathan's Dyslexia diagnosis and getting some new resources!

7:00- On turning 30, beginning a book, then being diagnosed with ADHD

7:53- On using his superpower

8:52- J.O.'s next challenge was learning how to 'miss correctly' and to love his younger self.

10:28- What do you do to get yourself out of the times when you find yourself in an Imposter syndrome?

11:57- J.O. & Peter agree that therapy should be mandatory.

12:38- On not fighting yourself

14:28- Tell us about your new book! "To The Little Boy In Me Learning With Dyslexia and ADHD"

17:13- Was writing this book maybe part of a catharsis for you?

19:37- How can people find you? www.JonathanOliverOnline.com Twitter: @JOStayAtHomeDad INSTA: jonathan_jo_oliver Facebook LinkedIN YouTube Books

20:00- Thank you Jonathan and Thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. PLEASE.. stop right now and write us a review so that we will all be able help more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

20:36- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

Do Anything You Want To In This World w/ ADHD Mom, Record-breaking Athlete Caitlin Conner Apr 17, 2019

Show notes

The day before Caitlin's 24th birthday, a young girl in Texas was texting while driving and didn't see a young couple on their motorcycle. Caitlin & her husband at the time were ejected from that bike. She lived to celebrate her birthday in the ICU. When she woke up from surgery the nurse informed her that she was four weeks pregnant. After 6 reconstructive surgeries on minimal pain medication, antibiotics, and anesthesia due to the pregnancy, Caitlin knew that her child was worth more than her own body. On June 12th, 2014 she amputated her left leg below the knee and began to take on life as a new Mom. February 13, 2015 she delivered a beautiful baby girl named Tinley. Caitlin had always wanted to be a Mom, but now the question arose as to what kind of mother she would become. She set her first two goals: to walk & run before the baby could. In April of 2016 she ran her first 5k w/ Tinley in a stroller. A month later, she found a crossfit gym and began a strength training regimen. A passion that began from just wanting to be a Mom who could chase her kid around, rapidly grew and transformed a woman who has since become the first amputee boxer in America, a woman who has earned Gold and Silver medals in everything from Triathlons to Javelin, completed countless marathons, and on-and-on! She has recently started BeMoreAdaptive.org who's mission is to help the world be more adaptive, accessible, and profoundly knowledgeable about the adaptive community. We talk about choices, goal-setting, motivation and her incredible story here today. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Caitlin discuss:

:45- Intro to Caitlin Conner

1:11- Caitlin's bio and backstory

3:00- Welcome Caitlin! So before the accident, what was life like for you? ref: Video Rental Stores

4:04- What happened on the day of your accident, and what was going on in your life?

6:16- Unbelievable, just unbelievable! How do you begin to bounce back from such adversity?

7:30- What was your process of deciding whether to be amputated, or not?

8:20- On choices

8:50- How old is your daughter now and does she realize that you are a badass?

9:12- Your sports resume is a little crazy- tell us about how you got started and how you remain motivated.

10:24- What is your favorite sport?

10:38- What's your routine for training; if you have one?

11:13- On not competing in the Paralympics with Team USA

12:09- Do you think ADHD may be influencing your multi-sport passion?

12:58- What do you say to people who have had a massive life shift like you have? How do you get them back up on their horse?

14:12- How do you handle your bad days?

15:32- On embracing self care

16:23- How can people find you and please give us your Instagram addy! INSTA: @Caitlin.AndHerLegNamed.Rex FB www.BeMoreAdaptive.org

16:30- Fun fact about Rex

17:08- Thank you Caitlin and Thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. PLEASE.. stop right now and write us a review so that we will all be able help more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

17:42- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

A Men's ADHD Support Group w/ Author & Life Coach Marc Almodovar Apr 10, 2019

Show notes

A lot of people I meet in the ADHD world are thrown into "all things ADHD" because they simply have no choice. What's interesting is that my guest today has decided to make educating and helping folks with ADHD his profession! He coaches, he blogs, and he has started an ADHD support group for men- which is how I found him. There aren't just loads of places to go, especially outside of the medical community, where you can have open and frank discussions with others who are similarly gifted. Marc has recently co-authored a book that will be out soon. We talk about how he chose this path, and some about what it's like to be a guy who's grown up with ADHD. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Marc discuss:

1:00- Intro & welcome Marc!

1:57- You struggled in school like most all of us, but you got diagnosed at age 16; tell us your story.

4:40- On receiving the diagnosis

5:25- After you were diagnosed, what were the most noticeable changes in your life?

6:25- What made you want to become an ADHD life coach/wellbeing instructor?

7:56- Tell us a little more about your "awakening moment", how you got into the concepts of wellbeing- and how all of that mattered. ref: Our Transformative Journey book

9:00- What's next for you? ref: ADHD Men's Support Group

10:48- On how men are conditioned from a young age to 'just shake it off'; breaking that mold

12:28- What do you say to the 16 year-old boy who has realized that he has a problem?

13:40- On realizing you're not broken, but instead have an incredible gift once you learn how to use it.

14:20- How can people find you? www.WellnessWithMarc.com @wellnesswithMarc on INTSA @wellnesswmarc on Twitter FB YouTube

14:45- Thank you Marc and Thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. PLEASE.. stop right now and write us a review so that we will all be able help more people! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

15:27- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

Loving Thy ADHD Self and Reading for Enjoyment w/ Author Alyson Gerber Mar 20, 2019

Show notes

My guest today had undiagnosed ADHD until she was twenty-one, and she wore a back brace for scoliosis from the age of eleven to thirteen, an experience that led directly to her debut novel Braced from Scholastic. It received three starred reviews, was a Junior Library Guild Selection, and has been nominated for several awards. Her new middle grade novel Focused, about a girl caught between her love of chess and her ADHD, will be in stores on March 26. Focused has received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and the American Library Association's Booklist and is a Junior Library Library Guild Selection. We talk about her struggles in learning to read, how things felt for her growing up, and how she ultimately found her voice. Enjoy!

In this episode Peter and Alyson discuss:

1:24- Intro & welcome Aylson! ref: books "Braced" and "Focused"

2:20- Between your back brace and ADHD, growing up must've been a blast! Tell us your story?

3:48- Were you getting a 'you're not smart' vibe from you teachers?

6:16- We're seeing more & more middle aged parents get diagnosed, because they're kids are getting diagnosed! i.e. Richard Titus interview here

7:00- Have you always retreated into writing like me and many of our guests? What was YOUR thing?

9:40- On Alyson's first creative writing class

11:00- On reading for enjoyment! ref: Encyclopedia Brown Archie Comics Choose Your Own Adventure Books

11:38- So tell us about your latest work, "Focused"

14:54- How can people find you? AlysonGerber.com @AlysonGerber: Twitter INSTA FB: AlysonGerberBooks

15:28- Thank you Alyson and Thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening! You can always reach me at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.

15:50- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits

Please check out my new ADHD Coaching! www.shankminds.com/ADHDCoaching

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