SuccessFULL With ADHD

Hosted by Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC

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132

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Sep 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Do you struggle with overwhelm, chaos, and negative self-beliefs when trying to accomplish life with ADHD? As a late-diagnosed ADHD Coach, ADHD Expert for over 20 years, and managing an ADHD household of 5, I understand the struggles that come along with living a life of unmanaged ADHD. The SuccessFULL With ADHD podcast shares my guests' journeys with ADHD, how they overcame their struggles, tips for other individuals with ADHD, and what life looks like now for them! Additionally, experts including Dr. Hallowell, Dr. Amen, Dr. Sharon Saline, The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Gabor Maté, Jim Kwik, and Chris Voss, join the SuccessFULL With ADHD podcast to provide insight on ADHD and their tools to manage it. Tune in to “SuccessFULL with ADHD” and start your journey towards success today! * The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*

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September 30, 202650 min

The Cost Of Performing For Success And Ignoring Signs Of Burnout With Kerrie Lee Brown

What happens when you stop performing success and start building a life that actually feels like yours? I sit down with Kerrie Lee Brown, a longtime media executive, former Chief Content Officer and Editor-in-Chief of SUCCESS Magazine, founder of Red Lily Media, and a storyteller who has spent more than 30 years helping other people find and share their authentic voices. Kerrie and I get real about vulnerability, ADHD masking, perfectionism, burnout, people-pleasing, and the pressure so many high-achieving women put on themselves. Kerrie shares how a heart attack at just 39 forced her to reconsider the relationship between stress, success, self-care, and identity. We also dig into what it means to unmask without oversharing, why authentic storytelling helps us feel less alone, how to lead creative and neurodivergent people as individuals, and what happens when we stop letting other people define success for us. Episode Highlights [0:56] - Why we edit ourselves, perform success, and hide the parts that feel like “too much.” [2:59] - Kerrie shares what 30 years of interviewing people taught her about authenticity and the stories we’re afraid to tell. [5:14] - The difference between sharing a real story and performing one—and why vulnerability creates connection. [8:42] - Afraid to be visible? We talk judgment, vulnerability, and deciding who deserves access to your story. [12:16] - Unmasking versus oversharing: how to stay authentic while still reading the room. [17:11] - Kerrie opens up about having a heart attack at 39 and the perfectionism, pressure, stress, and warning signs she had been ignoring. [22:52] - People-pleasing, overperforming, ADHD, and why putting yourself first isn't optional when everyone depends on you. [27:36] - Why creatives are never really “done”—and how strong leaders make room for different brains, personalities, and working styles. [31:22] - Being in “beta mode,” handling setbacks, taking people off pedestals, and questioning what success actually means. [36:37] - Why Kerrie created a platform where everyday people can share stories that deserve to be heard. [39:45] - The lifestyle and mindset changes Kerrie made after her heart attack—and how she learned to recognize stress creeping back in. [44:32] - How to tell your story without oversharing, asking for sympathy, or making everything about you. [46:45] - The difference between storytelling that builds genuine trust and storytelling that sounds like a pitch. Links & Resources Kerrie Lee Brown is an award-winning media executive, international journalist, author and speaker with more than 30 years of experience leading influential media brands across business,leadership, wellness and lifestyle. Having interviewed thousands of entrepreneurs, celebrities,executives, cultural icons and thought leaders, she brings a unique perspective on leadership,resilience, storytelling and personal transformation.She is the founder and CEO of RedLily® Media, a boutique storytelling consultancy, and co-founder of Lioness Global Initiatives™, a global experiential travel platform that brings ambitious women together through curated international expeditions focused on meaningful connection, cultural immersion and conscious leadership. A heart attack survivor and passionate advocate for sustainable success, Kerrie Lee inspires leaders to build lives and businesses rooted in authenticity, wellbeing and purpose through her speaking, writing, consulting and global collaborations. @kerrieleebrown_official KerrieLeeBrown.com Thank you for tuning into SuccessFULL with ADHD . If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

September 16, 202652 min

When Adhd Moms Stop Rescuing Everyone And Start Living With Heather Chauvin

Most moms I talk to are running on empty and still showing up for everyone else first. But what if feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and responsible for everyone isn’t actually the price of being a good mom? In this episode of Successful with ADHD , I’m joined by Heather Chauvin, leadership coach, TEDx speaker, host of Emotionally Uncomfortable , and author of Dying to Be a Good Mother . After being diagnosed with stage four cancer at 28 while raising three boys, Heather was forced to rethink how she was living, parenting, and using her energy. Heather and I get into ADHD, motherhood, burnout, emotional regulation, boundaries, executive functioning, and the invisible mental load so many women carry. We talk about what happens when you stop being everyone else’s executive function, why letting your kids struggle can actually help them build independence, and how operating from the energy you want to feel can change your relationships. I also share a deeply personal part of my own story and what happened when I finally started stepping back. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything and somehow still failing, press play on this one. Episode Highlights [0:45] - Meet Heather Chauvin and hear how a stage four cancer diagnosis changed the way she approached motherhood and life. [2:19] - Heather shares the internal shift that made her decide she was no longer willing to feel depleted. [4:10] - Facing fear, survival mode, motherhood, business, and cancer all at the same time. [6:39] - The difference between simply coping and asking yourself how you actually want to live. [8:29] - Why getting another planner or writing another to-do list won’t fix an identity built around doing everything for everyone. [12:20] - Looking beyond ADHD and other labels to recognize our basic human needs for regulation, nourishment, movement, and connection. [17:02] - Heather breaks down Energetic Time Management and her powerful “Wouldn’t it be nice if…” practice. [21:11] - Holding boundaries with ADHD kids without rescuing, controlling, or falling into a guilt spiral. [23:04] - Why emotional discomfort can feel horrible at first—and why yelling can actually be a stress response. [28:21] - I open up about nearly getting divorced, carrying the executive functioning of my household, and what changed when I finally stepped back. [30:45] - The fine line between helping, rescuing, codependence, and interdependence. [34:54] - Getting the mental load out of your brain and allowing other people to take responsibility—even when they do things differently. [36:22] - ADHD executive functioning, independence, and why letting our kids fail can be an important part of helping them grow. [37:17] - Moving through shame, regulating your nervous system, and creating the accountability your brain actually needs. [41:12] - Collaborative problem-solving: asking kids what their brains need instead of assuming we have all the answers. [43:08] - Why Heather believes the more responsibility you have, the lighter you should feel. [47:49] - Delaying difficult conversations, using ADHD-friendly communication strategies, and knowing when it’s better to text, write, or walk. [50:02] - Heather leaves overwhelmed moms with one belief she wants them to stop carrying. Links and Resources Heather Chauvin is a leadership advisor for high-performing women raising children and building lives that demand more than conventional time management can hold. Her work sits at an unusual intersection: Trained as a Social Worker, she spent the early part of her career inside the systems most of her clients are now navigating from the other side (schools, mental health services, family courts, the quiet machinery that shapes how children, especially neurodiverse children, are seen and supported). That lens still informs everything. She knows what's happening underneath the surface of a family, a marriage, a woman holding it all together. What she layers on top is lived. A stage 4 cancer diagnosis at 28, while raising three young sons and building a career. A TEDx stage. A book — Dying to Be a Good Mother. A podcast with more than 11 million downloads. Years of working privately with executives, founders, and mothers who look successful on paper and feel quietly depleted underneath. Her clients describe her as the advisor in their back pocket, someone who can hold the strategic conversation and the spiritual one in the same breath. The cash flow plan and the question of what makes you feel alive. The team restructure and the marriage or health diagnosis. The next career move and the child who needs you to show up differently than you were taught to. The throughline is this: The more responsibility you carry, the lighter you should feel. Heather has spent 15+ years proving it's possible — for herself, and for the women she works with privately. https://www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_/ Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

September 2, 202638 min

ADHD, Shame & Self-Worth: Russ Jones Explains how to Show Up (Even at 40%): A Favorite Rerun Episode

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode In this episode, I’m joined by Russ Jones, the incredibly relatable and hilarious host of the ADHD Big Brother podcast and creator of the ADHD Big Brother community. Russ is not only a productivity coach trained in integrative wellness and ADHD-specific strategies—he’s also someone who’s walked the walk. Diagnosed later in life, Russ turned his own challenges into a mission to serve others, helping adults with ADHD cut through the noise and get the “tough stuff” done. We dive into Russ’s ADHD journey—from late diagnosis to creating a thriving support community built around daily accountability, humor, and vulnerability. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or stuck in self-doubt, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that consistent, small steps can lead to transformational change. Tune in to hear how Russ turned a quit-smoking forum into the blueprint for an ADHD support system that actually works. Russ Jones is a productivity coach trained in integrative wellness and ADHD-specific coaching. He’s committed to helping adults with ADHD get the tough stuff done. His personal journey, including a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis, fuels his passion for empowering the ADHD community, by simplifying the chaos of our unique skull spaghetti (his word for brains), and offering easy to apply solutions. Russ hosts the ADHD Big Brother podcast and is the founder of the ADHD Big Brother community, an online platform where he and members successfully give and get daily support and make progress on their goals, proving that community is one of the greatest tools to a well-managed and productive ADHD life. Episode Highlights: [1:02] - Introducing Russ Jones and his passion for simplifying the ADHD experience [2:45] - Getting diagnosed at 40 and navigating the grief and relief [5:00] - From actor to ADHD advocate: Russ’s early career and challenges [9:22] - The emotional crash during COVID and rediscovering purpose [12:46] - Launching his podcast and coaching practice [14:10] - How quitting nicotine inspired the ADHD Big Brother community [15:32] - The power of daily accountability and owning our struggles [18:47] - What showing up consistently looks like—even on bad days [20:27] - How community transforms shame into progress [22:20] - Behind the scenes of the ADHD Big Brother platform and how it works [25:16] - Gamifying success with “Skull Spaghetti” and badge rewards [27:11] - Crushing long-term goals with consistent, low-pressure action [30:04] - The “inverted mountain” analogy for achieving goals with ADHD [33:39] - One big takeaway: be cool with yourself, even on hard days Links & Resources: Russ Jones’ ADHD Community & Podcast: https://www.adhdbigbrother.com/ Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

August 19, 202652 min

How to Declutter with ADHD with Katy Wells: A Favorite Rerun Episode

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode This episode is one that hits your home and your heart . I’m joined by Katy Wells , author of Making Home Your Happy Place and host of Maximize Minimalist . Together, we unpack the biggest lies we’ve been sold about decluttering—especially how harmful those messages can be for ADHD and neurodivergent brains. We go far beyond “just get organized” and dig into how clutter impacts your nervous system, identity, emotions, and stress levels. Katy shares a compassionate, realistic, and ADHD-friendly approach to decluttering that doesn’t rely on perfection, Pinterest aesthetics, or overwhelm. If clutter has ever sent you into a shame spiral or made you feel like you’re failing at adulthood, this conversation is for you. Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real-Life Guide to Decluttering without the Overwhelm, created Holistic Decluttering—an approach that tackles clutter at its roots and pairs it with simple, sustainable systems. As host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast (5 million listens), Katy helps families break the cycle of clutter that keeps coming back. Her work has been featured on NBC News Daily, Martha Stewart, and Real Simple. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two sons. Episode Highlights: [0:51] – Introducing Katy Wells and why this conversation goes way deeper than “stuff” [2:03] – The biggest decluttering myths we’ve been fed and why they harm ADHD brains [5:51] – The shocking research linking clutter, cortisol, and focus [8:27] – Why mess and clutter are not the same thing (and why that matters) [11:56] – ADHD-friendly decluttering: one category, one decision at a time [16:54] – “Only Handle It Once” and designing your environment for follow-through [20:32] – Finding your baseline instead of chasing impossible standards [24:45] – Decluttering as a lifestyle, not another exhausting to-do list [33:00] – The four types of clutter: superficial, scarcity, sentimental, and identity [40:33] – Letting go without regret and why decluttering is a skill you can build [49:55] – Creating a home that feels possible, supportive, and truly yours Links and Resources: Katy’s website: https://www.katyjoywells.com/ Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

August 5, 202646 min

What ADHD Teens ACTUALLY Need From Their Parents with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart: A Favorite Rerun Episode

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode What ADHD teens actually need from their parents can feel confusing, exhausting, and emotional—and if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting it “right,” this episode will bring relief. I sat down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author of Love the Teen You Have , for a deeply validating and practical conversation about parenting teens with ADHD. You’ll walk away feeling supported, encouraged, and equipped with tools you can use right away. We explore why she wrote her book, the real meaning behind its title, and the myths that leave so many parents feeling defeated. We dig into how to stay connected when your teen is pushing boundaries, why unconditional love changes everything, and what it truly looks like to support ADHD teens with executive function, emotional regulation, and respect. We also get honest about step-parenting, hormone changes, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the teen years. Dr. Lockhart offers practical scripts, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you navigate tough moments with confidence and compassion. Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author who has been featured in The New York Times , Parents , HuffPost , and The Today Show . After feeling disconnected from her own mom as a teen, she wrote her book to help parents build the closeness she once wished for. Love the Teen You Have is available now. Episode Highlights: [0:35] Introducing Dr. Lockhart + her book [2:19] Why she wrote it + radical acceptance [3:45] Parenting vs. loving the child you have [6:14] Unconditional acceptance as transformation [7:37] The myth that “good parenting = good results” [10:11] Rejection sensitivity + separating facts from stories [13:35] ADHD catastrophizing vs. teen behavior [16:24] PDA vs. ODD [18:11] Teens seeking connection through conflict [21:06] Gentle parenting vs. permissive parenting [23:05] The “redo” + modeling regulation [25:39] Repairing after rupture [28:32] Hormones, puberty, and emotional upheaval [34:30] What ADHD adults need to know about teen brains [36:43] Can you be a friend and a parent? [39:25] Step-parenting + connection first [42:09] What schools need to understand [44:24] Where to find Dr. Lockhart Links and Resources: 📘 Love the Teen You Have by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart – Available wherever books are sold 🌐 Visit Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s website: https://drannlouiselockhart.com/ 📱 Follow her on Instagram: @dr.annlouise.lockhart ▶️ Check out her YouTube channel for parenting insights and tips: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhart Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

July 22, 202646 min

ADHD Communication Made Easy with Former FBI Hostage Negotiator Chris Voss: A Favorite Rerun Episode

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode I had an incredible conversation with Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, in this week's episode of Successful with ADHD. Chris shared so many valuable insights on communication, empathy, and understanding - topics that are very relevant for the ADHD community. Chris is a former Lead FBI Negotiator and dynamic speaker who debunks the biggest myths around negotiation. Chris engages all groups with captivating stories, insights, and useful tips for business and everyday life. Chris has lectured on negotiation at business schools across the country and has been seen on ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox News. Chris has also been featured in Forbes, Time, Fast Company, and Inc. Chris’s Keynotes are based on his book Never Split The Difference©. Episode Highlights: [01:06] – Starstruck by my guest Chris Voss and why his book means so much to me and my husband. [02:48] - Chris emphasizes the importance of listening and paying attention to more than just words in a conversation. [03:50] - Strategies Chris suggests for people with ADHD to improve focus when listening intently. [06:37] - How turning communication into a "game" can help capture wandering attention. [08:39] - The challenges of reading body language accurately via video calls compared to in-person interactions. [10:00] - Tips for maintaining engagement and energy on long video calls. [11:05] - Using the "mirroring" technique to bring attention back to key points you may have missed. [13:52] - Why some personalities may not enjoy being "mirrored" and prefer different approaches. [17:22] - The strategic use of apologies before interruptions or assertions. [19:10] - Why apologies shouldn't necessarily be seen as a sign of weakness. [20:10] - Whether communication tactics can be used effectively when both parties are aware of them. [21:33] - Chris explains prospect theory and loss aversion based on the work of Daniel Kahneman. [25:14] - The importance of empathy and appreciation when using the powerful tool of invoking loss. [26:34] - The benefits of handwriting over typing for memory retention and focus. [29:49] - Practicing mental hygiene to counter our innate negativity bias. [32:33] - Tuning into emotions rather than words when listening. [35:33] - Paying attention to the "emotional timeline" based on the type of feelings being expressed. [36:01] - Strategies for bridging disagreements by ensuring people feel truly heard. [40:03] - Thoughts on reducing conflict through understanding and empathy for all sides. [40:56] - Whether world peace can ever be achieved. [43:13] - The importance of making people feel heard in communication. Connect with Chris Voss: •Black Swan Ltd - Chris Voss's company website: www.blackswanltd.com • The Edge weekly email newsletter - get free negotiation tips from Chris • Never Split the Difference - Chris's bestselling book I loved diving into so many facets of communication and empathy with an expert like Chris. Let me know if you found this episode valuable by leaving a review! And don't forget to follow along on social media @coachingwithbrooke . See you next time! 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

July 8, 202638 min

Why ADHD Makes Planning Feel Impossible and What Can Help with Gillian Gossow

Have you ever been genuinely excited about a trip, only to realize you never booked the one thing you couldn't wait to do? If you've ever wondered why there's such a frustrating gap between wanting something and actually making it happen, this episode is for you. This week, I'm joined by my longtime best friend, Gillian Gossow, founder and CEO of Bad Girls Yoga & Pilates. After traveling together for more than 20 years, Gillian has had a front-row seat to the unique challenges ADHD can create when planning vacations, group trips, and bachelorette weekends. We talk about executive function, travel anxiety, nervous system regulation, and the small shifts that can make traveling with ADHD feel so much easier—without the guilt or shame. Episode Highlights [0:31] - The Paris story that perfectly illustrates the ADHD planning gap. [2:06] - Meet Gillian Gossow and why she's the perfect guest for this conversation. [4:24] - Looking back at years of traveling together and what changed once ADHD entered the conversation. [8:46] - How adding structure and shared planning completely transformed our California trip. [12:32] - What Gillian has learned from planning hundreds of bachelorette yoga and Pilates experiences. [16:04] - Why ADHD brains often struggle with executing plans—and how delegation changes everything. [21:29] - Managing travel anxiety, group dynamics, and overstimulation before they spiral. [25:48] - Simple breathwork techniques that help calm the ADHD nervous system in just a few minutes. [31:07] - Why every ADHD traveler needs a "dive buddy" for support and co-regulation. [32:46] - Practical scripts you can use to ask for help before your next trip. [35:46] - Why your vacation doesn't have to be perfect to become one of your favorite memories. Links & Resources Follow Bad Girls Yoga on Instagram & TikTok: @badgirlsyoga Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

June 24, 2026Episode 12351 min

Retraining the ADHD Dysregulated Nervous System with Jenna Free

What if the reason productivity strategies haven’t worked isn’t because you’re lazy, unmotivated, or “bad at ADHD”—but because your nervous system is stuck in survival mode? In this conversation, I’m joined by ADHD counselor and author Jenna Free, whose approach to ADHD starts with regulation before productivity. Jenna shares why so many ADHDers find themselves trapped in cycles of overwhelm, paralysis, burnout, and all-or-nothing thinking—and how learning to regulate your nervous system can create lasting change. We explore the connection between ADHD, anxiety, fight-or-flight responses, and executive functioning, while challenging some of the common assumptions about what ADHD really is. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from trying harder and getting nowhere, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what it takes to move forward. Episode Highlights [0:40] - Meet Jenna Free and why regulation comes before productivity [1:32] - The difference between avoidance and a nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight [4:25] - Why awareness is the first step toward meaningful change [5:59] - The “spinning wheels” analogy and why slowing down helps you move forward [7:18] - Escaping the frantic-crash cycle that keeps ADHDers stuck [12:13] - ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and the role of nervous system dysregulation [13:57] - Jenna’s three-layer framework for ADHD regulation [19:37] - How thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk fuel dysregulation [27:59] - All-or-nothing thinking, perfectionism, and finding flexibility [36:16] - Can regulation improve ADHD symptoms and task initiation? [44:27] - What a regulated ADHD life actually looks like [48:47] - Jenna’s new book and where to connect with her Links & Resources Jenna Free (CCC) is an ADHD counselor who also has ADHD. She specializes in helping ADHD brains move out of fight-or-flight and into a more regulated, sustainable state while honoring neurodivergence and individual strengths. Through her ADHD Regulation Groups and professional certification program, Jenna teaches practical strategies that help ADHDers become more productive while enjoying life more. Jenna lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and two sons, and loves exploring new hobbies, including acting, tennis, and yoga. Website: ADHD with Jenna Free Website Instagram: @adhdwithjennafree TikTok: @adhdwithjennafree Podcast: ADHD with Jenna Free Book: The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation: The Secret to Finding Balance, Getting Things Done, and Enjoying Life Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

June 10, 2026Episode 12245 min

Living with ADHD Without Losing Yourself with Micah Saviet and Elizabeth Ahmann

ADHD is often talked about through the lens of productivity, focus, and executive functioning, but what happens when we zoom out and look at the bigger picture? Elizabeth Ahmann and Micah Saviet, co-authors of Flourishing with Adult ADHD , join me for a thought-provoking conversation about identity, self-perception, and the lived experience of being neurodivergent. We explore how masking, shame, trauma, sociocultural influences, and late diagnosis can shape the way adults with ADHD see themselves and navigate the world. This conversation challenges the traditional deficit-based model of ADHD and offers a more affirming, strengths-based perspective that can help you better understand yourself and create meaningful change. Whether you're an adult with ADHD, a coach, therapist, or someone supporting a neurodivergent loved one, you'll walk away with practical insights for building self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience. Episode Highlights [0:00] - The hidden cost of masking, perfectionism, and appearing successful on the outside [0:50] - Meet Elizabeth Ahmann and Micah Saviet, co-authors of Flourishing with Adult ADHD [2:18] - Why ADHD is more than executive functioning challenges—it’s also an identity experience [4:23] - Moving beyond the medical model and embracing a neurodiversity-affirming perspective [7:16] - Understanding the "fifth domain" of ADHD: sociocultural identity [10:44] - Cultural humility, curiosity, and supporting clients with different lived experiences [12:04] - The Social Identity Wheel and how identity awareness can reduce shame [14:49] - Reframing ADHD challenges as differences in neurobiology rather than personal failures [16:17] - Identity reconstruction and redefining yourself beyond an ADHD-based narrative of failure [18:24] - Trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and how they intersect with ADHD [23:51] - Why addressing shame is essential for adults with ADHD [24:14] - Masking, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the invisible burden many adults carry [26:42] - How social conditioning impacts women with ADHD and contributes to late diagnosis [29:06] - The difference between adapting and masking as a neurodivergent person [31:02] - Small steps, externalizing tasks, and reducing executive function overwhelm [33:30] - Using affirmations and visualization to reshape self-belief and identity [36:10] - Why micro-actions and 1% improvements create lasting progress [38:08] - Turning goals into experiments to reduce pressure and build momentum [40:08] - What to remember when it feels like you've tried everything and nothing has worked [40:55] - New research on ADHD coaching and improvements in well-being and executive functioning [43:35] - Where to find Flourishing with Adult ADHD and who will benefit most from reading it Links & Resources Elizabeth Ahmann, ScD, RN, PCC, NBC-HWC Elizabeth Ahmann (she/her) is an ADHD and health and wellness coach, Professor, and Curriculum Manager in the Health and Wellness Coaching Department at Notre Dame of Maryland University’s School of Integrative Health. She also serves as Director of Research at Springer Institute. With a master’s degree in nursing and a doctorate in public health, Elizabeth brings extensive experience in coaching, teaching, and research. She synthesizes theory, evidence, and practice to translate complex research into accessible, actionable guidance that supports optimal, person-centered care for adults with ADHD. Micah Saviet, LCSW-C, NBC-HWC Micah Saviet (he/him) is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care for adults with ADHD. Micah integrates evidence-based, somatic, and neurophysiological approaches to support clients in healing from shame, emotional dysregulation, and trauma-related patterns commonly experienced by neurodivergent adults. Micah’s work emphasizes moving beyond symptom management toward deeper healing, self-compassion, and sustainable well-being. He writes and speaks on adult ADHD, trauma, nervous system regulation, and strengths-based care for professionals. Connect Instagram: @adulttrauma_adhdsolutions To purchase "Flourishing with Adult ADHD": https://amzn.to/49WWdgL https://www.routledge.com/Flourishing-with-Adult-ADHD-The-Evidence-Based-Guide-to-Client-Well-Being-for-Therapists-and-Coaches/Ahmann-Saviet/p/book/9781041059776 Micah's therapy practice: https://www.adulttraumaandadhdsolutions.com/ Micah & Liz's coaching practice: https://www.pathways-ahead.com/ Liz and Micah's research institute: https://springerinstitute.org/ Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

May 27, 2026Episode 12158 min

Why Daily Planning Fails Women's ADHD Brains with Megan Sumrell

If you've ever felt like you're doing all the things but still falling behind, this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by time management expert Megan Sumrell, creator of the TOP Program, who challenges one of the most common productivity habits many of us rely on: daily planning. Megan explains why traditional productivity systems often fail women—especially women with ADHD—and how they can leave us feeling overwhelmed, guilty, and stuck in a cycle of constantly playing catch-up. In our conversation, we explore a more realistic approach to planning that accounts for uncertainty, mental load, energy fluctuations, caregiving responsibilities, and the realities of everyday life. Megan shares practical strategies for reducing decision fatigue, prioritizing what matters most, and creating a weekly planning rhythm that helps you feel more in control without striving for perfection. If you're ready to stop reacting and start planning in a way that actually works for your brain, press play. Episode Highlights [0:00] Why planning by the day may be causing more anxiety than flexibility [2:11] The hidden dangers of relying on daily to-do lists [3:10] Why traditional productivity systems leave many women feeling organized on paper but overwhelmed in reality [5:18] The guilt cycle: unfinished tasks, self-blame, and time debt [7:59] How unrealistic daily planning sets you up for failure before the day even begins [9:30] Decision fatigue, ADHD, and why making choices all day drains your energy [13:35] The cognitive load women carry—and why automation matters [15:31] Productive procrastination and chasing quick dopamine wins [17:09] Why weekly planning creates flexibility instead of rigidity [20:35] What to do when your calendar is already overbooked [23:14] Practical strategies for prioritizing when everything feels important [28:47] Hormones, energy cycles, and creating plans that work with your body [32:49] Managing planning and communication in relationships and neurodivergent households [38:10] Protecting personal time, exercise, and self-care without guilt [42:05] Paper planners vs. digital tools: finding the right system for your lifestyle [46:31] How to bounce back into your routine after vacation or time away [50:41] The biggest mindset shift: a plan is a tool, not a report card [54:40] Inside Megan’s TOP Program and why a planner alone won’t solve overwhelm Links & Resources Megan Sumrell's Website: https://megansumrell.com Follow Megan on Instagram: @megansumrell About Megan Sumrell Megan Sumrell is a Time Management Expert, Founder & CEO, and creator of the TOP Program and TOP Planner. After spending more than 20 years in corporate process improvement, she discovered that traditional productivity systems weren't designed for the realities women face—including caregiving responsibilities, mental load, and constant uncertainty. Today, she helps overwhelmed women create harmony in their lives through planning systems built specifically for how women's brains work, transforming unrealistic to-do lists into flexible, achievable plans. Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training! 💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching 💥Earn 38 ICF Credits 💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice 💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

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