Is it a spending problem, or a dopamine deficit?

This week, Emma sits down with money expert Abby Birch to tackle the final frontier of ADHD shame: Finances. Abby shares her own journey as a newly diagnosed ADHDer navigating the world of professional finance, exposing how systemic barriers and impulsive "brain-hacking" through shopping can lead to a cycle of debt and guilt.

This isn't your typical "stop buying lattes" advice. We’re reframing financial management through a neurodivergent lens, offering practical, shame-free strategies to take control of your money without fighting your brain’s natural wiring.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Impulsivity Tax: Why we spend to feel "normal" and how to interrupt the cycle.
• Systemic Barriers: Why traditional banking and budgeting apps fail ADHD brains.
• Practical Money Hacks: Tailored tips for managing "Doom Spends" and "Boring Admin."
• The Power of Transparency: Moving past money shame into financial empowerment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Money Management

02:00 Personal Experiences with ADHD

05:11 The Impact of ADHD on Financial Management

10:31 Understanding ADHD Tax and Financial Stress

15:37 Hidden Challenges of ADHD in Money Management

22:00 Strategies for Better Money Management

28:40 The Importance of Open Conversations about Money

34:03 Navigating Everyday Challenges with ADHD

37:47 Recognizing Patterns in Financial Behavior

41:21 The Link Between Money and Mental Health

44:13 Empowering Conversations Around ADHD and Money

50:10 Creating Neurodivergent-Friendly Financial Systems

56:12 The Ripple Effect of Accessibility in Finance

resources

StepChange Debt Charity - https://www.stepchange.org/

Monzo Bank - https://monzo.com/

Martin Lewis's Demotivator Tool - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/demotivator/

Rich and Roxy on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richandroxy

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbybirch/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@abbybirch

Your bank account isn't your worth. Hit follow and join the project.

Is your "professional persona" just a very expensive mask?

This week, Emma is joined by Sue Conboy for a candid, unfiltered look at the lighter—and much louder—side of neurodivergence. We’re diving into the exhausting world of living with undiagnosed ADHD and the radical freedom that comes when you finally drop the act. Sue and Emma explore how humor isn’t just a distraction; it’s a tool for resilience, a way to build community, and a signal to other neurodivergent people that it's safe to be themselves.

Stop trying to be "reliable" in a way that breaks you. We’re reframing authenticity as the ultimate productivity hack and creating a roadmap for environments where you can finally thrive without the filter.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Masking Fatigue: Why "fitting in" is the fastest way to burn out at work.
• Humor as Medicine: Using wit and self-irony to navigate the ADHD "chaos."
• The Journey to Self-Acceptance: Moving from "I’m too much" to "I’m exactly enough."
• Building Your Tribe: How to find (and create) supportive spaces for neurodivergent minds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Neurodiversity

01:10 Sue's Journey and Background

04:34 Understanding ADHD and Diagnosis

09:02 Identity and Personal Growth

12:14 The Role of Adrenaline in Neurodivergent Careers

15:27 Reflections on Bullying and Motivation

19:50 The Importance of Humor and Authenticity

27:39 Strengths and Challenges in High-Pressure Careers

29:18 Embracing Authenticity

30:48 Navigating Identity and Transition

34:33 Reflections on Neurodiversity

38:45 The Struggles of Masking

41:40 Coping with Perimenopause and ADHD

44:38 Understanding ADHD and Daily Life

49:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery

52:46 Empowerment Through Vulnerability

58:10 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations

resources

Sue Conboy’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueconboy

Blue Light Neurodiversity Project - https://bluelightneurodiversity.org

Brilliantly Diverse (Saskia's organization) - https://brilliantlydiverse.com

Chesney Hawks - Smash It To Pieces - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example

Dolly Parton - https://www.dollyparton.com

Ditch the filter. Hit follow and join the project.

It’s not a mid-life crisis; it’s a mid-life awakening.

This week, Gareth joins the project to discuss the profound shift of discovering his ADHD diagnosis later in life. We explore the "grief period" for the years spent wondering why things felt so hard, and the incredible transformation that happens when you stop fighting your brain and start leveraging it. From professional breakthroughs to personal healing, Gareth proves that a late diagnosis isn't an ending—it’s the start of your most authentic chapter yet.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Late-Start Advantage: Why age and experience make an ADHD diagnosis even more powerful.
• The Identity Shift: Reconstructing your professional and personal self-image from the ground up.
• Acceptance vs. Tolerance: Moving past "dealing with" ADHD to truly embracing it as a core strength.
• The Outlook Overhaul: How radical self-understanding changes the way you see your future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gareth's Background

01:05 Discovering ADHD Late in Life

03:16 Childhood Experiences and Coping Strategies

06:44 Reflections on Childhood Trauma and Acceptance

12:11 Parenting with ADHD and Raising a Child

18:40 Impact of Stigma and Media Representation

22:07 Managing Emotions and Self-Regulation

36:18 Achievements and Surprising Successes

44:12 Music as Medication and Creative Outlet

49:20 The Power of Self-Understanding and Positivity

57:48 Embracing Being Different and Unique

resources

ADHD Awareness and Support Resources - https://www.additudemag.com/

Gareth's Music and Creativity - https://www.garethmusic.com

The Reframe Programme for Neurodiversity - https://www.reframe.org

Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/gareth

Twitter - https://twitter.com/gareth

The clock didn't start until you knew the truth. Hit follow and join the project.

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains references to childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, and parental overdose.

THIS is a special episode as part of Podcasthon - supporting FINDtheADHDgirls - https://podcasthon.org/podcaster/the-adhd-reframed-project-podcast

What happens to the girls we don't find?

In our most personal episode yet, host Emma Craven steps out from behind the mic to share the "Why" behind The ADHD Reframed Project. This isn't just a story about focus—it's a raw look at the high cost of undiagnosed ADHD. Emma traces the line from an invisible childhood struggle to the adult realities of trauma, addiction, and loss.

This episode is a call to action. We’re discussing why the mission to identify and support neurodiverse girls before the age of eight isn’t just a "good idea"—it’s a life-saving necessity.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Invisible Girl: Why falling through the cracks leads to a lifetime of "misdiagnosed" trauma.
• The Prevention Pivot: How Find the ADHD Girls is changing the trajectory for the next generation.
• From Pain to Purpose: Using personal history as the fuel for systemic change.
• The 8-Year-Old Window: Why early detection is the ultimate intervention.

Survival is the first step; reframing is the second. Hit follow and join the project.

Can you be high-performing and highly neurodivergent at the same time?

This week, we’re joined by tech industry pro Adam Clowes to discuss the reality of managing a "fast brain" in a fast-paced industry. Adam opens up about his journey from discovery to advocacy, proving that success in tech isn’t about fixing your ADHD—it’s about finding the authenticity to lead with it.

From the importance of supportive relationships to the "mental health tax" of the corporate world, Adam offers a masterclass in self-acceptance for every professional who has ever felt like an imposter.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Tech Advantage: Why ADHD is often the secret engine behind innovation (and the risk of burnout).
• Advocacy at Work: How to speak up for your needs without losing your professional edge.
• The Support System: Why the right relationships are the ultimate "executive function" hack.
• Continuous Learning: Moving from a "fixed" diagnosis to a growth-oriented life.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:30 Adam's Background and Work in Tech

01:31 Authenticity on LinkedIn and Personal Branding

03:38 Discovering ADHD Through Social Media

06:10 Diagnosis Journey and Realizations

08:02 Living with ADHD and Embracing Positives

08:51 Supportive Relationships and Advocacy

11:30 Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

14:22 Impact of ADHD on Relationships and Family

16:53 Impulsivity and Inattentiveness Over Time

20:50 Hyperactivity and Internal Restlessness

24:48 Emotional Dysregulation and RSD

30:00 Tech Tools Supporting ADHD Management

32:58 Parenting with ADHD Challenges

39:25 Building Strong Family Relationships

42:52 The Reality of Parenting and Mistakes

44:09 Words of Wisdom for Newly Diagnosed Individuals

45:54 Strengths and Positivity in ADHD

48:02 Living a Balanced and Fulfilled Life

49:45 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/adamclowes

Success doesn't have a single shape. Hit follow and join the project.

Are you a "broken" farmer, or a highly specialized hunter born into the wrong era?

This week, Emma sits down with ADHD coach Michael Ling to dive into the core of the neurodivergent experience. We aren’t just talking about focus; we’re talking about evolution. We explore the "Hunter vs. Farmer" hypothesis—a framework that reframes ADHD traits as vital evolutionary assets rather than modern-day deficits.

Michael shares his raw journey through diagnosis and pulls back the curtain on his coaching practice to explain why traditional "productivity" fails us, how to navigate the sting of rejection sensitivity, and what it looks like to finally work with your ancestral brain instead of against it.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Hunter-Farmer Theory: Why your brain was built for the hunt, not the cubicle.
• The RSD Reality: Navigating the physical pain of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.
• Coaching vs. Therapy: Why neuro-specific support is a game-changer for adult ADHD.
• Emotional Regulation: Tools for managing the "highs and lows" of a fast-paced mind.

Michael's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellingcoaching/

Michael's website - https://www.michaellingcoaching.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journeys

10:00 The Impact of Diagnosis on Life

19:54 Understanding ADHD Coaching and Support

30:09 Reflections on ADHD Experiences and Growth

You aren't malformed; you're evolved. Hit follow and join the project.

Why is it that we can’t learn if we don’t feel safe?

In this heart-centered conversation, Marianne and Emma peel back the layers of the neurodivergent education experience. We explore the profound impact ADHD has on self-acceptance and why the traditional classroom often feels like a battlefield instead of a sanctuary. This isn’t about "study hacks"—it’s about the radical power of kindness, the necessity of psychological safety, and the journey of self-discovery that happens when you finally stop trying to fit into a neurotypical mold.

It’s time to move from surviving education to thriving in it. We’re reframing the classroom as a space for advocacy, understanding, and the celebration of different minds.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Safety Signal: Why your brain "shuts down" in high-pressure learning environments.
• The Power of Kindness: How empathy acts as a catalyst for neurodivergent growth.
• Self-Advocacy 101: Learning to ask for what you need without the "mask."
• The Self-Acceptance Shift: Moving from "difficult student" to "divergent thinker."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:56 The Impact of ADHD on Education

10:07 Creating Safe Learning Environments

14:45 Personal Journeys and Self-Discovery

19:47 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

24:48 The Role of Kindness in Education

29:51 Embracing Neurodiversity

34:56 The Importance of Self-Acceptance

39:58 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Kindness is a strategy. Hit follow and join the project.

What if the "dreamy" girl in the back of the classroom was actually a nonprofit founder in the making?

This week, Cynthia Hammer joins the project to share her epic journey from a diagnosis at 49 to leading a movement for neurodivergent women. We’re pulling back the curtain on why ADHD in girls is still being missed and how early screening can prevent decades of unnecessary trauma. From the UK to the US, we’re looking at the systemic shifts happening right now and how community is the ultimate antidote to the "deficit" mindset.

Grab your Post-its—this isn’t just a diagnosis story; it’s a masterclass in turning three decades of "chaos" into a legacy of self-compassion and power.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Inattentive Myth: How to spot ADHD in girls before the age of 8.
• The 33-Year Journey: Navigating life when the "answer" comes three decades late.
• Nonprofit Power: Why ADHD brains are uniquely built for advocacy and leadership.
• The Difference Model: Shifting from "what's wrong with me" to "how do I rock this?"

Cynthia's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-hammer/

Inattentive ADHD Coalition - https://www.iadhd.org/

FINDtheADHDgirls - https://www.iadhd.org/findtheadhdgirls

After recording this episode and meeting Cynthia I am really PROUD to announce that I became a Committed Partner for FINDtheADHDgirls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journeys

02:08 The Inattentive ADHD Coalition and Its Mission

05:50 Understanding ADHD in Girls

07:32 Cynthia's Diagnosis Journey

16:43 The Difference Between Inattentive and Combined ADHD

20:10 Empowering Women with ADHD

26:14 Building a Community of Support

30:41 Harnessing ADHD as a Strength

37:22 Reframing ADHD Perspectives

46:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

It’s never too late to find your tribe. Hit follow and join the project.

What happens when the "Strong Silent Type" is actually just a man struggling to mask his neurodivergence?

In this unfiltered conversation, Neal pulls back the curtain on the AuDHD experience (ADHD + Autism). We aren't just talking about focus; we’re talking about the societal pressure on men to "perform" normalcy—and the devastating mental health crisis that follows when they can’t. From system failures to the power of radical unmasking, Neal shares a raw truth that challenges everything you thought you knew about masculinity.

It’s time to stop waiting for permission to be yourself. We’re reframing the "disorder" into a divergence and demanding a world where "different" is finally the new normal.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Masculine Mask: Why the pressure to "man up" is a barrier to diagnosis and survival.
• The System Failure: Why waiting decades for help is a tragedy, and what we can do now.
• The AuDHD Reality: Navigating the specific intersection of ADHD and Autism.
• Early Intervention: How we change the future of mental health in the classroom.

Neals LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-glendenning-142406a4/

Neals website - https://www.theneuroinclusionproject.co.uk/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Neurodivergence

01:40 The Mask of Masculinity and Emotional Struggles

11:20 Personal Journey: Diagnosis and Mental Health

19:31 Societal Expectations and Their Impact on Men

27:43 The Importance of Openness and Acceptance

30:12 Fixing the System: Future of ADHD Treatment

34:38 Creating Inclusive Environments for All

The rules are broken. Let’s rewrite them. Hit follow and join the project.

Your brain is a library in a windstorm—beautiful, but impossible to organize. Until now.

In this episode, we’re joined by Susanne, the world’s first ADHD writing coach for adults. If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor for three hours or felt the "all-or-nothing" burn of a hyperfocus session, this conversation is your roadmap. We move beyond "just sit down and write" and dive into the mechanics of two-dimensional thinking.

From the high-stakes world of academic writing to the daily struggle of energy management, we’re reframing the writing process from a chore into a game you can actually win.

In this episode, we reframe:

• The Hyperfocus Trap: How to harness the "blessing" without the "curse" burnout.
• 2D Thinking: Why mind mapping is the natural language of the ADHD brain.
• Energy vs. Time: Why managing your clock is useless if you aren't managing your battery.
• Gamification: Practical strategies to trick your brain into enjoying the hard parts.

Susanne decided to give away a free workbook to you listeners, to help you turn any writing project into a game. I thought I'd send you the PDF, and your listeners can get the same by signing up on this page I created specifically for you: https://passionatewritercoaching.com/adhd-reframed-project/

Guest Links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-schotanus/

Website - [email protected]

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
• 00:00 Meet Susanna: The ADHD Writing Coach
• 02:34 Understanding ADHD and Writing Challenges
• 05:39 The Role of Hyperfocus in Writing
• 08:07 Crisis Management in ADHD Writing
• 10:24 Strategies for Overcoming Writing Barriers
• 13:03 Energy Management and Writing Productivity
• 15:48 The Importance of Accountability and Support
• 18:19 Personal Experiences with Academic Writing
• 20:55 Reframing ADHD: From Deficit to Difference
• 23:35 The Journey of Acceptance and Understanding ADHD
• 26:35 Finding Passion and Interest in Writing
• 29:19 Mind Mapping and Visual Thinking in Writing
• 31:46 Gamifying the Writing Process
• 34:17 Final Thoughts and Resources for ADHD Writers

Emmas affiliate link for Speechify - https://speechify.com/text-to-speech-online/?utm_campaign=partners&utm_content=rewardful&via=emma-craven

Stop fighting the page. Hit follow and join the project.