The ADHD MUMS Pod

We share a birthday, a Christmas Eve hospital discharge, and the joy of eating salad again while mapping a year of change with tarot, grief work, and ADHD-friendly tools. Caregiving, body doubling, small money wins, and gentle plans build a steadier start to 2026.

• early discharge from hospital and fear mixed with relief
• Christmas recovery in bed with practical support
• food freedom after surgery and 30 plants a week
• tarot as a reflective framework for planning
• grief around family change and safe ways to cry
• pausing ADHD meds during rest and rebuilding capacity
• packing paraly...

We record from Claire's hospital bed and unpack a rat scare. From wellies and curtain rods to humane traps and boundaries, we find practical ways to cope when chaos shows up.

• bedside check‑in and mood reset
• scratching sounds and sensory detail
• pumpkins, boxes, and the freeze response
• improvised plan with wellies and a curtain rod
• no rat found and what that means
• humane traps, repellents, and ethics
• clutter, ADHD, and hidden risks
• spiders, boundaries, and tolerance at home
• holiday prep, illness wobble, and gratitude
• strange Christmas memories and sign‑off mantra Duration: 00:22:58

Two ADHD mums trade stories of Christmas joy and discomfort, from lost presents and hangovers to noisy rooms, politics at the table, and the ache of watching global tragedy on a festive night. We land on boundaries, gentle traditions, and how divided families can multiply love.

• navigating sensory overload and family noise
• witnessing global grief while keeping local rituals
• feeling displaced in a partner’s family home
• calling out racism and unhelpful politics
• handling body image comments and comparisons
• gratitude for extended family who host and hold
• co‑parenting that adds care, not conflict...

Gen is here to share a clear update on Claire’s seven-hour surgery, her move from critical care to a ward, and what recovery looks like in real time. Between relief and fatigue, we will now be signing off for a few days, but we promise to keep you posted.

• seven-hour surgery with two surgeons
• move from critical care to a private ward room
• pain, soreness, and gallows humour as coping
• realistic outlook on the long recovery road
• holiday schedule uncertainty and possible hospital recording
• gratitude to listeners and encouragement for supportive messages
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A chaotic little singalong with Gen's baby turns into an elf mischief saga with drains, trees, and a very smelly street. Gen's eldest shares the honest truth of forgetting, laughing it off, and letting kid logic guide the holiday fun.

• kid‑led Jingle Bells remix
• the elf’s wild journey through tree, drains, toilet

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Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating...

We race through last‑minute Christmas gifting without the panic: clear IOU experiences, smart re‑gifts that respect relationships, and sentimental wins like framed school photos or kids’ art. Short on time and money, we share fast, kind fixes that feel personal and real.

• IOU vouchers for future experiences with clear details
• Ethical re‑gifting of unused “smellies” and more
• Framed school portraits for grandparents and elders
• Kids’ artwork as a thoughtful, budget gift
• Quick presentation hacks with frames, ribbon and notes
• Classic chocolate boxes as reliable, shareable gifts
• Mindset shift from panic to intentional ca...

Calire pulls Christmas forward before a long-awaited hospital stay, juggles a fibromyalgia flare with a medication mix-up, and finds calm in small rituals while packing for surgery. Between cosy chaos and quiet resolve,  she sends a lil voicenote to Gen and our community of listeners.

• early Christmas to make space for surgery
• vegetarian dinner and teen gift rhythms
• fibromyalgia flare and pacing lessons
• accidental caffeine and paracetamol overload
• altered Boxing Day plans with friends and DnD
• short hair, no nails, CPAP and bag strategy
• library calm and free audiobooks via Libby
• fatigue...

A voice-note from Gen this time, sharing how a jam-packed holiday weekend turned into a surprise win: the baby bossed her stage fright, friends were reunited, and a community party became a milestone for family confidence. The high is real, the crash is real, and she is trying her absolute best to accept the necessary aftermath rest without shame.

• balancing joy and overwhelm during holiday plans
• coaching a child through safe-scary moments
• reconnecting with old friends and found family
• using early arrivals and craft stations to reduce overstimulation
• kids thriving at a community party afte...

We share a realistic plan to prep the house for Christmas without the panic spiral, from hiding gifts and zoning your decor to taming the kitchen and letting go of perfection. Along the way, we trade fast wins for neurodivergent brains, cash-in-your-clutter tips, and simple tricks that make hosting feel human.

• hosting pressure, inherited expectations, good enough Christmas
• staging boxes, pre-tagged gift bags, under-bed hiding spots
• wrap as you go, zone-by-zone decorating, daily half-hour sessions
• kitchen overload fixes, outdoor drink bins, freezer space strategy
• brain dumps for mental clarity, short focused efforts
• sell or dona...

We swap kitchen chaos for honest talk on how to support neurodivergent kids at Christmas, from safe foods to sensory plans and the art of advocating without shame. We share what to normalize, what to redirect, and how to keep trust at the center of family gatherings.

• being a consistent ally in front of elders
• normalising harmless differences without apology
• redirecting when a child nears overwhelm
• balancing masking, safety and belonging
• planning for safe foods and buffet strategies
• using scripts to brief hosts on needs
• handling “fairness” when meals look different
• packing lunc...

We share honest ways to make festive gatherings easier for ADHD families, especially when sensory overload hits hard. From pre-cooking to quiet rooms, screens without shame, and clever “helpful” escapes, we trade pressure for peace without losing joy.

• naming sensory overload triggers across lights, noise, and smells
• shifting meal pressure with night-before cooking and flexible serving
• setting up safe zones and signals for kids to decompress
• normalizing screens and headphones as regulation tools
• navigating family judgment with short, confident scripts
• using low-profile ear filters versus big headphones
• managing heavy smells, heat, and the need for f...

We map the real UK postal deadlines and then make a case for a calmer, kinder plan when posting isn’t workable. Between reminder systems, digital gifts, and local workarounds, we put connection ahead of a calendar date and reframe “late” as part of the joy.

• second class, first class, tracked, and special delivery dates for UK post
• express options for international parcels
• reminder stacking with phone alerts and visual cues
• opting out of postal gifting with clear expectations
• normalizing missed dates with family agreements
• direct-to-door retailers and card reminders as access tools
• digita...

We unpack why Christmas spending spirals with ADHD and how small shifts can prevent the January crash. From reframing kids’ lists to smarter timing, secondhand wins, and handmade gifts, we keep the magic without the debt or guilt.

• reframing children’s lists as ideas to reduce pressure
• sharing lists with relatives to spread costs
• pacing purchases to match pay cycles
• using Black Friday with a pre-made plan
• applying a 24-hour pause to cut impulse buys
• spotting scams with URL checks and reverse image search
• making handmade gifts and photo frames
• finding themed jumpe...

Two ADHD mums and single parents reframe Christmas around connection, calm, and clear boundaries, not performance or perfection. We share real co-parenting wins, honest heartbreak, and practical tools for making a “fake Christmas” feel just as special.

• prioritizing felt joy over performative holidays
• simplifying meals with one-pot plans and lighter chores
• resisting social media pressure and comparison
• co-parenting options from shared mornings to firm boundaries
• child-led schedules and alternating traditions
• planning a separate “fake Christmas” that feels real
• coping with the day without your kids
• clear communication about kids’ dynamics with friends
• reframi...

We dig into where holiday magic crosses into overwhelm, from Santa credit and Elf on the Shelf stress to the naughty-nice narrative that ramps up anxiety. We share practical ways to protect trust, lower the mental load, and choose traditions that actually feel good.

• balancing gift equity between siblings and caregivers
• who gets credit for presents and why it matters
• handling direct questions about Santa without breaking trust
• elf on the shelf: lighter alternatives and skip options
• rejecting naughty–nice scoring to reduce anxiety
• picking two or three traditions you truly enjoy
• resistin...

We trade inherited expectations for rituals that fit real ADHD lives, from calm Christmas Eve boxes to comfort films and low-lift cheese boards. We also explore chosen family, breaking old rules, and giving yourself permission to redesign or skip tradition without guilt.

• choosing which traditions to keep and drop
• ADHD-friendly stockings with practical, joyful fillers
• simple Christmas Eve rituals that reduce overwhelm
• comfort films as co-regulation and connection
• food rituals like cheese boards and shared snacks
• games for low-pressure family time
• building chosen-family Boxing Day gatherings
• permission to reinvent or go untraditional...

We map the real work of Christmas with school-age kids: booking leave in time, juggling co‑parenting calendars, and protecting the quiet “twixtmas” days that help everyone reset. We share simple tools and scripts to say no, plan rest, and find childcare gaps without guilt.

• booking annual leave early in small teams
• setting co‑parenting anchor dates and shared calendars
• limited childcare and holiday clubs in winter
• pressure to create constant festive experiences
• scheduling PJ days and betwixtness
• boundary scripts for multiple family invites
• playdate swaps and low‑prep home activities
• managing high‑ener...

We trade ADHD-friendly gifting tactics that work with real pay cycles, time limits, and social norms, from charity shop wins to last-minute experience gifts and subscriptions. We push back on stigma, simplify decisions with themes, and share a cautionary tale about hiding presents too well.

• executive dysfunction and why plans fail
• secondhand gifts vs social expectations
• charity shop scanning and the Christmas box
• late shopping strategies and digital experiences
• subscriptions as budget smoothing
• clutter-aware gifting and minimalism
• one-theme shopping for less decision load
• using retailer deals for colleagues and family
• setting pr...

We face a December full of curveballs: a child with flu, a partner down, an upcoming operation, and a back injury that sent us to A&E. Plans shift, but connection holds as we rework Christmas with honesty, small systems, and a renewed respect for health.

• adapting holiday plans when illness strikes
• practical home systems that lower friction
• reshaping Christmas around a hospital stay
• accepting help and dropping guilt
• acute pain, access to care and resilience
• handwashing, first-defense sprays and echinacea
• sensory barriers to school flu jabs
• empathy, herd immunity and vaccine ethi...

We lay out a simple survival plan for the school run-up to Christmas: what to prioritize, what to drop, and how to make the chaos lighter with ADHD brains and real budgets. From consent forms to costumes, we share practical systems, community tips, and kinder boundaries.

• using screenshots and a calendar sweep to track dates
• leaning on WhatsApp groups for pinned deadlines and swaps
• choosing low-cost or secondhand jumpers and setting sensory-first rules
• building minimum viable costumes with what you have
• picking battles on donations, fairs and Tombola asks
• appreciating office staff and deciding...

We unpack the push and pull of Christmas, from the ache of not having the kids to the relief of a slower day. Practical planning tips help us trade chaos for calm without losing the joy of a second “fake Christmas.”

• choosing quiet or company when the kids are away
• how to plan multiple family Christmases without burnout
• visible fridge calendars and simple photo backups
• scheduling online shopping, wrapping, and nights out
• discreet calendar codes and low-effort colour systems
• Sunday resets and realistic boundaries with family
• giving yourself permission to redefine traditions
Duration: 00:09:48

We launch a daily “chaos calendar” to make December lighter for ADHD mums, trading perfection for practical help and honest stories. We share quick breathing resets, low-friction hacks, and real talk about messy holidays that still feel good.

• daily mini episodes across December
• simple breathing cues that actually get used
• small hacks for common stress points
• must-do vs nice-to-do lists that reduce friction
• normalising imperfect Christmas as ADHD mums
• scripts for saying no and asking for help
• connection and calm over perfection
• a shared plan to start each morning

You can look for...

We crack up trying to record, then settle into highs and lows: slugs in the house, file conversion chaos, a child’s autism diagnosis framed with empowering language, medical updates, a return to counseling studies, and the power of small, thoughtful acts. Joy shows up in unexpected places and changes the week.

• rental gaps, slugs and snails, landlord neglect
• file conversion struggles, accidental voice note nostalgia
• child’s autism diagnosis confirmed and celebrated
• empowering language choices and identity pride
• adult ADHD vs child diagnosis, support planning
• hospital appointments, ECG monitor, delayed surgery dates
• enro...

We listen to a mother lay out the grind of advocating for her neurodivergent child: three-year diagnosis timelines, EHCP hurdles, and the cost of going part-time to manage endless forms. We hold space for the anger, share practical tactics, and commit to building community that lightens the load.

• navigating ADHD and autism diagnosis delays
• small-school benefits and funding gaps
• EHCP prep, evidence gathering and templates
• hidden funds and how to find them
• posting forms, recorded delivery and costs
• managing capacity, privilege and burnout
• transition to high school and planning ahead
• building communi...

A surgeon finally gives clear answers, a timeline, and empathy, bringing relief and a hard truth about a year of recovery. We sit with fear, the loss of fertility, the grind of admin, and the joy that still breaks through, from book obsessions to band practice.

• surgeon’s plan, recovery timeline, and real empathy
• acknowledging medical neglect and its impact
• facing mortality admin, wills, and life insurance
• fertility loss, contrast with an ex’s new baby
• naming fear and accepting help from others
• tests booked, key worker assigned, forward movement
• reshaping recovery as learni...

A surgeon finally gives clear answers, a timeline, and empathy, bringing relief and a hard truth about a year of recovery. We sit with fear, the loss of fertility, the grind of admin, and the joy that still breaks through, from book obsessions to band practice.

• surgeon’s plan, recovery timeline, and real empathy
• acknowledging medical neglect and its impact
• facing mortality admin, wills, and life insurance
• fertility loss, contrast with an ex’s new baby
• naming fear and accepting help from others
• tests booked, key worker assigned, forward movement
• reshaping recovery as learni...

We explore masking as ADHD mums—what it is, how it starts, and why it drains us—then share ways to unmask gently without losing safety. Stories from school, work, family, and the school gate show how expectations and stigma push women and kids to perform “fine” while struggling underneath.

• Masking defined as hiding ND traits to appear neurotypical 
• Everyday masking examples in speech, routines and stillness 
• Gendered expectations and why women are diagnosed later 
• Burnout from school, work and social performance 
• Stigma, culture and safety as drivers for masking 
• Motherhood pressure and double masking at hom...

We trade chaos for a mid week and explore why calm can feel weird when your brain expects spikes. Therapy training gets real, co‑parenting shifts bring ease, ND‑friendly routines help with food, and a freezer fiasco turns into a small, satisfying win.

• naming highs and lows with a steadier baseline
• therapy training strain and client exposure under observation
• feedback culture, empathy management and de‑roling tactics
• co‑parenting schedule change and smoother school runs
• kids’ emotions balancing across households
• sensory‑friendly swimming lessons and trust‑first teaching
• food rollercoaster, weight meds and decision fat...

We share a listener’s voice note about burnout, PDA-like reactions, and the messy overlap between ADHD traits and the weight of modern caregiving. We trade stories of lost tickets, spare keys, and the quiet power of community when life keeps moving.

• neurotypical versus neurodivergent traits under stress
• workplace overload colliding with home demands
• PDA resonance and reacting to constant asks
• executive function strain and memory slips
• food, water, and sleep as cognitive fuel
• loneliness, relocation, and finding companionship in podcasts
• the care load of modern motherhood and systemic pressures
• simple supports an...

We juggle a sleepover recording, a sudden calf tear, and a night of folklore feminism that turns into a debate on neurodiversity. Touring stories bring sensory overload, body image wobble, and new joy in a younger fanbase, all stitched together with gallows humor and care.

• lost phone and charger spiral leading to injury
• self-triage vs hospital anxiety and DVT worries
• boots, crutches, accessibility and community swaps
• folklore talk on women’s credit and representation
• neurodiversity and masking in classic fairy tales
• social pressure at Q&A and sensory overwhelm
• mini-tour logistics without backstag...

We unpack why stress hits neurodivergent mums harder, how it shows up in daily life, and what actually helps when recovery takes longer. Science, lived experience, and small, realistic steps you can use right away.

• defining stress as long-term fight or flight
• the ADHD motherhood load and executive dysfunction
• sensory overload, shutdown, and dissociation
• research on maternal ADHD, self-efficacy, and stress
• chronic stress impacts on health and empathy
• practical tools: micro-rests and baselines
• sensory-friendly routines and habit stacking
• building support, delegating, and outsourcing
• boundaries, good enough parenting, and scripts
• when to seek...

We ride the chaos of ADHD adulting, from a misbehaving boiler and phone call dread to the joy of a charity fill‑a‑bag haul and a surprise Drag Race shoutout that becomes a music collab. Between DIY lemon sprays and tailoring vintage, we find momentum in small wins and make space for big creative fun.

• homeowner overwhelm, boiler running hot and cold, warranty confusion
• executive function barriers, paperwork systems, phone call avoidance
• charity fill‑a‑bag strategy, vintage tailoring, resale choices
• family fashion finds, values vs branding, budget wins
• cat spray problem, odor neutralising...

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Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen

For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE<...

We share a listener confession about a £400 AI robot called Emo, the rush of impulse buying around the holidays, and the slow slide into shame when the box stays hidden under a cupboard. We sit with the humor and the sting, and map gentler ways to unhook from targeted ads, hyperfocus, and regret.

• how hyperfocus and novelty feed impulsive buys
• the shift from excitement to shame after delayed gratification
• using kids and gifts to justify personal wants
• the real cost of secrecy and money stress
• algorithms, micro-targeting and ADHD vulnerability
• practical speed bumps for big...

We weigh the pull of casual dating against the craving for depth, then pivot to a season of intentional solo time. A chaotic lockout and a trampoline rescue collide with tender reflections on parenting a teen and finding new ways to connect.

• choosing solitude over casual dating
• therapy question reframing habits
• building one mindful night alone
• neighbor giveaway and door latch mishap
• trampoline jump rescue and aftermath
• missing early-childhood rituals at Halloween
• new teen bonding through shared shows
• setting media boundaries with empathy
• rediscovering hugs, humor and ease

Su...

We connect the dots between ADHD and perimenopause, tracing how shifting hormones intensify brain fog, mood swings, and executive dysfunction while piling onto the invisible load many mums carry. We share lived experience, research highlights, HRT realities, and practical supports that make daily life kinder and more doable.

• hormone shifts lowering estrogen and impacting dopamine regulation
• perimenopause amplifying ADHD symptoms and cognitive fatigue
• mood volatility linked to progesterone fluctuations
• shame, masking and feeling judged for executive dysfunction
• HRT formats, access, risks and reported benefits
• research gaps in studies excluding or not segmenting ADHD women Duration: 00:49:45

Again the ADHD mums ride a week of small chaos and big feelings: the mystery of a missing soup maker lead, executive dysfunction flare-ups, and why reality TV can be therapeutic. We also reframe dating as play, by sharing conversation prompts that filter for values.

• the soup maker mishap and expectations
• cleaning the kitchen, mold discovery, small wins
• reality TV as calming routine and daily rhythm
• Big Brother debates, diversity, and measured pushback
• wardrobe overload, identity after motherhood, reselling plans
• reframing dating to curiosity and fun
• conversation prompts that surface values
• train cr...

We untangle the knot of executive dysfunction, depression, and ADHD burnout—why they overlap, how they differ, and what to do next. Personal stories, simple self-checks, and practical tools help you spot what’s happening and choose support that actually fits.

• What executive function is and why it fails in ADHD
• How working memory, inhibition, and flexibility show up day to day
• Depression symptoms versus task-related stuckness
• ADHD burnout causes: overload, masking, sleep and dopamine
• Key differences: triggers, relief, and persistence
• Self-questions to tell them apart quickly
• Tools for each: structure, professional care...

We move from a child’s “ugly” beauty mark to the roots of how we learned to see ourselves, then into ADHD strategies, midlife shifts, and a study win that restores momentum. A domestic spiral ends in repair, a charity shop miracle desk, and a color-coded bookshelf that feels like hope.

• unlearning the male gaze and 90s beauty rules
• talking to kids about body image without new pressures
• perimenopause feelings and the mirror mismatch
• ADHD hyperfocus, RSD, and kinder self-talk
• study structure that turns anxiety into a pass
• clutter overwhelm, partner repair, and asking for hel...

What happens when every morning feels like a battleground? When getting dressed, brushing teeth, or simply walking out the door triggers anxiety so intense it manifests as defiance? In this deeply insightful exploration, we unpack the crucial differences between Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – two profiles that look remarkably similar on the surface but require fundamentally different parenting approaches.

Drawing from our personal experiences as neurodivergent parents, we break down how the PDA profile within autism manifests as extreme anxiety around everyday demands, creating situations where children (and adults) physically cannot comply rather th...

This week we go from chaotic bedrooms and moving house anxieties to surprising revelations during alternative healing sessions.

• Gen struggles with returning household chaos despite previous organization success
• She's been creating detailed plans for an upcoming house move while battling task paralysis
• Gen loved attending a women's financial well-being workshop, which provided structure and community support
• Claire's skepticism turns to amazement during an unexpected Reiki healing session
• Physical sensations of heat, relaxation, and pain relief transformed her perspective on energy work
• Gen shares her own powerful past experiences with Reiki, including unexpected connections<...

Have you ever noticed how your child's meltdown seems to trigger your own internal alarm system? There's a biological reason for that—and understanding it might just transform your approach to parenting.

In this deep dive into co-regulation, we explore the fascinating science behind how neurodivergent parents and children affect each other's nervous systems. Using Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory as our guide, we explain how our bodies move between states of safety, fight-or-flight, and shutdown—visualized as climbing up and down a ladder of regulation. When our kids get stuck at the bottom of the ladder, how can...

We share our weekly highs and lows, exploring perfectionism, dating app adventures, and the challenges of parenting through burnout.

• Claire discusses her struggle with perfectionism through a mirror restoration project that caused family tension and revealed further possible autism traits alongside her ADHD
• She celebrates a successful counseling session with her son, with the therapist validating concerns about school support for neurodiversity
• Gen finds humour in dating app experiences, celebrating her ability to set boundaries with someone who misinterpreted her profile
• Gen details parenting while experiencing burnout, including a stressful evening culminating in "the coffee i...

Ever felt that sinking feeling when you realize money's vanishing from your account every month for services you don't even use? You're not alone.

In this eye-opening conversation, Claire has reluctantly been tasked by Gen to investigate her subscriptions NOW, not tomorrow. This ends up in a financial awakening that reveals she's spending well over £125 monthly on completely unused subscriptions. From educational apps that proved too basic (but kept charging anyway) to streaming services signed up for single shows, the financial drain is both shocking and relatable.

The subscription trap takes many forms. Claire discovers s...

We share our highs and lows of the week, diving into embarrassing moments, therapy breakthroughs, and the financial challenges of managing ADHD.

• Gen recounts an embarrassing incident with her new university tutor
• She also found a therapist who feels like "a vibe" after reaching the top of a waiting list for free therapy
• Claire discusses financial struggles while dealing with health issues that limit her ability to work
• We explore the "ADHD tax" of forgotten subscriptions and strategies for managing them
• Gen shares a tip about immediately cancelling free trials after signing up, to avoid r...

We discuss the fascinating connection between neurodivergent children and their attraction to horror, spooky stories, and darker themes. We explore why these interests shouldn't necessarily concern parents but might actually represent healthy processing and identity formation.

• Neurodivergent children often relate more to villains and outsider characters than traditional heroes
• Many ADHD and autistic children have an innate attraction to horror and spooky content from a young age
• Children who experience frequent correction or feeling different may find validation in characters who don't fit in
• The neurochemical rewards of controlled fear experiences can be particularly appealin...

We've launched a dedicated phone line for listener voice notes to create a more interactive podcast experience. Our new Voice Notes From The Edge feature gives you a direct way to share your stories and questions with us.

• Call or text 07308 450037 to leave your voice messages
• Share your highs, lows, funny stories, and embarrassing moments
• Send us your life hacks, recommendations, and burning questions
• We'll respond to your messages and might feature them in future episodes
• We can be your agony aunts, cackling sisters, or dedicated researchers

Call or text us at 07308 4...

We share our weekly highs and lows, focusing on how we're learning to manage the "feast and famine" energy cycles that come with ADHD. We discuss practical strategies for avoiding over-commitment and finding balance in chaotic lives.

• Gen's low involves recognizing she was taking on too many new opportunities and creating an unsustainable schedule
• Using a color-coded timetable helped her visualize her commitments and prioritize "sacred time" with her children
• Gen made practical adjustments like switching to phone counselling to reduce travel time
• Claire's low centers around a cascade of transportation problems stemming from an unpai...

We return to discuss the highs and lows of navigating life with ADHD while managing health challenges, medication adjustments, and back-to-school transitions.

• Claire shares her realization that stopping ADHD medication during illness significantly impacted her cognitive function
• We discuss the challenges of body awareness and pacing for neurodivergent people when unwell
• Claire's health updates including upcoming surgery and attending a family gig despite physical limitations
• Gen celebrates a successful back-to-school transition after previous struggles with school avoidance
• The importance of teachers who genuinely like and support neurodivergent children
• Reflections on our own childhood ex...

We're back again, with our Highs and Lows...

• Claire's low: Being stuck at home while sick, dealing with hospitals and the mental health impact of isolation
• The disconnect between feeling young inside while aging physically 
• Gym memberships and exercise intentions that never materialize – a classic ADHD pattern.
• Claire's high: Support from loved ones, especially her son cooking meals and spending quality time
• Gen's ongoing challenges of solo parenting and summer holiday management
• A fruit fly invasion and "creative" (but totally ineffective) trap inventions
• Boss moments in the continuation of Gen getting back into her mus...

We return after a sudden absence to explain our disappearance, sharing candid stories about our recent medical emergencies and hospital stays.

• Claire spent over ten days in multiple hospitals dealing with a severe infection in her fallopian tubes
• A hospital procedure gone wrong left Claire with a drain tube caught on her sciatic nerve, causing excruciating pain
• After being discharged, Claire has spent weeks trying to coordinate care between two hospitals that won't take responsibility for her treatment
• Gen underwent a painful procedure and experienced a spontaneous knee dislocation while recovering alone at home
• We...

We share our weekly highs and lows, exploring the emotional challenges of parenting teens and finding moments of connection amid chaos.

• Claire's week dominated by helping her teenage son through exam stress, requiring her to relearn subjects from Latin to maths
• The breakthrough moment when her son allowed physical comfort after almost a year of rejection
• Claire reassuring her anxious teen that subject choices don't determine his entire future
• Gen's anxiety spiral after reading about potential cyber attacks leading to World War III fears
• Her coping mechanism of purchasing emergency supplies while trying to maintai...

We explore what their ideal ADHD-friendly homes would look like, from practical solutions to fantastical dreams, while repeatedly getting side-tracked, as per usual.

• Low-maintenance outdoor spaces like yards with potted plants instead of gardens requiring constant upkeep
• Automated home features like laundry chutes, robot vacuum cleaners, and smart home technology to reduce cognitive load
• Meal prep strategies and the challenges of demand avoidance when it comes to pre-planned meals
• Creating snack boxes for children to reduce constant food requests while providing structure
• The distinction between comfort eating and using food as a form of dissoci...

We explore how ADHD brains might be better suited to hunter-gatherer societies than our modern capitalist world, questioning if our current social structures are fundamentally misaligned with neurodivergent minds.

• The hunter-gatherer theory of ADHD suggests our brains evolved for different tasks than modern 9-to-5 work demands
• Claire discusses how leaving her job allowed her to reconnect with her authentic self after being depleted by constant masking and exhaustion
• Universal basic income could potentially allow ADHD individuals to contribute meaningfully in ways that work with their brain wiring
• The concept of communal living as an alternat...

We share our weekly highs and lows, exploring the challenges of neurodivergent travel and the joys of neighborhood connections.

• Claire's low: the chaos of traveling as a neurodivergent couple, including last-minute passport expiration panic and disorganization with transort.
• Claire's high: experiencing ancient Neanderthal cave art in Spain despite terrifying slippery stairs and language barriers.
• Overcoming communication challenges in Spanish with Google translate and determination.
• Finding relaxation at a poolside resort after the stress of the cave adventure.
• Gen's low: ongoing co-parenting challenges and the struggle to reach agreement on basic essentials
• Gen's high: neighb...

We explore Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), an intense emotional reaction to perceived rejection or criticism commonly experienced by people with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. We share personal stories about how understanding RSD has helped us recognize when we're experiencing it and develop healthier responses to perceived rejection.

• RSD causes intense emotional pain in response to perceived criticism or rejection
• Fear of rejection can lead to avoiding social interactions and difficulty maintaining relationships
• People pleasing behaviours often develop as a protection strategy against potential rejection
• Understanding RSD helps in recognizing when you're experiencing it and chal...

We dive deep into the rollercoaster of ADHD parenting, from school refusal crises to chaotic hospital visits, while also exploring how hormones and PMDD can devastate our mental health.

• Gen shares her daughter's escalating school refusal that culminated in her unlocking school gates and running into traffic
• Dealing with physical aggression and bites from children during meltdowns
• The chaos of managing two children with different needs during a hospital emergency
• Building a healthier relationship with your own ADHD parent as an adult
• Claire discusses her debilitating depression caused by PMDD and perimenopause
• How HRT help...

Claire and Gen discuss Chris Packham's BBC documentary "Inside Our ADHD Minds," sharing how it portrays the lived experience of ADHD through the stories of two individuals with the condition.

• Documentary follows Henry (diagnosed as a child) and Jo (diagnosed late in life) as they create films to help their loved ones understand ADHD
• Henry's film portrayed ADHD as a character bombarding him with distractions, using ball pit balls as metaphors for competing thoughts
• Jo's late diagnosis led to grief and anger about opportunities missed without proper understanding
• We both related deeply to the challeng...

Another dose of our weekly highs and lows, diving into the physical and emotional toll of health struggles, bureaucratic nightmares, and finding unexpected parenting wins.

• Claire discusses her weight loss journey and the exhaustion from medical treatments affecting her productivity and mental health
• Physical health limitations create additional challenges when managing daily tasks and household responsibilities 
• Gen shares a series of bizarre administrative errors where she's "disappeared" from medical systems and appointment records
• The profound impact these errors have on someone with ADHD who already questions their perception of reality
• A parenting win using timer...

We introduce our new feature "Voice Notes from the Edge" where listeners can send us voice messages with questions, stories, or ADHD hacks that we'll respond to on the podcast.

• Our first message comes from a listener who's had her ADHD referral lost in the healthcare system
• She asks whether pursuing diagnosis is worth the uphill battle after experiencing system failures
• We discuss how common it is for paperwork to get lost due to underfunded, overstretched healthcare systems
• When you have undiagnosed ADHD, these failures can trigger deep self-doubt and feelings of personal failure
• We...

Claire's recent recurrent nightmares and a podcast reccomendation have made her want to finally share her deeply personal journey of escaping an abusive relationship decades ago.  We talk around the unique vulnerabilities ADHD women face in toxic partnerships.

• ADHD traits can make individuals more susceptible to manipulation and gaslighting
• Early warning signs of abuse include controlling behavior, isolation from friends and family, and financial control
• Abusive relationships often escalate gradually over years, with physical violence sometimes appearing later
• Nightmares and PTSD symptoms can persist long after leaving an abusive relationship
• Fear of being alone, not...

ADHD diagnosis brings initial relief until the harsh reality sets in – it helps you understand yourself better but doesn't make the struggles disappear. The journey continues with extreme highs and lows, requiring ongoing effort and coping strategies.

• Gen shares that recognizing anxiety as an "unwelcome visitor" rather than part of her identity represents significant growth
• When physical symptoms of anxiety include heightened awareness of your heart and lungs and racing thought patterns 
• Anxiety can trigger awareness of other past mental health issues like eating disorders
• Having neurodivergent friends who truly understand you is invaluable for us ADHD...

We discuss the emotional journey of moving house as a Mum with ADHD, from being stuck in overwhelming clutter to successfully downsizing by 75% into a more functional living space. Frickin WOOOO-HOOOOOOO! YES Claire!!! 

• Setting the ambitious goal to eliminate 75% of possessions despite sentimental attachments and hoarding tendencies
• Discovering the surprising ease with which her teenage son adapted to minimalism after years of collecting
• Processing the emotional grief of letting go of cherished mementos and childhood items
• Confronting the "ADHD tax" - finding multiple duplicates of items purchased when originals couldn't be found
• Managing the overwhe...

This week we explore the balance between global activism and personal challenges, sharing how we navigate feelings of helplessness about world events while managing the daily chaos of ADHD parenthood.

• Claire discusses her journey from feeling helpless about the situation in Palestine to taking action by connecting with local activists
• The importance of boycotting certain products as a tangible way to make a difference
• How Claire's recent job change after 17 years created both anxiety and new opportunities for meaningful engagement
• Gen shares her struggles with household management as a single parent and the physical manifest...

Household management presents unique challenges for mothers with ADHD, from the constant distractions to the repetitive, unrewarding nature of daily tasks. We explore "Overwhelmed Mum Syndrome" and share practical solutions for making our homes more ADHD-friendly.

• Household tasks are particularly difficult for ADHD brains due to lack of structure, constant interruptions, and minimal dopamine rewards
• The gendered division of labour places most household management on women, contributing to the rise in adult female ADHD diagnoses
• Co-regulating with children while managing your own ADHD creates additional emotional labour
• Creating ADHD-friendly systems like bag sorting methods and read...

We share our experiences with dating fatigue, disability discrimination, and finding joy in neuro-divergent spaces while navigating life with ADHD.

• Gen admits reaching dating fatigue and Claire points out how Gen's standards have risen as she's learned more about herself
• Dating with ADHD presents unique challenges including time management and intense connections
• Gen celebrates her current joy in "platonic dating" - developing meaningful friendships from dating connections without romantic expectations
• Claire shares her frustrating experience completing a 21-page handwritten disability form that forced her to relive medical trauma
• Systemic discrimination against people with disabiliti...

We discuss the highs and lows of our weeks, ft:
• Claire's escalating dismay at a furniture company over delayed sofas and turning confrontation into a win
• Finding satisfaction in home organization that creates space for creative projects
• Dealing with a child's escalating school refusal and the emotional complexity as an ADHD parent who relates
• The joy of a weekend getaway for Gen with her band at Whitby Goth Festival
• Learning to celebrate small victories and turn potential lows into unexpected highs

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Further TW: This podcast references...

We're back after an unexpected 18-month break, and what a whirlwind it's been! Life with ADHD never slows down, and we've both experienced some big changes that have reshaped our day to day completely.

Gen's journey has taken her from co-parenting related job loss to university studies, from a relationship ending to dating adventures, and most significantly, through transformative EMDR therapy that's revolutionized her self-perception. 

Meanwhile, Claire's path has been dominated by health challenges – from employment discrimination due to illness to multiple diagnoses, a significant medical weight loss journey, and the emotional rollercoaster of losing her...

Ever wondered how ADHD affects women juggling a career, parenting, and daily life struggles? Tune in as we are joined by our guest Mellanie, to hear her personal journey of dealing with ADHD in the workplace. Still coming to terms with her late diagnosis, she describes the constant fight to fit into a world that seems so effortlessly managed by others, and the challenges of making a mark in the corporate setup.

She shares how transitioning from office spaces to working from home has significantly affected her productivity and mental health. Mellanie, with her fascinating insights, leads...

Ever found it tough to manage the daily chaos that ADHD throws at you while juggling the trials and tribulations of motherhood? Picture this: You've got an early morning job, and you're trying to navigate getting home in freezing rain, just to arrive home and find your prepayment electricity meter going on strike. 

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Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

Duration: 00:34:39

Navigating the workplace can be a minefield, especially when you are living with a disability. But imagine if you had a tool in your arsenal that could provide up to £63,000 per year to help you stay in or return to work?

Well, the UK government's Access to Work scheme apparently does just that.
We talk through through the many ways this fund can potentially be a game-changer for you, from covering your travel expenses to securing a job coach. However, we also highlight some of the stumbling blocks along the way, such as the challenge of f...

What happens when life throws a curveball and you find yourself juggling a sick child, a new job, and a migraine? You grit your teeth through a free full body massage, of course! 

Join us for a chat about our week, that was a mixed bag of highs and lows. Competing with the normal stresses of parenthood, Gen had the excitement of a new job at a spa, but found herself and her youngest child ill on her first day. Claire had a seriously stressful day of trying to get out of the city centre, with a d...

This month we get real about the realities of the working world? Join us on a rollercoaster journey through our eclectic work lives. We'll take you through our work path diversity, from waitressing to wedding photography, discussing the pressures of earning a living when your output changes so significantly from one day to the next.

We touch on how the Liverpool music scene, in which we grew up, bridges dreams with benefits and how even these have diminished under Tory government regimes. 
We delve deeper into the harsher aspects of the workplace. We share the agonies o...

If anyone understands about how ADHD can impact a woman's experience during pregnancy and postnatal care, it's a midwife with ADHD, who has had three pregnancies of her own. Our guest, Laura Spence, The ADHD Midwife, is going to open our eyes to the intricacies of neurodivergence and maternity services. Laura’s incredible journey starts with her own struggles with self-care, friendships, and academic life, leading her to the passionate work she does now. Her commitment to raising awareness about the unique needs of pregnant women with ADHD is totally brilliant. 

Laura doesn’t shy away from shari...

In our highs and lows of the week, we share our struggles with single parenting, co-parenting schedules, and changing households.  We pre-empt our upcoming month's topic, by discussing candidness about disclosing ADHD to potential employers, and the ethical considerations around this. As always, we hope this section will entertain, and also offer a sense of acceptance in those listeners who can relate to the situations we are living through week by week. 

We discuss the interplay between hormones and ADHD, especially how Oestrogen, a key player in regulating dopamine pathways in the brain, can shape this jo...

Imagine being diagnosed with ADHD during your pregnancy. Our guest Ellie lived it and she's here to share the raw and riveting aspects of her journey. Ellie's story isn't just about the struggle; it's about the victories, the support, and the open conversations that make her experiences relatable and inspiring. From Hyperemesis Gravidarium, to figuring out medications, Ellie's narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions, determination, and resilience.  Ellie shares how simple strategies like setting timers on her phone turned into a lifeline in managing her ADHD, and shows the importance of pushing through, even when situations seem daunting. 
Duration: 01:08:50

Well listeners, you asked for it, so this moth we venture into the world of pregnancy and motherhood through the lens of ADHD. It's a rollercoaster ride - one that can be quite overwhelming for anyone. 

We investigate how ADHD could affect someone's pregnancy journey. We've been there, and we open the dialogue this month by recalling what we can from our own experiences of pregnancy. From the joy, challenges, and reality checks that come with bringing a baby into the world, to the complexities of managing ADHD and depression during pregnancy, we share our personal experiences h...

In todays episode, we chat to the wonderful Rosie Gil Moss of the Widowed AF,  who candidly shares her unique journey to ADHD diagnosis. Rosie's insights into her private diagnosis of both ADHD and autism, offer a fresh perspective on the privileges and limitations of private diagnosis.

Parenting neurodivergent children as neurodivergent adults, can be complex, but it's a shared experience we are lucky enough, yet again, to share with our guest. Rosie navigates the challenges of managing a bustling household with four children, one of whom is Autistic, and others whom she suspects are neurodivergent. She s...

Have you sought diagnosis for ADHD, only to feel completely overwhelmed by the UK's labyrinthine diagnosis pathways? Well, we've been there, felt that, and today we are attempting to break it down a little for you.

Remember the time when you assumed your GP was the only hurdle between you and your ADHD diagnosis? We dive into the gatekeeper role of GPs and the impact of limited resources on the accessibility of the whole process.
Post-Brexit Tory Britain... Don't get us started!

We explore the options, including new 24/7 service Babylon GP (which we thought...

We're back again, with episode 2 of DIAGNOSIS MONTH!

In our weekly HIGHS & LOWS OF THE WEEK section, witness a chaotic complication of balancing independence and responsibility when it comes to money management for children, and ponder the life cycle of a frog!

Our special guest, ADHD coach Michelle, opens up about her own journey with ADHD - from the emotional rollercoaster of seeking a diagnosis to finally finding answers and the relief it brings. We examine the societal expectations that come along with the condition and the struggles of everyday tasks that others often take...

This episode marks the start of ADHD MUMS Diagnosis month.
Seeking diagnosis is too often a rollercoaster ride, a reeeeeeally painfully slow one! Navigating the complications of ADHD diagnosis while balancing the challenges of modern motherhood, that's extra!

In this week's Highs And Lows Of The Week we reflect on the ending of the summer holidays, from the challenges of travel with kids, to the kindness of strangers, and the stresses of the transition to high school.

We then map our own paths to ADHD diagnosis, and discuss the controversial Panorama documentary titled 'Private...

Emma Llewelyn, ADHD mum and content creator, graces us with her presence, sharing her highs and lows of living with ADHD while raising children. 

Find out what got her to where she is, what she loves and loathes about her role as a content creator, the unique challenges and strengths of her long-term ND relationship, and how the struggles of being a parent can take its toll on the ND brain. We discuss the parallels between ADHD and ASD, and the art of masking. 
 
Learn how she manages to produce so much amazingly normalising snippets tha...

In Part 3 of introductions month we continue a candid chat about our personal journeys. As we discuss our life paths so far, we share stories about college and university, jobs, relationships, realising we had ADHD, and becoming mums. We keep it real about the reality of parenting while managing ADHD, from dealing with societal gender expectations to the unique struggles of women with ADHD.
 
This episode looks at the complexities of ADHD female life... becoming ADHD mum life, discussing everything from the challenge of maintaining household routines to  inconsistency with discipline.

Drawing from a study of...

INTERVIEW

Gen and Claire chat to Claire of Mind Vox  and Single Parent Pessimist about mental health, mum guilt, blending families, and the power of apologising to your child.

In their regular feature they discuss their highs and lows of their week as ADHD mums. 

TRIGGER WARNINGS 

This episode references depression, mood disorders, mental illness, anxiety, PDA, anti-depressant medications, therapy, misdiagnosis, trauma, CPTSD, dissociation, sensory processing difficulties, family dispute, 

...