What happens when an ADHD diagnosis finally gives you a name for the things you’ve spent a lifetime blaming yourself for? 

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with author and actor 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧 for a deeply personal, funny, and unfiltered conversation about receiving an ADHD diagnosis at 50 and looking back at his life through an entirely new lens. 

Paul opens up about living with an overactive mind, persistent overwhelm, and the whole gamut of self-medication before he understood what was happening. Addiction, divorce, relationships gained and lost, intense public scrutiny, and a rapid-cycle of major life changes eventually led him to a much deeper understanding of himself. 

Paul also reflects on what happens when you spend so much of your energy supporting others that you begin to lose sight of yourself. He shares the difficulties that shaped his journey: people-pleasing and codependency, rejection sensitivity, chaotic creativity, and the existential frustration of knowing how truly capable you are, while still struggling to make it happen. In this excellent memoir, Ride or Die Trying: A Life Before, During and After the Laughter, Paul is finally telling his own story, one shaped by mistakes, persistence, vulnerability, humor, and acceptance. 

✨Highlights✨

✔️ How Paul’s ADHD diagnosis at 50 changed everything

✔️ How ADHD helped him make sense of parts of his past

✔️ The connection between ADHD, addiction, and self-medication

✔️ Why people-pleasing and supporting others can come at the expense of yourself

✔️ Codependency, rejection sensitivity, and shame in ADHD relationships

✔️ Why building the right support system can make such a difference

✔️ Starting over, finding your own identity, and letting go of self-blame

✔️ How radical acceptance helped Paul become more comfortable with who he is

✔️ Why Paul wrote *Ride or Die Trying* and what he hopes others take from his story

“𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒, 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑦-𝑓𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝐼 𝑎𝑚... 𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒.” —𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧

If you were diagnosed with ADHD later in life, have spent years wondering why certain parts of life seemed harder than they “should” be, or are learning how to accept yourself with less shame and judgment, this conversation is a powerful reminder that understanding yourself can change the story you tell about your past.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Rusell Ramsay:

• Instagram: @pauldrayton1 
• Threads: @pauldrayton1

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

Why is it so hard to start something when you already know exactly what you need to do? 

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐚𝐲, one of the foremost experts on adult ADHD, psychologist, and author, to explore the gap between intention and action. They unpack why ADHD isn’t simply a knowledge problem, how executive functioning affects the ability to follow through, and why something you managed yesterday can suddenly feel impossible today.

Drawing from his book Once I Get Started, Dr. Ramsay breaks down the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions and shares practical ways to close the gap between intention and follow-through. The conversation explores working memory, emotional regulation, procrastination, perfectionism, self-comparison, and why waiting until you “feel like it” can keep you stuck. Most importantly, Dr. Ramsay shows how reducing friction, breaking tasks into specific actions, and learning to tolerate discomfort can make getting started more manageable. 

✨ Highlights ✨

✔️ Why ADHD creates a gap between intentions and actions

✔️ Why you can do something one day and struggle with it the next

✔️ How “procrastivity” turns avoidance into productive procrastination

✔️ Why working memory can make large or vague tasks feel overwhelming

✔️ How implementation intentions and “if X, then Y” strategies help you get started

✔️ Learn and practice Dr. Ramsay’s SAP method: Specific, Actionable, and Pivot Points

✔️ How perfectionism, emotional reasoning, and comparison affect adults with ADHD

✔️ Why reducing friction and breaking tasks into smaller steps builds momentum

✔️ How learning to tolerate the “ugh” feeling can help you act even when motivation isn’t there 

“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡.” — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐚𝐲 

💬 What’s something you know you need to do but consistently have trouble getting started on? What helps you finally make that first move? Let us know in the comments 👇 

If you’re living with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or constantly wondering why knowing what to do doesn’t make doing it any easier, this episode offers practical strategies for understanding that gap, working with your emotions, and finding approaches that actually work for your brain.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Rusell Ramsay:

• Website: cbt4adhd.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Russell Ramsay
• Instagram: @cbt4adhd

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

Did you know managing ADHD isn’t about trying harder but about seeing what’s actually happening with more clarity and less judgment?

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with developmental pediatrician 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 to talk about the realities of ADHD care, mindfulness, medication, and the inner critic. Dr. Bertin explains how mindfulness can help us notice our thoughts and habits without immediately judging them, especially when ADHD has left us carrying years of criticism and expectations about what we “should” be able to do.

They also take a closer look at ADHD medication and why finding the right treatment can require trial and error. Dr. Bertin shares why the goal isn’t to change who you are, but to find support that helps you feel like yourself while better directing your attention and actions.

✨Highlights✨

✔️ Why mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind

✔️ How the inner critic becomes intertwined with ADHD

✔️ Why negativity bias can make difficult moments feel bigger

✔️ How mindfulness can support emotional regulation

✔️ The judgment and misinformation surrounding ADHD medication

✔️ Why finding the right medication can require trial and error

✔️ What effective ADHD medication management should actually look like

✔️ Practical ways to begin mindfulness when your brain won’t sit still 

“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒.”   — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧

💬 What’s one ADHD “should” you’re trying to let go of? Let us know in the comments below. 👇 

Whether you’re navigating a new ADHD diagnosis, trying to figure out medication, struggling with your inner critic, or simply looking for a different way to relate to your ADHD brain, this conversation offers practical ideas for moving forward without constantly fighting yourself.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Mark Bertin:

• Website: developmentaldoctor.com/
• Facebook: Search Mark Bertin, M.D. Developmental Pediatrics
• Instagram: markbertinmd

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

What does recovery from cannabis use actually look like for someone with ADHD?

In the final installment of this three-part series, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚 returns to move beyond the science of ADHD and THC and focus on one of the biggest questions listeners have been asking: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿?

Together with Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚 explores why treatment for ADHD-related substance use has to go deeper than simply quitting. They unpack Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the importance of identifying personal values, why traditional "just use more willpower" advice often falls apart for ADHD brains, and how building a life filled with healthy dopamine sources can reduce the risk of relapse.

The conversation also tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in ADHD treatment: stimulant medication. Dr. Olivardia explains what decades of research actually say about ADHD medication and substance use recovery, why properly treating ADHD can lower the risk of relapse, and why so many adults spend years believing their struggles were a character flaw rather than an undiagnosed neurological condition.

✨Highlights✨

✔️ Why recovery requires more than simply stopping cannabis
✔️ How ACT helps people reconnect with their core values
✔️ Why ADHD brains need meaningful reasons, not just rules
✔️ The role of healthy dopamine in long-term recovery
✔️ Why community and support groups matter
✔️ Common misconceptions about ADHD stimulant medication
✔️ What the research says about medication and relapse prevention
✔️ How untreated ADHD can fuel addiction cycles
✔️ Helping parents have better conversations about cannabis and ADHD
✔️ Rebuilding identity after substance use

"𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑎 𝑤𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓... 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑡."  — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚

💬What has helped you find healthier sources of dopamine when trying to change a habit or coping mechanism? Share your experience in the comments. 👇

Whether you're navigating your own relationship with cannabis, supporting someone you love, or wondering how to talk to your child or teenager about substance use, this episode offers practical guidance grounded in compassion, science, and real clinical experience.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

Ever feel like you're working hard but getting nowhere? Maybe the problem isn't your effort. Maybe it's where your brain is starting from. 

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with therapist, ADHD advocate, and author 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 to explore why nervous system regulation may be the missing piece in ADHD management. Drawing from her book 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘋𝘏𝘋 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, Jenna explains how living in chronic fight-or-flight can fuel overwhelm, burnout, procrastination, and shame, even when you've tried every planner, app, and productivity hack. 

Together, they unpack why so many ADHD adults feel trapped in an exhausting cycle of urgency and crashes, how dysregulation shapes the way we think about ourselves, and why learning to regulate your nervous system can make everyday life feel far more manageable. Jenna also shares her practical three-layer framework for regulation, helping listeners move away from constant survival mode and toward a more sustainable way of living. 

✨Highlights✨

✔️ Why ADHD strategies often fail without nervous system regulation

✔️ The connection between chronic overwhelm and fight-or-flight

✔️ How shame, urgency, and guilt keep ADHD brains stuck

✔️ Jenna's three-layer framework for ADHD regulation

✔️ Why "potential" can become an unhelpful trap

✔️ How to recognize dysregulation in everyday life

✔️ Practical ways to interrupt overwhelm before it takes over

✔️ Why regulating your nervous system isn't about becoming more productive, but about building a life that feels calmer and more sustainable

‘𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙. 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦.’ — 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞

💬 What's one small step you can take today to move from "potential" to reality? Let us know below in the comment section. 👇 

If you've ever wondered why you know what to do but still struggle to do it, this conversation offers a compassionate and practical perspective that goes beyond productivity tips.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Jenna Free:

• Website: adhdwithjennafree.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Jenna Free
• Instagram: adhdwithjennafree/

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

What happens when ADHD, hormones, and identity collide? Imagine blaming your ADHD... when your hormones have been causing all the chaos.

In this episode of 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘴, Devin Pitts-Rogers sits down with 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐨 — author, educator, musician and ADHD advocate, to explore the often-overlooked intersection of ADHD, perimenopause, menopause, and neurodivergence. Sarah shares her own late ADHD diagnosis, the experiences that led her to write 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘵, and why so many neurodivergent people spend years wondering why life suddenly feels harder.

Together, they discuss how changing hormone levels can affect ADHD symptoms, why women and other people with ovaries have historically been overlooked in research, and how accessible, evidence-based information can help people better understand what's happening in their bodies and minds. Sarah also opens up about her background as a musician, professor, researcher, and advocate, offering a refreshing mix of honesty, humor, and compassion throughout the conversation. Throughout the episode, she reminds us that understanding your brain isn't about finding what's "wrong" with you. It's about finally having the language to understand yourself.

✨Highlights✨

✔️ Why ADHD symptoms can intensify during perimenopause and menopause

✔️ The connection between estrogen, dopamine, and executive functioning

✔️ Why late ADHD diagnoses often come with grief, relief, and self-discovery

✔️ How hormone changes can affect ADHD medication and mood

✔️ The difference between not knowing and being dismissed by healthcare providers

✔️ How to advocate for yourself and have better conversations with your doctor

✔️ Why neurodivergence rarely exists on its own and what that means for diagnosis

✔️ Why inclusive healthcare and accessible, evidence-based education matter

“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛. 𝑁𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑜𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑. 𝑌𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡.” — 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐨

💬 If you received an ADHD diagnosis later in life, what changed for you after finally having an answer? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 👇

Whether you're navigating hormonal changes yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the experiences of neurodivergent adults, this episode offers practical insights and plenty of validation.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Sarah Glasco:

• Website: sarcrassticselfcare.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Sarah Glasco
• Instagram: sarcrasstic.self.care/ 

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

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Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

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Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

Did you know mindfulness isn't always about clearing your mind? You've probably been thinking about mindfulness all wrong, especially if you have ADHD.

𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐙𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐚, psychiatrist, researcher, and one of the pioneers of mindfulness for ADHD, joins Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions about mindfulness. Instead of trying to stop your thoughts, mindfulness helps strengthen the skills that matter most for ADHD, including attention, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and self-compassion.

Together, they explore the science behind mindfulness, how it differs from meditation, and why approaching yourself with curiosity instead of self-criticism can be so powerful. Dr. Zylowska also shares the story behind her groundbreaking research, practical mindfulness exercises for everyday life, and how developing a kinder inner voice can transform the way people with ADHD navigate challenges.

✨Highlights✨
✔️What mindfulness really is and how it's different from meditation

✔️Why ADHD brains can benefit from mindfulness practice

✔️The surprising research that changed how clinicians view mindfulness for ADHD

✔️Simple mindfulness techniques you can use while driving, doing dishes, walking, or working

✔️How to replace self-criticism with mindful self-coaching

✔️Why self-compassion is a powerful tool for improving emotional regulation

✔️Practical ways to build mindfulness into daily life without sitting in meditation for long periods

“𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠, 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒, '𝐻𝑒𝑦, 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠. 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠.” — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐙𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐚

💬 When your mind starts judging you, what helps you come back with curiosity instead? Let us know in the comments 👇

If you've ever felt like your ADHD brain is "too busy" for mindfulness, this episode will change the way you think about it. Whether you're living with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for healthier ways to manage stress and emotions, you'll come away with practical tools, compassionate insights, and simple mindfulness strategies you can start using today.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Dr. Lidia Zylowska:

• Website: lidiazylowska.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Lidia Zylowska

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

What if the biggest thing standing between you and getting started isn't laziness, but an emotional barrier?

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with ADHD coach, speaker, and author 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 to unpack one of the most relatable ADHD concepts ever created: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘄𝗳𝘂𝗹. Brendan explains why starting tasks can feel impossible, how repeated setbacks build emotional resistance, and what you can actually do to move forward without relying on shame, guilt, or panic.

The conversation also explores Brendan's late ADHD diagnosis, the emotional impact of repeated failure, anxiety, self-compassion, emotional regulation, and why validating emotions is often the first step toward real change. If you've struggled with procrastination, overwhelm, or feeling stuck, this episode offers practical insights that can help you understand your ADHD brain with more compassion and confidence. 

✨Highlights✨

✔️What the "Wall of Awful" really is and why it affects ADHD brains

✔️How emotions create invisible barriers to getting started

✔️The difference between procrastination and emotional work

✔️5 ways people try to overcome the Wall of Awful (and which ones actually work)

✔️Why self-compassion is more effective than self-criticism

✔️How validating emotions helps regulate the brain

✔️Practical strategies for moving through overwhelm and building momentum

“𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑤𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒.” —𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧

If you're living with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to better understand why getting started can feel so difficult, this episode gives you practical tools, compassionate insights, and powerful mindset shifts that can help you move forward.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Brendan Mahan:

• Website: brendanmahan.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Brendan Mahan
• Instagram: adhdessentials/

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

What happens when a parent knows something is different about their child, but no one seems to listen?

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫, neurodiversity consultant, special education advocate, and founder of Journey to Bloom, to discuss what it really takes to support neurodivergent children beyond a diagnosis. Drawing from her own experience raising two neurodivergent sons, Lisa shares how trusting her instincts, navigating early intervention, and learning to advocate within the education system transformed not only her children's lives but her own.

Together, they explore why early intervention matters, how parents can build the right support team, what schools often get wrong about IEPs and 504 plans, and why neurodiversity should be understood through a strengths-based lens rather than a deficit model. The conversation also dives into masking, burnout, radical acceptance, and how creating environments where children can authentically be themselves leads to better outcomes for everyone.

✨Highlights✨

✔️ Why trusting your parental instincts can make all the difference.

✔️ What early intervention really is and how families can access it.

✔️ The differences between IEPs and 504 plans.

✔️ How to advocate effectively during school meetings.

✔️ Why "fixing" neurodivergent children is the wrong goal.

✔️ What radical acceptance looks like in parenting and education.

✔️ How masking develops and why authentic self-expression matters.

✔️ Practical strategies for building a support team around your child.

“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑔𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑠, 𝑛𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡.” —𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫

Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or neurodivergent adult, this conversation offers practical guidance, validation, and hope for creating environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Lisa Richer:

• Website: journey2bloom.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Lisa Richer

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent  

Have you ever wondered why friendship can feel so much harder than it seems for some people? 

In this episode, Aaron Smith and Stephen Tonti lead a thoughtful conversation with Caroline Maguire, an ADHD coach and author of Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults, about how neurodivergence shapes the way we build, maintain, and navigate friendships. Here, she shares practical frameworks and compassionate advice to help listeners understand social dynamics in a way that feels more authentic and sustainable.

Caroline breaks down the everyday challenges many neurodivergent adults face, including rejection sensitivity, masking, post-event overthinking, and the pressure to fit into traditional friendship expectations. She explains how social skills can be learned and practiced over time, and why understanding different “levels” of friendship can make relationships feel less confusing and more manageable.

Throughout the conversation, Caroline offers tools for creating deeper connection through transparency, shared interests, and clear boundaries. She also reminds listeners that friendship does not have to look one specific way. Rather, it can evolve across seasons of life, with different people meeting different needs at different times.

✨ Highlights ✨

✔️ Why friendship has been overlooked as one of the biggest ADHD challenges

✔️ The hidden cost of masking and why authenticity builds stronger relationships

✔️ What "anxious overcorrection" is and how it can unintentionally push people away

✔️ Why rejection isn't always about you and how our brains often create stories that aren't true

✔️ The different levels of friendship and why one person can't meet every social need

✔️ How shared interests make it easier to build genuine connections

✔️ Why proximity and repeated interactions matter more than instant chemistry

✔️ Practical ways to stop overthinking every social interaction and build friendships with more confidence

"Friendship is practice and experimentation — it’s about figuring out who you are and who your people are."  —Caroline Maguire

💬 Where in your life have you experienced your own version of the "permission exhale" — a moment when you finally stopped performing and got to just exist?

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti & Aaron Smith
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Caroline Maguire:

• Website: carolinemaguireauthor.com
• LinkedIn: Search Caroline Maguire M. Ed.

Send us Fan Mail

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0lWgdvEhaI4p5MyxM5w3A?sub_confirmation=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow all of these if you want to be inspired in your ADHD journey
•  Website - https://www.attentiondifferent.com
•  Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/attention_different
• Facebook -   https://www.facebook.com/attndifferent
• X -   https://www.x.com/attndifferent