Best Barely Coping Podcasts (2025)

1
317 From Barely Coping to High-Functioning: 10 ADHD Game-Changers 1:03:21

30d ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Feeling like you're stuck in survival mode? Can’t keep up with the laundry, your inbox, or... your life? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. This episode is the loving wake-up call (and gentle nudge) you didn’t know you needed. We’re breaking down what it really means to be low-, mid-, and high-functioning with ADHD—and why wherever you are on …

1
Healing While Holding It All Together: How to Cope 14:43

19h ago14:43

14:43

In this heartfelt episode of The Happya Life Podcast, trauma-informed positive psychology coach and therapist Clare Deacon gets real about the impossible juggling act of healing from trauma while still keeping life moving. Whether you're a working parent, a caregiver, or simply someone who feels stretched too thin, this episode is for you. Clare sh…

1
321 The 5-Minute ADHD Hack That Can Change Your Life 46:26

1d ago46:26

46:26

Ever feel like your brain is a messy closet with the light off? In this episode, we flip the switch. I break down the simple but powerful practice of thought downloads—what they are (and aren’t), why they’re crucial for ADHD minds, and how they help you build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and clarity. This isn’t journaling. It’s not a produ…

1
317: Creating Neurodiverstiy-Affirming Schools, with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC 41:03

7d ago41:03

41:03

What if schools didn’t just accommodate neurodivergent kids, but celebrated them? In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, we dig into what it really means to create neurodiversity-affirming schools. From ditching moral judgments on behavior to prioritizing belonging over compliance, this episode is…

1
Why Rest is the Most Underrated Productivity Hack 16:17

8d ago16:17

16:17

In this soul-soothing episode of The Happya Life Podcast, trauma-informed positive psychology coach and therapist Clare Deacon invites you to rethink everything you’ve been told about rest, productivity, and worth. If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down, or wondered why rest feels so uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Clare unpacks how our cultu…

1
320 Rapid-Fire Adult ADHD Q&A 1:07:19

9d ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Buckle up, because this episode is a fast-paced, wide-ranging Q&A where I answer as many of your ADHD questions as I possibly can! These questions were submitted on Instagram, and I had the best time flying through them and sharing real, practical insights from my ADHD brain to yours. We cover everything from medication, motivation, and prioritizat…

1
316: Finding Your Kid’s Just Right Balance, with Chris Taylor, LCSW-C 31:01

14d ago31:01

31:01

Ever wonder how to push your child just enough without pushing them over the edge? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with therapist Chris Taylor, LCSW-C, to unpack what it really means to find your child’s “Just Right Balance.” Unlike the more familiar “just right challenge,” this concept is about balancing emotional safety with gr…

1
From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: The Road to Confidence 18:15

15d ago18:15

18:15

In this powerful episode of The Happya Life Podcast, trauma-informed therapist and positive psychology coach Clare Deacon goes beyond surface-level affirmations and into the real, messy journey of building authentic self-belief. If you’ve ever said all the affirmations, worn the confident smile, and still felt like an imposter inside, this episode …

1
319 “Why Can’t I Just START?!” - ADHD + Task Initiation 53:54

16d ago53:54

53:54

Ever sat on the couch knowing you “should” do something… but just couldn’t? Welcome to the ADHD task initiation struggle. It’s real—and no, it’s not laziness. In this episode, we dive into: What task initiation actually is (hint: it’s an executive function) Why starting can feel impossible for ADHDers + Autistics The brain science behind motivation…

1
315: Integrating Creativity and Play into Learning, with Kelsey Cook 25:38

21d ago25:38

25:38

What if a pom pom, a paper tube, and ten minutes a day could transform your child’s learning? In this joy-filled episode, I sit down with Kelsey Cook, mom of four, former teacher, and founder of Learning with Kelsey, to unpack the science and soul behind play-based learning. Together, we explore how creativity and play aren't just fun — they're vit…

1
How to Stop People-Pleasing Without Feeling Guilty 9:35

22d ago9:35

9:35

In this episode of The Happya Life Podcast, I’m speaking directly to the givers, the ones who say yes, who show up, who keep the peace even when it costs them their own wellbeing. If you’ve ever felt guilty for putting yourself first, this one’s for you. We’re diving deep into the roots of people-pleasing, not as a flaw, but as a survival pattern. …

1
318 The Real Reason You Can’t Get Organized (And What To Do About It) 47:57

23d ago47:57

47:57

Struggling to get organized? You’re not broken — you’re just an ADHDer with a real, overwhelmed brain. In this episode, we’re ditching the shame spiral and unpacking why staying organized is so hard for ADHDers… and what actually helps. Spoiler alert: It’s NOT more bins. If your home feels like a disaster zone, this one’s for you. We’ll talk about:…

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314: Don’t Be “That Parent:” How to Advocate Effectively & Compassionately, with Scotti Weintraub 40:08

28d ago40:08

40:08

Walking into school meetings can feel like navigating a minefield while carrying the weight of your child’s future. You're not alone — and in this episode, I sit down with education advocate and parent coach Scotti Weintraub to unpack how to have better, calmer, more productive conversations with your child’s teacher, especially when things are har…

1
Thriving in Relationships: How to Maintain Healthy Connections 12:00

28d ago12:00

12:00

Ever feel like relationships are meant to feel safe, but somehow they always feel exhausting? You’re not alone... and you’re not broken. In this soulful episode of The Happya Life Podcast, Clare Deacon unpacks why relationships often leave us feeling drained, even when we deeply care, and how to shift from surviving connection to thriving within it…

1
313: Build Resilience and Joy with Awe and Wonder, with Deborah Farmer Kris 39:06

1M ago39:06

39:06

The antidote to stress and disconnection could be awe. In this heartwarming episode, I chat with child development expert Deborah Farmer Kris about the transformative power of awe and wonder for beautifully complex kids. From music and nature to kindness and curiosity, we explore how tapping into these moments can reduce stress, regulate the nervou…

1
Setting Boundaries That Actually Work (Without Feeling Like a Bad Person) 13:02

1M ago13:02

13:02

Ever feel guilty for saying no? Like setting a boundary makes you a bad person? You’re not alone and you’re definitely not broken. In this powerful, heart-led episode of The Happya Life Podcast, Clare Deacon dives deep into the real reason boundaries feel so hard, especially if you’ve experienced trauma, chronic people-pleasing, or were taught that…

1
316 Productivity, People-Pleasing, and ADHD: What We Need to Unlearn with Dr. Ari Tuckman 58:01

1M ago58:01

58:01

In this episode of the I Have ADHD podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Ari Tuckman to talk about one of the most layered and misunderstood topics in the ADHD world: productivity—and how it's tangled up in our relationships, our childhoods, and the expectations we carry from society. We dove deep into how our early experien…

1
312: Discovering the Right Career Path for Neurodivergent Kids, with Hannah Maruyama 33:58

1M ago33:58

33:58

Is college really the only path to success? Not even close. In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free, to challenge the outdated idea that college is the ultimate goal for every kid — especially for neurodivergent kids who may thrive outside traditional systems. We get deep into how redefining success, focusing on …

1
How to Find Motivation When You’re Mentally Exhausted 10:37

1M ago10:37

10:37

Are you feeling flat, emotionally drained, or stuck in a fog of fatigue, even though you want to move forward? In this episode of The Happya Life Podcast, Clare Deacon, positive psychology expert and trauma-informed coach, unpacks the real reason motivation disappears during mental exhaustion, and how to gently reconnect with your drive without pre…

1
315 Why ADHD Feels So Shameful (and How to Fight Back) 56:08

1M ago56:08

56:08

If you’ve ever felt like your struggles with ADHD make you "less than"—this one’s a must-listen. We’re diving deep into Shame Resilience Theory (thanks, Brené Brown!) and unpacking why ADHDers are especially vulnerable to toxic shame. Spoiler: It’s NOT because you’re lazy or broken (even if you’ve been made to feel that way). ✨ We’re covering: Why …

1
311: Fostering Self-Discovery for Your Autistic Kid, with Sol Smith, MS, MFA, EDS 34:01

2M ago34:01

34:01

What if your child’s “overexplaining” isn’t defiance, but a deep need to be understood? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Sol Smith — autistic adult, author, life coach, educator, and dad of four neurodivergent kids — to talk about the inner world of autistic individuals. From masking and sensory differences to building…

1
The Secret to Long-Term Healing: How to Keep Growing 14:04

2M ago14:04

14:04

You’ve survived the storm… now what? In this episode, Clare gets real about what healing actually looks like once the chaos calms. If you’ve done the therapy, filled the journals, and ticked all the self-care boxes but still feel flat, like someone dimmed the lights inside, this conversation is for you. Clare explores why long-term healing isn’t ab…

1
314 Two Things Can Be True (and Also… I’m Apparently Racist Against White Men?) 1:00:39

2M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Today we're talking emotional flexibility, why black-and-white thinking is holding you back, and how one tiny phrase (borrowed from parenting wisdom!) can radically change how you relate to yourself and others: “Two things can be true.” You’ll also get: A cheat-code app for building emotional intelligence (perfect for ADHD brains) My spicy take on …

1
310: Connecting Through Conversation: Rethinking Behavior Strategies for Schools, with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns 31:59

2M ago31:59

31:59

What if we stopped calling kids “attention-seeking” and started calling them “connection-seeking?” In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with veteran educators and authors Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns to rethink how we approach behavior in schools — especially for neurodivergent kids. From eliminating power struggles to building culture through…

1
313 Rejection Sensitivity Is Real (But I Reject RSD) 50:38

2M ago50:38

50:38

Rejection hurts—especially when you have ADHD. For years, the term Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) has helped many of us put language to that experience. But in this episode, I explain why I’m no longer using that term—and what I’m saying instead. We’ll cover: What rejection sensitivity actually is Why it makes total sense (and it's not a disor…

1
309: Coping Skills for Kids, Teens, and Adults, with Janine Halloran, MA, LMHC 35:56

2M ago35:56

35:56

What if the big feelings your child has aren’t a problem — but a clue? In this comforting conversation, I sit down with Janine Halloran, LMHC — therapist, mom, and author of Coping Skills for Kids — to talk all things anger, coping, and emotional regulation for neurodivergent kids and their families. We dig into why some kids explode, what to do in…

1
Beyond Survival: How to Start Rebuilding Your Life 15:14

2M ago15:14

15:14

You’ve made it through the hard part. The breakdown, the burnout, the heartbreak, the grief. The dust is starting to settle but instead of relief, you’re left with a quiet, disorienting question: What now? This episode of The Happya Life Podcast is for anyone standing in the uncertain space between surviving and truly living again. If you’ve felt n…

1
312 Autism, ADHD and AuDHD: Understanding the Overlap with Dr. Robert Naseef 1:10:25

2M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

In this episode of the I Have ADHD podcast, I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with autism expert and clinician Dr. Robert Naseef to explore the deeply personal and complex relationship between autism and ADHD. Together, we reflect on the key differences between these two neurodivergent identities while celebrating the importance of self-…

1
308: You Might Also Like Climbing the Walls from Understood.org 32:06

2M ago32:06

32:06

Wait, ADHD is more than attention issues? Yep — and this episode will blow your mind. In this special episode, I’m sharing the first episode of the must-listen new series Climbing the Walls by Understood.org. This story-driven episode dives into the rise of ADHD diagnoses in women — especially during the pandemic — and how emotional regulation, exe…

1
When Self-Care Feels Impossible: How to Start Small 17:16

2M ago17:16

17:16

Feeling overwhelmed and wondering how to prioritise self-care amidst the chaos? In this episode of The Happya Life Podcast, host Clare, a seasoned positive psychology coach and therapist, delves into the real challenges of self-care for those constantly supporting others. What You'll Learn: Why self-care often feels unattainable when you need it m…

1
311 10 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About ADHD 48:30

2M ago48:30

48:30

Think you know ADHD? Think again. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down 10 surprising truths about ADHD that most people (even professionals!) get wrong. From misunderstood symptoms to powerful treatment outcomes, we’re going deep—but keeping it real, relatable, and research-backed. You’ll learn: Why ADHD is one of the most treatable mental healt…

1
307: Valuing Personhood Over Productivity, with Shawna Rosenzweig 32:16

3M ago32:16

32:16

✨ What if your child’s “daydreaming” on the sidelines was actually self-regulation in action? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Campfire, for a real-talk conversation about rethinking success and valuing our kids for who they are, not what they do. We unpack how our cultural obsession with productivity …

1
How to Stay True to Yourself in a World That Wants You to Conform 10:13

3M ago10:13

10:13

Have you ever felt like you’re playing a role in your own life... saying the right things, doing what’s expected, blending in to avoid judgment... but quietly wondering, what about me? In this episode of The Happya Life Podcast, we’re digging into what it really means to stay true to yourself in a world that constantly nudges (or shoves) you to con…

1
310 ADHD & Friendships, Part 2: The ADHD Friendship Mistakes No One Talks About 48:19

3M ago48:19

48:19

Making and keeping friends as an adult with ADHD can be really hard. We tend to move fast—bonding quickly, oversharing early, and sometimes getting burned. In this episode, I’m sharing two powerful (and practical!) skills that can help you build friendships that feel safer, steadier, and more fulfilling: going slow and listening better. If you’ve e…

1
306: What Do You Do With the Mad that You Feel? 20:19

3M ago20:19

20:19

Ever wish your kid would just stop yelling? This episode of Beautifully Complex will make you rethink that wish — in the best way. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Mr. Rogers, I explore one deceptively simple question: “What do you do with the mad that you feel?” In this solo episode, you’ll discover how anger shows up in the nervous system, why …

1
Who Are You Now? Reclaiming Your Identity After Trauma 19:34

3M ago19:34

19:34

Who Are You Now? Reclaiming Your Identity After Trauma Have you ever found yourself looking in the mirror and thinking, “Where did I go?” Maybe it followed a life-altering experience; loss, burnout, heartbreak, or a season that cracked you open. Suddenly, the version of you that once felt confident and grounded feels… out of reach. In this episode,…

1
309 ADHD & Friendship, Part 1: Red Flags, Green Flags, and How to Make Real Connections 44:01

3M ago44:01

44:01

Friendship as an adult is hard—and when you have ADHD, it can feel almost impossible. The impulsivity, the overthinking, the struggle to set boundaries or trust your gut... it’s a lot. But you can build strong, supportive friendships—and it starts with knowing what to look for (and what to avoid). In Part 1 of this two-part series, we’re breaking d…

1
305: Building Parent Resilience, with Barb Fletcher 26:50

3M ago26:50

26:50

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I am joined by resilience coach Barb Fletcher to explore empowering strategies for building parent resilience — an essential tool for those of us navigating the unique journey of raising neurodivergent kids. We discuss the balance of control over stress, the pivotal role of heart-focused breathing, and the im…

1
Are You Wearing a Mask? The Cost of Hiding Your True Self 15:52

3M ago15:52

15:52

Do you feel like you're always "on"? Like you're editing yourself to fit in, avoid conflict, or be accepted? That’s not just being adaptable, it’s called masking, and it comes at a cost. In this episode of The Happya Life Podcast, we dive into the psychology behind masking your true self, why so many of us do it without even realising, and how it a…

1
308 Raising Kids While Being a Hot (ADHD) Mess 1:05:46

3M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

If you’re parenting with ADHD, you already know—it’s a lot. The meltdowns (sometimes yours), the forgotten school forms, the overstimulation, the guilt spiral after snapping at your kid… and then the vow to do better next time. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to be a good enough parent, even when ADHD makes it hard. You’ll learn the 5 e…

1
304: How to Support Regulation with Play, with Polina Shkadron, MA/SLP, MSNE, CTP, ADHD-RSP 33:23

3M ago33:23

33:23

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with expert Polina Shkadron to explore the incredible power of play in supporting emotional regulation. Discover how co-regulation — a crucial component of nurturing a healthy parent-child bond — can become a natural part of your routine. We dive into how letting go of control during playtime and e…

1
What Thriving Actually Looks Like (Hint: It’s Not Perfection) 18:05

3M ago18:05

18:05

We’ve been sold the idea that thriving means having your life perfectly together flawless routines, effortless success, and unwavering confidence. But what if thriving actually has nothing to do with perfection? In this episode of The Happya Life Podcast, we’re busting the myth that thriving means always feeling good, achieving your goals without s…

1
307 SOS: What to Do When Life (or You) Get in the Way of Getting Sh*t Done 47:50

3M ago47:50

47:50

Following through is hard enough when everything goes right—but what about when life happens? When motivation was there, the plan was solid, and then… BAM. A curveball knocks you off track. If you have ADHD, you know how hard it is to re-engage after a disruption. So how do you recover without spiraling into guilt and frustration? In this episode, …

1
303: How to Prepare for a Successful School Meeting, with Penny Williams 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

School meetings can stir up a lot of emotions for parents — including overwhelm, confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. You’re worried about your child's rights, accommodations, and educational success in an ever-changing landscape. In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m sharing some practical and hard-won wisdom on setting the found…

1
Why You Feel Guilty for Being Happy (And How to Let That Go) 26:21

4M ago26:21

26:21

Why You Feel Guilty for Being Happy (And How to Let That Go) | The Happya Life Podcast Ever felt guilty for feeling happy? Maybe you’ve been through grief, heartbreak, or tough times, and when joy finally sneaks in you feel like you’re betraying what you’ve been through. Or maybe life is going well, but instead of embracing it, you find yourself se…

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306 The Truth About ADHD Hyperfocus: Superpower or Sabotage? 40:36

4M ago40:36

40:36

Ever been so locked into a task that the world around you fades away? That’s hyperfocus, one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD. Some call it a superpower—but is it really? In this episode of the I Have ADHD Podcast, I break down what hyperfocus actually is, how it impacts ADHDers, and why it’s not the magical productivity hack some people t…

1
Not Feeling Good Enough? Let’s Rewrite That Story 24:40

4M ago24:40

24:40

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you do, how many people reassure you, or how much self-work you put in, you still don’t feel enough? Maybe it sneaks in when you’re about to try something new. Maybe it stops you before you even start. Maybe it’s been there for so long, you don’t even question it anymore it just feels like truth. But here’…

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305 Boredom is the Price of Success—Are You Willing to Pay It? 53:24

4M ago53:24

53:24

In this solo episode of the I Have ADHD podcast, we’re covering a little bit of everything—because, let’s be honest, ADHD brains thrive on variety! First up: BOREDOM. Ugh. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and makes us want to do literally anything else. But here’s the hard truth—boredom is the price we pay to get what we want out of life. If we wan…

1
How to Trust Yourself Again (After Years of Doubt) 15:40

4M ago15:40

15:40

Do you constantly second-guess yourself? Feel like you’ve lost trust in your own decisions? Maybe you've made mistakes in the past, ignored your gut, or been told your feelings weren’t valid so now, self-doubt is running the show. In this episode of The Happya Life Podcast, we're diving into: ✔️ Why we stop trusting ourselves (hint: it’s not just "…

1
304 ADHD at Work: Should You Spill the Beans to Your Boss? How to Thrive in Any Job! 54:16

4M ago54:16

54:16

Struggling to keep up at work with ADHD? Wondering if you should tell your boss? 😬 We’ve got you covered! In this episode, I sit down with ADHD coach Meghan Brown-Enya to tackle the real challenges of navigating ADHD in the workplace—from emotional dysregulation to productivity hacks to self-advocacy. We’re diving into: ✅ Should you disclose your A…

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