Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast I Have ADHD Podcast

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #404: There’s No Rush: Getting Out of Fight-or-Flight with Jenna Free

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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What if the problem isn’t that you need better boundaries…but that you keep pretending you don’t have limits?

In this coaching conversation, I’m talking with Claire, a children’s book illustrator who has spent years saying yes to too much, working nights and weekends, relying on hyperfocus to get everything done, and eventually burning herself out.

We unpack why ADHD hyperfocus isn’t always the “superpower” people make it out to be—and how constantly overriding your own capacity can cost you your health, relationships, creativity, and trust in yourself.

We also talk about the beliefs we inherit from our families about work, success, money, and rest—and what it looks like to consciously break the agreements that no longer serve us.

If you’re constantly overcommitting now and assuming Future You will somehow figure it out, this conversation is for you.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #402: When Traditional Parenting Fails: Raising Strong-Willed Kids

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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With You’re Not in Trouble getting ready to make its way into the world, I am feeling the vulnerability that comes with putting so much of myself into a book. So instead of waiting for people to “find her out,” I'm putting it all on the table.

I share five things you may not know about me—from unconventional choices I've made to support my ADHD, to my Christian faith and complicated feelings about homeschooling, to the questions I have about the connection between ADHD and trauma.

And then there’s the one I've never shared publicly before: I wrote a book about healthy relationships…and haven't spoken to my parents in more than three years.

This is a vulnerable conversation about ADHD, trauma, faith, family, estrangement, relationships, and what it means to stop hiding the parts of yourself you’re afraid others might judge.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #400: Too Many Ideas, Not Enough Follow-Through? Listen to This

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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What happens when you stop trying to force your ADHD brain to function like everyone else’s?

In this live Q&A episode, Kristen answers listener questions about some of the messiest parts of life with ADHD: perfectionism, working memory, parenting, emotional regulation, self-forgiveness, relationships, burnout, and the pressure to “do it all.”

Kristen explains why perfectionism can actually be a form of self-protection, why you need to stop expecting your brain to remember everything, and how making things easier for yourself isn’t cheating—it’s smart ADHD accommodation.

She also dives into the importance of self-compassion when you don’t follow through, why supporting your own ADHD is essential when parenting an ADHD child, and why she firmly rejects the idea that ADHD is a “superpower.”

ADHD can be deeply impairing. Naming that reality doesn’t diminish your strengths—it gives you an explanation for your struggles and a roadmap for getting the support you deserve.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #398: Virgin River’s Benjamin Hollingsworth Opens Up About ADHD for the First Time Ever

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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What happens when two ADHDers sit down with almost no agenda and start talking? You get a little bit of everything—and somehow, it all comes back to ADHD.

Kristen is joined by longtime FOCUSED member Matt Ciciarelli for a candid conversation about the very real (and sometimes hilarious) ways ADHD shows up in everyday life.

They get into using AI as an ADHD support tool, the difference between asking for help and outsourcing your thinking, finding a career that actually works with your ADHD brain, and why hyperfocus seems readily available for the things we WANT to do…but disappears when something feels heavy, boring, or shame-filled.

Matt also shares what he’s learned about work, finances, gluten-free living, and finally finding a job that fits his brain.

Plus, Kristen and Matt react to the controversial documentary The Great ADHD Myth.

It’s honest, funny, a little chaotic—and very ADHD.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

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If overwhelm makes you want to shut down, hide, procrastinate—or somehow try to do everything at once—this episode is for you.

Kristen breaks down why ADHD overwhelm isn’t simply a productivity problem and why “trying harder” or finally getting caught up usually doesn’t create the relief we’re looking for.

You’ll learn how ADHD impacts your capacity, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and nervous system—and why all of that can make everyday life feel like 10 things are screaming at you at the same volume.

Kristen also introduces the first step of her STOP Method: See What’s Happening. Instead of immediately trying to fix your overwhelm, you’ll learn how to recognize what’s happening without piling on shame, judgment, or blame.

See it. Don’t solve it.

Want to go deeper? Kristen is teaching the full STOP Method throughout September inside FOCUSED, her monthly ADHD coaching membership.

Learn more and join at ihaveadhd.com/focused.

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #394: I Tried Using ChatGPT for My ADHD… Here’s What Happened

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the reason you keep breaking your own boundaries isn’t a lack of discipline?

In this episode, Kristen dives into Part 2 of the conversation on internal boundaries: the rules and limits we set for ourselves to protect the life we actually want.

For many adults with ADHD, boundaries can trigger instant resistance. If rules, expectations, or authority were used to control, shame, or coerce you growing up, even your own reasonable limits can provoke an internal response of, “You’re not the boss of me.”

Kristen explores how to shift from self-control to self-collaboration. You’ll learn why “should” boundaries rarely work, how perfectionism destroys self-trust, and what to do when you inevitably break a boundary.

Instead of spiraling into guilt and shame, Kristen teaches you how to repair with yourself, get curious about what support was missing, and begin again.

Because internal boundaries aren’t about restriction.

They’re about protection.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #396: Hidden Dyslexia Struggles (and Why ADHD Might Not Be the Whole Story)

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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What if the reason you keep breaking promises to yourself isn’t because you’re lazy or undisciplined—but because some part of you still hears boundaries as control?

In this episode, we dive into internal boundaries: the loving limits we set with ourselves to protect our health, energy, relationships, values, and future.

For ADHD adults, these boundaries can be especially difficult to honor. Time blindness, impulsivity, discomfort intolerance, perfectionism, and a lifetime of rebelling against rules can make even reasonable limits feel restrictive.

But internal boundaries aren’t about deprivation. They’re about self-trust.

You’ll learn why unrealistic “fantasy boundaries” backfire, how your childhood experiences with rules may still be influencing you, and how to create limits that actually support the life you want.

Kristen also shares practical examples around sleep, food, work, spending, alcohol, relationships, and connecting with your future self.

If you’ve ever thought, Why can’t I just do what I told myself I was going to do?—press play.

Internal boundaries might be the missing piece.

Preorder You're Not in Trouble here! 

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #396: Hidden Dyslexia Struggles (and Why ADHD Might Not Be the Whole Story)

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jacoba Lilius, Associate Professor at Queen’s University, researcher, FOCUSED Certified Coach, and the research consultant for my upcoming book, You’re Not in Trouble: The ADHD Guide to Building Healthy, Connected Relationships.

Jacoba was diagnosed with ADHD in 2019 at age 42, after building a successful career in academia while quietly struggling with chronic procrastination, time blindness, and executive function challenges. We talk about what it was like to navigate such a demanding profession with undiagnosed ADHD—and how her diagnosis changed the way she understood herself and her work.

We also go behind the scenes of You’re Not in Trouble. Jacoba shares what it was like to serve as the book’s research consultant, how she helped me ground the book in solid evidence, and what we learned along the way.

And of course, we get into the survey findings from the book research that absolutely blew our minds.

If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHDer, an academic, or someone who has spent years wondering why everything seems to require so much effort, you’ll want to hear this conversation.

To reach out to Jacoba, click here.

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #376: When ADHD Looks Like Freeze: You’re Not Lazy, You’re Overwhelmed

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Visit ihaveadhd.com/notintrouble to preorder your copy of my book AND get some amazing goodies immediately!

What does it take to thrive in a career that's fueled by curiosity when your brain is constantly pulling you in a hundred different directions?

In this episode, I'm joined by award-winning journalist, author, and storyteller Kevin Williams. Kevin has built an incredible career reporting for outlets including CNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, where his work earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination. He's also the founder of Amish365.com, one of the internet's most widely read resources on Amish life and culture.

We discuss what ADHD can look like within Amish culture, how different lifestyles influence the way neurodivergence is experienced, and what surprised Kevin most after years of reporting and building relationships within these communities.

If you've ever wondered whether your ADHD curiosity is a liability or a superpower, this conversation will leave you thinking differently.

Not So Simple By Kevin Williams

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #394: I Tried Using ChatGPT for My ADHD… Here’s What Happened

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preorder You're Not in Trouble: USA or International

What if the biggest obstacle to your dream isn't ADHD? What if it's your unwillingness to feel uncomfortable?

In this episode, I share the behind-the-scenes story of writing You're Not in Trouble and what it taught me about pursuing an "impossible goal" with ADHD. From years of waiting for the right season to months of writing through boredom, fear, vulnerability, and self-doubt, I learned that accomplishing meaningful goals isn't about finding motivation. It's about building enough support to tolerate discomfort.

We'll explore the difference between waiting because you're afraid and waiting because you genuinely don't have the capacity yet, why immediate gratification gets in the way of long-term goals, and how self-compassion, not self-criticism, is what helps us follow through.

If you've been carrying a dream that feels impossible, this episode will help you identify what's really standing in your way and encourage you to take one small step toward becoming the person who can accomplish it.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. Why discomfort is the price of meaningful goals
2. The difference between fear and lack of capacity
3. How to support yourself instead of shaming yourself into action
4. Why your impossible goal may be closer than you think

Preorder You're Not in Trouble: USA or International

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preorder You're Not in Trouble: USA or International

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #364: From Walking on Eggshells to Walking in Self-Trust

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well… this episode wasn't the one I planned. My guest was a no-show, so we pivoted! Instead, I pulled a few listener voicemails and answered your questions live—and honestly, I loved how it turned out.

We talk about what to do when you're stuck in an emotional spiral and can't seem to move forward, how to navigate a relationship when your partner refuses ADHD treatment, and why finding the motivation to clean can feel nearly impossible (and what actually helps).

If you've ever felt emotionally overwhelmed, frustrated in your relationships, or completely frozen by everyday tasks, this episode is for you.

Thanks for calling in. Keep those voicemails coming! Call 833.281.2343 and leave me a message.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #392: The Weekend Trap: Why Free Time Sends ADHD Brains Into A Spiral

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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Preorder wherever you buy your books!

1. USA preorder here.
2. International preorder here.

In this special episode, I'm officially introducing my book, You're Not In Trouble: The ADHD Guide to Building Healthy, Connected Relationships.

You'll get the very first look at the cover, title, table of contents, and everything you need to know about preordering the book. I also share why I wrote it, who it's for, and what I hope it offers every ADHDer who has ever wondered, "Why do relationships feel so hard?"

Whether you joined us live or you're listening later, I'm so grateful you're here to celebrate this milestone with me.

Preorder the book now!!

Thank you for being part of this community and for celebrating with me.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #392: The Weekend Trap: Why Free Time Sends ADHD Brains Into A Spiral

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you stay up way past bedtime, even when you're exhausted, because it's the only time that finally feels like yours?

That's called revenge bedtime procrastination, and for many adults with ADHD, it isn't about poor discipline. It's about desperately trying to reclaim autonomy after a day full of demands.

In this episode, I share the surprising mindset shift that completely changed my relationship with bedtime. Instead of trying to force myself to sleep earlier, I stopped making bedtime the only time I belonged to myself.

We'll talk about why ADHD brains crave freedom at night, how boundaries and transitions changed everything, why I made my weeknights intentionally boring, and the powerful decision to let the clock—not my to-do list—decide when work is over.

If your favorite part of the day is when everyone else is asleep, this episode might change the way you think about your evenings—and your life.

Because maybe you aren't addicted to staying up.

Maybe you're starving for freedom

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #384: Do It the Easy Way (The Hard Way Is Keeping You Stuck)

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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Rest shouldn't be so hard... and yet, for so many adults with ADHD, it is.

If you've ever felt guilty for slowing down, found yourself scrolling instead of actually recharging, or wondered why you still feel exhausted after a "day off," this episode is for you.

You'll learn why rest can feel so uncomfortable with ADHD, the different types of rest your brain and body actually need, and practical, neurodivergent-friendly ways to recover without pressure or perfection.

If you're tired of feeling tired, this episode is for you.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #384: Do It The Easy Way (The Hard Way Is Keeping You Stuck)

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Money can feel hard when you have ADHD, especially these days. In this FOCUSED class, we talk about why managing money is so challenging for ADHD brains and how shame, avoidance, impulsivity, and overwhelm can keep us stuck.

You'll learn simple, ADHD-friendly strategies to build a healthier relationship with money, make decisions that align with your values, and create systems that help you get what you actually want. No budgeting perfection required.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #380: What If It’s Not Just Picky Eating? ARFID In ADHD & Autism Explained

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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What if raising emotionally healthy kids has less to do with perfect parenting and more to do with emotional maturity?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with psychologist and bestselling author Lindsay C. Gibson to discuss her newest book, How to Raise an Emotionally Mature Child.

We explore what emotional maturity actually looks like, how to respond with empathy when your child seems irrational, and specifically what NOT to do as a parent.

Dr. Gibson shares practical wisdom for navigating parenting challenges at every stage—including the often-complicated teen years—and explains how parents can break generational patterns without carrying the impossible burden of getting it right all the time.

Whether you're raising young children, parenting teens, or healing from your own childhood experiences, this conversation offers a compassionate roadmap toward deeper connection, resilience, and emotional health.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #378: Sensational Headlines Vs. Science: ADHD Under Attack (Again)

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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What if the biggest obstacle in your life isn't ADHD? What if it's that you no longer trust yourself?

In this episode, I sit down with ADHD psychologist and author Dr. Russell Ramsay to talk about one of the most painful and overlooked consequences of living with ADHD: the erosion of self-trust. After years of missed deadlines, abandoned plans, and broken promises to ourselves, many of us begin to wonder if we can rely on our own intentions at all.

Dr. Ramsay shares why self-trust matters, how it gets damaged, and—most importantly—how we can begin rebuilding it. We discuss the difference between self-compassion and letting yourself off the hook, why accountability works better than self-criticism, and how our childhood experiences and family dynamics can shape the way we see ourselves today.

If you've ever thought, "Why can't I just do what I say I'm going to do?" this conversation is for you. And make sure to check out Dr. Ramsay's new book, Once I Get Started: The Adult ADHD Guide to Turning Intentions Into Action.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #376: When ADHD Looks Like Freeze: You’re Not Lazy, You’re Overwhelmed

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode is a personal catch-up on everything that’s been taking up space in my brain lately.

My capacity feels low. My ADHD symptoms feel loud. I’m exhausted in that deep, bone-tired way that makes me want to spend the next two months under a blanket. Between the end-of-school-year chaos, parenting an emerging adult through graduation and next steps, writing a book, and navigating the general heaviness of life right now, I’m feeling it.

I also share some behind-the-scenes updates about my upcoming book, including a title I seriously considered: Nobody’s Mad at You. The problem? It’s not entirely true.

Sometimes people are mad at us. There are people mad at me right now. The goal isn’t to convince ourselves that everyone approves of us—it’s to learn that we can tolerate discomfort, navigate conflict, and stay connected anyway.

In this episode, I talk about exhaustion, ADHD, parenting, the economy, the book-writing process, and the freedom that comes from accepting that being imperfect doesn’t make you unworthy of love, belonging, or healthy relationships.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #374: 10 Signs Of A Healthy, Functional Family (And How We Get There With ADHD)

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last summer, I surveyed over 2,174 adults with ADHD about their relationships, and the results stopped me in my tracks.

In this episode, I’m sharing the themes, patterns, and painful truths that emerged from those responses, and how they confirmed so many things I’ve observed over the last seven years coaching adults with ADHD.

We talk about relational wounding, rejection, criticism, emotional misunderstanding, and what happens when you grow up feeling like “too much,” “not enough,” or chronically misunderstood. We also explore how those early experiences can shape the way we show up in our adult relationships today.

This is a heavier conversation, but it’s also an important one. My hope is that you walk away feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #366: Five Things Doctors Still Get Wrong About ADHD

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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If I couldn’t, or didn’t want to, take ADHD medication, how would I support my brain?

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I’d approach ADHD treatment without meds. This is not anti-medication content. Medication helps me tremendously. But many people don’t have access, don’t tolerate it well, or simply don’t want to take it. You still deserve support.

We’re talking about what actually helps ADHD brains function: external support, nervous system regulation, movement, sunlight, sleep, structure, accountability, relationships, and designing a life that works with your brain instead of against it.

I share what I’d invest in if I had financial resources, like coaching, meal support, cleaning help, therapy, and body doubling, and what I’d focus on if I had zero extra money.

Because treatment isn’t just medication. It’s how you structure your environment, care for your nervous system, fuel your body, and build support around you.

You are not powerless. ADHD support is built, not found.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #364: From Walking on Eggshells to Walking in Self-Trust

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by ADHD counselor Jenna Free to talk all about emotional regulation, nervous system regulation, and why ADHDers need to stop rushing.

Jenna is a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) who specializes in helping ADHD brains move out of fight-or-flight and into a state where they can function at their best—while honoring neurodivergence and individual needs.

Together, we explore the four stress responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how chronic rushing keeps so many ADHDers stuck in survival mode. We also discuss why slowing down can feel so uncomfortable, what regulation actually looks like in real life, and how nervous system support can improve productivity, relationships, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life.

If you’re constantly overwhelmed, reactive, exhausted, or feeling like you can never fully relax, this episode will help you understand why.

Jenna also shares insights from her book, The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #362: The Science Of ADHD Sleep: Circadian Rhythms, Sunlight, And Why You’re So Tired

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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Strong-willed kids don’t respond to “normal” parenting—and that doesn’t mean you’re failing. In this episode, I’m joined by Kirk Martin, founder of CelebrateCalm.com and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast, to talk about what actually works with intense, demand-avoidant, emotionally reactive kids.

Kirk shares the personal story behind his work, including his experience raising his son Casey, and explains why traditional discipline, consequences, and power struggles often backfire with these kids. We dive into PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), why labeling kids as “demand avoidant” can miss the deeper picture, and how strong-willed kids often seek intense emotional engagement—not because they’re manipulative, but because they’re dysregulated.

We also discuss:

1. Why FAFO parenting doesn’t work for many neurodivergent kids
2. How to avoid emotional collisions and stop taking behavior personally
3. Why reducing demands isn’t always the answer
4. The connection between accepting ourselves and accepting our children

This conversation is compassionate, practical, and full of paradigm-shifting insights for parents raising kids who feel “too much” for conventional parenting advice.

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Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #360: I Almost Lost A Huge Opportunity To Rejection Sensitivity (But Here’s How I Came Back)

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

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Today I’m joined by my friend Ari Tuckman, psychologist, ADHD thought leader, and author of The ADHD Productivity Manual, for a real, down-to-earth conversation about what it actually looks like to be productive with an ADHD brain.

We kick things off by unpacking Ari’s idea that productivity is a mental game, and why that matters way more than whatever planner or app you’re using. We also call out “fake productivity,” the stuff that feels productive but isn’t actually moving your life forward.

From there, we get into the good stuff: how to choose the right goals when you have a million ideas, how to realistically assess your time without lying to yourself, and what it takes to build a work environment and workflow that actually supports your brain.

We also talk about your relationship with your to-do list, what to do when overwhelm hits, and how to navigate the ambiguity that comes with doing meaningful work.

And maybe most importantly, we zoom out and ask: how productive do you really need to be?

This one is practical, honest, and full of those “oh wow, I’ve never thought about it like that” moments.

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Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #372: 10 Signs You’re In A Dysfunctional Family

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Benjamin Hollingsworth, best known as Brady on Virgin River and from The Christmas Ring. While audiences feel like they know him from the screen, this conversation offers something much more personal: Benjamin opens up publicly for the first time about his ADHD.

We dive into his diagnosis story: when he first realized his brain worked differently, what signs were there all along, and how getting diagnosed shifted his self-understanding. Benjamin shares what it’s really like navigating ADHD in the high-pressure world of TV and film, from long days on set to the intense focus required when the cameras roll.

We also talk about fatherhood: raising three boys while managing an ADHD brain, and the kind of dad he wants to be. It’s an honest, relatable conversation about identity, growth, and learning how to work with your brain instead of against it.

Whether you’re a fan of Virgin River or simply curious how ADHD shows up behind the scenes of a successful acting career, this episode offers a rare and meaningful glimpse into the real life of someone you thought you already knew.

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Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #358: The Day I Hired a Frontal Lobe: How Paying for Help Pulled Me Out of ADHD Chaos

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I sit down with dyslexia expert Natalie Brooks for a powerful, eye-opening conversation about what dyslexia really looks like and how it often overlaps with ADHD in ways that can be confusing, frustrating, and deeply validating once understood.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might have dyslexia, or love someone who does, this episode will help you connect the dots and feel less alone.

We also dive into Natalie’s new book, Dyslexia Unlocked, which offers practical tools and empowering insights for dyslexic adults navigating a world that wasn’t designed for their brains.

Dyslexia Unlocked

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #356: Tech Jobs + ADHD Minds: How David Made It Work

Listen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.