I Have ADHD Podcast

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #344: Living in a Dumpster Fire: Systems That Actually Work for ADHD FamiliesListen 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 easiest version of the task is actually the smartest one?In this episode, we’re talking about the path of least resistance — and why for ADHD brains, it’s not laziness. It’s strategy.The path of least resistance is the version of a task that:Requires the least activation energyUses the least executive functionHurts the leastGets you moving the fastestNot the A+ version.Not the neurotypical version.The version you can actually do.So why don’t we take it? Perfectionism.Russell Ramsay calls perfectionism the number one cognitive distortion in adults with ADHD. It sounds like, “If I’m going to do it, I have to do it right.” But “right” usually means the hardest, most optimized version — which often means we don’t do it at all.We’ll talk about:Why 70% done changes your lifeHow all-or-nothing thinking keeps you stuckThe moral layer that makes “easy” feel like cheatingWhy the hard way is often the never-finished wayPlus, I’ll give you a simple coaching tool to use when you’re stuck:What is the easiest possible version of this?Because forward motion builds momentum.Momentum builds self-trust.And self-trust changes everything.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #342: Love on the Spectrum’s Kaelynn Partlow on Autism, ADHD, and Why She Refuses to Use the Term “AuDHD”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’s episode is pure joy.I’m hanging out with old friends of the podcast Cate Osborn and Erik Gude, two of the most creative, thoughtful, and FUN voices in the ADHD world. And this conversation goes everywhere in the best possible way.Cate is a certified sex educator (yes, we go there) whose work has appeared in The New York Times and Cosmopolitan, and you probably know her from Sorry I Missed This on Understood. Erik is her co-host on Catie and Erik’s Infinite Quest: An ADHD Adventure and the brilliant mind behind the viral ADHD Crafting Challenge on TikTok.Together, they wrote The ADHD Field Guide for Adults, a smart, hilarious, deeply validating, actually-accessible guide that fills the massive info gap so many of us experience after diagnosis.And friends… this conversation is a ride.We talk about:🔥 What ADHDers are struggling with right now🔥 The loudest themes in their DMs🔥 ADHD internet culture — what’s helping and what’s… not🔥 Self-diagnosis, identity, and taking responsibility without self-blame🔥 Relationships, intimacy, and rejection sensitivityThere is so much laughter. So many “OH MY GOSH YES” moments. And the core message that comes through again and again:You are not broken. You are not lazy. You are not a f*ckup.This episode feels like sitting at the cool ADHD table with people who get it.The ADHD Field Guide for AdultsCate Osborn on TikTokErik Gude on TikTokWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #346: Voicemails from the ADHD Trenches: Marriage, Faith, Regret, and Rage (Yep, We’re Going There)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, we’re diving into something I really wish I had known about sooner: ARFID — Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.ARFID is a serious eating disorder that has nothing to do with body image or weight loss. Instead, it’s driven by things that are incredibly common for ADHD and autistic folks — sensory sensitivities, low appetite, lack of interest, anxiety, and fear of negative food experiences (like choking or vomiting).If you or someone you love:forgets to eat to eatlives off a small list of “safe foods”feels overwhelmed by textures, smells, or food prephas been called a “picky eater” your whole life…this episode might feel like a huge lightbulb moment.We’re talking about:what ARFID actually is (and why it’s not just picky eating)how sensory issues, anxiety, and interoception play a rolethe real physical and emotional impactswhy it shows up so often in neurodivergent peoplehow support and treatment actually workI’m also sharing personally — because learning about ARFID made me look at my own life and my kids in a completely new way.If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who needs to hear:https:///www.ihaveadhd.com/10thingsEquip HealthWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #338: From “Leaf in the Wind” to Coach: Sarah’s ADHD Glow-UpListen 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.

BUCKLE UP! The next hour is going to be a little wild—in the best way.In today’s episode, I’m answering a couple of your voicemails, diving into emerging research on the link between ADHD and early perimenopause, and responding to a very fear-heavy Wall Street Journal reel about ADHD medication.We’re talking about:• The idea of a “drug cascade” and why extreme cases don’t equal common outcomes• ADHD comorbidities (because ADHD rarely travels alone)• What responsible journalism should look like• Why treating ADHD is often the beginning of understanding someone’s full mental health picture—not the start of doom• The reality of diagnosing very young kids (and the privilege conversation around that)• What effective ADHD therapy would actually need to include (hint: the whole family)If you’ve felt confused, scared, frustrated, or just exhausted by the ADHD discourse online lately… this episode will help you take a breath.As always, nuance > panic.Reel from WSJ that I break down in this episodeWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #333: Want to Stay Behind Forever? Keep Ignoring Your CapacityListen 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 today’s episode, we’re talking about ADHD that looks like overwhelmed and under-functioning: when your brain gets so flooded that it can’t prioritize, and instead of choosing a next step… it shuts down.You’ll learn what overwhelm really is in the context of ADHD (total cognitive, emotional, and/or sensory flooding), why “freeze” can be a very real nervous system response, and how this pattern often develops especially for those who grew up criticized, emotionally unsafe, unsupported, or chronically overwhelmed. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not hyper—I’m stuck,” this episode is for you.We’ll break down the common pattern: Overwhelm → Freeze → UnderfunctioningNot because you don’t care, but because your system can’t handle the load.Then we move into gentle, practical ways to “thaw” without bullying yourself:Name it and accept it (without shame)Use safe, doable movement to activate your systemShrink the cognitive load (two essentials, tiny timers, one-minute starts)Borrow someone else’s brain (ask for help, then obey)Reduce decisions wherever possiblePractice deep self-compassion as the pathway to changeFinally, we talk about when to get extra support—especially trauma-informed therapy and nervous-system-based approaches like EMDR or somatic work.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #332: Stop Adding to the Planner Graveyard: One Tool to Improve ADHD Time Blindness NOWListen 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 is part two of our series on dysfunctional families and ADHD.If last week’s episode felt heavy, emotional, or disorienting, that makes sense. Episode one was about naming reality—and naming reality can stir grief, anger, relief, or all three. But we can’t change what we’re not willing to name.Today, we answer the next (and crucial) question:If that’s dysfunction… what does health actually look like?Because knowing what you don’t want isn’t enough. You also need a clear picture of what you’re moving toward.In this episode, I walk you through 10 signs of a healthy, functional family—not perfect families, not calm-all-the-time families, but regulated-enough, repair-focused, emotionally safe-enough families. Yes, even with ADHD.We talk about:Why repair—not perfection—is the real difference between healthy and dysfunctional familiesWhat direct communication, emotional attunement, boundaries, and accountability actually look like in real lifeHow to end parentification and create age-appropriate rolesWhy unconditional love, safety, and reliable care matter more than appearancesSmall, realistic shifts you can make without shame or perfectionismThis isn’t a pass/fail checklist. It’s about direction, not perfection.If you’re pausing, noticing, repairing, and setting boundaries—you are already changing the pattern. And that’s how generational cycles end.Your family can be marked by safety, honesty, connection, and repair. Even with ADHD. Especially with ADHD.Resources mentioned:@codependencykate@timfletcherco@sitwithwhit@benvbennettWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #331: ADHD Medications: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction, and Why They’re Not “Basically Meth”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’s episode is part one of a two-part series on dysfunctional families and ADHD.I’m sharing this from a very real place. The last few weeks have been heavy with extended family drama, and when things feel overwhelming, I name it and bring it into the light. As someone writing a book on healthy relationships for adults with ADHD, I want you to know I come by this work honestly.When I look at my own family tree, I see generations shaped by abuse, addiction, emotional neglect, and unaddressed mental health struggles. I refuse to despise my lineage—but I also refuse to continue these patterns. It stops with me.If you have ADHD, there’s a strong chance your family system shaped how safe it feels to have needs, set boundaries, and regulate emotions. This episode isn’t about blame or shame—it’s about clarity.You’ll learn:Why dysfunction can exist even when there was loveHow emotional neglect often goes unnoticedWhy guilt shows up when you set boundaries10 common signs of a dysfunctional family systemAwareness is how cycles are interrupted. In Part Two, we’ll explore what healthy families actually look like and how to move toward that—without burning it all down.Episode Resources: Toxic Family Test Patrick Teahan YouTubeWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #330: ADHD-Proof Your Life: Real Tips from Real ADHD BrainsListen 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 is one of the most downloaded episodes of the I Have ADHD Podcast—and for good reason.In this powerful conversation, Kristen sits down with Dr. Patricia Quinn, a leading expert on ADHD in women and girls, to unpack the missing link so many of us were never taught about: estrogen and the ADHD brain.If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD symptoms fluctuate wildly throughout the month, worsened during pregnancy or postpartum, or suddenly became unmanageable in your late 30s or 40s—this episode explains why. Dr. Quinn breaks down how hormonal changes directly impact neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and what that means for focus, mood, emotional regulation, and medication effectiveness.Even though this episode was recorded a few years ago, the information is timeless—and still deeply validating for women navigating ADHD across different life stages.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #329: ADHD 101 For Neurotypicals: Why Your Loved Once Struggles With The 'Easy Stuff.'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.

My guest today is Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents and Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents.You probably saw Dr. Gibson everywhere in 2025...even on Oprah...but LET THE RECORD SHOW: you heard her here first!This interview originally aired in March 2023, and I’m bringing it back because her work continues to resonate deeply with adults with ADHD.In this episode, we explore why so many ADHD adults grew up feeling physically cared for—but emotionally alone. This is not a parent-shaming conversation. It’s about clarity, compassion, and naming invisible dynamics so you can stop blaming yourself for struggles that were never yours to fix.What You’ll LearnWhy emotional loneliness is a defining experience for many adult childrenWhat “emotional immaturity” actually looks like in parentsHow people-pleasing, caretaking, and guilt develop as survival strategiesWhy setting boundaries often triggers backlash—and how to respondHow guilt can be a sign of emotional coercion, not wrongdoingWhat it means to emotionally disengage and reclaim space for yourselfIf you’ve ever felt like you’re the problem in your family, struggled with guilt around boundaries, or exhausted yourself managing other people’s emotions—this episode is for you.Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents — Dr. Lindsay GibsonRecovering from Emotionally Immature Parents — Dr. Lindsay Gibsondrlindsaygibson.comWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee 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 #332: Stop Adding to the Planner Graveyard: One Tool to Improve ADHD Time Blindness NOWListen 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.

Sign up for my free class REJECTION SENSITIVITY 101 here!In this episode, I’m breaking down five research-backed facts about ADHD that should fundamentally change how we think about diagnosis, medication, and long-term care. These aren’t hot takes. They’re uncomfortable truths.Here’s what we’re covering:• 80% of people stop ADHD medication within the first year—not because it “didn’t work,” but because the system failed them• Diagnostic criteria are still wildly outdated, especially for adults, women, and older adults• Many people seek diagnosis because someone else pushes them to, which makes staying in treatment much harder• The “antibiotic fantasy” of ADHD treatment—why trying meds once and quitting is almost guaranteed to fail• Too many clinicians treating ADHD aren’t properly trained, creating shame, confusion, and poor outcomesThis episode is about naming what’s broken—so you can advocate for better care, better information, and better support.If you have ADHD, love someone who does, or work with ADHD clients or patients… this is required listening.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.