Is that an ADHD thing?

In this episode, Ella and Kara explore what burnout actually looks like and why it can hit ADHD brains especially hard. They talk about the boom-buckle-bust cycle, the added cognitive load of executive dysfunction, and how masking, perfectionism, rejection sensitivity, and chronic stress can slowly push someone toward burnout. They also share how burnout has shown up in their own work and lives, why late-diagnosed women may miss the warning signs, and what recovery can look like in real life. Along the way, they unpack the difference between being tired and being burned out, and why recognizing the signs earlier can make it easier to respond with support instead of just pushing through.

In this episode, Ella and Kara explore ADHD masking and why so many women with ADHD learn to hide, suppress, or overcompensate for their symptoms in order to fit in. They talk about how masking can show up through rehearsing conversations, people pleasing, perfectionism, overpreparing, saying yes when you mean no, or appearing completely fine while feeling exhausted underneath. They unpack the connection between masking, rejection sensitivity, burnout, and identity, including why these patterns can be especially common for late-diagnosed women. They also reflect on what "unmasking" with ADHD can look like in real life and how learning to recognize your own needs, limits, and patterns can help you build a life that feels more sustainable and more like your own.

In this episode, Ella and Kara unpack rejection sensitive dysphoria, or RSD, and the intense emotional reactions that can come with perceived rejection, criticism, or disapproval. They talk about how RSD can show up in everyday life through spiraling after a text, overanalyzing someone’s tone, shutting down after feedback, people pleasing, perfectionism, or avoiding situations where rejection feels possible. They explore why rejection sensitivity is often misunderstood, how it connects to emotional dysregulation and ADHD, and why many people spend years believing they are simply “too sensitive.” They also share strategies that can help, including naming what is happening, co-regulation, therapy, medication, and building supports that make it easier to move through the emotional spiral.

In this episode, Ella and Kara continue their conversation about ADHD by exploring what can happen after a late diagnosis. They talk about the mix of relief, grief, anger, and embarrassment that can come with finally understanding your brain, along with the identity shifts that follow. They unpack masking, perfectionism, people pleasing, rejection sensitivity, and the process of figuring out what actually works for you. They also reflect on the strengths that can come with ADHD and why understanding the full picture goes far beyond a list of symptoms.

In this episode, Ella and Kara break down the basics of ADHD: what it actually is, how it’s diagnosed, and why it often looks different in women. They unpack key terms like inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive dysfunction, and masking, while sharing personal stories and real-life examples that make the science easier to understand. If you’ve ever wondered what ADHD really looks like in everyday life, this episode is a great place to start.

In this episode, Ella shares the story of how she came to understand her ADHD, from a therapist gently naming the possibility to realizing how much of her life had been shaped by perfectionism, burnout, and the feeling of never being “good enough.” She talks about not seeing herself in the typical ADHD stereotypes, the complicated process of questioning a diagnosis, and learning what it means to support herself with more clarity and compassion.

In this episode, Kara shares the story of how she came to understand her ADHD, from learning more about adult ADHD through research to realizing how many patterns felt familiar in her own life. She talks about anxiety, emotional regulation, self-doubt, the frustrating process of finding the right provider, and what changed when a psychiatrist finally took the time to listen, ask deeper questions, and help her feel seen.

Ella and Kara introduce themselves and share why they started this podcast: to create a real, honest space for women with ADHD. As two former educators turned coaches, they open up about late diagnosis, big life changes, and the power of community. This first episode is all about connection, vulnerability, and building something meaningful together.