In this episode of Spicy Brain, Michelle and Megan dive into the messier moments of living with ADHD. They tackle the kind of emotional chaos that sneaks in when you're already low on energy. They explore how shame and sensory overload can build up without warning, and how even the most well-meaning feedback can miss the mark when your brain isn’t in a place to receive it.

There’s also a pug, a bag of vanilla-scented powder, and a surprisingly insightful meltdown that leads to an honest conversation about emotional regulation. Megan shares what it feels like when motivation turns malicious, and why finding connection in the middle of the storm can make all the difference. If you've ever felt like advice was bouncing off your brain or like everything was just a little too loud, this one’s for you. Also yes, Megan's house did smell like vanilla, and no, it wasn’t a candle.
Our favorite line from the episode is: It doesn't penetrate my ADHD

00:00 – When feedback doesn’t land for ADHD brains
03:45 – The vanilla-scented destruction incident
07:20 – What malicious motivation feels like
10:30 – Reframing emotional spirals in real time
14:10 – How ADHD brains absorb (or reject) advice
18:45 – The role of mirroring and connection
23:00 – Tiny tools that bring us back to center

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ADHD motivation, malicious motivation ADHD, emotional dysregulation, ADHD feedback issues, ADHD burnout, ADHD humor, neurodivergent coping strategies