How to ADHD creator Jessica McCabe has been the source of many ADHD “aha” moments — so what were her ADHD “aha” moments? Jessica was diagnosed when she was 12 years old but didn’t start to look into what ADHD meant for her until she was 32. Taking ADHD medication felt like putting on glasses — experiencing the world as everyone else did. But she didn’t have the skills and strategies to cope with ADHD. So, she started making YouTube videos...and the rest is history. Listen in as Jessica answers L...
Jan 09, 2025•35 min•Ep. 52
People with ADHD can be out-of-the-box thinkers and great problem solvers. A lot of people may actually go to them for help solving difficult problems. But, what happens when they have to solve their own challenges? This week on Tips from an ADHD Coach , Jaye unpacks why it can be harder for people with ADHD to help themselves with their own challenges. Listen for some tips that can help. Related resources Advice from a career coach with ADHD and dyslexia ADHD and creativity Timestamps (00:47) A...
Jan 07, 2025•15 min•Ep. 51
Have you ever spent hours getting ready for a social event, only to feel that same knot of anxiety when it’s time to go? Or maybe you avoid social events altogether, worried you’ll say the wrong thing. For some women, juggling ADHD and social anxiety can feel like an ongoing fight. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson dives into the connection between ADHD and social anxiety. Watch as she breaks down ways ADHD can make social situations overwhelming. And get tips on how to better manage social in...
Dec 31, 2024•13 min•Ep. 50
If you have ADHD, the science says you’re much more likely to have a substance use disorder in your life than someone who’s neurotypical. ADHD brains often lack dopamine. Drugs and alcohol can provide a hit of dopamine, albeit a temporary one. That’s why it’s so common for people with untreated ADHD to self-medicate. Elaine O’Brien used to fit that ADHD archetype to a tee. Eventually, though, she entered recovery and also started practicing Ashtanga yoga, a style that she describes as “very rigo...
Dec 26, 2024•23 min•Ep. 48
People with ADHD can benefit from having routines and systems that help them cope. But, what happens when life comes into play and throws that routine off? This week on Tips from an ADHD Coach , Jaye talks about what can happen when we get thrown off our game by special life circumstances like getting sick or moving. Listen for some tips that can help get you back on track. Related resources ADHD and hormones (Cate Osborn’s story) Timestamps (00:51) Cate’s quote (02:39) ADHD and hormones (03:58)...
Dec 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 49
Have you ever been called a “manic pixie dream girl” by someone you were dating? Is it hard to remember your partner when they’re not with you? ADHD can bring its own set of challenges to dating, and romantic relationships. Producer Margie visits the podcast to share what she’s found on the ADHD Women subreddit, where women with ADHD ask questions and share their challenges and wins. Listen for Cate’s reactions and a chat about common romantic dilemmas for women with ADHD! Related resources The ...
Dec 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 47
Many women with ADHD face the constant struggle of ADHD combined with depression. It’s a battle that affects every part of their lives. And the weight of these challenges often leaves them feeling drained and discouraged. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson breaks down the connection between ADHD and depression. Listen as she explains how ADHD symptoms might be misinterpreted as depression. And learn ways to manage struggles with depression. Related resources ADHD and depression Did my ADHD make...
Dec 17, 2024•12 min•Ep. 46
Editor's note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and self-harm. Please take care when listening and skip this one if you need to. Dr. Stephen Hinshaw is one of the leading voices when it comes to ADHD in women and girls. That’s in large part due to his work on The Berkeley Girls Study. (Its full name is The Berkeley Girls with ADHD Longitudinal Study , but most people know it by that shorthand or acronym: The BGALs Study.) Under Steve’s leadership, researchers began studying 140 girls ...
Dec 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 45
Do you wait until the last minute to write a paper, or complete something until it absolutely has to be done? Do you find it almost impossible to start any sooner? Does it make you feel guilty? This week on Tips from an ADHD Coach , Jaye talks about how the pressure and shame that comes with waiting until the last minute can push us across the finish line… until it doesn’t. Listen for some tips that can help. Related resources ADHD and the myth of laziness (Rebecca’s story) ADHD and perfectionis...
Dec 10, 2024•14 min•Ep. 44
ADHD can impact pregnancy in a number of ways: Higher rate of postpartum depression, hormone surges that affect the brain’s functioning, increased demands on our executive function, and so much more. Our guest this week, Dusty Chipura, is an ADHD and pregnancy expert, ADHD coach, and doula in training. Dusty takes us through pregnancy with ADHD, what you might expect, and what conversations are important to have with your support network ahead of welcoming a baby. Related resources A guide to ho...
Dec 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 43
Many women feel pressure to create the “perfect” holiday season. From decorating and hosting to gift-giving, all while staying cheerful and calm. But for some women with ADHD, these expectations can make the holidays feel more stressful than joyful. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson shares how common ADHD symptoms like trouble focusing and managing time can make the holidays feel overwhelming. Hear why some women have a hard time managing tasks and their emotions during what should be a season...
Dec 03, 2024•10 min•Ep. 42
At work, neurodivergent people face a bunch of different hurdles — stigma, burnout, firings, higher unemployment rates, and more. In recent years, all kinds of businesses have begun various types of neurodiversity initiatives. On the surface, these initiatives are supposed to foster inclusion and make working better for everyone. But host Rae Jacobson wondered: Do these initiatives actually do anything, or are they just good marketing? She put the question to Rachel Lowenstein, a brand consultan...
Nov 28, 2024•26 min•Ep. 41
Have you ever had a painful experience or received feedback that made you vow to change yourself? Did you swing a bit too far in the other direction? This week on Tips from an ADHD Coach , Jaye talks about how overcorrecting ourselves can lead to not feeling great about the new outcome. Listen for some insight and tips to stay true to yourself. Related resources ADHD, social awkwardness, and ghosting (Allison’s story) How to build confidence when you know you’re different ADHD and feelings of re...
Nov 26, 2024•13 min•Ep. 40
Sometimes, romantic relationships just don’t work out. And breaking up with someone can be really tough — including having the breakup conversation. With ADHD, overthinking, people-pleasing, and rejection sensitivity can make it even harder. This week, ADHD coach and author of I Don’t Hate My Ex-Husband Jess DuBose visits Sorry, I Missed This . Listen to learn how to check in with yourself about your relationship, and some tips to help you through a breakup conversation. Related resources ADHD a...
Nov 21, 2024•31 min•Ep. 39
It’s a scenario some women with ADHD know all too well. Glancing over at the clock after being so immersed in a project or task and realizing that hours have flown by. This common occurrence is often referred to as trouble with time perception, or time blindness. In this episode, listen as Dr. Monica Johnson explains the link between ADHD and time perception. Discover why some women with ADHD have trouble keeping track of time. And learn practical strategies to help manage time more effectively....
Nov 19, 2024•11 min•Ep. 38
ADHD can create all kinds of challenges in the workplace. Like a list of infinite things to do and to remember. A busy, ever-changing schedule. And co-workers who don’t always know what’s going on in your mind. There’s a lot to figure out. But recently, Rae Jacobson found herself wondering what it’s like on the other side — to manage someone who’s neurodivergent and still figuring it out. So, Rae called her former boss, Caroline Miller, the editorial director of the Child Mind Institute. On this...
Nov 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 37
We can feel more anxiety in some situations than others. Some people and settings may make us more on edge, and others more relaxed. Psychological safety is the freedom to be imperfect or to make mistakes without major consequences. With ADHD, psychological danger can be even more intense due to challenges with impulse control, executive dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation. ADHD coach Jaye Lin talks about what can make us feel more psychologically safe, and what can make us feel more anxiou...
Nov 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 36
Self-advocacy and ADHD workplace disclosure come together in a package. It’s important to know yourself and your values in order to be the best self-advocate you can be. In this week’s episode, ADHD at Work founder Meghan Brown-Enyia answers the question: What is a good self-advocate? And, gives her recipe for advocating for yourself. Related resources What is self-advocacy? Pros and cons of disclosing a disability to employers Accommodations: What they are and how they work Meghan’s website, AD...
Nov 07, 2024•30 min•Ep. 35
Picture this: A woman with ADHD grabs her morning coffee hoping it will help her tackle the day. But over time she notices that while caffeine offers a quick boost, it can also affect other symptoms of ADHD. In this episode, listen as Dr. Monica Johnson explains the complex relationship between ADHD and caffeine. Hear how caffeine can affect ADHD symptoms. Learn strategies for safe caffeine intake. And discover alternatives to help with focus and energy. To get a transcript and check out more ep...
Nov 05, 2024•12 min•Ep. 33
Rae Jacobson has been friends with Katherine Martinelli since they were 6. In the classroom, they were polar opposites: Katherine, a star student; Rae, scrambling and struggling with then-undiagnosed ADHD and dyscalculia. As they grew older, they both became mothers and professional writers and editors. Rae got diagnosed and found the support and systems that worked for her. When, well into their 30s, Katherine called to say she'd been diagnosed with ADHD, Rae was shocked: “My queen of competenc...
Oct 31, 2024•21 min•Ep. 34
Have you ever made big plans for the day but ended up doing nothing on that list? The trouble with executive function that comes with ADHD can make planning, and actually starting on those plans difficult. ADHD coach Jaye Lin reacts to a quote on this very scenario. Listen to Jaye’s tips for managing our motivation and making progress. Related resources “You can’t have ADHD” (Farah Jamil’s story) How I beat my social media habit (and how you can too) How the Five-Second Rule changed my ADHD life...
Oct 29, 2024•15 min•Ep. 32
Consent is an agreement that people reach together. It can get a bit tricky with people-pleasing and black and white thinking — two things that can often come up with ADHD. The Wheel of Consent can help. This week, host Cate Osborn welcomes Betty Martin to the show. Betty is the author of The Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent . Join Betty and Cate as they break down the Wheel of Consent and why it can be a great tool for ADHDers. Related resources The Wheel of Consent diagram PDF...
Oct 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 31
Picture this: As your menstrual cycle approaches, you notice a shift in your mood and focus. One moment you feel productive, clear-headed, and on top of your ADHD. The next moment your concentration slips away. Hormonal changes can turn everyday routines into huge challenges for women with ADHD. In this episode, listen as Dr. Monica Johnson explores how hormonal fluctuations can heighten ADHD symptoms. Learn key hormones that can impact mood and focus. And get tips on how to manage ADHD and horm...
Oct 22, 2024•9 min•Ep. 29
Rae had heard that there was a link between ADHD and postpartum depression. But with a tiny baby to care for and a life to navigate, she had more pressing things to deal with. But the question kept bugging her: Does ADHD make you more likely to have postpartum depression? This week on Hyperfocus, Rae finally gets some answers to questions she has had for years. Her guest is Dr. Catherine Birndorf, a reproductive psychiatrist, co-founder of The Motherhood Center , and an expert on postpartum mood...
Oct 17, 2024•30 min•Ep. 30
People may assume that an ADHDer doesn’t struggle with something because it looks easy from the outside. Though they may be feeling challenged, they’re masking, or “making it work,” to get something done. ADHD coach Jaye Lin reacts to a quote about how “making it work” can lead to anxiety and depression. It can also make it easy to dismiss your own needs for support and accommodations. Listen for some tips that can help. Related resources ADHD and the “model minority” mask (Emily’s story) Maskin...
Oct 15, 2024•17 min•Ep. 28
Hey MissUnderstood listeners! We’ve got a new show coming soon to our channel. Hyperfocus is a show that zeroes in on what fascinates us about ADHD, learning, and mental health. Join journalist Rae Jacobson as she tackles big questions like, “Why can’t I get my ADHD meds? Who exactly gets to define a diagnosis? And can ADHD make postpartum depression worse?” New episodes launch every other Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering...
Oct 14, 2024•2 min•Ep. 27
Do you not notice that you’re hungry until you’re raging? Do you bump into things constantly? These are just two examples of how our sensory systems can affect those of us with ADHD. And they have a lot more to do with communication than you might think. This week, author of ADHD & Us and licensed clinical social worker Anita Robertson breaks down the three hidden sensory systems. Join Anita and Cate as they talk about how these can affect relationships with ADHD, and share some tools that can h...
Oct 10, 2024•32 min•Ep. 26
It was a spur-of-the-moment buy at the mall. A brand new handbag caught your eye and you couldn’t resist buying it. For many women with ADHD, moments of impulsive spending can lead to feelings of excitement followed by regret once the bills arrive. In this episode, host Dr. Monica Johnson breaks down the connection between ADHD and impulsive spending. Listen as she discusses the value of pausing before making a purchase. And gives practical tips on how women with ADHD can build better financial ...
Oct 08, 2024•11 min•Ep. 25
People with ADHD sometimes put off doing things because it feels like too much with “everything else” going on. But, when “everything else” stops and we have free time to do whatever we want, it can also make us unproductive. ADHD coach Jaye Lin talks about what happens when the chaos stops, but we still can’t get things done. Listen for some tips on how to get just the right amount of stress to actually be productive. Related resources When “ditzy” is finally diagnosed as ADHD (Jen’s story) Tro...
Oct 01, 2024•16 min•Ep. 24
Conflict can be uncomfortable. But it’s a necessary part of life that can have great outcomes. ADHD often comes with trouble with executive function, emotional regulation, time perception, and more. This can make conflict even tougher to face. Senior certified Gottman relationship therapist Michael McNulty walks us through the research on which the Gottman Method is based — and what it means for relationships. Listen to Cate and Michael as they explore how conflict can change with ADHD, and the ...
Sep 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 23
