Backpacking Through ADHD

Today’s episode is a special one—because it’s personal. I’m sitting down with Matt Bonavita, an educator, dean, professor, and longtime advocate for neurodiverse students in New York City. But before I knew Matt the educator, I knew Matt the DJ—he was the one who rocked my wedding and taught me the power of letting go of rigid plans. We dive into everything from IEPs, emotional regulation, and the hidden lives of at-risk students, to how neurodiversity shows up in classrooms and even on the dance floor. This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that kids don’t need to be fixed—they need to be seen. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who believes in meeting people where they are, there’s something here for you.

In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m live from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums conference with a very special guest—Grayson Ponti, founder of ZANE and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. We explore how zoos and aquariums can become more inclusive spaces for both visitors and professionals, especially those who are neurodivergent. Grayson opens up about his personal journey navigating autism and ADHD, what inspired him to start ZANE, and how his experiences have shaped his vision for a more accessible future in the AZA community. We also dive into the powerful conversations from the AZA Diversity Summit and discuss the importance of representation, leadership, and breaking through bias. Whether you’re in the zoo world, parenting a neurodivergent child, or walking your own ADHD trail, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical ways we can all help take down the veil of assumption. No worries here—just honest conversation, connection, and a shared mission for change.

Robin Keith, CEO of EcoLeaders and soon-to-be Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, joins me for a powerful conversation on the overlooked connection between ADHD, perimenopause, and menopause. Together, we explore how shifting hormones impact executive function, why so many women are misdiagnosed or dismissed, and what practical steps can help you reclaim clarity and control during this life stage.

Saying no should be simple, but for ADHD brains, it’s anything but. Whether it’s people-pleasing, overcommitting, or feeling guilty every time you set a boundary, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking why ADHD makes both saying and hearing no so difficult, the role of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and how impulsivity and validation-seeking keep us stuck in the yes cycle.

We’ll also break down real strategies to set boundaries without guilt, including scripts you can use in everyday situations—at work, in friendships, and even with yourself. For parents, we’ll explore how to help ADHD kids handle the word no without meltdowns, teaching them emotional resilience while still holding limits.

Join me for this deep dive into boundaries, rejection, and the power of saying no. Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s do this together!

ADHD brains and food? It’s complicated. Whether you’re forgetting to eat, chasing sugar for a dopamine boost, or struggling to get your kid to eat anything besides Goldfish, you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how nutrition impacts focus, energy, and impulse control, the foods that help (and hurt) ADHD brains, and real-life meal solutions for busy families. Plus, we tackle the challenge of ADHD medication suppressing appetite and what to do when your kid refuses to eat all day but is starving at bedtime. No complicated meal plans here—just simple, ADHD-friendly hacks to make food work for you, not against you. Tune in now!

Connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for ADHD brains.

Whether you’re an ADHD parent, an adult navigating friendships, or a child learning how to build relationships, connection shapes our experiences. But here’s the struggle—many of us with ADHD don’t always recognize our own ability to connect.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my son Grayson’s ADHD diagnosis, the struggles we faced with school, judgment from other parents, and how disconnection became a coping mechanism. I also dive into how ADHD brains experience social anxiety, why we can feel isolated even when we’re surrounded by people, and practical ways to build stronger, more intentional connections.

Big takeaway? Connection is the missing puzzle piece in managing ADHD—whether it’s through friendships, family, support groups, or even community spaces like our upcoming live conversations at the YMCA in Gadsden, AL.

ADHD isn’t just a "boy’s disorder." Many women, including me, go undiagnosed for years, often struggling with anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. In honor of International Women’s Day 2025 and its theme, "Accelerate Action," this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked reality of ADHD in women and girls.

In this episode, I share my personal journey to an ADHD diagnosis at 46, highlighting how perimenopause amplified my symptoms and why it took so long for me to get answers. I also dive into insights from my conversation with Wendy Harrison, who was diagnosed at 42, and explore research from the Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD, CHADD, and UCLA Health.

What You’ll Learn:

Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself, supporting a loved one, or just curious about how ADHD shows up differently in females, this episode offers valuable insights, resources, and a reminder that you are enough—exactly as you are.

Ever find yourself obsessing over something that doesn’t make sense? 🤯 Maybe it’s an unfair workplace decision, a vague response that leaves you spiraling, or an unanswered “why” that won’t stop running through your mind. If you have ADHD, you know this feeling all too well. In this episode, I dive into:

Is your ADHD child struggling to stay engaged in sports? Or maybe they thrive in high-energy activities but get frustrated when the pace slows down?

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we dive deep into how sports can be a game-changer for ADHD kids—helping with focus, confidence, teamwork, and emotional regulation.

We’ll cover:

Whether you're a parent, coach, or ADHD athlete yourself, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies to help ADHD kids thrive in sports. 

Tune in now & let’s level up the game for ADHD athletes!

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival, especially for ADHD brains. But what does self-care actually look like when your brain craves movement, stimulation, and structure?

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we discuss real, ADHD-friendly self-care strategies that actually work, including the power of movement, emotional regulation, and small, sustainable habits.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Whether you have ADHD, love someone who does, or need a reminder to care for yourself, this episode is packed with actionable insights, personal stories, and encouragement to help you thrive.