Translating ADHD

In this episode, Ash and Cam discuss the concept of "false needs" in managing ADHD. They highlight examples from clients who feel compelled to constantly manage their ADHD or strive for daily improvement, often driven by internal pressures and emotional dysregulation. Ash shares his own experience with false needs, stressing the importance of identifying genuine needs versus constructed ones. Cam shares examples from two clients where they both feel compelled to do something. It feels like a real need, but they are not physically possible and they come at a great cost. The hosts emphasize the value of pausing to reflect and using emotional signals to distinguish real needs, ultimately promoting self-awareness and balance in ADHD management. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

Individuals with ADHD can feel strongly about living a life of integrity and always honoring one’s values but what happens when our values conflict with just getting through our day? This episode centers around the concept of value conflicts and how individuals with ADHD navigate complex decisions where their values are in conflict with the demands of modern society. The hosts, Ash and Cam, explore a specific case of a client dealing with the need to purchase a new smartphone, a decision that raises ethical and environmental concerns. Ash shares how his client struggled with the ethics of buying a new smartphone, considering the environmental and labor issues associated with smartphone production, while also acknowledging the necessity of owning one in today's society. Ash relays to listeners how their coaching session helped the client address the tension between his values and practical needs by identifying the specific functions he required from his smartphone. This led to a broader discussion about "task bundling" and the realization that he might be overcomplicating his approach by attempting to solve too many issues at once. Through this exploration, the client began to understand how he could still honor his values but also not let the issue hobble his need to move through his day. The hosts also touch on themes such as black-and-white thinking, perfectionism, and the struggle to balance ethical principles with practical realities. The episode concludes with a reminder that it's important to clarify what is truly necessary in the moment and to focus on manageable steps to address more significant ethical concerns without overburdening oneself with complex task bundling. This clarity helps create space for thoughtful, sustainable decisions while reducing the stress and pressure that often accompany ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

This episode centers around the topic of ADHD and intuition, exploring how ADHD can impact one's ability to trust themselves and their instincts. Ash begins by explaining that ADHD often gets in the way of trusting oneself and one’s intuition. This lack of trust can stem from a lifetime of masking, adapting behavior to please others, or having inaccurate reads on situations, leading to a tendency to second-guess oneself. Ash shares a story about a client working in a nonprofit who was struggling with a performance improvement plan (PIP) at work, leading to questions about her future and whether she should stay in her current job. The client also experienced burnout, raising doubts about her identity and what other career options might suit her. As the coaching process progressed, Ash asked the client to tune into her intuition to find answers. Initially, the client was unsure about her intuition, feeling more comfortable with logical, quantitative approaches. However, she discovered that she could trust how her body felt to guide her decisions. Cam and Ash discuss the coaching process and how coaches must balance the client's stated goals with the broader context of their life. They highlight the importance of being patient, allowing the client to find clarity at their own pace, and creating a space for reflection and discovery. The episode emphasizes the connection between ADHD and intuition, showing how coaching can help individuals with ADHD navigate complex decisions by exploring their intuition and trusting themselves. Ash and Cam underline the significance of not getting attached to specific outcomes and instead fostering a process of discovery and insight. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

This episode focuses on the idea of understanding, owning, and translating ADHD. Hosts Ash and Cam discuss how the language we use to describe our experiences with ADHD can shape our perception of it, and ultimately, our relationship with it. Cam talks about a client who, through coaching, began to view their ADHD as something external that can influence behavior, rather than something inherent that defines them. This shift in perspective allows individuals to be more objective and less judgmental about their actions and traits. This client used language like "my ADHD tells me," indicating a shift towards a more flexible and accepting mindset. Ash shares a story about a client whose optimism sometimes leads him to overcommit and take on too much. He introduced the term "toxic optimism" to describe this behavior, contrasting it with constructive optimism, which is more sustainable and realistic. This shift in perspective has helped him better manage his time and prioritize tasks. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of reflective practice. They talk about how adopting a growth mindset and being open to changing one's perspective can lead to personal growth and a more balanced life. They also discuss the limitations of time and the importance of not being overly attached to rigid ideas of success or productivity. Overall, the episode is about helping listeners understand their ADHD experiences, embrace a more flexible mindset, and find healthier ways to manage their lives and expectations. The hosts encourage the audience to examine their internal dialogue and consider different perspectives, offering practical advice and personal stories to support this approach. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, Ash and Cam continue on the topic of collapsing frameworks and how this can lead to self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Cam shares a client example of a college president who struggles with doubt immediately after very public events. Cam introduces the unique ADHD phenomenon of hyper-focusing on small data points and extrapolating negative conclusions from them and how this contributed to his client’s sense of doubt. Those of us with ADHD are prone to a "Dip of Uncertainty" especially after an intense performance. Cam and Asher discuss strategies for managing this doubt and related emotions. Asher introduces other factors such as the influence of hormonal fluctuations and how this can contribute to sewing seeds of doubt. The hosts discuss the idea of diversifying sources of feedback. The episode emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from underlying narratives and collecting diverse data to combat self-doubt and maintain resilience. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, hosts Ash and Cam delve into the topic of routines and their tendency to catastrophically collapse, especially for individuals with ADHD. They discuss insights from a coaching session about why routines fail and the difficulty of re-establishing them. The conversation covers the erosion of remembering the benefits of routines, the making of meaning from failure, and the introduction of the concept of 'should accretion' where additional expectations complicate routines. They provide examples from coaching experiences, discussing the importance of connecting to the benefits of a routine, seeing adaptation as progress rather than failure, and identifying non-negotiable needs. The episode also highlights the benefits of watching coaching sessions to gain insights into one's own ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

On this episode of Translating ADHD, Cam and Ash delve into the power of storytelling and perspective work for individuals with ADHD. They discuss the importance of recognizing the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our relationships and experiences. Cam shares about a client reflecting on the limitations of using ‘ego and energy’ to navigate his day as a fast brainer. The hosts emphasize the role of context and meaning-making in the ADHD brain, highlighting how coaching can help individuals reframe their perspectives to navigate challenges effectively. Ash shares how progress and old stories can create a tension but also an opportunity for change. Tune in to gain insights on reframing narratives and embracing new perspectives in managing ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, hosts Ash and Cam dive into the world of storytelling and its significance for individuals with ADHD. Ash returns to the booth after a rough bout with the flu, which sparks a brief discussion on how illness can affect executive functioning. The conversation then shifts to the main topic of storytelling, where Cam delves into the importance of context as a superpower. The hosts explore how those with ADHD are naturally wired for context due to their divergent thinking abilities, constantly seeking the narrative thread, theme, and personal impact of stories. The episode promises to shed light on why storytelling resonates deeply with individuals with ADHD, often seen in children's persistent why questions, which stem from genuine curiosity rather than obstinance. Join Ash and Cam for an insightful discussion on the intricate connections between storytelling, context, and ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In Season 2 Episode 23 of the Translating ADHD podcast, hosts Ash and Cam continue to delve into the topic of context and its impact on ADHD. They recount the three ways of experiencing context: context switching, using context defensively, and using context proactively. Cam shares insights from a class he's teaching focused on improving relationships for those with ADHD. He emphasizes the importance of being a keen observer to identify dynamics that aren't working and taking proactive steps to address them. Cam then recounts a success story from his class, where a participant used context to tackle the recurring stress of meal planning with their partner. They reached an agreement, allowing the ADHD partner to take ownership of meal planning which significantly reduced tension and improved communication. Ash and Cam stress the importance of understanding context and finding creative solutions to challenges. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

Today on Translating ADHD, Ash and Cam dive into the importance of context for individuals with ADHD. They explore how ADHD brains are wired for context and how storytelling can influence our perception of reality. Cam shares his experience teaching a class on improving relationships for individuals with ADHD and how discussing context sparked curiosity and expectation among the students. The hosts discuss the role of context in making progress with ADHD and reflect on how it shapes the ADHD experience as a whole. Cam shares three ways context can show up, one helpful and the other two not so much. The hosts discuss the draining experience of context switching and using context to delay action. They also share how to turn context into a real strength. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the power of context for those with ADHD. Episode links + resources: Visit Translating ADHDJoin the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and AsherKnow more about AsherKnow more about Cam For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this episode, hosts Ash and Cam delve into the importance of context and sense of self in coaching relationships. They reflect on previous discussions about context and its impact on self-awareness. Cam shares a disheartening experience with a client who had negative encounters with previous coaches and therapists. The client shared how in numerous engagements he immediately felt like he was failing in the coach’s ‘program for success’ and felt like he could not show up as his authentic self. The hosts emphasize the responsibility of coaches to receive individuals as they are and not impose rigid programs - that a coaching engagement is the last place a coach wants to encourage masking. They highlight the importance of curiosity, responsiveness to clients' needs, and building trust and safety in coaching relationships. Ash underscores the balance between structure and flexibility in coaching, emphasizing the need for coaches to listen, adapt, and co-create the coaching journey with their clients. The episode concludes with a reminder about the podcast's Discord server and gratitude for listener support. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

Exploring the theme of how context shapes our sense of self, this episode delves into personal experiences that highlight the impact of context on identity. From a client's transformation inspired by a TV character, to the host's own journey transitioning with ADHD, the discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how external influences can shift our perception of self. Asher shares his own experience of how shifting context influenced his own identity. Tune in to gain insights on navigating the world with ADHD while staying true to one's authentic self amidst changing contexts. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, Cam and Ash explore the significance of context and how it relates to our sense of self or self-identity. They discuss the importance of recognizing and leaning into our strengths and how this can help shift our perspective from a place of limitation to one of empowerment. They also touch on the distinction between performance-based coaching and the broader aspects of human motivation. Tune in to gain insights into the importance of understanding your "who" and embracing your true self. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, Cam and Ash continue their conversation on repurposing negative emotions. They reflect on the previous part one episode and discuss the coaching process, highlighting Asher's skill in listening and teasing apart different aspects. They delve into the emotional experience of the cooking class example and explore the nuances of how it differed from the other two scenarios. Cam realizes that he never fully answered Asher's question and finds it fascinating. The discussion reveals an ADHD-infused plot twist. Tune in to gain insights on what that is and how to repurpose negative emotions effectively. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this part one of two episodes, Ash and Cam discuss the idea of repurposing negative emotions. People with ADHD are often told that they don’t manage their emotions and they need to learn to regulate their emotions. That’s like trying to hold back a rising tide with a sand castle wall! We can do more than just manage emotions. Emotions are responses to our environment, and when redirected or repurposed they can be amazing resources, especially when it comes to figuring out what matters to someone. Cam shares a recent personal experience to illustrate repurposing negative emotions - how his aggravation from, of all things, a split poopy bag, a gourmet polenta that fails to set up and a cooking class where you don’t get to cook can be converted into a reminder of what matters at Cam’s core. Ash deftly steers the conversation to further explore the significance of “things doing their basic function” and how the learning from the cooking class example is the thread to pull on. The conversation explores the awareness of negative emotions, recognizing their impact, and the potential for repurposing them to inform and reacquaint one with core values. The discussion touches on ADHD implications, the importance of basic functioning, and the frustration that individuals with ADHD may face. The episode concludes with a promise to continue the conversation in the next part, delving into repurposing negative emotions further. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

Ash and Cam sampled challenges from their Patreon community to provide inspiration and content for today’s episode. They chose to focus on one post about the challenges of modern living, and how to engage and be productive when one is maxed out with all of the demands for one’s attention. The hosts explore the dilemma of managing modern living, unpredictable childcare, and ever changing workplace demands. They relay how the listener articulates the dilemma of prioritizing, scheduling and identifying a starting place in any task, and how to get a meaningful completion in the face of too many inputs and demands. The episode emphasizes the importance of articulating challenges, finding meaningful completion, and distinguishing between the "here and now" and the "not here, not now" aspects in managing tasks and priorities and how this elicits specific neural network activation. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

Asher and Cam were invited to present at the Annual International Conference on ADHD in Maryland. In this mini-episode of the podcast, they offered their ADHD coaching perspectives to discuss how nuance, distinction and curiosity can help us live more authentically. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this podcast episode, hosts Ash and Cam discuss the process of developing a scope of work in ADHD coaching, emphasizing the importance of co-creating the scope with clients. They explore the balance between addressing clients' urgent needs and detaching from predefined outcomes. The conversation delves into perspective work, awareness-building, and the gradual nature of coaching, using examples from their coaching experiences. Cam introduces the concept of dedicating 2.5 hours per week to self-care and reflective practice, emphasizing the value of nuanced thinking and curiosity in personal growth. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In this podcast episode, hosts Ash and Cam continue to discuss the coaching process with an ADHD client - this time one of Cam’s clients. They illustrate the significance of exploring the client's challenges, assumptions, and initial expectations at the beginning of a coaching engagement to clearly determine the scope or goals of the coaching. The client, a music teacher, initially felt overwhelmed with administrative tasks and the pressure to fill seats in her elective program. She believed the goal would be to address everything that was on her plate. ADHD puts too many things on our plates. The coaching helped her shift her goals to focus more on prioritizing and developing efficient and creative ways to have a better work day. Through experimentation the client realized she could prioritize her classroom experience, connecting with her love for music and education. This shift not only improved her daily experiences but also led to creative solutions, like involving older students to promote the program through engaging activities like Guitar Hero. The discussion explores the coaching skills and processes used to educate listeners about the change process in coaching. The hosts emphasize the importance of reconnecting with personal values and finding creative approaches to navigate challenges living with ADHD and that good coaches will use the coaching process to help clients define the scope of the coaching work. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com

In Season 2, Episode 12 of Translating ADHD, hosts Ash and Cam discuss their coaching approach, focusing on one of Asher’s clients and their journey through the coaching process, self-discovery and change. They emphasize the importance of addressing barriers to change, such as awareness, action, and new learning. Asher shares a specific example involving work-related challenges and how coaching helped his client shift from black-and-white thinking and big signal distraction to embracing nuance and curiosity. The client's journey led to increased self-awareness, questioning limiting beliefs, and ultimately making positive career changes aligned with strengths and unique values. The episode highlights the power of coaching in cultivating understanding, self-discovery, and creating a life that fits for individuals with ADHD. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.About Cam and Asher For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: TranslatingADHD.com@TranslatingADHDTranslatingADHD.com