ADHD & Neurodiversity: The Spicy Brain Podcast

Okay okay. If you tuned in last week and thought, “Wait… didn’t I already hear this?” You did. That was Episode 95 in disguise. But THIS is the real Episode 98, and it’s worth the wait.This week, we finally finish Chapter 2 of Elaine Taylor-Klaus’s book, The Essential Guide to Raising a Complex Kid, and we go deep. We talk about:What it means to parent yourself with the same love and care you offer your kids.Why meltdowns, big feelings, and broken dishes are all part of the work, and how to handle them with less shame and more curiosity.The four steps to help ourselves and our kids move through a trigger response (and why you can’t skip ahead to “fix it”).Why radical forgiveness is just as important as radical acceptance.Real-life strategies: from marble jars to mug catastrophes, to help build trust and repair when things go sideways.We also unpack what it really means to “stay calm” as a parent. Spoiler: it’s not as simple as the books make it sound. There’s a reason this chapter took us four episodes to process, and that’s because healing is messy, neurodiversity is layered, and parenting is Olympic-level emotional work.We’re so glad you’re on this journey with us.💬 Favorite quote: “If a dish gets washed and no one sees it, did it happen?”Next week, we’re diving into the chapter titled: “I’ve Tried Everything and Nothing Works”—and redefining what success really looks like for complex parents and complex kids.The Essential Guide to Raising a Complex Kid by Elaine Taylor-KlausBe sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.And if you’ve been enjoying the show, leaving us a review helps other neurospicy humans find their way here too.Until next time: stay curious, joyful, and full of radical acceptance and forgiveness. High kick!ADHD podcast, parenting complex kids, ADHD parenting strategies, neurodivergent parenting, radical forgiveness, emotional regulation ADHD, parenting with ADHD, ADHD self-parenting tools, how to support ADHD kids, The Essential Guide to Raising a Complex Kid, teaching emotional regulation, marble jar trust, radical acceptance ADHD, parenting when you’re overwhelmed, I’ve tried everything and nothing works ADHD, staying calm during a meltdown, ADHD and shame spiral, real talk ADHD parenting, neurospicy podcast.

UPDATED** - We had a technical glitch where about ten minutes of the audio cut out Megan's voice. While Michelle does enjoy talking, she wasn't having a one-sided conversation. lolWelcome back to the Spicy Brain Podcast! In this final part of our deep dive into parenting archetypes from The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus, Michelle and Megan explore the last three personality patterns — Demanding Dave, Defensive Drew, and Bootstrap Bessie — with their signature blend of heart, honesty, and humor.If you’ve ever heard phrases like “Life’s not fair” or “You just need to do what’s expected of you,” this episode will hit home. Through personal stories, uncomfortable truths, and the occasional pug pee metaphor, they examine how trauma, shame, and generational patterns can sneak into our parenting, and how we can shift toward curiosity and repair instead.Favorite line from the episode: “You’re never gonna have a butler.”00:00 intro and why the high kick has to be low01:15 welcome to new listeners and a recap of the book03:30 Demand #1: Demanding Dave and Darlene “Just get the socks on!”06:45 the San Francisco trip, light bulbs, and the Alcatraz mug11:00 time blindness, accommodations, and why being early is survival15:10 Megan’s rescue pug as a metaphor for ADHD parenting18:30 learning to parent without shame, and with sparkles22:45 “You’re never gonna have a butler”: when language shapes identity25:00 how expectations can fail when they ignore invisible disabilities29:00 Defensive Drew — when parenting becomes performance33:00 othering, vertical games, and looking for parents who get it36:00 trauma, defensiveness, and the spinny brain40:30 how therapy (and therapy avoidance) shows up in family patterns45:00 Bootstrap Bessie: suck-it-up culture and emotional dismissal48:30 lack of empathy for ourselves and how to break that cycle51:15 how “suck it up” becomes a stop sign in conversations53:00 revisiting all 15 archetypes as ways we shut down connection58:00 what happens after the awareness, the power of "up until now"01:00:00 the repair process in parenting and neurodiverse relationships01:03:00 preview: the four-step strategy for managing triggers01:04:30 final thoughts on values, time, and why parenting is an 18-year interviewADHD parenting, parenting archetypes, complex kids, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, neurodivergent families, time blindness, emotional triggers, radical acceptance, self-repair, parenting trauma, invisible disabilities, generational patterns, childhood shame, reparenting, expectations vs reality, neurospicy podcastIf you saw yourself in more than one parenting type, you are absolutely not alone, and awareness is the first step toward change. Next week, we’ll shift from insight to strategy with four powerful steps to manage your triggers and reset the stress cycle. Follow or subscribe to the Spicy Brain Podcast so you don’t miss it, and leave us a review to help other neurospicy folks find us too.Until then, stay curious, stay joyful, and bring a whole lot of radical acceptance.

In this heartfelt and funny continuation of last week’s episode, Michelle and Megan tackle the second half of the ADHD parenting personality types from The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus, and reflect on how those same patterns shape how we parent ourselves.From the anxiety-fueled planning of Anxious Ava to the quiet retreat of Distant Dana, the sisters explore how these archetypes show up in real life, in restaurants, in parenting, and even in podcast recording sessions. Megan shares candid stories about growing up with learned rules and what it means to finally break them, while Michelle gets real about what it's like to catch yourself reacting from a place of fear or habit.They also dive into the concept of emotional permanence, the idea that some of us need regular reminders that we are loved, even if we’ve just had a great day. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone in your patterns, your fears, or your flailing Kermit moments, and that naming those patterns might be the first step to changing them.favorite line from the episode: “He's not gonna inject heroin into his eyeballs.”00:00 welcome back and defining parenting in all its forms04:00 parenting as a village — dogs, stepkids, and inner children05:50 Anxious Ava: planning, fear, and over-control11:15 pushing past the panic spiral12:00 Pushover Pat and setting boundaries16:30 mental health days and radical honesty20:00 Denying Dale and societal myths about ADHD25:30 Playful Peter and learned helplessness31:00 Distant Dana and parenting avoidance35:00 emotional permanence and unspoken rules42:15 shifting perspective with “up until now”45:10 how we parent different people differently47:30 radical acceptance — even when you’re tiredADHD, ADHD women, parenting archetypes, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, neurodivergent parenting, anxious parenting, emotional permanence, childhood rules, inner child, emotional regulation, mental health, radical acceptance, masking, executive function, sibling podcast, self-awareness, neurodivergent adultsIf any of these parenting patterns hit close to home, we see you. Share this episode with a friend who might relate, or revisit Episode 95 to hear the first half of the parenting archetypes. And don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s dive into Defensive Drew, Demanding Randy, and more. Until then, stay curious, joyful, and full of radical acceptance.

This episode is a deep dive into the ADHD parenting archetypes from The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus, but with a twist. Megan and Michelle explore how these roles not only show up in parenting, but also in how we parent ourselves as neurodivergent adults.From Angry Anne’s explosive reactions to Lost Lois’s "meh" mode, they unpack how each archetype holds clues to our deeper needs, fears, and patterns. Megan admits she might be a little too familiar with Maxed-Out Maxine, while Michelle wonders if she’s ever not been Fix-It Fran. The episode is filled with stories, laughs, reframes, and one very important reminder: you’re not doing it wrong, you’re just learning what works for your brain.favorite line from the episode: "I’ve tried everything and nothing works... well, maybe there’s a better way."00:00 welcome back and scrapping the other episodes03:15 ADHD parenting personality types overview06:20 Angry Anne and shame spirals10:45 Super Parent Sue and martyr mode14:55 Lost Lois and emotional flatness18:30 Maxed-Out Maxine meets sensory overload22:40 Fix-It Fran and the frantic helper28:05 Nagging Nan and the weaponized sigh34:00 the power of language and “up until now”38:15 gentle self-reframes and parenting yourselfADHD, ADHD women, parenting archetypes, self-parenting, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, neurodivergent moms, emotional regulation, radical acceptance, sensory overload, ADHD burnout, reframing, shame spirals, self-talk, ADHD relationshipsIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s also navigating the ADHD chaos. And be sure to follow the show so you don’t miss Episode 96, where we pick up with Anxious Ava, Pushover Pat, Denying Dale (or Debra), and more. You are not alone — and you are not broken. Let’s keep shedding those shoulds together.

What happens when your kid doesn’t follow the “normal” path? Or when your podcast co-host, who also happens to be your sister, calls you out mid-episode? In this raw, real, and surprisingly funny episode of the Spicy Brain Podcast, Megan and Michelle explore the emotional minefield of raising a complex kid, navigating resentment, and learning how to come back to each other in real time.From the Twitch stream chaos (hi new friends!) to deeply vulnerable moments about parenting, neurodivergence, and sibling communication, this one gets into it. You’ll hear about Gordon Ramsay, pugs, peanut butter sandwiches in your mouth, and a whole lot of grace. Plus: how reframing our language and expectations can help us love our kids, and ourselves, with more curiosity and joy.Join Megan on Twitch @spicymeggoFavorite line from the episode: “Bring it on, kid.”00:00 Megan’s now a Twitch streamer?06:15 A tender behind-the-scenes sister moment11:00 Parenting complex kids, and yourself14:40 Resentment blossoms in silence18:55 Open communication clears the way23:30 Changing the language, reframing the judgment29:45 Mourning the child you thought you’d have36:00 Gluten intolerance, acceptance, and real vulnerability44:00 The myth of the picture-perfect Christmas card50:00 Getting curious about who your kid really is58:30 “Bring it on” dopamine boost strategy1:02:00 Othering, unbearable feelings, and becoming a teamIf you’ve ever felt like you're doing this whole parenting thing “wrong,” this episode is for you. Follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss the next episode. And if you're enjoying the show, please leave us a review. It helps other spicy brains find our community. Curious conversations and joyful acceptance await.ADHD, parenting ADHD kids, raising complex kids, neurodivergent parenting, ADHD podcast, emotional regulation, resentment in parenting, sibling communication, Twitch streamer ADHD, parenting expectations, letting go of shoulds, acceptance ADHD, radical acceptance, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, ADHD women, ADHD sisters, neurodivergent support, ADHD Twitch, ADHD community, bring it on ADHD, parenting with humor, parenting neurodiverse children

Shedding the "shoulds" is easier said than done. Especially when you're ADHD and live in a world that loves to measure you by impossible standards. In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, sisters Michelle and Megan dive deep into the expectations we place on ourselves and others, especially as neurodivergent folks and parents of complex kids.They explore what it means to parent your inner child with compassion, and how even well-meaning thoughts like “he should be able to take care of himself by now” can become emotional quicksand. You’ll hear Megan talk about her own masking moments, her husband's recent ADHD diagnosis, and how saying “you’re a real girl, Michelle” turned into a hilarious, and touching, highlight of the episode.Whether you're parenting a complex kid, reparenting yourself, or just trying to stop "shoulding" on yourself, this episode offers real talk, gentle reframes, and a big reminder that you’re not broken...you’re just spicy.favorite line from the episode: “You’re a real girl, Michelle.”00:00 welcome, new and returning listeners03:00 reframing parenting as adulting your inner child10:40 when masking becomes muscle memory17:00 Josh's “I’m just gonna keep disappointing you” moment23:30 redefining what it means to be dependable32:10 Megan’s cartoonish phrases and inner child healing40:00 reframing real struggles like spelling and time blindness50:00 what to do when the shoulds spiral57:00 does adulting require a butler or just radical acceptance?adhd, adhd parenting, neurodivergent families, masking, inner child healing, emotional regulation, reframing, shedding the shoulds, neurospicy podcast, sister podcastIf this episode helped you shed a few shoulds, share it with someone who needs a little spicy brain love. And don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Reviews and star ratings help other neurospicy humans find their way to our community.

In this episode of the Spicy Brain Podcast, Michelle and Megan tackle the tangled world of logistics, reframing, and the relentless inner critic that loves to say “you should.” Whether you're parenting a neurodivergent kid, learning to parent yourself, or watching your partner navigate a new diagnosis, this one hits close to home.Megan shares Brian’s recent ADHD diagnosis and how it’s reshaping their household’s understanding of daily routines, invisible challenges, and strengths that don’t always show up on paper. Michelle opens up about preparing her son Josh for adulthood, wrestling with the "he should be ready by now" voice, and discovering what real support looks like. Together, they explore how reframing our thinking about attention, distraction, and what it means to be “ready”can be a powerful act of radical acceptance.Favorite line from the episode: “You know why I hate lists? Because they should all over you.”00:00 welcome and the parenting-your-inner-child lens03:15 understanding the six challenge areas for complex kids06:45 Brian’s ADHD diagnosis and military masking10:15 communication differences and visual processing14:30 reframing diagnosis as resilience18:55 logistics as the real front line of ADHD life25:20 “He should be ready”. Michelle sheds the biggest should32:00 reframing traits like hyperactivity, impulsivity, distraction39:45 why we need more than a TikTok-sized reframe47:00 redefining adulthood (and letting go of perfection)55:00 reframing reminders into rehearsals1:03:00 healthy boundaries while offering supportIf this episode hit you in the feels or made you laugh out loud about the absurdity of ADHD logistics, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who’s parenting a complex kid (or being a complex kid), and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Your reviews help other neurospicy folks find their way to this community of radical acceptance.And hey, what’s the biggest should you’ve been carrying lately? DM us or tag us @spicybrainstudios with your personal reframe. Let’s keep shedding those shoulds together 💬🧠💖adhd, neurodivergent parenting, adult adhd diagnosis, reframing adhd, executive function, parenting complex kids, inner child healing, emotional regulation, adhd partners, neurodivergent relationships, radical acceptance, spicy brain podcast

In this episode of the Spicy Brain Podcast, Michelle and Megan explore the often overwhelming world of ADHD or brain based disorders, emotions, and logistical chaos. Dive into their candid conversations about handling routines, relationships, and the challenges of neurodivergent living. They deliver helpful information with humor and warmth.You'll chuckle at Megan's musings on carrying everything around her neck, along with a whimsical journey from ADHD-fueled frustration to a comical vision of pugs and iPads as accessories. Plus, catch the heartfelt moment when Megan thanks their mom for those late-night homework marathons, and how these sisters navigate life’s complexities with genuine connection. Join them as they share stories, offer insights, and encourage radical acceptance in this adventure through the ups and downs of living with ADHD, brain based disorders and metabolic conditions. Favorite line from the episode: "Gird your loins, people."00:00 Welcome to Spicy Brain and intro to today’s logistics + relationship focus01:32 “Adulting is just parenting yourself” and why that line is hauntingly true03:50 Challenge signs that routines aren’t working with ADHD06:45 Megan’s ADHD brain fix: what if I just wore everything around my neck?08:40 Michelle on her family’s group routines and mirror strategies12:28 How ADHD reframes “simple routines” and the grief behind burnout17:30 Shame spirals and why it's hard to show your ADHD19:15 Relationship dynamics with complex kids and within friendships25:20 Megan shares a memory about losing friendships and sister repair29:45 Michelle reflects on her emotional repair moments with Megan34:10 Why parenting neurodivergent kids is deeply judged and misunderstood36:25 “Not everything is your responsibility” and how to set clearer expectations42:40 That feeling of being the problem and how society piles on47:00 How Brian’s internship showed what real support looks like51:20 Weekly meetings and curiosity as scaffolding, not shame54:00 Using body awareness and mirroring to strengthen connection56:30 Reframing hyperactive kids as spontaneous kids57:20 What happens when you get clear with yourself and others58:30 Closing reflections and a peek at what’s coming next weekFollow the show so you never miss an episode. If today’s chaos resonated with you, share this episode with someone who might need a laugh, a deep breath, or a little reminder that they’re not alone.ADHD, executive function, neurodivergent life, radical acceptance, routines, emotional regulation, logistics, family, burnout recovery, podcast for ADHD women

Sometimes, ADHD doesn’t just cause delays it causes full-on system failure. In this short but honest update, Megan shares what happens when the to-do list becomes too much and your brain throws up that rainbow-colored spinning wheel of doom.With an early morning road trip on the horizon, a mountain of last-minute tasks, and a strong desire to finish The Reluctant Traveler, Megan taps in with a solo message full of humor, vulnerability, and a reminder for all our fellow neurospicy friends: you are not broken.This quick episode is a gentle nudge toward grace, rest, and letting go of perfection when life gets overwhelming. Because sometimes the win is just packing the snacks and making it to bed on time. (Or close to on time.)Favorite line: “The rainbow spinny wheel is my brain right now.”00:00 Tiny podcast alert00:15 ADHD freeze mode and road trip prep01:00 Overpacked snacks, underestimated bladder01:30 Grace for the chaos02:00 Teaser for what’s coming nextFollow the Spicy Brain Podcast so you don’t miss the next full episode, where we’ll dive back into Your Brain’s Not Broken with more emotional honesty, neurospicy strategies, and sisterly banter. And hey, if you’ve ever forgotten your to-do list mid-sentence, then leave us a review. We see you!ADHD, executive dysfunction, rainbow wheel brain, overwhelm, burnout, neurospicy life, ADHD freeze, self-compassion, road trip chaos, short episode, emotional honesty

Living with ADHD or parenting someone who’s neurodivergent can feel like climbing a mountain every day—while carrying a backpack you forgot at home. In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Michelle and Megan continue exploring The Essential Guide to Raising a Complex Kid by Elaine Taylor-Klaus, with real talk about emotions, burnout, school struggles, and what it means to “parent yourself” as an adult with ADHD.From pancake chaos to forgotten backpacks and double-fisted coffee mornings, the sisters unpack the second and third challenge areas of complex living: organization and school/home life. Megan opens up about her husband's recent ADHD diagnosis and how grief, growth, and humor show up in unexpected ways. Michelle shares stories of parenting with compassion and what it means to redefine success when you're raising (or re-raising) a complex brain.Whether you’re managing a complex condition, supporting someone who is, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers validation, community, and a reminder that being here is enough. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep showing up.Favorite Line: "The ADHD is strong in me today."00:00 – Welcome and podcast catch-up02:00 – The story behind the two-minute episode06:30 – Why Megan thinks adulting is just parenting yourself10:00 – Brian’s new ADHD diagnosis and navigating the what-ifs14:30 – Grief, unmet expectations, and moving forward20:00 – Challenge 2: Organization and the great water bottle saga28:00 – Pancake chaos and Kodiak flapjack detours33:00 – When ADHD meds kick in mid-breakfast36:00 – Parenting with curiosity, not control40:00 – Backpack panic and asking for help45:00 – Challenge 3: Home and school life with complex kids51:00 – The pressure of potential and “just try harder” culture56:00 – Slowing down, connecting, and chipping away expectationsFollow or subscribe to the Spicy Brain Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss next week’s episode on logistics, broken routines, and family relationships. And if this episode resonated with you, leave us a review—it helps other neurospicy listeners find their way here, too.ADHD, parenting ADHD, reparenting, adulting with ADHD, burnout, emotions, executive function, complex kids, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, ADHD spouse, ADHD diagnosis, school challenges, organization struggles, neurodivergent parenting, radical acceptance, neurodiversity support

ADHD parenting, emotional regulation, and self compassion take center stage as Megan and Michelle unpack The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus. This conversation bridges two worlds at once: helping kids who are wired differently and learning how to “parent” our own neurospicy adult selves. You’ll hear practical reframes for rules and "shoulds," why consistency beats perfection, how to use curiosity and repair when emotions spike, and what it looks like to build family culture that supports complex brains. It’s warm, funny, and real life, with takeaways you can use today whether you’re raising a kid, re-raising yourself, or both.You’ll also hear sister-level honesty about loneliness in parenting and adulting, the invisible load of “fitting in,” strategies for grounding during meltdowns, and how shredding "shoulds" can unlock more calm mornings, kinder self talk, and better connection. If you’ve ever lost a sock, your patience, or your place in the plan, pull up a chair.favorite line from the episode: “Adulting is just parenting one’s self.”[00:00:00] welcome and why this parenting book applies to adults with adhd too[00:04:30] what “complex” really means and why fixing isn’t the goal[00:09:10] emotional regulation basics and why gifted kids can be hardest to teach[00:15:40] the rule problem: shoulds, fairness, and living in a neurotypical world[00:23:15] quick grounding for kids and grownups: notice five things, narrate the room, breathe[00:26:20] mornings are a logistics trap and why slowing down can speed up the day[00:31:30] siblings, shame, and building a family culture of curiosity and repair[00:38:45] tapping out without guilt and letting community help[00:45:20] repair beats perfect: how to circle back after hard moments[00:52:10] shred the shoulds: choose core values over invisible rulebooks[00:55:20] adulting as self parenting and permission to do what actually worksIf you’re new here, follow or subscribe on your favorite app. "If you’re a returning spicy brainer, a quick rating or review helps other neurodivergent listeners find us.keywords: adhd, adhd parenting, emotional regulation, self compassion, complex kids, adulting, self parenting, neurodiversity, gentle parenting, curiosity and repair, shred the shoulds, sensory needs, routines, adhd tips, adhd women

ADHD, self compassion, and celebrating small wins are at the heart of this quick victory lap episode. Life happens, ADHD brains get busy, and sometimes the podcast you planned turns into a one minute check-in instead. And that’s okay! This mini episode is your reminder that being consistent, even imperfectly, is an Olympic level win for any ADHD brain.So if you have been beating yourself up for forgetting a project, missing a deadline, or getting distracted by snacks (or pugs, or puzzles, or life in general), consider this your "permission slip" to laugh it off and keep going. There is nothing broken about a brain that needs a little grace.We will be back with a full episode soon, but for now celebrate the small wins, give yourself a high five, and maybe even call this week your own spicy brain victory lap.

Parents worry about the future for their kids, but the ‘shoulds’ only disconnect us from what really matters.In this episode, we kick off The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids with ADHD by Elaine Taylor-Klaus. Michelle and Megan dive into the first chapter, exploring how “shoulds” dominate both parenting and self-talk, and how reframing these expectations can transform relationships. They share vulnerable moments from their own experiences: Michelle’s parenting challenges with Josh, Megan’s reflections on growing up neurodivergent, and the grace their mom gave us by loving who they were without shame. Along the way, they unpack how sleep, pain, and disrupted routines impact emotional regulation, and how curiosity can replace desperation when navigating complex needs.favorite line from the episode: "You, yourself know your kid, the best “[00:00:00] Welcome, community shout-outs, and new structure for the podcast[00:02:00] Megan’s journey toward confidence and co-producing the show[00:05:00] Introducing The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus[00:07:00] Why “shoulds” are damaging for kids and parents alike[00:10:00] Disability, disadvantage, and reframing ADHD in a neurotypical world[00:17:00] Six challenge areas for complex kids — starting with emotional management[00:23:00] Parenting language, micro-triggers, and navigating daily routines[00:33:00] Michelle’s early parenting memories with Josh and the “loving chair”[00:37:00] Rosey reflects on our mom’s acceptance despite limited resources[00:50:00] How sleep, pain, and routine disruptions derail regulation[01:00:00] Repairing in the moment and choosing curiosity over desperation[01:05:00] Wrapping up: parenting as relationship, community feedback, and radical acceptanceIf you’ve ever struggled with the weight of “shoulds” in parenting or self-talk, this episode is for you. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions. We love hearing from you! And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review helps other neurospicy folks find their way here too.ADHD parenting, complex kids, neurodiversity, parenting with ADHD, emotional regulation, ADHD podcast, ADHD women, radical acceptance, parenting challenges, reparenting inner child

This week we get practical about fueling an ADHD brain. Megan shares how adding more protein (and pairing it with healthy fats + carbs) is helping her keep energy steadier during cognitively heavy tasks, plus easy, zero-perfection ideas: smoothies with protein + milk powders, chia, spinach; protein muffins; overnight oats; egg bites; and simple “sneak-in” tips (protein in pancakes, protein shake as coffee creamer).We also talk cues for what your body needs (foggy brain → protein, dragging body → carbs), why healthy fats matter for satiety and absorption, and how to stay balanced if you’ve got ED history or are exploring GLP-1 under a doctor’s care. It’s a judgment-free, experiment-friendly chat aimed at helping your Ferrari brain run smoother: without a million rules.favorite lines from the episode: “Whoa, I can feel my brain churning!” • “I’m not a full glazed donut.”Timestamps00:00 Hello + why listeners’ lived expertise matters02:00 Today’s focus: protein & ADHD brain energy04:00 Realization: mental fatigue ≠ physical fatigue06:00 Immediate effect of a protein snack (“wave of happy”)07:30 Context: recovery, doctor care, low-dose GLP-1, long-term goals09:30 More consistent brain energy; remembering to eat is an ADHD thing11:00 Fewer migraines with steadier nutrition? Noticing signals12:30 “Can you feel your brain?” blood flow, alertness, neurotransmitters15:00 Practical takeaway: front-of-brain work needs fuel16:00 Smoothie system: protein powder + milk powders + chia + spinach + frozen fruit18:30 Thick smoothie preference, blender notes, mom feedback (watch sugars)19:30 Protein muffins (Kodiak-style mix + milk + egg + blueberries)20:30 Variety prevents burnout: overnight oats, bars, simple swaps22:00 Parenting angle: picky eaters, getting protein into kids23:00 The quick cue: foggy brain → protein; dragging body → carbs24:30 Why healthy fats help (absorption, satiety, brain support)26:00 Ferrari brain analogy: fuel type & maintenance matter28:00 Who to follow: registered dietitians > random “nutritionist” tips29:30 Sneak-in protein ideas (pancakes, coffee, flavorless powders)31:00 Road snacks truth: sometimes peanut M&M’s are the right tool33:00 Easy protein dinners: egg bites, ground turkey burgers34:30 Gentle, balanced mindset > food rules; what feels good for your body35:30 Signs it’s snack time; “not a full glazed donut… yet”37:00 Wrap + invite for listener recipes and experiencesThanks for listening to the Spicy Brain Podcast, brought to you by Spicy Brain Studios. Please follow/subscribe and leave a quick review, because it helps more neurospicy folks find us. Share your favorite protein hacks/recipes in the comments so we can feature them!Keywords: ADHD women, ADHD nutrition, ADHD protein, ADHD brain fog, executive function, healthy fats, GLP-1 and ADHD, ADHD snack ideas, protein smoothie, overnight oats, egg bites, neurodivergent tips, Ferrari brain, ADHD podcast sisters

Dancing through the day sounds nice in theory, but what does it really mean when you’re living with ADHD? In this episode, Megan and Michelle wrap up their deep dive into Your Brain Is Not Broken by Tamara Rosier. They tackle the loaded word “adulting,” how the ADHD brains handle (or resist) it, and the difference between outcome-based versus process-based goals. They also unpack the idea of mental rehearsal and how ADHD folks often replay failures instead of successes. They also explore how to shift that rehearsal into something more supportive. Along the way, they share laughter, sisterly honesty, and practical insights about creating safe spaces, reframing goals, and finding your own version of “adulting.”favorite line from the episode: “Can I just put the cups away? Because the cups seemed doable.”Timestamps:00:00 – Opening banter, “high kick,” and what the podcast is all about02:00 – Wrapping up Your Brain Is Not Broken03:00 – Dancing through the day and adulting—loaded or liberating?07:00 – What does it really mean to be an adult? (Bills, socks, and values)13:00 – Process vs. outcome goals: why solution-based goals help ADHD brains19:00 – The drill sergeant vs. realistic goals22:00 – The kitchen nemesis and the “cups” breakthrough23:00 – Mental rehearsal: how ADHD brains rehearse failure26:00 – Reframing rehearsal into something supportive36:00 – Megan realizes she actually does use rehearsal40:00 – Tools, not pressure: reframing strategies as options, not obligations44:00 – Closing reflections, gratitude for Tamara Rosier, and mic-drop on “the equation of life”If you loved this episode, please follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, leaving a review helps other neurospicy folks find us too. Stay curious, joyful, and keep practicing radical acceptance (and maybe a high kick).Keywords: ADHD women, ADHD adulting, ADHD podcast, ADHD goals, ADHD mental rehearsal, outcome vs process goals, ADHD overwhelm, Your Brain Is Not Broken, ADHD sisters, neurodivergent podcast

This week, Megan and Michelle dig into one of the toughest ADHD topics: sleep. From bedtime spirals to Ferrari brain, they share stories about what makes winding down so hard, including Megan’s strategies, listener shoutouts, and the frustration of never quite feeling rested. Inspired by Your Brain is Not Broken by Tamara Rosier, they explore the connection between sleep, adulting, and finding your “peak time” for productivity. It’s raw, honest, and full of those sisterly back-and-forth moments that remind us we’re not alone in the struggle.favorite line from the episode: “I don’t feel like I’m dancing through my day right now.”Timestamps00:00 Welcome back to the Spicy Brain Podcast01:30 Listener shoutout: Taryn’s Harry Potter sleep hack04:00 Ferrari brain and racing thoughts at bedtime09:00 The reality of ADHD sleep struggles12:00 Protecting your peak times18:00 Night owl energy vs. real productivity27:00 Technology, mornings, and ADHD focus36:00 The frustration of not feeling productive45:00 Lynda makes a cameo in the conversation55:00 Rethinking what “peak time” actually means01:00:00 Why sleep has to come firstThanks for listening to the Spicy Brain Podcast, brought to you by Spicy Brain Studios. Please share this episode with a friend and leave us a review to help more ADHD women find our community.Keywords: ADHD women, ADHD sleep, ADHD peak time, Ferrari brain, ADHD productivity, adulting hacks, ADHD burnout, Your Brain is Not Broken

Living with ADHD means navigating unpredictable emotions, burnout, and sleepless nights that don’t always make sense. In this episode, sisters Megan and Michelle unpack the strange, funny, and all-too-relatable ways ADHD affects sleep and nighttime routines. From Megan’s late-night blinking frenzy to discovering the surprising power of a “baby lamp,” they share stories filled with humor, insight, and self-discovery.As they reflect on what helps (and what absolutely doesn’t), you’ll hear about sensory preferences, anxious bedtime thoughts, and creative hacks like counting backwards by sevens. Whether you're someone who battles sleep, masks through fatigue, or just needs to feel less alone in the chaos, this episode offers warmth, laughter, and the reminder that even our messiest moments can lead to connection.Favorite line from the episode: “I was blinking like a crazy woman.”00:00 intro and a tale of a wild night03:05 the blinking incident and bedtime burnout08:40 Megan’s baby lamp vs. overhead doom12:55 counting backward by sevens16:30 the ADHD sleep cycle explained20:00 Michelle’s sensory preferences24:45 letting go of 'normal' routines28:10 how laughter helps regulate emotions32:05 wrapping up and a tiny winFollow the Spicy Brain Podcast and leave us a review! It helps more ADHDers (and the people who love them) find our show.ADHD, ADHD sleep, masking, burnout, bedtime routine, neurodivergent, humor, emotional regulation, ADHD sisters, Spicy Brain Podcast

ADHD shows up in the smallest moments, like the wrong T-shirt, a too-strong scent, or a clothing tag that suddenly becomes unbearable. In this replay of an early favorite, Michelle and Megan dive into how ADHD impacts sensory processing, emotional boundaries, and self-acceptance in daily life.From the intense lime-scented moment that inspired the episode title to childhood memories that shaped how they respond to the world, this episode blends humor, honesty, and sisterly insight. They talk about what it means to set boundaries with your body, your environment, and your inner critic. This is especially true when you’re neurodivergent and the world feels like too much.Whether you’ve lived this experience or are trying to understand someone who has, this is the episode that reminds you: you’re not too much, and you’re not alone.Favorite line from the episode: LIME! LIME! LIME!00:00 – Why we’re replaying this episode02:00 – Neurodivergent vs. neurotypical brains04:00 – “I think in pictures”06:00 – The Lime Situation™09:30 – Sensory overload and hard visual cuts13:00 – Acronyms, memory, and why bedtime brains are bonkers17:00 – Calmness, overstimulation, and tactile tools20:00 – Driving, grounding, and sequin slap bracelets25:00 – Clothing, tags, and adult boundary-setting30:00 – Seam rippers, itchy sheets, and the Princess and the Pea32:00 – A love letter to anyone whose brain gets distracted by pantsIf you’ve got a tag story, a lime story, or a sensory quirk that changed your life, then we want to hear it. Join us on Instagram @spicybrainpodcast and share your wins (and weirds). And if this episode made you feel seen, send it to someone who needs to know they’re not alone.ADHD women, sensory overload, neurodivergent podcast, boundaries, lime sensitivity, emotional overwhelm, seam ripper, tactile tools, neurospicy stories, adult ADHD

ADHD doesn’t just challenge attention, it tangles with identity, boundaries, and emotional overwhelm. In this episode, Michelle and Megan continue their deep (and often hilarious) dive into Your Brain Is Not Broken by Dr. Tamara Rosier, focusing on how boundaries work for the ADHD brain, and what it means to actually live inside your own emotional house.From the metaphor of the house, yard, and fence to the vulnerability of inner child work, this episode touches on the complex dynamics of masking, self-trust, and growing up with blurry boundaries. Megan reveals what it means to lock herself out of her own house, while Michelle describes the exhausting noise of running “a million butlers that are not my own.” Together, they model in real time what it looks like to navigate sticky emotions, time stress, and real-life boundaries—without a script and with deep love.This is a must-listen for anyone working on creating a life where self-worth, communication, and compassion coexist.Favorite line:“I have a million butlers that are not my own.”00:00 — Welcome, high kicks, and boundary talk03:20 — Why the house/yard/fence metaphor is hard to live08:40 — The pullout couch story: navigating discomfort and honesty13:45 — Late starts and emotional misfires17:22 — Real-time boundary setting in action23:00 — Metaphors, membranes, and moving the fence26:10 — Being on the other side of the fence doesn’t mean someone isn’t loved31:20 — Megan’s thesis: the house is your self-worth36:10 — Michelle’s million butlers and the burden of managing others42:00 — Learning to trust each other with boundaries47:30 — What healthy fences actually give you50:00 — You can love people and still hand them a mint across the fenceBoundaries are messy. But boundaries are also healing. If this episode resonated, send it to someone you’ve shared a fence with (literally or emotionally). And don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you catch next week’s episode: “Dancing Through the Day”, where we talk about ADHD-friendly hacks for adulting that don’t suck.ADHD, emotional boundaries, inner child, neurodivergent relationships, burnout, masking, people pleasing, house/yard metaphor, Tamara Rosier, Your Brain is Not Broken, radical acceptance, self-worth, neurospicy women

ADHD often feels like emotional whiplash. There's burnout, masking, boundary blurring, and the ever-elusive goal of just being okay. In this episode, Michelle and Megan dive into the idea of emotional boundaries through the metaphor of a house and a yard (yes, complete with haunted attic and squirrel intrusions).Megan admits she’s been living in the yard, outside of herself, while Michelle shares what it felt like to suddenly sob on a massage table. With laughter, honesty, and a healthy dose of sibling chaos, they explore what it means to come back to your emotional home, one small win at a time.Whether your internal house is a fixer-upper or you’ve just been crashing in the garden shed, this episode is a nudge to replant your roots, prune some emotional hedges, and start feeling like your space is actually your own again.Favorite line from the episode: “You're Like Salt!”00:00 — Welcome to the haunted house05:08 — The massage table breakdown09:40 — Living in the yard (and forgetting the porch)13:22 — Why ADHD brains struggle with “the inside”17:47 — When your house is emotional clutter20:19 — “I’m not even at the front door yet”25:36 — The mall wins: small, sneaky signs of progress30:00 — Reclaiming your space one moment at a timeIf this episode felt like a peek into your own emotional yard, share it with a friend who gets it. Follow the show so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we finally open the front door and look inside the house. (Closets full of emotional stuff? We’ve got you.)ADHD, boundaries, emotional burnout, overwhelm, masking, neurodivergent women, radical acceptance, haunted house metaphor, healing, small wins, self-awareness, ADHD women, therapy moments, yard metaphor