Women & ADHD

Episode 220 with Amanda McCracken.Amanda is an award-winning journalist and the author of “When Longing Becomes Your Lover: A True Story of Overcoming Limerence.” She also hosts The Longing Lab podcast and has given a TED talk on how longing keeps us from healthy relationships.Amanda was diagnosed with ADHD at 36, after an email from her dad. She didn't connect it to the pattern running through her love life until she was writing her memoir. That pattern is limerence: obsessive romantic longing for someone you've idealized and put on a pedestal.We talk about how ADHD traits like hyperfixation, perfectionism, and difficulty being present can shape the way women experience attraction. We also cover what it takes to move toward secure, trusting love.Key topics:Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis, and why Amanda dismissed it for yearsBeing the "good kid" next to a sibling who needed more supportWhat limerence is, and how hyperfixation can make crushes feel all-consumingMasking, perfectionism, and the fear that someone will find the "real you"Why receiving love felt wrong, and how self-worth fits inHow purity culture and Christian-pop romantic language blurred devotion and crushesThe therapy turning point: "You're in love with the longing"Coping before diagnosis: drinking, hair-pulling and rigid controlWhat was different about meeting her husbandADHD, creativity, and writing your way through heartbreakMenopause or ADHD? Executive function and cognitive loadWebsite: amandajmccracken.comInstagram: @amandajmccrackenLinks & Resources:Amanda’s book: When Longing Becomes Your Lover: Breaking from Infatuation, Rejection, and Perfectionism to Find Authentic Love: A True Story of Overcoming LimerenceAmanda’s TED Talk: “How longing keeps us from healthy relationships”Amanda’s podcast: The Longing Lab- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast Productions- - - - -Women & ADHD coaching: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/katy- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 219 with Katy Weber & Kalin JohnsonWelcome back to our ongoing series, “Unmasking Our Health,” in which host Katy Weber teams up with medical expert Dr. Kalin Johnson, PharmD, to look beyond the neurodivergent brain and explore what it means to live in a neurodivergent body. In this episode, we explore the relationship between ADHD and gut health, including IBS, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. We discuss how the gut and brain communicate, why ADHD-related behaviors, routines, and medication can all affect digestion, and why a one-size-fits-all approach to gut health can miss what an individual actually needs.The conversation also looks at what supportive care can involve: listening to your body, making manageable changes, and finding a provider who’s curious about the whole picture — not just one symptom.In this episode, we cover:What IBS is and how it’s diagnosedHow ADHD and gastrointestinal symptoms may be associatedThe two-way communication between the gut and brainHow stress, routines, hydration, eating patterns, and body cues can affect digestionPotential effects of stimulants, SSRIs, and antibiotics on gut symptomsWhy fiber, fermented foods, and other common recommendations aren’t right for everyoneHow to look for care that considers ADHD and the whole personWhy small, sustainable changes may feel more manageable than a complete overhaulNote: Nothing in this episode constitutes medical advice. Always consult with your physician and pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.Kalin’s website: kalinjohnson.comInstagram: @kalinpharmdLinks & Resources:The Association Between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisHave a topic you want Katy and Kalin to cover? Contact us- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast Productions- - - - -Women & ADHD coaching: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/katy- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 218 with Greer Jones.Greer is the creator of The Unfinished Idea, a community that supports mamas raising neurodivergent kids. After her son, husband, and later herself were diagnosed, she walked through a dark season of overwhelm, burnout, and isolation. Over time, she discovered people and rhythms that supported her neurodivergent brain, rebuilt her family’s routines, and found the lights that guided her out — community, real stories, and small wins that gave her hope again. Today, she uses her voice, lived experience, and practical tools to help overwhelmed neurodivergent moms feel understood, equipped, and confident in the lives they’re building.In our conversation, Greer shares what it was like to pursue an adult diagnosis in the UK, advocate for her neurodivergent son, and make sense of the ways ADHD has shaped her life. We talk about the relief of finally having an explanation, the grief and self-compassion that can come with looking back, and why ADHD in women doesn’t always look like hyperactivity on the outside.We explore what meaningful connection can look like when life is messy, schedules are unpredictable, and nobody has all the answers. And finally, we talk about the Beautifully Wired Summit — a free, three-day online event hosted by Greer, bringing together over 20 experts to share practical, real-life strategies for raising neurodivergent kids. From navigating meltdowns and school advocacy to creating doable daily routines, it’s packed with neuro-affirming tools that actually work. The summit takes place October 5th through 7th, and you can grab your free ticket right now by heading to womenandadhd.com/summit. I’ve also placed that link right at the top of the show notes for you.  Key topics:How Greer’s son’s diagnoses helped her recognize her own ADHDWhat Greer’s UK diagnosis process was likeWhy ADHD in women may not match familiar stereotypesThe relief—and complexity—of receiving a diagnosis as an adultAdvocating for a neurodivergent child in the school systemRacing thoughts, emotional intensity, and decision fatigueHow The Unfinished Idea grew into a podcast, business, and communityCreating flexible, vulnerable connection for neurodivergent momsThe Beautifully Wired Summit and its focus on ADHD and autism in girls and womenWebsite: theunfinishedidea.comInstagram: @theunfinishedideaLinks & Resources:Greer’s podcast: Neurodivergent Conversations- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast Productions- - - - -Women & ADHD coaching: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/katy- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 217 with Katy Weber & Kalin JohnsonWelcome back to our new series, “Unmasking Our Health,” in which host Katy Weber teams up with medical expert Dr. Kalin Johnson, PharmD, to look beyond the neurodivergent brain and explore what it means to live in a neurodivergent body. After years of interviewing late‑diagnosed women and seeing the same patterns — chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune issues, hormonal chaos, gut problems, “mystery” symptoms — Katy created the Unmasking Our Health series to explore the bigger questions behind neurodivergence: What if ADHD isn’t just about our brains, but about our whole bodies — and how and why is the medical system missing the full picture?In Part 2 of a 2-part series, we continue the conversation on hypermobility, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and the often misunderstood symptoms that can show up alongside ADHD and autism. This episode focuses on the signs people miss, why those symptoms happen, and what kinds of support may help rather than hurt.Kalin explains the connective tissue and autonomic nervous system connections behind bruising, fatigue, digestive issues, migraines, dizziness, pelvic floor problems, and joint pain, while Katy shares personal examples of how these patterns have shown up in her own life.In this episode, we cover:A recap of Part 1, including hypermobility, hypermobile EDS, the Beighton score, and the connection with neurodivergenceWhy bruising, slow wound healing, nosebleeds, and fragile blood vessels can occurProprioception, balance, spatial awareness, and why “clumsiness” may be more than distractionFear of falling and the increased risk of pain or injury in hypermobile bodiesConstant bracing, muscle guarding, and why hypermobile people may feel exhausted even while restingDigestive symptoms, including constipation, bloating, slow motility, and dysmotilityMigraines, neck tension, craniocervical instability, POTS, and blood-flow regulationDizziness upon standing, fluid pooling, low blood volume, electrolytes, and compressionPelvic floor issues, urinary symptoms, incomplete emptying, and prolapseSkin texture, softness, stretchiness, and translucencyWhy aggressive stretching and yoga can sometimes worsen instability and painStrength training, swimming, pacing, and learning to stop before end rangeEstrogen, perimenopause, muscle building, and hypermobility symptomsCollagen, creatine, and what supplements can and cannot doExercise intolerance, internalized beliefs about laziness, and body shameFinding healthcare providers who are knowledgeable, curious, and willing to listenNote: Nothing in this episode constitutes medical advice. Always consult with your physician and pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.Kalin’s website: kalinjohnson.comInstagram: @kalinpharmdLinks & Resources:The Beighton Scoring SystemHypermobility Screening ToolGrowing Up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: 27 Telltale SignsChronic Pain PartnersHave a topic you want Katy and Kalin to cover? Contact us- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast Productions- - - - -Women & ADHD coaching: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/katy- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 216 with Elizabeth Ahmann & Micah SavietElizabeth Ahmann, ScD, RN, PCC, NBC-HWC is an ADHD and health and wellness coach, professor, researcher, and Micah Saviet, LCSW-C, NBC-HWC is a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming clinician.Their book, Flourishing with Adult ADHD, offers a research-informed, strengths-based, and trauma-informed framework for supporting adults with ADHD beyond symptom management. Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, public health, and wellness research, the book challenges deficit-based models and provides practical, affirming guidance for professionals supporting adults with ADHD.Rather than focusing solely on coping strategies, this book centers flourishing — supporting adults with ADHD in developing self-trust, self-compassion, emotional regulation, clarity, and lives aligned with their values.We talk about how coaching and therapy can work together, why Liz and Micah originally wrote the book for clinicians but found it resonated with adults with ADHD, and their hopes for the future of ADHD care, from better training to broader acceptance.Key topics:Micah shares that he was diagnosed with ADHD at age 11 and describes how his hyperactivity was noticeable early on.Liz explains that she has not been diagnosed with ADHD, but family experience, especially with her husband, led her into ADHD coaching.The conversation reframes ADHD as a difference in attention and regulation, not simply a deficit.Micah and Liz explain that their book grew out of research on ADHD coaching and focus groups with experienced coaches.Shame comes up repeatedly as one of the biggest barriers to growth, self-understanding, and flourishing for adults with ADHD.They emphasize that many therapists and coaches still lack meaningful training in ADHD, especially adult ADHD, masking, and neurodivergence.The episode draws a clear distinction between a deficit-based medical model and a client-centered, strengths-based approach.They discuss how coaching and therapy can complement each other rather than compete, especially when grief, trauma, and executive functioning challenges overlap.Validation, self-compassion, psychoeducation, and mindfulness are presented as foundational tools for helping clients move away from self-criticism.The conversation also addresses diagnosis, stigma, trauma, education trauma, and the social conditions that can make ADHD feel more impairing than it is in isolation.Website: https://www.pathways-ahead.com/ ;  https://www.adulttraumaandadhdsolutions.comInstagram: @adulttrauma_adhdsolutionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-saviet/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizahmann/Links & Resources:Flourishing with Adult ADHD: The Evidence-Based Guide to Well-Being for Therapists, Coaches & ClientsKristin Neff’s self-compassion resources- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast Productions- - - - -Women & ADHD coaching: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/katy- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy