Medication can help manage ADHD. But, it’s not the whole story.

 In this powerful and relatable episode, ADHD life coach Jorie Houlihan joins Ngozi Edema to unpack what it really takes for women with ADHD to thrive: practical skills, compassionate systems, and a whole lot of humor.

Diagnosed at 49 after decades of feeling scattered and dismissed, Jorie now helps women understand the missing piece in ADHD care, learning the everyday tools that help you focus, plan, and follow through. 

This conversation is full of aha-moments, laughs, and life-changing tips for anyone struggling to start or stay on track.

What You’ll Learn

• The truth behind the phrase “Pills don’t teach skills”
• How dopamine and norepinephrine affect motivation and focus
• The “Mac brain, PC manual” analogy, and how to write your own
• Practical ways to handle time blindness and overwhelm
• Why humor and self-compassion are essential ADHD tools
• ADHD-friendly systems for energy management and consistency
• How to handle emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity (RSD)

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Ngozi on why pills alone aren’t enough
 02:15 – Jorie’s ADHD story and late diagnosis at 49
 05:10 – Dopamine, norepinephrine, and the ADHD brain explained
 10:20 – “Mac brain vs. PC manual”, why traditional systems don’t fit
 14:00 – Time blindness and becoming a “time optimist”
 18:20 – Energy mapping: how to plan around your energy, not the clock
 22:45 – The 50/10 break rule & ADHD-friendly productivity
 33:30 – The parking-lot trick: staying focused without losing ideas
 35:00 – Managing emotional whiplash and RSD
 42:00 – Hormones, menopause & ADHD, the untold link
 45:00 – Creating your own owner’s manual and embracing your brain
 47:00 – Final reflections + where to find Jorie

Connect with Jorie Houlihan
Website: joriehoulihan.com
Instagram: @joriehoulihan
Podcast: ADHD & … with Jorie Houlihan
Connect with Ngozi Edema
Website: ngoziedema.com
Instagram: @ngoziedema
Course: Delay to Daily Action – 12-Week System to Beat Procrastination, Perfectionism & Self-Doubt
Get 15% off the Delay to Daily Action course with code ACTION15 until Dec 31.

“You’re not broken you’ve just been using a PC manual for your Mac brain.” — Jorie Houlihan

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.