In this episode of The Busy Brained Saint, Kamden sits down with Aubrey Chavez, co-host of the Faith Matters podcast, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about late-diagnosed ADHD, faith, dopamine, rest, and the quiet work of self-acceptance. Aubrey shares the story of her diagnosis—received in the middle of a spiritual retreat—and the moment that shifted everything: a courtyard suddenly filled with fluttering birds, offering a lived metaphor for a brain once labeled “disordered,” now seen as intentional and good. Together, Kamden and Aubrey explore what happens when we stop moralizing productivity, stop confusing dopamine with spirituality, and begin trusting the rhythm God actually gave us. This episode touches on: Late ADHD diagnosis and internalized shame Reframing “disorder” through a faith lens Dopamine, rest, and why low-energy days aren’t spiritual failures Letting go of the need to fix yourself Parenting, partnership, and modeling self-trust for our children Why God may be far more comfortable with our flutter than we are This is a conversation for anyone who has ever felt like they were trying to become someone more “steady,” more “typical,” or more acceptable—only to discover that God was never asking for that in the first place. You are not broken. You are not behind. You were made divinely and purposefully a-flutter—

00:00 Welcome to Busy Brained Saints

00:29 Introducing Special Guest Avery Chavez

01:49 Aubrey's Late ADHD Diagnosis

03:19 Understanding ADHD in the Family

04:41 The Emotional Journey of Diagnosis

06:01 The Retreat and Diagnosis Confirmation

08:30 Embracing ADHD and Finding Peace

13:39 Reframing Productivity and Rest

20:30 Dopamine, Spirituality, and ADHD

28:53 ADHD at Home and Family Dynamics

31:27 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Parental Growth

33:56 The Power of Openness and Peace

35:38 Navigating ADHD Challenges in Daily Life

37:39 Insights from Hosting the Faith Matters Podcast

39:40 Leveraging ADHD for Success

50:05 The Joy of Creative Outlets

53:20 Final Thoughts and Community Support

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