431 | TBI, ADHD, Homelessness, and Reinventing Self with Jason Boughn

In May of 2020, I did an IG TV interview with Rick Green – Founder of totallyadd.com on the topic of why ADDers have challenges starting tasks and even following through. Rick shared so many practical insights and approaches that I wanted to capture and share the audio file here.

These are some of our talking points :

• Why it is important to get clear when starting
• How overwhelm can get in the way of starting a task
• BoringTasks that have a lot of emotion behind them
• how to work with your strengths to get through a task
• how self-esteem plays a big role in task initiation and follow-through
• the power of visualization can make a difference in your approach
• Perfectionism is another hurdle to overcome when it comes to task initiation and follow-through
• why it’s beneficial to get have a support system around you to hold keep you on track (towards the 20 min mark, this piece of his approach really was beneficial for me)

About Rick Green:

Rick Green, M.C., OOnt, BSc, is an award-winning comedy writer, producer, and director with over 700 episodes of radio and television to his credit. After he received a diagnosis of ADHD he began a 20-year exploration of this disorder. In 2009 he and his wife, Ava, created the ground-breaking program, ADD & Loving It?!, the TotallyADD.com website, a PBS sequel, ADD & Mastering It!, a dozen full-length programs on ADHD featuring top experts, and over 100 short videos that cover every aspect of ADHD.

I would love to hear from you:

Would you do me a favor? Please take a few minutes, rate this show, or even better it would mean so much to me if you wrote a quick review, I thank you in advance. The more reviews and ratings this show gets the more you help me in spreading the message of Adult ADHD and helping others increase their knowledge on how to manage it. Having an ADHD brain does not have to be a struggle.

Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Or do you have a question about a challenge you are facing with your ADHD? Leave me a voice mail https://www.speakpipe.com/Coachcathy super easy todo, Record, Listen and push Send. I will respond in an upcoming episode.

In this episode, Eric is joined by Lorri Hollingsworth who was officially diagnosed with combined-type ADHD about two-and-a-half years ago at the age of 64, having reached retirement without suspecting any neurodivergencies.  Yet, she always felt herself to be the “misfit” given the expectations set by friends, family, coworkers, and society at large, and forever assumed the role of “Inadvertent Perpetrator” with all the guilt inherent therein.  Lorri will share her journey shaped by the absence of an ADHD diagnosis in early childhood, which inevitably led to numerous comorbidities over the decades, as well as the never-expected hope that she now experiences for her future.  You’ll hear about the different comorbidities that were discovered before Lorri’s ADHD diagnosis, how her husband of over 35 years aided in Lorri getting diagnosed, her journey of the ways her diagnosis changed the way she viewed her past, and the dynamics of her environment growing up undiagnosed.  You’ll also hear about Lorri’s thrill of a challenge, and her journey through unhealthy eating behaviors, OCD, depression, anxiety, and more.  Lastly, you’ll hear about the importance of learning, self-awareness, and forgiveness to move forward. Questions Answered & Memorable Moments in this Episode: Lorri goes in depth about how important it is to get more stories of seniors getting diagnosed.  What was it that led Lorri to get the diagnosis? “I think the persistent leaving of cabinets and drawers open should be part of the diagnostic criteria!” – Eric “…unless somebody does something drastic to get your attention, they don’t have your attention.” – Lorri Mentioned here: How we show up in relationships:  Is that a product of our environment, or does ADHD sometimes get in the way? “I, .as far back as I can remember, have been a ‘loner’.” – Lorri At 64, you’ve been through a lot of stuff, so why does it matter now (to get diagnosed)? “If you love your life, it’s worth the work.” – Lorri “You have to forgive yourself, and you have to forgive the people that might have contributed inadvertently to you being in that place. Forgiveness is so important.” – Lorri Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network:  with Brendan Mahan  with Will Curb  with MJ Siemens  with Moira Maybin Don’t Forget These, Too:  — Support the show by becoming a Patron! — Get your name on the waitlist to join the sping season of ADHD reWired’s Coaching and Accountability Groups!  — Join your ADHD-friendly co-working space!  — Join Eric, Brendan, Will, MJ, Moira, Kat, and Lisa for an hour of Live Q&A on Zoom, every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm Central (10:30am Pacific / 1:30pm Eastern)

In this episode, Jessica Hicksted joins Eric on the podcast!  Jessica was late-diagnosed with autism and ADHD and brings together her life experiences and education to advocate for invisible disabilities.  Growing up the “awkward kid,” she faced life’s rough spots head-on, creating resilience and determination.  These skills proved valuable in completing her PhD and dedicating her research into invisible disabilities to help promote positive social change.  You’ll hear Eric and Jessica talk about workplace success for people with invisible disabilities, masking and executive-function drains, and ableism.  Then, you’ll also hear about how Jessica got diagnosed, self-advocacy, disclosure or nondisclosure in the workplace, what Jessica uncovered in her research, and the benefits and values to businesses for being more accommodating.   Find some of her writing on ADDitude Magazine!   Questions/Topics:  [00:01:06] Introducing Jessica & meeting at CHADD  [00:02:13] Diving into Jessica’s research, and, “How do we–from a systems perspective–help individuals be successful in the workplace?”  [00:05:23] Are the tides really starting to turn in the workplace about invisible disabilities?  [00:06:27] Masking in the workplace  [00:09:25] Jessica’s experience of being diagnosed as an adult after becoming a parent [00:16:14] What is an invisible disability? [00:18:56] Disclosure vs. intended disclosure [00:19:42] What does the data say about disclosure?  [00:21:10] What kinds of questions did Jessica ask while doing her research?  [00:24:24] A conversation on the prevalence of ableism in the workplace  [00:27:58] Transparency and opening the door of communication  [00:33:28] Money talk: What is the benefit and value for businesses to be more inclusive and accommodating for people with invisible disabilities?  What does the data show?  [00:38:30] In Jessica’s data, were there any industries that were ‘better’ with acceptance in the workplace than others?  [00:42:18] What are some questions a prospective employee could ask to try and gauge if they will be entering a friendly workplace for neurodivergent brains?  [00:44:52] If there could be one big change in the workplace to help individuals with invisible disabilities, what would that change look like?   [00:45:53] Closing thoughts  🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community! 🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired’s award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

In this episode, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired Coaching Group Alumni, Gail Polivy. She was a coaching group member in spring of 2020 and became a peer mentor for the groups for the 2022 spring season.  Gail self-identifies as an “old-gay-guard” and was thrilled to join Eric on the podcast during Pride month.   Gail shares her experiences when she came out in 1977, her difficulties in college and learning about lesbianism, and finding a community where she felt at home.  You’ll also here Eric and Gail discuss how she’s seen the evolution of the LGBTQ+ community throughout the years, how her ADHD affected past relationships, mirroring, the power of self-acceptance, and the positive changes she’s made in her life since joining Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network: with Brendan Mahan with Will Curb with MJ Siemens

In this episode, Coach Cathy shares an update on the podcast and some personal reflections on her journey as a coach and mental health advocate. She also offers some tips and insights on how to stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Segment 1: Podcast Update (0:43) Cathy gives listeners an update on the podcast and shares some exciting news about upcoming guests and topics. She also invites listeners to share their feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

Segment 2: Personal Reflections (4:16) Cathy reflects on her journey as a coach and mental health advocate, sharing some of the challenges she’s faced and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations for yourself.

Segment 3: Staying Motivated and Focused (12:06) Cathy offers some tips and insights on how to stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when facing obstacles or setbacks. She talks about the power of positive thinking, self-talk, and visualization, and offers some practical strategies for staying on track.

Conclusion: Cathy thanks listeners for tuning in and sharing their support for the podcast. She encourages listeners to stay connected and engaged with the community and to continue striving towards their own mental health and wellness goals.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. 

“When you own all parts of you life becomes much easier,” says Heather Ann Havenwood.  I am delighted to share this inspiring, and candid conversation with you.  

My guest Heather Ann was diagnosed early in life, she shares her journey and strategies on how she leaned into her ADHD brain and has made it her best asset. 

Her energy is so contagious and inspiring and her stellar track record as an Entrepreneur is proof of how she has leaned into her strengths and her Neurodiversity is a testament that if you align to how your brain processes you can be your best self. 

Want to launch your podcast and not sure where to start – Heather Ann has an amazing launch program

podcastersclass.com  Starts June 16th 

More about Heather Ann: 

Heather Ann Havenwood, Award-Winning Media Mogul, know as the ‘Chief Sexy Boss’, Author of the top selling book: SEXY BOSS™: How Female Empowerment is Changing the Rulebook in Business.  She was recognized by The Stevie Awards as ‘The Most Innovative Woman of the Year – in Social Media for 2020’, named ‘Top Media Mogul 2020’ by the Woman of Achievement Association for her work with women.  From making her first dollar online back in 2001; Heather Ann is now on a life legacy Mission: To Help 10,000 people to Start, Launch and Grow a Six-Figure Consulting, Expert and Influencer business online.  She whole heartily believes that every person is an Influencer and a Leader, and it is time for their VOICE to be UnCAGED, to be heard, to Shine, and to EARN Six-Figures and beyond! 

She is the visionary and founder of the “Influencer Growth Academy” along with the ‘Influencer Tribe’ A Global Entrepreneurial Community.

Podcast Hostess of ‘Heather Havenwood – UnCaged‘ Insights with Influencers, Amazon LIVE Show Hostess ‘Sexy Boss Reviews’, Named by Huffington Post as Top Female Entrepreneur to Watch, and Founder of the Non-Profit Female Business Association.