In this encore episode, Columbia University researcher and double-boarded psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Sultan joins Traci Stein to dispel common myths, explain the neurobiological basis of ADHD, and share evidence-based, effective treatments for managing ADHD in children and adults.

Key Topics Covered:

• The impact of modern life on attention and ADHD symptoms
• Gender differences in ADHD 
• The role of medication: effectiveness, safety, and common concerns
• Non-medication strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, executive function skills, and lifestyle changes
• How treating ADHD can reduce the risk of low self-esteem, relationship problems, accidents, job loss, divorce, anxiety and depression
• The heritability of ADHD and considerations for parents

Resources & Links:

• For more on Dr. Ryan Sultan, and to schedule a consultation, visit: integrative-psych.org
• For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/
• Sign up for Traci’s spam-free newsletter: https://www.drtracistein.com/let-s-stay-in-touch
• Follow Traci on Facebook (@DrTStein), Instagram (@DrTraciStein) and YouTube (@TraciSteinPhD)

Do you lose your keys, zone out mid-conversation, or feel like your brain won’t stay on one track?  

Psychologist Traci Stein breaks down adult ADHD—and shares the simple strategies she uses to manage it – without perfection.

Adult ADHD can look like distractibility, procrastination, time blindness, restlessness, or chronic disorganization—and it often shows up differently from childhood. In this episode of “Unpacking Possibility,’ Traci Stein explains the ADHD subtypes (inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, 

combined), what to rule out first (sleep issues, anxiety, depression), and why modern distractions can intensify symptoms.

Then she shares the 10 practical, realistic tools she uses to stay focused and functional—without beating herself up for being “imperfect.”

You’ll learn:  

- Key signs of adult ADHD and how it varies person to person  

- ADHD subtypes and how they show up in daily life  

- What else can mimic ADHD (and what can overlap)  

- How to work with your brain using simple routines and supports  

Traci’s go-to strategies include:  

- Track caffeine/substance use (and its impact on sleep/focus)  

- Self-compassion + learning instead of self-criticism  

- Plan for task-switching and build in movement breaks  

- Write accessible to-do lists (paper vs. phone)  

- Use small rewards to stay motivated  

- Set weekly goals and work backward realistically  

- Mindfulness + exercise to improve focus and regulation  

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Listen to the previous episode on ADHD Myths, Science & Solutions, with Ryan Sultan, MD: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-115-attention-please-adhd-myths-science-solutions/id1560681195?i=1000721644660

In this encore episode, psychologist Traci Stein interviews Robert Waggoner, a lucid dreaming expert and author of acclaimed books on the subject. Robert explains how lucid dreaming can lead to greater creativity, enhanced performance, emotional and physical healing, and spiritual growth. Robert and Traci also discuss practical techniques for how you, too, can begin harnessing the power of lucid dreams. Tune in to learn how lucid dreaming can have profound effects on your waking life, personal development, and overall well being.

For more on Robert Waggoner, his books and lucid dreaming workshops, visit: https://www.lucidadvice.com

To read Robert’s magazine: https://www.luciddreamingmagazine.com/issues

For more on Traci Stein, her audio programsand more, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com

Estate planning sounds like something you do at the end of life—and yet, it can be one of the most loving, grounding, peace-building things you do for yourself and others while you’re still here – and with plenty of life to live.
In this episode, Traci Stein sits down with estate planning attorney Lillie N. Nkenchor, Esq., LL.M., to reframe estate planning as a vital act of self-care: a way to protect the people you love, reduce your stress and theirs, and create more ease and clarity for everyone involved.

In this episode, we unpack:
- Why people avoid estate planning (fear, superstition, complicated family dynamics)
- How grief and money can change family dynamics overnight
- The risks of outdated documents and “I’ll get to it later” plans
- The most common myths, including “I’m not wealthy, I don’t need to think about this” and “my family will figure it out”
- Why planning matters even if you’re single, renting, or don’t have children
- Why some DIY documents don’t hold up in court)
- How planning can open honest conversations, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen relationships

For more information about Lillie N. Nkenchor, and to obtain her free ebook, visit: https://www.lillienkenchor.com/
Follow Lillie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lillie_Nkenchor_PC/
and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lillie.nkenchor
For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Feeling restless, edgy, or like your life doesn’t quite fit anymore? In this episode, psychologist Traci Stein explores why that uncomfortable “something has to shift” feeling isn’t a problem to fix—it’s often your own deepest wisdom telling you it’s time to grow.

Using the metaphor of giving birth to yourself, Traci breaks down what this transition can look like emotionally (grief, irritability, resentment, craving alone time), where it tends to show up (career, relationships, identity, family roles and spirituality), and how to move through it with clarity and compassion—whether or not you’re feeling the need for a dramatic overhaul or smaller, everyday shifts.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Common signs it’s time for a shift 
- The 3 stages of rebirth: contractions (discomfort), labor (commitment and release), and birth (becoming)
- Why small daily choices can create profound change

You’ll also discover simple prompts and questions to ask yourself to get clearer on who you  ideally want to become on this next leg of your journey.
For more on Traci Stein, and to subscribe to her newsletter, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

What are “vibes”… really—and can science measure them?

Psychologist Traci Stein sits down with Dr. Garret Yount, molecular neurobiologist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) and author of “Why Vibes Matter: Understand Your Energy and Learn How to Use It Wisely,” for a grounded, mind-expanding conversation on energy, consciousness, and the edge of human potential.

Dr. Yount shares the surprising research (and personal moments) that led him to bridge traditional neurobiology and the world of intention, healing, and psychic phenomena. He discusses experiments involving energy healing of cancer cells, gut-brain telepathy, and more.

He also shares a practical way to test your own energy via—the “Hot Hand Test” (link below)—and why direct experience may be the missing link between skepticism and belief.

In this episode, we cover:

- What IONS is (founded by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell) and why “inner knowing” matters

- How intention may influence biological systems—even at a distance

- Scopesthesia (the feeling of being stared at) and the research behind it

- The surprising science of the heart’s electromagnetic field and why vibes “rub off”

- Why openness and practice can unlock abilities many people unknowingly suppress

Book: “Why Vibes Matter” by Garret Yount, PhD: https://a.co/d/06DZOWju

Institute of Noetic Sciences: https://noetic.org/

Hot Hand Test demonstration: https://noetic.org/blog/hot-hand-test/

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Also mentioned in this episode: 

• “The Secret Life of Plants” by Peter Tompkins & Christopher Bird
• HeartMath Institute: heartmath.org
• Rupert Sheldrake's book on animal telepathy “Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home”

What happens when two former TV producers trade deadlines and breaking stories for buzzing hives and life outdoors? In this episode, Traci Stein sits down with Eric and Mary Hanan to share their unexpected journey from investigative journalism to building Beehaven, a thriving beekeeping business in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.

What began as Eric’s search for a more meaningful, nature-based career has grown into a full-on family operation—complete with unforgettable (and hilarious) moments in the field. Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating bee facts, get a behind-the-scenes look at modern beekeeping, and discover simple ways all of us can support the planet’s most essential pollinators.

If you’re craving more purpose—and you care about a healthier planet—this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

For more on Eric and Mary Hanan, Beehaven, and beekeeping: https://www.beehavenbees.com/

Video of bees swarming near 54th Street: https://abcnews.com/video/99987271/

For more on Traci Stein and the podcast: https://www.drtracistein.com

Watch the episode video: https://www.youtube.com/@TraciSteinPhD

In this episode, psychologist Traci Stein explores the painful but universal experience of rejection — and how shifting our mindset around it can open doors to something even better. Traci shares the story of Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, who experienced years of rejection from investors and retailers and near bankruptcy before selling her company for $1.2 billion. Traci shares Kern Lima’s strategies for staying sane and keeping on going despite rejection, as well as how Don Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements apply to thriving despite rejection.

Tips for Navigating Rejection include:

• Reframe the "no" t
• Drop bitterness 
• Guard your self-worth 
• Audit your circles 
• Shift "I have to" to "I get to" 
• Don’t take things personally
• Avoid assumptions
• Practice mindfulness
• Move your body 
• Zoom out 
• Trust your path

Resources Mentioned

• Worthy and other books by Jamie Kern Lima
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Traci's Mindfulness Meditations album: https://tracistein.com/products/mindfulness-meditations-mp3-download

Are angels real—and why do so many people report angelic encounters in moments of grief, upheaval, and uncertainty? In this episode, Traci Stein briefly clarifies what angels are (and aren’t) and explores why the current times are likely to increase our desire for greater spiritual (if not religious) connection. Traci also predicts that the current geopolitical turmoil will lead to an increase in reports of angelic encounters.

Later in the episode, Traci also shares two deeply personal angelic experiences that changed her forever: a mysterious angelic being and his otherworldly dog, who reassured her that rescuing a stray dog was “doing God’s work,” and a sudden and overwhelming angelic presence – complete with uncannily accurate details – that presented during a gallery reading years later.

You’ll also learn about the haunting wartime legend of “The Angels of Mons,” as well as about the uptick in spiritualism during the Civil War era. Traci also unpacks the difference between angels and spirit guides, and reflects on why divine assistance may matter now more than ever.

Connect with Traci:

https://www.drtracistein.com/let-s-stay-in-touch

Read Dr. Miriam Bibby’s article on the legend of the “Angel of Mons”

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Angels-Of-Mons/ 

Mentioned in this episode:

For more on Traci Stein and the Unpacking Possibility Podcast, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/