Mad About... with Maddy Alexander-Grout – Details, episodes & analysis

This episode was hard to record - but also deeply needed.

I'm in the thick of it right now. 

My dad passed away suddenly, and I've been trying to navigate the heartbreak, PMDD, business, burnout, and the wild mess that is life with ADHD.

And today, I'm sharing what it's really like to grieve with a neurodivergent brain. I talk about the guilt, the impulsive spending urges, the dark thoughts, the small victories (like showering!), and the strange comfort of laughing in the middle of it all.

If you're in the "messy middle" too, whether it's grief, depression, burnout, or just being human, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone, and that showing up messily is still showing up.

I also open up about the financial impact of losing my Access to Work support, why this will be the last podcast episode for a little while (spoiler: we’ll be back for episode 100 in the new year), and how I’m coping one tiny step at a time.

Whether you’re neurodivergent or not, if you’ve ever felt like life is a bit too much, I hope this makes you see you're not alone, and this is what you need right now. Not in a fluffy way. In a "holy shit, how am I still standing?" kind of way.

Come for the raw truth, stay for the stories about my ADHD dad, impulsive motorbike buys, and why I might be turning into a runner (???).

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

Have you ever felt THREATENED by people in your niche?

Have you avoided looking at what others are doing... or feared you'll be seen as a copy cat?

In this solo episode of Mad About Business, I open up about how I used to feel paralysed seeing someone in my industry “doing better” than me... and why that feeling comes from scarcity, not strategy. 

We dive into why avoiding your competitors doesn’t protect you, it actually keeps you small.

From working with fellow ADHD advocates to inviting other visibility strategists into my world, I’m sharing the messy truth about what happens when you stop seeing everyone as competition and start finding ways to grow together. You’ll also hear about real moments from my own business journey, like being called out as a "Sickfluencer" and how I turned that narrative around.

Whether you're in coaching, consulting, or content creation, this episode is your reminder: there’s more than enough to go around – and you don’t have to do it alone.

YT

“There’s no such thing as original”

“I used to be terrified of competitors”

“They’ll steal my clients!”

“It’s not copying – it’s business”

“She still endorsed my book”

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

On this episode of Mad About Money, I sit down with Caroline Strawson - trauma specialist, narcissistic abuse therapist, and all-around powerhouse - to get real about the emotional side of money. We dive into the often-invisible layers of financial abuse, the generational beliefs that sabotage our earning potential, and how trauma gets stored in our bank accounts (yep, really).

Caroline shares her personal story of losing her family home, walking away from a financially abusive marriage, and rebuilding her life from over £70K in debt to running four purpose-driven businesses - including buying her dream home. 

We also explore why overspending can be a trauma response, how to spot red flags in your relationship, and what to do if money is being used as a weapon against you.

This conversation is raw, honest, and might just shift how you see your own financial story. Whether you're healing from past debt or trying to break through your income ceiling, there's something here for you.

In this episode:

• Why therapy didn’t work for Caroline (and what finally did)
• Somatic scaling + what it has to do with your business success
• How Caroline reframed her PTSD and rewired her money beliefs
• The difference between healthy financial independence and financial control
• The exact signs of financial abuse people often miss
  
  

🔗 Connect with Caroline Strawson

• Website & Resources: https://www.carolinestrawson.com
• Podcast – The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast
• Book – Divorce Became My Superpower 
• YouTube Channel
• Instagram

“I was £70K in debt — and had PTSD”

“I didn’t even know it was financial abuse”

“You can’t think your way into healing”

“I needed to earn… but money made me feel dirty”

“I used to overspend to protect myself”

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

In this episode of Mad About Business, I’m breaking down the deeply frustrating experience I had with a casting call that claimed to be inclusive… 

but completely missed the mark.

It started with an advert about a “campaign celebrating authenticity.” Sounded great -until I read the fine print: must be in good health, no visible tattoos or facial piercings, polished professional appearance. For a photo. Of a “real” person.

I’m calling out the double standards and outdated professionalism rules that still dominate the business world - especially when they try to parade as inclusive. If you’ve ever felt judged for how you look, dress, or show up as a neurodivergent, disabled, or simply human founder, this one’s for you.

In this episode:

• The real definition of professionalism (hint: it’s not your outfit)
• Why performative inclusivity is more damaging than none at all
• My rant on rigid beauty standards in “authentic” marketing
• Shout-outs to brands and people who are getting it right
• How I built a safer space in my membership by doing the opposite

Mentions:

• Docket by Kathryn Ann Reed – life admin platform for neurodivergent folks
• Jen Wilson – DEI coach and safe space educator
• Lloyds & Nationwide – orgs doing actual inclusion work

• “No visible tattoos?! What the fuck?”
• “This is not what inclusion looks like”
• “I’m autistic AND professional”
• “You don’t look ‘healthy’ in a photo”
• “Professionalism is a mindset, not a dress code”

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

In this episode of Mad About Money, I sit down with the brilliant Nicola Noél - hypnotherapist, Specialist Mental Health Nurse and founder of Brainworks Therapy - to talk about the intersection of neurodivergence, anxiety, and money. We get real about why so many traditional money tools like budgeting apps and spreadsheets just don’t work when your brain is wired differently.

Nicola shares her powerful story of growing up in poverty, navigating mental health challenges, and building a shame-free, sustainable relationship with money. We explore how financial trauma shows up in neurodivergent communities, and what it actually takes to feel safe with your finances again.

If you’ve ever felt like you're “bad with money” or find yourself avoiding your bank account out of fear, this conversation is a validating, judgment-free space. Nicola’s approach is all about compassion, empowerment, and strategies that actually work for your brain.

In this episode:

• Why budgeting often fails ADHD brains
• How money dysregulation is tied to trauma
• The emotional weight of financial shame
• Nicola’s journey from financial fear to empowered coaching
• Tools that work for neurodivergent folks (and what to avoid)

Follow Nicola Noél:
Instagram – @brainworkstherapy

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

If you’ve ever stared at a sales page (or a restaurant menu) and walked away empty-handed because it was too much - you already know the #1 sales mistake most business owners make.

In this solo episode, I share a totally unfiltered breakdown of why confused people don’t buy, how that’s played out in my own business, and what I’m doing about it.

Spoiler alter: less is more.

I get into:

• Why offering too many things kills conversions
• How to turn “you get body doubling sessions” into “you get sh*t done”
• What actually makes people buy (it’s not features)
• The 5-offer structure I’m building my entire business around
• A behind-the-scenes look at what makes my membership, Invisible to Influential, a total no-brainer for growth-focused entrepreneurs

This isn’t theory - it’s me unpacking what’s actually working in my business and why clear, emotional, benefit-led messaging beats benefits-and-bullet-points every damn time.

If you want more clients, less confusion, and way more clarity in your sales strategy, you're gonna love this! 

• “Confused people don’t buy”
• “My offer was too messy to sell”
• “I had to burn it all down”
• “One offer at a time—max”
• “Your features aren’t the hook”

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Paul Culshaw - a marketing expert who’s not just been in the game for 25 years, but has actually lived the ups and downs of navigating money, marketing, and mindset as a business owner.

We talk about everything from being made redundant five times (yep, five!) to learning how to actually charge what your work is worth - even when you’re someone who just loves helping people. 

If you’ve ever lowballed your prices, procrastinated on putting yourself out there, or felt a little ick about selling… this episode is your gentle slap of truth.

We also go deep on:

• Why being broke in your 20s teaches you more than a business degree ever could
• What it actually means to have a healthy money mindset (without the guru fluff)
• The behind-the-scenes of pricing as a coach or course creator
• How AI can support your marketing (without sounding like ChatGPT wrote your posts)
• And why accessibility, neurodivergence, and course structure matter more than the perfect funnel

This one’s packed with stories, real talk, and a few “ohhh that’s why no one’s buying” moments. Whether you’re new to business or knee-deep in a pricing spiral, I think you’ll see yourself in this one.

“Redundant 5 times. Still showed up.”

“No one’s paying? It’s not the price

“This is why clients say no”

Connect with Paul:

Instagram: @coachpaulculshaw

Website: paulculshaw.com

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

Welcome to Mad About Business! 

You might know me from Mad About Money, but this is a whole new vibe. In this solo series, I'm speaking directly to you - no guests, no fluff - just real talk about running a business when your brain doesn't always follow the rules.

I'm Maddy Alexander Grout: ADHD business coach, neurodiversity specialist, and visibility strategist for entrepreneurs who don’t fit the cookie-cutter mould.

Whether you’re dealing with executive dysfunction, rejection sensitivity, or just feel like you’re winging it - this new podcast is for you.

In this first episode, I’m sharing:

• Why Mad About Business had to happen (hint: it’s not just about content)
• The surprising way I grew my 6-figure business after my last one crashed
• How I sell without DMing a soul - and why that matters for neurodivergent entrepreneurs
• What to expect from this show, from spicy biz tips to blunt advice you didn’t know you needed

If you’re tired of being told to “just be consistent” and you’re ready for a business that actually works for your brain, hit subscribe and let’s grow together.

Follow me on Instagram @maddytalksmoney and TikTok @madaboutmoneyofficial.

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

In this episode, I chat with the absolutely incredible Amy Butterworth - or as she’s known online, Long COVID Rockstar.

Amy lives with long COVID, and what she shares about rest, identity, and the invisible cost of simply existing in a capitalist world? It hit me hard.

We talk about what it’s like to live in a society that tells you your worth is tied to how much you can produce -  and what happens when your body says no more. 

Amy gets honest about disability, burnout, ego vs. grace, and the internal work it takes to stop apologising for existing.

Together, we explore:

💥 Why hustle culture is inherently ableist
 🧠 How chronic illness forces you to reframe identity
 💤 The shame of needing rest (and why that needs to go)
 🛑 Why “pushing through” is dangerous - not brave
 📣 How to show up for your community when you can barely sit up
🌈 Designing inclusive spaces for everyone, not just some
🎯 Why we’re ditching SMART goals and going full FARC instead

This episode isn’t just about disability. It’s about worth. About making space for yourself in a system that wasn’t built for you, and unlearning the lie that rest makes you lazy.

Amy’s wisdom, honesty, and wit blew me away. I know you’re going to fall in love with her too.

🔗 Connect with Amy:

📸 Instagram: @longcovidrockstar
🎥 TikTok: @longcovidrockstar (she's lurking — for now)

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

If you’ve ever looked at your bank balance and thought “What the actual f*ck just happened?” - this episode’s for you.

This week I sat down with ADHD coach Ben Cook to unpack why so many neurodivergent people feel “shit with money” - and what’s actually underneath that shame spiral. 

From people-pleasing purchases to impulse spending as emotional regulation, we get into the real stories behind the ADHD tax (and no, it’s not just water bottles and Roblox).

We also chat about:

• The identity crisis of a late diagnosis (and how it rewrites your past)
• Why so many ADHDers burn out in ‘cutthroat’ careers like sales and recruitment
• How emotional dysregulation drives addictive spending
• Teaching kids about money without passing on the shame
• Why self-diagnosis and awareness can be just as powerful as a formal label
• And yes… I give Ben a loving nudge about finally showing up on TikTok

This one’s full of raw honesty, laughs, and practical takeaways for anyone navigating money, mindset, or visibility with a spicy brain.

Connect with Ben Cook:

Website: goodtothinkdifferently.com

Instagram: @thisisbencook

LinkedIn: Ben Cook, ICF, ACCPH

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Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠