Women & ADHD

Episode 191 with Christal Wang.“Everyone shimmers differently. It’s all about figuring out what is the unabashed, unapologetic, sparkling version of you.”Christal is the co-founder and CEO of Shimmer, the first-ever comprehensive behavioral tech platform for adults with ADHD. Chris started Shimmer after she was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and she is now on a mission to create a more neuro-inclusive world for all neurodivergent individuals.Chris is a recognized Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur with a strong belief in using business as a force for good. As a queer neurodivergent AAPI woman, she is deeply invested in advocating for and supporting these communities.Christal shares how her Asian upbringing and cultural stigma around mental health diagnoses initially delayed her ADHD diagnosis. She also talks about the challenges she faced in finding affordable, culturally competent ADHD care and coaching, which inspired her to create Shimmer.We also talk about the unique strengths of ADHD entrepreneurs, including drive and a desire to challenge the status quo, and we chat all about the amazing resources and support that are offered at Shimmer, including personalized 1:1 video coaching, productivity tools, and learning modules.30% off Shimmer: Use code WOMENADHD for 30% off the first month of adult coaching, teen coaching, or any product!Website: www.shimmer.careInstagram: @adhd.christal; @shimmer.careLinks:Brainwaves podcast- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 190 with Ella Fielding.“My thoughts are like sneezes.”Ella is a distinguished sculptor based in Surrey and London, with over 15 years of expertise in chainsaw carving. She has created monumental installations at events like Glastonbury Festival, and she is one of the featured master-crafters on “The Woodland Workshop,” which airs on Discovery Plus. Ella and I talk about her diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 38, which came 20 years after her diagnosis of dyslexia in university. We discuss Ella’s academic experiences, her artistic journey, how she discovered chainsaw carving, and how she realized her ADHD brain is fundamental to her creative process.We also talk about how our imaginative, intuitive, and curious neurodivergent brains can really shine when given the opportunity, rather than feeling like we’re ‘less than’ because of those tedious, administrative tasks that tend to be, ahem, more challenging — and how maybe it’s time to start redefining the term “adulting.”Website: ellafielding.comInstagram: @ella.fielding.sculptorLinks:The Woodland Workshop on Discovery +British Dyslexia Association- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 189 with Jackie Schuld.“We need more time for things to work through our brains. Art helps with that and gives an outlet for all the intense emotions and thoughts we have.”Jackie is an expressive arts therapist who runs a private practice specializing in late-identified Autism & ADHD. As a late-identified autistic and ADHDer herself, she loves to connect with her clients through writing, art, and conversation. She also writes and illustrates visual books, including “What is Autism,” “Grief is a Mess” and many more.Jackie and I talk about the road to identifying as an autistic and ADHD adult, and some of the limitations to the diagnosis process. We also discuss the difficulties that many neurodivergent adults, especially women, have had with therapy in the past and some of the unique needs that neurodivergent clients bring to a therapeutic relationship.We also talk about how and why art therapy — including writing, drawing, music, and more — can be such a valuable tool for expression and self-exploration, especially for neurodivergent clients. Website: jackieschuld.comMedium: @jackieschuldLinks & Resources:Jackie's Adult Autism ResourcesWhat is Autism by Jackie SchuldGrief is a Mess by Jackie SchuldUnmasking Autism by Devon PriceThe Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church by Sarah McCammon - - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 188 with Jes Hagan.“The first study on women and ADHD was done in 1979, but there wasn’t a study on the menstrual cycle and ADHD until 2017.”Jes is a nutritional therapist and board-certified integrative menstrual health educator and coach. She is the founder of Her Mood Mentor, a virtual premenstrual clinic. Her own experience of living with misdiagnosed and undiagnosed Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and ADHD has fueled her determination to help others reclaim their lives from hormonal mood symptoms. PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can come with significant emotional and physical symptoms that typically occur during the luteal phase. Anywhere from 3-8% of menstruating adults have PMDD, while roughly 46% of women with ADHD also experience PMDD.Jes and I talk about her personal diagnosis journey, starting with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at the age of 17. She shares about her later diagnoses of PMDD and ADHD, and how medical research has been slowly connecting the dots when it comes to how our hormones and menstrual cycles affect our ADHD.We also get all fired up over the lack of education on a lot of these topics that relate to women with ADHD, as well as the challenges we face navigating the medical system with ADHD.Finally, Jes discusses some of the amazing holistic treatment options available for anyone who struggles with hormonal mood symptoms.TRIGGER WARNING: Throughout the episode, Jes mentions her experiences with suicidal thoughts during PMDD, so if that subject is a difficult one for you, you might want to sit this episode out. Website: hermoodmentor.comInstagram: @hermoodmentorAdditional links:Save 10% off any of the following courses with code KATY:Symptom MapperSupplement DirectoryMeet Your Menstrual CyclePMDD RehabFREE Premenstrual Supplement DirectoryA father's perspective on PMDD (Youtube video with Jes’ dad)Additional references:Prevalence of hormone-related mood disorder symptoms in women with ADHD (2021)Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome in Autism: A Prospective Observer-rated Study (2008)Female-specific pharmacotherapy in ADHD: premenstrual adjustment of psychostimulant dosage (2023)Sex differences in childhood psychopathology: A review. (1979)Annual Research Review: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women: underrepresentation, longitudinal processes, and key directions (2022)Reproductive steroids and ADHD symptoms across the menstrual cycle (2018)- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 187 with Sarah Collins.“I’ve probably spent more money on therapy than anything else in my life, and yet nobody ever said anything about ADHD or neurodivergence.”Sarah is an activist and entrepreneur. Having grown up in apartheid South Africa, Sarah has spent much of her life passionate about social justice and improving the welfare of others, especially when it comes to gender equality and environmental sustainability.In 2008, Sarah founded Wonderbag, a portable, non-electric slow cooker designed to retain heat and continue cooking food after being brought to a boil. It has enormous versatility, especially for communities in crisis where electricity and fuel are either scarce or non-existent. Wonderbag has won dozens of environmental & leadership achievements over the years, and was voted one of the world's Top 50 Genius Companies by Time Magazine in 2018.Sarah and I talk about the ups and downs of being a neurodivergent entrepreneur, as well as how neurodiversity intersects with innovation and its potential to spark humanitarian change. And we also talk about the very real hidden costs of being an ADHD entrepreneur, like masking, burnout, and the constant pressure to appear as if you have it all together. Sarah is also my coaching client, and we talk about the difference coaching has made in her life since her adult diagnosis. If you’re looking to make that step in your own life, make sure to head over to womenandadhd.com/coaching to book a free introductory consult with me to find out if we’re the right fit. Website: wonderbagworld.comInstagram: @thewonderbagAdditional links:Wonderbagworld.com: Exclusive 20% discount for listeners: WOMENADHD20- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 186 with Holly D’Arcy.“Sometimes I cringe at the word ‘resilience,’ but I am grateful for my resilience because I often have to work harder than anybody else in the room to do the same thing.”Holly is a military spouse, mother, health coach, and competitive athlete who brings a unique perspective to the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with ADHD. Diagnosed at the age of 33, Holly has become passionate about learning all that she can about how ADHD impacts women young and old.  We talk about the many ways in which ADHD affects our relationship with food, our bodies, and long-term fitness goals. Holly has a passion for helping adult women build confidence and consistency toward their health and fitness. We also talk about her personal training and lifestyle coaching and some of the common goals that she works on with her clients.Since Holly is a military wife, we talk about structure and discipline, which can be appealing to so many of us with ADHD. And we talk about the pros and cons of having to relocate frequently. Websites: hdfitnesscoach.comInstagram: @hollywaydarcyResources & Links:Marnie Bothmer’s websiteEpisode 125 of Women & ADHD with Marnie BothmerEpisode 17 of The ADHD LoungeAtomic Habits by James ClearHuff Post article on Joe WicksDr. Joshua Wolrich’s response to Joe Wicks- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 185 with Clara Harris.“I told my therapist how there were so many thoughts swirling in my head — it was just so noisy that my ears were ringing. She paused and said, Um, maybe we should test you for ADHD.”Clara lives in Louisville, KY, and she is an actor, writer, and producer with over two decades of experience. In 2022, she produced and performed her solo show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival. The show is called This Moment in America, a live recorded audio drama and sonic collage of the American psyche. When Clara returned home from this incredible experience, she found she had an empty business account and struggled to reintegrate into life and find a “jobby job” and suddenly felt like a failure. Her longtime therapist suggested she look into ADHD and that’s when the lightbulb went off.Clara wanted to share her diagnosis story because she knows first hand how lonely this journey can feel, especially as a late-diagnosed woman. We talk about the potpourri of diagnoses Clara received prior to her ADHD diagnosis, as well as finding the right medication. We also talk about some of the ways in which anxiety impacts our daily life and the elaborate systems we develop in order to cope. And Clara shares the exciting news about her upcoming studies at University College London pursuing her Masters in audio storytelling. Clara is also the creative force behind Swamp Witch Studio and its audio drama podcast, Night Owl Theatre, which offers live chamber performances in homes and other non-traditional spaces. Websites: swampwitchstudio.com ; clara-harris.comInstagram: @claraharris- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 184 with Melody Hubert.“My dad always said, ‘You're brilliant, but you have no stick-to-itiveness.’ I did so many different things but I couldn’t stick with anything for long.”Melody is a 45-year-old radiologic technologist from Central Florida. When her son was little, he was diagnosed with ADHD, but like many parents, it never occurred to her that she could also possibly have ADHD. Many years later, it was a chance conversation with a patient about Melody’s “hobby hopping” that led her down her own rabbit hole to an eventual diagnosis.We talk about how Melody’s ADHD has impacted her life, including focus, indecision, impulsivity, and “stick-to-itiveness.’ We also talk about the positives of ADHD, including her ability to stay calm in a crisis and juggle multiple part-time jobs while caring for her family members.We also talk about how an adult ADHD diagnosis feels like you’re swimming in the ocean with other people you suddenly realize they're all standing on a sandbar while you're the only one treading water!And, you’ll love Melody’s SASSy alternative name for ADHD!Instagram: @harmony_rkLinks & Resources:Jessica McCabe’s TedTalk- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 183 with Laura Mears-Reynolds.“This isn’t just a new chapter; it really does feel like a new life. My diagnosis not only changed but actually saved my life.”Laura is an ADHD activist and the host of the popular ADHD AF podcast. Laura's life was not only transformed but saved by her ADHD diagnosis at the age of 38. She wants all people with ADHD to be treated both medically and with the respect they deserve.We talk about Laura’s journey from lying on the couch to her unstoppable activism, as well as the new ADHDAF+ charity and its mission to educate and overcome the barriers to diagnosis and treatment in the UK healthcare system. We also talk about the Leopard Print Army and Laura’s upcoming Alien Nation tour where she brings her unique flavor of community building and activism with a side of bingo and karaoke. This will be her final tour of this kind, so if you’re in or around the UK in the next few months, make sure to get tickets at adhdasfemales.com/events.Website: adhdasfemales.comInstagram: @adhdafpodcast- - - - - Episode Sponsor:Llama Life now has an iOS app! Llama Life is a simple and flexible way to keep you focused throughout your day. Download the new iOS app for a free trial and start enjoying that llama life for yourself!- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 182 with Alex Gilbert & Katy Weber.“My ‘To Do’ list feels like a table covered in those buzzers they give you at chain restaurants. Everything feels urgent and everything is competing for my attention.”You may remember that I have another podcast called The ADHD Lounge, which I co-host with fellow ADHD coach Alex Gilbert. This week I’m sharing one of my favorite episodes from that podcast, in which Alex & I talk about managing ADHD overwhelm.We identify some of the main causes ADHD overwhelm, as well as decision fatigue and paralysis. We also share some of the strategies we use in our own lives and with our coaching clients, including tools and resources to help them feel more motivated and confident in their progress.Website: theadhdlounge.comInstagram: @theadhdlounge- - - - - Episode Sponsor:Llama Life now has an iOS app! Llama Life is a simple and flexible way to keep you focused throughout your day. Download the new iOS app for a free trial and start enjoying that llama life for yourself!- - - - - Episode edited by E Podcast ProductionsFind the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts- - - - -Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching- - - - -Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching- - - - -Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse- - - - -Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!- - - - -If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and you’d like to apply to be a guest on this podcast, visit womenandadhd.com/podcastguest.Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcastTiktok: @womenandadhdpodcastTwitter: @womenandadhdFacebook: @womenandadhdSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-and-adhd/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy