Episode 89 - Try Not To Get Into That Time Machine & Other Ways To Stop Ruminating

In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with therapist and anxiety specialist Kristen Baird Goldman for a thoughtful and deeply relatable conversation about rumination, anxiety, and the exhausting mental loops so many people with ADHD know all too well.If you’ve ever replayed a conversation for hours, spiraled over a mistake, or mentally traveled back in time wondering what you should have said or done differently, this episode is for you.Kristen explains why the ADHD brain is especially vulnerable to rumination and how anxiety, emotional dysregulation, perfectionism, and shame can keep people stuck in cycles of overthinking. Together, she and Jami explore practical ways to interrupt those thought spirals, regulate the nervous system, and stay grounded in the present instead of getting pulled into what Kristen calls “the time machine.”This conversation is compassionate, practical, and full of reminders that you are not your thoughts — and you do not have to believe every story your brain tells you.What You’ll LearnWhy people with ADHD are especially prone to ruminationWhat happens in the brain during overthinking spiralsHow anxiety and ADHD often overlapWhy shame and perfectionism fuel ruminationWhat Kristen means by “the time machine”How to recognize when you’re mentally stuck in the past or futureWhy nervous system regulation mattersPractical tools to interrupt thought spiralsHow mindfulness and self-awareness can reduce emotional overwhelmWhy self-compassion is essential for healingWhy This MattersMany adults with ADHD spend enormous amounts of energy replaying conversations, worrying about mistakes, and anticipating worst-case scenarios.Over time, that mental exhaustion can impact relationships, confidence, sleep, and overall well-being.This episode offers a gentler, more compassionate approach — one rooted in awareness, regulation, and learning how to step out of the spiral instead of fighting yourself inside it.The ADHD Button QuestionJami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it?This conversation explores how ADHD can create real emotional struggles while also shaping empathy, insight, creativity, and deep emotional awareness.About the GuestKristen Baird-Goldman is a licensed therapist, anxiety specialist, and speaker who helps people better understand anxiety, emotional regulation, and the patterns that keep them stuck in cycles of overwhelm and overthinking.Her work focuses on practical tools, nervous system awareness, mindfulness, and helping people develop more compassionate relationships with themselves.About the HostJami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she brings awareness to ADHD in older adults — especially women — helping listeners better understand their brains and navigate life with more clarity and compassion.ResourcesMindfulness and grounding techniquesNervous system regulation toolsThis Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroLinks & SupportWebsite: https://www.jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions: Support for downsizing, organizing, and life transitionsBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.Follow us:Instagram:@grandma_has_adhd@silverliningstransitionsFacebook:Silver Linings TransitionsGrandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group)Youtube:Grandma Has ADHD