Overcoming Distractions

In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes Dr. Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist, ADHD specialist, and author of the new book, Allow Me to Interrupt. While ADHD is often associated with external disruptions in boys, Dr. Kahn highlights how it frequently manifests internally as emotional dysregulation in women.

The conversation dives deep into why women are often diagnosed later in life and how biological factors, specifically hormonal shifts, play a critical role in how ADHD symptoms fluctuate.

Key Discussion Points

• The Gender Bias in Diagnosis: Dr. Kahn discusses how current ADHD diagnostic criteria are historically rooted in observations of male children, often leading to women provided with an accurate diagnosis.
• The Estrogen-Dopamine Connection: A fascinating look at how fluctuating estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause directly impact dopamine availability, often exacerbating ADHD symptoms during the luteal phase.
• Late-Life Diagnosis: Why many professional women aren’t diagnosed until their 40s or 50s, often triggered by the increased cognitive load of demanding careers, parenting, or perimenopause.
• Co-occurring Physical Challenges: The link between ADHD and chronic health issues like migraines, which further complicate emotional and physical regulation.
• Strategic Management: Practical advice on “capitalizing” on high-energy weeks and practicing self-compassion during more difficult hormonal shifts.

You can find Dr. Kahn at her website: https://www.drgillykahn.com/

In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes mindset coach and former therapist Cindi Frechette to discuss a non-traditional approach to thriving with ADHD.

Moving beyond surface-level productivity hacks like to-do lists and timers…, Cindi introduces the Unknow Method, a framework designed for high achievers to manage mental chaos and mitigate burnout.

Cindi shares her “lived experience” with ADHD, offering a unique perspective on how internal narratives drive behavior. Together, they explore how busy professionals can stop “performing” and start living authentically by aligning their daily actions with their deepest values.

Key Discussion Topics:

• The Unknow Method: A three-step framework consisting of Unravel (identifying automated thoughts), Rebuild (strengthening self-identity), and Reclaim (mastering time and energy).
• The “Thought Dump” Exercise: A practical tool to separate objective facts from ruminating opinions.
• The Neuroscience of Overthinking: Understanding how the ADHD brain interprets survival signals and conserves energy.
• Value-Based Decision Making: Why re-evaluating your personal values every 3–6 months is essential for long-term alignment.
• Masking and Burnout: How “performing success” leads to internal exhaustion and how to reverse-engineer your feelings to change your actions.

Freebie to offer: “You can grab Cindi’s free Thought Reset Tool at https://stan.store/Unknowwithcindi . It’s designed to help you pause the chaos and rebuild clarity ADHD brain approved.”

In this episode, Dave sits down with Theresa Lear Levine, an EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Master Practitioner and hypnotherapist, to explore the deep connection between the nervous system and ADHD. For high-achieving entrepreneurs and professionals, ADHD is often managed through “mechanics” Which are mission critical.

However, Theresa explains why the nervous system is in a state of high-functioning anxiety or chronic stress for many busy professionals with ADHD. And how we can mitigate that stress.

Key Discussion Points:

• Reframing ADHD: Moving away from the “disorder” mindset to view ADHD as a mismatch between one’s brain and their environment or expectations.
• The Power of the Nervous System: Why emotional regulation is the foundation that allows executive functioning strategies to actually work.
• Understanding EFT (Tapping): How combining ancient meridian points with modern psychology can disrupt “fight or flight” responses in the amygdala.
• The “Body Keeps the Score”: Discussing how chronic stress and trauma are stored physiologically and how releasing that tension improves focus and health.
• Overcoming the Resistance to Slowing Down: Why high achievers fear “pausing” and how to reintroduce pleasure and joy to prevent burnout.
• Breaking the Procrastination Loop: Using nervous system tools to lower the perceived “threat” of a daunting task so it becomes doable.

Juggling a demanding career and the unique challenges of adult ADHD can be tough enough. But what happens when you add significant life commitments, like caregiving, into the mix?

In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes Lisa Candera, a mom, attorney, ADHD-er, and autism mom coach.

They dive deep into the real-world strategies for managing a full, complex life while respecting and even leveraging your ADHD wiring. Lisa shares her personal journey of late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and the radical compassion it unlocked.

This episode is packed with essential insights on managing burnout, mastering self-regulation, and finding grace amidst the chaos.

For Busy Professionals with ADHD:

• Customized Support is Key: For adults with demanding careers, support (from a coach or mentor) should meet you where you are! There is no one-size-fits-all “playbook” for ADHD.
• Embrace Individual Needs: Recognize and respect your unique sensory environment. Some thrive in dead silence (like David), while others need background stimulation (like Lisa, who studied for the bar in coffee shops).
• Unexpected Coping Tools: Simple items can be life-savers. Lisa’s AirPods/earphones help with focus, enjoyment (listening to true crime), and self-regulating her sound sensitivity and quick startle response.
• The Adult ADHD “Click”: Many adults with ADHD are diagnosed later in life, often after a child’s diagnosis. What seemed like stress, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation often turns out to be a manifestation of their neurotype.
• The Caregiving Challenge: When you have caregiving or high-level family responsibilities, you often experience a next level of exhaustion. Bringing home complexities into the workplace is a reality that contributes to burnout.
• Practice Radical Compassion: Apply the same love, grace, and understanding you afford a struggling child or friend to yourself. This helps reframe struggles that you previously saw as character flaws as part of your wiring.

Find Lisa Candera on her Website: theautismmomcoach.com

This week, Dave welcomes back his good friend Jeff Copper of DIG Coaching for a vital discussion tailored for the busy professional navigating life with ADHD.

Many with ADHD excel at problem-solving for others, but often struggle to implement those same solutions for themselves. This episode dives into the concept of executive function impairment and introduces a new approach.

Jeff shares how this model provides a simple, actionable, and universal accommodation to help mitigate the challenges of ADHD and burnout. Tune in to understand why direct communication is the most basic, yet often overlooked, tool for achieving clarity with Adult ADHD.

Key Discussion Points

• ADHD and Problem Solving: Individuals with ADHD are often excellent problem solvers and “connect the dots” better than others, but struggle to apply these skills to their own lives.
• The Role of Executive Functions: ADHD is defined as an executive function impairment, meaning the “mind tools” used for problem-solving (planning, organizing, decision-making) are less efficient, requiring much greater effort in some cases.
• Strategies vs. Execution: Having a plan or strategy isn’t enough; the difficulty lies in the execution which requires intensive use of executive functions.
• Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out: Jeff Copper’s model posits that direct communication (talking things through in real-time) is a universal accommodation for ADHD.
• Communication as an Accommodation: Language evolved to solve shared problems, making direct, collaborative conversation the most fundamental form of problem-solving. People with ADHD simply need this accommodation more.
• The Power of Clarity: The majority of procrastination is rooted in ambiguity, which direct communication is designed to resolve.

On this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes back Rand Selig, author of Thriving: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life. They dive deep into what it truly means to define personal success and the often-elusive concept of “enough.”

This conversation is especially relevant for busy professionals, particularly those with ADHD or who identify as neurodivergent, who often push themselves to the brink of burnout.

Rand shares insights on shifting away from external markers of achievement to cultivate a more integrated and fulfilling life.

Episode Highlights:

• Defining Your Own Success: The discussion emphasizes that success is deeply personal and should be defined internally, not by societal expectations, parental influence, or external markers like money, status, or titles.
• Beyond Work-Life Balance: Rand suggests moving past the idea of “work-life balance” as a teeter-totter, instead advocating for the integration of various life components. This helps combat the guilt many feel when dedicating time to one area over another.
• The “Being” vs. “Doing” Paradigm: Success isn’t just about accomplishments (doing); it also involves feelings and internal states (being). A healthy, successful life combines both in a proportion that works for you and can evolve with different life stages.
• Discovering “Enough”: The journey to understanding what “enough” means for you requires courage and honesty. It involves regularly checking in with yourself about choices and whether they align with your values and desired life.
• Rebuilding After Burnout: For those feeling burnt out or at a turning point, the initial step is self-care and self-compassion, including adequate rest. Seeking support is crucial, and it’s important to articulate the specific kind of support you need from others.
• Rand’s 14 Elements of Success: Rand shares his personal framework for success. You’ll have to listen to get them!

Find Rand Selig at his website: https://www.randselig.com/

This episode of Overcoming Distractions features a conversation with Kat O’Sullivan, author of From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Path to Possibility. Dave and Kat explore how individuals, especially those with ADHD, can overcome self-doubt and embrace significant life changes.

Kat shares her personal journey of moving to Mexico during the pandemic, highlighting the critical steps and mindset shifts needed to transform seemingly impossible goals into tangible realities. This discussion will resonate with anyone looking to make bold moves and leverage their adult ADHD.

Here’s some important advice from the episode:

• Embrace Your “Positives”: For individuals with ADHD, what might be labeled as “negative traits” like hyperactivity or hyperfocus can actually be powerful assets in the right environment. Reframe these characteristics as strengths that offer unique advantages, such as excelling in sales or problem-solving.
• Challenge Doubt with Questions: When faced with a big decision or feeling stuck, ask yourself, “What if it is possible?” and “What am I not seeing yet?” The word “yet” is particularly powerful, as it acknowledges current limitations while opening the door to future possibilities and solutions.
• The Four C’s: Kat introduces a framework of four critical “C’s” to navigate change:
  • Courage: Have the courage to confront your situation and your mindset head-on.
  • Clarity: Get clear on what you truly want and, more importantly, why it matters to you. This “why” provides the conviction needed to push through challenges.
  • Commitment: Make a “hell yes” commitment to your decision. This unwavering resolve is what propels you forward when obstacles arise.
  • Capacity: Build your capacity by learning what you need to get things done, and practice self-compassion. This involves understanding your personal working style and identifying the support you need.
• Be Methodical, Not Just Impulsive: While embracing opportunity is key, especially for those prone to impulsivity, major life changes require a methodical approach. Conduct thorough research, create detailed checklists, and break down large goals into manageable, step-by-step processes.
• Address External Doubts: Be prepared for skepticism from others, and don’t let their fears derail your plans. Re-ground yourself by focusing on “what’s at stake if I don’t do it,” rather than solely on the risks of taking action.

Expect and Adapt to Hiccups: It’s normal to encounter unforeseen challenges, especially when embarking on something new. Don’t beat yourself up when things don’t go as planned. Instead, return to your “what” and “why,” and figure out the next step.

Find Kat here at her website:

www.katosullivan.com

Welcome to another episode of Overcoming Distractions! In this episode, Dave sits down with Christopher Richards, a leadership consultant and founder of Atomic Growth. They dig into the unique challenges and surprising strengths of busy professionals with ADHD, exploring how to navigate demanding careers and personal lives.

Christopher shares insights from his own journey with ADHD, the philosophy behind Atomic Growth, and practical advice for ADHD’ers with demanding careers and business owners looking to find success and fulfillment without relying on unsustainable pressure.

Key discussion points:

• Atomic Growth’s Philosophy: Christopher talks about his holistic approach, called “RISE” (Rituals, Identity, Somatics, Environment), which emphasizes making a meaningful difference beyond just financial gain.
• The Problem with Pressure: Both David and Christopher highlight how many business owners and professionals rely on immense pressure to achieve goals, often leading to burnout and a lack of real accomplishment despite long hours. They emphasize that effective work doesn’t have to be stressful.
• ADHD and Work Styles: Christopher, who was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD later in life, discusses his unique ability to focus better when engaged in multiple tasks simultaneously, contrasting with David’s preference for single-task, undisturbed focus. This highlights the diverse ways ADHD brains can operate and the importance of understanding one’s own optimal working environment.
• The Value of an ADHD Diagnosis: For Christopher, his diagnosis wasn’t about a label but about gaining a clearer understanding of how his brain functions to leverage its strengths effectively.
• Overcoming Self-Imposed Limitations (Demand Avoidance): The discussion touches on “demand avoidance,” where individuals with ADHD, even when self-imposing demands, can find their brains resisting. This underscores the need for self-awareness and strategies that align with how an ADHD brain naturally operates.
• Identifying and Leveraging Strengths: Instead of solely focusing on challenges, David and Christopher emphasize the importance of identifying and utilizing strengths.

Connect with Christopher Richards here: https://atomicgrowth.co.uk/

In this episode of “Overcoming Distractions,” host Dave welcomes Rand Selig, author of “Thriving: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life.”

Rand shares his insights on what it truly means to thrive, especially for busy professionals and those with ADHD.

He emphasizes that thriving is more than just getting by, it’s about fulfillment, purpose, and living a life that matters. This discussion offers valuable perspectives on personal growth, community involvement, and the science behind a flourishing life, applicable whether you have ADHD or simply seek to enhance your well-being.

Discussion Points:

• Defining Thriving: Rand introduces his high bar for thriving, which transcends merely “getting by” and focuses on a profound sense of fulfillment, purpose, and overall well-being.
• The Four Dimensions of Thriving:
  • Thriving Personally: The foundation of all other dimensions, focusing on character building, gratitude, purpose, managing emotions, and understanding one’s spirituality. The importance of the relationship with oneself.
  • Thriving with Others: Building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community.
  • Thriving Out in the World: Engaging in service to others, conservation, and volunteering, highlighting how helping others can shift one’s perspective and lead to happiness.
  • Thriving by Moving Ever Forward: The continuous process of evolution and becoming a better version of oneself, rather than comparing oneself to others.
• The Science of Thriving: Rand touches upon scientific frameworks that support his ideas, including:
• Self-Care and Recharge: The critical need for individuals, especially those with demanding careers and ADHD, to recognize signs of fatigue and burnout, and to implement self-care practices.
• Being Present: The significance of being fully present in interactions and in moments of reflection, as a source of joy and clarity, and how this contrasts with the ADHD brain’s tendency to wander.
• Intentional Decisions and Habits: The power of making conscious choices about how we spend our time, who we spend it with, and the habits we cultivate. The importance of fostering positive habits and self-awareness in guiding one’s “bus” (life’s direction).

Find rand at his website: https://www.randselig.com/

Are you a busy professional with ADHD feeling overwhelmed and burned out? You’re not alone. This week, David welcomes Brittany Piper, author of Body-First Healing: Get Unstuck and Recover from Trauma with Somatic Healing, and an expert in trauma-informed care, to dig into the profound impact of our modern world on our nervous systems.

They discuss how the constant demands of technology, work, and life contribute to chronic stress and burnout, especially for those already navigating the challenges of ADHD.

Britt highlights that our nervous system fundamentally seeks safety and connection. Modern life often undermines both, leading to feelings of unsafety within our bodies and relationships, and a sense of “connected but disconnected” through technology. They explore the difference between stress and the cumulative “allostatic load” of chronic stress, emphasizing that simply resting isn’t always enough to release built-up tension.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Impact of Modern Life: How 24/7 connectivity and societal pressures overload our nervous systems.
• Beyond Surface-Level Advice: Why typical burnout advice like “take breaks” often misses the deeper physiological roots of chronic stress.
• The Body’s Silent Signals: Britt explains how stress and trauma are stored in the body, manifesting in physical symptoms like digestive issues, chronic pain, and even changes in facial muscles and hearing.
• The Role of Early Experiences: The crucial impact of secure attachment in early childhood on developing a resilient nervous system and the potential for “developmental trauma.”
• Unpacking the Past: Recognizing how past experiences, even without overt abuse, can prime our nervous system for survival mode and impact our stress response in adulthood.
• The Autonomic Loop: Understanding how some high-achievers unknowingly use the energy of unprocessed stress (adrenaline and cortisol) to fuel their careers, leading to eventual crashes.
• The Meaning of Presence: A glimpse into how to truly become present by engaging the sensory-motor system.

Advice from Britt Piper:

• Focus on Internal Safety: Pay attention to physical sensations in your body as indicators of your nervous system state.
• Recognize the Need for Real Connection: Acknowledge the limitations of digital connection and prioritize genuine, in-person interactions.
• Understand the Body-Mind Connection: Be aware that physical symptoms can often be linked to underlying stress and past experiences.
• Consider Early Life Influences: Reflect on your childhood experiences and attachment style, as they can significantly impact your resilience to stress.

Learn more about Brittany Piper on her website: https://www.bodyfirsthealing.com/