In this episode, I am joined by ADHD coach and podcast host Kristen Carder! Kirsten's mission is to unpack what ADHD really looks like in adulthood, and why so many people grow up believing they're lazy, disorganized, or broken when the reality is far more complex.

Today, Kristen shares her own journey from struggling to find her purpose to building one of the most recognized podcasts and coaching communities for adults with ADHD. Together, they explore the everyday realities of living with ADHD—from time blindness and overcommitment to creativity, relationships, and parenting.

They also dive into why ADHD often goes undiagnosed for decades—especially for women—and how understanding your brain can transform the way you see yourself, your relationships, and your potential.

If you've ever felt like you're capable of so much more but can't quite figure out why certain parts of life feel harder than they should… this conversation may help connect the dots.

About Kristen Carder

Kristen Carder is a multi-certified life coach, educator, and host of the I Have ADHD Podcast, which has reached millions of listeners around the world.

After years of tutoring students who struggled in school, Kristen began noticing a pattern: many of the families she worked with were navigating ADHD—but there were almost no resources available for adults trying to understand their own brains.

That realization led her to launch the I Have ADHD Podcast in 2018, which quickly grew into a global platform supporting adults with ADHD through education, coaching, and community.

Kristen now leads the Focused coaching program and helps thousands of adults better understand their ADHD, regulate their emotions, and build lives that work for the way their brains are wired.

Her work centers around helping people break free from shame, self-criticism, and the belief that they're simply "not trying hard enough."

Key Takeaways

• Why ADHD is often misunderstood as laziness or lack of discipline

• How ADHD brains are driven by interest, urgency, and novelty—not traditional motivation

• The concept of "time blindness" and why people with ADHD struggle with deadlines and lateness

• Why ADHD often runs in families and can become normalized across generations

• How ADHD can impact relationships when partners feel like managers or parents

• Why understanding your strengths—and designing life around them—is key to thriving with ADHD

• The connection between ADHD, emotional regulation, and childhood experiences