Suddenly, it all made sense - it was ADHD all along.

In one of her most personal episodes yet, Rhapsodic host Carmen Exler opens up about what it’s really like to live with a busy mind - the challenges, the relief, and the process of learning to work with her brain instead of against it.

Looking back, the signs were always there: the constant mental noise, half-finished thoughts and projects, bursts of energy followed by burnout. In hindsight, ADHD was the obvious answer - she just didn’t have the language for it yet.

Carmen shares how finally connecting the dots has brought clarity, compassion, and a new understanding of herself. For anyone who’s ever felt “too much” or easily overwhelmed, this episode is a reminder that you’re not broken - you just process the world differently.

Episode Chapters

(00:00) Introduction  

(05:00) Chat with Kylie, surprise it is ADHD

(07:12) Interesting post by Alison Lee Solomon - ADHD coach - creating a visual of what happens in a neurotypical brain vs ADHD brain. 

(09:43) Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)

(10:51) Under active prefrontal cortex 

(11:54) Self Regulation, anxiety & overthinking

(13:08) Masking and unmasking 

(15:58) Long diagnosis process & misdiagnosis

(19:00) Relief once receiving an ADHD diagnosis

(20:00) Impact social media had in recognising signs of ADHD.

(23:03) Alex Partridge from ADHD Chatter reference - “How to spot ADHD in women in 25 seconds”

(26:46) Self-acceptance through an ADHD diagnosis - reflections and closing thoughts.

Connect & Follow

INSTAGRAM

Podcast  @rhapsodic.podcast

Carmen ‍ @busymind.redefined

Guest cohost @kylieosborne88

 References Mentioned:

• Allison Lee Solomon - ADHD Coach
• Alex Partridge from ADHD Chatter Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow Rhapsodic, share it with a friend, or leave a quick review - it helps the podcast grow and reach more listeners.

Thank you for tuning in - and as always, remember to keep showing up for yourself.