Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Rosie Elvin: Embracing Neurodiversity and Inclusive Design
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 15:07
Our Guest today is Rosie Elvin, an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator who champions neurodiversity and inclusive design. Rosie, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, as she teaches architecture. Our discussion centers on the importance of Inclusive design, and naturally working with, rather than against neurodivergent brains. A little more about Rosie:
Rosie Elvin is an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator passionate about helping individuals and workplaces embrace neurodiversity. Following her own late ADHD diagnosis at 43, Rosie founded ADHD Focus, where she provides coaching for adults with ADHD and delivers engaging training sessions on neurodiversity in the workplace. Her work blends lived experience with professional insight, supporting clients to understand their unique strengths, navigate challenges like executive functioning and emotional regulation, and build strategies that work with their brains, not against them. Rosie also teaches architecture part-time at Nottingham Trent University, where her interest in social justice and inclusive design shapes both her teaching and advocacy. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she challenges outdated narratives around ADHD and champions a strengths-based, human-centered approach. Whether she’s coaching, writing articles, or leading workshops, Rosie’s mission is clear: to create environments where neurodivergent people are understood, empowered, and celebrated. Enjoy!
[You are now safely here, feel free to breathe]
Intro and Welcome Rosie Elvin!
01:10 - So, what is inclusive design?
02:57 - Coaching Strategies for Neurodivergent individuals
03:20 - We don't often consider design's role in neurodiversity or ADHD, similar to how the world is designed for right-handed people; it seems designed for "normal brains."
04:12 - When coaching, how do you incorporate design, and what key strategies work for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals?
04:30 - If someone comes to you feeling lost or stuck, how do you help them shift their perspective?
05:47 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Impact
08:06 - Much of the problem stems from being told we're "broken" or "not good enough" for so long.
08:39 - On the journey of Self-Acceptance and Advocacy
11:20 - It's difficult to un-ingrain lifelong beliefs.
11:43 - When you were growing up, neurodiversity "didn't exist"; it meant being disruptive.
12:33 - Many first-world countries still don't discuss it.
13:13 - You're so talented and good at what you do.
14:48 - This seems like a classic ADHD response: identifying a problem and immediately fixing it without overthinking.
15:00 - Rosie, where can everyone find you?
16:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja Founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 • Duration 13:52
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Our guest today Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with clinical expertise in treating anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD. She is the founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services, based in Montclair, New Jersey, where she provides in-person care and telepsychiatry across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her clinical approach integrates psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and evidence-informed complementary modalities—including lifestyle medicine, light therapy, and nutritional supplementation. Dr. Fajgenbaum-Teslja is committed to trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care and frequently collaborates with psychotherapists and interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive treatment planning. Today, Sarah discusses her unconventional path to psychiatry, her integrative approach, and observations on changing attitudes toward neurodiversity and mental health stigmas - stigmans which we are here to help permanently remove through using education, community encouragement, care, and entertainment. Enjoy!
[You are now safely here, too]
01:00 - Introducing and welcome Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja!
01:45 - Could you please share a bit about your background and education?
03:20 - Was your path to this career revolving around Psychiatry what you expected?
03:39 - Why do you think ADHD diagnoses have increased, especially among parents and their children?
04:44 - Despite progress, why does stigma around mental health, especially for kids, still exist?
08:16 - What trends are you seeing in neurodiversity and ADHD treatment?
10:10 - How do you help new patients who feel anxious, or even ashamed about seeing a psychiatrist?
12:22 - How can people find you? @integrativepsychiatrynj on and via her company's website: aka
Cynthia Murray / Founder + Recipe Developer of 4Legz All Natural Dog Treats!
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 12:30
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Today we are so happy to have Cynthia Murray join us! She’s the Founder + Recipe Developer of 4Legz Dog Treats! So, she was born deaf. From an early age she found deep connection and comfort with animals, especially dogs. Over the years, she began rescuing deaf dogs and realized just how much love, loyalty, and understanding they offer, often without a single sound. They became her inspiration. Frustrated by the lack of healthy, transparent dog treats, she started baking her own using only human-grade, organic ingredients. She knew her furry family members deserved better—treats that were simple, safe, and made with love. And that’s how 4Legz was born.
In 2025, her company is so much more than just a happy dog treats company. 4Legz is rooted in purpose. They support animal rescues and are committed to creating inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. -As someone who has navigated life with a disability, she understands how powerful it is to be included, empowered, and seen. Every bag of 4Legz treats represents more than quality ingredients—it stands for health, compassion, and change. When you support 4Legz, you're not just giving your dog something wholesome and delicious—you're helping build a more inclusive and caring world. Enjoy!
01:30 - You started this great company, but tell us your backstory—how you came into this idea, your childhood, you know, the whole thing.
04:45 - It sounds like the concept for the company is rooted in the fact that disability does not mean unable, right?
07:00 - Please tell us about success stories you’ve enjoyed with 4Legs?
Creativity + Inattentive ADHD: Comedian and Author Steph Sprenger on Navigating Life Career Parenthood
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 23:17
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Today we are lucky to share a few minutes with Steph Sprenger. She is a writer, producer, stand-up comic, and single Mom to two teenage girls. She produces Listen To Your Mother Boulder, a live storytelling show, and facilitates creative writing workshops for midlife women at The HerStories Project. As co-host of The Mother Plus Podcast and columnist at The Reclamation Era, she champions women who want to understand and celebrate their neurodivergence, especially at midlife. Steph is currently working on a memoir, “Breadcrumbs Across Suburbia” which is the story of a nostalgia pilgrimage which turns into a therapeutic reclamation by way of visiting her 17 prior homes; which we will talk about a little, in addition to learning about the path she followed which led her here. [You are now safely here, too] Enjoy!
01:48 - Introducing and welcome the multi-talented Steph Sprenger!!
01:51 - Please share with us your background, and about why you were diagnosed? Ref: perimenopause
02:47 - How did your ADHD diagnosis change your perspective on yourself and your family?
03:04 - What were some of the biggest challenges or surprises along the way? Ref: Inattentive ADHD
Success Routines, Tech, Sleep Hacks and Neurodiversity: Maya Salwen on Thriving in Corporate Life
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 19:10
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Our guest today, Maya Salwen is a transformation consultant at Accenture where she helps organizations navigate complex change. She’s also spent the past few years on a personal transformation journey, leveraging a range of tools to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maya has found the systems that keep her grounded in the chaos of Work life and Mom life—something she’s learned to navigate as a neurodivergent adult, living with ADHD and aphantasia (a condition where the mind’s eye can’t visualize images). She’s also overcome challenges related to depression and hyper-somnia, a chronic sleep disorder, building a life that supports her energy, focus, and well-being. She lives in New York City with her husband, their two sons, a dog, and loves connecting with others who are building lives that work on their own terms. Enjoy!
05:23 - What are the top 5 tools you use, in addition to live captions, in your very demanding job in corporate?
06:43 - Ref: and our interviews, (/ ), with CEO Daniel Clark
Sharpening Your ADHD Productivity Toolkit with Author Ari Tuckman
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 • Duration 14:15
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA is a psychologist, international presenter, and ADHD thought leader. The author or acclaimed ADHD After Dark, today joins us after a few years to tell us about his highly anticipated fifth book, The ADHD Productivity Manual. You can find more information about his books, his podcast More Attention, Less Deficit, upcoming and recorded presentations and contact information at adultADHDbook.com. Enjoy!
[You are now safely here]
00:42 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
[Episode 332 I believe, but we will be 10 years old, wowzers! -Ed]
01:20 - Introducing and welcome back Ari Tuckman!
02:00 - COVID - 2025?
02:30 - Check out Peter’s interview with Ari about his book ADHD After Dark Interview here!
03:00 - Fitting the pieces of lists together, and how we can get stuff done, better and quicker
04:20 - It’s an easy read, right?
04:47 - What are you dealing with in your brain today? Let us know if the comments!
05:22 - Lazy, Stupid, Studio, or Crazy?
Reframing ADHD: Emotional Fitness, Gen Z and Technology with Dr. Emily Anhalt
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Duration 15:09
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Our guest today is psychologist, international speaker, and the CoFounder of Coa, the gym for mental health, Dr. Emily Anhalt. Dr. Anhalt studied psychology at the University of Michigan and attained Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology in Berkley, California. She conducted her doctoral research on ADHD and Success Without the Use of Medication and has spent the past two decades working clinically with executives, founders, and tech employees to support their emotional fitness. Dr. Anhalt has matched more than 800 people into therapy and has collaborated with some of the fastest-growing technology companies in the world including Google, Salesforce, NBCUniversal, NASDAQ, and the NBA.
[You are now safely here]
00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Dr. Emily Anhalt.
01:44 - Emily in her own words.
02:13 - Emily’s research on adult ADHD success without the use of medication.
02:29 - 3 keys to success alongside your ADHD.
04:45 - Is ADHD a good or a bad thing?
06:25 - Reframing ADHD.
06:53 - Gen Zers are standing up for their mental health and destigmatize ADHD.
08:03 - Social media is flipping the way we view mental health and ADHD.
08:56 - But it’s also paving the way for “Dr. TikToks” to take over.
10:07 - Al as a tool for the neurodiverse brain.
11:31 - Why AI is a tool and not a way to diagnose or get therapy.
ADHD Tips for Managing a Busy Work Day with Mike Dos Santos
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 • Duration 17:08
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Our guest today is family man, entrepreneur and CEO, Mike Dos Santos. Mike is the CEO of Versatile Studios, a production studio with offices worldwide, the creator of Versa Battery and Co-Founder of Crane Properties LLC and Crane Property Holdings LLC. Mike is also a former partner in One Drop Rentals and a former director for Quixote Studios New York. Today, Mike shares how he has learned to stay focused amidst his busy schedule and he and Peter discuss how exercise has been a game changer for both of their careers.
Born and raised in Boston, Mike was drawn to photography at an early age and graduated from Northeastern University in 2003 with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Photography. Mike completed his photography degree at the New England School of Photography and started in the photo industry as an assistant, worked in digital tech, and was a retoucher and photographer before establishing his own digital production studio, Versatile Studios, in Manhattan and Los Angeles. In addition to Versatile Studios, Mike and his partner, Shawna, created Crane Properties, a real estate redevelopment company investing in the North Shore of Boston as well as Crane Property Holdings with real estate holdings across the United States.
[You are now safely here]
00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!
01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Mike Dos Santos, CEO of Versatile Studios.
03:15 - How Mike juggles his busy schedule with #ADHD.
04:56 - Why trusting your employees is a game-changer for your business.
So, you want to write a book. “What now?” with Angela Engel
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • Duration 16:24
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Our guest today is Angela Engel, founder of the Collective Book Studio.The Collective Book Studio is a publishing company that is committed to honoring every author’s voice through the entire creative process. Angela created The Collective Book Studio because she saw a need for a new kind of publishing business: one that adhered to the author’s vision every step of the way. Angela’s experience in traditional publishing supports her keen eye for bringing beautifully crafted books to life. Her passion for literature and innovative thinking influences every product she undertakes, ensuring each book reflects the unique vision of its creator.
[You are now safely here]
00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Angela Engel.
02:40 - Why doesn’t everyone write a book?
04:11 - So you have an idea for a book, what now?
05:16 - So you wrote a book. What’s next?
06:48 - So you found a publisher. How do you promote your book?
11:40 - Inside Angela’s experience as a mom to a teenage girl with #ADHD.
14:28 - Connecting with Angela.
15:38 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Music As A Game Changer For ADHDers With Dan Clark
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 15:34
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Our guest today is Dan Clark, CEO of brain.fm, a platform that helps you work better through music by stimulating your brain with gentle rhythmic pulses that support attention. Dan has been fascinated with technology and passionate about its ability to positively impact the world from a young age. He started building websites when he was 13, began a design and advertising business at 18 and has driven millions in revenue for multinational brands. Dan has truly been at the forefront of using technology to exponentially grow successful businesses.
Dan was one of brain.fm’s first users. The story of how he came to be CEO demonstrates Dan’s drive to use technology for positive impact. Dan called the company 12 times before they agreed to bring him in for an interview. When he did receive an offer, he jumped at it (“jumped” as in, he worked for FREE for the first few weeks!) Dan worked his way to brain.fm’s Head of Technology and is now CEO. As CEO, Dan is constantly striving to build a company that will change the world through music and be one of the best companies for people to work for and grow with.
[You are now safely here]
00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Dan Clark, CEO of brain.fm.
01:50 - Updates on brain.fm since we last talked to Dan.
03:42 - Brain.fm in a nutshell and how they help people focus.
05:30 - Why music can be a gamechanger for people with #ADHD.
12:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
10:00 - Broader Impact on Families and Community. It sounds like there’s an incredible overall benefit—not just for the employees, but for their families and the community, or? Discussion about the positive ripple effects on families and the broader community when individuals with disabilities are empowered and supported
11:30 - Let’s talk about Four Legs for a bit. How is the business going? How are you growing? What’s next?
14:26 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again here, very soon!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
04:00 - Growing up, did you feel something was different with you, but you couldn't pinpoint just what?
04:08 - On “why can’t I”, neurodivergence and personal coping mechanisms in relationships and work
06:22 - About applying the wrong operation manual to your personal operating system.
07:11 - If you are Inattentive ADHD, your external behavior is only extension of what’s happening to you, and your thoughts internally.
07:37 - Not everyone has a constant-running inner dialogue ..wait, What?!? Ref: A Neurodiverse Namaste on radar/tractor beam
08:49- ADHD changes as you become older as you gain perspective and better tools
10:35 - Family and best friends can really be one and the same. ADHD is never a copout.
11:57 - Is there something to ADHD and divorce? Can dueling ADHD Superpowers produce conflict?
12:15 - On fun tool kits like: setting relationship expectations, meeting specific needs, and respect for systems we neurodiverse in place such as: “Watering Wednesday, or Fridge Friday”.
13:33 - Peter's Article in Medium. Ten Ways to be Happier When You Live/Love Someone Diagnosed With ADHD #trust #wetriedreallyhard #notbroken #guilt
14:00 - On parenting and leading by example with sensitive language choices and non-shaming positivity
14:48 - On the importance of good friends who also “speak your language”
15:53 - Tell us what you’ve learned by working in tandem with Moms and neurodiverse women?
18:00 - An example of parenting, but also personal systems that are working, consistently
19:20 - More on rituals and rigorous systems. ref: What is a mnemonic device as pertains to psychology?
20:32 - Smarthomes are good for you- you should not feel like you are being chased by a bear in the morning
21:36 - On breaking stereotypes and how it is excruciatingly difficult sometimes.
22:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
07:00 - Setting yourself up for success while out of the work place, time management + routines around the house
07:52 - 10pm bedtime? ref: Moon Brew for sleep a few hours before bed and removing digital gadgets
08:50 - On morning routines and habitual disciplines
09:31 - On understanding how to adjust your sleep schedule; if you’re a night owl. Ref: Robin Sharma book
11:00 - What happens if your routine and schedule get out of whack?
12:00 - On parenting and your morning rituals
12:48 - Living by example works
13:28 - What advice would you give to those diagnosed as ADHD/Neurodivergent and perhaps in Gen Alpha; who are looking for new jobs, especially in the corporate sector? Ref: what is an ERG Program?
16:44 - On sleep studies, a Hypersomnia diagnosis, and about sharing personal things with your work family
17:52 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent mind? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!
13:18 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
D you know of anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! See you shortly!
14:16 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!
09:32 - How working out first thing in the morning can help #ADHDers to crush the day.
12:18 - Peter and Mike talk about their favorite workouts.
15:05 - Connecting with Mike.
16:06 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!
Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!
Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!
Discover shows related to The Faster Than Normal Podcast: ADD | ADHD | Health, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
