A Solo Person's Guide to ADHD

PODCAST · health

A Solo Person's Guide to ADHD

A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD is a podcast for adults with ADHD who are doing life without a built-in support system — no partner, no shared mental load, no automatic second brain.If you’re single, living alone, or functionally solo, ADHD hits differently.There’s no one reminding you to grab the thing, finish the form, or notice when you’re overwhelmed. Executive dysfunction doesn’t show up as chaos — it shows up as quiet overload, decision paralysis, and the constant feeling that something is wrong, even when you can’t explain what.This podcast isn’t about productivity hacks, motivation, or “finally getting your life together.”It’s about understanding what’s actually happening — where ADHD, solo living, and modern life collide — and learning how to build external support, structure, and safety on purpose.Hosted by Christine Dunning, a master certified life coach, musician, and late-diag

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    From Stuck to Started: ADHD Paralysis Explained

    ADHD paralysis is when you want to do something—but can’t start. It’s not laziness or procrastination—it’s your brain getting stuck in a fear response.Key ShiftsDrop the shameStop asking “why?” → ask “what’s one step?”Focus on starting, not finishingWhat Actually HelpsGet it out of your head (say it or write it)Break tasks into very small stepsTry the Just Five Method (5-minute timer + start)Adjust your environment (music, location, noise)Use support (accountability, body doubling)Try This!Pick one task and do just five minutes.Next episode: From Doing to Done: How to Finish What You Start

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    How My ADHD Self Gets Dishes and Laundry Done (and you can, too)!

    Laundry and dishes are some of the hardest chores for people with ADHD because they’re repetitive, low-reward, and never truly finished—so there’s little dopamine payoff to keep you motivated. Add in executive dysfunction, difficulty getting started, and that familiar “out of sight, out of mind” thinking, and it’s easy for these tasks to pile up. In this episode, Christine shares simple, ADHD-friendly strategies to make these chores more manageable, like reducing multitasking, adding dopamine boosts (music, podcasts, YouTube), using “fresh eyes” to reset your perspective, and setting up your environment to reduce friction. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding systems that actually work with your brain so these tasks stop hanging over your head.This episode may include affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.Magnetic lint bin: https://amzn.to/4slXQLhDryer sheet holder: https://amzn.to/4cbtdC2Magnetic strip: https://amzn.to/4cbu06iWant my free PDF outlining all this? Check it out below!QUICK LINKSPDF: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/XLi30FHWebsite: www.twocatscoaching.comPodcast homepage: https://asolopersonsguidetoadhd.buzzsprout.comYouTube: www.youtube.com/@twocatscoaching2697

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    The ASSAP Framework: A is for Anchoring and P is for Pace

    Making Life Easier Without Starting Over AgainA Solo Person’s Guide to ADHDIn this episode, we talk about what comes after Structure.If you’ve been following along, you already know:Overwhelm isn’t a motivation problem.Staying functional matters more than staying calm.Most frustration comes from solving the wrong problem.Now we address the part that keeps breaking for so many people:The reset cycle.The new planner.The new system.The new promise.And then—starting over again.This episode explains why that cycle is so exhausting, and how to stop living from zero.The Real Drain: Decision FatigueIt’s not laziness.It’s not lack of discipline.It’s decision load.When you live alone, you carry:Every micro-decisionEvery defaultEvery background choiceNo shared systems.No second brain.Anchor and Pace are the final pieces of the ASSAP framework that reduce that load.Anchor: Reducing Decision FrictionAnchors are not rules.They’re defaults.Instead of:“I’ll decide in the moment.”You create:“When X happens, Y is already decided.”Examples:Keys always go in the same place.Same parking row at the grocery store.Low energy = no new projects.Avoidance = pause, not push.Anchors don’t remove freedom.They remove friction.And friction—not character—is what usually breaks systems.A Critical ClarifierAnchors are not hacks.If you try to apply them to emotionally loaded problems without doing Access, Security, and Structure first, they won’t hold.This episode explains why.Organization Isn’t the Goal — Retrieval IsA system works only if you can retrieve what you need under stress.Structure builds the container.Anchors make it usable.Pace: Continuity, Not SpeedPace is not about doing things faster.It’s about preventing resets.Monitoring is not anxiety.Monitoring is care.If you catch problems earlier than you used to, the system is working.Progress looks like:Fewer emergenciesSmaller correctionsLess starting overThe ASSAP LoopASSAP isn’t linear. It’s a loop:Access – What feels off?Security – How do I keep my thinking online?Structure – What problem are we actually solving? Where does it live?Anchor – How do I reduce decision fatigue?Pace – Is this working? Do we need to loop?Smaller problems first.Lower stakes.Real feedback.That’s how change accumulates instead of resets.If This Feels Like ReliefIf these episodes have helped you understand why nothing else stuck, this work may be for you.I specialize in working with adults with ADHD—especially those who are single and carrying life without a built-in second brain.This podcast shares the framework.Coaching applies it to your real life.🎁 Free ResourceDownload the free audio + visual map designed to help you stay steady when your thinking starts to spiral:👉 https://twocatscoaching.com💬 CoachingLearn more about working together:👉 https://twocatscoaching.com/coaching📬 ContactWebsite: https://twocatscoaching.comEmail: [email protected] doesn’t get easier because you try harder.It gets easier because fewer things need rescuing.

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    The ASSAP Framework: S is for Structure

    Have you ever forgotten to pay a bill… paid the late fee… and then built an entire new budget system that still didn’t fix the problem?That’s not a motivation issue.It’s not a discipline issue.It’s a structure issue.In this episode, Christine Dunning introduces Structure — the second S in the ASSAP framework (Access, Security, Structure, Anchor, Pace). This is the step where you stop reacting and start asking a more useful question:What problem are we actually solving?When you live with ADHD — especially as a single adult without a “second brain” in the house — it’s easy to jump into action too fast. You organize. You reset. You declutter. You download apps. You build systems.And then it falls apart.Not because you failed —But because you solved the symptom instead of the source.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why overwhelm distorts your perception of what the problem isHow invisible cognitive load creates recurring breakdownsWhy small problems are better training grounds than big life resetsThe two core Structure questions that reduce mental loadHow clarity (not intensity) is what makes systems workA deeply personal story about misidentifying emotional needs — and what changed everythingStructure is not about doing more.It’s the final step before action — and it’s what makes action sustainable.If you’ve ever worked incredibly hard on the wrong solution, this episode will land.Free ResourceIf your thinking starts to wobble while you’re trying to sort things out, Christine has created a short, free audio + simple map to help you keep your thinking online during overwhelm.Find it at:  https://TwoCatsCoaching.comAbout ChristineChristine Dunning is a Master Certified Life Coach and founder of Two Cats Coaching. She works with adults with ADHD — especially those living solo — who want to stay functional without constantly starting over.Coming Next:Episode 31: Anchor & Pace — Turning clarity into something that survives real life.

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    The ASSAP Framework: S is for Security

    Why Overwhelm Isn’t a Motivation ProblemASSAP Framework: SecurityBeing told to “just calm down” when you’re already overwhelmed doesn’t help—it usually makes things worse. Especially if you have ADHD. Especially if you’re doing life solo.In this episode, Christine breaks down why overwhelm is not a motivation issue or a character flaw. It’s a capacity problem—and treating it like anything else leads to shutdown, shame, and bad decisions.This is the second episode in a four-part series on the ASSAP Framework, focusing on Security: the ability to stay functional enough to think when your nervous system is activated.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why “trying harder” fails under overwhelmThe difference between emotional awareness and emotional processingWhy calming down is often impossible until understanding returnsHow ADHD overload shuts down working memory, attention, and decision-makingWhat “security” actually means (and what it doesn’t)How to keep your thinking online without forcing calmWhy shame is data—not a verdictA real-life tech meltdown story (and why it matters)Key reframes:Overwhelm is not lazinessShutdown is a nervous system response, not avoidanceYou don’t need calm—you need stabilityProgress looks like fewer destructive decisions, not emotional peaceSecurity is about staying present, not fixing everythingWhere this fits in ASSAP:Access = clarifying what the real problem isSecurity = staying functional enough to think under stressIf you spiral quickly, starting with Security is validStructure comes after Access and Security—not beforeChristine also previews a short, low-pressure audio resource designed specifically for moments when your thinking starts to disappear—something to bridge Access and Security without asking you to fix anything.About the host:Christine Dunning is a Master Certified Life Coach and the owner of Two Cats Coaching. She works with adults who have ADHD—especially those who are single and carrying life without a built-in second brain.This podcast shares the thinking behind her coaching work, with practical reframes you can use in real life.Explore more:Listen to the full ASSAP seriesFind free resources and coaching at Two Cats CoachingFollow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @twocatscoachingReminder:You don’t need to calm down before you’re allowed to think.The goal isn’t calm—it’s support.

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    When Everything Feels Wrong (But You Can’t Explain Why)

    Have you ever had a moment where everything feels wrong—but you can’t actually explain why?Nothing specific is broken.Nothing obvious is on fire.But you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or quietly panicked—and when you try to name the problem, your mind just goes blank.If you have ADHD, this experience is common.And if you’re single on top of that, it can feel even worse—because there’s no second brain around to help you sort things out.In this episode, Christine Dunning introduces Access, the first phase of The ASSAP Framework. Access is not about action, motivation, or fixing your life. It’s about learning how to enter a problem safely so you can understand what’s actually going on—before overwhelm takes over.What This Episode Is (and Is Not)This is not:a reseta productivity systema “try harder” plana self-optimization projectThis is:orientationperspectivelearning how to notice problems earlierreducing shame by understanding what’s structural—not personalLife has problems. That part is not optional.Access is about identifying them faster, with less panic, and more clarity.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why confusion does not mean something is wrong with youHow ADHD overwhelm collapses perspective and creates paralysisWhy symptoms (procrastination, messiness, brain fog) aren’t the causeHow being single removes the “second brain” most systems assume existsWhat Access really means—and why it comes before actionHow to start noticing problems without trying to solve themThe Three Access QuestionsYou’ll be introduced to three simple orientation questions—not to answer yet, but to notice:What keeps breaking?What feels heavier than it should?What do you keep rebuilding from scratch?No fixing. No productivity. Just access.What’s NextIn the next episode, we’ll move into Security—how to make this kind of thinking feel safe enough that you don’t shut down, burn out, or abandon it entirely.Because pushing harder isn’t the answer.Learning how to approach problems differently is.Don’t forget to rate and review!www.TwoCatsCoaching.com

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    Reflections: An ADHD Way to Close the Year

    As the year winds down, many of us feel pressure to “figure it all out” before January arrives. For solo adults with ADHD, that pressure often turns into shame, burnout, and yet another attempt to completely reboot life.This episode offers something different.Christine guides you through a gentle, ADHD-friendly way to reflect on the year—without beating yourself up. You’ll learn how to notice what actually worked, what collapsed under stress, and where your life needs more support (not more willpower).This is a calm, grounding episode designed to help you close the year with clarity—and step into January without panic.In this episode, we cover:Why traditional year-end reflection often backfires for ADHD brainsThe “reboot cycle” and why it’s especially common for solo adultsA simple 3-question ADHD year review to gather insight without shameHow to sort what you learned into keep, reinforce, and releaseWhy constant restarts are clues—not failuresHow personal “self-isms” can act as anchors when things wobbleA new way to think about January that doesn’t involve transformation or hustleThis episode is for you if:You feel behind heading into the new yearYou’re tired of resolutions that don’t stickYou live alone and carry all the responsibility yourselfYou want support systems—not another fresh start✨ January is about building support, not trying harder.If this episode resonated, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast, sharing it with a friend, or subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next.Download the Companion WorksheetThis episode pairs with a free, ADHD-friendly worksheet to help you:Reflect without shameIdentify what actually workedSort what to keep, reinforce, or releaseChoose one anchor sentence for the new yearWant other worksheets?  Check them out here!

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    Selfisms: Elevator Pitches for Your Life

    What if you didn’t need resolutions, vision boards, or a “word of the year” to move forward?In this episode, Christine introduces Selfisms — short, personal belief statements that act like mental shortcuts for decision-making, social situations, and overwhelm. Think: small rules you already live by… just made intentional. If you know what an elevator pitch is – it’s like that, but not necessarily for your business.Christine kicks things off with a Broadway story that includes an unexpected encounter with Lin-Manuel Miranda, then breaks down how Selfisms helped her freeze less, decide faster, and show up more confidently — long before she ever knew she had ADHD.This episode is especially for solo adults with ADHD who are tired of constantly reinventing the wheel every time life throws a decision their way.In This Episode, We Cover:What a Selfism is (and what it is not)Why Selfisms work better than resolutions for ADHD brainsHow Selfisms reduce overwhelm, anxiety, and decision fatigueReal-life examples from:Teaching and educationJob interviewsSocial situations (including celebrity encounters 👀)How to spot Selfisms you’re already usingHow to write your own so they sound like you, not a memeWhere to keep them so they’re actually usefulWhy Selfisms can evolve as you doWhy Selfisms Are ADHD-FriendlySelfisms help because they:Reduce mental loadEliminate “start from scratch” decisionsAct as built-in scripts for sticky momentsCreate consistency without rigidityLower anxiety in social and professional situationsThey’re not about perfection — they’re about making life easier for Future You.Mentioned in This Episode:Broadway culture & theater peopleMusic teaching philosophy & classroom decision-makingJob interviews and values-based alignmentThe upcoming ASSAP for ADHD framework:AccessSecurityStructureActionPace(More on ASSAP coming in January!)Next Up:Next week’s episode focuses on reflection, rebooting, and intentional transitions, and how Selfisms can support you during reset seasons — whenever your reset happens.Let’s Stay ConnectedSubscribe on YouTube: A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHDListen on your favorite podcast appVisit: www.twocatscoaching.comWant my freebies? Click hereLike, share, and comment — it truly helps the show growAnd if you’re navigating life solo with ADHD and want one-on-one support?Christine’s here. This is what she does.You aren’t broken.You aren’t behind.And you’re not as alone as you think.

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    Too Much, Too Fast: Why the Holidays Drain Solo ADHD Adults

    If the holidays make you feel tired, frazzled, overstimulated, or “just done” before December even really begins — you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not broken.This episode breaks down why the holiday season hits solo ADHD adults so much harder.From sensory overload to time compression, emotional intensity to financial pressure, we take a compassionate, nervous-system-first look at what’s really going on in your brain and body.This is not the logistics episode (that’s Episodes 22 & 24).This is the ADHD nervous system episode — the “why this season drains you before you do anything” episode.You’re not weak.You’re overloaded.And today, we talk about why… and what to do about it.What We Explore in This Episode:1️⃣ The Invisible Solo LoadWhat it means to produce “a Broadway show with a cast of one”Why ADHD brains burn more energy per stepHow the financial burden of gift-giving hits single adults harder⭐ Gentle solution: Set a gift rule this year to protect your budget + sanity2️⃣ Sensory Overload EverywhereCrowded stores, flashing lights, noise, scents — the December sensory buffet⭐ Gentle solution: Shop at low-sensory times + use headphones/earplugs/curbside pickup3️⃣ Emotional Intensity & Holiday LandminesNostalgia, grief, comparison, and pressure to be “on”Why ADHD emotion centers run hot⭐ Gentle solution: Create a grounding ritual (30 seconds counts!)4️⃣ Time Compression (aka The Holiday Speed Run)The entire season crammed into 3–6 weeksWhy pace changes wipe out ADHD energy⭐ Gentle solution: Protect ONE routine this month5️⃣ Decision FatigueWhy December becomes one giant bowl of decision soupHow choices drain your brain before you start doing anything⭐ Gentle solution: Use “decision defaults” to simplify everything6️⃣ The Holiday Energy MismatchHoliday energy = FAST + LOUD + CONSTANTADHD energy = uneven + sensitiveSolo energy = “I am the whole team”You’re not the mismatch — the season is mismatched to YOU7️⃣ Compassionate Reframe“You’re not exhausted because you’re weak or unprepared.You’re exhausted because the season triggers every ADHD lever at once — and you’re carrying it alone.”Key TakeawayYou’re not failing.You’re not behind.Your holiday exhaustion is predictable, understandable, and fixable when you stop blaming yourself and start understanding your nervous system.Links MentionedEpisode 22: Holiday To-Do ListsEpisode 24: Holiday Hacks + AI HelpersWant More?Subscribe to A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD on your favorite platform.Follow Christine:Website: TwoCatsCoaching.comPodcast on YouTube: A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHDSocials: @TwoCatsCoachingFreebies? Click here

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    “Hacks for the Holidays… and How AI Can Save Your Sanity”

    If the holidays feel like a group project you didn’t sign up for, today’s episode is for you.In Episode 24, we’re ditching “Pinterest perfect” and aiming for possible.ADHD brains + solo living + December = a lot.So here’s an episode full of shortcuts, hacks, permission slips, and some AI magic to make the season lighter.🎁 What We Cover in This Episode❤️ Part 1: 17 ADHD-Friendly Holiday HacksFrom gifting shortcuts to décor minimalism to surviving grocery stores, you’ll learn:How to pick ONE universal gift for half your listWhy experiences beat stuff (especially for kids!)The magic of a gift drawerWhy gift cards absolutely count as giftsHow to decorate using just ONE binHosting tricks that take 10 minutesWhy multitasking will make you cry (and what to do instead)🤖 Part 2: Let AI Carry Half the LoadPerfect for ADHD brains that are done for the year.We talk about using AI for:Holiday card messagesWriting polite declines and boundary scriptsGift planning and kid-specific ideasMeal planning and grocery listsTravel prep checklistsFocus, timers, and prioritizingTurning your brain dump into an organized plan📘 Part 3: Easy, ADHD-Friendly AI PrimerLearn how to:Think of AI like your enthusiastic checklist-loving internPick ONE AI tool based on what you already useWrite prompts using Christine’s simple formulaAsk AI to plan events, meals, holidays, and moreUse tone, role-assignment, and details to get better resultsIncludes a full example prompt for planning a cozy six-person holiday dinner!✨ Key TakeawaysHoliday success has NOTHING to do with how “magical” things lookFewer decisions = a calmer ADHD brainYou can absolutely opt OUT of anything that drains youAI can help you write, plan, organize, and breatheYou don’t have to suffer your way through December💛 About Your HostI’m Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach and your guide through the wild, wonderful world of ADHD solo living. If this episode helped you, please leave a rating or review — it truly helps! Find me at twocatscoaching.com! Want some freebies? Click here

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    I've Been Invited to a Holiday Party, and my ADHD Brain Says "Now What?"

    Holiday Social Plans… Now What?Welcome back to A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD! I’m your host, Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach and owner of Two Cats Coaching.Holiday socializing is hard enough — now add ADHD, winter fatigue, disrupted routines, and the fact that you’re doing this alone.Suddenly every invitation feels like someone assigned you a group project for a class you forgot to attend.This episode gives you realistic, ADHD-friendly strategies for three moments every solo ADHDer faces in December:I got an invitation — now what?I’m at the event — now what?I realize I’m overcommitted — now what?This isn’t about becoming a holiday party superstar.It’s about protecting your energy, honoring your limits, and choosing what works for your brain.💌 Section 1 — “I Got an Invitation… Now What?”When impulsivity says “Sure! Future Me will totally have energy!” — pause.Here’s how to make choices that support your current bandwidth:10-Second Gut Check: Would I go if it were today?The Social Math Test: Does the energy I’ll spend match the energy I’ll get?The Half-Attend Strategy: Commit to the first hour, not the whole night.Pre-Written Declines: Save scripts so you don’t panic-type.ASSAP Framework Tie-In: This is Access — creating supports before you need them.🎉 Section 2 — “I’m at the Party… Now What?”You don’t need to “work the room.” You need a structure that keeps your nervous system grounded:Be the Helper (take a task = instant structure)Anchor to One Person (no need to mingle endlessly)Pre-Decide Your Exit ConditionsCreate a Calm-Down Bubble (quick escapes are healthy!)Have an Exit Script ReadyDrop the Holiday Performance PressureASSAP Tie-In: These are Action tools — tiny steps that help you function in high-stimulation spaces.📅 Section 3 — “I Overcommitted… Now What?”Canceling is allowed. Editing your December is allowed. Protecting your energy is necessary.The Permission to Cancel PrincipleThe Calendar Edit (star the draining stuff, remove 1–3)Use Social Substitutions:3-hour dinner → 20-minute coffeeParty → FaceTimeGift exchange → send a card💛 Section 4 — A Gentle ReframeYou’re not antisocial.You’re not flaky.You’re not failing the holidays.You’re managing ADHD, solo adulthood, masking, emotional labor, and winter fatigue at the same time.That’s called being human, not being broken.✨ Section 5 — Soft January TeaserJanuary kicks off the “good stuff”:Long-term, sustainable systems using the A and P in ASAP — Access and Persistence.Your future self will thank you.🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:Free Consult Call: www.twocatscoaching.com❤️ If this episode lightened your mental load…Hit subscribe, leave a review, or share with a solo friend who needs it.Want some freebies? Click hereYou’re not as alone as you think.

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    Holiday To-Do List vs. One ADHD Brain: A Completely Unfair Fight

    Hey friends — welcome back to A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD!I’m Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach and founder of Two Cats Coaching. Today we’re breaking down the real reason the holidays feel overwhelming when you’re both ADHD and solo: the entire holiday workload defaults to you. No partner, no backup brain, no shared executive functioning.This episode focuses on the practical, physical, cognitive demands of the season — not emotions or sensory overload (that’s coming in Episode 25!). We’ll look at the invisible, underestimated tasks that drain your executive functioning and why “dropping balls” doesn’t mean you’re disorganized — it means you’re doing the work of two adults with one brain.In this episode, we cover:The holiday timeline: Halloween → New Year’s → January 2 collapseWhy solo adults carry every task by defaultADHD + decision fatigue (gifts, meals, travel, RSVPs)The invisible holiday workload no one talks aboutThe emotional load you're carrying — even when this isn’t the “feelings episode”Four simple micro-solutions that make the season lighter right nowQuick Relief Tools Mentioned:One-page Holiday Dashboard ( I use my phone calendar!)Reduce decisions with the Power of One (one kind of gift, only one store etc.)A decompression routineSaying noUpcoming Episodes:🎧 Holiday Hacks Episode (Episode 24) — ADHD-friendly, solo-friendly tips you can use immediately🎧 Ep 25 – Holiday Emotions, Sensory Overload & Why You Feel “Too Much”Work With ChristineIf this episode took even one thing off your mental load, hit subscribe so Future You doesn’t miss an episode.And if you want coaching that actually fits a solo ADHD life, I offer 1:1 support.👉 Book a free consult using this link.Looking for free stuff? Click here

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    Finding Your Perfect ADHD Side Hustle

    (Part 4 and final of the Side Hustle Mini-Series)Hey friends, welcome back to A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD!I’m Christine Dunning — Master Certified Life Coach, owner of Two Cats Coaching, and your caffeinated companion through the wild world of ADHD-friendly side hustles.If you’ve been following the mini-series, we’ve covered:👉 Episode 18 – Finding the Right Side Hustle for You (and Your ADHD)👉 Episode 19 – Side Hustles: Failures and Successes👉 Episode 20 – Top 15 ADHD-Friendly Side HustlesAnd today, we’re wrapping it all up with the final piece: how to choose the right one for you — plus a few tools, mindset shifts, and money tips to make it actually work.So if your brain is currently a pinball machine of ideas (been there!), grab a notebook — this is your roadmap to finding a side hustle that fits your ADHD life instead of fighting it.🧭 What You’ll LearnHow to define your “Why” before you chase the next shiny gigThe Three Filters — Time, Energy, and Money — that make or break sustainabilityThe three main Side Hustle Styles and how to match them to your brain and scheduleA quick self-check quiz to find your personal side hustle “sweet spot”Tools, templates, and ADHD-friendly systems to keep you on trackHow to know when it’s time to pivot, pause, or pass💡 Resources MentionedADHD Budget Template click hereTwo Cats Coaching: TwoCatsCoaching.comFree 30-minute consultation: Book here🧩 Key Takeaways✅ Your “why” is your compass — without it, you’ll chase dopamine and burn out fast.✅ Use the Three Filters to evaluate every new idea.✅ You’re allowed to pivot!✅ Sustainable side hustles should give you at least one of these: money, skills, joy, or fun.💬 Share your favorite side hustle wins on socials — I’d love to celebrate with you!🌐 TwoCatsCoaching.com@TwoCatsCoaching  🧵 Threads 📧 SubstackFree stuff!  Click hereNext month’s theme? Holiday Burnout! (Yes, we’re doing hacks, humor, and survival plans for ADHDers.)Until then, stay curious, stay kind to your brain — and give your cat an extra treat for me.

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    Top 15 ADHD-Friendly Side Hustles, Pros & Cons

    Host: Christine Dunning — Master Certified Life Coach, cat enthusiast, and your friendly neighborhood reminder that side hustles can be a great thing.Series: Side Hustles, Part 3 of 4A fast, honest tour of 15 ADHD-friendly side hustles, grouped by how your brain likes to work—structure, flexibility, creativity, or “please just help me pay for that trip.” You’ll get pros/cons, typical start-up costs, and quick “pro tips” so you can test one without melting your executive function.Section One: Part-Time Jobs (structure + social + low decision fatigue)1. Retail / Seasonal / Food (bookstores, craft stores, cafés, restaurants)2. Event & Catering Gigs3. Substitute Teaching / Para SubSection Two: 1099 & App-Based (you pick the hours)4. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)5. Delivery (DoorDash/Instacart/Amazon Flex)6. Field Inspections (WeGoLook, Gigwalk, etc.)7. Companion/Helper (Papa Pals, Care.com, errand services)8. Pet & House Sitting (Rover, Wag, private clients)Section Three: Freelance & Creative Work (you’re the boss)9. Freelance Writing10. Virtual Assistant / Admin Support11. Online Tutoring or Music/Lesson Teaching12. Digital Products (printables, templates, courses)13. Social Media Management / Content Creation14. E-Commerce & Handmade (Etsy/Shopify/POD/craft fairs)15. Local Micro-Services (house cleaning, lawn care, babysitting, handyman)Pro tips & notesRideshare: Budget for car wear, gas, and gap insurance (app time vs. personal policy).Events/Food: Some states require a food handler card.Tutoring/Lessons: Pay varies wildly—market yourself locally for better rates.Digital Products: Respect copyright & asset licenses (clip art, fonts, Canva usage).Pet/House Sitting: Overnights pay best; reliability is everything.High-need niche: Morning kid-launch help (breakfast/backpacks/school drop-off).Work with ChristineNeed help picking and launching your best-fit side hustle? I coach 1:1 to map your energy, set prices, and get you earning—without burnout.👉 Book a consult: TwoCatsCoaching.com Want some freebies?  Click hereNEXT EPISODEPart 4: How to choose the right hustle for your brain (decision matrix + red/green flags).Call to action: Follow A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, rate & review, and yes—give your cat a treat for me.

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    Side Hustles: Failures and Successes (My Story)

    🎙️ Episode 19 — Side Hustles: Failures and Successes (My Story)A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD | Hosted by Christine Dunning, MCCADHD brains love a new idea — that dopamine rush hits and suddenly we’re convinced we’re starting a dog-treat empire, buying overpriced craft machines, and signing up for every delivery app known to humankind. 🐶✨In this episode — the second in our Side Hustles Mini-Series — I’m sharing the good, the bad, and the “what was I thinking?” lessons from my own side-hustle journey. I’ve tried a LOT of them… so you don’t have to learn the hard way. 😉💡 What You’ll LearnThe 3 main types of side hustles for ADHDersWhy “passive income” isn’t actually passiveThe upside (and downside) of taking on more than one gigHow to recognize when a hustle is draining youThe right time to quit — without feeling like a failureReal-life stories from rideshare driving, substitute teaching, music gigs, digital products & more🔑 Key TakeawaysStructure helps when your brain is tired.Flexibility helps when your soul is tired.“Failure” isn’t failure — it’s data.Side hustles should support your life… not take it over.🧭 Mini-Series Progress✅ Episode 18 — Why do a side hustle? What to avoid➡️ Episode 19 — My wins and fails (you are here!)🔜 Episode 20 — Popular hustles: pros, cons, and real talk🔜 Episode 21 — How to pick the right one for you💬 Mentioned in This EpisodeMusic and theater side gigs 🎶Renting spare space 🏡Trivia hosting 🎤(find me at QuizlandiaDenver.com)Rideshare driving 🚗Digital products 💻Life coaching 🐾👋 Stay ConnectedLooking for guidance while building your ADHD-friendly work life?➡️ Book a coaching consult: www.twocatscoaching.com➡️ Join me on social: @TwoCatsCoaching➡️ Check out the podcast website: https://asolopersonsguidetoadhd.buzzsprout.comFreebies? Click hereIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review & subscribe — it helps so much! 💛

  16. 18

    Finding the Right Side Hustle for You (and Your ADHD), Part 1

    Being single and managing ADHD often means you’re the safety net. One unexpected bill, and it feels like your whole month unravels. That’s where side hustles come in — not just as a financial backup, but as a creative outlet, a confidence boost, and sometimes, the spark for something bigger.In this first of four episodes on ADHD-friendly side hustles, Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach and multi-preneur, helps you explore what kind of side hustle actually fits your ADHD brain. Because let’s face it — “one job for 40 years” doesn’t exactly light us up.💼 In This EpisodeChristine breaks down:The three main types of side hustles — Part-Time Jobs, 1099 Contractor Roles, and Build-From-Scratch BusinessesWhy side hustles are especially valuable when you’re the only one paying the billsThe “Passive Income” myth (and why nothing online is ever truly “set it and forget it”)Her own ADHD-friendly portfolio of gigs — from coaching to trivia hosting to playing piano for musicalsHow to match your energy, skills, and dopamine needs with the right kind of hustle🚨 Key Takeaway“Side hustles can be your safety net and your springboard. Choose the ones that fit your ADHD brain, your energy, and your actual life.”🪙 Quick Action PlanIdentify which of the three types of side hustles best fits your current needs.Be honest about your bandwidth — and your impulsivity.Don’t fall for “passive income” hype. Do your research and start small.Next time (Episode 19), Christine shares her real-life experiences with multiple side hustles — what worked, what didn’t, and what she learned along the way.🐾 About ChristineChristine Dunning is a Master Certified Life Coach and owner of Two Cats Coaching, where she helps single adults with ADHD build systems, confidence, and creative income streams. She’s also the host of A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD — a podcast all about life, money, and mindset when you’re flying solo.🔗 Resources & LinksLearn more about Christine: twocatscoaching.comFollow the podcast: A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHDJoin the conversation on social: #ADHDLife #SoloPerson #SideHustleADHDLooking for freebies? Click here

  17. 17

    Rituals & Real Talk: ADHD-Friendly Ways to Move Through Grief

    Host: Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach & founder of Two Cats CoachingGuest: Rev. Stacy Collins, MDiv, hospice chaplain & fellow late-diagnosed ADHDerIn our finale for the Grief Series, we explore rituals—simple, personal, ADHD-friendly ways to honor losses of all kinds: loved ones, pets, and the life you didn’t get to live. No incense required (unless you like it!). Think intention, not perfection.Why Rituals HelpMeaning-making: mark a change, honor a life, name “then vs. now.”Containment: a small “container” for big feelings—on your terms.Connection: to the person/pet, to yourself, or to community.ADHD-Friendly Ritual Ideas (low prep, high meaning)Micro-rituals (5–10 min): light a candle; say their name; touch a keepsake.Senses-first: music/voice notes, a favorite scent (perfume, shirt), a textured object/jewelry, a favorite food.Memory corners: a small photo + object space (e.g., urn/paw print) you can visit briefly.Movement & elements: short walk, bare feet on ground, hands in water, let flower petals/leaves float downstream.Write & release: a letter you keep—or tear, burn (safely), or send downstream.Media moments: the movie, song, or comedian they loved; give yourself a “cry window” that feels safe.Dates & anchors: mark birthdays/anniversaries with a meal, photo flip-through, or short call with someone who “gets it.”Bucket-list in their honor: one  action, large or small, that they always wanted to try or place they loved.If Rituals Feel Hard (ADHD realities)Time blindness: set a reminder; stack it onto an existing habit (after coffee, light candle).Overwhelm: one step only (press play on a song; hold the object).Floodgates fear: set a timer; end with a grounding cue (water, fresh air, cozy blanket).Perfection trap: “done small” beats “not done.”Favorite Lines“Rituals are about intention, not complexity.”“Say their name. The relationship isn’t gone just because the person is.”Series WrapEpisode 13: ADHD, Grief, and Big FeelingsEpisode 14: Why Goodbye Doesn’t Come Easily (Loved Ones & Hospice)Episode 15: The Quiet Ones Hurt the Most (Pet Grief)Episode 16: The Life I Didn’t Live (Grieving Lost Dreams)Episode 17: Rituals & Real Talk (ADHD-Friendly Grief Rituals) ← you’re hereResources & Support911 or 988 for emergenciesLocal grief groups, pet-loss hotlines, and ADHD-informed therapistsDisclaimerThis podcast is for education and support. It is not medical or mental-health advice. If you’re struggling to function or feel unsafe, please seek professional help (U.S.: 988 or 911).ConnectWebsite & show hub: TwoCatsCoaching.comIG/FB: @TwoCatsCoachingLooking for freebies? Click hereIf this series helped, please subscribe, rate, and share.

  18. 16

    The Life I Didn’t Live: Grieving Unfulfilled Dreams (ADHD Edition)

    Host: Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach & founder of Two Cats CoachingGuest: Stacy Collins, hospice chaplain & fellow late-diagnosed ADHDerNot all grief follows a funeral. Sometimes it shows up as a quiet ache for the life you didn’t get to live—children you didn’t have, a career that didn’t land, a relationship that never fit, an identity that never fully had space. For many late-diagnosed ADHD adults (especially women), naming these losses is an act of self-compassion—not bitterness.What We CoverDream grief 101: Mourning the imagined life vs. accepting the real oneADHD & regret: indecision, impulsivity, comparison traps, and the shame spiralChild-free/childless stories: ambivalence, choosing differently, and finding meaning without parentingCareer pivots & identities: opera dreams, teaching careers, and redefining successLate diagnosis reflections: re-reading your past through an ADHD lens (RSD, impulsivity, masking)Health & aging losses: surgeries, changing abilities, and letting go with graceCommunity/societal grief: collective shocks, safety, and unresolved grief in public lifeFrom “what if” to “what now”: making room for the life that’s here and still comingGentle Reframes & PracticesName it: “This is grief.” Use language to reduce shame and invite care.Permission > perfection: You’ll do grief the way you do grief.Feelings → values: Ask, “What did that dream represent?” (belonging, freedom, creativity) and meet the value in new ways.Tiny rituals: Write a goodbye letter to an old dream; light a candle; plant something; mark the transition.Future-self check-in: “What brings peace/joy/meaning now?”Favorite Lines“Naming these losses is an act of self-compassion, not bitterness.”“Let go of the life you thought you’d have to make room for the life that’s yet to come.”Series RoadmapEpisode 13: Wait, Is This Grief? Episode 14: Why Goodbye Doesn’t Come Easily (Loved Ones & Hospice)Episode 15: The Quiet Ones Hurt the Most (Pet Grief)Episode 16: The Life I Didn’t Live (Grieving Lost Dreams) ← you’re hereEpisode 17: Rituals & Real Talk (ADHD-Friendly Grief Rituals)Resources & SupportU.S. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)911 for emergenciesLocal mental-health providers and ADHD-informed therapistsDisclaimerThis podcast is for education and support. It is not medical or mental-health advice. If you’re struggling to function or feel unsafe, please seek professional help (U.S.: 988 or 911).ConnectWebsite & show hub: TwoCatsCoaching.comIG/FB: @TwoCatsCoachingFreebies? Click herePlease subscribe, rate, and share if this helps you. 💛

  19. 15

    The Quiet Ones Hurt the Most: ADHD & Pet Grief

    Host: Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach & founder of Two Cats CoachingGuest: Stacy Collins, hospice chaplain & fellow late-diagnosed ADHDerFor many single adults (and plenty of partnered folks, too), pets are family—routine-keepers, comfort-bringers, and steady companions. In this episode, Christine and Stacy talk about pet loss: anticipatory grief, saying goodbye, and rebuilding daily life when the house suddenly sounds too quiet.What We CoverPet grief is real grief: Why the bond can feel as strong (or stronger) than human relationships.ADHD layers: How loss disrupts structure, routines, executive function, and emotional regulation.Anticipatory grief: Knowing goodbye is coming—crying before the loss, noticing decline, making compassionate choices.A kind goodbye: What a supportive vet experience can look like (quiet room, time, separate exit), cremation options, paw-print keepsakes.Memorials & meaning: Urns or boxes, paw prints, portraits/illustrations, and the comfort of “Rainbow Bridge” imagery—whatever fits your beliefs.Life after a pet: Rebuilding morning rituals, navigating a surviving pet’s behavior, and naming what you miss most.Should I get another pet? ADHD-friendly questions to ask yourself; low-commitment options like fostering; choosing travel or flexibility.Preparing for inevitability: Remembering that we usually outlive our pets; choosing presence over fear.Favorite Lines“It’s not just a pet. It’s a being that let you love them—and loved you back.”“When my routine was ‘we cuddle while I drink coffee,’ the silence wasn’t just quiet—it was missing.”Gentle Ideas to TryCreate a small ritual (light a candle, place a photo, write a letter, plant a flower).Keep a “morning anchor” to replace the old routine (cozy slippers + coffee + 10 minutes of journaling).If you’re considering a new pet, try fostering first to check energy, time, and readiness.Next in the SeriesEp 13: What Is Grief? (ADHD & Big Feelings)Ep 14: Why Goodbye Doesn’t Come EasilyEp 15: Pet Grief — The Quiet Ones Hurt the Most (this episode)Ep 16: Grieving Lost Dreams — The Life I Didn’t LiveEp 17: Rituals & Real Talk — ADHD-Friendly Grief RitualsResources & SupportU.S. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)911 for emergenciesLocal pet-loss support groups and hotlines (often offered by humane societies or vets)DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and support. It is not medical or mental-health advice. If you’re struggling to function or feel unsafe, please seek professional help (U.S.: 988 or 911).ConnectWebsite & show hub: TwoCatsCoaching.comIG/FB: @TwoCatsCoachingLooking for freebies? Click herePlease subscribe, rate, and share if this helped you. 🐾

  20. 14

    Why Goodbye Doesn’t Come Easily: Grieving Loved Ones When You Have ADHD

    Host: Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach & founder of Two Cats CoachingGuest: Stacy Collins, hospice chaplain (Dignity Hospice) & fellow late-diagnosed ADHDerThis second episode in our ADHD & Grief series goes deep on the big one: grieving the death of a loved one—a parent, partner, close friend, or family member. Christine and Stacy explore how ADHD can intensify and complicate the experience—and how support, planning, and self-compassion can make a very hard season a little gentler.What We CoverWhat hospice really is (and isn’t):Interdisciplinary care (chaplain, social worker, nurse, CNA) focused on comfort, meaning, and family support—often Medicare-covered when prognosis is ~ six months or less, with the possibility of renewal.Saying goodbye on purpose:Hard/beautiful conversations, forgiveness, personal wishes, and rituals that honor the person.ADHD layers in grief:Overwhelm → “do-er mode,” numbness, or shutdown; executive-function strain; shame spirals; and how to check in with what’s truly needed right now.Personal stories:Sudden loss vs. time to prepare, cumulative grief, and the comfort of knowing a loved one’s wishes.Grief fog & decision-making:Why it helps to delay big life choices, what must be handled now, and how to share the load.If you’re solo (or become solo):How to ask for help, lean on hospice teams and bereavement services, and let good listeners be present.Planning for your own end-of-life:Advance care planning, where to keep documents, who knows how to find them, and choosing meaningful bequests.Re-entering life:Gentle self-care, small rituals to mark transitions, and naming that you are changed—and still moving forward.Favorite Lines“You will do grief the way you do grief.”“Sometimes ADHD grief looks like chaos—or like numbness.”“Live the life you want to live until you die.”Series RoadmapEp 13: What Is Grief? (ADHD & Big Feelings)Ep 14: Why Goodbye Doesn’t Come Easily (this episode)Ep 15: Pet Grief — The Quiet Ones Hurt the MostEp 16: Grieving Lost Dreams — The Life I Didn’t LiveEp 17: Rituals & Real Talk — ADHD-Friendly Grief RitualsResources & SupportU.S. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)911 for emergenciesLocal hospice/bereavement programs (ask your provider or hospice organization)Dignity Hospice (Denver): www.dignityco.comDisclaimerThis podcast is for education and support. It is not medical or mental-health advice. If you’re struggling to function or feel unsafe, please seek professional help (U.S.: 988 or 911).ConnectWebsite & show hub: TwoCatsCoaching.comIG/FB: @TwoCatsCoachingFreebies?  Click hereSubscribe, rate, and share if this helped you. 🐾

  21. 13

    Wait, Is This Grief?

    Welcome to A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, hosted by Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach and founder of Two Cats Coaching.Have you ever burst into tears during a random commercial—or found yourself deeply affected by a movie that wasn’t even sad? You’re not alone. This episode kicks off a five-part series exploring ADHD and grief—why it hits differently, how it shows up unexpectedly, and what it means for those of us who live solo.Christine is joined by her longtime friend  Rev. Stacy Collins, MDiv, a hospice chaplain and fellow late-diagnosed ADHDer, to talk about the emotional rollercoaster of loss—whether it’s a person, a pet, a dream, or even a sense of safety.Together, they explore:How grief actually works (spoiler: it’s not linear)The “grief wheel” and why ADHDers may spiral differentlyEmotional dysregulation and “forgetting you’re grieving”Shame and self-blame in the grieving processCommunity grief—when tragedy strikes close to homeThe unique challenges of solo grievingWhy support systems matter (yes, even when you’re independent)💬 “If you don’t process the grief, it’s going to process you.” — Christine🕯️ “I give myself and others permission to grieve at their own pace.” — Lee Horbaczewski🧠 About This SeriesThis is Episode 1 of 5 in the ADHD & Grief series:What Is Grief (and How Do I Know I’m Feeling It?)Losing Loved Ones: ADHD and the Weight of GoodbyeThe Quiet Ones Hurt the Most – Pet GriefThe Life I Didn’t Live – Grieving Lost DreamsRituals and Real Talk – Creating ADHD-Friendly Grief Rituals🐾 Mentioned in This EpisodeGrief Spiral (www.TwoCatsCoaching.com)Quote by Lee Horbaczewski on permission to grieveThe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)⚠️ DisclaimerIf this conversation brings up difficult emotions or you find yourself struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional.In the U.S., you can call 911 in an emergency or 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.🐈‍⬛ Connect with ChristineWebsite: TwoCatsCoaching.comPodcast: A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHDFacebook & Instagram: @TwoCatsCoachingLooking for free stuff? Click here

  22. 12

    10 ADHD-Friendly Money Hacks (That Don’t Involve Giving Up Lattes)

    Episode 12: 10 ADHD-Friendly Money Hacks (That Don’t Involve Giving Up Lattes)Hey friends, Christine here — Master Certified Life Coach, cat enthusiast, and host of A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD.We’re wrapping up our ADHD & money theme with something lighthearted: ten quirky, ADHD-friendly hacks to save money that don’t require giving up coffee, joy, or your last shred of sanity.From snagging free mulch and hidden library perks, to stacking rewards apps and even turning pet sitting into free vacations — these are hacks that work with your ADHD brain, not against it.In this episode you’ll learn:How to find (and stop) sneaky “money leaks” in your accountsWhy calling your internet company could save you hundredsThe surprising place to shop after ThanksgivingHow libraries are secretly treasure troves of free stuffMy all-time favorite hack: traveling for (almost) free by pet sittingRemember: saving money doesn’t have to be boring. Sometimes it can be playful, creative, and even a little adventurous.💡 If you’re ready for ADHD-friendly coaching that helps you keep both your money and your dopamine working for you, check out Two Cats Coaching.Next month’s theme: Grief — with stories, insights, and rituals from my dear friend, a hospice chaplain (and fellow ADHDer). It won’t all be heavy, but it will be real.Grab some free worksheets!  Click here👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a friend who could use some money-saving magic.

  23. 11

    ADHD, Debt, and the Shame Spiral

    Episode 11: Debt & Credit – Two Sides of a CoinIf debt were a person, it’d be that one friend who borrows your stuff and never gives it back. Annoying, clingy, and ridiculously expensive. In this episode of A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, we’re tackling debt and credit—their messy relationship, why ADHD brains struggle with both, and how to finally kick that freeloader out of your wallet.👉 Inside this episode:My real-life story of wrestling with credit card debt after cancer recovery and house damage.Why debt hits harder when you live solo with ADHD.ADHD debt triggers: impulse spending, due date amnesia, shame spirals, and executive dysfunction.Different types of debt ranked by “stress factor” (spoiler: family loans = emotional interest rate off the charts).ADHD-friendly debt payoff strategies: snowball vs. avalanche, automating payments, gamifying progress, and celebrating milestones (yes, with Dollar Store confetti).Easy side hustles that don’t eat your brain: pet sitting, tutoring, selling your stuff, seasonal gigs, and more.What not to do if you’re in debt (hint: ignoring it never works).✨ Action Step: Pick ONE debt and create a mini-plan to attack it this month.Debt isn’t a moral failure—it’s just math with bad timing. And with ADHD brains, we need dopamine-friendly, shame-free strategies to get ahead.Resources & Links:Free Debt Strategy Quick Map worksheet click hereCoaching with Christine: Two Cats Coaching – first 30 minutes free!Catch up on earlier episodes in the ADHD & Money series (budgeting, impulse spending, hacks, and more).About your host:I’m Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach, retired teacher, cat enthusiast, and proud member of the “paid $37 in late fees… again” club. On A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, we dig into the solo-living struggles that come with ADHD—and find ways to laugh, learn, and lighten the load together.

  24. 10

    ADHD Impulse Spending: "Oops, I Bought a Kayak!"

    Ever opened a package and thought, “Wait… when did I order this?” If so, you’re in the right place.In this episode of A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, I’m talking all things impulse spending:Why ADHD brains are wired for “add to cart”How solo living makes it easier (no one there to say, “Another planner? Really?”)The most common ADHD impulse buys—Amazon rabbit holes, subscription creep, and emotional spendingSimple hacks to pause before your wallet taps outYou’ll also hear some personal stories (like my three-microphone saga), plus strategies to get that dopamine hit without draining your bank account.💡 Quick stats you’ll learn today:58% of adults with ADHD say impulse spending makes money harderThe average ADHD brain loses about $2,000 a year to impulse buysCompulsive buying hits up to 21% of ADHD adults (vs. 6% in the general population)👉 Next up: Episode 11 on tackling debt (because sometimes our impulse buys live on our credit cards long after delivery day).✨ Share your funniest impulse buy with me—I’d love to hear it!📍 Resources & Coaching: TwoCatsCoaching.comLooking for freebies?  Click here

  25. 9

    One Spreadsheet to Rule Them All (ADHD-Friendly Budgeting)

    If your ADHD money system feels like Gandalf yelling “You shall not spend!” every time you walk into Target, this episode is for you.Today I’m diving into the surprisingly simple tool that helped me go from financial hot mess to “hey, my bills are actually paid on time!”—a single spreadsheet. That’s it. One sheet. One place. One ADHD-friendly system that doesn’t require a PhD in Excel formulas.Inside this episode:Why budgeting isn’t punishment (it’s GPS for your money)The ADHD traps that make traditional budgets failThe difference between fixed vs. variable expenses (keep it broad and doable)My monthly bill-paying system that makes “future me” very happyHow to pick between paper, digital, or cash-based systems without shameA free ADHD-friendly budget tracker + my spreadsheet template💡 Free Resources available hereDisclaimer: I’m not a financial professional—just a fellow ADHDer who used to think my credit card limit was a suggestion. This is real-life, trial-and-error advice, not professional financial guidance.🐾 About the ShowA Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD is your fun survival guide for ADHD, money, and solo living. I’m Christine Dunning—Master Certified Life Coach, cat mom, and spreadsheet convert.✨ Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with a friend who might need a budget that actually sticks.

  26. 8

    ADHD Finances Friday -- Bust the Top 5 Money Myths

    Happy Friday, friends!If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t save because I don’t make enough,” or “Investing is only for rich people,” surprise! You’ve been lied to.In this episode of A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, we’re busting the top 5 ADHD money myths that are keeping your wallet emptier than my laundry basket on laundry day. (And yes, laundry day is whenever I run out of socks.)Friendly reminder: I’m a coach, not a financial advisor. Think of this article like a conversation over coffee with a friend—not instructions from your accountant.✨ What you’ll learn:Myth #1: “I don’t make enough money to save” → The truth: Even tiny amounts grow with compounding interest.Myth #2: “I can’t ask for a raise” → The truth: Asking for a raise is normal and can boost your income.Myth #3: “Investing is only for rich people” → The truth: Small, consistent contributions create assets over time.Myth #4: “More income will fix everything” → The truth: Without a plan, more money can just fuel impulse buys.Myth #5: “I’ll figure it out later” → The truth: Waiting is lost compounding time.👉 ADHD-Friendly Challenge: Automate one transfer (even $25) into savings or investments. Draft one sentence of your “ask for a raise” conversation. Small actions add up faster than you think!🎯 Free Resource: Don’t forget to download your freebies here!🎧 Tune in to Episode 8 and start busting those money myths. Your future self will thank you!

  27. 7

    Gratitude, Not Guilt: Rewiring Your ADHD Money Mindset

    If the thought of “being grateful for your finances” makes you roll your eyes and mutter, “Sure, I’ll be grateful when I have a million bucks,”…this one’s for you.Because unless you’re living in a tent and pushing a shopping cart, you probably have more to be grateful for than you think. And here’s the kicker: replacing guilt with gratitude is one of the fastest ways to rewire your ADHD money mindset.In this episode of A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, I’m diving into:Why mindset comes before math when it comes to moneyThe two big obstacles ADHDers face: attitude and shameThe top 5 money lies we tell ourselves (and how to reframe them)How gratitude literally changes your brain chemistry (hello dopamine!)Simple language shifts and money mantras to start today✨ Plus: I’ll share science-backed reasons why gratitude works (spoiler: it’s not just woo-woo), and give you an action plan you can start this week.👉 Free Resource: Grab your ADHD Gratitude Journal Prompt Here!🎧 Listen now, and let’s rewrite your ADHD money story—one grateful thought at a time.

  28. 6

    ADHD & Money Management: Expense Tracking Made Easy (well, bearable)

    ADHD & Finances: The Expense Tracking Episode You’ll Actually FinishTracking money doesn’t have to be boring. Christine shares colorful, step-by-step strategies to make expense tracking stick.If your bank account is a mystery until payday—or worse, still a mystery after payday—this episode is for you.I’m Christine Dunning, Master Certified Life Coach, owner of Two Cats Coaching, and your fellow ADHD adventurer in the land of money management. Today, we’re tackling one of the most dreaded—but most powerful—skills you can build: tracking your expenses.💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:Why expense tracking is the foundation of financial freedom (especially for ADHDers)How to separate money archaeology from money shameADHD-friendly hacks to make the process less overwhelmingThe 3 big categories of spending (and how to spot the surprises)Why colored pens, highlighters, and even stickers might be your new best financial toolsNo guilt. No shame. Just clarity—and maybe even a laugh or two.👉 Free Resource: Download my ADHD Expense Tracking Worksheets and other freebies to make this process easier.🎧 Tune in now, and let’s turn “Where did my money go?” into “Here’s where my money’s headed.”

  29. 5

    ADHD Money Management for Singles: Do Any of These Struggles Sound Familiar?

    Ever found yourself wondering, “Why do I have a late fee again?” or realizing that “free trial” you signed up for eight months ago has been secretly draining $15/month? Yep, you’re not alone—and if you’re single and ADHD, the struggle is even more real.In this episode of A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD, Christine Dunning (Master Certified Life Coach and accidental collector of unused subscriptions) kicks off a brand-new money series: ADHD & Money for Solos: Dollars, Dopamine, and Your Financial Journey.We’ll cover:The messy truth of ADHD + money (impulse spending, forgetfulness, paperwork nightmares).Why being single adds an extra “solo tax.”Relatable money confessions from real ADHD friends.Christine’s own money story—going from “starving artist” to homeowner.The good news: you really can take control of your money (and no, it doesn’t require becoming a financial wizard).👉 This is episode 5 and the first in a 4-day “money blast.” Stick around this week for ADHD-friendly budgeting, debt strategies, and even side hustle ideas for solo breadwinners.💡 Your homework: Just notice your money habits this week. No judgment—just observation.📺 Mark your calendar: Join Christine live on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 8 PM Eastern / 6 PM Mountain on YouTube and Facebook for a deeper dive into ADHD and money.✨ Resources & Links:Free 30-minute coaching session: TwoCatsCoaching.comSubscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss the rest of the seriesFollow on YouTube for live sessions and replaysGrab your free resources here!🎶 Music by Christine Dunning🐾 Two Cats Coaching | A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD

  30. 4

    Plans, Pals and the ADHD Pause Button: Why We Flake and How to Show Up Anyway

    In this episode, Christine Dunning explores the often-overlooked challenge of managing social commitments with ADHD—especially the gap between wanting connection and actually following through.From the initial burst of excitement when plans are made to the very real barriers of initiation paralysis and time blindness, Christine shares personal stories and practical strategies for building a social life that works with your brain, not against it.This episode is about connection without pressure, plans without shame, and compassion without excuses.What This Episode CoversWhy social plans can feel easy to make—and impossible to executeHow ADHD impacts initiation, energy, and time awarenessThe hidden cost of “should”-based socializingWhy canceling doesn’t make you flaky—it makes you humanPractical Strategies You’ll HearLow-pressure friend dates that don’t require perfect energy or timingThe 15-minute rule for getting unstuck and showing upWays to reduce friction before, during, and after social plansReframing follow-through as a systems issue, not a character flawWho This Episode Is ForSolo adults with ADHD navigating friendships on their ownIntroverts, extroverts, and ambiverts alikeAnyone who wants connection without burnoutPeople who care deeply—and still struggle to show upKey TakeawayYou’re not bad at friendship.You’re navigating social connection with a brain that needs different rules.This episode offers tools, language, and permission to build a social life that feels sustainable, authentic, and kind.Connect with ChristineWebsite: https://www.twocatscoaching.comPodcast (all platforms): A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHDYouTube: Search A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHDEmail: [email protected] Support this Podcast!If this episode resonated with you:Rate and review the show on your favorite podcast appShare this episode with a friend who struggles with social follow-throughSubscribe so you don’t miss future episodes on solo life and ADHDYour support helps more solo ADHD adults find this work.Free ResourcesLooking for practical tools you can use right away?Download free ADHD-friendly worksheets and guides here

  31. 3

    ADHD & the Myth of the Lone Wolf

    In this episode of "A Solo Person's Guide to ADHD," Christine Dunning delves into the challenges and triumphs of navigating independence with ADHD. Discover why self-sufficiency can be both empowering and isolating, and learn how to build a support system that respects your independence. Christine shares personal stories and practical strategies to help you ask for help without losing your sense of self. Tune in to explore the balance between independence and community, and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. #ADHD #Independence #SupportSystem

  32. 2

    Episode 2 From Chaos to Kind of Order: Reframing Routines When You Live Alone

    Get up, get out of bed, drag a comb across my head -- but then spend 20 minutes looking for your keys, wallet, sunglasses and a clean shirt before you head to work -- 30 minutes late?You are not alone!  Let's talk about reframing routines when you are solo with ADHD. 

  33. 1

    Episode 1: ADHD & the Power of Solo Living

    If you are single and have ADHD -- this podcast is for you!  Join Christine, a certified master life coach, dedicated single and late diagnosed ADHD-er on a journey to celebrate, understand and discover our unique selves.This introductory episode discusses the why's and wherefore's of the solo life with ADHD, some of our unique challenges, and an understanding that our differences have value.  You can be single, have ADHD and have an amazing life!

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD is a podcast for adults with ADHD who are doing life without a built-in support system — no partner, no shared mental load, no automatic second brain.If you’re single, living alone, or functionally solo, ADHD hits differently.There’s no one reminding you to grab the thing, finish the form, or notice when you’re overwhelmed. Executive dysfunction doesn’t show up as chaos — it shows up as quiet overload, decision paralysis, and the constant feeling that something is wrong, even when you can’t explain what.This podcast isn’t about productivity hacks, motivation, or “finally getting your life together.”It’s about understanding what’s actually happening — where ADHD, solo living, and modern life collide — and learning how to build external support, structure, and safety on purpose.Hosted by Christine Dunning, a master certified life coach, musician, and late-diag

HOSTED BY

Christine

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