ADHDifference

Julie Legg sits down with Sam Gibson-Massey, founder and CEO of Hope, a workplace well-being platform on a mission to transform how organizations support their people, especially those navigating burnout, mental health challenges, and neurodivergence. 

With a personal ADHD diagnosis discovered later in life, Sam shares his journey through shame, anxiety, and the moment of clarity that helped him reframe his brain not as a problem, but as a difference. From there, he’s built a mission-driven business that merges data science with personalized care to support real humans in real workplaces. 

Key Points from the Episode: 

• Sam’s personal ADHD discovery at age 43 was sparked by a casual conversation and followed by a deep emotional journey 
• How Sam’s ADHD diagnosis clarified years of internal struggle 
• The power of naming the experience, moving from shame to self-compassion and eventually, public advocacy
• Hope’s mission to bring evidence-based, real-time, and personalized workplace support through data-driven tools 
• Transcendental meditation (TM) as a tool to manage mental overload and give the ADHD brain space to breathe 
• The concept of “Lamborghini engine, bicycle brakes”, how ADHD can feel like racing through life without the tools to stop 
• Understanding rejection sensitivity, emotional spirals, and the importance of building in mental recovery time 
• A call to action for anyone suspecting ADHD: You're not alone, and your difference is not a disorder, it’s just different 

Links: 

• WEBSITE: https://findhope.io 
• LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-gibson-massey/ 
• HOPE BLOG & RESOURCES: https://findhope.io/hope-blog-unlock-sustainable-success 
• MEDITATION APP: https://www.tm.org/en-us 

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg is joined by Alex McElroy, an international speaker, pastor, author, and leadership coach whose ADHD diagnosis reshaped the course of his life. After hitting academic rock bottom in college, Alex received a diagnosis that gave him the clarity and tools to rebuild.

Alex uses his platform to inspire others to find purpose in their challenges, harness their unique energy, and structure their lives in ways that work with their neurodivergence, not against it.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Alex’s journey to diagnosis after academic burnout in university
• How medication helped him reclaim focus and graduate successfully
• Reframing ADHD as a strength when paired with purpose
• How he uses calendars, alarms, and note-taking systems to stay on track
• The ongoing challenge of digital distraction and how he sets limits
• Advice for young people with ADHD: get support and don’t be ashamed
• How his ADHD contributes to his passion, energy, and creativity on stage
• A reminder that structure is not limitation, it’s liberation
• Final encouragement to “stay strong, stay in the fight”

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mcelroy-467869b/  

WEBSITE: www.alexrmcelroy.com

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg chats with Garrett Hammonds, the founder of a digital marketing agency and a self-described high-performing achiever who was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD in adulthood. Garrett opens up about the emotional impact of a late diagnosis, and how it reframed his self-perception from “just a weird kid” to someone whose brain simply worked differently. Since his diagnosis, Garrett has restructured not only his personal systems, but also the way he leads his agency. 

With his wife (also neurodivergent), Garrett has intentionally designed a workplace where diverse minds can thrive, replacing rigid time-tracking and unrealistic expectations with autonomy, flexibility, and trust. 

Key Points from the Episode: 

• Garrett’s journey to an adult ADHD diagnosis during the pandemic 
• How a reading struggle led to testing and a surprising revelation 
• Reframing childhood struggles through the lens of neurodivergence 
• The emotional relief and clarity that came with diagnosis 
• How his leadership style shifted after understanding his own brain 
• Building a neurodivergent-friendly agency with flexible systems and structure 
• Replacing micromanagement with trust and project-based work 
• Productivity hacks: themed workdays, time-blocking, and the Morgen app
•  Using tools like Willow Voice AI to manage writing-based executive dysfunction 
• Advice for newly diagnosed adults: “Be patient and be kind.” 

HAMMOND MEDIA: https://www.hmm.agency/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garretthammonds-digital/
MORGEN CALENDAR: https://www.morgen.so/
WILLOW VOICE: https://willowvoice.com/ 

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg welcomes Nicola Knobel, a creative strategist, systems thinker and proudly AuDHD, based in New Zealand. Nicola brings deep personal insight into what it means to navigate life with both ADHD and autism, particularly when diagnosed in adulthood.

From academic success to building creative businesses, Nicola shares how she’s made sense of her brain’s unique wiring, including the tension between ADHD spontaneity and autistic structure. She reflects on grief, identity, and the power of building systems that work with your neurotype, not against it.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Nicola’s late AuDHD diagnosis and how her son’s autism sparked her own discovery
• The emotional processing that followed including grief, self-forgiveness, and clarity
• The interplay between ADHD and autism traits (and how they sometimes conflict)
• How she’s built systems to support energy, creativity, and emotional regulation
• Using external scaffolding (like journaling) to manage cognitive load
• Nicola’s academic journey including six degrees 
• Insights into building neuroinclusive workplaces and adapting leadership styles
• Her experiences as a content creator and co-host of two podcasts
• Strategies for managing rejection sensitivity, hyperfocus, and executive function
• A message of encouragement for those still figuring out how to thrive with AuDHD

WEBSITE: https://nicolaknobel.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/in/nicola.knobel/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@NikiKnobel
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/nicolaknobel.blog
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaknobel/
SAFETEA PODCAST: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2290647
TOXIC WORKPLACE STORIES: https://lets_break_up.buzzsprout.com/

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg welcomes Noemi Platania, a clinical psychology researcher and PhD candidate based in the Netherlands. Working under the supervision of Professor Dr. Sandra Kooij and Dr. Dora Wynchank at the Expertise Center Adult ADHD in The Hague, Noemi is focused on improving the DIVA-5 diagnostic interview to better reflect the experiences of women and girls with ADHD.

With passion, humility, and deep curiosity, Noemi shares her academic journey, the real-world inspiration behind her work, and what she’s learning about how ADHD shows up differently in women and marginalised genders. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about why so many women are diagnosed late, or missed entirely, and what’s being done to close that gap.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Noemi’s personal and academic path to ADHD research
• Why the current diagnostic tools often miss ADHD in women
• What the DIVA-5 is and how it’s used around the world
• The role of masking, gender expectations, and cultural influences in diagnosis
• How international voices and focus groups are helping reshape the future of ADHD diagnostics
• What’s next for the research, and why it matters for women, non-binary people, and clinicians globally
• A message of hope for those still seeking recognition and support

DIVA FOUNDATION: https://www.divacenter.eu/

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Diagnosed as an adult, Julie Legg interviews guests from around the world, sharing uplifting stories, personal experiences, new ADHD perspectives, strategies, insights and resources to help inform, inspire and engage with adult ADHD listeners worldwide. 

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg speaks with Julio Angel Rivera, a writer, mental health advocate, and martial arts coach, about his experience with ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression and CPTSD.  

This jiu-jitsu philosophy profoundly resonates with how Julio has come to approach ADHD and mental health, and has learned to flow with challenges and embrace nonlinear paths to progress. Diagnosed at 42, he reflects on the struggles he faced before his diagnosis and the personal growth that followed and shares his insights on neurodivergence, trauma, and resilience. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Decades of training in jiu-jitsu, judo, and MMA provided Julio not only a physical outlet but philosophical grounding. 
• Mindfulness has become a vital tool in Julio’s mental health repertoire. He discusses the importance of learning to notice triggers and stay present during moments of dysregulation, which can help to de-escalate situations before they spiral - a skill rooted in both therapy and martial arts discipline. 
• Julio is the author of Brokedown Sensei and Internal Jiu-Jitsu (released May 2025) and blogger on Threads, Medium and Substack. 

LINKS 

Internal Jiu-Jitsu by Julio Rivera
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn - Julio Rivera
Threads
Medium
Substack 

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg interviews Cali Keating, a neurodivergent therapist based in Barcelona who specialises in supporting clients with the triple combo: ADHD, OCD and autism, and various dual combinations thereof. 

Cali explains how OCD, like ADHD, is tied to dopamine and cortisol regulation and how these overlapping neurodivergences can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

The core of the conversation revolves around multiple neurodivergent diagnoses, commonly referred to as "multiple exceptionalities" or "twice exceptional" when someone has more than one neurodivergent condition. Cali dives into the mechanisms and nuances of OCD, especially "Pure OCD" (also known as "Pure O"), which involves intense mental rituals rather than visible compulsions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• OCD affects both dopamine and cortisol regulation, making it not just an anxiety disorder but also a neurological one. The compulsions aren’t just habits, they’re urgent attempts to neutralize biochemical distress caused by intrusive thoughts.
• Characterised by intrusive thoughts and compulsions used to neutralize distress, OCD is commonly misunderstood. It’s not just about neatness or repetitive behaviours—it’s a neurological survival response, often invisible and deeply distressing.
• “Pure OCD” involves mental rituals rather than visible actions—this includes rumination, mental checking, or seeking constant reassurance. These hidden compulsions often go unnoticed, delaying diagnosis and understanding.
• Traits across ADHD, OCD, and autism can appear similar—such as hyperfocus, rigidity, or sensory sensitivity—but the motivations behind those traits differ. For example, hyperfocus in ADHD might stem from dopamine-seeking, while in OCD it may be driven by an obsessive need for certainty.
• Misinterpreting those motivations can lead to support plans that miss the mark. Treating the behaviour without understanding its function (e.g. assuming rigidity is just autism-related when it may stem from OCD) can result in strategies that feel invalidating or even increase distress.
• ADHD often coexists with OCD and autism, making accurate diagnosis more complex—but also more essential. Overlapping symptoms can cloud clinical clarity unless assessed through a neurodivergence-informed lens.
• Stigma and stereotypes often delay diagnosis, particularly for women or quieter individuals. Misconceptions about what OCD or ADHD “look like” can lead to missed or misdiagnoses, sometimes for decades.

LINKS

Cali Keating - Website

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie returns to respond to more questions in part 2 of Curiously ADHD. She ponders an array of topics including medication, meditation, labels, genetics, unmasking and reclaiming a lost spark.

As a late diagnosed ADHDer she offers empathetic, experience-based reflections meant to validate, soothe, and support.

6 KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED

Q1. Medication Worries: "I've recently started ADHD medication but it's not working well for me. I've changed GPs a few times and I'm now worried my current doctor won't take me seriously. What should I do?" 

Q2. Meditation Matters: "My mind is constantly noisy with internal chatter. I find it hard to sit still so meditation doesn't work for me. Do you have any tips to help?" 

Q3. Label Stigma: "I'm struggling with the ADHD label after my diagnosis. I don't want people to see me as 'too hard'. Should I keep it to myself?" 

Q4. Family Patterns: "My sister has ADHD and I suspect my mother does too. What are the chances I have it?" 

Q5. Unmasking Fatigue: "A work colleague said that unmasking can be exhausting. What does she mean by that?"

Q6. Regaining My Spark: "I feel ashamed of things I did before my ADHD diagnosis. I carry a lot of guilt and now I think I've lost the spark I used to have. How do I move forward?" 

LINKS

Self-Screening Assessment Tool – ADHD New Zealand

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg chats with Theresa Lear Levine—an EFT master practitioner, hypnotherapist, business coach, author and fellow ADHDer, about tapping into joy and presence.

Diagnosed with ADHD at 42 Theresa describes the experience as finally switching on a light in a room she didn’t know was dark. This self-discovery reframed years of internal tension and helped her release long-held guilt, particularly in her roles as a mother and entrepreneur. Together, they explore how therapeutic tools, like EFT and subconscious reprogramming, can shift emotional patterns.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• What is EFT? Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a therapeutic method that combines gentle tapping on acupressure points with focused verbal therapy. EFT may help clients release emotional blockages, heal past traumas, and regulate their nervous systems—especially helpful for those with ADHD whose emotions can be intense and quickly dysregulated.
• What is Law of Attraction Coaching? This is not just about positive or wishful thinking! This coaching approach teaches individuals to shift their thoughts, feelings, and energy to align with their goals. For ADHDers, this method can be empowering, helping redirect negative self-beliefs toward possibility and intentional living. 
• Subconscious Healing:  Many ADHD challenges stem not just from executive function struggles but from limiting subconscious beliefs and nervous system dysregulation. By working at this deeper level, clients often experience transformation in both mindset and outcomes.
• ADHD Resources: Listeners are invited to join Theresa’s Becoming More Me community, which offers free access to tools, workshops, and coaching resources—especially geared toward those with ADHD looking to overcome internal blocks.

LINKS

Theresa Lear Levine - Instagram

Theresa Lear Levine - Website

Theresa Lear Levine - LinkedIn

Becoming More Me – Book by Theresa Lear Levine 

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast
▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More