Claim OwnershipADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka
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© 2024 ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka
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I have NEVER met an ADHD woman who wasn’t truly brilliant at something! This podcast, with nearly 7 million downloads, is for smart, high-ability ADD/ADHD (diagnosed or suspecting) women who see their symptoms as more positive than negative. If you want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and discover where your brilliance lies, this podcast is for you!
ADHD for Smart Ass Women is globally ranked in the top one-tenth of one percent of all podcasts in the world on any subject. It’s streamed in more than 160 countries and is downloaded by more than 150,000 listeners every month. My book of the same name, published by HarperCollins/William Morrow, was recently honored by Amazon Editors as a Top 20 Best Nonfiction Book of 2024.
I’m Tracy Otsuka, your host. I’m a lawyer, not a doctor, a lifelong learner, and a certified ADHD coach. I’m on a mission to change the conversation around ADHD because I believe it’s time to focus on the strengths that come with our unique brains. When I was diagnosed eight months after my son, my entire life finally made sense, yet all I read and heard about ADHD focused on what I should struggle with. What I discovered, though, was that my ADHD was responsible for some of my greatest superpowers.
Another thing we constantly hear is all the success stories about ADHD men, but no one talks about the women. This podcast is here to change that. ADHD women are my people, and I’m here to acknowledge, support, and cheer them on. My experience as an adult living with ADHD, along with my expertise, is regularly sought out by top-tier media, including Forbes, CBS Mornings, ABC News Live, Inc., Prevention Magazine, Verywell Mind, ADDitude magazine, and The Goal Digger Podcast.
www.adhdforsmartwomen.com
THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING YOU HAVE SEEN OR HEARD FROM TRACY OTSUKA OR THIS PODCAST.
317 Episodes
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Let’s talk about your crowning glory—your hair—and how it can help you embrace your authentic self. Gina Marie Rodriguez, a self-described "nerdy/sciency hairstylist," is on a mission to help clients love their natural curls and waves. As the owner of The Cultivated Curl in Fair Oaks, CA, Gina’s work blends natural hair movement, gray hair acceptance, and neurodivergence advocacy, creating a space where authenticity is celebrated.In this episode, Gina shares her personal ADHD journey, from ch...
1How do ADHD, trauma, and addiction intersect, and what strategies can help break this harmful cycle? In this episode, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Andrea Epting, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, addiction, and neurodivergence. As a professional with ADHD and OCD, and a mother to two neurodivergent young adults, Andrea brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation.Andrea delves into the often-overlooked connectio...
ADHD brains are creative powerhouses, built for innovation, connection, and resilience. In this episode, Tracy Otsuka sits down with Izzie Chea—a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and neurodivergence advocate—whose ADHD diagnosis unlocked a world of possibilities. From building a viral virtual piano studio during the pandemic to creating impactful initiatives like La Neuropicante and the Accountable Otters Club, Izzie shares how she turned challenges into opportunities to uplift herself an...
ADHD brains are built for brilliance.In this special Thanksgiving episode, Tracy reflects on the unique strengths of ADHD women and how they navigate a chaotic world. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of ADHD women, she explores why their minds excel at creativity, connection, and meaningful work.Tracy talks about the real challenges ADHD women face—overwhelm, juggling too many responsibilities, and feeling misunderstood—and offers practical strategies to create more focus and ...
Hot take: ADHD behavior is a normal variant, not a disorder. This is what our guest, Dr. Idit Hazan believes.Dr. Idit Hazan, a pediatrician turned entrepreneur and professor, redefines what it means to embrace neurodivergence in medicine and beyond. Through her journey as a parent and professional, Dr. Hazan recognized traits in herself that align with ADHD, helping her reframe her challenges as strengths and fueling her creativity and problem-solving skills. Her insights have led to groundbr...
What if understanding your ADHD brain is the key to achieving your biggest dreams? For Luci Taylor, an ADHD diagnosis in her twenties became a turning point, giving her the clarity and confidence to finish her first book. Her journey—from crafting her first stories in kindergarten to creating complex, neurodivergent characters—is a testament to the power of self-discovery and embracing your unique strengths.In this episode, Luci opens up about the struggles and breakthroughs she’s faced ...
From parenting struggles to podcasting success, Katy Weber’s ADHD journey has reshaped her life. Diagnosed at 45, Katy—a health coach and founder of Women & ADHD—found herself rethinking everything she thought she knew about ADHD. This unexpected self-discovery helped her understand how ADHD had influenced her as a mother, professional, and individual. Through her podcast, she’s built a supportive, encouraging space for neurodivergent women to connect, share stories, and find communi...
When life gets overwhelming, self-compassion and mindfulness can be the key to thriving. Breanna Autolitano, a mother of 9 and mindfulness expert, shares how she embraced neurodivergence and used compassionate communication to transform her life. As a mindfulness tour guide certified by Eckhart Tolle, Breanna uses her skills to help others find balance amidst the chaos of daily life.Diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, Breanna talks about her journey of self-discovery and the to...
When life feels chaotic, humor can be your greatest tool for finding balance. Kristen West, founder of The Centered Life Co., has built a thriving online community around her fun, ADHD-friendly tools that bring joy and structure to daily life. With over half a million followers, her playful, shame-free videos on mental health and productivity inspire others to embrace their quirks and find motivation in unexpected ways.Diagnosed with ADHD at 26, Kristen struggled in traditional work envi...
When art became a refuge, it became a revolution. This episode is about embracing neurodivergence and challenging beauty standards. Yolanda Liu, a Taiwan-born artist based in London, is renowned for her work across photography, film, collage, illustration, and tattoo art. Featured in outlets like BBC, Vogue, and i-D, her story reflects resilience as she navigates life with ADHD and a recent autism diagnosis. From her early days nurtured by a creative mother to the launch of her second bo...
Imagine trying to visualize something in your mind, only to be met with a blank canvas. This is the reality for people with aphantasia, a condition where the mind's eye struggles to conjure images. In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I'm joined by Dr. Chelsea Twiss, a licensed psychologist from Colorado with an impressive background. She specializes in ADHD, women's health, chronic pain, and relationships, and conducts psychological testing with a focus on adult ADHD. As if that wasn...
Celebrating the 300th Episode with a Special Guest—My Son, MarkusFor this milestone episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I wanted to do something meaningful and personal. So instead of interviewing a high-profile guest, I invited my son, Markus. While we usually only feature women, there have been a few exceptions—like Dr. Ned Hallowell, my husband, and Markus, who has been on twice before.Now, Markus is at a different stage in life. He’s just graduated from college after navigating a challen...
Do you have PCOS and ADHD? Struggling with anxiety and fertility too? Kristyn Hodgdon’s story might sound a lot like yours.Kristyn discovered her ADHD and PCOS while navigating fertility treatments and the challenges of motherhood. Balancing her role as co-founder of Rescripted with the emotional toll of trying to conceive, heightened ADHD symptoms eventually led to her diagnosis. In this episode, Kristyn opens up about how understanding her ADHD has reshaped her life, particularly in parenti...
**A new version of the epsiode is uploaded**If you're using Apple Podcast, follow these steps to get the new version of the blends:Remove a downloaded episode:Tap Library, tap Downloaded, then tap a show.Swipe left on an episode, then tap Remove Download.You can also remove a downloaded episode while looking at the episode list or the episode’s information page. Tap the More button (button with the ...), then tap Remove Download.Download the new version of the episodeTap a show to see its inf...
Do you often feel swamped by money decisions? Or find yourself wondering how to make your spending really reflect what matters most to you? Money management isn't just about crunching numbers - it's deeply personal, shaped by who we are and how we think.In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, we explore the complex relationship between personal identity and financial behavior with Ellyce Fulmore, a 29-year-old queer and neurodivergent financial educator, content creator, and best-selling...
Can trauma be stored in the body? And if so, could understanding fascia - the connective tissue enveloping our muscles and organs - be key to unlocking healing? Join us as we explore these questions and delve into the often overlooked world of fascia with expert Anna Rahe.Anna Rahe, founder of GST Body, has dedicated over 25 years to the study and practice of fascia health and wellness. Born in the US and raised in Hobart, Australia, Anna's journey includes a personal history with ADHD, diagn...
From feeling lost to running a 7-figure business: Is it possible with ADHD?Molly Claire's journey shows it can be done. As a coach trainer and founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, Molly has built a 7-figure coaching business while navigating the challenges of ADHD. She's a mom of three, hosts a popular podcast, and wrote "The Happy Mom Mindset."Molly has learned to embrace her ADHD brain and hopes to inspire others – including her two kids with ADHD – to do the same. She's passionate ab...
Why does our ADHD brain get stuck on those annoying negative thoughts? It's all about two parts of our brain: the Task Positive Network (TPN) and the Default Mode Network (DMN). The TPN is our "get stuff done" network - it lights up when we're in the zone, laser-focused on a task. The DMN, on the other hand, is our "daydream/worry" network. It's where creativity flows, but also where negative thoughts creep in. For us ADHD folks, switching between these networks can be tricky. We might get st...
Do you ever feel like your emotions are too much to handle?Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a powerful yet often overlooked aspect of ADHD, particularly in women. If you've ever wondered whether your emotional turbulence is more than just "in your head," you're not alone. Many people with ADHD experience RSD, but it's frequently misunderstood - especially among women.In this episode, we're going to have an honest chat about RSD and how it relates to ADHD. We'll explore why those of us w...
"I thought I was just lazy and stupid." These words from Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll hit hard. At 37, with a PhD in education, she discovered she had ADHD - after her son's diagnosis.Tracy sits down with Dr. Mutti-Driscoll to explore ADHD in women, from feeling like an imposter to navigating social interactions. They discuss her groundbreaking work at the Hollowell Center and her book, "The ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls." This resource tackles the perfect storm of hormones, social pressures, ...
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OMG! I LOVE this! This is so me and the ADHD lying. So relate, and I still do this. Thank U for this podcast!
I appreciate ur podcast. However, I strongly suggest u not give uneducated advice on skipping medication or taking a break on this. Regardless of ur feelings or experience with medication, there are individuals who do benefit from medication. To these individuals, it is extremely dangerous for them to skip medication. Again, thanks for ur podcast
I just discovered this podcast. I struggled to stop myself from crying because the guest in this episode made me feel not a chaotic mess. From the trauma, fatigue and chronic pain, struggling with life and kids, and trying to understand why I am failing, I finally feel like maybe things are not hopeless.
This lady is TOTALLY AWESOME!! WHO does any of these things?? .... starting with excelling on SAT at 11 yr old?! I LOVE her spunk, spirit, attitude, skill set, ... outlook on life! She's my newest hero! (Sorry, Tracy, you're still my hero for your brilliance and positive outlook!)
This podcast hit so close to home. I can relate to SO MUCH of what you've shared of your experience. holding you in love and light. <3
that was great👍👍
Great
Dear Tracy, I'm Fardane's friend. As you know, she wants to translate your podcast into Persian And I want to translate it into Turkish along with her and introduce your podcast Do I have this permission?
I wish I had the right to translate this podcast and talk about it in my IG with my followers and friends. this is incredible. I feel this is going to change me a lot to become more peaceful with me and my issue
this made me cry, and you know what's so painful? when people says " don't label yourself with these nonsense, You are just instilling it into yourself. there is no such thing u are just lazy🥲🥲🥲
Episode starts at 2:12. Blank audio after featured snippet in intro.
I soo appreciated this podcast. Thank you!
I am crying happy tears while listening to your podcast! I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and am currently working on getting my son evaluated. how can I get a list of all the books you have mentioned in your podcasts? I am ready to start reading.
No epsisodes in awhile? 😭😭😭
thank you for this! Denese is lovely and I enjoyed the energy between you, two. I'm one who wants to just barrel through. Amazingly Denese's example of one who minimizes by saying "oh my mom... oh my uncle..." is literally me. Its no coincidence I'm listening. Time to get stop bypassing! great show again, Tracy!
I wonder if neurotypical people can follow her stream of thought?
I would love an episode on self-esteem related to being diagnosed later in life
I would love to see a show on ADHD and better sleep!
amazing episode. thank you
thank you, so appreciative for you and these podcasts!! this was the first podcast I listened too. so greatful!!