#89 A Beginners Guide To Adult ADHD Navigating Adult ADHD podcast

22:10

Ever notice how draining it is to be around certain people or in certain environments? Like, your ADHD batteries go from 80% to dead real fast ? That’s not in your head, my friend. Your nervous system knows when you’re safe… and when you’re not. In this episode of Navigating Adult ADHD , we’re talking about the importance of safe people and safe places —what they are, why they matter, and how they impact your ADHD brain (spoiler: a lot ). I’m sharing personal stories (including that time I was living in London with flatmates who made home feel anything but safe), plus practical ways to notice who and where feels good to your nervous system—and who or what doesn’t. You’ll learn: ✨ What makes someone a safe person (and why even people you love aren’t always it) ✨ How to recognise your safe places —whether it’s your car, the toilet, or a cozy corner ✨ Why safety is crucial for ADHD brains to regulate, recharge, and thrive ✨ How trusting your gut will help you create more safety in your life If you’ve been feeling constantly on edge or exhausted from masking, this episode is your permission slip to seek out the people and places where you can just be you . And hey—if you’re looking for a safe place to land? Come hang out with us in the Navigating Adult ADHD Facebook community. We get it. To join & find additional support visit: www.navigatingadultadhd.com…

1
#104 5 ADHD less well known ADHD traits we share 26:54

12 days ago26:54

26:54

Ever wonder why so many ADHDers just get each other? It’s because we share some pretty unique traits—some well-known, and others you might not have realised are part of the ADHD experience. In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 lesser-known but super relatable ADHD traits , including: A deep love of learning (but only when it interests us!) Justice sensitivity Zero patience for people who don’t own their mistakes (while we over-apologise for ours) Overcommitting before thinking it through (because everything sounds exciting in the moment) Making unexpected connections & seeing patterns others miss 🔗 Want to learn how to work with your ADHD brain? Visit https://www.navigatingadultadhd.com…

1
#103 5 Surprising Ways ADHDers Get Dopamine 20:39

19 days ago20:39

20:39

Ever picked a fight over something ridiculous (like how to grate a carrot)? Or found yourself deep in gossip even when you really didn’t want to be talking about other people? Or maybe you’ve lost hours staring at the wall, completely lost in a daydream? If so, you might just be dopamine-seeking without even realising it. In this episode, we’re diving into five surprising ways ADHDers get dopamine —from picking fights to overanalysing drama, and even skin picking or squeezing. I’ll break down why our ADHD brains engage in these things & how they impact us. 🚀 Plus, if this episode gives you a little dopamine hit, please return the favour & leave a quick review—it helps more ADHDers find the show! Check our navigatingadultadhd.com for more support & free resources…

1
#102 ADHDers, We Need to Talk About the S-Word 18:15

26 days ago18:15

18:15

Ever find yourself drowning in shoulds? 🚨 I should be more productive. 🚨 I should have my life together by now. 🚨 I should be able to do this like everyone else. But here’s the thing— "should" is one of the most toxic words for ADHD brains. It fuels shame, keeps us stuck, and makes us feel like we’re constantly failing. In this episode, we’re diving into: ✔️ How "should" creates a shame spiral that leads to avoidance, hiding, and self-criticism. ✔️ Why "should" actually makes us less likely to do the thing. ✔️ A real-life story of how I got trapped in a "should" spiral after being filmed for an ADHD documentary. ✔️ The thought-feeling-action cycle and how to shift your self-talk. ⚡ Plus! Doors to the Navigating Adult ADHD Membership are open for one more day! If you’re ready to stop spinning in shame & start applying what you’re learning here, come join us before doors close! → https://www.navigatingadultadhd.com/joinnow ✨ You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re just learning how to work with your ADHD brain instead of against it. 🎧 Hit play & let’s talk about it!…

1
#101 5 Things to know & do after your ADHD diagnosis 19:28

5 weeks ago19:28

19:28

Register for the upcoming Masterclass: 4 Steps to an easier & happier life after an ADHD diagnosis Just got your ADHD diagnosis? Feeling relieved, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start? I’ve got you! In this episode, I’ll walk you through 5 key things you need to know to work with your ADHD brain—including how to hack your interest-based attention system, boost dopamine naturally and why medication alone isn’t enough. We’ll also talk about the 6th sense you didn’t know you had (interoception!) and how hormones can impact your ADHD symptoms. Plus, you can grab the full guide — “10 Things to Know & Do After an ADHD Diagnosis” —for even more insights & ADHD-friendly strategies. https://www.navigatingadultadhd.com/checklist Welcome to team ADHD, my friend.…

1
4 Steps to a Better Life After an ADHD Diagnosis [time sensitive] 9:21

5 weeks ago9:21

9:21

***Register here for this free class*** "Why does it take me two hours to do something that takes someone else ten minutes?" If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone. Most ADHDers grow up thinking they’re lazy, don’t have what it takes, or just need to try harder —but the truth is, you’ve been working against your brain, not with it. And that’s exhausting. In this special episode, I’m sharing four game-changing steps that make life easier with ADHD —the exact things I wish someone had told me years ago. These are the keys to thriving with ADHD , and I’ll be diving into them inside my FREE masterclass : 4 Steps to an Easier & Happier Life After an ADHD Diagnosis Thursday, Feb 20th @ 12 PM NZST On Zoom (so yes, you can show up in pajamas—no judgment!) In this class, you’ll learn: * How to work with your ADHD brain, not against it * Emotional regulation strategies (because ADHD isn’t just about focus) * Dopamine management—your brain’s fuel for motivation & momentum * How to have your own back & stop self-sabotaging You’ll also get a workbook , a 7-day replay , and a chance to win ADHD-friendly giveaways for attending live. CLICK HERE to sign up. If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed— this is where you start.…

1
#100 100 Positives of ADHD 31:21

6 weeks ago31:21

31:21

Register for the upcoming Masterclass: 4 Steps to an easier & happier life after an ADHD diagnosis Today, we’re celebrating a HUGE milestone—100 episodes of the Navigating Adult ADHD podcast! And because we ADHDers often need reminders of our strengths, I’m dedicating this episode to 100 positives of ADHD . From our creativity, resilience, and ability to see the world in unique ways, to our deep empathy, humour, and adventurous spirits. Tune in as I share 100 positive elements us ADHDers share, plus a brand-new checklist: “10 Things to Know & Do After an ADHD Diagnosis” (grab yours at navigatingadultadhd.com/checklist ) If you’ve ever doubted yourself, this episode is your reminder: ADHDers make the world brighter, bolder, and better. Let’s celebrate that! For more support visit: navigatingadultadhd.com…

1
#99 Ask better questions, improve your ADHD life: Empowering Vs Disempowering Questions 28:17

7 weeks ago28:17

28:17

Did you know the questions you ask yourself every day can shape how you think, feel & act? Our ADHD brains are constantly firing off questions—from “What time is it?” to “Why can’t I get my sh* t together?” But here’s the thing: disempowering questions lead to disempowering answers. In this episode, we’re diving into how the questions you ask can make or break your day—and even your life. You’ll learn: The difference between empowering vs. disempowering questions. How to notice when your inner dialogue is working against you. Why shifting to empowering questions opens the door to creativity, self-compassion, and emotional regulation. I’ll share practical tips to stop asking “Why am I such a mess?” and start asking “How can I have my own back?” Plus, you’ll hear 10 of my favourite empowering questions that have helped me—and my clients—thrive with ADHD. The difference between struggling and thriving often comes down to this simple shift: Change the question, change the answer. Grab your FREE CHECKLIST: 10 Things to know & do after an ADHD diagnosis.…

1
#98 Why do I forget you love me? Emotional Permanence & ADHD 22:05

8 weeks ago22:05

22:05

Do you ever find yourself questioning whether someone still cares about you when you haven’t talked or seen each other in a while? Or maybe you’ve wondered if a new relationship was real when you didn’t hear from them for a few days? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into emotional permanence —what it is, why ADHDers struggle with it, and how it impacts our relationships. From the constant need for reassurance to those "out of sight, out of mind" moments, we’ll explore how emotional dysregulation, working memory challenges, and our dopamine-seeking all plays a role. And don’t forget to grab your FREE CHECKLIST: 10 Things to know & do after an ADHD diagnosis…

1
#97 Are you the Victim, Villain, or Hero of your ADHD story? 27:00

8 weeks ago27:00

27:00

In this episode, we’re diving into three roles that many ADHDers unconsciously take on—victim, villain, or hero—and how these mindsets impact the way we navigate life with ADHD. I’ll share how I spent years stuck in victimhood, blaming the world (and my ADHD) for my struggles, and how I learned to step into the hero of my own story. We’ll explore: The common signs of victim and villain mindsets. Why it’s so easy to fall into these roles, especially after an ADHD diagnosis. What it means to become the hero of your story—and how to get there. This episode is a no-judgment zone, my friend. It’s about getting honest with ourselves, embracing who we are, and taking that first step toward empowerment. ADHD is a big part of what makes you you , and it’s time to stop apologizing for your brain and start owning it. Let’s make ADHD work for you, not against you. For more support visit: navigatingadultadhd.com…

1
#96 Late to the ADHD Party: Ruth’s Inspiring Journey & Wisdom for Neurodivergent Families 1:06:43

10 weeks ago1:06:43

1:06:43

In this episode, we explore Ruth’s ADHD journey, from getting diagnosed at age 53 to her decision to seek coaching earlier this year. Ruth shares what life was like before her diagnosis, raising a family of neurodivergent children, and her current work as a teacher and consultant supporting neurodivergent kids and their families. We also dive into her remarkable achievements: launching a podcast, building a website, starting a business, and supporting families with neurodivergent kids—all while working full-time with ADHD! Ruth shares valuable insights for parents with ADHD raising neurodivergent kids, including how to find the right school for your child and many other practical tips & resources. Connect with Ruth here: Website: https://www.theneurodiverseeducationhub.com Podcast: Navigating Neurodiverse Education Facebook & Instagram…

1
#95 Is It ADHD or Something Else? Understanding Co-occurring Conditions 22:01

11 weeks ago22:01

22:01

Do you ever wonder if your ADHD struggles might be something more? In this episode, we dive into co-occurring conditions —the mental health challenges and learning differences that often show up alongside ADHD. With 50-80% of ADHDers experiencing another condition like anxiety, depression, autism, or learning disorders , it’s no surprise that symptoms can get complicated. I’ll share my personal journey with anxiety and undiagnosed ADHD, explain how to tell whether it’s ADHD or something else, and walk you through actionable steps to get the support you need. Tune in to learn how to untangle the symptoms and find clarity. Ready to work with your ADHD brain, not against it? Head to adhdhome.co.nz and join us today!…

1
#94 Ditch Shame-Based Goals: The ADHD-Friendly Way to Follow Through 28:29

12 weeks ago28:29

28:29

Have you ever set the same goal over and over again—only to give up a few weeks later? Whether it’s losing weight, saving money, or being a “better” parent, so many of us ADHDers struggle to follow through. And the reason might surprise you... In this episode, we’re tackling shame-based goals —why they don’t work, how they keep us stuck, and what to do instead. I’ll share my personal experiences with setting goals from a place of shame, how it backfired every time, and the ADHD-friendly strategies I use now to set goals I actually stick with and achieve . If you’re tired of beating yourself up and ready to start 2025 on a positive note, this episode is for you. We’ll cover 3 simple steps to unshame your goals so you can finally achieve them. Ready to follow through for real this time? Join ADHD HOME at adhdhome.co.nz and let’s make this your best year yet!…

1
#93 Navigating ADHD Burnout with Ashley Cairns 56:59

13 weeks ago56:59

56:59

Burnout is more than just feeling stressed—it's a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, leaving you feeling empty, unmotivated, and disconnected. In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Cairns, Founder and CEO of A Change for Better , Mental Health Counsellor, TEDx Speaker, and neurodivergent advocate (she's Autistic and ADHD!). Together, we tackle key questions about ADHD burnout: What are some of the signs and symptoms of ADHD burnout? How can we build resilience while navigating ADHD burnout? What role do mindfulness & joy play in recovery? How can you create your own personal resilience plan? We also dive into her impactful work at A Change for Better! *BONUS GIFT!!* You can also access her Burnout Presentation & resources HERE To connect with Ashley and A Change For Better visit: https://achangeforbetter.com/ https://acfbfund.org.nz/…

1
#92 The ADHD Life Hack You Need: 8 Ways I Use AI Every Day 32:18

14 weeks ago32:18