TOMU: The Open Mic: Unfiltered

This one means a lot to me.

I sat down with my Dad for a real, honest conversation about life, family, the past, and some of the things we don't always take the time to talk about.

There was no big script or perfectly planned interview. Just a father and son talking — and as the conversation unfolded, things got emotional.

We laughed, reflected, shared stories and had some moments that I'm incredibly grateful we captured.

Sometimes we assume we'll always have another chance to have these conversations with the people closest to us. This episode was a reminder that maybe we shouldn't wait.

A real conversation between a father and son.

This is The Open Mic: Unfiltered.

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What happens when a 22-year-old with ADHD quits medication, starts living out of his car, posts one raw emotional video online… and suddenly gains millions of views overnight?

In this episode of TOMU: The Open Mic, Unfiltered, I sit down with content creator “Spoons” for one of the deepest conversations I’ve had on the podcast so far.

We talk about ADHD, mental health, social media, going viral, addiction, emotional intelligence, purpose, masculinity, vulnerability, travelling the world, overthinking, sobriety, dopamine, self-worth, relationships, religion, happiness and what it actually means to feel alive in modern society.

Spoons opens up about:

• Growing up on ADHD medication
• Leaving meds behind and rediscovering himself
• Living out of his car and travelling America
• His viral 15 million view ADHD video
• Feeling like an outsider his whole life
• Why men struggle to open up emotionally
• The pressure of social media success
• Fear, purpose, identity and freedom
• Wanting to build a life with zero regrets

We also get into deeper conversations around:

• Overthinking and anxiety
• Why modern life feels empty
• Nature, tribalism and consumerism
• Toxic productivity culture
• Accountability and self-growth
• Why pain can actually become a gift
• The search for meaning in life

This wasn’t a polished interview.

It was two people trying to figure life out in real time.

If you’ve ever struggled with ADHD, addiction, anxiety, purpose, loneliness, burnout, depression or feeling disconnected from the world around you… this episode will probably hit home.

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This episode dives deep into the reality of ADHD, addiction, and long-term sobriety—and how undiagnosed neurodivergence can shape an entire life.

I sit down with David, who shares his raw and unfiltered journey from early struggles in school, to substance abuse, to becoming nearly 9 years sober. We explore what it’s really like living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and suspected autism, and how a lack of understanding can lead to years of confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt.

We break down:

• The dopamine system and how it affects motivation, anxiety, and addiction
• Why people with ADHD are more vulnerable to substance abuse
• The reality of late ADHD diagnosis and its long-term impact
• Growing up feeling like you have “potential” but can’t access it
• Masking, shame, and rejection sensitivity (RSD)
• The link between ADHD, procrastination, and last-minute pressure
• How sobriety changes when you finally understand your brain

This isn’t just about addiction—it’s about understanding yourself, rewiring your thinking, and making sense of a life that never quite felt like it fit.

If you’ve ever struggled with focus, anxiety, addiction, or feeling misunderstood, this conversation will hit home.

In this episode of TOMU: The Open Mic, Unfiltered, I sit down with UK stand-up comedian Matt Richardson — known for The Xtra Factor, Celebrity Juice, and his award-winning comedy career.

We get real about ADHD diagnosis, medication (Elvanse), and what it actually feels like day-to-day — not the highlight reel, the reality.

Matt shares his journey from late ADHD diagnosis to how medication has changed his focus, creativity, and even his relationship with alcohol. We dive into the impact of ADHD on stand-up comedy, writing, performance, and productivity, plus the mental side of chasing success in the entertainment industry.

We also go deeper — talking about identity, growing up with a brother with autism, and learning to own who you are in a world that constantly tries to shape you.

This one is funny, honest, and full of insight.

Topics covered:

• ADHD diagnosis story (late diagnosis)
• ADHD medication (Elvanse vs stimulants)
• Focus, productivity & dopamine
• ADHD and addiction patterns
• Comedy writing & performing with ADHD
• Life as a stand-up comedian
• Social media & building an audience
• Autism, family & identity
• Mental health & self-acceptance

If this episode resonates,
follow, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

Because sometimes hearing someone else’s story
is what makes you feel less alone.

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Appreciate you all.

ADHD medication isn’t a magic fix… and no one really talks about what it actually feels like.

In this episode of TOMU – The Open Mic Unfiltered, I break down my real, unfiltered journey with ADHD medication — from the brutal early days on stimulant meds (similar to Adderall) to finding balance with Elvanse, sobriety, and rebuilding my life from the ground up.

This isn’t the polished version.
This is the truth.

I talk about:

• What ADHD medication really feels like in the beginning
• The dark side of stimulant meds (crashes, anxiety, identity loss)

• Trial and error with dosage (20mg → 50mg and finding my sweet spot)
• Why medication alone is NOT the solution
• ADHD, addiction & sobriety — and how they connect
• Building structure: sleep, food, exercise, routine
• Dopamine chasing, time blindness & mental overload
• Learning to work with ADHD instead of against it

There were moments I thought I’d made the biggest mistake of my life.
Moments where medication felt worse than the problems it was meant to fix.

But there was also growth.
Clarity.
And eventually… purpose.

If you’ve ever:

• Been diagnosed with ADHD
• Considered medication (Adderall, Elvanse, Vyvanse, etc.)
• Struggled with focus, impulsivity, or addiction
• Felt overwhelmed in your own mind

This episode is for you.

Because ADHD isn’t just chaos…
It’s power — if you learn how to live with it.

Disclaimer:
This episode is based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Always speak to a qualified professional regarding ADHD diagnosis or medication.

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Follow & rate the show
Share it with someone who might need it
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Appreciate you all.

In this honest and reflective conversation, I sit down with Jimmy Thistle to unpack their personal journeys with alcohol, identity, and growth.

From the recklessness of youth to the quiet realisations that come with self-awareness, we explore how drinking shaped their choices, relationships, and sense of purpose.

The episode dives into the normalization of heavy drinking in social culture, the hidden costs that often go unnoticed, and the turning points that lead to change.

Jimmy shares his experience with sobriety, shedding light on the challenges of letting go, the pull of nostalgia, and the discipline required to build a new path.

Together, we discuss the power of creative outlets like photography, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and what it really means to find your tribe.

This is a conversation about growth, accountability, and choosing a more intentional life, even when it’s the harder road.

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Catch Jimmy on his podcast After Hours with Jimmy Thistle here on Spotify...

https://open.spotify.com/show/7b9xSfUrFFeWKWwwmkRf7O?si=0301d3be6e5b4095

Also on other podcast platforms

Appreciate you all.

Please follow and rate the show. It really helps, more than you realise. Appreciate you...

Why is wind so annoying?

In this Hear Me Out episode by The Open Mic Unfiltered. (TOMU), we’re tackling one of life’s most underrated daily frustrations: wind.

Not rain.
Not snow.
Not extreme heat.

Just aggressive, chaotic air ruining perfectly good days.

From umbrellas flipping inside out, to hair being instantly destroyed, to picnics, coffee breaks, and park days getting absolutely wrecked, this episode is a hilarious rant about why wind might actually be the most disrespectful weather on Earth.

Yes, wind powers wind turbines, helps sailing, spreads seeds, and plays an important role in climate and weather systems… but in everyday life? It mostly just slaps you in the face and steals your hat.

In this funny solo episode we talk about:

• Why wind feels personal

• The chaos of wind vs umbrellas

• How wind ruins perfect sunny days

• The reality of walking into strong wind

• Why “a nice breeze” is usually a lie

• The humiliation of wind destroying your outfit

• And why nobody actually looks cool in windy weather

If you enjoy funny podcasts, relatable rants, observational humor, and solo comedy podcast episodes about everyday life, this one’s for you.

Perfect for fans of:

• comedy podcasts

• relatable humor

• everyday annoyances

• observational comedy

• funny solo podcast episodes

🎧 Listen now if you've ever stepped outside on a perfect day… only for the wind to completely ruin it.

What is it really like living with ADHD?

In this episode, I sit down with Bailey Strand (TikTok - Talking About ADHD) to have an honest conversation about ADHD diagnosis, managing daily life with ADHD, and how ADHD impacts creativity, focus, relationships, and personal growth.

They break down the realities of ADHD in adulthood — from struggling with boredom and perfectionism to learning how self-awareness can transform productivity and emotional regulation. Bailey shares insights on ADHD medication, emphasizing that medication is a tool — not a cure — and discusses how building supportive relationships and consistent routines can make a major difference.

This episode also explores ADHD and creativity, and how authenticity in content creation often resonates more than perfection. If you’ve ever felt stuck between big ideas and inconsistent execution, this conversation offers practical ADHD coping strategies and mindset shifts to help you move forward.

The talking points...

• How ADHD can become a creative advantage

• The role of ADHD medication in treatment

• Why boredom is one of the biggest ADHD challenges

• How perfectionism can block progress

• The importance of consistency for long-term success

• Why resetting is more powerful than striving for perfection

• How supportive relationships improve ADHD management

Whether you’ve recently received an ADHD diagnosis, suspect you may have ADHD, or want to better understand someone who does, this episode offers insight, validation, and actionable perspective.

If you enjoy the podcast please follow and rate the show, it really helps!

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You can find Bailey and his content on TikTok @talkingaboutADHD

Appreciate you!

Imposter syndrome. Self-doubt. Sobriety. Feeling like you’re behind in life.

In this episode, I open up about what happens when you stop escaping yourself and start rebuilding from rock bottom. I talk about the pressure to “catch up,” the fear of being an imposter in your own life, and how my definition of success completely changed after getting sober.

For years, I thought success meant chaos, attention, and validation. Now, I’m learning that real success looks different — peace over praise, alignment over applause, and building a life that actually feels good to live.

If you’ve ever:

• Felt behind compared to everyone else

• Questioned whether you deserve success

• Struggled with self-doubt after making big life changes

• Wondered what success really means

This one’s for you.

You’re not behind. You’re rebuilding.

Let’s get f*cking into it.

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Appreciate you!

What happens when you realize you’ve been living disconnected from yourself?

In this honest and thought-provoking conversation, Naomi shares her journey from feeling lost in her teenage years to becoming a mentor focused on self-trust, mental health, and personal growth. We talk openly about eating disorders, substance use, depression, medication, unhealthy relationships, and the pressure of competitive school environment, and how those experiences shaped her path.

We explore:

• Psychedelic healing and the importance of integration

• Medication as a tool in mental health recovery

• Women’s health, creativity, and feminine energy

• Gender communication differences in relationships

• Depression as insight, not just illness

• Consumer culture, collective consciousness, and authentic self-improvement

This episode is for anyone navigating anxiety, burnout, depression, identity shifts, or a desire for deeper purpose. It’s a grounded conversation about healing, responsibility, joy, and learning to trust yourself in a world that constantly pulls you outward.

If you're on a journey toward authenticity and aligned living, this one will resonate.

You can find Naomi on Instagram @naomibalderson.

See more of what I am doing on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

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Appreciate you.