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The Unwritten Rules of Neurodivergent Friendship with Caroline Maguire
6 april 2026 · 51 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
We've all had those moments where we walk away from a conversation and immediately spiral into a "self-regulation hangover," wondering if we said too much or if we were just being "tolerated" rather than included. Feeling like maybe this whole friendship thing maybe just isn't for us.
This week, I'm talking with Caroline Maguire, a veteran social skills coach and the founder of the Social Excellence training program. She holds a Master's in Social Emotional Learning and is one of the few experts who approaches social skills as a "muscle" that can be built, rather than an innate talent you either have or you don't. Her first book, Why Will No One Play with Me?, became an instant staple for neurodivergent families helping children struggling with social skills to make friends. And with what she learned from that book she is now bringing to her upcoming book, Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults: A Guide for the Anxious, Uniquely Wired, and Easily Distracted.
In this episode, we're looking at the mechanics of friendship through a neurodivergent lens. We talk about the importance of proximity and "shared interest fuel" in bypassing the awkwardness of small talk. We also touch on the "rejection lens" and how our history of being bullied or marginalized can often color our current adult relationships. Caroline also walks me through some of her most practical frameworks, including the "Ice Cream Scoop" method for building trust and why having a "third place" is essential for creating low-pressure social friction.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/285
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
ADHD impulsivity often leads to "oversharing," which creates a "self-regulation hangover" of shame. The shift here is to view sharing as taking one "scoop" at a time, waiting for the other person to match your level of intimacy befor…
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Easy Mode (Rebroadcast)
3 april 2026 · 13 min
Is it possible to take ADHD off "Hard Mode"? Lees meer
We often hear that living with ADHD is like playing a video game where the difficulty slider is permanently stuck on "Hard." But while the challenges of executive dysfunction are very real, we sometimes make things even more difficult for ourselves by insisting on doing things the "right" (read: hardest) way.
In this classic monologue episode, William Curb explores the concept of Easy Mode. What would it look like if your morning routine felt effortless? What if your workspace didn't feel like a barrier to your productivity?
By utilizing the "Focusing Question" from Gary Keller's The One Thing, William breaks down how to find the lead domino that makes every other task easier—or completely unnecessary.
In this episode, we discuss:
The "Easy Mode" Vision: Defining what a low-friction life actually looks like (and why a perfect life might actually be a bit boring).
The Focusing Question: Learning to ask, "What's the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?"
The Domino Effect: Why focusing on small, strategic tasks creates the momentum needed to tackle the big ones.
Environment Design: Using the three parts of a task (Setup, Doing, and Cleanup) to reduce the cognitive load of starting.
Progress over Perfection: Shifting the goal from "fixing" your ADHD to simply sliding that difficulty scale down a few notches.
Mentioned in this episode:
The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
The "Walls of Awful" concept (shoutout to Brendan Mahan)
Checklists & Automation: Tools to make remembering "unnecessary."
"Sometimes life is hard because our ADHD is making it harder, and sometimes it's because we're choosing to do things in the hardest way possible."
Find the full show notes and transcript at: hackingyouradhd.com/191
Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/hackingyouradhd
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Sticks, Stones, and Systemic Issues: The ADHD Bullying Study with Brooke Schnittman
30 maart 2026 · 49 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
We often talk about the "internal" struggles of ADHD, the messy desks and the forgotten appointments, but we don't always talk about how the outside world reacts to those traits. I'm joined by Brooke Schnittman, an ADHD coach and the best-selling author of Activate Your ADHD Potential. Brooke has worked with thousands of individuals to help them develop sustainable systems for focus and emotional regulation, but today, she's here to talk about a global study she conducted on the link between ADHD and bullying.
So in today's episode, we're talking about how this study was conducted and what we can garner from that data. We also discuss the "invisible disability" penalty, where our symptoms are misinterpreted as character flaws, and how "masking" can actually prevent us from progressing because we're too busy being chameleons. And we also cover some practical ways to identify safe people and build a "reciprocal" support system that helps buffer against the impact of chronic criticism.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/283
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
When faced with a threat or bullying, the ADHD brain often experiences a physiological "freeze" where the parasympathetic nervous system takes over. It's important for us to understand that we're not always in control of this shift, and not to be self-critical about how we react in the moment and give ourselves grace to do better in the future.
To effectively manage a bullying situation, we have to understand the framework: repetition, power imbalance, and harm. Recognizing that a power imbalance can be "social status" or "neurotypical norms" rather than just a boss-employee hierarchy allows us to identify why a situation feels "off".
Many ADHDers stay in bullying situations because the executive function required to leave (interviewing, onboarding, starting over…
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Research Recap with Skye: Anxiety and Goals
27 maart 2026 · 15 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we take a look at a single research paper, dive into what it says, how it was conducted, and try to find any practical takeaways. Lees meer
In this episode, we're going to be discussing a paper called "Improvement of Anxiety and ADHD following goal-focused cognitive remediation: a randomized controlled trial." This study investigates goal-focused interventions and looks at whether they can improve executive function and emotional well-being for adults with ADHD. There's not too much to the intro, so let's get into it.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/282
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Navigating ADHD Facts and Fiction w/Dr. Stephen Faraone (rebroadcast)
23 maart 2026 · 38 min
If you only listen to one episode this year to ground your understanding of ADHD, make it this one. We are dipping back into the archives to bring you a masterclass from Dr. Stephen Faraone, a world-renowned expert ranked in the top 0.01% of scientists globally. Lees meer
In a world of 60-second TikTok "diagnoses" and viral misinformation, Dr. Faraone joins William to discuss the ADHD Evidence Project. They strip away the noise to look at what 208 internationally supported research statements actually tell us about the ADHD brain.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/202
What's Inside This Encore:
The "Pyramid of Evidence": Why a charismatic story on social media isn't the same as a peer-reviewed meta-analysis.
Debunking the "Modern Invention" Myth: Did you know ADHD was described in medical texts as far back as the 1700s?
The Truth About Environment: From "Screen Time" to "Bad Parenting" and what actually causes ADHD (and what definitely doesn't).
The Medication Gap: A look at the real-world costs of not treating ADHD, including the staggering statistics within prison populations.
The "Default Mode Network": A fascinating look at why the ADHD brain struggles to flip the switch between daydreaming and "Executive Mode."
Why We're Re-Sharing This: This episode serves as a vital "BS detector" for anyone navigating ADHD. Dr. Faraone reminds us that while ADHD is a significant part of our lives, it doesn't define our entire identity: it's just the operating system we're working with.
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How to Keep Going When Life Feels Impossible (rebroadcast)
20 maart 2026 · 16 min
In today's special rebroadcast, we're revisiting a deeply personal and essential conversation from the Hacking Your ADHD archives. When the world feels heavy and focus feels like a luxury we can't afford, how do we keep moving forward? Lees meer
Will opens up about the "surreal" experience of navigating life's mundane demands: laundry, dishes, and school runs all while grappling with the sudden loss of his mother. It's a raw look at the cognitive dissonance of surviving a personal tragedy while the rest of the world refuses to hit the pause button.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/212
What You'll Re-Learn:
Numbing vs. Resting: How to tell if you're actually recharging or just hiding from your feelings.
The "Go Big or Go Home" Trap: Why your ADHD brain loves a fantasy plan, and why "going home" is usually the result.
The Power of the Bucket: Shifting from the despair of being alone to the strength of community.
Self-Grace: A much-needed reminder that being hard on yourself is never the productivity hack you think it is.
Whether you're hearing this for the first time or the fifth, William's insights on "resisting despair" are as timely today as they were when this episode first dropped
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Hormones, Health, and the ADHD Brain with Dr. Anupriya Gogne
16 maart 2026 · 46 min
Hey team! Lees meer
This week, I'm talking with Dr. Anupriya Gogne, a psychiatrist at Brown University Health in Rhode Island. Dr. Gonge works at the crossroads of addiction psychiatry and neurodevelopmental disorders, with a specific focus on treating ADHD during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She's dedicated to clearing up the misinformation surrounding medication safety during pregnancy, which can be seen in her book, Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Adult Women: Special Considerations in the Perinatal Period.
In our conversation, we dive into why hormonal fluctuations turn ADHD symptoms into a "perfect storm," the actual science behind "mom brain," and why your internal systems for keeping your life together tend to implode the moment a baby enters the picture. We also get into the nuances of how ADHD presents in women versus men, specifically regarding internal hyperactivity and emotional regulation.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/281
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
When ADHD symptoms suddenly appear or worsen, it's often not because the brain has changed, but rather that the environment's demands have finally exceeded the brain's compensatory systems. When life transitions occur, such as having a child, external chaos disrupts the systems that previously helped keep the ADHD in check.
Chronic sleep deprivation isn't just being tired; it's also a failure of the memory consolidation system. While we are in deep sleep, our brain is encoding the day's events. If you aren't getting those stages, your working memory cannot function properly. These memory issues then compound with ADHD symptoms which can make it feel like you are experiencing early-onset dementia.
In many adults, and especially in women, hyperactivity often isn't physical; instead, it's mental. It can manifest as negative self-talk on a loop, racing though…
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Research Recap with Skye: Microplastics
13 maart 2026 · 15 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we take a look at a single research paper and dive into what the paper says, how it was conducted, and try to find any practical takeaways. Lees meer
In this episode, we're going to be discussing a paper called "Use of Cosmetics in Pregnancy and Neurotoxicity: Can it Increase the Risks of Congenital Enteric Neuropathies?" That's a lot. In this, the authors explore the hypothesis of neurotoxins such as microplastics, parabens, benzophenones, phthalates, and metals that can cross the placental barrier and disrupt the development of the fetal nervous system.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/280
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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The ADHD Field Guide with Cate Osborn and Erik Gude
9 maart 2026 · 46 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
This week I've got Cate Osborn and Erik Gude on the show. Cate, known online as Catieosaurus, holds an M.Ed and uses her background in research and sex education to help neurodivergent folks navigate relationships and communication. Erik, known online as HeyGude, is an advocate and speaker who uses his platform to destigmatize the messy internal monologue of the ADHD brain. Honestly, it almost feels like I don't need to introduce these two given everything they've produced; they are definitely an online powerhouses. I've been a fan of their podcast, Catie and Erik's Infinite Quest: An ADHD Adventure, for quite a while now. So I imagine you've probably seen at least something from them.
And they've spent the last few years distilling their combined experiences into a new book designed to act as a foundational knowledge base for neurodivergent adults. The book The ADHD Field Guide for Adults was a ton of fun to read; it's written in an incredibly ADHD-friendly manner, and I really appreciated the approach, making this a book for adults where I don't feel like I'm being talked down to. So in the episode, we're definitely talking about the book, but we go into a ton of different topics. We talk about the "systems-first" approach to ADHD management. We break down the precision of language and why understanding that distinction matters. And a whole lot more, there's just a ton of stuff in this episode.
Check out The ADHD Field Guide for Adults which is available in hardcover, e-book, and as an audiobook narrated by the authors Cate and Erik.
Visit Catieosaurus.com for information on Cate's national tour, "Wildly Unprepared," and upcoming book signing events.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/279
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Understand the difference between shame (a fixed belief about who you are) and guilt (a fe…
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More Than a Meme: The Low-Stakes Guide to Social Maintenance
6 maart 2026 · 15 min
Hey Team, Lees meer
I've been working on a presentation for an upcoming conference called Neurodiversion, and when I was thinking about what I wanted to present, the idea of memes came to me, and I'm gonna be honest here: this was mostly out of a desire to just make looking at memes part of work. As I started looking into the concept more and putting together the presentation, I realized there's a lot more to it than I initially thought.
Memes are more than just digital clutter; they're a fairly vital part of modern culture. I know how that sounds, but this is visual shorthand. They give us a way to communicate that we are part of an in-group simply by understanding what the meme is. They are these inside jokes across entire online communities, and the more I dove in, the more I realized that memes are more important than they seem on the surface. They aren't just jokes; they're ways to find community, understanding, and meaning in our own experience. That's important even if they come from something silly.
And so that's what we're going to explore in this episode: how memes can give us meaning, how they can give us community, and how they can be a little dangerous.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/278
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
For ADHD brains, traditional social upkeep sometimes requires more executive function than we have available. "Pebbling" allows for a low-stakes connection that signals "I am thinking of you" without the cognitive load of a conversation.
Digital content can act as a starting point for self-discovery, but it's still not a diagnostic tool. A meme can point you in the right direction, but it doesn't represent the actual lived experience of your impairment. Don't mistake a "relatable quirk" for the totality of the disorder.
Virality is not a proxy for truth. ADHD brains can be prone to "sticky" ideas a…
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Ditching the Planner: Consistently Inconsistent with Dani Donovan
2 maart 2026 · 53 min
Hey team! Lees meer
This week I'm talking with Dani Donovan, a neurodivergent artist and designer whose ADHD comics have been shared all over the internet. Dani holds a BFA in Visual Communication and Design and is the creator of The Anti-Planner. She's spent years as an advocate for neurodivergence, using her background in design to simplify those complicated, invisible daily struggles we all face. In our conversation today, we're diving into why traditional planners often feel like they never work how we want them to and how we can transition into a "toolbox" mindset instead. We explore the concept of "anti-shame" tactics and how to stop using mean-spirited self-motivation. Dani shares some of her favorite hacks for the mundane stuff, like an "Inbox Sprint" for tackling email debt and some unconventional strategies, including how she uses "worst drafts" and even Magic: The Gathering packs to keep herself moving.
Check Out the Anti-Planner: https://www.anti-planner.com/
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/277
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
We often beat ourselves up for "failing" to use a planner reliably after three months, but the reality is that our brains stop responding to the same stimuli once the novelty wears off. Instead of trying to find the one system you'll use forever, you can try building a "toolbox" of multiple strategies.
Executive dysfunction isn't a monolith; it's a collection of specific emotional roadblocks like being intimidated, over-committed, or paralyzed by perfectionism. Approaching every task with a standard to-do list is like trying to use a hammer on a screw; it's the wrong tool for the specific resistance you're facing. By identifying the specific flavor of your resistance first, you can choose a tool designed to dismantle that exact barrier.
Many of us have spent a lifetime using "mean" self-talk as…
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Research Recap with Skye: Maternal Inflammation
27 februari 2026 · 13 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Today, I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our Research Recap series. In this series, we look at a single research paper, dive into what it says and how it was conducted, and try to find practical takeaways. Lees meer
In this episode, we're going to be discussing a paper called "Evaluation of Maternal Inflammation as a Marker of Future Offspring ADHD Symptoms: A Prospective Investigation." This study investigates the biological origins of ADHD—specifically, whether a mother's immune system during pregnancy might be able to predict ADHD symptoms in her children once they are born.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/276
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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My IEP Hero with Erika Levine
23 februari 2026 · 22 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
Today, I'm talking with Erika Levine, a special education professional with a clinical background in Occupational Therapy. Erika has made it her mission to simplify the legal and procedural hurdles that keep parents from getting their kids the support they're legally entitled to, drawing from her deep well of lived experience as both a professional and a parent of neurodivergent children.
In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of advocating for a child who isn't "failing" but certainly isn't thriving. We dive into the legal weight these documents carry, the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan and how we can walk into those meetings with six professionals without feeling like you're the one being sent to the principal's office. Erika also shares some personal history about her own mother's advocacy and why she created "My IEP Hero" to help parents navigate the system.
Mentioned in this episode: https://myiephero.app/
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/275
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Treat the IEP as a legal mandate and understand that it is a legally binding document that schools must adhere to strictly; it is not a set of globalized suggestions, but a tailored plan for a specific child.
Remember that the IEP team should include more than just teachers; it includes specialists like OTs, PTs, speech-language pathologists, and psychologists who can address the child's needs.
If a school denies services because the child is "fine" academically, parents can request an Individualized Educational Evaluation (IEE) from an outside psychologist, which the school may be required to fund. Remember we want to focus on our children thriving, not just passing by through school.
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Calming Up: Beyond the Hype
20 februari 2026 · 17 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
In physics, there's a concept called "static friction"—it's the friction that exists between a stationary object and the surface on which it's resting. It's actually harder to get something moving than it is to keep it moving once it's already in motion. I think about this a lot when I'm staring at a pile of mail or a sink full of dishes. We often feel like we need a massive internal explosion to overcome that static friction, like we have to "hulk smash" our way into productivity just to get off the couch.
But that explosion often carries us too far, landing us right in the middle of a panic attack or total overwhelm. We're essentially trying to jump from zero to sixty in a car that isn't even idling yet. Today we're looking at a different approach: how we can gently increase our internal RPMs without redlining the engine. We're exploring the biology of our nervous system and how we can use "bottom-up" signals to tell our brains that it's time to move, without relying on the usual fuel of shame or last-minute panic.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/274
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Stop trying to "think" your way out of a shutdown or a panic. When your Prefrontal Cortex is offline, your brain isn't listening to logic; it's listening to your body. Use physical signals—like temperature or movement—to tell your brain you are safe or ready to move.
Understand that some stress is biologically necessary for ADHD focus. Instead of trying to be perfectly relaxed before a big task, aim for "optimal stimulation"—enough arousal to feel sharp, but not so much that you're jittery.
When you're stuck in a low-energy state, don't look for a massive "hype" session that might lead to overwhelm. Instead, "calm up" by using the smallest possible increments of arousal—like a single song or light stretching—to reach a "zen" sta…
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Escaping the Doer Trap with Katy McFee
16 februari 2026 · 49 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
Most of us with ADHD have fallen into the trap of thinking that if we just work a little harder or do a few more things, we'll finally feel like we have our lives under control. But it turns out that "doing" and "leading" are two very different skill sets, and being a world-class "doer" can actually keep you stuck in place. Today, I'm talking with Katy McFee, an executive coach and the founder of Insights to Action. Katy reached the highest levels of corporate leadership before realizing that her success was built on a "doer" mentality that was no longer serving her, especially after her later in life ADHD diagnosis.
In our conversation today, we're looking at why that "doer identity" can be such a common pitfall for ADHD brains and how it can lead to burnout instead of progress. We talk about Katy's journey with a late-in-life diagnosis and how that shift in perspective allowed her to stop masking and start building systems that actually worked for her Combined-Type ADHD. Whether you're running a household, a small business, or a massive department, the way Katy frames the transition from tactical "doing" to strategic "being" is something we can all use.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/273
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Recognize when you are trying to "outwork" your ADHD by doing more tasks. We don't always have to be the person doing everything; instead, we can focus on thinking strategically about what needs to be done and focus on doing those most important things.
Give yourself explicit permission to stop pretending you work like a neurotypical person. You can reduce your cognitive load from "faking it" and free up energy for actually doing things the way they work for your brain.
Instead of just using a calendar, use systems that visualize the passage of time and the weight of your commitments. Often…
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Research Recap with Skye: The Atomoxetine Trial
13 februari 2026 · 13 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Today, I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we take a look at a single research paper and dive into what the paper says, how it was conducted, and try to find any practical takeaways. Lees meer
In this episode, we're going to be discussing a paper called "Atomoxetine treatment strengthens an anti-correlation relationship between functional brain networks in medication-naive adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial." Yes, that's the full study name.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/272
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Shrinking the Goal to Find the Win with Sharon Pope
9 februari 2026 · 44 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
Today I'm talking with Sharon Pope, a certified habit coach and the CEO of Shelpful. Sharon has an extensive background in the tech world, having served as a CMO for multiple companies and as an advisor for the startup accelerator Y Combinator. After her own ADHD diagnosis, she pivoted her career to focus on building tools that help neurodivergent brains get more done.
Sharon also runs the ADHD Founders Podcast with Jesse J. Anderson and Marie Ng, where they talk about the unique challenges of having ADHD and building a business.
I actually had Sharon on the show a number of years ago and thought it would be fun to have her on again after running into her at the 2025 ADHD Conference. And one of the big changes that has happened at her company. Shelpful, since we last talked, is the shift to using AI, so we spend a good portion of this episode discussing how to use AI as a "second brain" rather than just another static to-do list. Sharon explains how they've integrated personality and novelty into their system to break through our natural notification immunity. We also explore some of her favorite "Magic Sort" features that help you pick tasks based on your current energy level rather than just due dates, because we all know that looking at a massive, unsorted list is a one-way ticket to Task Paralysis.
But we are also talking about accountability, automation, and how to gamify our habits. I had a lot of fun with this one.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/271
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Try sorting your to-do list by energy level. Instead of looking at a stressful, long list, you can sort your tasks by "vibe" or energy (low, medium, high) to find a task that matches your current capacity.
When we're setting goals, we want to intentionally lower the bar to ensure a win and strengthen neural pathways. Often…
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Trojan Horses
6 februari 2026 · 14 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
So it's been a bit since I've done a monologue episode - for those of you new to the podcast that are more used to the interview format, that's not how the show began. It started with me doing episodes like these, where I'm dissecting an idea about how we can really work with our ADHD brains. The plan right now is that I'm going to be sprinkling in a few more of these episodes throughout the year, looking to add them every other Friday opposite the Research Recaps. So let's get into this first episode back.
In the mythology of the Trojan War, after a 10-year stalemate, the Greeks built a massive, wooden horse and seemingly left it behind as a gift for the Trojans. Hidden inside the horse were Greek soldiers, waiting for the dead of night to creep out, kill the sentries, and open the city gates for the rest of the Greek army, which had quietly sailed back under the cover of darkness.
It's a story of letting the enemy in the gates. It's about perceiving a threat as something safe and then paying the price.
And I've been thinking about how this same story can play out in how we choose to spend our time during the day. What are the things that seem innocuous that are going to throw us off. Sure, checking social media seems like it's going to be a nice little break, and it certainly isn't going to let in a horde of Greeks that will slaughter all of our defenders, but perhaps there are some downsides that we're not thinking about.
And so that's the idea that we're going to be exploring in this episode. What are the pitfalls that are not just going to throw us off, but set us off in the wrong direction entirely?
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/270
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
A Trojan Horse task is a task where you are sabotaging yourself without realizing it. They are things that on the outside appear to be in…
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Understanding the ADHD and Anxiety Overlap with Dr. Mona Potter
2 februari 2026 · 45 min
Distinguishing between ADHD and anxiety can feel a bit like trying to figure out if you're sneezing because of a cold or because your neighbor just started mowing their lawn - or maybe it's a bit of both, the symptoms look the same, but the solution is very different. This week, I'm talking with Dr. Mona Potter, a Harvard-trained, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder of InStride Health. Dr. Potter spent years at McLean Hospital pioneering treatments for anxiety and OCD, and has a unique perspective on how we can manage the specific brand of exhaustion that comes with being neurodivergent in a world that never stops moving. Lees meer
Today, we're exploring the bio psycho social model—which is just a fancy way of saying we're looking at your sleep, your stress, and your chemistry all at once. We discuss the "optimal zone" of anxiety and how it can actually mask ADHD symptoms until you find a treatment that works, the difference between a "crutch" and a tool, and why parents (and adults) should stop trying to be the "external executive function" for everyone around them. We also take a deep dive into the specific mechanics of OCD and why the structure that saves an ADHDer might actually feed an obsessive loop.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/269
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
To tell ADHD and anxiety apart, look at what's pulling your focus. ADHD distractions are often external (the world "tapping you on the shoulder"), while anxiety distractions are typically internal (a "side commentary" of what could go wrong).
Remember that medication can turn down the biological "volume" of symptoms, but it doesn't build skills or "brain muscles." Use the quiet provided by medication as a window to practice the executive function habits you need.
While structure and rituals are helpful…
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Research Recap: Discontinued Use of ADHD Meds
30 januari 2026 · 18 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb. Today, I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series, where we dive into a single research paper to find practical takeaways. In this episode, we're discussing a paper called "Adherence, Persistence and Medication Discontinuation in Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review." This study asks: what's happening in the real world with medication adherence? Are people taking their meds, and if not, why? I found this paper through a presentation by Bill Dobson at the 2025 ADHD conference in Kansas City, and it really blew me away. Lees meer
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/268
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Nervous System Regulation and the Stages of Burnout with Garrett Wood
26 januari 2026 · 39 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
Burnout is one of those terms we throw around a lot in the neurodivergent community, but often we don't realize we're in it until we've hit a wall. Today, I'm talking with Garrett Wood, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and founder of Gnosis Therapy. Garrett specializes in working with high-achieving professionals—which is often code for high-masking folks—helping them navigate executive well-being and nervous system regulation.
In our conversation, we dive into the nuances of burnout, specifically how it differs from just being tired, and we walk through the five stages of burnout so you can actually spot where you are on the map. We also get into some heavy but important stuff regarding self-worth and how we often subconsciously drive ourselves into the ground just to prove we're enough.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/267
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Understand that there are different levels of burnout. If you are getting a full eight hours of sleep but are still waking up exhausted, or if you find yourself unable to calm down after minor inconveniences (like getting cut off in traffic), you are likely already heading into Stage 1 or 2 of burnout.
Make sure to pay attention to your specific physiological needs rather than general advice. You might be someone who needs 10 hours in bed to get 8 hours of actual sleep (I mean I'm not someone who gets in bed and is instantly asleep, it takes sometime and I'm a bit restless). Your physiological needs are unique to you and what you "need".
If trying to rest and doing "nothing" feels anxiety-inducing, find a low-stakes activity like organizing books or doing a puzzle. These kinds of low-stakes tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment and soothing without the consequences or pressure of a work project.
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Crushing Your ADD with Alan P. Brown
19 januari 2026 · 42 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
This week I'm talking with Alan P. Brown, the creator of ADD Crusher and host of Crusher™TV. Alan is an ADHD and productivity coach who spent decades struggling with undiagnosed ADHD while working as an advertising executive in New York. His own "mess to success" story involves battling addiction and navigating a career where he felt like he was constantly floundering, only to turn it all around by developing his own "brain hacks."
In our conversation today, we dive into some of the practical strategies Alan developed to get his brain in gear, like the importance of identifying your "strong time" and then really protecting that time. We also discuss why long to-do lists can actually sabotaging your productivity, the power of talking to yourself to overcome the inertia of starting, and how to make peace with the "Outlaw Brain" that just wants you to stay on the couch.
This is definitely an episode that will help you
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/266
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Limit your daily to-do list to a maximum of three "biggies" and often preferably just one or two. Alan reminds us that research suggests that once you list more than seven items, the likelihood of doing any of them drops significantly, because a long list encourages you to pick the easiest low-hanging fruit and avoid the important work.
When you can't get started on a task like writing, trying talking to yourself out loud to break the inertia with micro-steps. Ask yourself, "Can I open the laptop?" then "Can I find the document?" then "Can I read the first paragraph?" This process can help us engage our brain enough to build some momentum and get into a groove.
Embrace your pace and stop wasting energy lamenting that you work slower than others. Sure it sucks, but by accepting that things might take you longer, you can factor tha…
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Research Recap with Skye: Childhood pain and ADHD
16 januari 2026 · 12 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. We're diving into a paper titled "Pain Associated Diagnosis in Childhood Before the Diagnosis of ADHD." We want to see if kids who were eventually diagnosed with ADHD showed higher rates of pain-related medical visits before that diagnosis even happened. This is a vital question because about a quarter of chronic pain patients are also diagnosed with ADHD. Lees meer
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/265
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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You Don't Need to Earn Your Rest with Alyece Smith
12 januari 2026 · 42 min
Hello all you beautiful people, happy new year. I'm gearing up for 2026 after a few set backs at the end of last year that we'll get into in a future episode. Lees meer
But today we're talking with Alyece Smith, founder of Socially Ausome, a neurodivergent entrepreneur coach, and the host of The ADHD CEO Podcast. She specializes in helping business owners build sustainable systems that actually work for their brains rather than against them.
In our conversation today, we get into why we often feel the need to "earn our rest" and how that can lead to burnout. We also jump into how to systemize your life to save your brainpower for what actually matters. Alyece shares her "DMO" or Daily Method of Operation, and how she uses routine to cut down on daily choices. We also talk about the trap of monetizing every hobby, finding clarity in what actually fulfills us, and why knowing why your brain works the way it does is often more helpful than just trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/264
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Try using Voice Memos to prevent context switching. When you feel a spiral coming on or have too many ideas, use a voice-to-text app (Alyece recommends "Voice Pen") to brain dump everything immediately. This allows you to get the thoughts out without stopping your current workflow.
Once you have a brain dump, categorize items by the "mode" required to complete them (e.g., calls to make while driving, emails to answer at your desk, errands to run). This helps you batch tasks based on where you are, rather than just creating a deadline.
Track your natural energy peaks to identify your "Spark Times." Save your high-value creative or money-making tasks for these windows, rather than wasting that high energy on low-priority admin work.
Work on identifying "Fake" productivity. Be h…
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ADHD-Friendly Goal Setting with Chris Wang (Rebroadcast)
5 januari 2026 · 39 min
It's hard to believe we're already into 2026. If last year felt fast, this year is moving even quicker. As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, I found myself looking back at some of the most impactful conversations we've had on the show—specifically those that help us navigate the "new year pressure" without the burnout. Lees meer
That's why today, we're revisiting a fan-favorite conversation from the archives with Chris Wang, CEO and co-founder of Shimmer.
Even though this originally aired at the start of 2025, the strategies Chris shares are more relevant than ever. We dive deep into:
Process-oriented goal setting (focusing on the "how" rather than just the "what").
The power of community in maintaining momentum.
Living in alignment with your core values to avoid "productivity for productivity's sake."
Chris brings a wealth of actionable advice to the table. Whether you're currently looking into ADHD coaching or you're just trying to figure out how to make your plans stick for the rest of 2026, this episode is packed with gems.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/207
This Episode's Top Tips
Work on setting process-oriented goals where your focus is on the actions you can control, like "exercise 3 times a week," rather than outcome-based goals like "lose 10 pounds."
Make sure you are specific and write your to-do lists with clear, actionable steps to avoid overwhelm and decision paralysis. You want to know exactly what your next step is when looking at your to-do list.
Leverage your support systems. You can use community and coaching to provide accountability, remove roadblocks, and refine your systems. Remember there is no gold star for toughing it out by yourself and it's okay to get help.
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Research Recap with Skye: Subclinical ADHD and the Entrepreneurial Path
2 januari 2026 · 20 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Lees meer
Today, I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we take a single research paper and dive into what it says, how it was conducted, and any practical takeaways. In this episode, we're discussing a paper titled "The Effects of Subclinical ADHD Symptomatology on Subjective Financial, Physical, and Mental Wellbeing of Entrepreneurs and Employees." Essentially, this study looks at how ADHD traits—even if they aren't at a diagnosable level—relate to wellbeing for two groups: entrepreneurs and employees.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/263
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Breaking Down Tasks and Big Feelings with Vanessa Gorelkin (Rebroadcast)
29 december 2025 · 51 min
For this week's episode, we are dipping into the archives to revisit a conversation that resonated with so many of you. I'm talking with Vanessa Gorelkin, a seasoned occupational therapist and ADHD coach who's been working in the field for nearly 30 years. Lees meer
Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis (Bran-Dice) University and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from NYU. She specializes in executive function strategies, emotional regulation, and anxiety management, and she brings a unique perspective to helping adults with ADHD navigate the day-to-day.
In this encore presentation, we discuss:
The "Want-to-Do" Gap: Why we struggle even with the tasks we actually enjoy.
The Anxiety Connection: How anxiety and executive dysfunction team up to create a cycle of frustration.
Strategy Decay: Why tools that work perfectly for a month inevitably seem to stop working.
Practical Regulation: How to break down tasks so they feel doable and why you need a "crisis plan" before the crisis actually hits.
Whether you missed this the first time around or just need a refresher on these strategies, there is so much gold in this episode.
You can still find all the links and resources mentioned in this episode on the original show notes page at: HackingYourADHD.com/215
This Episode's Top Tips
1. If something feels overwhelming, try breaking it down into micro-steps. Even something like getting out of bed can be broken into "sit up," "put feet on the floor," and "stand up." In more practical ways, we could think of this as starting out as just opening the document you need to work on, adding the formatting, and starting your first sentence. The idea is you want to build momentum and go with the flow.
2. Be mindful of language; words like "just" and "should" can be damaging. Instead of "I should just wash the dishes," you can reframe it as "I could wash the dishes," and then also if you need a little bit more asking yourself, "What's making this difficult, and h…
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Research Recap with Skye: The ADHD and IBS Connection
26 december 2025 · 17 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb. Today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we dive into a single research paper to see what it says, how it was conducted, and find any practical takeaways. Lees meer
In this episode, we're discussing a paper called "Association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and intestinal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis." It's a fascinating one because they started with nearly 2,000 papers and narrowed it down to 11 high-quality studies.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/262
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Focused and Balanced: ADHD Strategies That Work w/ Skye Waterson (rebroadcast)
22 december 2025 · 37 min
Today, we're revisiting our conversation with Skye Waterson. Skye is a Doctoral Candidate and ADHD coach who specializes in research-backed tips for navigating life with a neurodivergent brain. We wanted to rebroadcast this episode because our discussion on her book and specifically her approach to calendars and burnout is still some of the most practical advice we've had on the show. Whether you're hearing this for the first time or the second, there is a lot of gold in here. Let's jump back into my talk with Skye Waterson. Lees meer
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at http://hackingyouradhd.com/206
https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/
This Episode's Top Tips
Avoid overcomplicating your organizational tools, and try to rely more on basic principles, such as having a capture space, a prioritization system, and a scheduling system.
Aim for 80% consistency with your systems and give yourself grace to bounce back after setbacks. No one will ever follow any system perfectly, so work on choosing tools and systems that can adapt to missed days without derailing your progress entirely.
Don't forget to prioritize at least a little fun in your planning. Building dopamine into your day through enjoyable activities can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout.
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Our Own Worst Enemy (rebroadcast)
15 december 2025 · 15 min
This week, we're revisiting a classic episode inspired by a late '90s pop-punk anthem: "My Own Worst Enemy" by Lit. Lees meer
The title of that song perfectly captures a feeling common to those with ADHD. We often feel like our own greatest obstacle, plagued by an endless supply of self-destructive behaviors stemming directly from the condition.
Counterproductive manifestations like poor time management, hyper-focusing on low-priority tasks, overcommitting, and procrastination can leave us feeling incredibly frustrated.
We're talking about our "worst self"—the version of us that emerges in ways we later regret or that seem to actively work against our own interests.
While the internet is full of advice on how to become your best self, the reality is that many of these frustrating behaviors do not reflect our value as people. Instead, they are often a reflection of our unmet needs and coping mechanisms.
In this important rebroadcast, we discuss:
How this "worst self" manifests in the context of ADHD.
Why we should extend a bit more empathy toward these maladaptive behaviors.
Practical ways to work on moving forward—not necessarily toward a flawless best self, but at least toward a better one.
Tune in to explore this internal conflict and learn how to find compassion for the parts of you that struggle.
Support me on Patreon
Ask me a question on my Contact Page
Find the show note at HackingYourADHD.com/188
This Episode's Top Tips
Approach the idea of your worst self with empathy. Focus on the fact that you developed these maladaptive behaviors for a reason.
Pay attention to the situations and emotions that trigger your worst behaviors to anticipate and manage them more effectively.
Often, our maladaptive behaviors come out when we're not doing a good job of meeting our basic needs. If we're engaging in numbing behaviors, we can look below the symptoms to try and see what's setting them off.
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Research Recap with Skye: Bullying and ADHD
12 december 2025 · 18 min
Welcome to Hacking your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD Brain. Today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we take a look at a single research paper and dive into what the paper says, how it was conducted, and try and find any practical takeaways. Lees meer
In this episode, we're going to be discussing a paper called Bullying in Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, analyzing Student Social Status, and Student Teacher Relationship Quality. So, a lot to talk about here, and I'm sure this is going to relate to a lot of people.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/261
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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The High Cost of Undiagnosed ADHD with Sarah Templeton
8 december 2025 · 51 min
Hey team, Lees meer
Today, we've got a heavy but necessary topic. We're looking at what happens when ADHD goes unsupported and the stakes get high. In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Templeton, a counselor, activist, and author of The Prison Counselor. Sarah spent years working inside the UK prison system before getting her own diagnosis at age 51, which led to some massive realizations about the people she was working with.
In our conversation today, we look at the startling prevalence of neurodiversity in the prison population and how a lack of diagnosis fuels a cycle of reoffending. We explore the stark reality of the "school to prison pipeline" and the specific ADHD traits that land people in legal trouble. It's not just about being a trouble-maker, but about impulsivity, risk-taking, and a heightened sense of justice. And I know that last one might sound counterintuitive, but don't worry, we get into that in the episode.
This is an incredibly important episode to me because I believe that it's one of my jobs to use my privilege as someone with an audience to highlight the struggles in our community from some of our most underserved populations. And our ADHD siblings in prison are definitely a prime example of people who had the system fail them and are now paying the price.
Before we get started, I also just wanted to mention that there is some talk of suicide in this episode, so if that is something you are sensitive about, I just wanted to let you know.
If you'd like to follow along on the show notes page, you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/260
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
While we often associate trouble with malice, many people with ADHD end up in legal or social trouble purely because they reacted impulsively to perceived unfairness. Recognizing this trait as a heightened sense of justice can help you pause before intervening in situations that might escalate.
Severe…
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Overcoming Self-Sabotage with Dr. Judy Ho (rebroadcast)
1 december 2025 · 30 min
This week, we are rebroadcasting an insightful earlier episode featuring Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist with a PhD in clinical psychology. She focuses on mental health, ADHD, and various psychological disorders. She is triple board-certified and is a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University, where she teaches graduate-level psychology. Lees meer
In our conversation, we delve into how ADHD can impact self-esteem, the importance of understanding your brain's wiring, and practical ways to manage attention and relationships. Dr. Ho shares insights into how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help train your attention and how reframing your thoughts can reduce self-sabotage.
Dr. Ho also shares some of her favorite strategies for improving focus, managing emotional regulation, and using mindfulness to tackle ADHD challenges. Whether you're struggling with self-sabotage or finding it hard to keep up with tasks, this episode is packed with tips that will help you thrive with ADHD.
If you'd like to send me a question answer on the show feel free to head over to hackingyouradhd.com/contact and click the orange button
Support me on Patreon
Ask me a question on my Contact Page
Find the show note at HackingYourADHD.com/197
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Research Recap with Skye: Hyperfocus in University Students
28 november 2025 · 16 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD Brain. Today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we take a look at a single research paper and dive into what the paper says, how it's conducted, and try and find any practical takeaways. Lees meer
In this episode we're gonna be discussing a paper called The Role of Executive Function in mediating the relationship between Adult ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus in university students. Now I think this is a really interesting subject and how about we just jump right into this. Can you tell me a little bit about this paper?
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/259
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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The Over-Pathologizing of ADHD with Rae Jacobson
24 november 2025 · 48 min
Hey team! Lees meer
This week, I'm joined by Rae Jacobson, journalist, ADHD expert, and host of Hyperfocus at Understood.org, to talk about how we make sense of ADHD when it feels like it's everywhere. Rae has spent over a decade reporting on mental health and neurodiversity, and she brings that blend of research, lived experience, and sharp humor that makes big ideas actually relatable.
This was honestly one of my favorite episodes that I've recorded this year - while Rae and I were brainstorming ideas that two ADHD podcasters could talk about, I think we hit on a very salient topic, the over-pathologizing of ADHD within the community. While we love to find all the things that are from our ADHD, it's also true that not everything is because of our ADHD.
In our conversation today, we dig into the ways ADHD often gets pathologized, how everything from losing your keys to getting a song stuck in your head can get blamed on ADHD, and why that can actually make it harder to understand what's really going on. We get into "symptoms of symptoms," the tricky overlap between ADHD and other conditions like depression and anxiety, and why community spaces like Reddit can both help and hurt when it comes to self-diagnosis. And of course, we also go down a few very ADHD side paths about clutter, shame spirals, and why having too many pens is basically a personality trait at this point.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/258
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
When considering what is and isn't ADHD, it's important to remember the context of ADHD as a chronic condition - as in it's something that we deal with all the time. Everyone is going to lose their keys every once in a while, but with ADH,D the difference is in the pattern and the impact. Without the systems I have in place to make sure my keys go into the same place every time, I would be los…
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Unapologetically ADHD with Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright (rebroadcast)
17 november 2025 · 32 min
As many of us navigate shifting routines and rising expectations right now, it's a perfect time to revisit this affirming conversation with Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright. Together we unpack what it means to stop fighting yourself, lean into your strengths, and build supportive systems that make life feel lighter, not harder. A great listen if you need a dose of ADHD-friendly self-compassion this week. Lees meer
Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework For Everyday Planning On Your Terms by Nikki Kinzer & Pete D. Wright
If you'd like to send me a question answer on the show feel free to head over to hackingyouradhd.com/contact and click the orange button
Support me on Patreon
Ask me a question on my Contact Page
Find the show note at HackingYourADHD.com/195
This Episode's Top Tips
Embrace your ADHD and plan your day around it to avoid unrealistic expectations and the ensuing shame.
When looking for a system, we need to recognize that no one-size-fits-all tool exists. Try to avoid the trap of looking for the best options; focus instead on eliminating the worst options to simplify decision-making.
When we recognize the importance of revisiting and adjusting our systems regularly rather than constantly switching to new tools, it'll help us acknowledge that every tool or system will have days it fails. With that in mind, we can focus on embracing resilience so we can get back on track when things do go awry.
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Research Recap with Skye: Video Accessibility for ADHD and What the Science Says
14 november 2025 · 19 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain.
Today, I'm joined by Skye Waterson for another Research Recap. In this series, we explore a single research paper—what it says, how it was conducted, and what practical takeaways we can find. Lees meerIn this episode, we're discussing a paper called "Shifting the Focus: Exploring Video Accessibility Strategies and Challenges for People with ADHD." It sounds a little out there—and honestly, this paper is a bit different. So Skye, want to start us off?
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/257
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Grandma Has ADHD: Jami Shapiro on Late Diagnosis and New Beginnings
10 november 2025 · 40 min
Hey team! Lees meer
This week, I'm talking with Jami Shapiro, ADHD coach, founder of Silver Linings Transitions, and host of the Grandma Has ADHD podcast. Jami has also recently published her book This Explains So Much, which dives into the world of undiagnosed ADHD in people over 50. Jami brings a wealth of experience from her work helping older adults downsize and organize their lives.
In our conversation, we dig into what aging looks like with ADHD, from memory changes to social isolation, and how curiosity, compassion, and the power of community can make a huge difference. We get into the challenges of different stages of life, how ADHD can be mistaken for dementia, and what it means to build understanding across generations.
I think this is definitely an episode for everyone, as no matter how you slice it, we're all going to be facing these issues someday, and because of the genetic nature of ADHD, you likely already have someone in your life dealing with these issues.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page, you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/256
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Many symptoms that get labeled as "senior moments" (forgetting names, losing track of appointments, or misplacing items) can actually be longstanding ADHD traits that are finally being noticed. Forgetfulness that comes from ADHD doesn't need memory-care protocols; instead, it needs ADHD strategies such as reminders, structure, external cues, and tools like smartwatches or calendars.
As we age, we can risk drifting into isolation, and this can be especially true with ADHD. We already struggle with time blindness, motivation, and this can easily lead to dropping the ball on keeping up with friends and family. This means it's important that we're scheduling regular check-ins with friends and doing things like joining a hobby group.
We can revisit our relationships and recognize that your pare…
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Building Stronger Teams in Relationships with Dr. Tracy Dagleish
3 november 2025 · 45 min
Hey team! Lees meer
Today I'm talking with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, a clinical psychologist, couples therapist, and the author of You, Your Husband & His Mother.
She has spent almost two decades helping couples get unstuck from repeating the same old arguments and start building relationships that actually work in real life. And she also runs her own podcast, Dear Dr. Tracy.
In our conversation, we get into how our relationships don't exist in a vacuum, how family expectations shape our decisions, and why it's so important to be on the same team with your partner, especially when you're juggling extended family, ADHD, and a few generational differences in "how things are done." We also get into setting values-based boundaries, navigating conflict without turning it into a blame game, and using small moments to rebuild connection when everything feels off balance.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/255
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Work on shifting from "Me vs. You" to "Us vs. the Problem" mentality. This shift in mindset can completely change how a couple navigates conflict. By reframing the conflict, you turn what could've been another argument into a shared problem. And I do want to add on here as well that this is a learned skill and takes time to develop, but is well worth doing.
Boundaries aren't about controlling someone else's behavior; they're about choosing how you'll respond. We often sabotage our own boundaries by overexplaining them, giving people justifications that sound like permission to debate our choices. You can't stop someone from knocking, but you can decide whether you'll open the door.
Try building a "Roadmap" of each other's regulation styles. While everyone has a different way of dealing with stress (and with ADHD, emotional regulation can be unpredictable), knowing them in advance can help prevent some fru…
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Research Recap with Skye: How ADHDers Succeed and Why It's Complicated
31 oktober 2025 · 25 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb. On this podcast, we dig into tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our Research Recap series. Lees meer
In this series, we usually look at a single research paper, but today we're covering two and pulling out practical takeaways. We'll discuss two papers on ADHD strengths: Strengths and Challenges to Embrace Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Employment: A Systematic Review, and Paradoxical Career Strengths and Successes of ADHD Adults: An Evolving Narrative. I love an "evolving narrative," and the way papers are named.
Before we get started, I'd love to hear what you think of these Research Recaps. If you have thoughts or a paper/topic you want us to review, head over to hackingadhd.com/contact and let us know. New episodes of Research Recap come out every other Friday. All right—let's get into it
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/254
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Mastering the Mundane: ADHD-Proofing the Everyday w/Amy Marie Hann
27 oktober 2025 · 38 min
This week I'm joined by Amy Marie Hann, better known online as The Activated ADHD Mama. Amy's an ADHD coach, community leader, and author who specializes in helping ADHD moms wrangle the boring, repetitive tasks that tend to bury us, things like dishes, meal planning, and remembering to call in prescription refills. Lees meer
In our conversation, we talk about why traditional productivity advice often doesn't work for ADHD brains and why these mundane tasks can create so much stress and shame. We dig into some of Amy's strategies that helps people build realistic systems to make those things easier and how starting with just three daily tasks can create stability when your brain constantly craves novelty. We talk about capacity, executive function burnout, and how to reframe self-care and rest as functional tools instead of guilt trips.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/253
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Work on designing your routines for your actual capacity, not your fantasy capacity. Pay attention to your natural energy rhythms and give yourself permission to do less when you're depleted.
It's often not about how long a task takes but about how hard it feels. Build self-compassion by celebrating when you complete these high-resistance tasks and noticing the effort you've put in.
There is a distinction between rest and numbing, so we need to plan intentional rest that actually restores our energy. ADHD rest is often about lowering stimulation, not eliminating it. Try for something gentle but engaging enough that your brain doesn't go looking for a dopamine hit elsewhere.
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Research Recap with Skye: TikTok and ADHD - Sorting Facts from Misinformation
24 oktober 2025 · 21 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Lees meer
Today, I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our Research Recap series, where we take a look at a single research paper—what it says, how it was conducted, and what practical takeaways we can find.
In this episode, we're discussing a 2022 paper titled "TikTok and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study of Social Media Content Quality." It got quite a bit of coverage when it came out, and I thought it'd be good to revisit it—not because TikTok is back in the news, but because it raises some interesting questions about ADHD information online.
Before we get started, I'd love to hear what you think of the Research Recap series. If you have feedback or a paper you'd like us to cover, head to hackingyouradhd.com/contact. New Research Recap episodes come out every other Friday.
If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/HackingYourADHD
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/252
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Rethinking Resilience with Alex Bellitter: Burnout, Rest & the ADHD Brain
20 oktober 2025 · 43 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
Today I'm joined by Alex Bellitter, Senior Manager of Coaching at Shimmer, an ADHD coaching platform that's guided over 75,000 sessions. If this sounds a bit familiar, I also did an interview with Shimmer's CEO, Chris Wang, last year - but of course in this episode, we're covering a lot more and while Shimmer is mentioned it certainly isn't the focus of what we're talking about here.
But back to who we're talking with today. Alex holds a Master's in Psychology and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She's passionate about building a neuroinclusive approach to coaching and helping people redefine what success looks like for their unique brains.
We get into what burnout really looks like for ADHD brains and how the "grind it out" mindset backfires every time. Alex shares how resilience isn't about powering through and we also unpack the ideas of capacity, how we burn through future energy, and why rest, play, and flexibility are actually key parts of productivity. Plus, we get into ADHD inertia, smart scaffolding, and that tricky process of rediscovering your strengths when your brain insists you don't have any.
If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/HackingYourADHD
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/251
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
We often overfill their schedules, not just with work, but with everything, because when we see "blank space," it can look like laziness or wasted time. But leaving unscheduled blocks gives us breathing room and time for the unexpected. This means it's important that we're making sure keep at least some white space on our calendars.
We can fall into the trap of treating rest like a reward for finishing everything, but rest is part of the system that keeps…
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Research Recap with Skye: Intersection of Creativity and ADHD During Adolescence
17 oktober 2025 · 14 min
Welcome to Hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD.
On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Lees meerToday I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our Research Recap series, and we're talking about a paper called Creative Thinking in Adolescence with Attention Hyperactivity Disorder.
In this series, we take a look at a single research paper, dive into what it says, how it's conducted, and try to find any practical takeaways for you.
As this is a new series, if you have thoughts or feedback, let me know — you can head to hackingyouradhd.com/contact and send me a message. New episodes of Research Recap come out every other Friday.
Alright, let's get on with the show.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/250
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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ADHD, Hormones, and the Female Brain: A Conversation with Kara Cruz
13 oktober 2025 · 41 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
This week I'm talking with Kara Cruz, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional with over 15 years of experience supporting women through life transitions. Kara's work focuses on the intersection of ADHD and reproductive mental health—helping women navigate the complex terrain of hormones, identity, and self-trust.
In our conversation, Kara and I dig into how ADHD symptoms can change and intensify across different hormonal stages - puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause - and what that means for real-life functioning. We also get into how ADHD in women often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as anxiety or bipolar disorder, and how learning to track your cycle, protect your energy, and build realistic routines can make a world of difference in your adhd management.
And I want to emphasize that even if you don't have a cycle there is still a lot to get out of this episode, when I was working on the top tips for this episode I had to cut a few because there was just so much good stuff. I had a great time talking with Kara and learned a ton, I think you'll love this episode too.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/249
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
ADHD symptoms don't exist in a vacuum and hormones can crank them up or turn them down. And this can be greatly impacted depending on your stage of life or if you have a cycle, and then where you are in that cycle.
Burnout is often a side effect of saying "yes" too many times when your brain and body are already maxed out. Protecting your energy starts with noticing when your capacity dips and giving yourself permission to scale back. It's important to create these boundaries so that you are protecting the version of you that you that you still want to be at the end of the week.
A big takeaway from Kara's work …
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Loneliness, Addiction and Connection with Nick Jonsson
6 oktober 2025 · 39 min
Hey team! Lees meer
Today I'm talking with Nick Jonsson, a best-selling author, executive coach, and co-founder of Executives' Global Network. Nick is the author of Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World. His work focuses on helping leaders tackle isolation, burnout, and addiction while finding healthier, more sustainable ways to succeed.
Now I realize that doesn't seem particularly ADHD focused, but I thought that this would be a good interview to take because adults with ADHD have a substantially increased risk of substance use disorders. And so while Nick's work doesn't specifically cover ADHD, there is still a lot that you can glean from it.
In our conversation, Nick shares his own journey through loneliness, denial, and alcohol addiction, and how vulnerability and connection became essential tools for his recovery. We dig into practical strategies for opening up in safe spaces, replacing harmful coping mechanisms with meaningful activities, and creating accountability systems that support long-term well-being. We also touch on how social media and other modern habits can quietly feed into loneliness, and what it takes to build resilience against them.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/248
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
Frame recovery as replacement, not deprivation. When looking to break out of unhealthy coping mechanisms, be they alcohol, social media, or some other addiction, deliberately plan what will give you that same connection without the negative costs. Having planned positive alternatives like exercise, hobbies, or group activities can make all the difference in following through with your intentions.
Watch out for the "gray zone" of addiction; you don't need to wait until hitting rock bottom to start changing habits. If you are quest…
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Research Recap with Skye: Delay Aversion, Inattention, and ADHD
3 oktober 2025 · 24 min
Welcome to hacking Your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD Brain. And today I'm joined by Sky Waterson for our research recap series. In this series, we take a look at a single research paper, although today we're going to be looking at two and so it's a little something different. Lees meer
What we do is we try to see how the papers were conducted, try to find any practical takeaways and discuss what's going on in these papers. So the two papers we're gonna discuss today are Boredom, Proneness, and its correlation with internet addiction and internet activities and adolescence with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. And our second paper then is boredom, proneness and Inattention in Children With and Without ADHD, the mediating rule of delay aversion.
So lots in there, lots to discuss. And we'll get all into that. And as this is a new series, I do wanna make sure that people know that. I would love to hear what your thoughts about it. Feel free to go to hackingyouradhd.com/contact and leave me a note about what you think about this series.
I'd love to hear about this and I've really appreciated all the feedback I've already gotten for this series. So I'd love to hear more and make sure that I'm doing this in ways that you guys really like. Now, new episodes of Research Recap will be coming out every other Friday.
And with that, let's get into this.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/247
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon
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Songs That Stick: ADHD Tools with JP & Kat Rende
29 september 2025 · 49 min
Hey Team! Lees meer
This week, I'm talking with Emmy-winning composers Kat Raio Rende and JP Rende, a husband and wife team who've written music for everyone from Elmo to the Jonas Brothers. But today we're talking about their project Aidee, a collection of songs designed to help kids with ADHD build everyday tools through music.
I got a chance to listen through the album before the interview and it's honestly really great. Since having my own kids I've had the opportunity to listen to a lot of children's music, so I was pleasantly surprised with how good the songs actually are and how quickly the messages got into my head.
Which leads right into what we Kat, JP and I talked about in the interview - how we can use music as a tool for memory and routines, why silly songs can be powerful ADHD strategies, and how turning everyday frustrations into sticky little tunes can lower shame and raise confidence. We also get into working with ADHD but also how to navigate working with a partner who has ADHD. We also touch on breathing exercises, dealing with shame, and the parenting tightrope of empathy and boundaries.
AIDEE - Nothing Rhymes with Orange Full Album - https://www.youtube.com/@AIDEEHD
Kat & JP website - https://www.earwormny.com/If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/246
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD
This Episode's Top Tips
For our tips today, let's go through all those songs on the album, each of which is a tool in itself:
Anything Else - Reminding us to check if there is anything else we need when we leave the house.
Mad Mad (Jelly Belly) - which asks us to check in with ourselves when we're feeling dysregulated and seeing if maybe we just need to take a second to take care of our basic needs
Put it Away - I think this one is pretty clear cut, don't put it down, put it away.
Control - While one of the symptoms of ADHD is that we tend to be quite i…
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You Might Also Like: Hyperfocus with Rea Jacobson from Understood.org
22 september 2025 · 31 min
t for a few months now and it's definitely one that I'm always on the look out for new episodes. Rae does a great job with her interviews, asking both the basic questions to help ground the conversation, but also getting into the more nuanced issues that come with neurodivergence. Lees meer
Today, I'm going to share an episode with you where Rae talks with Dr. Christine Hargrove, a Marriage & Family Therapist with a focus on neurodiversity and financial therapy that she uses to help individuals and couples understand how their symptoms affect their financial behavior.
And honestly, this is a great episode - I know so many people who struggle with their finances, but more specifically, struggle directly because of their ADHD.
Be sure to subscribe to Hyperfocus with Rea Jacobson in your podcast player!
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Research recap with Skye: Executive Dysfunction and Early ADHD in Preschoolers
19 september 2025 · 18 min
Welcome to Hacking your ADHD. I'm your host, William Curb, and I have ADHD. On this podcast, I dig into the tools, tactics, and best practices to help you work with your ADHD brain. Today I'm joined by Skye Waterson for our Research Recap series. Lees meer
In this series, we take a look at a single research paper, dive into what the paper says, how it was conducted, and try to find any key practical takeaways—stuff that you can actually use.
In this episode, we're going to be discussing a paper called Do Executive Dysfunction, Delay Aversion and Time Perception Deficits Predict ADHD Symptoms and Early Academic Performance in Preschoolers.
And yeah, there's a lot in there, but don't worry, we'll be getting into all of it.
Before we get started, I want to mention that this is still a new series, so we're going to be figuring out what works and what doesn't, and I'd love to hear what you all think of it. So if you have thoughts, head on over to hackingyouradhd.com/contact and let me know. I appreciate all the feedback I've already gotten, and we're definitely going to be working on organizing the episodes a little bit more to help you get the most out of every one. New episodes of Research Recap will be coming out every other Friday. And with that, let's get into it.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at https://HackingYourADHD.com/245
https://tinyurl.com/56rvt9fr - Unconventional Organisation Affiliate link
https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk - YouTube
https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD - Patreon