Our guest today, Simon Blair, is an ultra-endurance athlete and entrepreneur; who is also the founder of the successful London-based property company SHB He is a husband, and father of three. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Simon has turned his diagnosis into a source of strength, using ultra-endurance sport as a tool for personal growth and mental maintenance.
Today we discuss the intersection of ADHD, mental health, and extreme sports. Simon shares his journey from being diagnosed with ADHD later in life to using ultra-endurance sports as a tool for personal growth, brain management and mental clarity. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of living with ADHD, the importance of diagnosis, and how Simon's documentary, "Beyond Limits," explores these themes. We’re talking resilience, neurodiversity, and the power of pushing beyond perceived limits- enjoy!
01:27 - Introducing and welcome Simon Blair!!
01:55 - ADHD and Ultra-Endurance Sports Dive into his inspiring journey and documentary 'Beyond Limits.' Watch now on Amazon Prime! #ADHD #Endurance #Inspiration
02:43 - Personally speaking..
05:50 - When were you diagnosed?
06:00 - Influences of ADHD on daily life
09:08 - Finding balance through exercise, aka self-medication
11:51 - Connections between nature and mental health
14:51 - Documentary/learned insights and personal growth
17:41 - The many roles of neurodiversity in society
20:44 - What’s next for you Simon?
22:20 - How can we find you?
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn 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
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, Nicole Groman is a registered dietitian who helps people heal their relationship with food and their bodies. She empowers her clients to let go of dieting and find peace enjoying all foods without guilt. Nicole shares her non-diet approach and practical tips on Instagram @thehungryclementine and has created an apparel line celebrating freedom from dieting. Special thanks to friend of the show Jenn for the introduction- Enjoy!
01:45 - Introducing and welcome Nicole Gorman!
02:39 - What’s your story?
04:42 - What’s the connection between food and ADHD?
05:50 - If we didn’t need food then…
07:00 - On moderation and food and control
07:58 - What is the middle ground or the compromise as you think about & consider which foods you use
09:45 - No restriction Pizza?
11:30 - About the connection between emotions and choices of comfort and simplicity
15:18 - On comparing tool boxes and rituals
15:55 - Food versus other addictions
17:25 - Could you share with us a few tips that you would recommend for our listeners?
21:00 - On why and how make room for the middle ground in your cravings and needs
23:00 - Intuitive eating versus scanning the numbers
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn 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
Our guest today, Clifford Myers is a 16-year stand-up comedy veteran, Founder of The Other Comedy Company, and President of The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch and Improv Comedians (CASC).Clifford uses his unique position at the intersection of comedy, education and advocacy to speak on ADHD, humor and creativity as complex human traits, the importance of communal learning, emotional-drivers, adversity, authenticity and self-acceptance. Today we learn about how he harneses his ADHD to propel his comedic career- Enjoy!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn 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
Join host Peter Shankman as he kicks off the ninth season of the Faster Than Normal podcast with Rachel Watts, the owner of Doodles and Sketches. Rachel shares her journey of managing mental health, entrepreneurship, and raising a neurodiverse child. Discover how she built a powerful online community and the challenges she faced along the way.
Our guest today, Rachel Watts, founder of *Doodles and Sketches*, is a neurodiverse entrepreneur who creates fandom-inspired merchandise. Living with autism, ADHD, and chronic illness, she candidly shares her journey of balancing mental health, parenting a neurodiverse child, and running a business. Following a mental health hospitalization, Rachel shifted her focus from business promotion to authentic self-expression on social media. Her openness has cultivated a deeply engaged online community, echoing the influence of early parenting bloggers. Her story underscores both the struggles and triumphs of neurodiverse entrepreneurship and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection online. We are grateful you are here- Enjoy!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn 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
Our Guest today is Rosie Elvin, an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator who champions neurodiversity and inclusive design. Rosie, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, as she teaches architecture. Our discussion centers on the importance of Inclusive design, and naturally working with, rather than against neurodivergent brains. A little more about Rosie:
Rosie Elvin is an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator passionate about helping individuals and workplaces embrace neurodiversity. Following her own late ADHD diagnosis at 43, Rosie founded ADHD Focus, where she provides coaching for adults with ADHD and delivers engaging training sessions on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Her work blends lived experience with professional insight, supporting clients to understand their unique strengths, navigate challenges like executive functioning and emotional regulation, and build strategies that work with their brains, not against them.
Rosie also teaches architecture part-time at Nottingham Trent University, where her interest in social justice and inclusive design shapes both her teaching and advocacy. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she challenges outdated narratives around ADHD and champions a strengths-based, human-centered approach.
Whether she’s coaching, writing articles, or leading workshops, Rosie’s mission is clear: to create environments where neurodivergent people are understood, empowered, and celebrated.
Enjoy!
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Intro and Welcome Rosie Elvin! Ref: her new Design for Every Mind Podcast
01:10 - So, what is inclusive design?
03:20 - We don't often consider design's role in neurodiversity or ADHD, similar to how the world is designed for right-handed people; it seems designed for "normal brains."
04:12 - When coaching, how do you incorporate design, and what key strategies work for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals?
04:30 - If someone comes to you feeling lost or stuck, how do you help them shift their perspective?
05:47 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Impact
08:06 - Much of the problem stems from being told we're "broken" or "not good enough" for so long.
11:20 - It's difficult to un-ingrain lifelong beliefs.
11:43 - When you were growing up, neurodiversity "didn't exist"; it meant being disruptive.
12:33 - Many first-world countries still don't discuss it.
13:13 - You're so talented and good at what you do.
14:48 - This seems like a classic ADHD response: identifying a problem and immediately fixing it without overthinking.
15:00 - Rosie, where can everyone find you?
16:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Rosie Elvin:
Podcast: Design for Every Mind
LinkedIn: ADHD Focus, Rosie Elvin
Website: www.adhdfocus.co.uk
Instagram: @rosie.adhdfocus
(Less active, as mentioned in the interview, but her LinkedIn and website are preferred contact methods)
Peter Shankman:
Email: peter@shankman.com
Podcast: Faster Than Normal
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn 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
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 Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with clinical expertise in treating anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD. She is the founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services, based in Montclair, New Jersey, where she provides in-person care and telepsychiatry across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her clinical approach integrates psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and evidence-informed complementary modalities—including lifestyle medicine, light therapy, and nutritional supplementation. Dr. Fajgenbaum-Teslja is committed to trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care and frequently collaborates with psychotherapists and interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive treatment planning. Today, Sarah discusses her unconventional path to psychiatry, her integrative approach, and observations on changing attitudes toward neurodiversity and mental health stigmas - stigmans which we are here to help permanently remove through using education, community encouragement, care, and entertainment. Enjoy!
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01:00 - Introducing and welcome Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja!
01:45 - Could you please share a bit about your background and education?
03:20 - Was your path to this career revolving around Psychiatry what you expected?
03:39 - Why do you think ADHD diagnoses have increased, especially among parents and their children?
04:44 - Despite progress, why does stigma around mental health, especially for kids, still exist?
08:16 - What trends are you seeing in neurodiversity and ADHD treatment?
10:10 - How do you help new patients who feel anxious, or even ashamed about seeing a psychiatrist?
12:22 - How can people find you? @integrativepsychiatrynj on INSTA Facebook LinkedIN YouTube and via her company's website: Integrative Phychiatric Services aka https://njips.com/
12:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn 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
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.
Today we are so happy to have Cynthia Murray join us! She’s the Founder + Recipe Developer of 4Legz Dog Treats! So, she was born deaf. From an early age she found deep connection and comfort with animals, especially dogs. Over the years, she began rescuing deaf dogs and realized just how much love, loyalty, and understanding they offer, often without a single sound. They became her inspiration. Frustrated by the lack of healthy, transparent dog treats, she started baking her own using only human-grade, organic ingredients. She knew her furry family members deserved better—treats that were simple, safe, and made with love. And that’s how 4Legz was born.
In 2025, her company is so much more than just a happy dog treats company. 4Legz is rooted in purpose. They support animal rescues and are committed to creating inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. -As someone who has navigated life with a disability, she understands how powerful it is to be included, empowered, and seen. Every bag of 4Legz treats represents more than quality ingredients—it stands for health, compassion, and change. When you support 4Legz, you're not just giving your dog something wholesome and delicious—you're helping build a more inclusive and caring world. Enjoy!
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00:45 - Intro and Welcome Cynthia Murray, Founder of 4Legz All Natural Dog Treats
01:30 - You started this great company, but tell us your backstory—how you came into this idea, your childhood, you know, the whole thing.
04:45 - It sounds like the concept for the company is rooted in the fact that disability does not mean unable, right?
07:00 - Please tell us about success stories you’ve enjoyed with 4Legs?
10:00 - Broader Impact on Families and Community. It sounds like there’s an incredible overall benefit—not just for the employees, but for their families and the community, or? Discussion about the positive ripple effects on families and the broader community when individuals with disabilities are empowered and supported
11:30 - Let’s talk about Four Legs for a bit. How is the business going? How are you growing? What’s next?
14:10 - How can people find you, Cynthia? WEB: https://4legZ.com/ SOCIALS: @4legzdogtreats on INSTA YouTube, TikTok, FB
14:26 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again here, very soon!
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn 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
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, Maya Salwen is a transformation consultant at Accenture where she helps organizations navigate complex change. She’s also spent the past few years on a personal transformation journey, leveraging a range of tools to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maya has found the systems that keep her grounded in the chaos of Work life and Mom life—something she’s learned to navigate as a neurodivergent adult, living with ADHD and aphantasia (a condition where the mind’s eye can’t visualize images). She’s also overcome challenges related to depression and hyper-somnia, a chronic sleep disorder, building a life that supports her energy, focus, and well-being. She lives in New York City with her husband, their two sons, a dog, and loves connecting with others who are building lives that work on their own terms. Enjoy!
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01:18 - Introducing and welcome Maya Salwen Refs: Accenture, Aphantasia
02:33 - How and what do you use to be successful consulting at Accenture, after joining in March, 2020?
03:50 - How to use captions in Microsoft Teams!
05:23 - What are the top 5 tools you use, in addition to live captions, in your very demanding job in corporate?
06:43 - Ref: Brain.FM and our interviews, (part 1/ part 2), with CEO Daniel Clark
07:00 - Setting yourself up for success while out of the work place, time management + routines around the house
07:52 - 10pm bedtime? ref: Moon Brew for sleep a few hours before bed and removing digital gadgets
08:50 - On morning routines and habitual disciplines
09:31 - On understanding how to adjust your sleep schedule; if you’re a night owl. Ref: Robin Sharma book
11:00 - What happens if your routine and schedule get out of whack?
12:00 - On parenting and your morning rituals
12:48 - Living by example works
13:28 - What advice would you give to those diagnosed as ADHD/Neurodivergent and perhaps in Gen Alpha; who are looking for new jobs, especially in the corporate sector? Ref: what is an ERG Program?
16:44 - On sleep studies, a Hypersomnia diagnosis, and about sharing personal things with your work family
17:28 - How can people find you? @MayaLeah on INSTA
17:52 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent mind? 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
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 psychologist, international speaker, and the CoFounder of Coa, the gym for mental health, Dr. Emily Anhalt. Dr. Anhalt studied psychology at the University of Michigan and attained Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology in Berkley, California. She conducted her doctoral research on ADHD and Success Without the Use of Medication and has spent the past two decades working clinically with executives, founders, and tech employees to support their emotional fitness. Dr. Anhalt has matched more than 800 people into therapy and has collaborated with some of the fastest-growing technology companies in the world including Google, Salesforce, NBCUniversal, NASDAQ, and the NBA.
[You are now safely here]
00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Dr. Emily Anhalt.
01:44 - Emily in her own words.
02:13 - Emily’s research on adult ADHD success without the use of medication.
02:29 - 3 keys to success alongside your ADHD.
04:45 - Is ADHD a good or a bad thing?
06:25 - Reframing ADHD.
06:53 - Gen Zers are standing up for their mental health and destigmatize ADHD.
08:03 - Social media is flipping the way we view mental health and ADHD.
08:56 - But it’s also paving the way for “Dr. TikToks” to take over.
10:07 - Al as a tool for the neurodiverse brain.
11:31 - Why AI is a tool and not a way to diagnose or get therapy.
12:08 - Emily’s new book, “Flex Your Feelings, Train Your Brain to Develop the Seven Traits of Emotional Fitness.”
13:44 - Connecting with Emily.
14:16 - 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!
Connecting with Emily:
Website: dremilyanhalt.com
Instagram: @dremilyanhalt
LinkedIn: Dr. Emily Anhalt
Don’t forget to pre-order Emily’s debut book, Flex Your Feelings, Train Your Brain to Develop the 7 Traits of Emotional Fitness before it launches on May 13, 2025!
My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
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 family man, entrepreneur and CEO, Mike Dos Santos. Mike is the CEO of Versatile Studios, a production studio with offices worldwide, the creator of Versa Battery and Co-Founder of Crane Properties LLC and Crane Property Holdings LLC. Mike is also a former partner in One Drop Rentals and a former director for Quixote Studios New York. Today, Mike shares how he has learned to stay focused amidst his busy schedule and he and Peter discuss how exercise has been a game changer for both of their careers.
Born and raised in Boston, Mike was drawn to photography at an early age and graduated from Northeastern University in 2003 with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Photography. Mike completed his photography degree at the New England School of Photography and started in the photo industry as an assistant, worked in digital tech, and was a retoucher and photographer before establishing his own digital production studio, Versatile Studios, in Manhattan and Los Angeles. In addition to Versatile Studios, Mike and his partner, Shawna, created Crane Properties, a real estate redevelopment company investing in the North Shore of Boston as well as Crane Property Holdings with real estate holdings across the United States.
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00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!
01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Mike Dos Santos, CEO of Versatile Studios.
03:15 - How Mike juggles his busy schedule with #ADHD.
04:56 - Why trusting your employees is a game-changer for your business.
05:28 - What excites Mike most about his busy days?
07:25 - How to persevere when tasks are boring as someone with #ADHD.
07:58 - Brain.fm to help #ADHDers focus on boring tasks (use this link to get brain.fm for FREE for 30 days exclusively for FTN listeners)
09:32 - How working out first thing in the morning can help #ADHDers to crush the day.
12:18 - Peter and Mike talk about their favorite workouts.
15:05 - Connecting with Mike.
16:06 - 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!
Connecting with Mike:
Website: Versatilestudios.com
Instagram: @mikedos22
Don’t forget to click this LINK to access 30 days of brain.fm for FREE exclusively for Faster Than Normal listeners.
My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
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 Cat Duval. Cat is a transformational coach, speaker, and founder of Nine Lives Yoga, specializing in helping neurodiverse entrepreneurs—especially ADHDpreneurs—overcome burnout and thrive. With over a decade of experience and a global reach of 25,000 clients in 11 countries, Cat integrates neuroscience, mindfulness, and yoga philosophy to empower individuals to unlock their potential. Her signature 4 Pillars of Happiness framework—Peace, Purpose, Power, and Play—guides clients to create routines that prioritize well-being, growth, and connection. Cat’s work has supported progressive business owners and blue chip companies like Microsoft, Unilever, and the National Health Service (NHS.) Her latest project, ADHDpreneurs, is geared towards spreading the practices to boldly go from flux to flow, no matter your stage of business.
[You are now safely here]
00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
01:03 - Introducing and welcoming Cat Duval!
01:52 - Cat’s story and how she ended up working with ADHDers.
03:45 - Using yoga to slow down with ADHD.
06:03 - Finding mental balance through flow states.
10:03 - Visualization and how Cat discovered yoga.
12:53 - Connecting with Cat and accessing her exclusive Flow Hacks Action Pack for Faster Than Normal Listeners.
13:36 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Connect with Cat
Website: www.catduval.co.uk
Facebook: Cat Duval
Instagram: @cat.duval
YouTube: @CatDuvalNineLivesYoga
LinkedIn: Cat Duval
Get access to Cat’s Flow Hacks Action Pack created just for Father Than Normal Listeners here!
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
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 Emily Gironda. Emily has 20 years of teaching and instructional design experience. She began her education career in high school English classrooms, specializing in teaching writing and metacognition (that is thinking about one’s own thinking.) Emily’s expertise extends to curriculum development, including programs for gifted and neurodivergent learners at the University of Virginia.
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00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
01:54 - Introducing and welcome Emily Gironda
02:34 - Why does Emily post on Threads?
04:05 - 2E schools and Emily’s experience writing curriculum
06:19 - What are the first things you notice when evaluating for neurodivergent thinkers?
09:14 - Student attention factors
10:12 - What do gifted students really need?
12:02 - Wrestling with the exclusive class aspect of giftedness
12:42 - What would you say to a parent who is looking at their child in a regular school and saying, “something isn’t clicking”?
14:04 - Connecting with Emily on Threads
19:35 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Connecting with Emily:
Threads: @emily.anne.g
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
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.
Antonia Bowring is a leading executive coach in New York City, working with founders, C-Suite executives, and leadership teams to unlock their potential. One of her specialties is helping neurodiverse leaders create the necessary scaffolding to leverage their gifts and maintain their focus. As a frequent speaker, Antonia tackles topics like leadership mindset, ADHD in the workplace, and communication strategies. Her articles for the Forbes Coaches Council are widely read, and The American Reporter named her one of the 10 leadership coaches to watch in 2022. Antonia’s first book, Coach Yourself: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive empowers leaders to flourish as individuals and thrive at work. Her latest ebook, ADHD Success Planner: Your Simple Guide to Boost Productivity with Less Stress, offers tangible tools for ADHDers to pursue their goals with greater ease. When she’s not coaching or writing, Antonia is passionate about her family and endurance fitness challenges. While she lives in New York City, British Columbia is home in her heart. Learn more about her work at ab-strategies.com.
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00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!
01:02 - Introducing and welcome
03:00 - Antonia’s take on endurance fitness
05:19 - Working with neurodivergent executives
07:33 - Biggest roadblocks for executives
10:06 - The importance of step goals
12:32 - Increasing blood flow to increase focus
13:40 - Antonia’s E-book that breaks down planning and prioritizing
15:50 - Planning as a security blanket for your weekly to-dos
16:57 - Connecting with Antonia
17:45 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!
Connect with Antonia:
LinkedIn: Antonia Bowring
TikTok: @antoniabowring963
Planning and prioritizing with ADHD can be difficult. Antonia has created a system for planning, prioritizing, and getting stuff done! Purchase your copy of Antonia’s ADHD Success Planner here.
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
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!
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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.
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.
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.
*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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Melissa Finkelstein is a New Jersey- based author, lawyer, and proud mom of three. Melissa has been writing and rhyming since she could form words. After graduating from Fordham Law, she began her career as a litigator in Manhattan. Because rhyming has always been her passion, she created a custom poetry business, Designer Rhymes so she could maintain that creative outlet. Once she had her son (7), and twin daughters (4), each with unique personalities and needs, the stars aligned for Melissa to publish her first children's book. Picky the Panda and the Tickly Tail is the first book in a series of three to come from author Melissa Finkelstein. Picky the Panda is a heartwarming story about a highly sensitive panda, which shares lessons of embracing sensory differences, practicing empathy, and recharging when overwhelmed. Picky the Panda was inspired by Melissa's daughter Skylar who has sensory processing disorder. Picky the Panda is now available on Amazon and in select children's bookstores. Enjoy!
In this episode Peter and Melissa discuss:
01:20 - Thank you so much for listening and for subscribing!
01:39 - Intro and welcome Melissa Finkelstein!
02:48 - So from Law to Children’s books; tell us your story!
05:40 - Isn’t it amazing what kids teach us. Are you finding that people are familiar with the topics in your book?
06:57 - What led to getting your daughter diagnosed?
09:30 - How old is she now and have all of your children read the book?
10:15 - Do you think that she’s beginning to, (or will), benefit some from advances in awareness, research, etc?
11:18 - What’s been the reaction and feedback to your book outside of the family?
12:00 - Is the book being used to explain to your daughter's classmates about Sensory Processing Disorder?
13:30 - On possessing supercharged senses
14:25 - How can people find more about you? Web: Everywhere fine books are sold
Socials: @melissafinkelsteinbooks on INSTA
14:45 - Thank you Melissa!
15:02 - Guys, as always thanks so much for subscribing! Faster Than Normal is for YOU! We want to know what you’d like to hear! Do you have a cool friend with a great story? We’d love to learn about, and from them. I'm www.petershankman.com and you can reach out anytime via email at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. You can also find us at @FasterNormal on all of the socials. It really helps when you drop us a review on iTunes and of course, subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already! As you know, the more reviews we get, the more people we can reach. Help us to show the world that ADHD is a gift, not a curse!
15:41 - Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits.
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TRANSCRIPT via Descript and then corrected.. somewhat:
[00:00:34] Peter: Hey everyone, how's it going? My name is Peter Shankman and this is Faster Than Normal. I wanted to see if you expected me to say it, try to shake things up a little bit. Okay. It is a Thursday here in a very cold New York City. We have to say a fond farewell to fall, which lasted about. Two and a half days, and we are most certainly into winter. It's about 34 degrees outside right now, sunny, but cold as hell. So I am inside with a sleeping dog and with Melissa Finkelstein. She's actually in New Jersey, but we are talking today because Melissa is a New Jersey based author, lawyer, and proud mom of three. She's been writing and rhyming since she could form words. Her words, not mine. After graduating from Fordham Law, she began her career as a litigator in Manhattan. She created a custom poetry business called Designer Rhymes. So here she is as a litigator. Did you, I, I gotta ask you later, remind me to ask you if you actually rhymed during court cases. Cause that would've been awesome. Mm-hmm. . But why are we talking to her today? We're talking to her. She has a son who's seven and twin daughters who are four. They each have unique personality and needs. That's where she decided to publish her first book called her first Children's book called Picky the Panda and the Tickly Tale. It's a first book in a series of three and Picky The Panda is a heartwarming story about a highly sensitive panda who shares lessons of embracing sensory diff differences, practicing empathy and recharging when overwhelmed, and I think we can all relate to that Picky The Panda- on Amazon and everywhere you get children's books. Welcome Melissa. Good to have you.
[00:02:15] Melissa: Good morning. Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here. Thanks for that intro
[00:02:18] Peter: And just in case you ever think that nothing good comes out of divorce. Melissa came to me through my ex, let me get this right, my ex sister-in-law.
[00:02:32] Melissa: That's right.
[00:02:33] Peter: My ex-step sister-in-law. Right.
[00:02:34] Melissa: I think you're stuck with her. I think she's just your sister-in-law still.
[00:02:37] Peter: Yeah. My sister-in-law, she reached out to me and said, you know, hey, have a guest for you. I'm like, I didn't even know you knew I had a podcast. So good to know . Anyway, it is great to meet you, Melissa. Thank you for taking the time. So from law to children's books, tell us your story!
[00:02:52] Melissa: Sure. So I've always been a writer and a rhymer, um, as I said, and that's really been my passion and that's kinda how I wound up in law. Um, I thought, you know, I'm really good at writing. I'm good at. Reading and problem solving. My skill sets seem to fit. I'm gonna go be a lawyer. It sounds pretty fancy and you know, I can have all this success and, um, I did have some fun and, you know, some fulfillment doing it, but I really missed like the joy and the whimsy of my childhood, to be honest. Um, so I toyed with the idea. Maybe I would be a preschool teacher. I know that couldn't be more opposite from being a litigator in Manhattan, but I really just wanted to use my creativity. My fun, you know, happy go lucky personality and doing like corporate insecurities litigation really didn't bring me that kind of joy. Um, as you might expect. And, you know, my life was all about disputes and I, I'm all about making peace. I'm like, what am I doing? Why am I fighting for a living? So this, this isn't bringing me joy anymore. Um, so all along, as you mentioned, while I was litigating, I had my little side gig, which just really was. You know, a passion project and bringing me happiness and it was creating custom poems for people for, you know, milestone occasions and that kind of thing. And I loved making others happy through my words. And so once I had my kids, I thought, you know, this is perfect. They're all so different. You know, they're, they learned so much from children's books and I think this would be a great outlet for me to use my words and. You know, I, I'm starting a series of three books, each of which are inspired by my three kids. So they're like my little muses at this point. Um, and in doing so, I'm focusing on what, you know, one of their biggest personality, um, pieces or struggles or challenges are to, you know, try to reach children like them. And in doing so, I wrote and published my first book, Picky The Panda and the Tickly Tale as you mentioned. And it is inspired by my little girl, Skyler, who has sensory processing disorder. And I didn't realize that by sharing her story, um, you know, I actually have become kind of a sensory processing disorder advocate and someone who is working. My butt off at this point to bring awareness to this condition and to what children like Skyler and um, like so many of your listeners might be experiencing. And that has been one of the most beautiful things to come from pivoting into my role as a children's book author.
[00:05:22] Peter: It's interesting because, you know, I mean, first of all, I had some nursery school teachers who definitely could have been litigators, but, but that's neither here nor there. Um, , it's interesting, you know, you made that switch. Kids do that. They, they, they have this uncanny ability to take whatever you think is your thing and just completely flip it on its head. Um, the concept of sensory processing disorder much like ADD, a ADHD executive function disorder. Not a lot is known. And so bringing, I, I'm assuming one of the reasons you wrote the book was to bring awareness to sensory process. Absolut, what are you finding, um, when you tell people about it, what percentage would you say understand, oh yeah, of course. I've heard of that. Or, or, you know, is it, I mean, are you, are you, is it a constant battle with the teachers? Is it, how, how, how are you finding that to be?
[00:06:14] Melissa: It's becoming a much more wide spread. Um, you know, thing that people are aware of right now, but I think really the book shares this Panda's experience as being a highly sensitive, um, individual and what she goes through. And I think people are really relating to her experience more than they may have known or been aware of a diagnosis or a condition, um, called sensory processing disorder. So that's really been beneficial to me. Um, so yeah, I would say. I, I don't know. It's a smaller percentage than I would like for people to be aware of because it is a very real condition and you know, a very intense experience for those who go through it.
[00:06:57] Peter: How did you discover that your, how did you get your d daughter diagnosed? What was, what was sort of the key takeaways that, that made you say, Hey, we should look into this?
[00:07:06] Melissa: So she was in, so she's a twin. I'll start with that. So, um, I was constantly seeing her right next to her twin sister, and, you know, all kids are different obviously. So she was having a very different experience as a baby, a child than her twin sister was. So I think that helped make it more apparent to me that she was going through something and she was in an obvious discomfort and, um, just kind of unsettled a lot of the time. And, you know, I knew there wasn't anything medical going on with her because she, she was doing okay medically, we were bringing her to the pediatrician. Everything was fine, but I could just tell that she was uncomfortable. And my son at the time was in occupational therapy for a different issue that was going on. Um, and so I brought Skylar when she was one years old to this pediatric occupational therapist. Who I've come to know and trust and had her assessor and right away she said, this is something sensory going on. And to be honest, I was a doubter at first. Um, I didn't really know very much about sensory processing disorder or sensory sensitivity or any of that. And, um, I can tell you later that I've come to realize that I actually have a lot of sensory challenges myself, which I've learned through my daughter. So anyway, this pediatric, uh, occupational therapist evaluated her and right away she knew it was something sensory. Um, I watched the evaluation and I was like, you know, I don't know. I'm not really seeing it because she was, um, exposing to her to certain sensory, tactile, um, you know, things like sand and foam and, you know, different manipulatives that she could touch, and I thought she was fine. I'm like, you know, I see her getting her hands messy. But all along there were these little cues that were going on that she was able to pick up on. So just for one example, she showed me that while Skylar was, you know, digging into these Orbis, which are these like liquidy beads that children can play with, she was actually salivating and had like, Drool coming out of her mouth while she was doing it because her sensory system was just so overloaded, um, that while she was willing to do it, her system actually couldn't handle it. So that's just one example of how, you know, we came to be aware of it and then, you know, all the cues and clues just sort of lined up after that. And occupational therapy has been one of our greatest tools for her so far,
[00:09:22] Peter: I'm sure. How old is she now?
[00:09:24] Melissa: She's almost five. Okay.
[00:09:26] Peter: And has she, has she. Do you read the book to her?
[00:09:30] Melissa: Yes. Yes. I, all my children have read the book and they love it. And my other two children wanna know when theirs are coming out and they are in the works. ,
[00:09:39] Peter: One of the things that I've discovered, um, uh, about sort of, ADD & ADHD when you're talking to kids about it, and so I'm assuming the same thing is, is truly is, it's all about how it's framed When I was growing. Um, you know, a ADD didn't exist. What existed was sit down, you disrupt in the class disease. And, and so I, kids our age, um, if they eventually got diagnosed had also had to overcome the stigma of 30, 40 years of being told they're broken. are you seeing with kids your daughter's age because of advances in research? Advances in, uh, awareness? They're not going through the whole concept of you're broken, they're not gonna have to heal from that. They can start looking at what they have as, you know, a difference as opposed to being broken.
[00:10:36] Melissa: Yeah, I really hope that's the case, and I agree with what you said. Um, and one of the purposes of this book is to frame heighten sensitivity or. Sensory challenges as a gift. And I know that that's something that you like to speak about, um, in terms of adhd and I absolutely agree with that. Um, so in terms of heightened sensitivity, you know, yes, it can present struggles and challenges, but it can also be your greatest gift. It can be, you know, the way you use your imagination and can be creative the way you are compassionate and empathetic and can show love. So it can really be a strength. And that's one of the things that I'm hoping to share with children who may feel like Skylar, um, as term in terms of their sensitivity,
[00:11:18] Peter: What's been the reaction or the, what's been the feedback to the book or the reaction to the book, um, outside of your family?
[00:11:25] Melissa: Oh, it's been wonderful. I've been hearing from so many families saying, you know, we have a little picky at home. Um, you know, my daughter like, wants to read it every day. She feels like Pickalina so it, that's been the best part of this. When I set out to become an author, I just wanted to use my words to make children and families happy and, you know, provide them with a good bedtime story. I actually didn't have these higher goals of, you know, bringing such awareness. and acceptance to children with differences, but like that has become the greatest gift. And the thing that I'm most proud of and most excited about in my journey so far.
[00:12:01] Peter: Is the book being used, um, as sort of a way to explain to your daughter's, classmates about the different, because I imagine that much like ad although ADHD manifests in different ways, I imagine that sensory processing disorder must manifest itself in some ways that would make the kids go, what the heck's that all about?
[00:12:20] Melissa: Absolutely. So there's a page in the book where Picky the Panda um, has become so overwhelmed that she's feeling dysregulated and she's hiding under the table in her classroom, and she is rocking and crying because she is so overwhelmed and her body feels such big feelings. And the students. Who are her animal friends gather around her and they yell Picky. It's ok because you know, they're just trying to be kind and they're like, come outta the table, everything's great. But for her, everything's not great at that moment. So that, you know, that doesn't work for Picky and it takes different strategies to get her to be able to recharge and calm her body down. So I think, you know, empathy and understanding and realizing that we are all different is definitely one of the biggest messages. So, yes, to make children, um, and classmates who encounter kids like Skyler or who have other differences to be accepting and empathetic.
[00:13:12] Peter: I like the concept of supercharged senses in the book because, you know, adhd, I consider it a superpower and I try to frame it as a superpower. So the concept of supercharged senses sort of seems very similar in the respect that you just have to, you know, if, if when I talk about adhd, I talk about the fact that. You know, most people are given Honda Accords for brains and we're given Lamborghini's, and so that's great, but you have to learn how to drive it, or you're gonna crash into a tree. You know, anyone could drive a Honda. You need training to drive a Lamborghini. And so I'm assuming it's the same premise with supercharged senses. I really love that term.
[00:13:46] Melissa: Yeah, thank you. And absolutely, I agree with that. Something we have to learn to adapt to and adjust to. But like I said, it, and like you always say, um, it can really be seen as one of our biggest gifts. Very cool. So my daughter can, she's, you know, the first one to smell something stinky or she can see something a mile away. She can hear that train coming, you know, 10 stops away. So, you know, she really does have supercharged senses, but it also can lead her to feel very overwhelmed and heightened at certain times.
[00:14:15] Peter: Very cool. How can, so I'm assuming, yeah, it's available on Amazon, it's available everywhere. Um, how can people connect with you? Are you on Instagram? Are you on Facebook?
[00:14:24] Melissa: Yes. So I am on Instagram at Melissa Finkelstein books. Um, and that is a great place to follow me. I'll have information about Picky the Panda um, sensory processing awareness and about my forthcoming books, um, the next of which will be out in early 2023.
[00:14:42] Peter: Very, very cool. Melissa, thank you so much for taking time to be on Fast Than Normal today. I really, really appreciate it.
[00:14:47] Melissa: Thank you so much. It's been wonderful.
[00:14:49] Peter: Awesome guys. Check out the book. It is a lot of fun. Picky, I love, I love, I love the title Picky, the Panda and the Tickly Tale, talking about sensory processing disorder as supercharged senses. I love it. We back next week with another interview. This is Faster Than Normal. God, talk.. I mean fast- talk about fast, right? The entire year it's, it's almost Thanksgiving here next week in New York, it's gonna be Thanksgiving and I have absolutely no idea how that happened. And it's Christmas and it's New Year's and yeah, it's essentially summer already next year. So I dunno how we got there. But we will see you next week with another interview. Thank you so much for listening. Remember that neurodiversity is a gift, not a curse. And we are all on this train together. Talk to you guys soon. Stay tuned.
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!