Finding Flexibility: Queerness And ADHD Translating ADHD podcast

36:56

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the complexities of managing hyperfixations and hobbies as individuals with ADHD. They discuss the common experience of having interests that are “an inch deep but a mile long,” the guilt and shame surrounding inconsistent engagement or financial investment in hobbies, and the struggle to align identity with fluctuating passions. Both hosts share personal stories that highlight different patterns of engagement—from impulsively diving into new interests to learning to take smaller, manageable steps and focusing on mastery over novelty. They emphasize the importance of redefining what it means to be “into” something, allowing space for both deep commitments and casual, purpose-free enjoyment. The conversation also delves into strategies for sustaining interests, including community involvement, mentorship, and deliberately choosing to deepen existing hobbies rather than constantly starting new ones. They highlight the value of “constructive” activities that replenish energy without demanding productivity or long-term outcomes. Ultimately, Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to reject self-judgment, embrace curiosity about their current phase, and find balance between exploring new threads of interest and committing to core passions. This episode offers compassionate insights for anyone with ADHD seeking to understand and nurture their unique relationship with hobbies and identity. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Sleep and ADHD: Strategies for Better Rest 32:38

9 days ago32:38

32:38

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty tackle the complex relationship between sleep and ADHD. They discuss how sleep issues are prevalent among individuals with ADHD, with statistics suggesting that up to 90% struggle with some form of sleep disorder. The conversation highlights the challenges clients face in recognizing the connection between their mood, cognitive functioning, and sleep quality. Ash emphasizes the importance of clients experiencing well-rested nights to understand the benefits of sleep, while Dusty shares strategies for creating effective bedtime rituals and managing sleep procrastination. The hosts explore various approaches tailored to individual needs, from establishing calming bedtime routines to the potential use of melatonin as a supplement. They acknowledge that not every solution works for everyone and that deeper sleep disorders may require professional intervention. Throughout the episode, they encourage listeners to take small, manageable steps toward improving sleep quality and to remain patient with themselves in the process. This discussion provides valuable insights into how ADHD impacts sleep and offers practical tips for those seeking better rest. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty Alarmy Sleepworks For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Beyond Guilt: Finding Balance in Phone Usage for ADHD 34:24

16 days ago34:24

34:24

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty tackle the pervasive issue of phone addiction, especially as it relates to individuals with ADHD. They explore how the constant stimulation of smartphones can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as frustration from lost time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual motivations behind phone usage and how it serves different needs, from distraction to connection. Both hosts share personal anecdotes and strategies for navigating phone usage while maintaining a healthy relationship with technology. The discussion also highlights that not all phone usage is inherently negative; it can be a valuable tool for engagement and connection when used mindfully. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to shift their focus from guilt over phone habits to understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior. By linking phone usage to personal intentions and desired outcomes, individuals can find a balance that works for them, ensuring that their relationship with technology enhances rather than detracts from their lives. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Understanding Emotions in ADHD Behavior 32:46

23 days ago32:46

32:46

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the significant role emotions play in unwanted behaviors associated with ADHD. They illustrate this through a coaching case study focused on a client's struggle with managing emails, revealing how underlying feelings of guilt and shame influenced her behavior. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the emotional context behind actions, emphasizing that awareness and acceptance are crucial for clients to recognize and reshape their narratives. The discussion also delves into the boundary between coaching and therapy, particularly when addressing past experiences that impact present behavior. Ash shares insights on how coaches can help clients differentiate between emotional responses rooted in personal history versus broader societal expectations. By adopting a framework of pause, disrupt, and pivot, clients can learn to navigate their emotional reactions, ultimately paving the way for growth and self-acceptance in their journey with ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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The Cost of Perfection: Understanding Internalized Ableism in ADHD 30:09

4 weeks ago30:09

30:09

In this episode, Ash and Dusty delve into the concept of internalized ableism, particularly as it relates to individuals with ADHD. Prompted by listener feedback regarding the use of paper plates, they explore how societal expectations can pressure ADHD individuals to avoid accommodations that might support their daily functioning. Both hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing personal limitations and offering oneself grace during challenging times, illustrating their points with relatable anecdotes about managing executive dysfunction and the weight of self-judgment. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding one’s unique needs and circumstances without falling into an all-or-nothing mindset. Through examples like dealing with household challenges and making choices about sustainable living, Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to embrace imperfection and prioritize self-compassion. Ultimately, they empower individuals with ADHD to permit themselves to make choices that may seem less than ideal but are necessary for their well-being and productivity. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Finding Your Path: The Journey of Self-Discovery for ADHD Minds 35:46

5 weeks ago35:46

35:46

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the challenges and complexities of answering the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" for individuals with ADHD. They discuss two distinct types of clients: those who are successful yet struggle to manage their passions due to ADHD, and those who feel completely lost regarding their career aspirations. By sharing personal experiences and stories from their coaching practices, they highlight the importance of recognizing agency in one’s journey and the value of staying curious rather than fixated on specific outcomes. The hosts emphasize that a lack of clarity in career direction is common, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. They encourage listeners to reflect on their past experiences, identify strengths, and consider opportunities without the pressure of having to choose the perfect path. The episode advocates for a journey-oriented mindset where pulling on various threads of interest can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career discoveries, demonstrating that growth often comes from embracing new experiences rather than adhering to predetermined goals. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Uncovering Strengths to Navigate ADHD Challenges 29:56

6 weeks ago29:56

29:56

In this episode, Ash and Dusty revisit the critical topic of strengths in the context of ADHD. They explore how individuals with ADHD often focus on their challenges, overshadowing their unique strengths. Through coaching insights and real-life examples, they emphasize the importance of recognizing and leveraging strengths as a means to address challenges effectively. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced perspective where strengths and challenges coexist, allowing clients to navigate their experiences with greater self-awareness and confidence. The hosts share a compelling case study involving a client transitioning from an expat lifestyle to a corporate job, illustrating the adjustments and challenges faced. They discuss how coaching can facilitate a shift in mindset, empowering clients to embrace their strengths while acknowledging their challenges. By fostering a sense of agency and curiosity, the episode reinforces that everyone has unique qualities that can be harnessed to overcome difficulties, ultimately leading to personal growth and fulfillment. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Beyond the Norm: Finding Acceptance in ADHD Adulting 30:16

7 weeks ago30:16

30:16

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty tackle the challenges of "adulting" while living with ADHD. They discuss the societal pressures and ableist beliefs that lead individuals with ADHD to feel inadequate or less capable as adults. The conversation centers around the importance of accepting one's unique path and recognizing that the way individuals with ADHD manage their responsibilities may differ significantly from neurotypical standards, yet is equally valid. They emphasize the need for self-compassion and the rejection of internalized ableism, encouraging listeners to explore their strengths instead of solely focusing on their challenges. The hosts also highlight the significance of community and shared experiences among those with ADHD, noting that many individuals face similar struggles, which can alleviate feelings of isolation. They propose a shift in perspective, advocating for curiosity over shame when addressing personal challenges. By recognizing that everyone's way of navigating adulthood is legitimate, listeners can begin to embrace their own journey without comparison to others. The episode concludes with a promise to further explore the topic of self-knowledge and how understanding one's unique traits can lead to more effective strategies for managing life with ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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From Chaos to Clarity: Simplifying Cooking with ADHD 41:42

8 weeks ago41:42

41:42

In this episode, Ash and Dusty dive into the complexities of food management for individuals with ADHD. They discuss the various challenges faced when it comes to meal planning, cooking, and maintaining a clean kitchen, all of which can lead to frustration and overwhelm. Dusty shares personal experiences and strategies that have helped clients, including the importance of simplifying meal prep and recognizing when to let go of food that will not be used. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating supportive practices, such as doing dishes before cooking and establishing a list of no-prep meals. Ash and Dusty highlight the importance of tackling one aspect of cooking or meal management at a time, fostering a guilt-free approach to food waste, and ultimately finding joy in the cooking process. The episode serves as a reminder that while feeding oneself can be challenging, there are practical strategies that make it easier for those navigating ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Managing Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors with ADHD 26:51

9 weeks ago26:51

26:51

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty dive into the topic of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), which are common among individuals with ADHD. They discuss behaviors such as skin picking, nail biting, and hair pulling, highlighting how these actions serve as manifestations of underlying hyperactivity and sensory issues. Dusty shares personal anecdotes about her struggles with nail biting and cuticle peeling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the triggers and habitual patterns that lead to these behaviors. Ash adds insights into how daily routines and grooming practices can help mitigate these tendencies by addressing the sensory discomfort that often drives them. The hosts explore practical solutions for managing BFRBs, ranging from habit reversal techniques to the use of fidgets and sensory aids. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep, exercise, and self-care to reduce the occurrence of these behaviors. By engineering a life that aligns with the needs of an ADHD brain, individuals can better manage their attention and reduce stress, ultimately decreasing the frequency of BFRBs. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to cultivate an awareness of their habits and to implement small changes that can lead to significant improvements in managing repetitive behaviors. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

1
Exploring Substance Use and ADHD: Strategies for Balance 34:03

10 weeks ago34:03

34:03

In this episode, Ash and Dusty delve into the complex relationship between ADHD and substance use. They discuss how individuals with ADHD may turn to substances like alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and even more illicit drugs as a form of self-medication. These substances can provide temporary relief for symptoms such as impulsivity, under-stimulation, and social anxiety. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind substance use, distinguishing between actual addiction and behaviors driven by ADHD-related challenges. They also highlight the difficulty of moderation for those with ADHD, as impulsivity and inattention can lead to overconsumption without realizing it. The conversation extends to strategies for managing substance use, including setting personal goals and understanding one's own relationship with different substances. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to get curious about their habits and explore whether their substance use is masking other ADHD-related issues. They stress the significance of finding a balance that works individually, acknowledging that sobriety isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The episode concludes with a reminder that anyone dealing with serious substance use issues should seek professional help, and they mention the potential benefits of 12-step programs for those needing full sobriety. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Navigating Boundaries with ADHD: A Practical Guide 34:27

11 weeks ago34:27

34:27

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty explore the crucial topic of setting and maintaining boundaries, especially for those with ADHD. They begin by discussing the importance of understanding personal boundaries as rules that define how others can interact with you, emphasizing that these boundaries are not about controlling others but about ensuring one's own safety and comfort. Dusty introduces the concept of the "boundaries escalator," a step-by-step approach to gradually enforcing boundaries, starting from polite requests and escalating to more firm reminders if necessary. They also address common challenges faced by people with ADHD, such as impulsivity and rejection sensitivity, which can complicate boundary-setting. As the conversation progresses, Ash and Dusty tackle the complexities of maintaining boundaries in relationships and discuss how to handle situations where boundaries are crossed. They emphasize the importance of being willing to prioritize personal well-being over maintaining a relationship that does not respect established boundaries. The hosts also share personal experiences and strategies for effectively communicating and enforcing boundaries, encouraging listeners to practice setting boundaries and consider them as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding in relationships. The episode concludes with practical tips, such as using boundary flashcards for practice and enlisting support from friends, to help individuals with ADHD consistently uphold their boundaries. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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The ADHD Experience: Vulnerabilities in Relationships 23:09

12 weeks ago23:09

23:09

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty delve into the complex topic of boundaries and toxic relationships, especially as they relate to individuals with ADHD. They explore the increased vulnerability of people with ADHD to manipulative and exploitative relationships due to factors such as poor working memory, low self-esteem, and a tendency to people-please. Ash and Dusty discuss how these traits can lead ADHD individuals to doubt their own recollections and trust others too easily, often placing them at risk for uneven power dynamics in their relationships. The hosts also emphasize the importance of recognizing one’s own boundaries and the necessity of setting and maintaining them. They highlight the challenges that ADHD individuals face in centering themselves in their own experiences and understanding what is acceptable to them. Ash and Dusty stress the value of introspection and the role of coaching in helping individuals with ADHD develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose. They conclude by discussing the need for ongoing negotiation in relationships and propose a future episode dedicated to exploring Boundaries 101 for a more in-depth understanding of this crucial topic. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Navigating Kink: An ADHD Perspective on Pleasure and Safety 42:23

13 weeks ago42:23

42:23

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the intriguing intersection of kink and ADHD, discussing how neurodivergent individuals may be drawn to unconventional sexual interests. They emphasize the importance of curiosity and communication in navigating the complexities of kink, particularly for those who may struggle with societal norms or personal inhibitions. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the potential for self-discovery and growth within the kink community, advocating for a safe and open-minded approach to exploring one's sexuality. The conversation also delves into the significance of establishing trust and safety in power dynamics, particularly for individuals with ADHD who may face unique challenges in relationships. Ash and Dusty discuss red flags to watch out for in potential partners, emphasizing the critical role of consent and ongoing communication. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace curiosity in their sexual journeys, fostering an environment where both partners can express their desires freely and explore new experiences together. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com…

Translating ADHD

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Sex, Sensitivity, and Self-Discovery: The ADHD Experience 27:43

14 weeks ago27:43