Backpacking Through ADHD

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, Tera explores what happens when the body is carrying more than anyone can see. Becoming Regulated: When Your Nervous System Runs the Meeting is a conversation for women with ADHD who look composed on the outside but know how much effort it takes to stay steady underneath. Tera reflects on the difference between functioning and feeling regulated, the invisible load so many women carry into work, motherhood, relationships, and leadership, and the quiet ways nervous system overload can shape how we think, react, and move through the world. She also shares a personal reflection on what it means to feel safe in your body, the power of being deeply known, and why regulation is less about becoming less emotional and more about becoming more honest about what support looks like in this season of life. This episode is especially for women navigating ADHD in midlife, where hormones, emotional labor, and changing capacity can make old systems stop working the way they used to. If you’ve been wondering why everything feels heavier than it once did, this conversation is for you. Follow, share, and leave a review if this episode speaks to you. It helps more listeners find the podcast and join the journey. Here is a slightly shorter Podbean version too, in case you want something tighter: In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, Tera explores the quiet kind of overload that hides inside competence. Becoming Regulated: When Your Nervous System Runs the Meeting is for women with ADHD who are still functioning, still showing up, and still wondering why everything feels harder in their body than it used to. This episode unpacks the difference between composure and regulation, the invisible load women carry into work and home, and the impact of ADHD, midlife, hormones, and emotional labor on the nervous system. It is a grounded, honest conversation about support, self-trust, and what it means to build a life that feels more sustainable from the inside out.

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re talking about what it means to help kids name their feelings without shame. So many ADHD kids feel things deeply and quickly, but when the words don’t come fast enough, what gets noticed first is the behavior. The tone. The tears. The shutdown. The frustration. This episode explores a gentler way in by thinking about feelings like weather. What if instead of expecting kids to explain everything perfectly, we helped them notice whether they feel stormy, foggy, sunny, rainy, or mixed? I was originally planning to record this episode with Grayson, but he decided he didn’t want to join me this week, and honestly, that became part of the message too. Kids are allowed to have preferences. They are allowed to tell the truth about what they feel. And honoring that matters. This conversation is for the child with big feelings and for the parent trying to respond with understanding before shame gets there first. We talk about emotional language, after-school meltdowns, fairness, repair after hard moments, and why feelings are not failures. They are part of becoming. If you’ve ever wanted a simpler, more compassionate way to help your child talk about what’s happening inside, this episode is for you.  

If your home feels like a constant restart, you’re not failing—you’re carrying too much. In this quarter’s Becoming Lighter collaboration, I’m joined by Treenah Kight for a simple, permission-based conversation about reclaiming energy in real life. We’re talking about the Energy Reset Zone: one small, intentional space that helps reduce decision fatigue, lower the mental load, and create a softer landing when ADHD life gets loud. This isn’t about a perfect house. It’s about nervous system support. It’s about fewer “where did I put that?” moments, fewer unfinished loops staring at you, and more ease returning to your day. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right zone for your real life, how to give it one clear purpose, and how to use it as a repeatable reset—without shame, without all-or-nothing thinking, and without turning it into another thing you “should” be doing. If you’ve been feeling scattered, overstimulated, or stuck in reaction mode, this episode is your reminder: you’re allowed to set some of it down. You’re allowed to create support. You’re allowed to begin again. Song of the Episode: Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine Follow Backpacking Through ADHD so you don’t miss the next step on the trail, and if this episode helps you, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review—it’s one of the biggest ways you can help other families and women find this community.      

What if the version of you everyone praises is also the version that’s wearing you out? In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, Tera talks about unmasking from a very real place—not as someone who has it all figured out, but as someone who’s been high-functioning for a long time and is starting to feel the weight of it. When you’re the capable one, the dependable one, the one who “gets it done,” it can be hard to admit how much effort it takes to look that put together. This conversation is about the desire to unmask. The longing to stop performing your way through your own life. The exhaustion that comes from perfectionism, overthinking, over-preparing, and carrying an invisible second job: managing how you’re perceived. You’ll hear a grounded, honest look at: What masking looks like for high-achieving women with ADHD Why it can feel so risky to be real, even when you want to be What belonging actually means when you’re used to earning your place Small, practical ways to begin unmasking without blowing up your life Song of the Episode: “Unwritten” — Natasha Bedingfield  

Becoming Brave at School is about the kind of courage ADHD kids practice every day, even when no one calls it brave. In this episode, Grayson joins me as we talk about what school bravery really looks like: starting when your brain feels stuck, coming back after a hard moment, repairing when things go sideways, and telling the truth when it would be easier to hide. One thing teachers have praised in Grayson for years is his honesty. No matter the situation, no matter the answer, he tells the truth. And in a school environment that can feel loud, fast, and demanding, honesty isn’t just “good behavior.” It’s self-trust. It’s regulation. It’s a brave nervous system choosing connection over fear. If school has felt heavy for your child lately, this episode is a reminder that struggling doesn’t mean failing. It means they’re practicing skills. It means they’re becoming. Song of the Episode: King of the Lost Boys by Sara Bareilles Follow Backpacking Through ADHD so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one resonates, leave a review and share it with a parent who needs a reminder that quiet bravery still counts.

After almost two months of space, reflection, and quiet intention, a new season begins. In this first episode of 2026, Tera introduces Becoming — a year-long exploration of identity across generations. What does it mean to become who you are as a child navigating ADHD? What does it mean to become who you’re meant to be as a woman rediscovering herself later in life? This season is not about fixing. It’s not about optimizing. It’s not about performing. It’s about becoming. In this episode, Tera shares: • Why she intentionally stepped back before starting 2026 • The difference between reinvention and revelation • Why some creative ideas feel electric in theory but heavy in practice • Letting go of what no longer fits (including the weekly photo pressure) • Why songs — not hats — will anchor the emotional tone this year • And what it means to evolve without abandoning yourself As someone who loves creativity and momentum, Tera opens up about the tension between inspiration and sustainability — and why noticing that tension is growth, not failure. The Song of the Episode is The Story by Brandi Carlile — a reminder that who we become is shaped by where we’ve been. This year, each month will hold two conversations: One speaking directly to the ADHD child. One speaking to the woman rediscovering herself. And each quarter, a conversation about becoming lighter — in our homes, in our habits, and in what we choose to carry forward. We are not starting over. We are becoming. Follow, subscribe, and join the journey as Backpacking Through ADHD steps into a new season — one rooted in identity, growth, and choosing what we carry.

2025 was my reflection year, the year Backpacking Through ADHD began, the year I found my voice, and the year everything changed. In this special season finale, I’m closing out my very first year of the podcast by looking back on the journey that shaped it all. I reflect on why I started this show, what I learned about ADHD in myself and my son, how my parenting evolved, and how this community grew into something far bigger than I ever imagined. This episode is honest, emotional, funny, and deeply personal. I talk about the realities of producing a weekly podcast while navigating ADHD, parenting, and life — and why, while I’m not going anywhere, 2026 may look a little different as I think intentionally about sustainability and alignment for the future. And for the first time ever, I’m joined by my husband for a powerful closing conversation. Together, we reflect on what this year looked like behind the scenes, parenting an ADHD child, supporting each other through growth, and walking this trail as a family. This episode is a thank-you. A reflection. A full-circle moment. Thank you for being part of my first year on the trail. I can’t wait to see where we go next. Listen now and keep backpacking through ADHD with me.

December can feel magical… and completely exhausting — especially for ADHD brains. In this cozy, fireside-style episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, Tera Greenwood slows things down and gently explores why the end of the year hits ADHD adults and kids so hard. From the dopamine chase and burnout cycle to emotional overload and decision fatigue, this episode offers compassion, understanding, and practical ways to find real joy — not the forced, performative kind. Together, we talk about: Why December is uniquely overstimulating for ADHD brains The dopamine spikes and crashes that leave us exhausted How ADHD burnout shows up at the end of the year What “micro-joys” actually are — and why they work Simple ways to support ADHD kids when everything feels “too much” Letting go of perfection and embracing softness, rest, and connection This episode isn’t about doing more. It’s about noticing small sparks of joy, regulating your nervous system, and reminding yourself that you don’t have to earn rest or happiness.  

December shopping with an ADHD brain is not for the faint of heart. You go in for one thing, come out with seven, forget two, and somehow still feel like you missed something important. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m wearing my “That’s a Terrible Idea, I’m In” hat and taking you on a fun, honest, story-filled journey through The ADHD Gift Guide,  the real one. Not the Pinterest-perfect version, but the kind of gifts that actually work for ADHD kids, adults, partners, teachers, coworkers, and yes… the gifts we accidentally buy for ourselves and pretend were intentional. We talk about gifts that help regulate, gifts that spark joy without adding clutter, gifts that support movement, focus, and emotional balance, and why experience gifts often matter more than “stuff” for ADHD brains. This episode is full of laughter, personal stories, and those “oh my gosh, that is so me” moments that make the holidays feel a little lighter. So grab a snack, settle in, and come hang out with me. This is your permission slip to shop with intention, embrace imperfection, and remember that ADHD brings creativity, magic, and connection to the holidays, even when things get a little chaotic. Press play and let’s backpack through ADHD together.

December is here… which means joy, chaos, glitter explosions, forgotten gifts, sensory overload, emotional intensification, and that magical moment where you decorate for 12 minutes and then mysteriously lose your entire holiday spirit. If you’re an ADHD adult, parent, or part of an ADHD family — you KNOW exactly what I’m talking about. In this hilarious, heartfelt holiday special, we dive into the real ADHD December experience: the vibey bursts of motivation, the time-blindness, the emotional rollercoasters, the sensory overwhelm, the “I swear I bought tape” moments, and the surprising magic that happens when we finally embrace imperfection. This episode is part comedy show, part hug, and part reminder that you are absolutely not alone. I’ll share personal stories (including my son Grayson’s iconic peppermint bark meltdown), research-backed insight into why ADHD brains feel holidays so intensely, and the quiet truth we all need this month: You don’t need a perfect holiday. You just need moments that feel true. We’ll explore: ✨ Why ADHD brains experience “holiday intensification mode” ✨ Time-blindness, wrapping chaos, and vibe windows ✨ Parenting ADHD kids during the most overstimulating month of the year ✨ How to take things off your plate—guilt-free ✨ Letting go of perfection and embracing presence ✨ How the “Take It Easy” mindset actually helps ADHD regulation ✨ And the magic that shows up when we stop trying so hard to make everything “just right” If December drains you and delights you all at the same time… this episode will feel like a deep breath and a warm laugh. Pour your cocoa, lower your expectations, tilt your hat to “Take It Easy,” and let’s survive this beautiful, ridiculous season together. Listen now and remember: you are doing enough. Truly.

This week on Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re leaning into the beautiful contradiction of being both wildly grateful and slightly chaotic. Because let’s be honest, gratitude with ADHD doesn’t always look calm and collected. Sometimes it’s loud, messy, and alive. In this episode, Tera explores what it means to be thankful, grateful, and slightly feral, finding peace in imperfection, laughter in the chaos, and gratitude in the everyday moments that often slip by unnoticed. From family stories and “feral” parenting moments to practical ADHD-friendly gratitude practices (like the Victory Jar and the 10-Second Pause), this conversation reminds us that being grateful doesn’t require calm, it requires presence. If your version of gratitude comes with cold coffee, tangled thoughts, and a full heart, this one’s for you. Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember: you can be thankful, grateful, and slightly feral all at once, and that’s exactly enough.

This week on Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re slowing down and taking a deep breath to explore the power of intentional reflection. 🌿 So often, ADHD brains race toward what’s next—or replay what went wrong. But what happens when we pause to notice what’s right? In this cozy, heart-forward episode, Tera dives into the real, messy, beautiful practice of gratitude for ADHD minds and families. You’ll learn how to: ✨ Reframe ADHD “frustrations” as hidden blessings ✨ Use gratitude journaling to retrain ADHD’s negativity bias ✨ Create simple family rituals—like the “Victory Jar”—that build connection ✨ Turn thankfulness into a powerful regulation tool Whether you’re driving, walking, or curled up with your favorite blanket, this episode will help you find calm in the chaos and appreciation in the everyday. Because even in the whirlwind of ADHD life, there’s always something to be thankful for, grateful for, and blessed by. 💛

What happens when ADHD meets the chaos of midlife? When emotional regulation collides with hormonal imbalance, and everything—focus, patience, even mental stability—feels like quicksand? In this powerful, heart-forward episode, host Tera Greenwood explores three pillars that help ADHD minds survive and thrive through life’s hardest seasons: Grace — learning self-compassion when your brain and hormones feel like they’re working against you. Gratitude — how small, intentional moments of appreciation can rewire emotional regulation and ground an overstimulated mind. Grit — the quiet persistence that keeps us moving, even when motivation disappears and life feels heavy. Tera shares candid stories from motherhood, leadership, and late-diagnosis ADHD, while weaving in current research on self-compassion, dopamine, and how menopause magnifies emotional dysregulation. It’s a raw, relatable conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered: “Why can’t I keep it together right now?”

This week, Tera Greenwood takes listeners behind two very different stages — the AZA Conference and the Colorado Neurodiverse Chamber of Commerce — to explore what it really means to Lead Differently. From stories of zookeepers, CEOs, and entrepreneurs to reflections on vulnerability and inclusion, this episode dives deep into how neurodiverse leadership is transforming workplaces — and hearts.  

This week on Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re exploring the kind of love that steadies us — the friendships that regulate our ADHD brains and remind us we’re not alone. From heart-hat dinners with lifelong friends to working side-by-side with a best friend who celebrates nonlinear thinking, this episode dives deep into how connection shapes our focus, creativity, and sense of calm. Tera shares how adult friendship can become one of the most powerful forms of emotional regulation — the way laughter can quiet anxiety, the way a simple “I get you” can reset a spiraling mind, and the way love doesn’t fix ADHD but gives us a softer place to land. She opens up about the friends who show up even when she goes quiet, the ones who understand that silence isn’t distance but exhaustion, and the rare gift of working with someone who not only knows your brain but loves how it works. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, stretched too thin, or guilty for not staying in touch, this episode is a reminder that real friendship doesn’t need constant communication to thrive — it needs grace, empathy, and presence. Because when we find the people who love us through our chaos, that connection becomes our greatest source of peace. Listen now and take a moment to reach out to someone who grounds you, believes in you, and reminds you that your brain — and your heart — are worth celebrating.

After the “Fiesty” episode, a listener asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: "What do you do with the weight that comes with owning who you are?" That conversation inspired this week’s episode—Rising Above Labels: Defying Gravity with ADHD. In this deeply personal episode, we’re talking about the emotional gravity that comes with ADHD—how labels, expectations, and self-doubt can quietly pull us down—and what it really means to rise anyway. Join me as I share stories, reflections, and science on how to: Release the weight of old labels and rewrite your own story Understand the emotional “gravity” of ADHD and find your lift  Model self-compassion and strength for ADHD kids Transform shame into curiosity, creativity, and confidence This week’s hat—Defy Gravity—reminds us that flight isn’t about ignoring the weight. It’s about learning how to rise with it. So grab your backpack, take a breath, and let’s climb—one step, one story, one moment of lift at a time.

Weekends: freedom, chaos, or both? In this energized episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re unpacking why unstructured time can be so tricky for ADHD brains—and how to turn those 48 hours into something that actually restores us. Tera explores the messy middle between productivity and peace, guilt and rest, and shares how her family learned to build “rhythm over routine.” You’ll hear real-life stories, science-backed insights, and simple weekend resets that boost dopamine, connection, and calm. Whether your weekend looks like a blanket fort, a mountain trail, or a laundry marathon, this one’s for you. Because rest isn’t earned—it’s part of the trail. In This Episode: Why weekends can feel overwhelming for ADHD brains Turning guilt into grace with rhythm, not rigidity The science of movement, novelty, and connection How to reclaim play as self-care Sunday night anxiety and the “Sunday Shift” reset ritual Listen now and learn how to make your weekends work for your ADHD, not against it.  

What happens when women with ADHD get called “bossy,” “too blunt,” “difficult,” or “too much”? In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, host Tera Greenwood flips the script on the word feisty. From family stories to workplace moments, Tera explores how the very traits often criticized in ADHD women—intensity, passion, boldness—are actually strengths. This episode is about reclaiming labels, setting boundaries, and refusing to shrink into someone else’s version of “acceptable.” Tune in to hear how “feisty” becomes a force: unapologetic, empowering, and deeply tied to the ADHD female experience.

What if the ADHD journey could be guided by three simple words: kinder, braver, together? In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m exploring how these words aren’t just ideals—they’re practical tools for both parenting ADHD kids and living with ADHD as an adult. We’ll talk about: Why kindness (to our kids and ourselves) can shift emotional storms into connection. How bravery shows up in everyday advocacy, at school, at work, and at home. Why togetherness—family co-regulation, community, and shared stories—is the survival tool ADHD families and adults need most. You’ll hear personal stories, real strategies, and reflections that connect the dots across generations and life stages. Whether you’re supporting an ADHD child, navigating your own late diagnosis, or both—this episode will remind you that none of us are meant to carry the backpack alone. Tune in and let’s take the trail kinder, braver, together.

Parenting ADHD means becoming the “rule maker”—but that doesn’t mean playing drill sergeant. In this episode, I explore the messy middle of setting boundaries while leaving space to bend. From the chaos of chore charts that collapsed, to the nights when breaking bedtime rules meant saving connection, this conversation is all about how rules can both anchor and overwhelm ADHD families. We’ll talk about why fewer rules work better, how to phrase them so kids actually hear them, why consequences have to fit in the moment, and when love matters more than holding the line. If you’ve ever wondered how to survive the daily storms without losing yourself in rigidity—or giving up on rules altogether—this one’s for you. Tune in to Backpacking Through ADHD and let’s keep rewriting the map, one boundary and one breakthrough at a time.

If I had one wish, it wouldn’t be for money, success, or even more hours in the day. My one wish is that ADHD was understood by everyone. Not tolerated. Not brushed aside. Truly understood. In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I take the “Make a Wish” hat and use it to explore what life could look like if our kids, partners, colleagues, and communities actually got it. We’ll unpack the myths that keep us stuck, share the heartbreak of being misunderstood, and celebrate the small moments when wishes come true—when someone finally sees us clearly. You’ll hear personal stories from my own ADHD journey and from parenting my son, Grayson, along with reflections on how we can turn wishes into action—whether that’s advocating at school, building neurodiverse-friendly workplaces, or simply listening with more empathy. Because wishing alone won’t change the world. But when we share our wishes, we begin to create the understanding we’ve been longing for. Tune in and ask yourself: What’s your ADHD wish right now?

Words have power, and for ADHD kids, they often carry an even heavier weight. In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re leaning into the theme “Forged in Fire,” a phrase that reminds us how strength is shaped in the heat of challenge. When Grayson asked me to buy this hat, I hesitated at first, unsure of its meaning. But once I understood that being forged in fire is about resilience and growth, I knew the moment would come when this hat tied perfectly into our story. This episode explores how ADHD kids interpret words more deeply, why they can take comments harder than intended, and the emotional toll that follows. We’ll talk about the science behind emotional regulation, the role of rejection sensitivity, and the tools that can help our kids pause, reframe, and move forward with strength. Most of all, we’ll walk together through what it looks like to teach resilience, not by pretending words don’t hurt, but by helping our kids rise again after the sting. Join me on the trail as we unpack how to guide our children through the fire of words and into the strength of resilience.

This week on Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re unzipping something you can’t see in a classroom photo but every ADHD child carries: the invisible backpack. 🎒 Inside that backpack? Anxiety. Social pressures. Masking. Sensory overload. Perfectionism. The things that weigh our kids down, even when no one else notices. I’m not hiking this trail alone. Joining me is my friend and fellow ADHD mom, Sarah Dobek, who brings honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom from her own parenting journey. Together, we talk about what fills that invisible backpack, how to recognize when it’s too heavy, and practical ways parents can help lighten the load. This week’s hat is Perfectly Imperfect — a reminder that our kids aren’t broken. They are perfectly themselves, even when life feels messy. If you’ve ever wondered what your child carries with them into school besides books and homework, this episode is for you.  

This week on Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re unpacking the real story of back-to-school—the space where carefully crafted plans meet ADHD reality. From messy backpacks and emotional buckets to teacher check-ins and small wins, I share what really happens during the first week of school and why recalibration matters more than perfection. If your first week felt chaotic, you are not alone. This episode is about turning the data of week one into compassion, strategies, and a new map forward. And stay tuned—next week I’ll be joined by my guest, Sarah Dobek, for a powerful conversation that builds on these themes and takes our back-to-school journey even further. We will be talking about the invisible backpack our kids so often wear. 

Back-to-school season is a high-stakes transition for every family, but for ADHD families, it’s layered with invisible pressure, emotional spirals, and deep questions about belonging. In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m sharing a heart-centered guide to navigating the return to school with compassion, clarity, and connection. From the anxiety of new teachers and classroom dynamics to the overwhelm of school supplies and morning routines, this episode covers it all. We’ll explore how to support our kids emotionally, introduce them to their teachers in ways that build understanding, and set up systems that work with, not against, the ADHD brain. And just as importantly, we’ll talk about what it means to lead with love when you’re the one holding it all together. Whether your child is masking, spiraling, or trying too hard to be liked, this is your reminder: they don’t have to earn love. It’s already theirs. And so is yours. Here is a link to helpful resources.  Take a breath. You’ve got this. Let’s get ready—together.

In this week’s solo episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, Tera puts on her new “Social” hat—not to make noise, but to embrace the quiet. Episode 31, titled “ Letting Go of Linear Paths,” is a reflection on the messy, beautiful, nonlinear nature of growth—especially for those of us with ADHD. We’ve been taught that progress should be straight and steady, but ADHD doesn’t work that way. And honestly? Neither does life. Tera shares personal insights, loops of thought, and spirals of reflection that invite listeners to release the pressure to always move forward. Drawing on research, real-life detours, and the concept of internal dialogue as a form of social connection, this episode gives permission to pause. To think. To process. And to trust that even when we don’t feel productive—we’re still growing. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, behind, or unsure of the path ahead. Come wander with us.

Turning 50 has a way of pulling everything into focus, and for me, that meant finally understanding the winding, often misunderstood journey so many ADHD women walk. In this episode, we explore “Lost Girl Syndrome,” a term that describes how ADHD in girls and women is so often missed, masked, and misunderstood. From the report cards that said “she’s bright, but…” to the emotional toll of constantly trying to keep it together, we unpack why so many of us didn’t get diagnosed until adulthood, and what happens once we finally do. I reflect on my own late diagnosis, the hormonal shifts that brought everything to the surface, and insights from our past conversation with Robin Keith on how estrogen and dopamine are deeply connected. Plus, I share how I’m learning to slow down without losing momentum. This episode is a companion to our earlier conversation on identity (Episode 29) and a reminder that the detours weren’t delays, they were the trail all along.      

I used to think that in order to collaborate or connect, I had to dilute parts of myself. That the tangents, the emotional spirals, the ideas that came in bursts—those things had to be hidden or softened. But I’m learning that the right people don’t just tolerate those things—they value them. They don’t need me to edit who I am. They just need me to be honest. When I stop over-preparing and just show up as myself—interruptions, rabbit holes, half-finished thoughts and all—that’s when real connection happens. It’s not mystical or magical. It’s rooted in trust. It’s honest. And it reminds me that identity isn’t something I have to earn or polish. It’s something I get to claim fully, even when I’m still figuring it out. That, to me, is the future of identity after diagnosis. Not hiding who we are. Not minimizing it. But learning to embrace the parts of us that make us different—and building a life that allows those parts to thrive.

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re exploring what it means to live in the gray space between ADHD, anxiety, and identity. If you’ve ever felt misdiagnosed, mislabeled, or just misunderstood, this one’s for you. I share my own story of discovering ADHD later in life and how anxiety shaped so much of my experience before I had the language to understand what was really going on. We’ll talk about masking, the emotional weight of late diagnosis, and the complicated dance between grief and relief. I also reflect on what true belonging looks like, not just in our personal lives but in leadership, work, and friendship. This episode is a reminder that you don’t need to fit perfectly into a label to deserve understanding, support, or space to be your full self. Let’s stay curious, stay kind, and keep walking this trail—together.

Ever feel like you’re doing everything and getting nowhere? Like your brain is spinning while your body stands still? This week, we’re unpacking ADHD paralysis, time blindness, and that strange mental traffic jam that leaves us frozen, yet totally overwhelmed. If you’ve been stuck, shaming yourself for not doing more, this episode is your reminder: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what’s really happening, and how to start moving again, gently and on your own terms.

Impulsivity is one of ADHD’s most misunderstood traits—often mistaken for carelessness or recklessness. But what if impulsivity isn’t a flaw? What if it’s a signal, a strength, even a kind of intuition? In this episode, I unpack the difference between impulsivity and instinct, and explore how risk-taking can be a powerful tool for growth when we understand what’s really driving it. I share insights from my own leadership blindspots, parenting moments, and recent research on ADHD and entrepreneurship. This marks the halfway point in my 52-episode journey, and I’m so grateful you’re here. Let’s talk about trust, timing, and the wild courage it takes to follow your gut—especially when the world calls it a mistake.

This week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD is inspired by the hat “I’ll Bring the Good Times”, and the unexpected star wearing it: my dog, Lucky. But behind the laughs and cuteness is a much bigger message. Joy isn’t something we earn after we’ve checked all the boxes. For ADHD brains, joy is the fuel, not the reward. In this episode, we’ll explore the science behind dopamine and why stimulation, play, and laughter are essential for regulation. You’ll hear stories and wisdom from the ADHD community, ideas for building joy into your daily life, and reflections on how joy shows up in unexpected places, from dance breaks instead of timeouts to googly eyes on your office mug. Whether you're parenting, adulting, or just trying to make it through the week, this is your reminder that joy is not a luxury. It’s a strategy. Come laugh with me, learn with me, and let’s bring the good times, on purpose.

This week on Backpacking Through ADHD, we’re diving deep into one of the most powerful and challenging concepts in ADHD family life: unconditional love. Inspired by the “Love Freely” hat, this episode explores what it means to show up with love in the moments that test us most. From parenting through meltdowns to forgiving ourselves for the mess, we talk about how ADHD brains crave connection, struggle with shame, and often need love the most when it feels hardest to give. I share personal stories, revisit emotional dysregulation from past episodes, and reflect on how loving our kids—and ourselves—without condition can change everything. I also open up about shifting the podcast release schedule to Saturdays, because sometimes loving freely means giving ourselves permission to move at our own pace. Whether you're an ADHD parent, partner, or someone learning to love your own neurodivergent mind, this episode is for you.  

Ever feel like you need all the answers to feel okay? Same. This week’s episode is a day late—but right on time emotionally. Inspired by a hat with an upside-down question mark, we’re talking about sitting with uncertainty, asking better questions, and why curiosity might be our greatest ADHD superpower. I also share a moment with Grayson on the baseball field that changed everything. This one’s about flipping the script. Let’s go.

In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m leaning all the way into a theme that’s been on my heart—and sitting right on my head. My hat this week says Be the Kindness, and that’s exactly where we’re going together. This episode is a deep, emotional, and at times raw exploration of how kindness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a powerful ADHD regulation tool. We talk about what kindness looks like in the middle of meltdowns, how it can be used to repair ruptured relationships, and why it’s often hardest to access when we need it most. I share stories from my own parenting journey, moments of failure, and the hard-won lessons I’ve learned about showing compassion to both my child and myself. We also revisit insights from previous episodes on emotional dysregulation, behavior strategies, and self-care, tying them all together through the lens of kindness. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of ADHD at home, at work, or inside your own head, this episode offers a space to breathe, reflect, and remember that kindness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Join me for a full two hours of truth, vulnerability, laughter, and maybe a few tears. And if you’re having one of those weeks, this is your sign: Be the kindness. To your child. To your people. To yourself. You deserve it.

In this deeply personal episode, I share my belated Mother’s Day tribute to the woman who raised a neurodiverse household without ever needing a diagnosis herself. My mom doesn’t have ADHD—but she parented three ADHD brains with grace, grit, and intuition that rivaled any expert playbook. Through stories, reflection, and a letter I never knew I needed to write, I honor the legacy of a woman who was our structure, our rhythm, and our calm. This episode also explores the unique role of neurotypical mothers raising neurodivergent children, Studies show that ADHD is highly heritable (74–80%), but not every family member shares the diagnosis—which makes parental empathy and adaptability even more crucial. When neurotypical parents step into executive-functioning roles for their children, their impact can be life-changing. For those of you raising ADHD kids—or looking back at the mother who raised you—this episode is for you.

In the final episode of our “Under the Hat” series, we dive into the identity stories our ADHD kids tell themselves—and how those stories are often rooted in shame, perfectionism, and years of correction without recognition. From “I’m stupid” to “I always mess up,” we explore where these thoughts come from and how we can help rewire them. With insight from Kirk Martin’s Brain Boosters, the Child Mind Institute, and voices like Skye Rapson and Les Steed, this episode is all about giving kids the tools to stand up to their inner critic and reclaim their self-worth. If you’re raising or teaching a child with ADHD, this one’s not just for them—it’s for you too.        

In this episode of Under the Hat, we unpack the real, daily needs of the ADHD brain—movement, nutrition, sensory input, and the tools that actually help kids regulate and focus. Inspired by the Brain Boosters series and layered with personal experience, this episode explores what it means to fuel focus instead of forcing it. From fidgets to food routines, we’re building a survival kit that supports ADHD brains in real life—not just theory.

In this kickoff episode of my new series, Under the Hat: What ADHD Kids Wish We Knew, I take you inside the real struggles behind ADHD behavior and how we can reroute the parenting and teaching roadmap with compassion, structure, and calm. Inspired by the Calm Parenting Podcast and Kirk Martin’s Brain Boosters series, this episode is filled with hard-earned insight, practical tools, and stories that will resonate—whether you're parenting an ADHD child, teaching in a classroom, or trying to better understand your own neurodivergent brain. From emotional meltdowns to behavior plans that miss the mark, we unpack why typical responses often backfire and what works instead. This week’s message? “Take it easy.” And not in a passive way—but as a reminder that calm and connection always beat chaos and control.

This week, I’m solo on the mic — and feeling it — as I dive into one of the hardest lessons for ADHD brains: patience. Inspired by a weekend stuck on I-70 (again), I’m sharing real stories, including the birth of my son, and unpacking why waiting feels so impossible for us. We’ll talk time blindness, emotional spirals, impulsive decisions, and how to build patience like a muscle — even when every part of you wants to hit the gas. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this one’s for you. You’re still moving, even when life slows you down.

Today’s episode is a special one—because it’s personal. I’m sitting down with Matt Bonavita, an educator, dean, professor, and longtime advocate for neurodiverse students in New York City. But before I knew Matt the educator, I knew Matt the DJ—he was the one who rocked my wedding and taught me the power of letting go of rigid plans. We dive into everything from IEPs, emotional regulation, and the hidden lives of at-risk students, to how neurodiversity shows up in classrooms and even on the dance floor. This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that kids don’t need to be fixed—they need to be seen. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who believes in meeting people where they are, there’s something here for you.

In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m live from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums conference with a very special guest—Grayson Ponti, founder of ZANE and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. We explore how zoos and aquariums can become more inclusive spaces for both visitors and professionals, especially those who are neurodivergent. Grayson opens up about his personal journey navigating autism and ADHD, what inspired him to start ZANE, and how his experiences have shaped his vision for a more accessible future in the AZA community. We also dive into the powerful conversations from the AZA Diversity Summit and discuss the importance of representation, leadership, and breaking through bias. Whether you’re in the zoo world, parenting a neurodivergent child, or walking your own ADHD trail, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical ways we can all help take down the veil of assumption. No worries here—just honest conversation, connection, and a shared mission for change.

Robin Keith, CEO of EcoLeaders and soon-to-be Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, joins me for a powerful conversation on the overlooked connection between ADHD, perimenopause, and menopause. Together, we explore how shifting hormones impact executive function, why so many women are misdiagnosed or dismissed, and what practical steps can help you reclaim clarity and control during this life stage.

Saying no should be simple, but for ADHD brains, it’s anything but. Whether it’s people-pleasing, overcommitting, or feeling guilty every time you set a boundary, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking why ADHD makes both saying and hearing no so difficult, the role of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and how impulsivity and validation-seeking keep us stuck in the yes cycle. We’ll also break down real strategies to set boundaries without guilt, including scripts you can use in everyday situations—at work, in friendships, and even with yourself. For parents, we’ll explore how to help ADHD kids handle the word no without meltdowns, teaching them emotional resilience while still holding limits. Join me for this deep dive into boundaries, rejection, and the power of saying no. Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s do this together!

ADHD brains and food? It’s complicated. Whether you’re forgetting to eat, chasing sugar for a dopamine boost, or struggling to get your kid to eat anything besides Goldfish, you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how nutrition impacts focus, energy, and impulse control, the foods that help (and hurt) ADHD brains, and real-life meal solutions for busy families. Plus, we tackle the challenge of ADHD medication suppressing appetite and what to do when your kid refuses to eat all day but is starving at bedtime. No complicated meal plans here—just simple, ADHD-friendly hacks to make food work for you, not against you. Tune in now!

Connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for ADHD brains. Whether you’re an ADHD parent, an adult navigating friendships, or a child learning how to build relationships, connection shapes our experiences. But here’s the struggle—many of us with ADHD don’t always recognize our own ability to connect. In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my son Grayson’s ADHD diagnosis, the struggles we faced with school, judgment from other parents, and how disconnection became a coping mechanism. I also dive into how ADHD brains experience social anxiety, why we can feel isolated even when we’re surrounded by people, and practical ways to build stronger, more intentional connections. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How empathy is a superpower—but only when we’re connected Why ADHD brains struggle to internalize social success How judgment and misunderstanding can lead to disconnection ADHD-friendly strategies to help kids build friendships with confidence How to recognize and strengthen real-world connections as an adult The importance of finding the right people who truly get it Big takeaway? Connection is the missing puzzle piece in managing ADHD—whether it’s through friendships, family, support groups, or even community spaces like our upcoming live conversations at the YMCA in Gadsden, AL.

ADHD isn’t just a "boy’s disorder." Many women, including me, go undiagnosed for years, often struggling with anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. In honor of International Women’s Day 2025 and its theme, "Accelerate Action," this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked reality of ADHD in women and girls. In this episode, I share my personal journey to an ADHD diagnosis at 46, highlighting how perimenopause amplified my symptoms and why it took so long for me to get answers. I also dive into insights from my conversation with Wendy Harrison, who was diagnosed at 42, and explore research from the Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD, CHADD, and UCLA Health. What You’ll Learn: Why ADHD is often missed in girls and women How hormonal changes, like menopause, can intensify symptoms The consequences of late diagnosis, including mental health challenges Real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for thriving with ADHD How we can ‘Accelerate Action’ for better awareness, diagnosis, and support Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself, supporting a loved one, or just curious about how ADHD shows up differently in females, this episode offers valuable insights, resources, and a reminder that you are enough—exactly as you are.

Ever find yourself obsessing over something that doesn’t make sense? 🤯 Maybe it’s an unfair workplace decision, a vague response that leaves you spiraling, or an unanswered “why” that won’t stop running through your mind. If you have ADHD, you know this feeling all too well. In this episode, I dive into: Why ADHD brains struggle to "let go" of things that don’t make sense The emotional toll of unanswered questions & inconsistent decisions How workplace frustrations hit ADHD minds differently The power of "Let Them"—why sometimes the best move is walking away What I learned from reacting at the wrong time & how to reframe your response

Is your ADHD child struggling to stay engaged in sports? Or maybe they thrive in high-energy activities but get frustrated when the pace slows down? In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we dive deep into how sports can be a game-changer for ADHD kids—helping with focus, confidence, teamwork, and emotional regulation. We’ll cover: The ADHD advantage in sports – Why fast-paced, structured movement is a perfect match for ADHD brains The impact of coaching styles – How the right strategies can keep ADHD athletes engaged and thriving Michael Phelps’ ADHD journey – How his mom helped him channel his energy into becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time  Parent & coach strategies – Practical tips to help ADHD athletes succeed without frustration Choosing the right sport – Which sports work best for ADHD brains (and why some don’t) Whether you're a parent, coach, or ADHD athlete yourself, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies to help ADHD kids thrive in sports.  Tune in now & let’s level up the game for ADHD athletes!

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival, especially for ADHD brains. But what does self-care actually look like when your brain craves movement, stimulation, and structure? In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we discuss real, ADHD-friendly self-care strategies that actually work, including the power of movement, emotional regulation, and small, sustainable habits. In This Episode, We Cover: Why traditional self-care advice doesn’t always work for ADHD The science behind movement as a tool for focus & emotional regulation Practical self-care strategies for ADHD adults and kids How to redefine self-love (just in time for Valentine’s Day!) A challenge to help you put self-care into action this week Whether you have ADHD, love someone who does, or need a reminder to care for yourself, this episode is packed with actionable insights, personal stories, and encouragement to help you thrive.