ADHD, Dopamine & Burnout: The Hidden Struggle of High Achievers | Ian Mai

What if ADHD isn't just about attention?In this episode of The Neuro's Journey, Steve sits down with ADHD Performance Coach Ian Mai to explore the deeper connection between ADHD, dopamine, burnout, emotional regulation, addiction, focus, and mental performance.Ian shares his personal journey from high-achieving engineer, tech sales leader, and competitive bodybuilder to helping others understand how dopamine dysregulation impacts focus, motivation, emotional resilience, and overall wellbeing.Together, they discuss why so many high performers struggle with burnout, how dopamine drives our behavior, practical ways to improve focus naturally, the role of exercise and cold exposure, emotional regulation techniques, meditation, ADHD medication, and how unresolved emotional pain often fuels the search for constant stimulation.If you've ever struggled with focus, motivation, burnout, overwhelm, procrastination, or emotional regulation, this conversation offers practical insights and actionable strategies.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:10 Ian's Story: Success, Addiction & Burnout04:38 What ADHD Really Is09:07 Why Breathing Matters12:46 Reverse Engineering ADHD17:15 ADHD Mindset & Healing21:15 ADHD, Trauma & Dopamine24:32 How To Increase Dopamine Naturally31:12 Dopamine Fasting & Stimulation33:05 Burnout, Depression & ADHD36:19 Meditation & Focus Training41:36 How ADHD Medication Works45:53 Ian's ADHD Coaching ProgramGuest: Ian MaiWebsite: https://ianmaicoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mai-coaching/Host: Steve SapournPodcast Host & Trauma EducatorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/Subscribe for more conversations on trauma healing, nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, purpose, and human performance.