ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

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Hey there! This is a bonus episode Resources: AOK: with the code PODCASTSASS Juliann Decker: Tracy Otsuka: Instagram: @tracyotsuka

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Hey there! This is a bonus episode Resources: AOK: with the code PODCASTSASS Trinlee Chodren: Tracy Otsuka: Instagram: @tracyotsuka

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

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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.
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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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Hey there! This is a bonus episode Resources: AOK: or with the code PODCASTSASS Haley Lin: Instagram @7am.hlz  Tracy Otsuka: Instagram: @tracyotsuka

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

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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.
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Resources:

• www.linkedin.com/in/andonette
• Instagram: @andonette

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Website: www.arrowsmith.ca
• Recent blog article: Is ADHD a Learning Disability?
• Arrowsmith Blog: The Arrowsmith Blog
• Free webinar series on the brain: arrowsmith.ca/webinar
• TEDx Presentation: https://youtu.be/o0td5aw1KXA
• Book Resources (including The Woman Who Changed Her Brain, authored by: Barbara Arrowsmith-Young): Media Books
• Learn more about your cognitive profile by completing the free Arrowsmith: Cognitive Questionnaire
• LinkedIn: Arrowsmith Program

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

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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.
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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:
  • Inattentive ADHD support for parents

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• https://www.divergentlit.com/
• Saving Normal
• Caroline Criado Perez Book
• Gender and Our Brains
• FAIR PLAY
• drgailsaltz.com

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

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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.
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Resources:

• Website: www.anitarobertson.com
• Facebook: Anita Robertson, LCSW
• Instagram: @strengthinyourmind
• TikTok: @strengthinyourmind
• LinkedIn: Anita Robertson

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 children's strengths and areas of brilliance, and the absolute necessity of creating a loving and supportive environment where that brilliance can flourish.
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Resources:

• Website: www.katherineellison.com
• Book: BUZZ: A Year of Paying Attention
• Facebook: Katherine Ellison official

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Website: www.swellhead.com
• Instagram: @roxannejarrett

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Website: www.eatingwithadhd.com
• Instagram: @eatingwithadhd
• Episode 84: ADHD and Nutrition with Nicole DeMasi Malcher - Tracy Otsuka

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

Growing up in a politically active environment, Welsh local 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.
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Resources:

• Website: www.sararobinsoncomms.co.uk
• LinkedIn: Councillor Sara Robinson
• Insta: @sararobinson_81
• Whatsapp group: ADHDivas

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Website: www.StarfishSocialClub.org
• Facebook: www.FB.com/StarfishSocialClubSATX
• Podcast: Social Skills Unscripted

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Website: Racheljfloyd.com
• Instagram: @racheljfloyd; @littlebisonpress

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Facebook: Jen Kohms

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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)
• Instagram: @angelaraspass
• LinkedIn: Angela Raspass
• Promo Codes:
  • Angela Raspass SMARTSTRENGTHS - for $50
  • Angela Raspass SMARTBOOK - for $10 off

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: Women with ADHD - Support & Strategies - Outsmart ADHD
• Instagram: @jamie_outsmartadhd
• Youtube: Outsmart ADHD
• Website: Outsmartadhd.co
• TEDxCWRU: Jamie Cutino

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 PUNCH NEEDLE ACADEMY.
• Use the coupon code ADHDPODCAST for 20% off of Micah’s online course.

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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
• Time Timer: timetimner.com

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 anything. 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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: www.emmadodicakes.com

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: Markerlearning.com
• Instagram: marker.learning
• TikTok: @markerlearning
• Email: emily@markerlearning.com

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: The Inspiration Place
• Instagram: @schulmanart
• Book pre-order: ArtpreneurBOOK.com; schulmanart.com/BELIEVE (free chapter of Artpreneur)

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: vanessagorelkin.com
• Instagram: @humanist_therapist
• Episode 198: How to Unlock Your Potential with Occupational Therapist, Vanessa Gorelkin

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

For years I used to write out a long list of New Year's resolutions, only to not be able to remember what was on the list a week later, let alone where the hell the list even was. 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 too could set goals and stick to them 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. 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.

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: lanelit.com
• Email: allison@lanelit.com

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: @marnieb20
• Website: marniebothmer.com

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: ginstephens.com
• Her books: ginstephens.com/get-the-books

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 vulnerable experience on the TedX stage, how she fills her "bowl of resilience," and so much more.
______________

Resources:

• Website: wordcandy.com.au
• Instagram: @wordcandycomms
• LinkedIn: Martha Barnard-Rae

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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
• Email: toothbetoldbyalexis@gmail.com

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 updated re-release of my 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:

• spyhappy.me/adhdprofslist

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: vanessagorelkin.com
• Instagram: @humanist_therapist

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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: Shianne D. Sampson
• Her book: Triage - Sales Coaching by Shianne Sampson

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 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 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: jensprograms.com
• Front Row CEO program: frontrowceo.com
• Join our Front Row CEO Masterclass: jensprogr

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Website: www.denisedt.com
• Instagram: @denisedt
• Twitter: @denisedt
• Facebook: Denise Duffield-Thomas

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Sign up for "5 Days to Fall in Love with Your ADHD Brain" here:

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Instagram: @newsouthpatternhouse
• Website: newsouthpatternhouse.com
• Shop Wallpaper and Fabric: spoonflower.com/profiles/katie_hayes   

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 she wishes she’d had when she was younger. 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.
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Resources:

• Website: tiltparenting.com
• Instagram: @tiltparenting
• Twitter: @tiltparenting
• Facebook: Tilt Parenting

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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.
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Resources:

• Instagram: @theaddventuresoflaraandfrida

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

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

___

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 in this episode, Tenrikyo priestess and personal empowerment coach Latoya Williams, finally got some of these answers when she started studying the teachings of Tenrikyo, 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 other misfits 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.
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Resources:

• Website: yggcoaching.com
• IG: @yourgreatestgood
• https://tenrikyo.com/ 
• https://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/eng/

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/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com