Conflict, ADHD, and RSD: Why It Feels So Personal and How to Navigate It

Conflict doesn’t always mean drama—and for ADHDers, it often starts inside our own heads.

In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee sits down with returning guest Cheryl Dics to explore the deep connection between ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). From misunderstood texts to boundary-setting gone sideways, this conversation dives into how ADHD brains process conflict—and how curiosity and values-based reflection can help.

We talk about:

• How RSD can create conflict where none exists
• The role of perception and past trauma in emotional responses
• Why identifying core values (like fairness or honesty) can defuse tension
• Tools to pause, regulate, and respond more intentionally
• How conflict, when approached constructively, can deepen relationships

Whether you're a fellow ADHDer or someone who loves one, this episode offers compassionate insight and practical tools for navigating conflict without shame.

Here’s a clear, ADHD-friendly Call to Action (CTA) you can include at the end of your RSS description, and/or say in your outro:

If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to follow, rate, and review ADHD Eavesdrop on your favorite podcast app. ⭐️

💌 Share it with a friend who struggles with conflict or emotional overwhelm—it might be the conversation they didn’t know they needed.

And if you're looking for ADHD support or coaching, reach out!

Connect with Janine: jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net

Connect with Cheryl: sigmawolfcoaching.com

✨ Welcome to ADHD Eavesdrop! ✨

This episode is your fast pass to one of the most ADHD-friendly fitness programs ever created. We’re talking dopamine, Disney, and discipline—yes, really! 🎢🏰

Join host Janine VanStee, fellow ADHDer Inna Phillips, and Jake Mayes (aka @TheDisneyFitCoach) as we explore Magical Transformations—a Disney-themed fitness and mindset community built by and for neurodivergent adults.

Jake shares how burnout led to breakthroughs and how his ADHD struggles inspired a vibrant, inclusive space that supports consistency through fun—not guilt. Think protein tips, lazy meal hacks, dopamine rewards, and Disney magic... and yes, it actually works.

We dive into the power of community, motivation that actually sticks, and how a little pixie dust can go a long way when it comes to ADHD-friendly fitness.

🔗 Connect with Jake Mayes: Instagram: @TheDisneyFitCoach Join Magical Transformations: https://schoolapp.link/magicaltransformations

🦋 Love what you hear? Subscribe to ADHD Eavesdrop for new episodes every Monday. 🎧 Podcast + Video | 💬 ADHD-friendly chats | 🧩 Real talk + real tools 🌐 https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net

Can you really be too smart to have ADHD? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, I’m joined by my daughter Savannah for an honest and funny conversation about one of the most persistent ADHD myths — that good grades or high intelligence rule out an ADHD diagnosis.

We dive into:

• Masking in school
• High-functioning ADHD
• Perfectionism and burnout
• Executive dysfunction
• Rejection sensitivity (RSD)
• Growing up undiagnosed
• Grieving the “perfect” version of ourselves

Whether you’re an adult with ADHD, a parent, a professional, or just curious about how ADHD can show up behind the scenes, this episode will hit home.

🔔 Don’t forget to follow the show and leave a review if this resonated with you!

🦋 Hosted by Janine VanStee, ADHD Life Coach & retired educator 📩 Contact: [email protected] 🌐 Website: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net

Radical acceptance isn’t easy—especially with ADHD. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, ADHD life coaches Janine VanStee and Beth Thomas get real about why self-acceptance is such a challenge for neurodivergent folks. We dive into perfectionism, people-pleasing, internalized shame, and the lifelong impact of growing up feeling “different.” Whether you’re late diagnosed or just learning to embrace your brain, this is the episode for you.

🎧 What you’ll hear:

• Why asking for help feels so hard with ADHD
• The surprising power of radical acceptance
• Personal stories that might sound a lot like yours
• Tips for building a healthier relationship with yourself

🔗 Connect with Beth Thomas: https://unbound-mind-adhd-lifecoaching.kit.com/profile/links

🦋 Hosted by Janine VanStee | ADHD Life Coach New episodes every Monday. Subscribe and join the conversation!

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Learn how ADHD impacts school life, IEPs vs. 504 Plans, and how to advocate for the right support. Real talk with a school psychologist and a late-diagnosed ADHD host!

Navigating ADHD at school can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, host Janine VanStee sits down with longtime friend and school psychologist Kevin Seale to break down everything parents need to know about ADHD, IEPs, and 504 Plans.

We talk about what accommodations are available, how to advocate for your child, why ADHD is different for every kid, and what really goes into getting special education services. Kevin also shares powerful advice for parents, including why understanding—not perfection—is key.

If you’re wondering when an IEP is necessary, how 504s are different, or how ADHD impacts school life emotionally and academically, this conversation is packed with expert tips and personal insights.

Topics Covered:

• The difference between IEPs and 504 Plans for ADHD
• How ADHD affects executive functioning, behavior, and academics
• Why ADHD doesn't look the same in every child
• How to advocate for accommodations at school
• Why emotional support matters as much as academic support
• Late-diagnosed ADHD reflections from Janine and Kevin

Connect with Us: For questions, resources, or to share your experience, contact us through the show notes!

Subscribe and follow ADHD Eavesdrop for more candid conversations about life with ADHD.

ADHD, ADHD support in schools, IEP for ADHD, 504 Plan for ADHD, ADHD accommodations, ADHD diagnosis process, special education ADHD, ADHD advocacy, parenting ADHD, ADHD eavesdrop podcast

ADHD and food issues are real—meal prep, grocery shopping, impulsive eating, executive dysfunction, and demand avoidance all make eating tough. If you've ever forgotten to eat or binged on snacks after 10pm, this one’s for you.

In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, ADHD life coach Janine VanStee and returning guest Rachel Kurivan talk about their complex relationships with food. From the stress of planning meals and shopping to the shame spiral of late-night snacking, they unpack why food is so hard for ADHD brains—and how to cope with it.

🎯 Topics covered:

• Why executive dysfunction wrecks meal planning
• Food prep, cooking, and sensory overload
• Impulsivity, grazing, and “crunchy food” cravings
• Grocery store overwhelm and substitutions gone wrong
• Shame, guilt, and binge cycles
• Tools that help: fidgets, body doubling, and even brushing your teeth
• Why some ADHDers can’t stop eating…and others forget to eat altogether
• The role of meds, demand avoidance, and self-compassion

Whether you’re skipping meals or eating everything in sight, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. This episode is full of honest laughs and helpful insights for building a better relationship with food (and yourself).

🍽️ Host: Janine VanStee | ADHD Eavesdrop Podcast

Guest: Rachel Currivan

🦋 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and share! 🎙️ Learn more at JVanStee ADHD Life Coaching

Keywords: ADHD and food, ADHD eating habits, ADHD and impulsive eating, ADHD meal prep, ADHD executive dysfunction, ADHD grocery shopping, ADHD snacks, ADHD forget to eat, ADHD binge eating, ADHD and cooking, ADHD and demand avoidance, ADHD shame cycle, ADHD fidgets, ADHD strategies, ADHD podcast

What if the voice telling you to keep vaping... isn’t really you?

In this powerful Part 2 conversation with trauma-informed coach Cheryl Dics, we explore the inner critic, the “addictive brain,” and the sacred work of meeting your shadow self. This episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating ADHD, emotional triggers, people-pleasing, or recovery from addiction.

🌿 In This Episode, We Explore:

• Shadow work & confronting the addictive brain
• Building a relationship with your sacred self
• Emotional regulation for ADHD & neurodivergent minds
• Healing limiting beliefs through inner child work
• Recovery, relapse, and the “wine witch” persona
• Creating an internal sanctuary & grounding during overwhelm
• Emotional intelligence as a tool for sustainable healing

✨ “You're not alone. You’re just meeting parts of yourself you’ve ignored.” — Cheryl Dics

🎧 Perfect For Listeners Who Are:

• Navigating ADHD and emotional dysregulation
• In recovery from vaping, alcohol, or other habits
• Exploring trauma-informed healing, shadow work, or coaching
• Wanting practical tools for emotional resilience
• Curious about spiritual approaches to personal growth

💬 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a friend who’s on their own healing path.

🔗 Learn more about Cheryl’s course (just $49) https://cheryl-dics-s-school.teachable.com/l/pdp/emotional-intelligence-and-recovery

Connect with Janine: [email protected]

#HealingWithADHD #ShadowWork #NeurodivergentRecovery #ADHDCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #MeetYourInnerCritic

In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine welcomes back Cheryl Dics, founder of Sigma Wolf Coaching, to discuss her transformative new course, "Personal Recovery and Emotional Intelligence." Cheryl shares her personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the critical difference between making choices and making decisions. They dive deep into coping mechanisms, addiction awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategies for building self-esteem and resilience.

Join us for an honest, insightful conversation about overcoming addiction, finding your inner strength, and learning how to make meaningful changes that stick. Cheryl shares practical tips from her own experience and her 10-part recovery series designed to help you rebuild your foundation and thrive.

Take the Course!: https://cheryl-dics-s-school.teachable.com/l/pdp/emotional-intelligence-and-recovery

Looking for support? Contact Cheryl Dics at Sigma Wolf Coaching: sigmawolfcoaching.com

Stay connected with Janine VanStee and ADHD Eavesdrop for more real conversations and support: https://JVanSteeADHDLifeCoaching.net or email: [email protected]

#PersonalRecovery #EmotionalIntelligence #ADHD #AddictionRecovery #SelfImprovement #SigmaWolfCoaching #ADHDEavesdrop #MentalHealth #CopingMechanisms #SelfEsteem #DecisionMaking

In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee sits down with Cheryl Dics, creator of the Personal Recovery and Emotional Intelligence course and founder of Sigma Wolf Coaching. Cheryl shares her powerful journey through addiction, emotional growth, and recovery, including how she overcame smoking, binge eating, and alcohol use, and how ADHD influenced her path.

We explore the difference between making choices versus decisions when it comes to breaking habits, the role of emotional intelligence in recovery, and practical strategies for personal transformation. Cheryl also opens up about the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and self-acceptance on the path to healing.

Whether you’re navigating addiction, managing ADHD, or seeking emotional growth, this conversation offers real-life insights and tools to help you thrive.

To join Cheryl's course: https://cheryl-dics-s-school.teachable.com/l/pdp/emotional-intelligence-and-recovery

For more from Cheryl, visit Sigma Wolf Coaching.

Connect with Janine for ADHD coaching: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net

Tune in to gain inspiration and actionable advice!

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🎧 Short Preview Description (for Apple/Spotify Preview Text):

Janine and Mary reflect on ADHD, emotional growth, and the power of curiosity, self-awareness, and grace. They explore impulsivity, relationships, and how to shed old stories to embrace your true self.

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📝 Full SEO-Optimized Podcast Description (for expanded view):

In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, ADHD Life Coach Janine Vanstee sits down with Mary to reflect on a year of personal growth, emotional healing, and self-discovery.

They talk about how ADHD impacts relationships, impulsivity, and emotional regulation—especially as women navigating change later in life. Through laughter and vulnerability, they explore how curiosity, grace, and self-awareness can help rewire old patterns and create lasting transformation.

✨ Topics include:

• ADHD and emotional regulation
• Shedding limiting beliefs and identity stories
• Using curiosity to reduce impulsive reactions
• The power of the pause for ADHD brains
• ADHD in women over 50
• Building stronger relationships with ADHD
• Embracing your true self at any age

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