You're Wrong About ADHD - podcast cover

You're Wrong About ADHD

Sam Pittis and Katie Breathwick have been friends for more than twenty years. Around three years ago, their lives took a surprising turn - they both discovered they have ADHD. Katie thinks it's a superpower, Sam thinks it's a pain in the backside. Join them every week as they explore what it's really like to live with ADHD, the highs and the lows and they’ll share tips and strategies on how they manage it. Across the series, they’ll also be speaking to expert guests to help bust some of the myths and misconceptions. Get in touch, send your questions and stories to [email protected] For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: [email protected]

Episodes

BONUS: Late Diagnosis, Big Realisations

If you've ever felt like you were just about managing, this conversation will make you feel seen. In this special bonus episode recorded live at The Podcast Show in London, actor and writer Zoë Lister joins Katie and Sam to share her personal journey with ADHD. From undiagnosed school struggles to the overwhelming chaos of parenthood, Zoë opens up about what finally led her to seek a diagnosis and how everything clicked into place once she did. Together, they explore the challenges of masking, t...

May 30, 202521 minSeason 4Ep. 12

Why Are So Many People with ADHD Ending Up in Prison?

What if we told you that a huge number of people in the UK’s prisons are neurodivergent- many undiagnosed, unsupported, and misunderstood? This week on You’re Wrong About ADHD, Katie and Sam are joined by Met Police Detective Daley Jones, who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and has become one of the UK’s leading voices on neurodiversity in policing. Together, they explore the powerful link between ADHD and the criminal justice system, and why it often starts with missed diagnoses at school. ...

May 28, 202525 minSeason 4Ep. 11

BONUS: Your Questions Answered: ADHD in Women

In this bonus episode, Sam and Katie are joined once again by psychologist, ADHD coach and author Dr Janina Maschke to answer your questions on ADHD in women. From masking and perfectionism to the emotional fallout of a late diagnosis, this is an honest, heartfelt conversation about what it means to finally understand your brain, and what to do with that knowledge. Together, they unpack why so many women spend years hiding their struggles, how ADHD interacts with hormones across the menstrual cy...

May 23, 202523 minSeason 4Ep. 10

The Truth About ADHD in Women

If you’ve ever thought “I’m just bad at coping” or “maybe it’s just me” this episode might be the lightbulb moment you’ve been waiting for. This week, Katie and Sam are joined by psychologist, ADHD coach and author Dr. Janina Maschke to unpack why ADHD is so often missed in women, and what happens when the systems meant to support us are still built on male-centric research. From misunderstood symptoms and relentless masking, to the emotional toll of late diagnosis, Janina shares why so many wom...

May 21, 202526 minSeason 4Ep. 9

BONUS: Is It Time to Give Therapy a Go?

In this bonus episode, Katie and Sam reflect on their conversation with therapist Clare Patterson, and open up about their own feelings around therapy, vulnerability and ADHD. They talk candidly about the emotional toll of ADHD, why seeking help can be so hard, and how the right therapist can make all the difference. From fears about “falling apart” to the challenge of building trust, this is an honest look at the barriers so many ADHD-ers face when it comes to therapy, and why it’s still worth ...

May 16, 20259 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Is Therapy the Missing Piece in Managing Your ADHD?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to find the “right” therapist or wondered whether therapy can actually help with ADHD, this episode is for you. This week, Katie and Sam are joined by psychotherapist Clare Patterson to unpack what therapy can offer people with ADHD- from tackling emotional overwhelm and low self-esteem to finding the right therapeutic fit. Together, they explore how therapy can unpick years of internalised shame, why finding the right approach (and therapist) matters, and ...

May 14, 202530 minSeason 4Ep. 7

BONUS: Decluttering, Shame and Letting Go of the Shoulds

In this bonus episode, Sam and Katie reflect on their conversation with professional organiser and ADHD coach Sarah Bickers . From the emotional weight of mess to the power of asking for help, they share what really stuck with them – including how deeply clutter ties into shame, judgement and childhood conditioning. They talk honestly about learning to let go of unrealistic expectations, involving family (with mixed results), and how kindness towards your future self might just be the key to get...

May 09, 202513 minSeason 4Ep. 6

“Why Can’t I Just Tidy Up?” – Get Organised with Sarah Bickers

Why is clutter so overwhelming when you have ADHD? In this episode, Katie and Sam dig into the chaos with professional organiser and ADHD coach Sarah Bickers. They explore the emotional weight of mess, the shame tied to societal expectations around tidiness, and why ADHD brains can struggle so much with organisation. Sarah shares brilliant, practical strategies for decluttering in a neurodivergent-friendly way, from quick-sorting, to visibility hacks and how to get the whole household on board. ...

May 07, 202534 minSeason 4Ep. 5

BONUS: Learning to Unmask and Live Authentically with ADHD

In this bonus episode of You’re Wrong About ADHD , Sam and Katie reflect on their conversation with neurodivergent specialist Mark Redwood about masking. They open up about their own experiences of hiding their true selves, the lifelong habits formed by shame, and how exhausting masking can be. They discuss the small but transformative ways they are learning to unmask in safe spaces, build an ADHD-friendly life, and embrace who they truly are- imperfections, hyperactivity, and all. New episodes ...

May 02, 202515 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Masking ADHD: Why We Hide and How It Exhausts Us with Mark Redwood

Katie and Sam explore the exhausting reality of masking ADHD traits and how it can lead to burnout. They share their own experiences of masking from a young age, the pressure to conform, and the emotional cost of hiding their true selves. They are joined by counsellor and neurodivergent specialist Mark Redwood, who explains the deep impact of masking, why it’s different for neurodivergent people and how creating a life that works with your ADHD rather than against it can transform your wellbeing...

Apr 30, 202536 minSeason 4Ep. 3

BONUS: The ADHD Revolution Has Already Begun

In this bonus episode, Sam and Katie reflect on their conversation with Dr Nancy Doyle and why it left them feeling more hopeful than ever. From the myth of “fixing” ADHD to how workplaces are finally catching up with neurodiversity, they unpack what real cultural change looks like and why the shift isn’t coming… it’s already here. Plus, the pitfalls of working from home, the power of self-awareness, and why ADHD is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. New episodes of You're Wrong About ADHD drop ev...

Apr 25, 202512 minSeason 4Ep. 2

What If You're Not Broken? Redefining ADHD with Dr Nancy Doyle

In this powerful opening to Series 4, Katie and Sam sit down with Professor Nancy Doyle, psychologist and Chief Science Officer at Genius Within , to explore a radically different way of thinking about ADHD. What if we’re not broken? What if the problem isn’t us, but the rigid systems we’re expected to fit into? From the myth of the "deficit" to the strengths that flourish in the right environment, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew. Nancy shares her personal journey and her...

Apr 23, 202531 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Coming soon... Series 4!

Get ready for a brand-new series of You’re Wrong About ADHD ! Join hosts Katie Breathwick and Sam Pittis as they continue their journey to unravel what ADHD truly is. In Series 4, they’ll dive into the challenges, the surprising strengths, and everything in between, exploring personal stories and expert insights. Whether you’re diagnosed, waiting for answers, or just curious, this podcast offers real conversations, myth-busting, and practical strategies for navigating ADHD. New episodes drop eve...

Apr 16, 20251 min

BONUS: The ADHD Backlash: What’s Really Going On?

Katie and Sam return to the mic to unpack the recent and controversial changes to benefits, including PIP and Access to Work, and what they mean for people with ADHD. They're joined by Henry Shelford, CEO and Co-Founder of ADHD UK, for a passionate and eye-opening conversation about the realities behind media headlines, the growing culture war around ADHD, and the statistics that rarely make it into the press. Henry breaks down the data, shares the devastating impact of policy changes, and offer...

Apr 09, 202527 min

From the Vault: How to avoid feeling overwhelmed at Christmas

It's come around again... Christmas! It can be really stressful. There are so many different things to think about, so many gifts to organise, food to buy and so little time to get everything sorted. Add ADHD into the mix and it becomes even harder. By Christmas day, you can end up feeling totally exhausted. But there are ways to make things easier and more enjoyable. In this episode, originally released for Christmas 2023 (but as relevant as ever), Henry Shelford from ADHD UK joins Sam and Kati...

Dec 17, 202425 min

BONUS: How to manage sensory overload

Sometimes the noises, lights and chaos of everyday life can feel overwhelming, leaving you feeling drained and on edge. For Sam and Katie, awareness is a reoccurring theme - one that's especially important when it comes to understand and managing sensory overwhelm. Off the back of their conversation with Dr Khurram Sadiq , Sam and Katie chat about everything they've learnt about recognising sensory overload. They share practical advice, like how body checking can help and explore why it's import...

Dec 04, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 65

Why am I so sensitive to sounds, lights and textures?

Busy restaurants, crowded shops, noisy offices - everyday places that, for some of us, can feel totally overwhelming. A single loud noise, a bright light, or the scratchy tag on your sweater can spiral into anxiety or exhaustion. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Sensory overwhelm happens when your brain struggles to filter out all the sights, sounds, and feelings coming at it at once, leaving you feeling overstimulated and on edge. It’s not just “being sensitive”—it’s how your nervous system re...

Dec 02, 202422 minSeason 3Ep. 16

BONUS: The diagnostic process: The good, the bad and the latest technology

Off the back of their conversation with Professor Peter Hill, Sam and Katie chat about what they've learnt about the current ADHD diagnostic process. They discuss what they think is working well, the challenges that still need tackling and the exciting new technologies that could make diagnosis faster and more effective. New episodes of You're Wrong About ADHD are available every Monday and Wednesday. Got a question or story for the team? Send it to [email protected]

Nov 27, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 66

Is there a 'gold standard' for diagnosing ADHD?

Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a mixed experience, some people find it straightforward, while others face challenges. In this episode, Sam and Katie find out more about how the diagnostic process works and where it might be improved. They speak to Professor Peter Hill, consultant child and adolescent physiatrist who sees the need for a more standardised approach to ADHD testing. We’ll be back on Wednesday for the bonus episode of You're Wrong About ADHD. You can get in touch with the team by s...

Nov 25, 202417 minSeason 3Ep. 15

BONUS: Reasons to be hopeful: How science is helping ADHDers

Science is coming through for ADHDers, and we're here for it. In this bonus episode, Sam and Katie unpack what they've learnt from their conversation with neuroscientist Professor Ellie Dommett from The ADHD Research Lab . From Ellie's practical advice on managing ADHD without medication to why the future of non-drug treatment looks brighter than ever... New episodes of You're Wrong About ADHD are available every Monday and Wednesday. Got a question or story for the team? Send it to ADHDpodcast@...

Nov 20, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 63

We speak to a neuroscientist about non-drug treatments

Looking for new ways to manage your ADHD? This week, Sam and Katie are joined by Professor Ellie Dommett, a neuroscientist leading The ADHD Research Lab at King's College London, to explore the science behind non-drug treatments for ADHD. Ellie shares her team's latest findings, including how exercise, mindfulness and even eye movement training can help manage ADHD symptoms. She explains why they’re so effective and how they can complement—or even replace - medication. Plus, Sam asks Ellie a BIG...

Nov 18, 202431 minSeason 3Ep. 14

BONUS: What we've learnt about ADHD and the risk of addiction

Sam and Katie are back to chat about their fascinating talk with addiction specialist Dr Peter McCann . They discuss the tricky relationship between ADHD and addiction, looking at how impulsivity can sometimes lead to addictive behaviours and why awareness is key to managing addiction risks when you have ADHD. This episode contains discussion around addiction. If you are affected by anything you hear in this podcast, please speak to your GP. If you are struggling with alcohol, Drinkline is the f...

Nov 13, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 61

Why are ADHDers more likely to struggle with addiction?

This week Sam and Katie speak to Dr Peter McCann , a consultant psychiatrist specialising in addictions, to explore the link between ADHD and addictive behaviours. Dr McCann explains why ADHDers are more at risk, the difference between impulsivity and addiction and what treatments are available. This episode contains discussion around addiction. If you are affected by anything you hear in this podcast, please speak to your GP. If you are struggling with alcohol, Drinkline is the free national al...

Nov 11, 202422 minSeason 3Ep. 13

BONUS: Access to Work: What it is and how it can help you

If you're working with ADHD, here's a little-known secret that could change your work life: Access to Work. Designed to support people with physical and mental health conditions or disabilities, Access to Work is an untapped resource for many ADHD employees. In this bonus episode, business coach Amanda Perry is back to share everything you need to know about this UK government-funded scheme. You can apply for Access to Work here . New episodes of You're Wrong About ADHD are available every Monda...

Nov 06, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 59

How to be a self starter with ADHD

29% of entrepreneurs have ADHD according to The ADHD Foundation. This may be because people with ADHD tend to be highly creative and often driven to work outside of traditional office settings. However, ADHD symptoms can also make it challenging to manage and grow a business. So, if a traditional working environment doesn't suit you, how can you turn your ideas into a successful business without ADHD holding you back? In this episode, Sam and Katie speak to business coach Amanda Perry about what...

Nov 04, 202428 minSeason 3Ep. 12

BONUS: Can you avoid the ADHD Tax?

Sam isn't prepared to accept the ADHD Tax for himself, though he acknowledges it's a challenge for others. Katie, on the other hand, thinks it's impossible to avoid completely. In this bonus episode, they chat about why that is, share what they've learnt from their conversation with money expert Maddy Alexander-Grout and explore ways to manage the ADHD tax going forward. New episodes of You're Wrong About ADHD are available every Monday and Wednesday. Got a question or story for the team? Send i...

Oct 30, 202414 minSeason 1Ep. 57

What is the real cost of having ADHD?

In this episode, Sam and Katie explore the ADHD Tax - the hidden costs that come with having ADHD. It’s estimated that people with ADHD lose over £1,600 each year to the ADHD tax. But it’s not just about the money. ADHD cause also have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing, leaving many people feeling ashamed, angry and overwhelmed. Sam and Katie speak to Maddy Alexander-Grout, personal finance expert and founder of the Mad About Money community, about what the ADHD Tax really looks like a...

Oct 28, 202426 minSeason 3Ep. 11

BONUS: A Listener Special: Sonya Barlow on being your best self

We got a message from entrepreneur and author Sonya Barlow who wanted to share her ADHD journey with us. Sonya moved to the UK from Pakistan when she was four years old and growing up, she always felt a little different. But it wasn't until much later that a doctor suggested she might have ADHD. In this episode, Sonya opens up about how her family have been an incredible support throughout her ADHD journey, why she decided not to get a formal diagnosis and how she's embraced ADHD with a refreshi...

Oct 23, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 55

Is there a link between ADHD and trauma?

There's lots of discussion around whether experiences like childhood trauma may be linked to ADHD. Some experts suggest that ADHD may be a coping mechanism developed in response to a trauma, or even that early trauma might trigger ADHD. Others, however, believe that while trauma can intensify ADHD symptoms, it can't cause it. Sam and Katie speak to Dr Max Davie, paediatrician and co-founder of ADHD UK to find out more. Sam and Katie will be back on Wednesday for the bonus episode of You're Wrong...

Oct 21, 202433 minSeason 3Ep. 10

BONUS: Knowledge is power

Sam and Katie reflect on Monday's conversation with Professor Nancy Doyle, psychologist and Chief Science Officer at Genius Within . It was a real lightbulb moment for them both. They chat about what they've learnt about the overlap between ADHD and Autism and why understanding more about neurodivergent conditions is so important. New episodes of You're Wrong About ADHD are available every Monday and Wednesday. Got a question or story for the team? Send it to [email protected]...

Oct 15, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 53
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast