The ADHD Skills Lab

Curious about how ADHD brains learn stuff? Brandon Hendrickson, Founder of Science is Weird is here to chat about this and so much more!

Curious about what's inside?

• Discussion of unconventional learning methods
• How to harness intrinsic motivation to increase engagement
• Wonderful tangents into other scientific disciplines

If you are looking for a fresh take on education and ADHD, you won't want to miss this episode!

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)


INSTEAD OF REFERENCES, I AM SHARING...
Brandon's Book Recommendations:

1. Driven to Distraction by John Ratey and Ned Hallowell – This was Brandon's introduction to ADHD, and it helped him understand his own experience.
2. Getting It Wrong From the Beginning by Kieran Egan – A history of education that challenges conventional views on how children learn, particularly focusing on making learning fascinating.
3. Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks – A guide to telling engaging stories, emphasizing the power of transformation in narrative.

Looking for Brandon?
https://www.scienceisweird.com/
*Code for free digital downloads*
Use code UNCONVENTIONALMINDS
Use code UNCONVENTIONALHYPERFOCUS

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
Substack
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

What do you know about the Autonomic Nervous System and its connection to ADHD? In this week’s episode of The ADHD Skills Lab, we welcome resident expert Abbie J. for a bite-sized yet powerful breakdown of how the ANS impacts emotional regulation in ADHD.

Curious about what's inside?

• Discover the different nervous systems at play, explained in a simple, digestible way
• Why "we’re meant to be dysregulated"—and how to shift out of it
• What micro-moments are and how they can change your day
• Learn to be seaweed—a grounding technique that uses the slowest, most subtle movements to reset your nervous system

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)

P.S. Skye here—email me "GROUNDING" at [email protected] or DM me on IG, and I’ll send you my free article on grounding techniques for ADHD!


References

1. Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review
2. An Individualized, Data-Driven Biological Approach to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Heterogeneity
3. Is autonomic nervous system function atypical in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? A systematic review of the evidence
4. Heart rate variability, prefrontal neural function, and cognitive performance: the neurovisceral integration perspective on self-regulation, adaptation, and health

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

Is gamification just another shiny ADHD strategy, or can it really help you get stuff done? In this episode, Russ Jones, aka The ADHD Big Brother, breaks down how he turns everyday tasks into fun games in an attempt to boost motivation and tackle the mundane. But the real magic of Russ’s approach lies in the power of community.

Curious about what's inside?

• How Russ uses day streaks and accountability to build consistency
• A fun way to turn household chores into a dopamine-boosting card game
• Why “delegation” can feel impossible for ADHDers, and what to do instead

To catch part 2 of this conversation, be sure to head on over to The ADHD Big Brother Podcast!

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)


ADHD Skills Discussed:

1. Gamification without apps
2. Setting up external accountability
3. The value of flexibility and experimentation

Looking for Russ?
The ADHD Big Brother Podcast
The ADHD Big Brother Community

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
Substack
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

Can your ADHD meds increase the risk of heart disease but still lower overall risk of early death? Some data says, "Yes!"

Don't miss this week's Research Recap, featuring Dr. Fred Hooven, Professor of Public Health. We called in an expert for this topic to ensure we could deliver the highest quality of information in the simplest of terms.

Curious about what's inside?

• Many reminders to talk to your personal doctor
• Discussion of study design and why this is important
• Heart risk vs overall mortality risk - lets untangle this

If you want more Research Recaps featuring experts in their field, let us know in the comments!

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)


References:

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications and Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
2. Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
3. ADHD Pharmacotherapy and Mortality in Individuals With ADHD

Looking for Fred?
LinkedIn

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
Substack
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
IG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcast
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

On this week’s episode of The ADHD Skills Lab, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges for ADHDer's: getting organized! With the help of ADHD organizing coach Megs Crawford, we dive into realistic strategies for letting go of perfectionism and creating a space that truly works for your brain.

Curious about what’s inside? We break down:
- Where should I start?
- How is consistency possible?
- Am I trying to organize this space, or just make it look pretty?

Megs shares her compassionate, empowering approach to decluttering and staying consistent, so you can build spaces that feel calm, functional, and ADHD-friendly.

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)


ADHD Strategies Discussed:

• How to chunk tasks while still noticing progress
• Setting realistic rules for yourself and boundaries for your space
• Mindful transitions: creating routines that stick
• Consistency through imperfect action and why the small wins matter

Looking for Megs?
MindfulMegs LinkTree

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
Substack
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
IG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcast
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

Impulse spending is a product of more than just ADHD impulsivity, and we’re excited to untangle what that means!

On this week’s episode of The ADHD Skills Lab, we went looking for a research-backed financial decision-making framework—and what we found surprised us! There isn’t as much research on ADHD and financial decision making as we expected, which makes this episode feel even more special.

Curious about what’s inside?

• Discover your financial decision-making style!
• Why impulsive spending might have less to do with ADHD than you think…
• Explore the paradox of ADHD: A blessing or a curse for your career?

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode references studies that contain potentially sensitive content regarding financial distress and suicide.

References:

1. Financial decision-making in a community sample of adults with and without current symptoms of ADHD
2. Paradoxical career strengths and successes of ADHD adults: an evolving narrative
3. ADHD, financial distress, and suicide in adulthood: A population study
4. Big Five Personality Test

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
Substack
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
IG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcast
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

Looking for an episode about finding balance with ADHD and embracing the way we’re wired?! Listen now for that conversation with Lisa Ballard, Director at Google Cloud! From tackling overwhelm and being intentional to discovering your unique strengths with ADHD, Lisa shares practical insights for every walk of life.

You’ll want to press play on this week’s episode of The ADHD Skills Lab! Come for the amazing chemistry between Skye and Lisa, and stay for the wealth of strategies they discuss. Whether you're a professional, a parent, or just looking for tips to make life a little easier, this episode has you in mind.

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)


ADHD Strategies Discussed:

• Red zone strategies (planned ahead)
• Flexible rules for your planning tools - do you think we always use our Planner Pads "correctly?"
• Step-in routines for just getting started
• DON'T MISS: how does Lisa get her kids to participate in the family planning meeting?

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
Substack
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
IG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcast
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

tl;dr Is it ADHD, ASD, or both?! As it turns out, the experts still aren't sure.

This week on The ADHD Skills Lab, I have a labor of love for you, in the form of a Research Recap!  We looked at several articles and an editorial (hello, asynchronous interview) to discuss the question above.

Curious about what's inside?

• Research & expert opinions
• Implications for treatment
• Why is the overlap between ADHD & ASD so big?

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah (Podcast Producer)

References:

1. ADHD and ASD: Time to Split or Lump?
2. Shared and Specific Neural Correlates of ADHD and ASD: A Meta-Analysis of 243 Task-Based Functional MRI Studies
3. ADHD and ASD: Towards Better Diagnosis and Management
4. Symptom scores and medication treatment patterns in children with ADHD versus autism
5. Who is Phillip Shaw?

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
IG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcast
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

Hello! Thanks for tuning into another week of The ADHD Skills Lab!

Skye brings us an interview with the wonderful E. Prybylski, wearer of many hats. They cover the essentials - daily ADHD strategies - but the conversation really gets interesting when they delve into, "how to write" and "how to get published."

I will personally be relistening to the bit on connecting authentically so I can feel that spark again.

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah (Podcast Producer)

ADHD Skills Discussed:

• Chunking & prioritization
• WFH self-accommodation ideas
• Checking on my basic needs to get unstuck? ...sounds fake, right?

Looking for E?
Author Website
Instagram
TikTok
The Star Point Method - Video on YT

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
IG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcast
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.

Welcome back to The ADHD Skills Lab!

I have a very exciting Research Recap this week on treatment for adult ADHD. The results of these papers are promising, but the most interesting discussion piece comes from "the scientific community" itself.

Curious about what's inside?

• CBT and medication
• Support group for parents 
• Interesting exclusion criteria

Thanks for being here! Until next time,
Sarah (Podcast Producer)

References:
01:07 - One-year follow-up of the effectiveness and mediators of CBT among adults with ADHD: secondary outcomes of a randomised controlled trial
13:02 - Parent Training Tailored to Parents With ADHD: Development of the Improving Parenting Skills Adult ADHD (IPSA) Program

Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?
We would love to hear from you!
IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisation
IG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcast
YT: Unconventional Organisation ADHD

P.S. Skye here!

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you have Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD.

1. Subscribe for sections of my new book ‘Focused Balanced Days with ADHD’ in your inbox — Click Here

2. Grab a Quick ADHD Win — Click Here

3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program

If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here

4. Work with me Privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here

Learn more here.