Burnout, frazzled nerves, and the daunting task of remembering the future: sound familiar? Join Nikki and Pete, your ADHD Sherpas, as they recap their experience at the 2024 International Conference on ADHD, armed with insights, new strategies, and a touch of the conference crud.

Pete, a conference newbie, marvels at the instant connection with "his people," recounting chance encounters that blossom into deep dives on everything from queer issues to ADHD. It's a fishbowl, but one brimming with empathy. Nikki, a conference veteran, shares stories of attendees finding solace and validation, highlighting the power of shared experience.

This isn't just a recap; it's a toolkit! Nikki unpacks Tamra Rosier's wisdom on the ADHD nervous system, that high-strung racehorse veering between hyperarousal and shutdown. Discover strategies to regain control, from the five-four-three-two-one grounding technique to the surprisingly soothing "head hug." They even explore the intriguing world of EFT for anxiety relief.

And there's more! Pete explores ADHD-friendly personal finance and the SAVER model offers a path to financial sanity, emphasizing streamlined systems and, crucially, engagement.

So, grab your tissues (allergies, we promise), and join Nikki and Pete for a conversation that we hope is both insightful and relatable. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's a community that gets it.

Links & Notes

• You Me and Our ADHD Family by Tamara Rosier
• 2024 International Conference on ADHD
• Discord
• Patreon

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (03:25) - 2024 International Conference on ADHD
• (08:33) - Session Run-Through

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

Envision this: Anaheim, the land of Mickey Mouse, transformed into a buzzing hive of ADHD discourse. Pete and Nikki, our intrepid podcasting duo, are on the ground, soaking up the wisdom at the 2024 International Conference on ADHD. But before they regale us with cutting-edge insights, they've unearthed a time capsule – a 2017 episode recorded post-Nikki's return from the Atlanta conference.

Now, you might think, "2017? Ancient history!" But hold on. This isn't just nostalgia. It's an archaeological dig into the evolving understanding of ADHD. Remember, intellectual progress isn't a smooth upward trajectory. It's a messy, fascinating jumble of breakthroughs and backtracks.

So, join Pete and Nikki as they rewind the clock. Nikki, fresh off her Atlanta adventure, unpacks her five key takeaways. But here's the thing: this isn't just about revisiting the past. It's about understanding how far we've come. How have our perspectives shifted? What assumptions have we shed? What new questions are we grappling with?

This episode is a double-layered exploration. It's a glimpse into the ADHD landscape of 2017 and a primer for the insights to come from the 2024 conference. It's a reminder that the conversation around ADHD is ongoing, ever-evolving, and always ripe with potential for unexpected discoveries. So, buckle up for a journey through time, a conversation about language, and a deep dive into the ever-fascinating world of ADHD.

Links & Notes

• WriteMonkey
• Markdown
• Ulysses
• NaNoWriMo
• International Conference on ADHD

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:46) - An Episode Out of Time... to 2017!

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

The holidays: a time of joy, connection, and… overwhelming and paralyzing stress? For many, especially those with ADHD, the rapid approach of holidays can trigger a last-minute scramble. On this episode of "Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast," Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright offer a proactive approach to holiday planning, transforming the season from a source of anxiety into a period of manageable excitement.

Forget the stress spirals! Nikki and Pete kick things off with a simple but powerful tool: your calendar. Dust it off, check those dates, and make sure everything's up to date. Then, unleash your inner brainstormer! Grab a pen and paper (or your favorite digital tool) and let those holiday to-dos flow. Mind maps, master lists – whatever helps you wrangle those thoughts onto something other than the inside of your head. Important note: This isn't your actual to-do list, just a brain dump. We'll get to the action items later.

Next up? Taming the to-do beast by sorting it into categories. Think "Gifts," "Decorations," "That epic holiday party I'm totally going to crush." Once you've got your categories, it's time to plug them into your trusty task management system. The goal? A clear view of what needs doing, so nothing gets lost in the pre-holiday shuffle.

Now for the nitty-gritty: prioritizing. Nikki and Pete guide you through assessing deadlines, impact, and (let's be real) how much time you actually have. They also dive into the brilliant concept of "Priority Dilution" from Rory Vaden's book, Procrastinate on Purpose. It's like that moment when you keep adding water to your favorite drink and it becomes… well, less awesome. Learn how to avoid the Urgency Illusion, the Reactivity Trap, and other productivity pitfalls, and discover the power of a well-placed "no."

Feeling overwhelmed? Nikki and Pete have you covered. They recommend creating a separate daily list, picking just one or two tasks from your master list. It's all about small wins and avoiding that "where do I even start?" paralysis.

Finally, they share strategies for getting ahead of the game. Delegation? Yes, please! Accountability partners? Game-changer. Body doubling sessions? Pure magic. Regular check-ins with your task list? Essential. And remember, all progress is good progress. Pace yourself, schedule reasonable time blocks, and get ready to enjoy a smoother, more joyful holiday season.

Links & Notes

• Support the Show on Patreon
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:40) - Support the show, Find the show, Discord the show
• (04:54) - Long-Term Planning with ADHD: Holiday Edition
• (17:22) - Priority Dilution

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

This week, Pete and Nikki sit down with Dr. Michael Felt to learn more about Delayed Sensory Affect (DSA). Ever find yourself so immersed in hyperfocus that basic needs fall by the wayside, only to erupt into chaos later? This could be a hidden ADHD struggle you've been facing.

We know our brains can be overwhelmed by constant stimuli and misinterpret sensory cues. This can lead to dramatic emotional responses. Through the amusing "I have to make" model, he illustrates how this affects both children and adults, becoming a silent disruptor in our daily lives.

The discussion turns raw as Pete opens up about the emotional toll of transitioning from work to home, highlighting a common yet unspoken burden for many ADHD adults. Nikki challenges listeners to recognize these patterns and take actionable steps to soften transitions with intention.

Dr. Felt is an ADHD & Executive Functioning specialist who has lectured at Yale University School of Medicine, and is a professor at Columbia University, where he teaches Psychopathology. He’s also, once again, a new dad. Congrats, Michael, from all of us, to all of you.

Links & Notes

• Patreon for The ADHD Podcast
• Discord Community
• Dr. Michael Felt’s Website
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (03:34) - Introducing Dr. Michael Felt
• (04:28) - What is DSA?
• (31:32) - A Toast to our ADHD

--
It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

Join Pete and Nikki as they welcome ADHD influencer and educator, Matt Raekelboom, back to the show! Matt's known for his videos on ADHD behaviors and neuroscience-backed tips, and today he's diving deep into the unregulated ADHD brain.

Ever feel like your brain's a runaway train? Matt breaks down what that experience really feels like and how it impacts everything from emotional regulation to executive function. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the profound difference between an unregulated and regulated brain and how simple lifestyle changes can lead to extraordinary results.

No, it's not about becoming an Olympian (unless you want to!), it's about finding the power to "do the thing," no matter how small. Matt, Pete, and Nikki explore the hidden costs of an unregulated brain, the myths surrounding self-care, and the importance of understanding the "why" behind healthy habits. Get ready for a dose of real talk, actionable advice, and a whole lotta hope!

Links:

• Instagram: @mattraekelboom
• Facebook: @mattraekelboomadhd
• Youtube: @journey2adhd
• TikTok: @mattraekelboom

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:55) - Matt Raekelboom is Back!
• (04:28) - The Unregulated ADHD Brain
• (20:54) - The Power of Why
• (32:28) - Transitioning to the Regulated Brain
• (36:47) - Learn More
• (41:29) - A Toast

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

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

We all know the struggle of force-based work – the urgency, the shame, the last-minute scramble fueled by a desperate need for a dopamine hit. Dr. Dini offers a refreshing alternative with the visit, suggesting that it opens us up to a wider range of emotions and allows us to tap into our innate playfulness. This shift, he explains, can transform work from a dreaded chore into a more sustainable and even enjoyable experience. He also addresses the common worry of "over-visiting" a task, assuring us that repeated visits can actually deepen our understanding and pave the way for real progress.

Ever feel like you're staring blankly at your task list, overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you need to do? Dr. Dini gets it. He explains how visits can combat that dreaded task blindness and help us regain momentum. By regularly checking in with a task, even briefly, we maintain a connection and avoid the sense of being lost or overwhelmed. He shares a relatable analogy from his experience as a musician, highlighting how stepping away from a challenging composition can often lead to unexpected insights upon returning.

Finally, Dr. Dini reminds us that real progress isn't always measurable. In a world obsessed with quantifiable results, he encourages us to value the internal shifts that happen during and between visits. These unmeasurable moments of insight, he argues, are the true building blocks of meaningful work. Join us as we explore the power of the visit, not as a quick fix but as a pathway to a more fulfilling and sustainable way of working.

Links & Notes

• Visit Dr. Kourosh Dini
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (03:43) - Introducing Kourosh Dini, MD
• (06:38) - Finding The Visit
• (14:25) - Forced-Based Work Methods
• (19:15) - Visiting Thoughtfully
• (28:18) - Fires-Based Work Methods

--
It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

This week on The ADHD Podcast, hosts Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright wrangle the comedic duo, Penn and Kim Holderness, authors of the New York Times bestselling book, ADHD is Awesome. Known for their viral videos (and possibly for single-handedly introducing COVID to the US, but we'll let Kim explain that one), the Holdernesses bring their signature blend of humor and honesty to a conversation about ADHD, vulnerability, and the art of the perfectly timed split jump.

Kim, the self-proclaimed anxiety and OCD whisperer to Penn's whirlwind of ADHD energy, shares her side of the story, revealing the secrets to thriving in a relationship where lost car keys and forgotten stoves are just part of the daily soundtrack.

Penn takes us on a trip down memory lane, from his shirt-chewing, interruption-filled childhood to the college years where academic probation became an unwelcome roommate. He shares how ADHD has shaped their careers, from the fast-paced world of local news to the creative explosion of online content creation. And yes, he finally explains the genius behind the cauliflower rice video – prepare for a philosophical debate that will divide your family for generations.

Join Pete and Nikki for a laugh-out-loud, yet touching conversation with Penn and Kim. This episode is packed with relatable anecdotes, practical tips, and a healthy reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there's always room for connection, understanding, and maybe even a well-placed split jump.

Links & Notes

• Find links to all their goodies at TheHoldernessFamily.com
• Pick up ADHD is Awesome
• Pick up Unapologetically ADHD
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:11) - Become a Patron! patreon.com/theadhdpodcast
• (02:37) - Introducing Penn & Kim Holderness
• (12:37) - ADHD Adaptation Between Partners
• (20:09) - The Beach Story
• (31:33) - The Baggage of ADHD
• (37:07) - Tackling the Title
• (45:13) - The Creative Process
• (53:49) - Collaboration
• (01:02:35) - What's Next?

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

This week on the show, we welcome back 10-time guest James Ochoa, author of Focused Forward, to discuss customizing strategies for managing ADHD.

Ochoa emphasizes the importance of recognizing that strategies for managing ADHD are not one-size-fits-all. He encourages listeners to tune into their internal radar to identify strategies that resonate with them personally.

The conversation explores the concept of "resourcing ADHD," which Ochoa defines as utilizing a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, from medication to customized sleep routines, to manage the challenges of ADHD. He highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing what he coined as Emotional Distress Syndrome (EDS), a pattern of mental and emotional disruptions that often accompanies ADHD. Ochoa compares EDS to experiencing micro-traumas that can leave individuals feeling constantly off-kilter.

The conversation turns toward the impact of these strategies on neuroplasticity, emphasizing the brain's ability to rewire itself through consistent practice. They highlight the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness in calming the nervous system and creating a sense of inner resourcefulness. Ochoa suggests that as individuals begin implementing these strategies, they may experience glimpses of a more positive self-image, gradually building a reservoir of resilience and self-acceptance.

Links & Notes

• Visit JamesOchoa.com
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:44) - Did you know you can review Unapologetically ADHD? You CAN! ;-)
• (04:11) - James Ochoa is Back!
• (05:50) - Customizing Strategies for ADHD
• (17:06) - Resourcing ADHD
• (21:17) - Neuroplasticity
• (30:15) - Trends in Practice
• (39:03) - Self-Image
• (45:31) - Learn More and Connect with James

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!