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Faster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
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Faster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
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Now displaying: Page 1
Oct 16, 2024

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

 

Our guest today is Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka. She is an entrepreneur originally from Poland, now living in Scotland. Her career journey has been diverse and shaped by a deep curiosity and drive to pursue multiple passions, holding degrees in cross-cultural psychology, media psychology, and cultural studies with a specialization in Japanese culture, along with certification in the Japanese language. In her own words:

Growing up, I faced many challenges. I come from a difficult family background and was bullied throughout most of my life, which deeply impacted my self-esteem. These experiences, combined with the struggle of living with undiagnosed ADHD and with chronic pain, with undiagnosed endometriosis, pushed me to develop resilience and determination. I learned early on how to persevere, which has shaped the way I approach life and business today. After a few career starts I moved into project management at Samsung R&D Institute Poland, gained certifications in Prince2 and Agile, and co-created a Project Management Office for Android commercialization across Europe. After moving to Scotland, my career took an unexpected turn due to health challenges. I was diagnosed with endometriosis (finally after 20 years of suffering), which required multiple surgeries and led to a significant gap in my employment. This challenging period pushed me to reinvent myself, and I decided to focus on building my own business. During this time, finding work was made even more difficult by the timing of Brexit, which created additional barriers. So instead of banging my head against the wall, I decided to build my own business. I had many ideas, but I was constantly searching for something that could truly help others because I love helping people. That’s when VanFill was born - an on-demand platform connecting customers with transport providers using empty spaces in vans and trucks, helping underserved communities access delivery services. The idea came to life when I organized a collection of medical supplies in Scotland for Ukraine. I realized that this platform would be another way I could help others. I turned this idea into reality by learning no-code tools to build the prototype. Since then, I have participated in numerous accelerators and business programs to develop the skills and networks needed to bring VanFill to life. Throughout my life, I’ve been actively involved in volunteering - supporting women with chronic pain and health conditions, working with different charities, and helping minority groups. In addition to my entrepreneurial work, I am deeply committed to advocating for women living with chronic illness and chronic pain. As someone who also lives with ADHD, I know firsthand the mental and physical hurdles that can arise. Through my journey, I want to inspire and empower women facing similar challenges to pursue their goals despite the obstacles. Currently, I am writing a book aimed at helping entrepreneurs, with a special focus on those living with ADHD and chronic conditions, offering guidance and inspiration for navigating the challenges of building a business while managing health difficulties and living with ADHD. I believe that no matter the challenges - be it chronic pain, personal struggles, or professional roadblocks - there is always a way forward. We just need to find the right map and guidance to not get lost on our way. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!

01:20 - Introducing and welcome Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka! Ref:  https://www.vanfill.co.uk

02:50 - What was growing up with ADHD like for you in Poland?

04:00 - On finding a focused pursuit for her passions and talents

05:40 - Endometriosis and finding a name for what was wrong, in order to build a support kit

06:50 - On adjusting to being ADHD

07:20 - About not knowing what’s wrong with your partner

08:10 - Explaining the gap in her resume/CV

09:10 - On rethinking her life after being diagnosed and not being able to walk for a year

10:00 - On finding her niche 

10:50 - On starting your own business with ADHD and how to avoid being bored

12:15 - On social media marketing, distractions/choices and being ADHD

13:00 - About the benefits of time blocking, logging ideas and setting priorities 

13:58 - What other rules and tools do you put into play to make sure things happen?

15:20 - On overwhelm and emotional processing

16:02 - Never underestimate screaming out in nature with friends!

16:50 - Spousal help and office/task management

18:06 - How can people find you?

Via https://www.vanfill.co.uk also on LinkedIn  And @akaiworlds on Instagram and LinkedIN

18:30 - Forthcoming book teaser

19:35 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Oct 9, 2024

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

Jeff Johns is a lifelong adventure traveler and filmmaker who has spent nearly half of his life abroad, with the last twelve years as an expat living throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Graduating with honors from the Brooks Institute of Photography in 2010, Johns is a passionate storyteller with a degree in documentary filmmaking and visual journalism.  As a successful television producer, he has created popular shows for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. As the co-creator of the adventure travel platform “What Doesn’t Suck?”, he has filmed and published videos from Everest Base Camp to the Great Pyramids, and the Albanian Alps to the Greenland ice sheet. Watched over 15 million times by a growing worldwide audience of 250,000, these travel guides highlight unique and off- the-beaten-path locations made accessible to even the novice traveler.

Jeff continues to work in the travel space as a senior creative producer for Booking.com and resides in the Netherlands with his French wife and their trilingual third-culture daughters. He struggles to keep up with all three. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!

01:02 - Introducing and welcome Jeff Johns! Ref: https://www.whatdoesntsuck.com

02:20 - Tell about remote bars in Thailand; how did you wind up there?

02:28 - You were diagnosed with ADHD in High School, but you pursued a different course of management. Tell us!

04:30 - On eliminating the day-to-say of living in the US

05:07 - Did you miss a support system, kind of living on your own?

05:38 - On traveling to feel “nothing”

06:40 - How did you channel your talents into Television production?

07:38 - What tools did you develop for yourself as you were traveling and working?

09:00 - What gave you the strength to keep your momentum streak going?  Ref: DuoLingo 

09:58 - What’s a day in your life like?

10:40 - On how rituals and resolutions work

12:10 - What do you do when you get overwhelm?

13:00 - Pre-dawn exercise rides (sometimes with police)

13:23 - How can people find you?

His books are on Amazon and via https://www.whatdoesntsuck.com  Socials @WhatDoesntSuck at Facebook  INSTA YouTube

14:04 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Aug 7, 2024

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  After surviving a divorce and cancer all before she turned 35, mom and author-illustrator Sara Olsher took the lessons she learned about helping kids through major life changes and wrote a book. Then another, and another. She now has twelve picture books under her belt, and is the founder of Mighty and Bright, a company that helps kids and adults understand and manage their lives more easily using magnetic visual schedules. Sara was chosen as a 2023 Remarkable Woman by Nexstar Media. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

01:09 - Introducing and Welcome Sara Olsher!

02:06 - What’s your story; what were you doing before you became an author?

02:37 - On how her ADHD helped her learn about kids and anxiety

03:30 - On handling anxiety and divorce. Ref: Mighty and Bright 

04:48 - Sometimes it’s the easiest things in the world that make the biggest differences

04:55 - Tell us about some of your books and your process? Ref: Cancer Party!

07:28 - On following your gut

08:20 - Cancer and book marketing professionals 

09:50 - On writing her second book / how we talk about science and coping in a non-scary way

12:00 - About anticipatory grief and having conversations about tough stuff

13:30 - How can people find you?

All of her books are on Amazon. @saraOlsher on INSTA and @MightyandBrightCo on INSTA and TikTok and via https://mightyandbright.com/

13:50 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

 

Jul 17, 2024

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today is Sam Led. He is a coach, speaker, author of Beyond ADHD, and host of the podcast The Fearless Now. Sam explores what is possible when we take our mind and thinking less seriously and discover our innate intelligence and wisdom underneath the daily dose of noise in an ADHD mind. Sam works with clients all over the world via Zoom. He leads one-on-one personalized coaching sessions and online group programs about understanding your ADHD mind and neurodiversity. He uses his years of experience and deep knowledge of personal development, human behavior, spirituality, and natural intuitive gifts to gently guide his clients. He helps them look underneath the heaviness of their noise called thinking to find true insight and wisdom on what to do next in any situation. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

00:50 - Introducing and Welcome Sam Led ref: The Fearless Now podcast 

01:56 - What’s your story; when were you diagnosed?

03:08 - What was your trouble in school, what were your symptoms?

04:40 - Was there a moment when things just kinda clicked?

05:20 - On Mind Thought and Consciousness

05:38 - What are you telling people about ADHD and learning?

06:46 - On Anxiety and what your mind is telling you

07:30 - Anxiety, rejection and stimuli inside the ADHD brain

08:00 - A longer chapter about anxiety and how to deal

10:00 - About how to understand your brain’s signals

11:40 - How can people find you?

samledconsulting.com @samled1111 on INSTA  TikTok and via  The Fearless Now podcast and his Beyond ADHD Book

12:48 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodivergence to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

Jul 10, 2024

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. I have been wanting to have our guests today on the podcast since we first started so I am thrilled to share my first interview with the Holderness Family with you! 

Penn and Kim Holderness have been married for 18 years and for the past decade, they have been online content creators. Known for their award-winning videos of sketch comedy and music, they have garnered over 2 billion views and over 8 million followers across their social media platforms. Penn and Kim are best-selling authors, award-winning podcast hosts, and were winners on Season 33 of The Amazing Race. Before making their own content in the digital space, they honed their storytelling skills with twenty-five combined years in the TV news business. When they aren’t making their audience laugh, they help international companies make videos of their own along with their team at Holderness Family Productions. Penn and Kim live in Raleigh, NC with their children, Lola and Penn Charles, and their dog, Sunny. We’re talking routines, anxiety, medication, understanding partnerships, and of course how everything relates to our ADHD brains. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

01:13 - Introducing and Welcome Penn and Kim Holderness! Ref: Scott Monty interview

01:52 - Their great new book ADHD Is Awesome

02:44 - How did ADHD become a passion for your books and what was like like pre-diagnosis?

04:06 - On social acuity and ADHD

05:20 - For a lot of people ADHD isn’t awesome; they haven’t found their groove yet. How do we balance the good with the bad or challenging, while also breaking stereotypes through comedy, and raising awareness for further education and study?

08:00 - The meaning of Awesome is great but it’s also scary

09:00 - The book is in three parts; the first one is how a diagnosis stinks initially.

10:30 - On different types of jobs and how the ADHD brain can benefit us in work

12:20 - About Peter’s schedule and how medication is utilized depending on the environment/daily demands

13:30 - What is your daily schedule like and what rituals do you two use?

16:00 - Talk to us about your physical fitness routines

17:30 - On Peter’s ticket for running in Central Park

18:00 - When inspiration hits, how do you save it?

19:40 - On staying in deep work- what do you do to make sure you can keep your flow?

21:50 - On relationships and ADHD

23:30 - How can people find you? 

https://theholdernessfamily.com  @theholdernessfamily on Facebook, INSTA, TikTok, and YouTube 

24:00 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodivergence to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Jun 26, 2024

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Todays’ guest is Dr. Jessica McCarthy. As a clinical neuropsychologist, clinical psychologist, and certified school psychologist, Dr. McCarthy provides evidence-based neuropsychological assessment and cognitive-behavioral therapy across the lifespan. Approachable, relatable, and with a sharp sense of humor, Dr. McCarthy has a positive demeanor and quickly puts you at ease with her engaging, refreshing style, and no-nonsense but compassionate approach that holds clients accountable for working toward values-driven change. We’re happy to be talking with her today about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
[You are now safely here]
 
00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!
 
01:13 - Introducing and Welcome Dr. Jessica McCarthy of www.elementspsych.com

02:40 - Dr. McCarthy on her ADHD diagnosis

03:47 - About learning how to study in school

05:00 - On understanding individual strengths and capitalizing on learning 

05:30 - What do you tell a parent who’s child has just been diagnosed as neurodivergent?

07:20 - On the pitfalls of Dr.Google

08:40 - On using data points to tell a story

09:30 - Finding the right types of supports for students and parents

11:00 - On sharing the research/how good is the information?

12:20 - About the searching for information and finding a safe space to do so

14:20 - On diagnosis, accommodations and deficits

16:03 - How can people find you?
www.elementspsych.com
elements_psych on INSTA

16:38 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodivergence to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

Jun 5, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

Our Guest today is Dr. Jeffrey Gurian, a well known “Renaissance Man.” He is a doctor, motivational speaker, comedy writer, performer, director, author, producer and radio personality. Dr. Gurian spent 20 years on the board of The Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy, 12 years at NYU as a Clinical Professor in Oral Medicine and Pro-Facial Pain, and 25 years as a Cosmetic Dentist. Dr. Gurian specialized in treating headaches and the physical symptoms of stress, using “Energy Healing” as his modality, with a technique he developed called “STAR Therapy.” He also developed a method to stop stuttering that he successfully used to get rid of his own stutter. On top of his doctoral pursuits, Dr. Gurian boasts a long-standing career in comedy, and has worked with some of the biggest comedy stars from the last 20 years. Dr. Gurian is also the author of eight books and is a regular motivational speaker. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

01:00 - Introducing Jeffrey.

 

03:01 - I’ve been busy with #ADHD.

 

04:29 - #ADHD makes you better at what you do. 

 

05:33 - ADHD and #stuttering. 

 

06:17 - Overcoming fear and tackling his stutter. 

 

09:01 - Neurodivergent problem-solving. 

 

11:07 - Sensitivity and neurodivergence. 

 

11:50 - Healing the wounds that affect your decisions. 

 

Connect with Jeffrey on:

Instagram: @jeffreygurian

Youtube: Comedy Matters TV

Visit Jeffrey’s comedy website: comedymatterstv.com

To stop your stuttering today, visit: stopstutteringnowgurian.com

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

May 15, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

 

Our Guest today is Dr. Anna Burns, PT, DPT. Dr. Burns is an ADHD coach for ADHD moms. As a coach and #ADHDmom herself, she helps moms who struggle to keep their lives and their family’s lives organized and running smoothly. She provides skills, tools, and an understanding of ADHD brains to make their worlds fit around them, not the other way around. Dr. Burns has a background as a pelvic health physical therapist and is a mom living outside of Boston. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

01:00 - Introducing Anna.

 

01:45 - Anna’s diagnosis story. 

 

03:11 - Parents are being diagnosed more frequently.

 

03:45 - Helping those with a late #ADHD diagnosis. 

 

04:52 - How to create doable strategies for busy moms with #ADHD.

 

08:00 - How to define #ADHD so that it does not become a catch-all? 

 

10:30 - How to handle the internalized idea that you are broken. 

 

Connect with Anna on:

Facebook: Anna Burns Wellness

Instagram: @annaburnswellness 

LInkedIn: Anna (Koteff) Burns, PT, DPT

 

Click this link to gain access to Anna’s free time-management tools for moms!

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

May 8, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

 

Our Guest today, Maria Austin, is the lead actor in the Apple TV feature film, “Mercy,” and she will be on stage at the Playground Theater in West London playing in “Agatha,” a multi-award winning play, written by Angela Davis. Maria also founded the production company, Dawn Chorus Films, which is working to bring more women to professional TV crews. Maria is passionate about telling women’s stories and experiences and she was diagnosed with #ADHD at 30.

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

00:44 - Introducing Maria. 

 

02:25 - Maria’s diagnosis story and what she is learning now. 

 

03:35 - Being a woman growing up with undiagnosed #ADHD. 

 

05:20 - Going to school with #ADHD. 

 

07:16 - Maria’s theater experience. 

 

09:04 - Why she founded Dawn Chorus Films. 

 

11:27 - What would you tell a young person who wants to perform but is scared? 

 

12:50 - "Hyperfixation helps my acting career."

 

Connect with Maria on Instagram @mlaustin92

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

May 1, 2024

*In this episode, we discuss topics that are adult or sexual in nature. Listener discretion is advised.*

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

Our Guest today is Kim Airs. Kim takes a friendly and honest approach to sexuality education and has been in the sexual health and wellness field for 30 years. Kim founded the award winning store, “Grand Opening!”, in 1993 after she left a high ranking job at Harvard University. Kim currently is a consultant for emerging sexual health and wellness products, she reviews products for several publications, provides product trainings, and is involved in several areas of sexual health education. She has taught countless classes on consensual sexuality, provides sex education for doctors, sex therapists, and other professionals in the sexual and wellness field, and hosts a podcast called Sex Chats with Kim Airs.” Kim has recently been named to the 2024 Adult Video News Hall of Fame and has presented for numerous sexual health organizations and in many universities while also contributing to several well known publications in the industry. She was the inspiration for the documentary, Orgasm Inc.,” about the prescription drug industry’s interest in women’s sexual health and wellness and she founded the country’s first amateur adult film festival. Enjoy! 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

02:13 - Why I brought Kim on the podcast.

 

02:39 - How do you go from Harvard to sex store?

 

03:20 - “I have a crazy passion about all things sex.”

 

06:07 - Sex and #ADHD.

 

07:04 - Advice for those who are uncomfortable talking about sex. 

 

09:20 - Coining the term “sexual health and wellness.”

 

12:47 - The turning point for society. 

 

13:30 - The hard signs around sexuality. 

 

Connect with Kim on: 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.airs

X: @kimairs

Cameo- naughty grandma 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Apr 15, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

 

Our Guest today is André Brisson, host of The Impulsive Thinker Podcast, the podcast for the high achieving #ADHD entrepreneur. Andre owns a consulting engineering company and recently started Tactical Breakthroughs where he is developing the ADHD Transformation Journey program. Diagnosed late in life with severe #ADHD and mild Asperger’s (#ASD), the mechanisms and systems he created to overcome his undiagnosed ADHD have helped him achieve success. André has a special ability for learning complex information and simplifying it to help others to solve complex problems. He currently operates three successful companies, including a self-managing entrepreneurial engineering firm specializing in niche markets that require unique training, experience, and impulsive instinct to try new things. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

01:02 -  Life updates with Andre

 

02:00 - How is #neurodiversity treating you?

 

03:09 - Avoiding complications

 

04:34 - Emotional wounds vs physical wounds with #ADHD

 

06:19 - Communicating with assertiveness

 

07:47 - Growing up being told you are “broken”

 

08:20 - Getting in trouble for how things get done, not the end result

 

09:00 - How do you break old habits?

 

11:00 - Having teenage girls who are getting older 

 

11:58 - Learning how to ask for help

 

13:05 - Advocating for his daughter 

 

14:10 - A new way to problem solve 

 

15:25 - Formulas and distrust. 

 

16:20 - Brainstorming without action 

 

18:06 - You need to understand why 

 

Connect with André on:

Facebook: @André Brisson

LInkedIn: @André Brisson, P. Eng. 

X: @fatrol

Website: https://www.tacticalbts.com

 

Check out André’s Objective Engineering Breakthrough Inc. here. 

 

Technical Breakthroughs:

Facebook: @Tactical Breakthroughs 

LinkedIn: @Tactical Breakthroughs 

X: @TacticalBts

Website: https://www.tacticalbts.com

 

The Impulsive Thinker Podcast:

Facebook: @The Impulsive Thinker Podcast 

LinkedIn: @The Impulsive Thinker Podcast 

X: @impulsivthinker

Website: https://www.tacticalbts.com/podcast

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Apr 3, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

 

Our Guest today is Ashley Clair Skywalker, creator of the TikTok series, Fun Facts From an Ice Bath. Skywalker uses her ADHD superpowers to channel her hyper-fixation into research. On her journey to heal herself from “incurable” Mast Cell Activation, she discovered Ice Baths for her immune system. Through her fun videos she has been able to teach people all over the world about science and give away fun facts. Since gaining an audience on TikTok, she now spends her days coaching, helping others heal themselves, and of course, sharing her Fun Facts From an Ice Bath!

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

01:11 - Introducing Ashley. 

 

02:20 - Ashley in her own words. 

 

03:13 - The environment and your #mindset. 

 

04:00 - Is it boring living in the middle of nowhere?

 

04:50 - Where do you find your random facts?

 

05:55 - Why an ice bath? 

 

07:01 - Benefits from #icebaths. 

 

08:50 - #ADHD and #meditation. 

 

11:11 - How much do we know about ourselves?

 

12:20 - Ashley’s advice for those with #ADHD.

 

Connect with Ashley on:

TikTok: @ashleyclairskywalker

Facebook: Ashley Clair Skywalker

YouTube: Ashley Clair Skywalker

 

Ashley also created a workshop that dives into the science of mediation with #ADHD and walks you through guided meditations. She is giving Faster Than Normal viewers and exclusive 10% off this meditation guidance! To claim this offer, visit, https://www.ashleyclairskywalker.com/meditation-101-course and use the promo code “FASTERTHANNORMAL”.

 

For other coaching opportunities and to connect with Ashley, visit her website www.ashleyclairskywalker.com. 

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mar 27, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

 

Our Guest today is social scientist and psychologist student, Leo Koesters. Leo is from Germany and is currently founding a global mental healthcare ecosystem called Beyond You. The vision behind Beyond You is to make mental healthcare more affordable and accessible worldwide. Beyond You aims to do this through technological innovation and breaking the stigmatization around mental health. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

00:58 - Introducing Leo. 

 

01:55 - Leo’s track to working in #mentalhealthcare.

 

03:04 - Leo’s diagnosis story. 

 

04:23 - The controversy of scaling mental healthcare. 

 

05:25 - “Let me build something great.”

 

06:20 - AI as the future of #ADD and #ADHD diagnosises. 

 

08:17 - First steps for Leo’s company, Beyond You.  

 

13:07 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! We’ll see you next week right back here!

 

Check out Leo’s global mental healthcare network, Beyond You, which is set to launch in March via an app which allows people to book services with mental healthcare professions. 

 

Connect with Leo:

X: @LeoKoesters and @beyond_you_net

LinkedIn: @Leo Koesters

Instagram: @leo_koesters

 

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Mar 6, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

Our Guest today, Gracie Gold is a two-time U.S. figure-skating champion and #Olympic bronze medalist. She lives in Wilmington, Delaware, and trains in suburban Philadelphia. Gracie holds the record for the highest short-program score ever by an American woman. Gracie is also a writer published in The Cut and recently wrote a book, Outofshapeworthlessloser. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

02:10 - Introducing and welcome Gracie Gold.

04:34 - Gracie in her own words. 

06:11 - Rescue dogs as a metaphor for humans. 

07:30 - Gracie’s take on #womanhood and #humanity. 

09:53 - What would you say to people who are worried about past habits and symptoms coming back to the surface? 

12:02 - The power of redirection. 

15:10 - How to break the habit of picking out flaws and focusing on bad angles. 

17:40 - The failed #anorexic. 

21:21 - How to balance self-deprecating humor and not going too far. 

25:10 - All or nothing. 

31:51 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! We’ll see you next week right back here!

 

Buy Gracie’s book, Outofshapeworthlessloser here.

 

Connect with Gracie:

Instagram: @graciegold95

Twitter: @GraceEGold

Facebook: @Gracie Gold

Website: graciegold.figureskatersonline.com

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

 

Feb 21, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

Our Guest today is Deborah Gilboa, M.D. Deborah, or “Dr. G”, is a board certified attending family physician and is fluent in American Sign Language. She lives in Pittsburgh with her four boys and works with families, educators, executives, and businesses to identify the mindset and strategies to turn #stress to an advantage. She is the leading media personality seen regularly on TODAY, Good Morning America and is the Resilience Expert for The Doctors. She is also featured frequently in the Washington Post, The New York Times, Huffington Post, and countless other digital and print outlets. 

Enjoy! 

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

01:12: - Introducing and welcome Deborah Gilboa.

02:30 - Deborah in her own words. 

02:58 - A lesson in #resilience from medicine. 

04:19 - How do you help other people navigate #change and become more resilient? 

05:36 - Strategies for navigating change. 

06:01 - Strategy #1

07:30 - Reflexes and homeostasis. 

11:50 - Strategy #2

12:51 - Strategy #3

12:55 - Strategy #4

14:14 - Strategy #5

15:41 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! We’ll see you next week right back here!

Connect with Deborah on-

Website: askdoctorg.com

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Feb 14, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

 

Our Guest today is Sean McNicholas, a London native, #ADHD therapist, and father to a teenage son with #ADHD. Sean is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Clinical ADHD therapist, RTT therapist, CBT practitioner, NPL practitioner and Clinical Trauma Professional. He has worked with celebrities to sports stars to the Grenfell firefighters for #PTSD. Sean also works with prisoners as a volunteer Samaritan aiming to prevent them from taking their lives and helping them through the mental struggles that come from long prison sentences. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

[You are now safely here]

 

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

 

01:18: - Introducing and welcome Sean McNicholas!

 

02:44 - Sean in his own words. 

 

04:30 - The question should have been “what happened to me?”

 

06:25 - When it couldn’t continue. 

 

06:55 - The beginning of Sean’s journey to become a therapist. 

 

08:50 - The concept of trauma. 

 

10:53 - Sean’s work with prisoners. 

 

13:55 - Addiction is…

 

14:15 - The stigma of mental health in the UK. 

 

15:50 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! We’ll see you next week right back here!

 

Connect with Sean on-

 

Website: New Me Therapy

Instagram: @newmetherapy

Facebook: @Sean McNicholas

X: @newmetherapy

TikTok: @newmetherapy

 

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Feb 7, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

Our Guest today, Vanessa Jones, is an English teacher, writer, and voice actor. When Vanessa received her #adultADHD diagnosis, she did a deep dive into #ADHD research and applied this knowledge to her teaching practices with #ADHD students. She also wrote down her own stories to make sense of the impact of #ADHD on her life. She especially wanted to understand how undiagnosed #ADHD has affected her failed marriage. The result is an #ADHD-friendly guidebook, complete with an engaging, poignant and funny personal narrative of her lived experience that illustrates the various challenges (and strengths) of #ADHD, one trait at a time. 

Vanessa likes using her narrative skills to promote the educational messages of organizations working to teach people about #neurodivergence. On any given day, you may find her poring over Medium articles of peoples’ lived experiences with #autism and #ADHD, wiring a personal essay about her sweater, or using her voice to tell a company’s story. 

Enjoy! 

[You are now safely here]

00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

00:37 - Introducing and welcome Vanessa Jones! 

01:28 - Vanessa’s life before her diagnosis. 

02:17 - “I knew that I was brilliant in certain ways.”

02:39 - What happened next…

03:49 - Realizing it wasn’t her fault. 

04:19 - What does the right support look like? 

05:04 - What was different after your diagnosis? 

07:22 - Has the shift happened? 

08:42 - It’s not about you. 

09:40 - What Vanessa needed to move forward. 

11:10 - “How Did That Happen?”

13:40 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! We’ll see you next week right back here!

Connect with Vanessa at www.vanessa-jones-writes.com

Order her book How Did THAT Happen: Understanding Adult ADHD Through Stories of Lived Experiences today! 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

 

Jan 31, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

Our Guest today is Mario Major, #Innovator, Connector, and Catalyst. Mario is a creative thinker who has a knack for seeing what others overlook. He has a diverse and vibrant professional journey and was diagnosed with #ADHD and #Asperger’s. Mario's unique view of the world allows him to connect invisible dots and find new thought processes. He is the creator of the Neuro Universal Language and the Breakfast Innovation Club, an innovative approach that rejects the “same same but different" solutions in innovation.

Mario has no formal degree but has worked with IBM, working with mainframes and delved into resource deployment. His #entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a carbon-free surf shop and an espresso bar. His experience extends to working with horses and serving as a tour guide in Bruges. 

Now focused on #innovation, Mario has discovered that he thrives as a catalyst for ideas and concepts, pushing out new creations daily. With his medication aiding in focusing his thoughts, he enjoys the newfound ability to silently appreciate the world around him. Looking forward to the next 40 years, Mario embraces his strengths in connecting and innovating, continuing to make his unique mark on the world. Enjoy! 

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

01:46 - Introducing and welcome Mario Major! 

01:59 - How medication has helped Mario’s focus and ability to synthesize information.  

02:29 - Growing up with undiagnosed #Asperger’s.

03:28 - How #Covid changed his life. 

03:50 - How #neurodivergence affected Mario’s career path. 

04:38 - Mario’s pet pig. 

05:55 - Teaching #AI to understand context for people with Autism. 

06:17 - Background behind The Neuro Universal Language and how it works to help people with #autism understand the world around them. 

8:58 - What it is about #neurodiverse people that they are more likely to try crazy ideas?

10:11 - How Mario turns his brain off by sailing and searching for new things. 

Mario on Socials:  LinkedIn: @Mario Major    Website: The Aspergers Language 

12:02 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! We’ll see you next week right back here!

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Jan 24, 2024

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. 

Our Guest today is Maggie Reed, or as she is better known online, @mermaidmamamaggie. Maggie is an online political comedy content creator, mother of two and a Speech and Language Pathologist with more than 15 years in the field.

Connect with Maggie on-

Insta: @mermaindmamamaggie

TikTok: @mermaidmamamaggie

Twitter: @mermaidmamamags

YouTube: @MermaidmamaMaggie

Threads: @mermaidmamamaggie

Enjoy! 

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

01:24 - Introducing and Welcome Maggie Reed! 

02:50 - Kickoff with a conversation on #introvert- vs. #extroverted-ness.

03:20 - Maggie in a nutshell.

05:13 - Even extroverts need to recharge their batteries.

06:45 - Maggie’s path to #speechpathology.

08:34 - How #neurodiversity sometimes comes out as acting. 

10:02 - How to not feed the trolls or take hate seriously. 

11:46 - The “Block Method” for handling hate. 

13:47 - Women around the world are standing up. 

15:40 - #Feminism in the social media age. 

18:05 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! We’ll see you next week right back here! [Thank you kindly Peter and Co. I am much better now -SB] -Ed

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Dec 13, 2023

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Our Guest today in their own words: Natalie Tsiapalo is a 31-year-old who was born in Ukraine but currently lives in Germany and discovered her ADHD at 29-years old. She is the founder and CEO at Taskfulness Al, an app that manages procrastination over your phone. Taskfulness Al is used by over 14k customers who save an average of 8 hours of needless scrolling a week!
 


Today we learn how important it is to take breaks and reset to get back to productive work. Natalie also gives us her tips to successfully manage emotions in order to redirect her actions. Some other pro-tips that Natalie drops include the impact of sports, exercise, and creating a clean workspace in the productivity of #neurodivergent individuals. Natalie also shares her unique daily schedule that does not align with “normal people” and how she handles it as a businesswoman.… Enjoy, and welcome back! Also Happy Holidays as we depart for winter break with a hug and a song. We'll see you in 2024- Thank you!! 
 
[You are now safely here]


00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!
 


01:13 - Introducing and Welcome Natalie Tsiapalo, founder of Taskfulness Al. 


 
03:25- Hear more about Taskfulness.com  
 


4:21- What is it about scrolling? The truth is that those with #ADHD are constantly looking for something to excite them.  
 


05:36- Without the mindless scrolling, how do you get your dopamine hits and serotonin fixes? 


 
05:58- How to manage your emotions and redirect your actions when you are triggered to procrastinate. 

 

7:00- Daily schedule in the life of a 31-year-old entrepreneur with #ADHD!


 
08:07- What do you do if you have clients who need to meet during the off hours of your non-normal daily work schedule?


 
09:35- The power of the nap and how to do it right! 
 


11:45 - How can people find you?


 
App: Taskfulness AI via Apple App Store or Google Store


Email:  n.tsiapalo@gmail.com


Socials: LinkedIn. INSTA


 


12:21 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal” just about every week!! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! Please join us again very soon!


 
OH! And… If you haven't checked out Taskfulness Al yet to help you save hours of meaningless scrolling, it can be found on the App Store and can help you save up to 8 hours of mindless scrolling each week!
 


Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodivergence to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!
 


My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
 

Sep 13, 2023

We are thrilled to be joined again by the makers of Skylight Calendar! Enjoy this podcast knowing  that we used it to get this one to you on time! :-) You can order yours by going to www.skylightcal.com and using the discount code  PETER  for 10% off of this 15” device up to $30. 

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Our Guest today in their own words:  

 I'm a neurodiverse author, researcher, and advocate. For much of my life, I felt

different from my peers, as if I was behind a glass wall, unable to connect with them.

I had my way of thinking and doing things, which often made me feel isolated and

unworthy, resulting in the need to prove myself by taking on too many challenges at

once, such as working full-time (Animal welfare officer in preclinical research) and

doing a full-time PhD (in the behavioral response of crustaceans to anthropogenic

noise), Planning a wedding and organizing a mortgage while discussing house plans

with an architect (Not counting everyday chores and exercising). I did slow down

when I got pregnant by moving to a part-time position.

Eventually, after too many meltdowns and close to burnout, I decided to step back

from my PhD and job to find answers. In March this year, at the age of 33, after living with a brain that found it impossible to concentrate, with constant migraines, anxiety and fatigue. I received a Formal

ADHD diagnosis and informal Autism. It was like a light bulb turned on in my head, and I felt a new sense of acceptance and empowerment. I started to embrace my neurodiversity and celebrate my strengths and talents. I've been on a creative spree. I've written and published two children's

books on Amazon, and I've also written a book that you could call part memoir, part

encyclopedia and part research on ADHD and Autism. It's called "AuDHD and Me:

Growing Up Distracted". In it, I share my experiences and the stories of other

neurodiverse individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved amazing

things. My goal is to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, especially in

Ireland, where I live. I want to help others in a similar situation or who wish to learn

more about their unique brains. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:04 - Skylight calendar a practical, joyful organizational tool for families. 

Use the code “PETER” for a nice discount!

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

02:01 - Welcome Author Laura Adams!  [She loves Skylight Calendar as well]

03:08 - On the increase in ADHD diagnoses in Ireland and the lack of government support/funding for neurodiverse individuals, particularly in education.

04:17 - Tell us about your life before & after your ADHD diagnosis and how it shifted your perspective!

05:00 - Laura’s book AuDHD can be found here!  [See below for Non-US links**] 

06:00 - On understanding ADHD and how it applied to her own experiences.

06:57 - Peter Shankman highlights the common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding ADHD and the relief that comes with getting a diagnosis.

07:30 - Laura Adams discusses the transformative effect of receiving a diagnosis and how it has empowered her to step out of her comfort zone and share her experiences.

10:07 - On becoming a Marine Biologist & researching stress & audio in crustaceans.

13:31 - On how improving focus via medication may enhance thesis writing

16:05 - How can people find you Laura?

Web: Buy her book here! 

Socials:  LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/laura-adams-297716b6 

16:29 - On the struggle to overcome Imposter Syndrome

17:00 - Thanks so much for joining ”Faster Than Normal” just about every week!! We appreciate you and your words and work so much! Onwards! Please join us again very soon!

OH! And… If you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

You may find Laura’s new book anywhere, or specifically, here below:

Germany: https://buff.ly/44msxnw ( best option to order with shipment to Ireland)

UK: https://buff.ly/3YG9ovN (due to Amazon settings, some may not be able to order from the UK site - Laura has explored many options to have this issue resolved, however sometimes you can't jump over the fence with the technology)

USA: https://buff.ly/3spxU88

 

TRANSCRIPT via Castmagic.io and then corrected.. pretty-much.  

You're listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast, where we know that having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Each week we interview people from all around the globe, from every walk of life in every profession. From rock stars to CEOs, from teachers to politicians who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their add and ADHD diagnosis and used it to their personal and professional advance edge to build businesses, to become millionaires, or to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast

If you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Laura Adams, a neurodiverse author, researcher, and advocate, shares her experience of receiving a formal ADHD diagnosis at the age of 33. She discusses the growing awareness and diagnosis of ADHD in Ireland, particularly among women. Laura talks about how her diagnosis brought a sense of acceptance and empowerment, and how it prompted her to embrace her neurodiversity. She explains how her symptoms were often misunderstood or dismissed, and how discovering the different presentation of ADHD in women opened her eyes to her own experiences. Getting diagnosed was a life-changing moment for Laura, giving her the confidence to speak out, write a book, and share her story.

Hey, everyone. Peter Shankman, and welcome to another episode of Faster than Normal. I want to give a shout out over the past several weeks, as I've been doing to a wonderful, wonderful Advertiser Skylight Calendar. I know I talk about them every week, but obviously what I'm saying is resonating because they're telling me that people are purchasing through Faster Than Normal, which I think is awesome. Skylight calendar is a little little thing that hangs on my wall in my kitchen. And every morning before breakfast, my daughter and I look at the calendar and we see what chores she has. She sees what meetings I have. We see who's picking her up from school. We see if she has anything after school. Every time she completes a chore, she clicks on a little dot on the screen and it disappears. And it makes her really happy and it makes me really happy. And today, being her first day of school, we are back to using it every single day. And she absolutely loves it. She gets to put her homework in it. We get to upload photos to it. It is just a phenomenal device. Skylight Calendar. Use the code Peter at Skylight Calendar. Skylightcal.com. Use the code Peter and you'll get a really nice discount. It has saved us. We don't argue anymore about who has to do what, and that is pretty awesome. So I am very grateful to Skylight Calendar. They also make an awesome frame as well for just pictures. nCheck that out too.

Welcome to Faster than Normal. We've been off for a couple of weeks, so it is awesome to be back. I want to introduce Laura Adams. We're going all the way to Ireland today, and that's about the extent of my Irish accent, but we're going to Ireland. We're talking to Laura Adams, who is a neurodiverse, author, researcher, and advocate. She got diagnosed at the age of 33 after, mind you, she managed to work full time, do a full time PhD, plan a wedding, organize a mortgage, not counting everyday tours and exercising. Oh, and she also got pregnant. But in March of this year, at the age of 33, living with a brain that found it impossible to concentrate with constant migraines, anxiety, and fatigue, she received a formal ADHD diagnosis and informal autism. So we're starting to see a connection there as well. Light bulb turned on in her head. She felt a new sense of acceptance and empowerment. And she's starting to embrace her neurodiversity. She read fast, add normal. She has listened to the podcast and she's like, I got to be on. She's published two children's books on Amazon, which is better than I've done. I've only published one. She's written a book you call part memoir, part encyclopedia, and part research called AuDHD and Me: Growing Up Distracted. So let us talk to Laura. Welcome to Faster than Normal.

Laura  [00:03:08]: Hi. Hello. So cool! Going to go full nerd now.

Peter Shankman [00:03:14]: It's great to have you here. I love that you're on the podcast. I love that you listen to the podcast. So Ireland has Ireland not embraced or is not talking about ADHD or neurodiversity? Is it not a big thing there yet? What's the story?

Laura  [00:03:28]: Well, the last few years, probably just last two years in particular, it's shot up. Like, there's actually so many diagnosis coming in to Ireland, mostly from women, and I didn't have no idea of this until I got diagnosed myself, but there's so many women getting diagnosed in Ireland now. But we're kind of in the government will put legislations out and they're like, good job. We put legislation out, patting the back. And then they don't enforce it because there's no funding or there's not enough training. And it's just great. We did something and then nothing's done about it. So I'm kind of wanting to drive home, especially in education, it's like, kids do need help and if you're just kind of going, we did a great job, and then they're just leaving it, nothing's going to go well. Nothing's going of course, that's where I'm at.

Peter Shankman [00:04:17]: So when you got diagnosed, talk for a second about what that was like. Talk for a second about how you felt before what happened when you got diagnosed and how you felt immediately after.

Laura  [00:04:33]: I think this dream was gone a year, really, before I just was sitting down doing my PhD thesis and I just couldn't read. It was like all the I was agreed in a sentence, but I just couldn't connect the sentence together. I felt like I was just scrolling. Everything was a blur and I just couldn't concentrate on all I thought, that's it, I can't live like this anymore. It's been going on for too long. So I just went, right, I need answers. So I started with autism diagnosis because all my life had been told I was a little bit autistic. So I was like, OK, I'll start there. That's a good place. I contacted adult autism Ireland. The website and the sent me a whole load of questionnaires and there's so much of it. But one of the in particular was called the as or S, I think five ADHD characteristics. They know themselves that autism and ADHD kind of go a lot of the time, hand in hand. Like there are a lot more people who have ADHD with autism, with ADHD, or vice versa. I can't remember the actual statistics, but I scored incredibly high, like, way high than I would have thought on ADHD characteristics, especially in a sensory type. And I went down this rabbit hole of Ted Talks, and mostly women, and they used for so long. I've looked up some of the symptoms I had, and I couldn't find anything. But these women were saying exactly it had the words for it.

Peter Shankman [00:06:00]: Yeah, because for the first time in your life, for the first time in your life, you were looking at ADHD from a different perspective. The concept of ADHD in boys and in men presents entirely differently than ADHD in girls and in women.

Laura  [00:06:11]: Yeah, because I've heard about it twice. Maybe in my life, ADHD would be mentioned twice. And usually people are going, oh, it's not real. And I kind of going, of course. I went okay. I don't know. I have to look into something before I make a judgment. But it went right over my head. I was like, oh, another thing I won't be interested in. So I didn't even think about it until it actually was right in my face. But it's funny how that is the mindset of so many people, they're just not paying attention, or they're not trying hard enough, or they're just daydreamers. You've probably heard them, all the excuses people tend to make for people who are like, we are trying really hard. Thank you very much. There's a reason why I have this migraine bu that's the mindset that it was kind of what I was told about ADHD was brought up.

Peter Shankman [00:06:57]: Getting diagnosed and getting a name towards what you've been feeling is an amazing it's an amazing relief. And it's funny because and I think you tell me your feelings on this. You break your leg, right? You see a bone sticking out of the middle of your leg. You're like, well, shit, I broke my leg. You don't need to get diagnosed when you see a bone sticking out of the middle of your leg, right? But you have these internal problems. It's the premise of, oh, you don't look sick. Nothing must be wrong with you, right? And when you finally are able to put those two and two together, it's life changing, actually.

Laura  [00:07:30]: Complete. And I say the switch was almost because I'm very low confidence. This would be something I'd never do. Talking to someone on a podcast, it's just an impossibility. I thought, no way I'd write a book. No way I'd put up an Instagram page. No way I'd do any of that. And then as soon as I got the diagnosis, these little gears were starting to turn my head, and I was like, removing what I thought I could do to, oh, I can do this. This is very possible. And next thing, I'm just I wrote a book in a few months is the editing that was the longest. And I had, like, greeted children's books and I was in contact with people and I was like, what is this? Is a completely different person. I thought I never was, but it's just the fact I took away the oh, I must clearly be stupid or I must clearly be incapable of doing this because I was told I was incapable or if I can't do this, I'm being told I just have to work harder. Clearly something I'm not just not able to do it. That's the kind of labels I created for myself. This label of ADHD is so much better than this label of you're stupid, you're slow. You have so much potential if you just worked harder.

 

Peter Shankman [00:08:44]: No, it's true. It's definitely a wake up call. A lot of people listening as well as myself grew up with the you just need to apply yourself. And looking back on it, we were trained to not I never talked back to my teachers. I always, yes, ma'am, no, ma'am, and not I look back to bitch. I was applying myself. That's the problem. It's this sort of massive wake up call than if I could go back and tell my 6th grade teacher, mr. Hecker, hey, dude. I was applying my ass off and it wasn't sinking in. And that was the most I think it's one thing when you fail or when you don't do well and you know it's because you weren't trying. It's another thing when you try your butt off and it still doesn't click. Go ahead.

 

Laura  [00:09:26]: Because I would do really well in certain subjects. Like I had have a publication with pain in crustaceans, but then I was like, I can't do this. Other things like, how did I manage that? Bu can't manage this. So clearly I'm just lucky or I fooled people. And that's the thing. You just can't go, maybe I lied to them and that's how or maybe it was luck.

Peter Shankman [00:09:48]: And then you just comes from you don't believe anything you've done. Everything you've done is luck. Everything I've done is luck. And you're sure you wake up every day with the fear that stays the day. You're going to get found out.

Laura  [00:09:57]: Yeah, that's exactly it. Really fast.

Peter Shankman [00:10:00]: I was going to ask this. What the hell is the behavioral response of crustaceans to anthropologenic noise? Which was who does a PhD in that? What is that?!

Laura  [00:10:07]:  When I was younger, like three or four, I wanted to be a marine biologist. And I was like I couldn't spell the word, but I knew I wanted to be it. And I was like, I want to play. Like, I want to work with dolphins and seals. But when I went into my Masters, I like, OOH, crustaceans and crabs are interesting. I never would have thought of that in my life. It was like, there's something they're so they don't have any facial expressions. You have no idea what these things are thinking or can they think? Or are they actually do anything other than move side to side and eat stuff? So noticing that changes in their behaviors or their physiology is actually their signs of stress. So my initial publication was looking at the pain response. Is it just the fact that they're moving around more when you electrocute them? It's like the electrical electric shock or is it the stress? And my research shows that there is definitely more of a stress response in their I was looking at hemolyphistic their blood, so I was looking at lactate level in their blood. And it was much higher in individuals who are shocked than individuals who are not shocked, even if they were both moving around. So I was like, oh, there's something going on there. But I don't like shocking animals. Like, I felt guilty every single time I did it. And I turned to alcohol nearly every experimental days. I went, I can't do this, that's not healthy. So I turned to noise stress instead. And I just looked at how anthropogenic noise with human boat noise really is irritating or can cause an anxiety like response to in these shore crabs, which you see around the beaches everywhere and how they respond to it. I just wanted to see how long term noise affects their anxiety like response or their aggression levels. And if it is, aggression in crabs is incredibly important. I was like, oh, I feel like they stop me at any time. I'll keep going. It'll be like a firearm not.

 

Peter Shankman [00:12:03]: I loved it. That makes a lot of sense, though, because I know there were studies in the US. About how military boats affect was like

 

Laura  [00:12:14]: That was a big especially sonar causing a lot of strandings. I would like to make sure that I actually remember the easiest words like strandings and I can remember anthropogenic. How can I forget the easiest words sometimes? But it's amazing how these especially in shy and rare whales would you like to be somewhere? I think there's only like 50 something left of these whales in New Zealand. And if they're scared by noise, they'll move away from the area they're safe and right into the path of predators. And there's like there's only 50 something of these whales left and it could be eaten because I guess ship scared them. And it's just like a lot of this is but then we never think about the shorecrafts as well. Who pretty much are the food for everything else, or the paws, not even irrigation. Cold be the word. They kind of churn pretty much the soil and provide food for a not of other food items for animals. So I was like, I like to look at the base not just like whales, but not so much anymore messes.

Peter Shankman [00:13:16]: With the entire ecosystem. No, I get that.

Laura  [00:13:18]: Yeah. Like a wonderful thing.

Peter Shankman [00:13:21]: So what is the biggest difference now that you've been diagnosed. And now that you're working under the auspices of what I have as a gift as opposed to what you have.

Laura  [00:13:31]: My thesis writing is so much easier than I was before. And also I'm less hard on myself. And these are just I have these little tweaks. Not really tweaks, but I'll go to the gym more. I did take the lowest dose of medication you can get kind of just to turn me into concentration mode every now and again. Because with it, it's just a little bit better than coffee. But I don't use it that much. I use it when I'm working, but not as much. But without knowing this, I would literally type out a sentence, get distracted, talk about a completely different topic entirely in my thesis, without putting any full stop or finishing the sentence before I'd have information that should be at the end of the thesis, at the beginning of the thesis. And everything would be all over the place, but nothing will be in a linear story. Everything would just be all over the place and that would be like, I can't believe the difference. I can actually notice these things now. I go, oh, that's not supposed to be there. I'm going to move that. This actually reads like a proper story. The characters are actually there. There's some type of linear storytelling going on rather than whatever I did before. Bu. It's just confusing for everyone.

 

Peter Shankman [00:14:52]: Last question only because we're running short of time and I want to have you back. Yes, of course. What would you tell someone who was in your place five years ago?

 

Laura  [00:15:01]: It's really don't be so hard on yourself. I think that is actually the thing than was crippling me because even the smallest thing that I did wrong, I would beat myself up for years. I would say I was the worst person in the world. I'd have to work harder to try to prove it when really what I was doing was perfectly fine. It's just I can't get over how hard on yourself that you can be. Even my doctor started crying was pretty much interior saying, you're being so hard on yourself, that would be the biggest thing because if I didn't have that, the weight off your shoulders is incomparable. I'm like, I'm not as tired of myself. I'm actually stepping away when I need to rather than pushing forward when it's impossible. And the migraines have reduced. I used to have them every single week and they'd last for three days weekly. So that is the biggest change. I probably had, like one little mild headache today because I was nervous about talking to people like I was on this, but then I was like, that disappeared very fast. I was probably more excited than but it's amazing, that difference.

Peter Shankman [00:16:06]: I love that.

Laura  [00:16:06]: And the meltdowns. Very cool.

Peter Shankman [00:16:12]: Laura, thank you so much for taking the time all the way from Ireland to talk to us today on Fast Than Normal. Love to have you back. Love the work you're doing out there to make a difference. We'll definitely bring you back on. Thank you so much.

Laura  [00:16:23]: Thank you so much. I'll be probably the only episode I won't listen to because of my voice, but other than than sounds great.

Peter Shankman [00:16:29]: Get the imposter syndrome out of your head listening to Faster Than Normal. We love having you. Let us know who you want to hear on the podcast. We will get them on. Thank you so much for listening. We will see you next week. Again, thanks to Skylight Calendar for sponsoring and we'll talk to you guys soon. Be well. 

Credits: You've been listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast. We're available on iTunes, Stitcher and Google play and of course at www.FasterThanNormal.com I'm your host, Peter Shankman and you can find me at shankman.com and @petershankman on all of the socials. All now on https://www.threads.net/@petershankman  If you like what you've heard, why not head over to your favorite podcast platform of choice and leave us a review, come more people who leave positive reviews, the more the podcast has shown, and the more people we can help understand that ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Opening and closing themes were composed and produced by Steven Byrom who also produces this podcast, and the opening introduction was recorded by Bernie Wagenblast. Thank you so much for listening. We'll see you next week! 

Sep 6, 2023

We are thrilled to be joined again by the makers of Skylight Calendar! Enjoy this podcast knowing  that we used it to get this one to you on time! :-) You can order yours by going to www.skylightcal.com and using the discount code  PETER  for 10% off of this 15” device up to $30. 

 

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Our Guest today in their own words:  Sophie is a neurodivergent mother of three, late diagnosed with autism / adhd / dyspraxia 18 months ago, as was her now 9 year old son. She lives in Dubai, and until 18 months ago had spent 20 years in the corporate world of strategy consulting and professional services. She’s moved from client facing strategy work internally to set up her firms strategy and projects team, before being asked to step into the technology leader and then the human resource leader roles . She’s since set up her own company The Growth Pod, which helps passion and purpose led entrepreneurs harness their creativity and their uniqueness to create successful growth strategies or their business.  Today we learn how this neurodivergent Mother’s is thriving as she advocates for more balanced neurodiversity in the corporate world. Enjoy!! :) 

[You are now safely here]

00:04 - Skylight calendar makes chores and scheduling easy. Use the code “PETER” for a nice discount!

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!

01:47 - Introducing and Welcome Sophie Thomas!

04:34 - “If you look at my professional success, it hasn't been a hindrance to me! I did well because of it.”

05:13 - On talking with her son about being neurodivergent 

06:17 - Grief and self-discovery led to transformation.

07:00 - On the Importance of supporting neurodiverse students

09:36 - On making accommodations in the classroom

11:40 - Inclusion challenges and gender challenges in the Middle East workplace.

12:05 - On lacking Mental health and neurodiversity support/discussion of sexuality due to illegality. The region is far behind the world in celebrating neurodiversity, leaving them absent of utilizing super-powered skill sets from our global community.

15:30 - On breaking the Rain Man stereotype

16:05 - How can people find you?

Web:  https://sophiethomascoaching.com

Socials:  @ Growth_Pod on INSTA 

17:00 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal” just about every week!! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! Please join us again very soon!

OH! And… If you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

TRANSCRIPT via Castmagic.io and then corrected.. mostly but somewhat. 

You're listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast, where we know that having Add or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Each week we interview people from all around the globe, from every walk of life in every profession. From rock stars to CEOs, from teachers to politicians who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their add and ADHD diagnosis and used it to their personal and professional advance edge to build businesses, to become millionaires, or to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast

If you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

 

TRANSCRIPT via Castmagic.io and then corrected.. pretty-much.  

You're listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast, where we know that having Add or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Each week we interview people from all around the globe, from every walk of life in every profession. From rock stars to CEOs, from teachers to politicians who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their add and ADHD diagnosis and used it to their personal and professional advance edge to build businesses, to become millionaires, or to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast, the man who booked a round trip flight to Tokyo just to write a best selling book, Peter Shankman.

Peter Shankman [00:00:04]: Hey, everyone. I want to give a shout out this week to Skylight Frame. You can check them out@skylightframe.com. As always, they've been a great sponsor for the past couple months. They're still here. A lot of you have gone out and bought the Skylight Frame, and it is pretty awesome. It's a full calendar that sits on your wall, connects to Google or whatever calendar service you use, Apple calendar, whatever. And then it tells your kids what they have to do. You enter in all their chores. They can look at the screen every morning. They click on what the have to do and they do it. And it has stopped the arguments in our house from Jessa, have you changed the dog's baby pads to have you cleaned your room? She simply knows. She goes looks chores, cleans them off, does her chores, and then clicks them on the touch screen. When the touch screen is not in use, it shows beautiful photos that you can upload right to its server. So I love it. Huge fan. You can get up to $30 off with the code, Peter, if you order today@skylightframe.com. Okay. Thank you, Skylight.

Peter Shankman [00:01:47]: Peter Shankman. Welcome to another episode of Fast Than Normal. Do you know what I found out? I found out last week in pure, typical ADHD fashion. Apparently we've come across 300 episodes. Apparently last week's episode or a couple of weeks ago was our 300th. And I had no idea. I wanted to get a cake and eat the cake during a podcast. And someone sent me an email, hey, congratulations on hitting 300 episodes. And I went, oh, yeah. Okay, cool. Thanks. So that's the beauty. One of the beauties of ADHD. Totally blew that one. But hey, we made it through 300 episodes, which is pretty cool. I think less than one parent of all podcasts ever make it to 300 episodes, so feeling pretty good about that. Anyway, I want to talk today to a woman named Sophie Thomas. Sophie Thomas is a neurodivergent mother of three. She's late diagnosed with autism, ADHD dyspraxia. So apparently she did nothing for the first, like, X number of years of her life and than when her nine year old son got diagnosed. She's like, oh, look at all these things I have. She lives in dubai, which is pretty cool because you know me and how much I love Dubai and until 18 months ago had spent 20 years in the corporate world of strategy consulting and professional services. She recently moved from client facing strategy work to set up her firm's Strategy and Project Team before being asked to step in as technology leader and then do a human resource role. Realizing that she loved human resources, she set up her own company called The Growth Pod, and that helps passion and purpose led entrepreneurs harness their creativity and their uniqueness to create successful growth strategies for their businesses. Many of her clients are also neurodiverse and part of her new mission in life is to advocate for neurodiversity in the corporate world. Welcome, Sophie.

Sophie  [00:03:25]: Thank you. And congratulations on 300 episodes as a nascent podcaster. I know that's a massive feat.

Peter Shankman [00:03:33]: I was kind of shocked by it and like I said, didn't even realize it, which is so typical. When The Boy with the Faster Brain came out a month and a half ago, I didn't realize the launch date and I started getting all these emails saying, hey, congratulations on your new book. I'm like, I didn't know it was out yet, but cool. Thanks. Yeah, that's just so typical. So you got diagnosed with autism, ADHD and dyspraxia. So tell us what Than was like. Was that a whole life changer for you?

Sophie  [00:03:58]: Absolutely. I've always known I was different and having the diagnosis just completely changed my narrative and it changed our family as well because we were going through the process. For my son, I read a book on Asperger's, though I know we're not meant to use the term and identified him in that book. And sort of going through that book, I also identified myself. And my husband is super supportive of us, but he wasn't quite sure what we would do with an autism diagnosis for my son or a neurodivergent diagnosis. And seeing an understanding that I was neurodivergent just made it so much easier for all of us to accept his diagnosis and celebrate it. Because if you look at my professional success, it hasn't been a hindrance to me. In fact, when I reflect on it and since leaving the corporate world, when I look back at my experiences and I've changed the narrative, I don't now put of myself as a survivor and have done well despite my neurons divergence. I did well because of it.

Sophie  [00:05:06]: It's because of loads of the traits that I have that I've been able to be the success that I was. And I'm really excited now that we can have that conversation with my son at a very young age, celebrate his neurodiversity and talk about his superpowers and his strengths and how he can take those into what I know will be a very different world in sort of 1520 years time when he's in looking for jobs and creating careers. But I think it's going to be really empowering for him to have had somebody close to him as a role model and a family that champions and supports him.

Peter Shankman [00:05:44]: Tell me about so one of the things that I talk a lot to companies about this, and I explained that my ADHD is definitely my success is because of not in spite of my ADHD, but one of the things we don't talk a lot about is what it was like growing up. So ADHD doesn't just happen the second you get diagnosed. You get diagnosed because you know something's different. So when you were growing up, I'm assuming I don't know where you grew up, but assuming where you grew up, it couldn't have been as easy because you weren't allowed to be as different as you are allowed to be today.

Sophie  [00:06:17]: No, there was a huge amount of grief, I think that came with my diagnosis. As part of that diagnosis, I had to go through all of my old school reports which my parents had lovingly kept for me. And it's amazing when you read all of those back to back in about 6 hours, as I did Hyper Focus and looking at the narrative of that kid. I just felt so sad for her that nobody sat there. And put together the picture of somebody than I always thought I was stupid or not very intelligent. But I was okay because I could work really hard. And I see in those reports the pockets of we think Sophie is a bright child, but she's lazy and she's too introverted. We just don't seem to be able to get through to her. And everything I read into that now is we don't have the time or we don't have the skills. We don't have the understanding of how to teach her differently or how to teach her in a way where she can excel. I had to sit down at every major point of examinations and in the UK we have two or three big sets of them in our life. And I had to reteach myself every curriculum in three months before my exams just to get through. I was predicted to fail. I was told I wasn't going to go to a decent university. And against all of the odds, I sat down, I knuckled down and I came out with a's across the board. And now I have a different narrative, which is that I am really bright, my neurodiversity, I'm twice exceptional. I can say from a position of fact that my intelligence is higher than 98 percentile of the population. That in itself has changed me completely. And I try not to think about actually what would have been different if somebody had supported me. Because I find that not necessarily it can be a spiral and a rabbit hole to go through, no question. What I think not is about, okay, how can I take that and how can I help my son? How can I advocate for my son? How can I make it different from him? How can I help him to recognize and own his intelligence, to harness that power, to find ways that he can learn and get the accommodations he needs in school and then think about how he's best going to use those powers in a career that's going to be meaningful to him?

Peter Shankman [00:08:38]: And your son is with you in it like, what's it like in the Dubai school system in America? It's just sort of coming up and we're starting to make good strides, but it's taken forever in a day.

Sophie  [00:08:53]: It's nascent here. I mean, it's a very different society. It's very multicultural. So a lot of the things that I would have imagined we would struggle with in terms of inclusion in Europe or the US. We don't have here because it is so diverse. You have everybody from every nationality, different languages, everybody is in different places. So schools seem to be more naturally inclusive, but they're private education. They want to maximize revenue. So it is harder for kids that have additional needs to get into the good schools. It's expensive for parents to support them if they do have additional needs and need learning support, assistance. And we're really lucky that our son thrives in school. And his school is probably one of the most inclusive. The small accommodations they put into the classroom for him, they've been putting in there for all kids because they recognize that all kids move to a different beat of their own drum. I'm nervous about secondary because the education sector is developing so rapidly. The primary is more developed. It's come on along in the last six, seven years since we started sending him to school. Secondary is catching up. Bu I'm nervous about that because I think at that point you're a bit like a shark in infested waters. And the inclusivity that we found in the early years, I'm not sure we're going to find it in secondary.

Peter Shankman [00:10:11]: Interesting. Okay, so what are you preparing to do? How are you getting ready for that?

Sophie  [00:10:17]: Well, we're having conversations with him about he's got to own his decision of which school. It would be very easy for us as parents to go on the traditional measures of a good school. We could look at grades, we could look at the number of university students. But at the end of the day, he's got to find somewhere where he feels like his rhythm is going to be recognized and supported. So we're going to try and go around a load of schools. I'm part of the local communities around Neurodiversity, so I listen to which of most inclusive things. But one thing I'm seeing a trend of in Dubai is schools that are coming up than are way more creative and innovative and nontraditional. And I feel like one of those schools where it is much more focus on digitization tech that that will be a better environment for him, rather than something that looks more like a traditional education system that I might recognize and sort of stereotypical me. Would Cold feel like that was a good school for him?

Peter Shankman [00:11:17]: Makes sense. Tell me about what it's like there in the workplace, having been out there for years, having now understanding your neurodiversity, what is the conversation like when you would talk to, say, when you were still at your old position? Would you tell people about it? Would you talk to it? How did they react to.

Sophie  [00:11:40]: Think, you know, I've been in the Middle East for 14 years, and, you know, I would have said my primary difference for the majority of that was that I was female. Secondly, that I was English Add. There aren't many senior English female women in the workplace. And in my later role in HR, I was involved in diversity inclusion. And when I look at the conversations you have around ind here compared to those you have in Europe or the US. It's much, much narrower. So the focus is on gender still, which is a conversation that we still have elsewhere, but less so it's on nationality. So it is a much more inclusion of the national workforce here and bringing in the Emirates, the Saudis, the Qataris into Middle Eastern firms. There really isn't a conversation about hidden disabilities, about neurodiversity, and there's absolutely zero conversation around sexuality and the LGBTQI because of the context here in illegality, which is really challenging. So it's a much, much narrower conversation. When I was in my role, we were coming out of COVID and huge concerns around mental health and support for individuals. And I found, without knowing about my neurodiversity, that the individuals who were struggling the most with inclusion were individuals on the neurodiverse spectrum. And we had so many challenges with people with mental health awareness, with breakdowns, burnouts, suicidality, and we were not where we needed to be in the region in terms of inclusiveness around conversations around mental health and support that we could put in there. And so even on, like, when it's really obvious, when people are really struggling, we're not great. And when we're talking about proactive measures of inclusivity in the workplace and celebrating neurodiversity traits and thinking about how we incorporate those, embrace them, and actively seek them out in the future, we're just miles away. And what I loved when I met you in Dubai was you had just finished off your step conference speech around customer experience, which I loved. But it was your shout out about the future of work and actively seeking. Out neurodivergent skill sets to be part of the environment and the corporate add entrepreneurial environment. That really resonated with me because we are so behind in this region in having those conversations or even recognizing that it's something to be celebrated. I told very few colleagues about my diagnosis. I left about six months after my diagnosis, not directly because of my diagnosis, but it was interlinked. But when I talked about my son's diagnosis, I had people commiserating with me and saying things, well, at least like, you've got two normal children. Yeah. Add oh, have you looked at his diet? And maybe just things that I would have expected in the UK 25 years ago.

Peter Shankman [00:14:54]: Right.

Sophie  [00:14:54]: So there's a really in the general population, not a great understanding. I think there's still very much a kind of a Rain Man or bonkers children bouncing off the walls kind of impression of neurodiversity. And I still get friends coming up to me when I tell them, and I'm now very open about my diagnosis, and they're like, well, you don't seem very autistic or you don't seem very neurodiverse. And it blows my mind that we still have those entrenched views and see it as a much more disabling sort of set of characteristics or neurotype than it really is.

Peter Shankman [00:15:37]: And again, I think that's something we'll definitely talk about offline, because, like I said, I was speaking one of the companies I was talking to last week. I was on satellite, and someone emailed me later from your region. And, you know, it's great to finally hear this and my company's taken seriously because no one here believes it. So I think we got a lot of work to do. That being said, Sophie Thomas, I'm so glad you joined us today. Thank you so much for taking the time. How can people find you so you.

Sophie  [00:16:02]: Can find me@sophiethomascoaching.com where I have all of my interests? Add particularly around neurodivergent supports for workplaces. And you can find me at the Growth Pod or Growth_pod on Instagram Growth_pod, not for my work on business coaching.

Peter Shankman [00:16:19]: Sophie, thank you so much. As soon as we go live, we'll let you know. As always, thank you all for listening. We will have another episode next week. I can't believe we're over 300 episodes, as you know.

Sophie  [00:16:28]: Congratulations.

Peter Shankman [00:16:29]: Thank you. As I didn't know. But either way, great to have you guys. We'll see you next week. Sophie, thank you again, everyone. Neurodiversity is a gift, not a curse. We're going to keep telling that story forever. Talk to you soon. Bye.

VO: [00:16:43]:

Credits: You've been listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast. We're available on iTunes, Stitcher and Google play and of course at www.FasterThanNormal.com I'm your host, Peter Shankman and you can find me at shankman.com and @petershankman on all of the socials. All now on https://www.threads.net/@petershankman

If you like what you've heard, why not head over to your favorite podcast platform of choice and leave us a review, come more people who leave positive reviews, the more the podcast has shown, and the more people we can help understand that ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Opening and closing themes were composed and produced by Steven Byrom who also produces this podcast, and the opening introduction was recorded by Bernie Wagenblast. Thank you so much for listening. We'll see you next week! 

Aug 30, 2023

We are thrilled to be joined again by the makers of Skylight Calendar! Enjoy this podcast knowing  that we used it to get this one to you on time! :-) You can order yours by going to www.skylightcal.com and using the discount code  PETER  for 10% off of this 15” device up to $30. 

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Our Guest today in their own words:  Brett Greene is the Founder of the New Tech Northwest community of 60,000+ technologists and is a transformational ADHD and Executive Coach helping high-achieving tech entrepreneurs and business leaders reach unprecedented success. His life's journey with ADHD has included holding an MA in Counseling Psychology, producing hundreds of event experiences, working with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artists, being a life long meditator, a professional DJ, an Advisory Board Member for SXSW Pitch, a Top 35 Social Media Power Influencer in Forbes, and speaking at the White House. Many of his clients have had successful exits including an acquisition to a Fortune 50 company. Offering individual coaching, group coaching, as well as professional training, Brett specializes in effectively mastering neurodivergence and communication in the workplace to foster inclusive environments that unlock the potential of all individuals.  Enjoy! 

[You are now safely here]

00:04 - Skylight Calendar makes chores & scheduling easy! Use code “PETER” for a nice discount!

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening, and for subscribing!!

01:57 - Introducing and Welcome Brett Greene! 

03:05 - A diagnosis journey, experiences w/ medication, productivity turbo, via The Musix Biz?

05:25 - ADHD, various experiences including meeting the Dalai Lama, speaking at the White House

06:40 - ADHD and it’s power of community building

09:17 - Anxiety, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and being neurodivergent in the workplace. #DEI

11:33 - Neurodivergent Professionals and the Struggle with Neurotypical Systems

13:50 - The never-ending quest for success

14:27 - Neurodivergent individuals and the need for education in society.

14:45 - Understanding neurodivergent more as an operating system that's different, like Apple versus Android

14:26 - How can people find you?

Socials:  LinkedIn @ BrettGreene 

Web:  newtechnorthwest.com add epsiloncoaching.com. 

15:05 - Gratitude and Recognition

16:57 - Thanks so much for enjoying "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards! Please join us again very soon!

 

If you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

 

TRANSCRIPT via Castmagic.io and then corrected.. mostly but somewhat. 

 

You're listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast, where we know that having Add or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Each week we interview people from all around the globe, from every walk of life in every profession. From rock stars to CEOs, from teachers to politicians who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their add and ADHD diagnosis and used it to their personal and professional advance edge to build businesses, to become millionaires, or to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast

If you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

 

TRANSCRIPT via Castmagic.io and then corrected.. pretty-much.  

You're listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast, where we know that having Add or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Each week we interview people from all around the globe, from every walk of life in every profession. From rock stars to CEOs, from teachers to politicians who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their add and ADHD diagnosis and used it to their personal and professional advance edge to build businesses, to become millionaires, or to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast to simply better their lives. And now here's the host of the Faster than Normal podcast, the man whose preschool teacher said he would either be president or in jail by age 40, Peter Shankman.

 [01:36]: Peter Shankman:  All right, who are we talking today? We're talking to Brett Greene. Brett is the founder of new Tech Northwest. It's a community of 60,000 technologists, and he's a transformational ADHD and executive coach. He helps high achieving tech entrepreneurs and business leaders reach tons of success. His journey with ADHD has included holding an Ma in counseling psychology, producing hundreds of experiences, working with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artists, and being a lifelong meditator professional DJ because you need to be professional DJ if you're going to work with a DHG. An advisory board member for SX Swiss Out West pitch a top 35 social media power influencer in Forbes, and he spoke at the White House. His clients have had tons of successful exits. He offers coaching, group coaching, professional training. He does a lot. And best part, he has some stories he wants to tell. Brett, welcome.

Brett [00:02:19]: Thank you, Peter. It's great. Now, I think I first met you in 2006 at Blog World.

Peter Shankman [00:02:26]: Yeah, it's been a while. We've known each other for quite some time. It's great to have you here. It's great to finally have you on the podcast. Give us 30 seconds about you. And I know that you have a bunch of stories you want to share with us.

Brett [00:02:37]: Sure. Add first, real quick shout out to Skylight. My brother and I got that for our parents a few years ago and great gift for parents and other people who love to see the family photos and get excited when you load them in there.

Peter Shankman [00:02:54]: That was their original product. The Skylight frame was the original product. The calendar www.skylightcal.com came next, which does mostly the same thing.

Peter Shankman [00:03:00]: You still show the photos, but it also has a calendar on it. And I love that one for my daughter.

Brett [00:03:03]: Cool 

Peter Shankman [00:03:04]: Awesome.

Brett [00:03:05]: Yeah. ADHD so I'll try to make it short. I guess the thing I would share about my story is I didn't get diagnosed until a few years ago, but about 20 years ago had a nephew on Ritalin and his mom's a psychologist and she said, hey, you might want to try this. And I did. And I didn't want to be on meds my whole life, so I didn't do much about it. But when I took it, I took it on a Sunday and in 4 hours got more done than I got done in a week. And I was like, oh my gosh. People's brains like, do this. And I know you've heard this story of your time. I've known for a long time. But then there was a point where I needed to get diagnosed, which a lot of folks part of it was to stay married and to figure out everything else than wasn't working. ADHD diagnosis and understanding that really helped to understand where things were so that we had a new place to create agreements together and build relationship, which is what I've now been working with people with for their careers as well as their personal lives. My life was all over the place and not planned and just a lot of luck and weird things. I became a DJ at college radio station 17. Then I was a music director and the program director started. I was a club DJ and had a mobile DJ company in college, all of that. One thing ADHD wise, that's weird about that is in high school I got asked by someone I'd known for a while, like, hey, do you want to be a cheerleader? And this other guy in the class the asked too. And I was like, oh, I don't know. But the teacher doing it had been one of my favorite teachers. I'm like, okay, these guys from the college are showing a team now since we get it. So I was a DJ at the punk rock radio station while I was a cheerleader at the high school, and then I was the vice president of a fraternity while I was the program director of the punk rock radio station, which made no sense to other people. But I just did what felt good and what seemed interesting and than just led me into a career in the music industry that I didn't plan. And that was great. So I was in the music industry.

Peter Shankman [00:05:18]: That's classic ADHD. I mean you realize that's classic ADHD I'm going to do what feels good and all of a sudden have a career.

Brett [00:05:25]: Yeah. And felt weird and it didn't make sense. And the whole time I had anxiety during the career because in hindsight, with the diagnosis, I can realize, oh, this is another reason why I gave up a natural position for a regional. And I moved from La. To Boulder, Colorado, because I could have bosses in La. And New York, and I was on planes all the time, which now I know. ADHD we love to be in motion. And you, with your books and other people know we think better. We get centered when we're in motion. And I wasn't having to go into an office every day and feel awkward and weird and trying to navigate the politics and the things that I couldn't scan because our brains are more empathetic and we're not really into those things. I'm ADHD I'm dumping all over the place with this. So career in the music industry when I left that realized it wasn't the ladder that I wanted to be on started a digital marketing company in the early 2000s was Blogging when that first came out. That's how I ended up meeting you at Blog World. Just got into social media early which was the main reason why I built community. In hindsight I realized I'm a community builder and I did it with music, I did it online. Then when I moved to Seattle ten years ago, I ended up doing it with the tech community and I realized that I'm a connector. I like to help people. It's one thing that made me resonate with you when I first met you and other weird thing when I was in Boulder, I left school for the record industry went back and finished my degree while I was doing 14 state territory and realized I could keep going. So I went continued with my master's degree. It wasn't actually at Cu, it was at Europa University which was founded by a Tibetan Buddhist. Just happened to be there. Somebody asked me to be on student council. And the one six month term I did happened to be when they had, after 15 years, gotten the Dalai Lama to come to Denver and the did a big thing at the Pepsi Center, but he came to the school. So I actually had a private audience with the Dalai Lama. Again, all this is like luck. And following ADHD and even speaking at the White House, I sat in the audience of New Tech Boulder for six years with 400 people a month. And when I moved to Seattle, I couldn't believe nobody had done it. The formula started after 911 in New York with the founders of Meetup.com had created New York Tech Meetup, which is still going strong and people new York, right? So people are there and then they go other places. So somebody had left in Boulder and I had already been in San Francisco for twelve years. I couldn't believe nobody had done this in Seattle. So I'm like, oh, I don't want to just have a job or do something, I want to connect with community. So I started it and it was just great timing. And two years later happened to be when the founder Meetup.com did the first and so far only tech Meetup at the White House because he had known the first female CTO at Google and she was the first CTO of US government under Obama. And they reached out and they asked like 50 Meetup organizers to come speak. And again, not totally, I literally almost fell on my floor when I opened the email. How did this happen? This is just doing what I loved and good things coming so a little longer than I wanted to go. But I realized that a lot of stuff. And ADHD.

Peter Shankman [00:09:04]: It's okay though, I like that, I like that. Tell us about a lot of good stuff, right? You took these risks, they paid off. You're doing what you love to do. But it's not all sunshine and roses. It never is. No, talk about some of the negatives.

Brett [00:09:17]: The negative was not knowing I had ADHD and having anxiety all the time and always feeling wrong. In hindsight, I can see most of us go through what seems like and possibly is like daily emotional poking from the outside, which gives us great radar. But also in my case I realized I also learned after I found out ADHD, and I know you've heard this a lot of times, then I discovered rejection, sense of Dysphoria, and for me I was like, oh my gosh, that's the deal. Like as much as I thought ADHD changed my entire understanding of myself and put me on a healing path around it. RSD just deepened my empathy for everybody else going through it. Add I was like, oh my gosh, I'm glad I'm not alone. But I feel for all the other people that with rejecting sensitive Dysphoria, being so outer oriented, which I think the positive of that is, makes me a great community organizer. The weird thing is, pre COVID, I was producing 52 events a year, getting on stage three or four times a month in front of hundreds of people. And I did it because I loved the connection with the people. Add, I was scared shitless every time. And still now I've been doing this ten years, and I get the fulfillment, because people come up and say, oh, I met a great business partner, I got a job, I met this wonderful person, I got this great idea from the presenters. And so I get the fulfillment from the community telling me that what I'm doing is valuable for them, and the saying, thank you so much for doing this, that this exists for us to find each other. But I get on stage and freak out every time. And when I had jobs, in hindsight I realized it wasn't just that I was a horrible employee, it was because this is actually something I talked to some of my clients about because especially in tech they go through this a lot. I'm not going to throw a blanket statement, but I'll say in general it seems that most companies are based on neurotypical systems. They're hierarchical and they're generally based on how do you get more money? How do you get more power? How do you get a better title? Most of the neurodivergent folks than I've met and work with, we are wired because of those things I was talking about in early life I think to be pretty empathetic. We have huge bullshit detectors and we don't work well in those systems. And so we want to go to work, do a great job. Our brains see all these problems people don't see, make all these great connections, create solutions that gives us dopamine it's awesome. Want to do that great job, be acknowledged for it, move up the ladder at work from doing a great job, go home and have a nice life. Then we don't understand why the guy who does half the work but has radar to find the right people to get his power and money higher is great at sniffing those people out, giving those people what they need. They sniff out the folks who do really hard work, usually a lot of neurodiversity folks who aren't necessarily or not self promoters generally and out our great work and they get to be the face of the work. They can go up the ladder and go, hey, see what our team is doing even though they're not doing the work. And you watch those people move up the ladder. And I don't say it seems like most situations are than way. I've talked to over 200 tech professionals that are neurodivergent in the last two years and I'd say almost all of them have experience of this, of like, why can't I just go do my great job, have a good career, have a good life? Because we're not wired to play those games and we hate the politics and we hate the nonsense.

Peter Shankman [00:13:04]: Yeah, 100%. It's very accurate. That's very accurate. I think that one of the interesting things is that when that happens, instead of fighting it, we internalize it and that doesn't help us at all. It makes it even worse.

Brett [00:13:20]: Yeah. And that's actually another thing with coaching that I work with people around is in coaching they talk about that little voice as the saboteur or the wounded child and your more positive self, the leader within the wise adult is really connected to your successes, your wins, and truly who the light you really are. But for ADHD I call it the YAB but full, because it seems like we could work 40 years on cancer and we could cure cancer, but as soon as we get at the top of that mountain, we're never looking back. And we don't acknowledge all the work that went into that and everything we did, because we're in the moment, we're getting the dopamine while we're hyper focused building it. We get to the top of the mountain, we cured cancer, and for 30 seconds it's awesome. And then we look around at the horizon and see all the other mountains and that little yeah, but Fro goes, yeah, but multiple sclerosis, what are you doing with that? And we're like, oh yeah, I'm a piece of crap, I need to go work on that.

Peter Shankman [00:14:21]: No, it's so totally true. So totally true. Brett, I want to keep it at 15 minutes like we always do, but we'll definitely have you back. 

14:26 - How can people find you?

Socials: Yes. LinkedIn @ BrettGreene 

Web:  newtechnorthwest.com add epsiloncoaching.com. 

Brett: Can I just say one more? 

Go for it. 

I know you try to keep it tight. Yeah. One thing we talked about real quick on here than I think just because it helps people a lot is understanding neurodivergent more as an operating system that's different, like Apple versus Android. And when you understand that it's low executive function, low working memory, low dopamine, low serotonin, you can explain that to people, then you can create a new understanding and context with each other to move forward in a more positive and helpful way. So a quick example is if two people go to lunch, one person orders mayonnaise with their fries, the American goes, that's weird, and feels like it's really awkward. Add strange and why would a person do that? And then the other person says, oh, I'm Canadian, that's what we do. And immediately it just melts. It's like, oh, you're Canadian, right? What they do. The truth is we haven't been educated as a society. We're not educated on neurodivergent. Unfortunately. It's up to us to educate the folks around us. And actually I'm working on a book now on communication specifically to help neurodivergent people easily in like a 20 minutes conversation be able to explain what a neurodivergent brain is. So that now the understandings of like, well, why didn't you do that thing you said you were going to do? Why do you forget this now you're not going to get labeled as lazy and negative and these things because from a neurotypical perspective that stuff could be true. Bu once they understand a neurodivergent brain and go like, oh, well, you don't have the parts in your brain for that. You're at 20% executive function versus 100, and by eleven or 12:11 A.m. Or twelve you're spent for the day. Whereas I started with ten gallons of fuel I ended up with four and I'm tired. You started with two and you're at zero and we're acting like it's the same thing because we don't have the language to explain.

Peter Shankman [00:16:24]: No. Excellent, excellent. Great answer.

[00:16:27]: So thank you for letting me do that and thank you for allowing me to be on here. I really appreciate peter, glad to have you, Brett.

Peter Shankman [00:16:33]: Definitely.

Brett [00:16:33]: It's an honor

Peter Shankman [00:16:35]: Goes, as always, you've Been listening to Faster Than Normal. If you like what you hear, leave us a review. Tell people the more people who listen, the better off we are. We are hundreds of episodes in over 300 and we are thrilled that you guys have been along the journey. We couldn't have done it without you. So we will see you next week. As always, ADHD at all forms in our diversity. What do I say is a gift, not a curse. We'll see you guys soon. Take care. Stay safe!

Credits: You've been listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast. We're available on iTunes, Stitcher and Google play and of course at www.FasterThanNormal.com I'm your host, Peter Shankman and you can find me at shankman.com and @petershankman on all of the socials. All now on https://www.threads.net/@petershankman

If you like what you've heard, why not head over to your favorite podcast platform of choice and leave us a review, come more people who leave positive reviews, the more the podcast has shown, and the more people we can help understand that ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Opening and closing themes were composed and produced by Steven Byrom who also produces this podcast, and the opening introduction was recorded by Bernie Wagenblast. Thank you so much for listening. We'll see you next week! 

Aug 23, 2023

We are thrilled to be joined again by the makers of Skylight Calendar! Enjoy this podcast knowing  that we used it to get this one to you on time! :-) You can order yours by going to www.skylightcal.com and using the discount code  PETER  for 10% off of the 15” device up to $30. 

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Our Guest today in their own words:  Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:04 - Skylight calendar makes chores and scheduling easy. Use the code “Peter” for a nice discount!

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing - Introducing and welcome TO EPISODE THREEHUNDRED!!

Today.. It's my daughter who is asking the questions!! 

03:48 - The Importance of Self-Care on Sundays05:08 - ADHD and unintentional distractions. 

06:00 - On Imposter syndrome, fear of inadequacy, difficulty focusing

09:12 - How does Dopamine work and how do we get some?

11:21 - ADHD and Self-Perception

13:14 - The Impact of diagnosis on self-perspective

14:18 - What's the most common question about ADHD

15:51 - Advice for Living with ADHD

16:18 - Thanks so much for enjoying with us this special 300th episode of "Faster Than Normal”! We appreciate you and your hard work so much! Onwards!

If you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

TRANSCRIPT via Castmagic.io and then corrected.. mostly but somewhat. 

You're listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast, where we know that having Add or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Each week we interview people from all around the globe, from every walk of life in every profession. From rock stars to CEOs, from teachers to politicians who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their add and ADHD diagnosis and used it to their personal and professional advance edge to build businesses, to become millionaires, or to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast to simply better their lives. And now here's the host of the Faster than Normal podcast, the man whose preschool teacher said he would either be president or in jail by age 40, Peter Shankman.

Peter Shankman [00:01:36]: Hey, guys, welcome to another episode of Faster than Normal. My name is Peter Shankman. I am your host. I am thrilled that you're here. I have a very special interview today because I decided that who better to understand the ADHD brain of a parent than their child? So with that, I want to introduce you all to my daughter, Jessa Shankman, who has ten. I told her to come up with ten questions that she is going to ask her dad today. Add dad's going to talk a little bit about ADHD from the perspective of what it's like to have it when you're a dad and what it's like for a kid with a dad who has ADHD. So, Jessa, welcome to Faster Than Normal.

Jessa [00:02:14]: Hey, everyone. I'm really glad to be here. It's super cool.

Peter Shankman [00:02:17]: It's great to have you. So tell us a little bit about yourself. How old are you?

Jessa [00:02:21]: I'm ten years old. I really like music. I like coloring. I don't know what to say.

Peter Shankman [00:02:27]: Okay, you're going into what grade? In the fall.

Jessa [00:02:30]: I'm going into fifth grade in my school. It's junior high, so I'm pretty excited for that. Peter Shankman [00:02:34]: You start in junior high this year. Very cool. And have you had a good summer so far? Jessa [00:02:38]:

Yeah, I went to sleepway camp, and I went to a day camp for a little bit, and I'm going to Paris in a few weeks.

Peter Shankman [00:02:43]: Paris, very nice. I didn't get to go overseas until I was, like, 25. Very cool. Very cool. All right, so I'm going to start off and ask you a question first, and then from there, we can go into sort of your questions. I don't know if you remember this bu when you were about three or four years old, one day I woke up, you were here, and I slept in that day, and I didn't get on the bike. You know how I get on my bike every morning, right? I get on my bike to clear out my brain and all that. One day, you must have been, like, maybe four years old, and I came in the kitchen, and I woke you up, and I woke you up in your room. We went to the kitchen to have red goes, and I was just sitting there, and I was watching you eat, whatever, and you went, dad, daddy, did you get on the bike today? Did you get on your bike? And I said, no. I said, no. Why? And you said, because you're not as happy. Do you remember this?

Jessa [00:03:31]: No, I don't remember it, but I probably did ask.

Peter Shankman [00:03:33]: Yeah, you said no because you're not as happy. And so that's when I realized the true meaning of what it means to get that dopamine every morning. So can you still tell the difference in me on the days that I work out before I wake you up versus the days I don't?

Jessa [00:03:48]: The days that you don't work out are usually Sundays, so you're always like, okay, let's get breakfast. And then after breakfast, you either take a shower or you lie on the couch.

Peter Shankman [00:04:01]: And the days that I do work out?

Jessa [00:04:03]: The days you do work out, after breakfast, you probably do some work or whatever, and it's always like a weekday that you work out.

Peter Shankman [00:04:11]: You see the difference, and that usually comes from the exercise. Yes. Interesting. Okay, so you still see us. That wasn't a one time thing. Cool. Good to know. All right, so Jessa has some questions for her dad, so you want to start it of yeah, sure.

Jessa [00:04:24]: All right, first question. What is your favorite thing about having ADHD?

Peter Shankman [00:04:31]: Question my favorite thing about having ADHD is that there's always something new. Everything is a new experience. So everything than someone asks me to do or that I get to do or everything I get to do with you, I always look at as a new challenge and a new experience, and I find a way to make it not boring. Last week, we had to drive like 2 hours to get to the ranch, right? And then 2 hours back, and we were singing music, we were singing show tunes. We were just having fun, right. So, for me, ADHD really lets my brain work so I can always have a good time.

Jessa [00:05:04]: Yeah. All right. And you can guess the second question. Is your least favorite thing about having ADHD.

Peter Shankman [00:05:08]: My least favorite thing about having ADHD? I think my least favorite thing about having ADHD is worrying a lot that I'm not as good as I could be. So there's a name for it. It's called imposter Syndrome, and it means that you don't think you're as good as everyone else thinks you are. So people might say, wow, you're doing really well, but in your mind, you're like, no, I'm kind of a loser. Right. And I think that comes from having ADHD. So I think the worst thing about having ADHD is probably twofold. One is that fear that I'm not as good as other people think I am. And the second thing is, sometimes I lose my focus. And if it happens when we're hanging out and you notice it, I always feel really bad. That's fine, because I know it's fine, but I want to give you my full attention. And sometimes, no matter how hard I try, ADHD kicks in, and I'm like, well, you know, that a squirrel. So it's hard sometimes, but I try.

Jessa [00:06:05]: Yeah. And then the related question is, when you get distracted from your work, from me, what's the best solution? Like, what's the best thing that you could do to stop the distraction?

Peter Shankman [00:06:19]: It's a great question. So we've talked about that, because sometimes you get distracted. And what do I tell you to do?

Jessa [00:06:25]: Bring a fidget, do some squats, add jumping squats.

Peter Shankman [00:06:28]: Add jumping jacks. Right. And the fidget, the squats and jumping jacks, they all have one thing in common. They make your brain produce what dopamine dopamine? Exactly. And dopamine is the chemical in your brain that people with ADHD don't make enough of. And so when I take my fidget or when I do some squats or some jumping jacks, or even if I just walk up and down some stairs or get some fresh air, that gives me dopamine and lets me focus more than I could have if I just didn't do anything. So, yeah, I think that for me, it's always about getting up, add doing something, even if it's just like, three minutes of going outside the apartment, walking up from our floor, like, to the roof and then back. Right. It's just something to change that brain chemistry, really. Good question. What else what's the next one?

Jessa [00:07:10]: Next question. Fourth question. If you could get rid of your ADHD, would you or would you keep it?

Peter Shankman [00:07:17]: I would never, ever get rid of it. So I think that my ADHD is very much responsible for most of if not all of my success. And even though there are some negatives to it, I think that the positives really outweigh the negatives. Having a different brain, having a brain that thinks differently than most people, I think is a gift. As long as you know how to use it.

Jessa [00:07:38]: Yeah. Keep it under control, obviously.

Peter Shankman [00:07:40]: Exactly.

Jessa [00:07:41]: Next question. What is the most common problem with ADHD where you have?

Peter Shankman [00:07:49] I think for me, one of the most common problems is sometimes I'm too fast. When your mom and I were married, a lot of times I'd come home, right, and she might be home already, and I'd walk in the door and it didn't matter what she was doing, it didn't matter if she was with you, it didn't matter what she was. I'd be like, Let me tell you about my day. And I would just sort of go from like zero to 100 miles an hour. And I didn't realize because in my head, I'm like, wow, this is really exciting. I want to share this with the person I love. And it never occurred to me that I might want to just take a second, relax, say hi, calm down. So that was something I really had to learn. So I think that one of the biggest problems is that when you're ADHD, you're very fast, and not everyone is as fast as you, right? And so I think that one of the biggest problems is you have to learn that because everyone's fast as you, you have to learn how to slow down. And that's really hard because when you have a faster brain, all you want to do is go fast. So it's hard to learn. I think the biggest problem for me has been learning how to slow down. I think I've done a much better job than I used to, but I'm still learning.

Jessa [00:08:58]: It like your new book. 

Peter Shankman [00:09:01]: Exactly. The boy with the faster brain. Very good.

Jessa [00:09:03]: That's what he tries to learn anyway. Next question. When you get on the bike in the morning, how does it help you with your ADHD?

Peter Shankman [00:09:12]: Good question. So when I get on the bike in the morning, I am sweating out and I am focused on riding and the exercise that I'm doing. There's something that happens in my body because I'm working out really hard. That tells my body to produce extra chemicals, to let my workout be better and to absorb what I'm getting from my workout. There's a term called runners high, which means that when you're running, when you go and do a marathon Add, you just run like a five K or a ten K. You get this sort of feeling of elation, feeling of happiness, right? And even though you're running and everything hurts and you shouldn't be happy, you're like and you're totally giggling and everything. And that's what it feels like when I'm cycling, and that's what it feels like when I Skydive. That's what it feels like when I run or when I'm boxing. And what's cool about that is that when I finish the workout, it doesn't just go away. There's so much of those chemicals in my body that the body has to take time to process them out. So I might feel that sort of energy for like three, four or 5 hours, which is enough to get me through my morning, right? To keep me focused, to allow me to focus on you and than take you to school and then focus on work. And then in the afternoon, maybe I'll do another little exercise to get me through the afternoon. So that's really what being on that bike does for me. Imagine. Remember how when we were in the car last month, in Grandpa's car, and it stopped on the side of the road, and I pressed the start button and it went Add? It didn't start right away, but it finally caught. So that's sort of what having ADHD is like. When you wake up, your brain is sort of like but if you get on the bike, it catches, and then it catches and it starts and it goes really fast. So the bike sort of helps my brain start up in the morning, I guess.

Jessa [00:10:58]: Kind of like when you start a race car and it goes like and then when they say, like, Ready, set, go, you're like, zooming off.

Peter Shankman [00:11:03]: Exactly. That's 100% correct. Yes.

Jessa [00:11:06]: Okay, this next question. If someone were to say, like, wow, you have ADHD, or wow, are you okay? Like, is something happening to your brain? How would that make you feel? Would it make you feel good? Add make you feel bad, like, proud to have ADHD? Or would it make you feel sad?

Peter Shankman [00:11:25]: Well, I'll tell you the truth. When I was growing up, Jessa, when I was a kid in school, ADHD didn't exist. No one knew what it was. And so what I was told a lot by teachers and by other students, whatever, was really just to shut up, stop interrupting the class, stop interrupting what I'm saying, stop trying to make jokes, just sit there and be quiet. And that really hurt. That was really hard because I didn't realize I was doing anything wrong in my mind. I was just trying to make a joke or trying to try to give an answer or whatever, but was constantly, even in my twenty s and thirty s before I met your mom or before you were born. I have friends now who I was friends with back then, and they say, yeah, you really calmed down back then. You used to try to make it all about you. Now you don't. And so I think that back then, it really made me sad because I didn't know how to control my faster brain. But now that I do know how to control it, when someone says, oh, you look like you have ADHD, I think that's a compliment, because what they're saying is, wow, you can do six things at the same time, or, I can't believe you wrote that entire book on a flight to Tokyo, or things like that. So I look at it as a compliment. They're saying that, wow, you have a real gift. You know what I mean? Yeah.

Jessa [00:12:33]: That's really cool. Okay, when you were diagnosed with ADHD, when you were, like, 35 or something, what was the first thought that popped into your brain? When the doctor said, okay, you have ADHD, what was your immediate thought?

Peter Shankman [00:12:51]: Like, wow, my first thought was that everything makes sense. All the stuff that I used to get in trouble for, all the things I used to do that I didn't understand why I did, they all made sense. Now they all seem to have a reason for why I did them, and now that I know what that reason is, I can control it better. That was the first thought I had yeah.

Jessa [00:13:13]: Than makes sense. Because in school, you're like, what is this? What do I have? I think it's just normal. But then when you got diagnosed, you're just like, wow.

Peter Shankman [00:13:23]: Imagine if you had a big eyelash in your eye, and it was constantly bothering you and hurting, whatever, but you cold.

Jessa [00:13:27]: Never know what it was.

Peter Shankman [00:13:28]: You could never find it. Right? And one day you look in the mirror and you see the eyelash, and you get it out, and you're like, oh, that's exactly what it's like.

Jessa [00:13:36]: Yeah. Or, like, something like, I don't know, a good example. Let's say someone was teasing you because you had, like, a pimple on your nose, and you're like, what is happening? What's going on? Why is everyone laughing at me? Then you go to the mirror, and then you're like, oh, let's get that off.

Peter Shankman [00:13:56]: Yeah. It's hard when you don't understand why things are happening, but once you're able to figure out the reason for them, you can start figuring out what to do about it. Yeah.

Jessa [00:14:05]: All right, next question. What's the most common question you get asked about ADHD? From your viewers or from people that you speak to about something? What's the most common question you get asked? Like, wow. Is it okay? Are you good?

Peter Shankman [00:14:21]: That's a good question. I think the most common question I get is probably, how did I learn how to use my ADHD for good? How did I learn to use it to my advantage? How did I learn to make it so that it's not a negative in my life? And the answer I usually give is that just took a lot of time and a lot of practice, add a lot of effort, a lot of working with my feelings, doctor, my therapist, and a lot of sort of understanding that if you break your leg right, you have to put a cast in your leg to heal it. No one's going to say, oh, you're stupid for breaking your leg. No, it just happens, right? So it's understanding that, hey, I'm not stupid, I just have a different brain and I need to learn how to work that brain better. And I think that was the biggest thing. So people ask me, people will tell me they don't think ADHD is good, they think it's terrible. And I'm like, well, you have to learn how to use your brain.

Jessa [00:15:18]: You have to learn how to use it right differently.

Peter Shankman [00:15:20]: Exactly.

Jessa [00:15:21]: Or to keep it under control and not get it all crazy and stuff. Okay, and this is the final question. This is a really interesting one. If you could give any advice to anyone who has ADHD, kids, adults, teens, what would it be?

Peter Shankman [00:15:39]: Embrace what you have. Understand that you're not broken, you're gift and find ways, whether it's through therapy, whether it's through talking to friends who you trust, whether it's through talking to your family or your teachers. Find ways to challenge your brain and use your brain to the best of your ability. Because you really do have a much faster brain than normal people and as soon as you learn how to use it, you'll be much faster than them.

Jessa [00:16:03]: It's really good and it helps you. And yeah, those are all the questions and I love all your answers.

Peter Shankman [00:16:10]: Well, Jessa, you are a wonderful interviewer. I'm going to have you start doing more of my shows. Thank you so much for taking the time.

Jessa [00:16:15]: {kisses} Goodbye, everybody.

Peter Shankman [00:16:18]: Guys, as always, you've been listening to Fast Add Normal. This is a special episode of my daughter, Jessa. Thank you so much, Jessa. Guys, we will see you again next week with another fresh new interview. As always, if you know anyone who should be on our podcast, shoot me an email. Peter@petershankman.com. I'm on threads at Petershankman. Like me, I'm on Instagram at petershankman and you can find us at Faster Normal or anywhere you find podcasts online. ADHD is a gift, not a curse. We will see you next week. Thank you so much for being a part. Take care. 

Credits: You've been listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast. We're available on iTunes, Stitcher and Google play and of course at www.FasterThanNormal.com I'm your host, Peter Shankman and you can find me at shankman.com and @petershankman on all of the socials. If you like what you've heard, why not head over to your favorite podcast platform of choice and leave us a review, come more people who leave positive reviews, the more the podcast has shown, and the more people we can help understand that ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Opening and closing themes were composed and produced by Steven Byrom who also produces this podcast, and the opening introduction was recorded by Bernie Wagenblast. Thank you so much for listening. We'll see you next week! 

Aug 16, 2023

We are thrilled to be joined again by the makers of Skylight Frame! Enjoy this podcast knowing  that we used it to get this one to you on time! :-) You can get yours too for TEN PERCENT OFF if you use the discount code: PeterShankman Enjoy!

https://www.skylightframe.com/

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Our Guest today in their own words: Lisa M. Navarra, M.S. in Special Education, SDA, award-winning educator, behavior specialist and published author of children’s books, music and teacher resources provides powerful training and tools to help children self-regulate in school and at home. Lisa has been invited to speak at conferences, schools, libraries and organizations where she has transformed resistant learners into students who learn the skills in how to focus and believe in themselves! Lisa’s dedication to supporting schools and families extends beyond her books and resources and includes her podcast, “Student Success Beyond Expectations” Podcast and therapy dog Rosie! Check out Lisa’s resources and information at

https://childbehaviorconsulting.com. 

Reflecting on significant changes in education over the past decade, Lisa wonders how they have benefitted children. She shares her experiences dealing with parents of children with special needs or neurodiversity, highlighting the challenges they face. #SpecialEducation Today we learn more about the challenging work yet ahead. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!

00:41 - Introducing and welcome Lisa Navarra 

05:21 - On Lisa’s journey of choosing a career in Special Education and behavior consulting

07:30 - On pedagogical paradigm shifts in teaching by focusing on teaching children how to learn and self-regulate via parents, teachers and even administrators #ASL

07:40 - On educators and parents learning cognitive skills, using positive self-talk #CBT

11:28 - Practical vs theoretical knowledge/help, and TikTok's impact on kids’ advice.

How do our subscribers find out more about you? 

Web:  https://childbehaviorconsulting.com

Socials: @LNavarraCBC on Facebook  X  YouTube and LisaNavarraEDU on INSTA

15:23 - Thank you Lisa, stay safe, stay well!

00:00 - 00OhHello hello? Beep beep beep hello there?! YEs, yoU. 

We are so happy that you are doing good, here & learning with us!! I’ll say it till I die.. 

ADHD and all forms of Neurodiversity are gifts, not curses. -Peter Shankman. And ooh-ooh now.. and just by the way, if you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

[We will siphon-in BlueSky and learn about that in October, or when eX-Twitter stops eating itself and we figure out hash^tag threads or whatever it all and in the Newnew is then whatAmess-Ed]

TRANSCRIPT via Castmagic.io and then corrected.. mostly but somewhat. 

You're listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast, where we know that having Add or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Each week we interview people from all around the globe, from every walk of life in every profession. From rock stars to CEOs, from teachers to politicians who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their add and ADHD diagnosis and used it to their personal and professional advance edge to build businesses, to become millionaires, or to simply better their lives. And now, here's the host of the Faster Than Normal podcast, the man who doesn't understand how anyone could have leftover Pizza- Peter Shankman!! 

Ladies Gentlemen, welcome to another episode of Faster Than Normal. My name is Peter Shankman. I want to give a shout out to Skylight frame. If you guys have been around for a while, you remember Skylight and specifically the Skylight calendar. They were kind enough to sponsor Faster Than Normal last year. And you guys did such a great job and had such a great result with Skylight calendar that they're back. So what is Skylight calendar? I have one in my kitchen. It essentially is a digital calendar that connects to all of my regular calendars, like Google and everything like that. It also shows all the photos I want. It sits on my kitchen wall. And every morning, my daughter gets up, sees the tasks she has to do, sees the schoolwork she has to do. She has to do this reading, or she has to change the dog's weebly pads, whatever it is,  it's on there. The second she does it, she runs back to the frame and she's the calendar, and she clicks it and it goes away. She loves it. It keeps us on track. It keeps us together. You can find them  www.skylightframe.com Use code Petershankman. They'll get you a nice discount. It is the greatest thing. We have no more fights. We have no more arguments anymore. She does what she has to do because she sees it on the calendar every morning. And when we're not looking at it, it just shows awesome photos of us and our dog and all of our trips and stuff like that. So strongly recommend it. Skylightframe.com. Check out the calendar. Use code. Peter Shankman you'll get a nice discount.

Peter Shankman [00:02:01]:  All right, who are we talking to today? We're talking to Lisa Navarro. Lisa is an MS in special education. She's an SDA award winning educator. We're talking about education sake. She's a behavioral specialist. She's published authors of children's books. She's music, done music. She's done teacher resources. She provides training. I don't know what she doesn't do. Apparently, she's also a spy in 14 different countries and can kill you with just one pinky. So it's very cool. She has a podcast called Student Success Beyond Expectations, and she's a therapy dog named Rosie. That's obviously the most important part to me. But Lisa, welcome to the podcast.

Lisa [00:02:34]: Thank you so much for having me. Peter, I'm so excited to be here with you.

Peter Shankman [00:02:38]: So tell us your story. How did you A, get into this and B, how did you start working with children with special needs?

Lisa [00:02:46]: Well, I guess I started with how did I get involved with children with special needs? I think it was always in me. I wanted to help people. And so when I was going through college, I kind of just kind of meandered a little bit. I love the deaf world and hearing. And then I ended up changing my major that allowed me this certification for special education. Zero to 21 at the time. I'm old also for gen ed k to six. But Peter, what I realized the first day of my first real job as a classroom teacher was not only do I not know what I'm doing and how to help these kids, but the even more sad part is no one else around me was able to. So when I say these kids, I said I want to teach children who were then classified emotionally disturbed. So I had all the behavioral kids and I was at a complete loss. It was at that point in time I said, wow, you know what? I need to either figure this out for these kids because they need me or I need to bail because I'm not going to be good enough for them.

Peter Shankman [00:04:04]: Right. It's a tough decision to come to when you realize that basically you have to change virtually everything.

Lisa [00:04:12]: It really was sincerely. I cried from this is back in like gosh, when did I start? 1990, 719 96. It's been a while.

Lisa [00:04:21]: But I've cried before too. But anyway, yeah, I cried from September through December. I mean, I had children who would kick, bite, hit some that were abused. They made the newspaper a foster child. One would bang their head so hard on the concrete and actually join school with his forehead already kind of curved because it was something that he had been doing for years. And I was teaching children four years old through seven all in the same class. So it was kindergarten, first and second grade. So it was quite the challenge. But you know something? I believe that when we do things for the right reason and we become inspired, then we empower ourselves and the are ways to do that. Even if it's not quite the way of the system that we're in. But we can overcome those challenges to help kids.

Peter Shankman [00:05:16]: I imagine that it's incredibly gratifying.

Lisa [00:05:21]: You know what's really gratifying, and I say this honestly, very humbling, is that throughout the years you had mentioned that I wrote books, add, I've got these programs and whatnot my career had been a special education teacher, behavior specialist for almost ten years. Back into the classroom. I'm back to being behavior specialist within the district, plus having cold behavior consulting where I see clients and I provide professional development for educators and for parent, of course, because they need to be involved. But what's the most gratifying is knowing that the time and years add efforts spent on researching peer reviewed articles and then creating trainings and tools to help children are working. That is the most gratifying thing ever because I feel like it's putting the pieces together for them, and when they're happy and they feel empowered, then that's what it's really all about for me.

 

Peter Shankman [00:06:28]: Tell me what it's like to deal with parents. When I was growing up and ADHD didn't really exist, there was special education. It was literally this is the era of the special ed short bus back in the, which of course we don't refer to as now. But when you deal with parents, I often wonder what it's like for a parent that has to sort of get the news than the child is either neurodiverse or needs special attention or whatever. And a lot of parents I've talked to say that this is sort of just dropped in their lab. Right. They're given this news and they're not really given many resources from the school or from the teachers or whatever they say, yeah, you might want to get them evaluated. Well, how do we do that? That's good luck on you. What has to change for that?

Lisa [00:07:22]: I can't believe you're actually asking this. You just opened up a whole can of worms, Peter. I hope you're okay with that.

Peter Shankman [00:07:29]: Go for it. All you.

Lisa [00:07:30]: So listen, my everything in this world is to create a paradigm shift in the pedagogy of teaching. And I have been a staunch advocate in every single way to be able to do this, and it involves parents. So here's what I propose. I propose that children need to learn how to learn so they can understand what's being taught to them. Okay, so what does that mean? That means that educators and parents need to learn the cognitive skills in how to learn so children can engage in what's called, you know, goal oriented behaviors. We need to teach towards children's ability to self regulate we in the classroom and then support that at home. We don't need to be teaching them just the standards and curriculum. It's obviously not enough. These kids need to know that they can overcome challenges by using positive self talk, identifying that they're off task and they're not focused. Okay, well, how do we focus? So honestly, that's where my training tools come in. That's where my parent workshops come in. That's where my educator workshops come in, and they're all aligned. So education needs to now meet finally with research from years ago that we need to support executive functioning skills to support self regulation in the classroom and couple it and integrate it with social emotional learning, and it becomes part of our daily teaching and style of teaching.

Peter Shankman [00:09:03]: What do you think it is about the system currently that makes it so reluctant to change.

Lisa [00:09:12]: So I think we do have some inspired leaders. I think we have very well intended people too, who are in leadership positions. However, I still believe that there's two things here. I think that there's a disconnect between what the know and what is really truly needed. And also what I'm talking about here is I'm talking about integrating psychology and education and it truly hasn't happened in public schools. And so it's kind of also the unknown. Does that make sense?

 

Peter Shankman [00:09:48]: Yeah, it does. I think that a lot of times, more often than not, you get stuck in a situation where the system or the department or whatever says, well, that's the way we've always done it and it seems to be working well, it's not working, but it's easier to stay the course. Add it is to change. Change is always scary. Where have you found the best success when working with children, parents, teachers, whatever? What makes a teacher successful in understanding that children learn in different ways?

 

Lisa [00:10:20]: First of all, I believe it's the passion, right? They need to be passionate. Teaching now more than ever is so hard. It's a lot of micromanagement, we've got a lot of behaviors, a lot of academic achievements, gaps. There's a lot working against the teachers now. So I than first, that passion is number one because that's going to allow them to be open to learning new things. And I think it's also presenting this type of information in ways like I do. You know what I do if you read my presentations, Peter, I have real classroom footage of students learning and applying the information. So it's not theory. There's so many programs out there now than throw around these terms executive functioning and self regulation and okay, well, show me what you're talking about in real time. Right? And a lot of these programs, it's either theory, they've done studies, they have maybe clients of their own, but have they been in it, doing it and seeing a success? I think that's huge for really making that turning point within education.

Peter Shankman [00:11:28]: It's interesting because I think that you make a really good point, the concept of theoretical versus practical. I get that all the time. I see these people when I'm giving my keynotes, I see other people giving keynotes and they're like, oh, and they're telling how to handle the customer and how to do this Add. I'm like, this is all from your book, but what practical experience? I started Add sold three companies. Where's your experience in that? Where's the practical aspect of that? And I think that's something that unfortunately, with the rise of social media, TikTok and all these, you have 50 million people on TikTok explaining how to manage your ADHD, right? And 49.99 million of them are not trained in any way whatsoever, right? And so we become sort of this meme generation where we're helping people through memes. But are we really helping? Is the question. It's interesting. I'm good friends with someone. I've had her on the podcast countless times. Dr. Jennifer Hartstein. She was the CBS Early Show psychology contributor. She's a child psychologist on the show. She has her own practice in New York City, and she's constantly talking about, know, the fact that you can't diagnose or treat any condition through TikTok. It's so true. But it's amazing. What have you seen? What's the biggest thing you've seen in, say, the past ten years or since in your time doing this that you never thought you'd see? What has happened that's beneficial? What has changed in the education world that you see as an actual, very strong positive for kids?

 

Lisa [00:12:57]: Well, I think the identification of we've had a lot of problems, and kids have a lot of challenges, and finally we need to address them. I think COVID and we've probably heard people say this a lot before, that there were preexisting conditions, but with the rise of COVID now we can't deny it anymore. And so more schools are talking about social emotional learning. I've sat on a number of panels and discussions. I was the moderator for New York State Assembly panel and discussion, Mental Health in the Classroom and think, yeah, really cool stuff. So I think that the awareness and the push toward meeting students'needs are there. But I still think that we need to be careful, Peter, because people are putting mental health in a very wide umbrella, and it's kind of loosey goosey. And I think when we're talking about kids who have ADHD or even kids who maybe have an attention challenge or, you know what, that they feel like they're not good enough because they have a learning disability. All these cognitive skills and social emotional learning entwined together can help all of them. So I'm seeing school districts be a little bit more open now to hearing about some of these programs, what kids need, and saying, okay, we might need to be doing something different.

Peter Shankman [00:14:27]: I think it's the premise also that a rising tide raises all boats, that if you're helping one segment of the population, than can be beneficial to every segment of the population.

Lisa [00:14:37]: I agree. And it makes you a stronger educator. It makes you a more effective parent and communicator. It makes children in the classroom work with each other, better interpersonal skills, better modeling, because they're confident and not afraid to take a risk. They have more growth mindset. So how can any of that not be a good influence on kids who technically, quote unquote, need it or not? Right?

Peter Shankman [00:15:02]: Yeah, 100%. Lisa how can people find you if they want to get more from you?

Lisa [00:15:06]: Childbehaviorconsulting.com you can find me on social media, @LNavarraCBC or you can always give me a call. 631-617-1958 but childbehaviorconsulting.com is the website and has a lot of information there so people can reach me in lots of different ways.

Peter Shankman [00:15:23]: Very cool. Really great to have you. I'd love to have you back as well at some point. Definitely, I'd love to be back. So thank you so much for taking the time, guys. As always, you've been listening to Fast than Normal. I want to give a shout out again to Skylight Frame. Check them out@ skylightframe.com. The calendar they have that sits on my wall has stopped about 300 arguments between me and my ten year old daughters. Best thing in the world, discount using the code PeterShankman We will see you next week with a brand new guest. Stay safe, stay well. ADHD and all farms in our diversity is a gift, not a curse. We'll talk to you soon.

Credits: You've been listening to the Faster Than Normal podcast. We're available on iTunes, Stitcher and Google play and of course at www.FasterThanNormal.com I'm your host, Peter Shankman and you can find me at shankman.com and @petershankman on all of the socials. If you like what you've heard, why not head over to your favorite podcast platform of choice and leave us a review, come more people who leave positive reviews, the more the podcast has shown, and the more people we can help understand that ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Opening and closing themes were composed and produced by Steven Byrom who also produces this podcast, and the opening introduction was recorded by Bernie Wagenblast. Thank you so much for listening. We'll see you next week! 

“I would rather a child start therapy at an early age and learn that they're brilliant; than spend the next 30 years undoing the belief that they are broken.”   -Peter Shankman  June 7, 2023

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