Ever feel like your brain is a shady little guy in a van whispering, “Psst… wanna feel something?” In this episode of Spicy Brain, Megan and Michelle explore how ADHD emotions can summon inner monsters, especially when stress from new jobs, burnout, or just life starts knocking. They talk through the ways overwhelm builds up, how it hijacks your sense of safety, and why naming your fear out loud can sometimes stop it in its tracks.

You’ll also meet an old friend. Megan’s drunk butler of executive function joins the podcast with zero chill and a flair for bad ideas. From existential dread at age four to breakthroughs during creative retreats, this one is equal parts real talk and ridiculous laughter. If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety is trying to take the wheel, you’re not alone, and this episode might just help you laugh it back into the passenger seat.

Our favorite line from the episode is: Hey little kid... you want some dopamine?

00:00 – The monsters under your ADHD bed
04:10 – New job nerves and rejection sensitivity
07:30 – Megan’s drunk butler returns
11:45 – When anxiety takes the wheel
16:00 – Dopamine-dealing fears and van metaphors
19:20 – Finding peace through curiosity
23:00 – Wrapping monsters in weighted blankets

Follow the show, text this episode to a friend who has a shady van brain, and leave a review to help other spicy brains find us.

ADHD anxiety, ADHD new job, ADHD burnout, ADHD emotions, rejection sensitivity, executive dysfunction, neurodivergent overwhelm, creative coping