Taking Control: The Adhd Podcast

Clutter. It's the silent scream of the modern age. A creeping accumulation of stuff that somehow, insidiously, steals not just our physical space, but our mental bandwidth, too. We’re drowning in it, folks. Drowning in a sea of forgotten birthday presents, impulse buys gathering dust, and that project – that project – we swore we’d finish… someday. Sound familiar? It should. Because this isn’t just about messy desks and overflowing closets. This is about cognitive overload, the subtle but persistent drain on our executive functions that leaves us feeling scattered, overwhelmed, and perpetually behind.On this episode of Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, Nikki and Pete dive headfirst into decluttering, exploring the peculiar relationship between our stuff and our sanity. They unpack the surprising statistics – the sheer volume of possessions we rarely use, the days of our lives lost searching for misplaced keys – and dissect the emotional baggage that comes with letting go. It’s a struggle many of us know all t

David Greenwood is decoding burnout. In his exploration of this pervasive modern malaise, he's ventured into the very trenches of exhaustion, spoken with those who have stared into the abyss of depleted energy, and conferred with the experts who chart the treacherous landscape of chronic stress.This week on the show, David sits down with Nikki and Pete to discuss the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and burnout. They explore the surprising statistic that suggests a staggering disparity: up to 93% of adults with ADHD grapple with burnout symptoms, compared to a mere 30% of the general population. What accounts for this chasm? Is it the relentless pursuit of perfection, the constant struggle for self-regulation, or the insidious creep of executive dysfunction that leaves one perpetually playing catch-up?Together, they dissect the nuanced symptoms of burnout, moving beyond the simplistic notion of mere tiredness. They explore the physical manifestations, the emotional toll, and the mental exhaustion that

Have you ever felt like you were living someone else's life? That the carefully constructed path you were on, the one paved with good grades, the "right" job, the societal expectations… it wasn't yours? Kate House did. At 25, she had what she calls a "quarter-life crisis." And what she discovered on the other side of that existential meltdown might just change how you think about living with intention.Nikki and Pete sit down with Kate, a behavior change specialist and empowerment coach, to dissect the difference between living by default and living by design. It's a conversation that resonates deeply, particularly for those of us with ADHD, whose brains often feel wired for the former. Kate's story is one of transformation, from burnt-out corporate drone to energized entrepreneur, fueled by a simple question: "What's the next right step?"This isn't about meticulously plotting out the next decade of your life. It's about recognizing the power of small actions, the ripple effect of tiny choices that can shift y

Burnout, frazzled nerves, and the daunting task of remembering the future: sound familiar? Join Nikki and Pete, your ADHD Sherpas, as they recap their experience at the 2024 International Conference on ADHD, armed with insights, new strategies, and a touch of the conference crud.Pete, a conference newbie, marvels at the instant connection with "his people," recounting chance encounters that blossom into deep dives on everything from queer issues to ADHD. It's a fishbowl, but one brimming with empathy. Nikki, a conference veteran, shares stories of attendees finding solace and validation, highlighting the power of shared experience.This isn't just a recap; it's a toolkit! Nikki unpacks Tamra Rosier's wisdom on the ADHD nervous system, that high-strung racehorse veering between hyperarousal and shutdown. Discover strategies to regain control, from the five-four-three-two-one grounding technique to the surprisingly soothing "head hug." They even explore the intriguing world of EFT for anxiety relief.And there's

Envision this: Anaheim, the land of Mickey Mouse, transformed into a buzzing hive of ADHD discourse. Pete and Nikki, our intrepid podcasting duo, are on the ground, soaking up the wisdom at the 2024 International Conference on ADHD. But before they regale us with cutting-edge insights, they've unearthed a time capsule – a 2017 episode recorded post-Nikki's return from the Atlanta conference.Now, you might think, "2017? Ancient history!" But hold on. This isn't just nostalgia. It's an archaeological dig into the evolving understanding of ADHD. Remember, intellectual progress isn't a smooth upward trajectory. It's a messy, fascinating jumble of breakthroughs and backtracks.So, join Pete and Nikki as they rewind the clock. Nikki, fresh off her Atlanta adventure, unpacks her five key takeaways. But here's the thing: this isn't just about revisiting the past. It's about understanding how far we've come. How have our perspectives shifted? What assumptions have we shed? What new questions are we grappling with?This

The holidays: a time of joy, connection, and… overwhelming and paralyzing stress? For many, especially those with ADHD, the rapid approach of holidays can trigger a last-minute scramble. On this episode of "Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast," Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright offer a proactive approach to holiday planning, transforming the season from a source of anxiety into a period of manageable excitement.Forget the stress spirals! Nikki and Pete kick things off with a simple but powerful tool: your calendar. Dust it off, check those dates, and make sure everything's up to date. Then, unleash your inner brainstormer! Grab a pen and paper (or your favorite digital tool) and let those holiday to-dos flow. Mind maps, master lists – whatever helps you wrangle those thoughts onto something other than the inside of your head. Important note: This isn't your actual to-do list, just a brain dump. We'll get to the action items later.Next up? Taming the to-do beast by sorting it into categories. Think "Gifts," "Decoratio

This week, Pete and Nikki sit down with Dr. Michael Felt to learn more about Delayed Sensory Affect (DSA). Ever find yourself so immersed in hyperfocus that basic needs fall by the wayside, only to erupt into chaos later? This could be a hidden ADHD struggle you've been facing.We know our brains can be overwhelmed by constant stimuli and misinterpret sensory cues. This can lead to dramatic emotional responses. Through the amusing "I have to make" model, he illustrates how this affects both children and adults, becoming a silent disruptor in our daily lives.The discussion turns raw as Pete opens up about the emotional toll of transitioning from work to home, highlighting a common yet unspoken burden for many ADHD adults. Nikki challenges listeners to recognize these patterns and take actionable steps to soften transitions with intention.Dr. Felt is an ADHD & Executive Functioning specialist who has lectured at Yale University School of Medicine, and is a professor at Columbia University, where he teaches P

Join Pete and Nikki as they welcome ADHD influencer and educator, Matt Raekelboom, back to the show! Matt's known for his videos on ADHD behaviors and neuroscience-backed tips, and today he's diving deep into the unregulated ADHD brain.Ever feel like your brain's a runaway train? Matt breaks down what that experience really feels like and how it impacts everything from emotional regulation to executive function. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the profound difference between an unregulated and regulated brain and how simple lifestyle changes can lead to extraordinary results.No, it's not about becoming an Olympian (unless you want to!), it's about finding the power to "do the thing," no matter how small. Matt, Pete, and Nikki explore the hidden costs of an unregulated brain, the myths surrounding self-care, and the importance of understanding the "why" behind healthy habits. Get ready for a dose of real talk, actionable advice, and a whole lotta hope!Links:Instagram: @mattraekelboomFacebook: @mat

This week on Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, we welcome back the insightful Kourosh Dini, MD, for a deeper dive into the surprisingly simple yet profoundly effective concept of "the visit." Since his last appearance, we've been hearing incredible stories from our listeners about how this technique has transformed their relationship with tasks, and we're thrilled to have him back to share more. “The visit" isn't about powering through a to-do list; it's about gently engaging with a task, even just for a single deep breath, and building trust in our future selves. He breaks down the two essential elements: showing up (fully present with the task) and staying (lingering for just a moment), emphasizing that this seemingly small act can spark unexpected breakthroughs.We all know the struggle of force-based work – the urgency, the shame, the last-minute scramble fueled by a desperate need for a dopamine hit. Dr. Dini offers a refreshing alternative with the visit, suggesting that it opens us up to a wider range o

This week on The ADHD Podcast, hosts Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright wrangle the comedic duo, Penn and Kim Holderness, authors of the New York Times bestselling book, ADHD is Awesome. Known for their viral videos (and possibly for single-handedly introducing COVID to the US, but we'll let Kim explain that one), the Holdernesses bring their signature blend of humor and honesty to a conversation about ADHD, vulnerability, and the art of the perfectly timed split jump.Kim, the self-proclaimed anxiety and OCD whisperer to Penn's whirlwind of ADHD energy, shares her side of the story, revealing the secrets to thriving in a relationship where lost car keys and forgotten stoves are just part of the daily soundtrack. Penn takes us on a trip down memory lane, from his shirt-chewing, interruption-filled childhood to the college years where academic probation became an unwelcome roommate. He shares how ADHD has shaped their careers, from the fast-paced world of local news to the creative explosion of online content creatio

This week on the show, we welcome back 10-time guest James Ochoa, author of Focused Forward, to discuss customizing strategies for managing ADHD.Ochoa emphasizes the importance of recognizing that strategies for managing ADHD are not one-size-fits-all. He encourages listeners to tune into their internal radar to identify strategies that resonate with them personally. The conversation explores the concept of "resourcing ADHD," which Ochoa defines as utilizing a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, from medication to customized sleep routines, to manage the challenges of ADHD. He highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing what he coined as Emotional Distress Syndrome (EDS), a pattern of mental and emotional disruptions that often accompanies ADHD. Ochoa compares EDS to experiencing micro-traumas that can leave individuals feeling constantly off-kilter.The conversation turns toward the impact of these strategies on neuroplasticity, emphasizing the brain's ability to rewire itself through consiste

Imagine the relief of a warm, understanding hand reaching out just when your carefully constructed plans start to crumble under the weight of ADHD. That's the feeling Nikki and Pete aim to instill as they wrap up their series on their new book, "Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms." This week, they tackle the often-dreaded concept of "planning for the future," acknowledging the unique hurdles it presents for those with ADHD.Forget rigid schedules and unforgiving to-do lists. Nikki and Pete encourage listeners to reimagine their planning systems as a circle of supportive friends, always ready to welcome them back, no matter how long it's been. They offer gentle guidance on recognizing the subtle signs of a system in need of repair – the overflowing inbox, the forgotten calendar, the siren song of the sticky note. But more importantly, they delve into the heart of the matter: the emotional turmoil that often accompanies these struggles. They urge listeners to face

Today on Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, hosts Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright delve into the nitty-gritty of building an effective "planning workflow" as they continue the trip through their new book, Unapologetically ADHD. They acknowledge the aversion many with ADHD feel towards rigid routines and advocate for a more flexible, forgiving approach. Instead of aiming for minute-by-minute scheduling, they emphasize the importance of creating a system that adapts to the ever-changing currents of life with ADHD.Nikki and Pete guide listeners through the key elements of their workflow, starting with diligently capturing new information from various "inboxes" like emails, text messages, and even those stray thoughts jotted down on scraps of paper. They stress the importance of regularly transferring this information into a centralized "workbox," utilizing tools like calendars and task managers to maintain order and prioritize tasks.The duo emphasizes the need for resilience and flexibility within the workflow, ackn

Join Pete and Nikki this week as they dive into the world of planning tools, focusing on the concepts of "inboxing" and "workboxing” from their new book, Unapologetically ADHD. They explore the challenges of managing the constant influx of information and tasks that come with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach.Nikki and Pete discuss the common struggle of finding the "perfect" tool, acknowledging the allure of shiny new apps and planners. They encourage listeners to shift their focus from finding a magical solution to developing a personalized system that works for them. This involves viewing tools as part of a cohesive whole rather than isolated entities.The conversation takes a turn as they explore the role of impulsivity in planning. They introduce the concept of strategically introducing "friction" to combat impulsive decision-making, particularly when it comes to adopting new tools or systems. This involves setting up personal commitments and boundaries to prevent ADHD tax-inducing

Time and ADHD, they’re just not great bedfellows Just as soon as time’s wind is at your back and you feel like the world is opening up to you, it can turn and make hours feel like days. We’re talking about the messy and inconsistent nature of time as we continue our exploration of our new book, Unapologetically ADHD (which you can order right here!)Pete introduces the idea of time as an antagonist for individuals with ADHD, comparing it to a complex villain with a rich backstory. But it’s still a villain. And you know who does villains well? The Good Place, that’s who. We emphasize the importance of recognizing and accommodating the fluid nature of time for individuals with ADHD, urging you to embrace strategies that align with your unique experiences. We highlight the significance of self-compassion and understanding in navigating the challenges of "ADHD time," encouraging you to find humor and acceptance in your relationship with time.Links & NotesThe Good Place (TV show)Jeremy Bearimy (Know Your Meme)D

In this episode of The ADHD Podcast, hosts Nikki and Pete dive into the complexities of planning with ADHD, launching their series based on their new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-By-Step Framework For Everyday Planning On Your Terms. They explore the unique challenges ADHD presents in organizing daily life, focusing on executive functions such as organization, prioritization, and time management. These cognitive skills are crucial for planning but often become hurdles for those with ADHD, leading to high expectations, disappointment, and shame spirals.Nikki and Pete discuss how traditional planning methods fall short for those with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to fit individual needs. They highlight the need for trusted systems, like a reliable calendar or task manager, to keep tasks and projects organized. The hosts share insights into the ADHD mind's struggle with prioritization, where everything feels urgent, and time management, where perceptions of time are skewed. By un

This week on the show we tackle the challenges of overwhelm and over-commitment!There are a bunch of factors that contribute to feeling overwhelmed that are exacerbated by our ADHD. We take on too many responsibilities. We have a difficulty saying no. We suffer the constant pressure to keep up with demands. We discuss the negative impact of over-commitment on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.Throughout the conversation, we’ve got some practical strategies for managing overwhelm and preventing over-commitment. We share tips on how to assess your current commitments, clarify your priorities, and learn to say no when necessary. We also explore the benefits of delegating tasks, breaking projects into smaller, manageable steps, and creating realistic schedules that allow for flexibility and downtime.It's okay to admit when you've taken on too much and that seeking support is a sign of strength. We encourage you to be k

This week on the show, Nikki and Pete dive into the unique challenges of navigating the emotional rollercoaster of ADHD with guest Brooke Schnittman. Brooke, an ADHD coach with a background in education, is expert in the concepts of overwhelm and underwhelm, two extremes that often go hand-in-hand for those with ADHD. She explains that underwhelm, or boredom, can result from burnout after periods of overwhelm or a lack of interest and connection to a task. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the "why" behind tasks and breaking them down into small, manageable steps to build momentum and motivation.Pete and Brooke also discuss the role of executive function deficits in preventing individuals with ADHD from recognizing and addressing their basic needs, such as hydration, sleep, and self-care. Brooke highlights Dr. Thomas Brown's six executive function clusters and how deficits in these areas can contribute to both overwhelm and underwhelm.Throughout the episode, Brooke offers insights and strategies

In this episode of Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright discuss changing your mind and the challenges it presents for those with ADHD. Nikki shares a personal experience from her recent declutter challenge, during which she felt the urge to switch gears and focus on a different project—organizing and hanging photo frames. This shift in focus prompted a discussion about the difficulties of changing course and the feelings of failure that often accompany such decisions for individuals with ADHD.Nikki and Pete explore the concept of black-and-white thinking, also known as all-or-nothing or absolute thinking, and how it can lead to self-judgment and self-loathing when faced with the opportunity to change one's mind. They discuss various cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization, mental filters, and emotional reasoning, which can contribute to these negative thought patterns.They discuss the sunk cost fallacy, the tendency to continue doing something because of the time and effort

Grab your virtual feather duster and join us as we embark on a quest to vanquish digital disorder in the season premiere of Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast. That’s right… we’re tackling the ever-growing challenge of managing the countless files, documents, and browser tabs that threaten to overwhelm our devices and our minds.Digital clutter can be a sneaky foe. Consider the statistic from Microsoft: 57% of US office workers struggle to quickly locate files and documents. And while we’re at it, let’s ponder the perplexing difference between how we organize physical papers versus digital files. But fear not, dear listener! We are here to save the day with a treasure trove of practical tips and strategies for taming digital disorder. We’ll guide you through the art of creating logical folder hierarchies, establishing consistent file naming conventions, and using browser features like pinned tabs and tab groups.The episode concludes with a tantalizing tease about a mystery tool we believe could be a digital game