439 | How to Meditate with ADHD – with Adam Coutts

In this episode, Eric is joined by Adam Coutts.  Adam has taught meditation for 20 years through his weekly sitting groups, 25-hour classes, corporate webinars, and one-on-one coaching.  He has been meditating daily for 30 years and has lived in monasteries in America and Asia.  Adam has also been exploring his own ADHD for the past 10 years and has been leading a mindfulness meditation for ADHD course for the last 4 years. You’ll hear Adam and Eric talk about the importance of sleep, exercise, and meditation.  You’ll also hear Adam’s practical meditation techniques to begin a meditation practice, the importance of gentleness and forgiveness when beginning a meditation practice, and how meditation has helped calm his wandering mind. Then, Adam shares his favorite mantras and how using a mantra can be its own form of meditation. Connect with Adam at   Also Answered in this episode: What was the spark that had Adam start his meditation journey?  Can a person with ADHD really meditate?  What are some practical techniques to begin a meditation practice?  How can I begin using a mantra or affirmation to meditate?  Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network: with Brendan Mahan with Will Curb with MJ Siemens

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  • 548 | Wait… We’re AuDHD?

    What happens when two ADHDers realize there’s more to the story? In this deeply personal and exploratory episode, Eric is joined by his friend and fellow coach, Portia Jackson Preston, for an honest, vulnerable, and unmasked conversation about discovering—later in life—that they’re not just ADHD… they’re also autistic. April is Autism Acceptance Month and there’s no better time to peel back the layers. Eric and Portia share their parallel journeys of exploring what it means to be AuDHD, how autism was hiding in plain sight for both of them, and how late diagnosis is reshaping their self-understanding, their relationships, their parenting, and their work. Together, they unpack: What unmasking looks like—and feels like—especially when it’s not a conscious choice Why self-diagnosis is valid and often necessary How intersecting identities impact recognition and diagnosis The grief and growth that come with seeing your past through a new lens Why autistic burnout hit both of them so hard (and what they’re doing now to recover) And how this shift is impacting their businesses, boundaries, and sense of self You’ll also hear about how EMDR therapy played a pivotal role in both of their journeys, how the Johari Window concept reframed Eric’s understanding of his blind spots, and how reconnecting with their full, authentic selves has allowed for deeper joy—even in the weirdest places (like dancing at a Phish show with hand flaps in full glory). This is the kind of conversation that gives others permission to explore, to question, and to be. 👉 Related links & resources: Portia Jackson Preston on Instagram: 🎧 Takeaways: Unmasking isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process. Late diagnosis can be both a relief and a reckoning. Self-compassion isn’t optional; it’s a survival tool. You don’t have to prove your neurodivergence to anyone. It’s okay to change. It’s okay to grieve. And it’s okay to rest.

  • 551 | Queer and Neurodivergent Pride – Panel Discussion 2025

    🎧 Episode Overview Join host Eric Tivers and three incredible panelists—Nathan James, Meg Zirger, and Christal Wang—for the second-annual Neurodivergent Queer Pride panel, organized by Shimmer. In this landmark conversation, we explore: Masking vs. Unmasking: Why hiding feels safe and how reclaiming your authentic self fuels resilience. Intersectional Identities: How ADHD, autism, and LGBTQ+ pride intersect—and why that intersection is a source of strength. Political Climate & Pride: Strategies for holding onto joy and courage when the world feels heavy. Power of Community: From isolation to solidarity—why peer support is essential for lasting change. Whether you’re neurodivergent, queer, an ally, or simply curious, this panel offers actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and affirmations to help you thrive. 🎯 Key Takeaways Masking Is Exhausting Childhood “survival mode” often becomes adult burnout. Unmasking is an ongoing, courageous process of self-discovery. ADHD + Queer = Unique Superpower Both identities challenge “scripts” society hands us. Embracing difference unlocks creativity, empathy, and authenticity. Pride Under Pressure Celebrate safely: balance vigilance with joy. Collective conversation and advocacy build courage. Community as Catalyst Small cohorts and online groups reduce shame and spark accountability. Shared experiences create “me-too” moments that heal and empower. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & Episode Intro 01:04 What Is Neurodivergent Queer Pride? 03:07 Panelist Introductions & Backgrounds 09:30 Personal Identity Journeys: “Scripts” & Masking 17:36 Societal Expectations: Fitting In vs. Standing Out 29:18 Deep Dive on Masking & Self-Acceptance 38:59 Holding Pride in a Difficult Political Climate 48:12 The Role of Community in Connection & Healing 54:48 Final Affirmations & Advice 57:41 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps 🔗 Resources & Links Join ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups (Season 41) ▸ Live kickoff: Wed, June 18 • 2 PM CT ▸ Pre-registration due: Tue, June 17 • 2 PM CT ▸ 👉 Shimmer (Episode organizer; online ADHD coaching platform) ▸ Co-founder & panel host: Christal Wang 👉 Adult Study Hall (24/7 ADHD-friendly coworking) 👉 💡 Next Steps Subscribe to ADHD reWired so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends who identify as neurodivergent, queer, or allies. Explore our summer Coaching & Accountability Groups to turn these insights into real-world growth. Your whole self belongs. Let’s celebrate, connect, and thrive—together.

  • #75 Redesigning your life after ADHD diagnosis | Guest Michael Liss

    Earlier this year I sat down with Michael Liss to hear his inspiring story of late in life diagnosis of ADHD at 50.   There is so much compassion and raw honestly in his story.  I encourage you to listen to the entire episode as I am sure many of you will relate to what he shares and will be inspired by how he has moved beyond his ADHD diagnosis. 

     

    Join my Quantum Thinkers’s Mastermind, managing ADHD does not have to be done all on your own. Lean into the support of our group. 

  • #56: How to leverage your ADHD and step into your power | David Giwerc

    My guest David Giwerc, Master Certified ADHD Coach, Entrepreneur, Founder/President of the ADD Coach Academy, shared a very powerful statement during this episode, “when you identify your strengths, you’re identifying a natural, innate talent and a way of creating excellence consistently in your life. But that’s not enough because, without the sustaining mechanism, Or the source that activates that strength, those strengths will die. And this is especially true in ADHD because ADHD is a deficit of interest. It’s, it’s the challenge of boredom, but interest isn’t even enough.”

    You are in for a treat, consider this episode as a training session, during this episode, David shared extremely helpful insights on:

    • Identifying the importance of focusing on strengths, especially character strengths
    • Why we look at the different categories of strengths
    • What does executive function in the brain have to do with strengths?

    During the last 20 minutes of the episode he goes deeper into the following:

    • An effective way to start your day to get the most out of it
    • Understanding the importance of how you process information and how it impacts learning
    • Definition of Executive Function and it works with ADHD
    • How to manage big emotions

    I was trained and coached by David himself for a big portion of my ADD Coach training program at ADDCA, so it was my absolute honor to have my mentor/coach be on my show. I am forever grateful for the impact that he has made in my life and the lives of many who have taken his courses and teachings at the ADD Coach Academy.

    If you are curious about finding out your character strengths go to: VIA Character Strengths

    Access my complimentary online mini-lesson, to learn a new perspective of what impact your focus and immediate actions you can take to move through your tasks with ease

    About David:

    David Giwerc is a Master Certified ADHD Coach, MCAC, with the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC) and a Master Certified Coach, MCC, with the International Coach Federation (ICF). He is also the Founder and President of the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA), the first and largest comprehensive ADHD coach training program fully accredited by the ICF and PAAC, the governing bodies of the Life Coaching and ADHD Coaching Professions.

    David has served on many boards over the years. As past president of the ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association), he was instrumental in the formation of U.S. Senate resolution 390 that declared September 7, 2004, to be National ADHD Awareness Day; this event has been instituted every year since its inception. As a veteran ADDA board member, he was involved in the development of their “Guiding Principles for Coaching Individuals with ADHD.”

  • 467 | To Leverage Our Strengths & Own Our Challenges with Marina Piscolish

    Marina Piscolish joins Eric on the podcast this week to talk about leveraging strengths and owning the challenges.  Marina is the president and founder of Mapping Change LLC, a small consulting business born of her passion for harnessing the transformative power of conflict to create positive changes for individuals, teams, and organizations. Being born in rural Pennsylvania as a coal-miner’s daughter and a grandchild of immigrants  provided helpful preparation for her work, especially in Hawaii and the broader pacific.  As she continues developing ways of working with culture, identities, sense-of-place, history, and trauma, her early struggle with her own undiagnosed ADHD was a defining influence on her career and life. Now, Marina focuses on making creative accommodations for her ‘limitations’ and leverages  her neurodivergence as an asset for her business, her clients, and the people close to her.   Learn more about Marina:  Website: Mappingchange.com Email:   Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode: [00:03:16] Marina shares her story about how she found ADHD reWired, her experience in the coaching groups, and her life growing up in a small town with a large family, all with similar challenges.  [00:05:36] “Emotional pain is the distance between […] your expectations [and] reality.”  [00:07:59] Marina talks about the build up of shame and being unwilling to share or get help.  [00:09:22] A relatable moment of overwhelm and avoiding the ‘pain of success.’  [00:11:29] What’s the difference between acceptance and embracing ADHD? [00:14:39] “That may be true, and I’m afraid that may be true, but what do I do about where I am?”  [00:22:15] Eric and Marina have a discussion about “administrivia.”  [00:23:19] Marina shares how she became curious about her ADHD and exploring how neurodivergence is the cause of her success.  [00:26:01] Joy through acceptance and seeking support and assistance.  [00:26:26] Eric asks Marina about what she communicated when going through the process of hiring an assistant.  [00:30:59] Maria gives an insight that was shared with her. [00:41:15] A discussion about hiring and trading services in the midst of the pandemic.  [00:48:04] What are a couple of ideas/tips/strategies Marina has for folks with ADHD who have a tendency to be conflict-avoidant?  [00:52:46] Marina leaves us with her final thoughts… Resources & Honorable Mentions: Go to coachingrewired.com to learn more about ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups!  Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network: with Brendan Mahan with Will Curb with MJ Siemens

  • My late in life ADHD diagnosis set me free

    In this episode, I share my thoughts and emotions around my late in life diagnosis.  I have come to be friends with my ADHD brain since my diagnosis and I fully believe each of us has a new beginning, accepting and moving forward is key to thriving with your ADHD Brain. 
    In times of transition, it is critical to get realigned with our values, when you live by your values you live with purpose and can ease into life transitions.  Grab the values assessment worksheet from my website www.readysetchoose.com 
    Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @proudlyadhd_coachCathy
    Keep on shining!
    Coach Cathy 

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