032: You’re Not Lazy: Self-Compassion for ADHD Brains with Meg Duke, LCSW-S, ADHD-CCSP, LCDC

From Stuck to Started: Executive Function & ADHD Coaching to Take Action

If you love winding conversations, you’re going to love this chat with Meg Duke. We talk about navigating business, burnout, and the art of doing things differently. It’s full of honest reflections, practical strategies, and a shared appreciation for doing things your way—even if that means letting go of hustle culture and embracing imperfect action.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The difference between therapy & coaching for ADHD– the benefits of therapy & coaching for ADHD & how to find the right support for you
• Letting go of productivity guilt – Why rest is essential for creative minds and how embracing your natural rhythms can actually help you get more done.
• Creating systems that work for your brain – How trial-and-error, playful experimentation, and curiosity can lead to sustainable routines.
• The connection between burnout and executive function challenges – What burnout really looks like for ADHDers and how to recognize the warning signs early.
• Navigating the emotional side of task initiation – Why starting is often the hardest part, and how mindset shifts and tiny steps can break the paralysis.
• Permission to do things differently – How rejecting hustle culture, embracing your own pace, and leaning into your strengths can be the key to consistency.

About the guest Meg Duke:

Meg Duke, LCSW-S, ADHD-CCSP, LCDC (she/her), is a compassionate mental health professional specializing in neurodivergence and perinatal mental health. As the owner of Amplify Wellness Mental Health & Coaching, she provides tailored support to enhance focus, balance, and overall well-being through mindfulness, humor, and a nonjudgmental approach. Meg also hosts The Perinatal Podcast, exploring ADHD, mental wellness, and personal growth, and leads workshops on the intersection of ADHD and perinatal experiences. Outside of her work, she enjoys crafting, sewing, rock climbing, and karaoke while fostering inclusivity and authenticity in all she does.

Connect with Meg Duke:

• The free Navigating ADHD Mini Workbook: https://subscribepage.io/ADHDMiniWorkbook
• The Perinatal Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perinatal-podcast/id1590957531
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifywellnesswithmeg/
• Website: https://megdukelcsw.com/

About the host Sarah Lovell:

Sarah is an executive function and ADHD coach who helps college students, professionals, and perfectionists get unstuck and take action in a way that works with their brains—not against them. With 11 years of experience and a background in social work, she combines practical tools with compassionate support so her clients can stop burning out, start making progress, and feel good doing it.

Resources Mentioned:

• Sign up for the FREE ADHD Action Plan Private Podcast
• Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Routines That Actually Work for Your Brain

If your morning routine falls apart after three days, it’s not you—it’s the system. Learn how to create ADHD-friendly rhythms inside the Stuck to Started coaching membership, launching June 25. https://www.executivefunctioningfirst.com/membership

Stuck to Started