I'm trying out a new solo show style this week, and I hope you love it! I've got a bunch of fun segments for you:

First, I tell you all about my trip to Oxford University for a conference on Trauma with some of the biggest names in the industry (Gabor Mate, Bessel van der Kolk, Richard Schwartz, etc). Traveling is always a mixed bag for me - exciting and exhausting, and we dive into it all

Next, I share the resource of the week: The Brick

Then I answer listener questions! We cover these 3 topics:

1. How do I pack for travel as an ADHDer?
2. Should I go to my estranged family's birthday party?
3. How do I easily manage evening time with kids? (LOL)

We dive into this research study about Adverse Childhood Experiences and ADHD.

And lastly, I go on a spicy rant about how Dr. John Delony says that ADHD is "JUST" the body's response to chaos. Excuse me no. Get outta here with that.

It's a wild ride today, I hope you enjoy!

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AG 1 by Athletic Greens

Psychotherapist Whitney Goodman is here today to talk about a crucial topic for many of us: navigating family-of-origin relationships as an adult with ADHD. We dive deep into the challenges and complexities neurodivergent individuals face within their families, especially during significant life transitions.

Whitney and I discussed how poor communication skills can create friction within families, especially when parents are skeptical about ADHD diagnoses. We emphasized the importance of supportive parental responses and self-awareness for strengthening family bonds. Generational differences in emotional health awareness were another focal point, with older generations often suppressing feelings while younger ones advocate for open expression.

The message is hopeful: personal growth can be a pathway to healing relationships.

Whitney Goodman - Calling Home

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This episode is personal for me. Over the past six months, I’ve explored the ADHDer's inner critic intensively, drawing insights from influential books like “Healing the Shame That Binds You,” “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving,” and “Rethinking Adult ADHD.” While the inner critic isn’t a formal symptom of ADHD, it profoundly impacts those of us with the disorder.

In this episode, we start by examining how negative self-talk, often rooted in childhood criticism and toxic relationships, affects adults with ADHD. This inner critic can lead to self-hate and hypervigilance, causing toxic shame and hindering personal growth. I share my own struggles with shame rumination and the challenge of cultivating a positive inner voice, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion.

To combat negative self-talk, I suggest strategies like journaling, verbalizing criticisms, and using thought-stopping techniques. Recognizing and documenting positive aspects of life can foster a healthier self-perception. Additionally, support systems like trauma-informed therapy and specialized coaching programs play a vital role in managing the inner critic and associated shame.

Managing the inner critic is challenging but achievable with the right strategies and support systems. Want my help? Join FOCUSED for an entire course with a step-by-step process on how ADHDers can quiet their inner critic.

Here are the 2 studies I mention In the episode:
Peer Functioning in Children with ADHD
Peer victimization in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

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