The Impulsive Thinker

Shame isn't your problem. Toxic shame is. The Impulsive Thinker® cuts straight through what most ADHD Entrepreneur podcasts never talk about.

In This Episode:

• The real difference between shame, toxic shame, and guilt
• Why self-sabotage is just self-protection for the ADHD brain
• How a shame-bound identity quietly shapes your work and relationships

What You'll Take Away:

• Shame is a social correction tool — but toxic shame attacks your identity
• Your brain never got the memo that you're safe now
• ADHD Entrepreneurs react to toxic shame, not regular shame
• Self-sabotage is just another name for trying to survive — not thrive
• Complaints hit like verdicts when toxic shame rewires your system

ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® rips into the difference between regular shame and the toxic stuff that rewires your brain. The Impulsive Thinker® breaks down Dr. Shawn's blunt take on shame, guilt, and why your brain keeps you stuck.

Forget the motivational nonsense — this is about ADHD, Entrepreneurs, and how toxic shame runs on automatic even when your world is safe. Identity, behaviour, and self-sabotage are unmasked for what they are.

Shame is a tool — until it turns toxic. Self-sabotage isn't weakness, it's your nervous system overcorrecting after years of running defence. Real ADHD Entrepreneur talk without easy answers or stock fixes.

If you're an ADHD Entrepreneur who feels like complaints always land like final judgement — you need this episode. Hit play and see the problem for what it actually is.

Email me about it at [email protected]. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 Understanding Shame: The Misconception

02:42 The Role of Toxic Shame vs. Healthy Shame

05:24 Self-Sabotage: A Form of Self-Protection

08:02 Reframing Our Relationship with Shame

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

Shame isn't a quirk — it's a weapon. If you're sick of feeling like the problem, this episode puts the truth on the table. The Impulsive Thinker® and Dr. Shawn Horn demolish what you think you know about shame.

In This Episode:

• The difference between shame, toxic shame, and guilt
• How shame-bound identity hijacks your decisions
• Why ADHD brains get stuck in people pleasing, perfectionism, and self-protection

What You'll Take Away:

• Shame is a social emotion — it starts outside, then you absorb it
• Toxic shame attacks your identity, not your actions
• ADHD Entrepreneurs are experts at hiding, not because they want to, but as self-protection
• The self-sabotage you feel is a defence against rejection
• Healthy shame corrects behaviour — toxic shame cripples growth

GUEST BIODr. Shawn Horn is a licensed clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, author, and host of Inspired Living Podcast. She helps neurodiverse entrepreneurs crush toxic shame and build real self-acceptance. Check out her book Thrive Socially with Adult ADHD.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® goes hard at shame with Dr. Shawn Horn, breaking down why ADHD Entrepreneurs can't just "think positive" when the world is hell-bent on making them feel defective. The Impulsive Thinker® sharpens the line between guilt and shame — and why most people get it dead wrong.

Expect talk about toxic shame, identity condemnation, and why society's measuring stick is always pointed at you. Dr. Shawn Horn explains how shame is installed in childhood, why it sticks, and how it keeps you hustling for worth. This isn't theory — it's neuroscience and lived reality.

You'll hear how healthy shame sparks change, but toxic shame becomes the filter you see the world through. People pleasing, workaholism, over-functioning — they're all rooted in this shame-bound identity. Real talk about what that costs you as an ADHD Entrepreneur.

If you're done with being told you're the problem, you need this episode. High-achieving, neurodivergent, black sheep — get ready to hear the truth. Hit play now.

Email me about it at [email protected]. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 — Kicking Off: Shame as Social Emotion for ADHD Entrepreneurs 01:41 — Healthy Shame vs. Toxic Shame: What No One Tells You 04:51 — Shame Reflex, Guilt, and Early Conditioning 06:40 — Shame-Bound Identity and Entrepreneur Behaviour 09:36 — How Toxic Shame Fuels Perfectionism and Numbing 12:09 — Masking, Hiding, and Self-Protection in ADHD 14:18 — Self-Sabotage, "Self-Protection," and The Value of New Narratives 16:05 — Unrealistic Expectations and Society's Measuring Stick 17:44 — Radical Self-Acceptance for Entrepreneurs 19:38 — Judgement vs. Description: Breaking the Shame Loop 22:09 — Practical Takeaways: Moving Away from Shame Toward Behaviour 23:34 — Why Shame Is Useful — Until It's Not 24:27 — Where to Find Dr. Shawn Horn and Next Steps

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

You aren't dysregulated — your nervous system is. Your body calls the shots before your brain even shows up. The Impulsive Thinker® breaks down polyvagal theory and why old advice never fit ADHD Entrepreneurs.

In This Episode:

• The three polyvagal zones: green, yellow, and red, and how they control your reactions
• Emotional vs. nervous system dysregulation — why it's not about you
• Hacks to retrain your nervous system and stop sabotaging yourself

What You'll Take Away:

• 80% of communication is body to brain, not the other way around
• ADHD brains hit red zone fast — and it's not a self-control issue
• Nervous system triggers are wired, not willed
• Retraining your environment starts with catching triggers early
• Getting out of red isn't failing — it's training reps for green

ABOUT THIS EPISODE This solo episode of The Impulsive Thinker® puts the polyvagal theory under the ADHD Entrepreneur lens. The Impulsive Thinker® explains why your nervous system acts first and your brain justifies after. ADHD isn't a personal flaw — it's a hardwired difference that shows up in business and stress.

Key themes include nervous system dysregulation, green/yellow/red reaction zones, and practical tools for catching triggers early. André Brisson covers why retraining your nervous system (not just your brain) actually shifts your baseline. This episode drops the old "emotional regulation" myth and names the real challenge.

If you've ever asked "what's wrong with me," this is your episode. Stop blaming discipline. Listen for brutal honesty — and practical steps no one else is talking about.

Email me about it at [email protected]. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 Understanding the Nervous System's Role

02:44 Emotional Dysregulation vs. Nervous System Dysregulation

05:31 The Importance of Awareness and Retraining

08:37 Building Resilience in the Nervous System

11:20 Living in the Green Zone

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

You think you control your reactions. You don't. Your nervous system does. Dr. Shawn Horn and The Impulsive Thinker® break down why that's not your fault — and why every ADHD Entrepreneur needs to stop fighting it.

In This Episode:

• The basics of polyvagal theory and why it matters for ADHD Entrepreneurs
• How your nervous system triggers automatic shutdown, fight, or social engagement
• Why most solutions miss the mark — it's not emotional, it's biological

What You'll Take Away:

• Emotional dysregulation is nervous system dysregulation — stop blaming your brain
• 80% of your reactions are body-driven, not thoughts
• Digital meetings stress your nervous system more than you think
• Crying isn't weakness — it's proof you're finally coming out of shutdown
• You can't outthink a spun-up nervous system. Body first, brain second.

GUEST BIODr. Shawn Horn is a psychologist, TEDx speaker, author, and creator of the Inspired Living Podcast. She brings decades of mental health insight — without the therapy buzzwords.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® drills into polyvagal theory and what drives your behaviour as an ADHD Entrepreneur. The Impulsive Thinker® talks with Dr. Shawn Horn about why your nervous system calls the shots and how that's shaping your business and relationships — not your mindset.

They cover the real drivers behind anxiety, shutdown, and social misreads. The focus is on how your body auto-selects your response to stress, and why traditional thinking-based approaches fail most ADHD Entrepreneurs.

You'll get the unfiltered truth on why most emotional "hacks" don't work when your system is already fired up or shut down. Dr. Horn explains how digital interactions hijack your state, and why face-to-face is non-negotiable for real regulation.

If you're tired of experts blaming your "emotional" side or telling you to just think your way through, this conversation is built for you. It's raw, specific, and rejects every simplistic label you've been handed. Hit play — you need this.

Email me about it at [email protected]. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 — You're Not in Control: Nervous System Runs the Show 00:36 — Polyvagal Theory Explained for Entrepreneurs 02:36 — Green, Yellow, Red: The Traffic Light Model 04:23 — Shutdown vs. Fight/Flight: What the Nervous System Really Does 06:27 — What "Activation" Means and How Neuroception Works 08:04 — Why Face-to-Face Matters for ADHD Entrepreneurs 10:21 — Digital Communication, Anxiety, and the ADHD Brain 11:31 — The Body Moves First: Why You Can't Just Think Your Way Out 13:06 — What to Do in Each State: Tools for ADHD Entrepreneurs 18:09 — How Fast the Body Reacts vs. the Thinking Brain 19:42 — Emotions Are Just Nervous System States 20:13 — How to Burn Off or Reawaken Energy in Yellow/Red Light 22:19 — Crying and Real Regulation: Signs You're Coming Back Online 23:57 — Why Nervous System Work Beats "Positive Thinking" for ADHD Entrepreneurs 26:29 — Neuroplasticity: Shaping Your Own State (and It's Not Easy) 28:11 — Stop Asking "What's Wrong with Me?" — Ask What Your System Needs Now

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

Your biggest failure wasn't a surprise. You saw every warning sign and ignored them. The Impulsive Thinker® lays out why ADHD Entrepreneurs always pay the price for pretending not to see what's coming.

In This Episode:

Why ignoring your gut always ends with a sledgehammer moment Victim, growth, and transformation — choosing your mindset as an ADHD Entrepreneur Turning pain into purpose instead of just suffering

What You'll Take Away:

The longer you ignore the signs, the harder you get hit — and you knew it was coming "Gut feel" isn't woo-woo — it's your early warning system for business and life Victim mode is comfortable but keeps you stuck Growth mode can turn into a trap if you stop pushing Pain without purpose is just suffering — transformation happens when you act

ABOUT THIS EPISODE This solo episode of The Impulsive Thinker® is raw on self-sabotage and the cost of ignoring what your ADHD brain keeps telling you. The Impulsive Thinker® pushes beyond surface-level advice — it's about gut signals, painful wake-ups, and how those sledgehammer moments force change.

Key themes for ADHD Entrepreneurs: the cost of ignoring instincts, the energy of unaddressed problems, and why every "blindside" is usually obvious in hindsight. This episode is straight about victim thinking, why growth gets too comfortable, and how transformation happens when pain gets used.

If you've ever watched disaster coming and denied it, this is your episode. It strips back the comfort and forces you to audit what you're ignoring today. For ADHD Entrepreneurs dead tired of punishment cycles and ready for change.

Email me about it at [email protected]. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 — Big Lessons: Worst Days and the Sledgehammer Analogy for ADHD 01:19 — Missed Signs and the Personal Cost in Business 01:54 — Why Ignoring Problems Makes the Hit Worse 02:34 — Trusting Your Gut vs. Rationalization for Neurodivergents 03:04 — Victim to Transformation: Krista's Three Phases Explained 04:27 — Situational Mindset — Not Life-Long Labels 05:40 — Audit Your Reactions: Victim, Growth, or Transformation? 06:32 — How Pain Becomes Purpose for the ADHD Entrepreneur 07:20 — Diagnoses as Sledgehammers: Diabetes, ADHD, and Change 08:40 — What Signs Are You Ignoring Right Now?

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

You're not getting punished by life. You're getting handed the raw materials for your next transformation. The Impulsive Thinker® and Krista Clive-Smith show what happens when you finally stop fighting and start listening.

In This Episode: The "3 phases of living" for ADHD Entrepreneurs: victim, growth, and transformation How pain and setbacks become fuel for business innovation Why ignoring the signs guarantees a bigger wake-up call

What You'll Take Away: Resilience isn't learned — it's earned from every hard hit you take in business Turning obstacles into purpose and profit isn't optional — it's mandatory for ADHD Entrepreneurs Stopping to listen beats fighting against change or symptoms every time Raw internal reflection beats band-aid solutions — brutal honesty is the only way through The longer you ignore the signs, the harder the universe hits

GUEST BIO Krista Clive-Smith is a serial entrepreneur and branding expert helping visionaries turn painful lessons into world-class brands. She's built companies, authored "Get Noticed, Be Remembered", and creates systems for neurodiverse entrepreneurs who refuse to settle.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® is for ADHD Entrepreneurs who are tired of blaming themselves for setbacks. The Impulsive Thinker® and Krista Clive-Smith break down how every painful lesson is a sign — and a tool for growth. If you don't listen, you're going to get hit harder.

You'll hear why rebuilding from the concrete foundation beats chasing easy wins. The conversation covers what happens when you ignore the obvious — and how those bigger "2x4 wake-ups" are invitations to transform your business and your life.

This episode isn't about feeling good. It's about getting raw, honest, and real with what's driving your decisions. ADHD, entrepreneurship, self-management, pain, and personal branding all show up here. It's a call to rethink how you deal with adversity for actual results.

If you're a neurodiverse entrepreneur who's always felt out of place — this episode makes it clear. You either stop fighting and start listening, or life keeps handing you bigger lessons. Hit play if you're ready to build something from your scars.

Email me about it at [email protected]. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 Transforming Pain into Purpose

09:40 The Three Phases of Living

19:19 Lessons from Adversity

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

André, The Impulsive Thinker®, digs into a powerful lesson from Terry Tucker's book, Four Truths and a Lie: Ancient Wisdom for Living Your Modern Purpose. Society teaches us to chase status and possessions, but real worth isn't measured by what you have or the title you hold—it's about what you give and how you serve others, especially when there's nothing in it for you. André reflects on his own experiences as an ADHD Entrepreneur, facing adversity and building real resilience through discomfort. This episode is a must-listen for growth mindset Entrepreneurs looking to break the cycle of external validation and embrace true self-worth.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 The Illusion of Worth

03:00 The Shift from Self to Service

05:46 Building Resilience Through Adversity

08:34 Redefining Personal Worth

The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

André, The Impulsive Thinker®, sits down with Terry Tucker, author of Four Truths and a Lie: Ancient Wisdom for Living Your Modern Purpose, for a raw talk about what really determines our worth as ADHD Entrepreneurs. Forget the old script of measuring yourself by what you own or your job title—Terry breaks down the biggest lie and offers a mindset reset: we're born full, not empty. Together, André and Terry dig into dealing with pain, building deep connections, and choosing values like integrity and hard work over material gain. If you're tired of chasing status, this episode offers a powerful reframing for your ADHD Entrepreneur journey.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

Guest:

Terry Tucker is the author of "Four Truth and a Lie: Ancient Wisdom for Living Your Modern Purpose" and the founder of Motivational Check LLC. Known as a master of personal reinvention, he has overcome his greatest challenge—being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, acral lentiginous melanoma.

Find Terry:

www.motivationalcheck.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2CUA6R1zP2ZcjzhzGKWkQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivationalcheck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainableexcellenceauthor/

X: https://mobile.twitter.com/terrytucker2012

Other Books: Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life

00:00 Chasing the Lie of Worth

07:42 The Importance of Service and Connection

15:49 Perception vs. Perspective

21:48 Transforming Adversity into Growth

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved.

The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

André, The Impulsive Thinker®, gets real about hitting a business plateau and why relying only on referrals is holding ADHD Entrepreneurs back. After a deep conversation with seasoned marketing expert Christine Tolton, André learned that true growth comes from strategic marketing—not just posting online or waiting for word-of-mouth. He reflects on the need for clear messaging, having a ready team, and guiding prospects from awareness to action. If you feel stuck and are thinking about hiring a marketing firm, this episode is for you. Hear André's honest take on building systems and preparing your company for real demand.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

00:00 Understanding Marketing Beyond Referrals

The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

André, The Impulsive Thinker®, sits down with Christine Tolton, CEO of Red Cat Marketing, to unravel what hiring a marketing firm means for ADHD Entrepreneurs. Together, they get past the industry jargon to dig into the real goals of marketing: building trust, making measurable connections, and setting up for sustained business growth—not just chasing trends. Christine shares why referrals alone won't cut it and how a strategic, ongoing approach brings clarity and results. If marketing feels fuzzy or overwhelming, this episode offers straight talk and clear steps for Entrepreneurs ready to turn their marketing from hope into action.

🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount!

📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool.

📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter.

🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn.

👣Follow me on Instagram.

💻Check out our website.

👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.

Guest:

Christine Tolton is the CEO of Red Cat Marketing, a boutique agency celebrating 21 years in business this month. With a background that spans both large and small agencies, she brings solid foundational training in advertising and has partnered with brands ranging from small startups to large global companies across both B2B and B2C sectors. In addition to her agency experience, Christine is an angel investor, speaker, and mentor who frequently shares her expertise with incubators and through advisory work. She is passionate about all things marketing, business growth, and helping brands achieve their objectives through thoughtful, strategic approaches.

www.redcatmarketing.ca

00:00 Understanding Marketing: A Journey Begins 02:51 The Essence of Marketing: More Than Just Ads 05:35 Building Trust in Marketing: The Key to Success 08:36 When to Market: Timing and Readiness 11:20 Components of Marketing: Beyond the Basics 14:29 The Role of a Marketing Firm: Your Strategic Partner 17:27 Finding the Right Marketing Firm: What to Look For 20:07 Collaboration and Communication: The Heart of Marketing 22:59 Marketing as an Ecosystem: Ensuring Alignment 25:53 Conclusion: Embracing Marketing for Growth

© 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved.

The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.