The ADHD Deep Dive

The ADHD Deep Dive

By Alannah AikenEducation
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The ADHD Deep Dive episodes

  • 07. Late Diagnosis Grief & Relief: Here’s How I Processed It

    Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can hit you like a freight train with a mix of grief, relief, clarity, and confusion all at once. In this episode, Alannah unpacks what it really feels like to process a late diagnosis.

    She shares the emotional rollercoaster that often follows from mourning the misunderstood parts of ourselves, to learning how to reparent the younger version of us who was always trying her best.


    You'll hear practical tools and powerful mindset shifts to support your healing and help you move forward with more grace, clarity, and self-compassion.

    Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still unpacking what ADHD means for your identity, this episode is a warm invitation to pause, reflect, and begin rewriting your story.


    In this episode:

    💭 Naming the grief after a late ADHD diagnosis

    📖 Journaling + writing letters to your younger self

    🧠 Why healing old narratives is key to moving forward

    🌱 How to rebuild your identity in an empowering way

    💡 Tools for reparenting

    ✨ Why rest, reflection, and rituals are part of the healing

    You are not behind. You’re just beginning a new chapter with more awareness, power, and self-understanding than ever before. 💛


    For free weekly support to go deeper on your ADHD journey, sign up here to receive emails https://www.alannahaiken.com/newsletter

    For further support: coaching, consultations, upcoming programs and free resources head to www.alannahaiken.com


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @adhd.with.alannah

    Tiktok: @adhd.with.alannah


    This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional/personal medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  • 06. Executive Dysfunction & The Invisible Mental Load for ADHD Mums

    Being an ambitious mum with ADHD means juggling a thousand invisible tabs while still trying to be present, productive, and patient. In this validating episode, we explore the unique mental load of motherhood when ADHD and ambitious goals are in the mix.


    Alannah dives into the constant loop of mental chaos, executive function fatigue, and the emotional toll of feeling like you're always falling short even when you're doing your best. You'll hear practical strategies to reclaim moments of clarity, build structure into your day, and start taking compassionate action towards your bigger goals instead of spinning in overwhelm.


    Whether you’re navigating motherhood, running a business, or simply trying to get through the day you are not alone and you'll find nuggets of gold from this episode!


    In this episode:

    • The emotional and mental toll of the "invisible load"
    • Why ADHD brains resist unclear tasks
    • How executive dysfunction and guilt feed each other
    • What to do during nap windows to reset and focus
    • Why slowing down is a strategy, not a failure
    • Micro-tasking, body doubling, and gentle planning that works


    If this episode resonates, reach out for ADHD coaching for support tailored to your season of life. DM me on Instagram to chat https://www.instagram.com/adhd.with.alannah or book your free connection call to see if we're a vibe https://www.alannahaiken.com/book-a-session

    For further support: coaching, consultations, upcoming programs and free resources head to www.alannahaiken.com


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @adhd.with.alannah

    Tiktok: @adhd.with.alannah


    This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional/personal medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  • 05. Letting go of unrealistic expectations with ADHD


    I open up about a recent realisation I had as a new mum and how it deeply relates to life after an ADHD diagnosis. We often expect ourselves to have it all figured out straight away, whether it’s parenting or managing our ADHD. But the truth is… we’re new to this.


    You’ll hear me unpack why we place such high expectations on ourselves, the role of comparison and masking, and how this pressure can show up after an ADHD diagnosis.


    We’re diving into:

    🌀 Why it’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re learning something new

    🧠 The link between ADHD, high expectations, and internalised shame

    💭 Real-life examples of comparison, masking, and self-judgment post diagnosis

    💗 Why offering yourself grace isn’t weakness - it’s healing

    🌱 Gentle mindset shifts to help you meet yourself with more compassion

    Whether you’re navigating ADHD, motherhood, or both this is your reminder: you are allowed to be learning. Slow progress is still progress. You are allowed to grow slowly. You are allowed to give yourself grace.


    To chat about 1:1 ADHD Coaching, what's involved and what I can support you with - book in for a free 20 min call here and I will run you through everything - https://www.alannahaiken.com/book-a-session


    Here is a link to my free guide about navigating life after an ADHD diagnosis: https://dedicated-designer-6443.kit.com/da0918e5da

    For further support: coaching, consultations, upcoming programs and free resources head to www.alannahaiken.com


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @adhd.with.alannah

    Tiktok: @adhd.with.alannah


    This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional/personal medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  • 04. Feeling burnt out? The rest that women with ADHD actually need

    Do you ever feel like no matter how much you sleep… you're still tired? 😴 In this episode of The ADHD Deep Dive, we go beneath the surface of “just rest more” and talk about the types of rest — and why they matter so much when you live with ADHD.


    Because the truth is, ADHDers aren’t lazy or unmotivated. We’re burnt out, overstimulated, and constantly masking. And we’re trying to refill our tank with the wrong kind of fuel.


    Here’s what we explore in this episode:

    • The types of rest you might be missing (spoiler: it’s not just sleep)
    • How to recognise when you’re depleted in specific areas
    • Ways to start refilling your cup, without adding more to your to-do list
    • Real life examples of what rest can look like in a busy ADHD household

    Whether you’re in a season of burnout or just feeling a little “off,” this episode is your permission slip to rest your way.

    This isn’t about checking out, it’s about finding the right kind of restoration so you can feel like yourself again.

    For further support: coaching, consultations, upcoming programs and free resources head to www.alannahaiken.com


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @adhd.with.alannah

    Tiktok: @adhd.with.alannah


    This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional/personal medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min
  • 03. Energy Audit - what energises you vs. what drains you

    We’re diving into all things Energy Management and why this is SO important with ADHD.


    I walk you through the concept of an ADHD Energy Audit - a gentle way to notice what’s fueling you and lighting you up, vs what’s secretly draining your spark and energy.

    We will also explore:

    • How to work out when your energy is at its peak vs when it is low
    • What an ADHD energy audit is and how to do one
    • My personal experience with this (and how my menstrual cycle plays a high role in managing my energy with ADHD)
    • Common energy leaks for ADHDers (some may surprise you)
    • Boundaries
    • A simple journaling question that can change everything and help you gain more self awareness

    ...plus so much more!


    Make sure you have a pen & journal as there are so many nuggets to help you manage your energy so you don't burn out.

    For further support: coaching, consultations, upcoming programs and free resources head to www.alannahaiken.com


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @adhd.with.alannah

    Tiktok: @adhd.with.alannah


    This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional/personal medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  • 02: ADHD 101 - what is ADHD & what to do if you think you have it

    ADHD 101: What It Is, How It Presents & What to Do If You Suspect You Have It

    If you've ever wondered, "Do I have ADHD?" — you're not alone. In this episode of The ADHD Deep Dive, we strip back the stereotypes and dive into what ADHD really is, how it can present in adults (especially women and mothers), and why so many people are only getting diagnosed later in life.


    I walk you through:

    ✨ The three types of ADHD

    ✨ How executive dysfunction shows up in everyday life

    ✨ The role of masking and why so many women fly under the radar

    ✨ A clear step by step on what to do if you suspect you have ADHD

    ✨ How to self-advocate, especially when you feel dismissed or misunderstood


    This is your compassionate crash course. Whether you’re newly curious, recently diagnosed, or supporting someone you love. Grab a cuppa, take a deep breath, and let’s make sense of the chaos together.


    Resources mentioned:

    'Now What?! Navigating life after an ADHD Diagnosis' - Free Download: https://dedicated-designer-6443.kit.com/da0918e5da


    Email newsletter with ADHD tips & support: https://www.alannahaiken.com/newsletter


    ADHD Coaching: https://www.alannahaiken.com/adhd-coaching-packages

    For further support: coaching, consultations, upcoming programs and free resources head to www.alannahaiken.com


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @adhd.with.alannah

    Tiktok: @adhd.with.alannah


    This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional/personal medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  • 01: The ADHD Deep Dive for real talk about ADHD, motherhood and life in between.

    Episode 1: Welcome to The ADHD Deep Dive. Here's what you can expect...


    In this first episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing how The ADHD Deep Dive came to life — from my own late diagnosis at 31, to navigating motherhood with ADHD, to choosing authenticity over perfection.


    You’ll hear the real reason I started this podcast (hint: it’s not just about ADHD empowerment, it's the full spectrum), what you can expect from future episodes, and how this space will support you through the messy, beautiful reality of life with ADHD.


    Whether you're newly diagnosed, still wondering if you might have ADHD, have a child with ADHD, or just craving honest conversations about motherhood, identity, and mental health, then you’re in the right place.

    For further support: coaching, consultations, upcoming programs and free resources head to www.alannahaiken.com


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @adhd.with.alannah

    Tiktok: @adhd.with.alannah


    This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional/personal medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min

About The ADHD Deep Dive

From the publisher's feed

In 2021, everything changed. I was a burnt out teacher who was at breaking point. I decided to quit my career in teaching to start prioritising myself and my health. This journey of self discovery,…