#160: Tracy Otsuka on Celebrating ADHD for Smart Ass Women (Revisited)

Send us a textIn this unforgettable episode, we're revisiting a conversation that blew our minds—and helped reframe everything we thought we knew about ADHD, motherhood, and what it means to be “too much.”Tracy Otsuka is the host of the wildly popular ADHD for Smart Ass Women podcast and author of the book by the same name. A former attorney and certified ADHD coach, Tracy has become a global voice for women who are tired of being pathologized—and ready to celebrate what makes them different.In this conversation, we cover:Why ADHD in women is often misunderstood, masked, and misdiagnosedHow “smart girl syndrome” leads to high achievement—and high self-doubtThe difference between the default mode network (DMN) and task positive network (TPN), and why they matter so much to ADHD brainsThe real reason motherhood can feel like Groundhog Day for women with ADHDHow to get out of your head and into aligned actionThe truth about trauma, shame, and learned helplessness in ADHD womenWhy perfectionism and creativity often co-exist in neurodivergent womenHow Tracy’s approach brings humor, empowerment, and healing to thousands of womenThis isn’t just a conversation—it’s a reframe. If you’ve ever felt like the “too much” girl who couldn’t keep up with motherhood, or like you’re sitting on a pile of potential you just can’t access, this episode is for you.Featured Guest: Tracy Otsuka is a certified ADHD coach, former SEC attorney, and the creator of the ADHD for Smart Ass Women podcast and book. Her podcast has over 5 million downloads and reaches listeners in 160 countries. She’s been featured in Forbes, ADDitude Magazine, and The Goal Digger Podcast, and moderates a Facebook group with nearly 100,000 members.Resources & Mentions:Tracy Otsuka’s Podcast: ADHD for Smart Ass WomenDr. Sharon SalineDr. Christine Li (The Procrastination Coach)MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textSteph sits down with writer, academic, and fellow ADHD-er Wendy Robinson to talk about how she wrote an entire novel in six months—while working full time and managing ADHD. This is a must-listen whether you're a writer, a creative, or just someone juggling a big project with a neurodivergent brain. Spoiler: it’s not about willpower—it’s about systems, self-compassion, and knowing your brain.Wendy wrote her novel in 6 months (!), thanks to structure, support, and knowing what works for her ADHD brain.They talk about the real executive functioning challenges that come with ADHD and how women especially are impacted.Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is real and so relatable—especially when launching creative work into the world.Steph and Wendy bond over the “good girl” ADHD diagnosis story—how so many women go undiagnosed because they weren’t disruptive, just “daydreamy” and perfectionistic.Wendy shares her systems for getting big projects done: think writing retreats, body doubling at coffee shops, and her trusty “go bag.”The Parking Lot and Forward Only strategies are game-changers for staying focused and avoiding perfection paralysis.Why many ADHD women procrastinate by being too productive—but only for other people.Writing accountability groups are magic. External motivation > internal guilt.How Wendy redefined success: It’s not about the book deal. It’s about keeping promises to yourself and finishing the damn manuscript.Substack, querying, and how to cope when rejection stings like a wasp.“You don’t have to do it. But you’ll regret it if you don’t.” —On choosing your pain and finishing creative work.🧠 Quote of the Episode:“You’re seeing the scaffolding, not the reason the scaffolding is there.” — Wendy, on why high-functioning ADHD can still be deeply challenging.   Wendy Robinson is a writer and higher ed nerd. In addition to working on a novel, she writes personal essays about parenting, life as a woman in middle age, pop culture, and more at her Substack Open Water (https://wendyrobinson.substack.com/). She also writes about all things higher education with a focus on the college admissions and financial aid processes to help parents of high school students feel less stressed at her other Substack, College Sanity (https://collegesanity.substack.com/).MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textThis replay features one of the most pivotal episodes in the history of the Mother Plus Podcast—a conversation that sparked a major shift in the show’s direction.In this episode, hosts Stacey and Steph sit down with licensed clinical mental health counselor Leah Barnes to explore what ADHD actually looks like in adult women, especially mothers. At the time, they were just beginning to uncover how different ADHD presents in women—and how often it goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. The response to this episode was overwhelming, with listeners flooding their inboxes saying, “I’ve never felt so understood.”This powerful conversation helped launch a deep dive into ADHD in women, eventually leading to interviews with top experts including psychologists, hormone specialists, coaches, and authors. But this episode? This is where it all started.Topics discussed in this episode include:Why ADHD symptoms in women are often overlooked or misdiagnosedThe emotional toll of masking, perfectionism, and people-pleasingHow motherhood intensifies executive function strugglesThe shame spiral of unfinished tasks and sensory overloadWhy recognizing and naming ADHD can be profoundly healingIf you've ever wondered why simple things feel impossibly hard—or why you constantly feel like you're falling short as a mom—this episode will leave you feeling seen and validated.Links & Resources:Listen to Part 2 of the Leah Barnes conversationMOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textIf the thought of summer break has your nervous system clenching—hi, you’re not alone. In this honest and unfiltered solo episode, Stacey shares what she’s doing differently this summer as an ADHD mom. Spoiler: it has nothing to do with sticker charts, schedules, or rhythms & routines. Instead, it’s about trusting her gut, working with her energy, and building her capacity to handle the chaos that comes with summer.You’ll hear:How a book (How to Choose by Tara McMullin) cracked something wide open for herWhat Human Design is, and how it’s helped her stop trying to “do summer right”Why ADHD moms can fall into the trap of thinking they’re too fragile for thisHow capacity work (inspired by @Raquel_the_capacity_expert) is helping her shift out of that mindsetA mindset shift for those of you who strongly dislike imaginative floor play Her personal mantra for this summer—and how you can borrow itWhat you can expect from the Mother Plus Podcast this summerThis episode is your permission slip to stop forcing and start feeling. You’re stronger than you think, and you don’t have to reinvent yourself this summer. You just have to stay with yourself.Find your human design here: https://humandesignblueprint.com/MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textToday’s episode is a love letter to the overwhelmed, over-achieving, screen-time-guilty mom. Stace and Steph get honest about their screen time journeys—from Baby Einstein and Mickey Mouse & Lara Bars to curated slideshow nights and learning the Thriller dance with their kids.We unpack why the all-or-nothing approach to screens doesn’t work, especially for neurodivergent moms. We talk about the real cost of guilt, the need for rest, and how to make screen time work for you instead of feeling like it’s happening to you.Plus, we’re introducing our first-ever sponsor, Lingokids—an app that blends learning, creativity, and independence in a way that finally feels good. No guilt. No ads. Just permission to take a break while your kids explore a screen that actually teaches.In this episode, you’ll hear:How “no screen time” became a badge of honor—and a fast track to burnoutThe truth about parenting in the 2000s vs. todayWhy guilt-free screen time is a form of self-preservationWays to balance tech with bondingOur favorite educational and nostalgic screen-time momentsHow the Lingokids app has become a saving grace in our homesLinks + Resources:Use code MOTHERPLUS to get a 7-day free trial + 30% off your monthly Lingokids Plus subscription—for life*!*As long as you keep your subscription active, you'll lock in the 30% discount every month. If you cancel and come back later, the discount won’t carry over—so don’t let it go!Join the convo: What’s your screen time strategy? Do you have a “Mickey Mouse and Lara Bar” routine or a “Thriller Dance Break” of your own? DM us or tag us on Instagram @motherpluspodcast with your storiesMOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textIn this deeply personal episode, we talk about something that never gets talked about in the ADHD world: breast implants.Stace sits down with listener and friend Lauren Ungar to unpack her 20-year journey from getting breast implants at 21 to having them removed after a dangerous rupture. But this isn’t just a conversation about cosmetic surgery—it’s about ADHD masking, body shame, and the pressure to become someone you’re not just to feel "okay."Lauren shares:Why undiagnosed ADHD shaped how she saw her bodyThe truth about breast implant safety (and what most women aren’t told)What happened when she removed them—and finally saw herself clearlyHow ADHD played a role in ignoring her body’s signalsWhy she’s never felt more confident, even with “imperfect” boobsThis episode will challenge you to think differently about beauty, confidence, and what it really means to come home to yourself.TW: This episode discusses body image, plastic surgery, and disordered eating.👉 Share this with a friend who’s ever considered a "mommy makeover." This might change their mind.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textWe’ve talked about ADHD from a psychological perspective, and we’ve talked about trauma and emotional dysregulation. But in this episode, we’re exploring a different root cause: nutrition. Julia Ross—psychotherapist, pioneer of amino acid therapy, and author of The Mood Cure—joins us to explain how protein, neurotransmitters, and even your blood sugar may be behind your mood, focus, and energy struggles.You’ll learn:The five key amino acids that regulate mood, attention, and cravingsThe real reason so many moms feel out of control with foodThe difference between ADHD and hyperactivity—and what amino acid might help with eachWhy Julia doesn’t recommend a specific supplement brand—and how you can start exploring this on your ownResources Mentioned:Julia’s website: www.juliarosscures.comTake the Mood Cure Questionnaire: Mood Cure QuizJulia’s books: The Mood Cure, The Craving CureJulia’s YouTube channel for live reactions to amino acid therapyMOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textIn this episode, we cover:What a 504 plan actually is Why Steph chose to pursue one for her daughter before high schoolThe emotional toll of being a “good girl” in a broken systemHow to stay in your body during uncomfortable meetingsThe difference between being lazy and needing accommodationsWhat her daughter’s plan includes—and why it mattersEncouragement for any parent wondering if they’re “overreacting” or “asking too much”This one is for the ADHD mom who's tired of her kid feeling like they’re failing in a system that wasn’t built for them.Have questions about this? Have a personal experience you'd like to share? Email us [email protected] or DM us on Instagram. Craving a tool that will help your good girl tendencies chill out as you work through ADHD motherhood? Download our ADHD Good Girls Survival Guide HERE.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textYou know the clutter isn’t just about stuff. It’s about energy. It’s about worth. And for ADHD moms, it’s also about survival.In Part 2 of our ADHD Energy Series, Stacey dives into the unseen cost of the piles, the mess, and the chaos—not just on our homes, but on our nervous systems. This isn’t a five-step how-to. It’s an honest, deeply relatable look at why decluttering feels so impossible for ADHD women—and how clearing your space might actually be clearing your subconscious.💥 We cover:Why ADHD brains are extra sensitive to “energy clutter”The emotional weight of unfinished business (hello, five laundry baskets)The “worthiness wound” behind our messThe ADHD dopamine-cleaning spiral—and what comes afterHow Stacey’s closet became a portal to her future selfThis one is personal. It's not about organizing for the aesthetic—it's about coming home to yourself.✨ Ready to shift your energy? Start with the sock pile. Or the alarm list on your phone. Your clutter is not just a mess. It’s a mirror.Join the conversation: Did this episode hit home? DM @motherpluspodcast on Instagram or email us at [email protected]—Stacey would love to hear from you.Join us for Body Doubling in the ADHD Moms Club HERE.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textHow often do you feel spacey, irritable, or like your brain is buzzing in seven directions at once? If you’ve been blaming it all on ADHD and assuming there’s nothing you can do—you’re not alone. But what if those symptoms weren’t just neurological? What if they were also energetic?In this kickoff to The ADHD Energy Series, Stacey unpacks why ADHD moms struggle to just be, what’s really happening inside our nervous systems, and how we can begin to reset our energy with a simple 5-minute ritual (that involves sweatpants and silence, of course).With stories about PMS chaos, multi-tasking meltdowns, and what she’s learning from Dr. Joe Dispenza, this episode will help you reframe “doing nothing” as the most powerful thing you can do.🧠 What You'll Learn:What “energetic dysregulation” really means for ADHD momsWhy we get stuck in the nervous system loop—and how to break itHow your hormones, brainwaves, and constant output affect your creativity and moodWhy rest isn’t lazy—it’s a radical act of self-worthStacey’s Soft Pants Reset: the 5-minute trick that helped her ADHD brain finally breathe🛠 Resources Mentioned:Dr. Joe Dispenza – Becoming SupernaturalThe ADHD Moms Club on Facebook (for body doubling + rituals): Join hereFollow us on Instagram: @mother_plus_podcast🗣 Call to Action:Try the Soft Pants Reset this week—just 5 minutes of lying down in silence. Then DM Stacey and tell her how it felt.If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with your ADHD mom friends. We’re just getting started.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog