When Systems Fail and Christmas Turkeys

Cate and Erik talk about doomscrolling, and how the infinite-scroll social media feed can take hold on an ADHD mind. They also talk about mongooses (mongeese?) for a surprisingly long amount of time. Key topics: How doomscrolling takes hold on people with ADHD, how artificial intelligence apps cause doubt on the internet, methods of cutting down on doomscrolling, mongooses and how cute they are. Perfect for adults with ADHD who love genuine, unfiltered conversations about neurodivergent childhood experiences and how our scattered minds connect memories. Subscribe for more ADHD-friendly storytelling!PREORDER "The ADHD Field Guide for Adults" https://bit.ly/3Kjd4R2 

CONTENT WARNING: direct references to self-harm throughoutCate and Erik get honest about their history with self harm, how it started, and where they are now. Key topics: how ADHD can lead to self-harm, how poor-impulse control can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms for boredom. Perfect for adults with ADHD who love genuine, unfiltered conversations about neurodivergent childhood experiences and how our scattered minds connect memories. Subscribe for more ADHD-friendly storytelling!PREORDER "The ADHD Field Guide for Adults" https://bit.ly/3Kjd4R2 

Cate and Erik talk about what to do do when your systems fail, and how to troubleshoot systems to make them stick. Cate gives updates on her upcoming tour, including her fast-approaching "Turkey from A Christmas Carol" live show. Erik slaps a water bottle and lakes the sound it makes. Key topics: Dealing with negative inner voices, pathological demand avoidance, how to make systems for ADHD, what to do when systems fail. Perfect for adults with ADHD who love genuine, unfiltered conversations about neurodivergent childhood experiences and how our scattered minds connect memories. Subscribe for more ADHD-friendly storytelling!Pre-order the ADHD Field Guide for Adutlshttps://bit.ly/3Kjd4R2 

ADHD storytelling meets childhood nostalgia as Erik and Cate bounce through secret forts, first computers, and teenage rebellion. This neurodivergent conversation captures the authentic ADHD experience of connecting seemingly random memories, from discovering computers in secret passages to stress-inducing DARE programs and early internet adventures. Key topics: childhood fort-building, technology evolution, TI-84 calculators, typing games, high school experiences, media literacy, and growing up with undiagnosed ADHD in the 90s/2000s. Perfect for adults with ADHD who love genuine, unfiltered conversations about neurodivergent childhood experiences and how our scattered minds connect memories. Subscribe for more ADHD-friendly storytelling!Pre-order the ADHD field guide for adultshttps://bit.ly/3Kjd4R2 

Pathological Demand Avoidance, Stardew Valley Routines, and Breaking Mental Health PatternsIn this episode, Cate and Erik sit down to discuss pathological demand avoidance (PDA) and how it affects daily life for adults with ADHD. They explore the challenging cycle of avoiding tasks specifically because they feel like things you're "supposed" to do, even when you genuinely want to do them. Erik shares his personal journey of recognizing PDA patterns in everything from reading books to maintaining routines, and how past experiences with authority figures continue to influence present-day behaviors.The conversation takes an unexpected turn into how video games, particularly Stardew Valley, can teach valuable lessons about building sustainable routines and breaking the all-or-nothing thinking patterns common in ADHD. They discuss the concept of "practicing" behaviors rather than committing to permanent changes, and how this reframing can help overcome executive function challenges.Cate and Erik also dive into practical strategies for partners and loved ones who want to support someone with PDA without inadvertently triggering oppositional responses. They explore the delicate balance between encouragement and giving space, and share insights about using character-based approaches inspired by shows like The Rehearsal to build confidence in challenging situations.Additional topics include the therapeutic value of routine-building in gaming environments, exposure therapy through low-stakes practice, and how understanding your own mental health patterns can lead to breakthrough moments in therapy and personal growth.(don't get mad we have a new media guy and he told us we have to start writing better podcast descriptions so people can find us on google HE HATES FUN BOOOOO (just kidding we love you) ) #adhd #adhdpodcast

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Ever wake up feeling 30 years older after doom-scrolling until 3:40 AM? Join us for an unfiltered ADHD conversation covering sleep struggles, social media addiction, chronic pain, antidepressants, and breaking down harmful stereotypes about sexuality and consent.Episode Highlights:ADHD time blindness and social media's grip on sleep schedulesLiving with chronic pain and navigating medication changesMental health medication experiences and the "new normal"Redefining kink, consent, and sex education for neurodivergent peopleWhy we need better resources for ADHD and sexualityCamping plans (glamping style) for digital detoxPerfect for listeners interested in honest discussions about ADHD life, mental health, sex positivity, and navigating adulthood with neurodivergent brains.Content Warning: Frank discussions about sexuality, kink, chronic pain, and weight loss.Remember to eat a snack, take your meds, drink water, and be kind to yourself and others. We love you!#ADHD #MentalHealth #SexEducation #ChronicPain #Neurodivergent #SexPositivity #Consent

Catie and Erik continue their glorious return to Infinite Quest after a Book Break(TM) to discuss the eternal neurodivergent struggle of losing things in plain sight, organizing creative spaces, and why some objects seem to vanish into thin air (spoiler: it might be gnomes).Plus: Questions for neurotypicals, surprise DB Cooper and why triage stations might be the organizing solution you didn't know you needed.Keywords: (Our marketing guy told us to add this part sorry). ADHD, neurodivergent, organization, executive dysfunction, creative workspace, prop making, crafting, losing things, school supplies trauma, PhD journey, book publishing

WE'RE BACK. FINALLY. After a year-long hiatus, your very most favorite ADHD duo returns. In this episode: the Mario theme song's complex polyrhythms, making violins from tomato cans , Cate playing a fairy queen, the proper way to smuggle a baguette, Korean spoons, nude arch photography, the difference between a plectrum and a Bachi, increasingly elaborate wordplay, Rice Krispies eating trauma, and how writing a book was easier than remembering login passwords—all while debating whether salt or pepper is the more universal seasoning. You know. the usual stuff. Welcome back to infinite quest. The secret password is BAGUETTE. Email us at [email protected] and win a Suprise!

In this episode, Cate and Erik sit down to talk about the election (we get sad), Cate tells an incredibly embarrassing story from her youth and we attempt to get Good At Improv.