What if the problem was never that you couldn’t learn, but that no one had figured out how you learn?

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝, founder and managing director of the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education, to rethink what teaching can look like when we stop expecting every brain to learn, process, and demonstrate knowledge in the same way. Rhoda shares how her experiences as a musician, educator, and student shaped her belief that great teachers are “treasure hunters” who look for what is already there instead of measuring people against a single definition of success.

The conversation explores accessible arts education, neurodivergent learning, and the limitations of standardized education, while getting deeply personal about shame, creativity, trauma, and self-acceptance. Rhoda explains what can change when someone feels truly seen for who they are, why accessibility benefits more than just those who need it most, and how curiosity can thrive when learning isn’t built around the fear of getting it wrong.

✨Highlights✨
✔️ Why teaching every student the same way can leave real learning invisible
✔️ What it means to be a “treasure hunter” for someone else’s strengths and talents
✔️ Why accessibility should be built into education from the beginning, not added as an afterthought
✔️ How shame and fear of judgment can shut down curiosity and learning
✔️ Why feeling seen for who you are matters just as much as being recognized for what you can do
✔️ How creativity and the arts can give people a way to express what they may struggle to put into words
✔️ Why meeting learners where they are can create better learning experiences for everyone

“𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦, 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑡, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛'𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒. 𝐼'𝑚 𝑟𝑒𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑎 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒.” — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝

🗨️ Who was the person who made you feel seen when you were learning? Let us know in the comments 👇

This episode is for anyone who grew up believing they were lazy, difficult, incapable, or somehow failing at learning when the system may simply have failed to meet them where they were. Because sometimes unlocking someone’s potential has less to do with teaching them differently and more to do with seeing them differently.

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. Rhoda Bernard

• Website: rhodabernard.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Rhoda Bernard
• Instagram: @rhodabernard41

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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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 notice how someone can look completely put-together on the outside while feeling like they’re falling apart on the inside? 

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with 𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬, a pediatrician, ADHD advocate, CHADD National Board member, and fellow ADHDer, for a candid, vulnerable, and refreshingly unfiltered conversation about what it really means to live with an ADHD brain. From growing up feeling “too much, but never quite enough” to becoming a physician and finding a community where she could finally show up as her full self, Carolyn shares the experiences that shaped her perspective on ADHD and belonging.

Carolyn opens up about doing well in school while dealing with anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, and the feeling that she had to work harder than everyone around her. And somewhere along the way, she learned that looking like you’re 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 fine and actually 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 fine are two very different things. The conversation explores rejection, shame, vulnerability, authenticity, ADHD medication, executive functioning, and the myths that can keep people from getting the support they need. They also unpack what medication can and can’t do, why finding the right treatment can take time, and how connecting with people who understand your experience can change the way you see yourself.

✨Highlights✨

✔️ Why doing well on paper doesn’t mean ADHD isn’t taking a toll
✔️ How rejection, shame, and feeling “too much” or “not enough” can shape the way you see yourself
✔️ Why showing vulnerability can create a stronger sense of belonging
✔️ What stimulant medication can and can’t do for ADHD
✔️ How medication may help you access and use the skills and strategies you already know
✔️ Why common myths about ADHD medication can become barriers to getting support
✔️ Why finding the right medication and treatment approach can take time
✔️ Why medication is only one part of a larger ADHD treatment and support system
✔️ How finding people who understand your brain can help you feel less alone

“𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒.” — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬

💬 Have you ever looked like you were doing fine on the outside while struggling behind the scenes? What has helped you feel more understood or supported in your ADHD journey? Let us know in the comments 👇

If you’re living with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or trying to better understand why ADHD can affect so much more than attention, this episode offers an honest look at treatment, rejection, vulnerability, and the importance of finding people who understand how your brain works.

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. Carolyn Parcells

• Websites: drcarolynparcells.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Carolyn Lentzsch Parcells, MD
• Instagram: @the.adhd.md

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  

How often does “I want to do this perfectly” turn into not doing it at all? 

When does having high standards cross the line into perfectionism paralysis? 

In this episode of Attention Different, Stephen, Aaron and Devin from the Late, Not Less episodes on the feed, unpack perfectionism paralysis and how the fear of making mistakes, failing, or not being “good enough” can stop adult ADHDers from starting or finishing tasks.

They explore how perfectionism can disguise itself as productivity while feeding a cycle of procrastination, self-criticism, anxiety, and avoidance. From waiting for the “perfect” conditions to start to endlessly tweaking something because it never feels finished, this conversation looks at the many ways perfectionism can keep ADHD brains stuck.

You’ll also hear about the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, and why limitations can sometimes lead to our most creative work.

One practical takeaway? 90/10 for the win. Aim for 90% and intentionally leave room for that imperfect 10%. That messy, unfinished, human part might be exactly where growth happens.

✨Highlights✨

✔️ What perfectionism paralysis looks like with ADHD
✔️ How perfectionism can fuel procrastination and avoidance
✔️ Front-end vs. back-end perfectionism
✔️ Why self-judgment can make it harder to take action
✔️ The connection between creativity and imperfection
✔️ How the 90/10 approach can help you move forward
✔️ Why sometimes you just have to “start messy”

🧠 FREE WEBINAR: The Knowing-Doing Gap

You know what you need to do. So why can’t you just… do it?

Join Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith for a FREE webinar exploring why getting started can feel so difficult for adults with ADHD. They’ll dig into ADHD, executive functioning, procrastination, and the gap between knowing what to do and actually being able to take action.

👉 Sign up FREE

🚀 Go Deeper with the Procrastination Protocol for ADHD

If procrastination, task initiation, perfectionism, time blindness, overwhelm, or the constant struggle to “just get started” feels familiar, the Procrastination Protocol for ADHD is designed to help you better understand what’s happening in your brain and develop strategies that work with it instead of against it.

The course explores the ADHD-specific barriers that can keep you stuck and gives you practical tools for moving from intention to action without relying solely on pressure, shame, or last-minute panic.

👉 Start today: https://www.attentiondifferent.com/protocol

🎥 Subscribe to Attention Different for more conversations about adult ADHD, executive functioning, procrastination, and navigating life with a neurodivergent brain.

#ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDProcrastination #Perfectionism #ExecutiveFunction #Neurodivergent #AttentionDifferent

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

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

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 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!

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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  

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!

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

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 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