ADHD Eavesdrop

Janine VanStee

🎧 ADHD Eavesdrop is the podcast where you can be a butterfly on the wall, listening in on real, unscripted conversations about life with ADHD. Hosted by ADHD Life Coach Janine VanStee, each episode dives into authentic chats with experts, educators, coaches, and everyday people living with ADHD. We explore challenges, breakthroughs, and the messy, beautiful realities of neurodivergent life — from school and work struggles to creativity, relationships, mental health, and everything in between. Whether you're diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or just curious, ADHD Eavesdrop is here to bring you connection, insights, laughter, and lots of "me too!" moments.

  1. Disabled or Different? Neurodiversity, Inclusion, and Representation

    VOR 17 STD.

    Disabled or Different? Neurodiversity, Inclusion, and Representation

    What does it mean to be disabled versus different? Janine VanStee talks with Lynn Greenberg about neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia, and why representation in children’s books matters for kids with learning differences. What does it mean to be disabled versus simply different? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee talks with advocate and children's book author Lynn Greenberg about neurodiversity, learning differences, and the importance of representation for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. Lynn co-created the Creative Cab Company children's book series with her son, creating stories that highlight strengths, creativity, and unique perspectives in kids whose brains work differently. Together they explore how labels can both help and harm, how representation shapes confidence, and why helping children see themselves reflected in stories can be incredibly powerful. This conversation looks at neurodiversity through a hopeful lens—focusing on acceptance, empowerment, and the idea that differences can also be strengths. In This Episode We Discuss • ADHD and dyslexia • Neurodiversity and learning differences • Disability vs. difference • Why representation in children's books matters • Helping kids build confidence and identity • The power of storytelling for neurodivergent children Connect with Janine ADHD Life Coaching https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net Email jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com Connect with Lynn Creative Cab Company Children's Book Series Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.

    28 Min.
  2. ADHD, Gut Health, and Chronic Illness

    2. MÄRZ

    ADHD, Gut Health, and Chronic Illness

    Is ADHD really a neurological disorder — or could gut health, diet, and inflammation play a role? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee sits down with functional medicine practitioner Dr. Brad Montagne to explore a different perspective on ADHD, chronic illness, and the gut-brain connection. Dr. Brad shares insights from nearly four decades of working with people experiencing complex health conditions including Lyme disease, digestive issues, and inflammation-related symptoms. The conversation dives into topics like diet, sugar, gut microbiome health, and how lifestyle choices may influence focus, behavior, and overall well-being. Together they discuss: • The connection between gut health and brain function • Why inflammation may affect focus and behavior • Diet, sugar, and processed foods • The gut-brain relationship • Functional medicine approaches to chronic illness • Parenting and supporting children with ADHD • Supplements, fish oil, and nutrition myths • Epigenetics and lifestyle factors As always on ADHD Eavesdrop, this is an open conversation — not a script — where you get to be a butterfly on the wall listening in. If you’re curious about different perspectives on ADHD, health, and how our bodies work, this episode offers plenty to think about. Dr. Brad Montagne https://www.instagram.com/healthfullyu/ https://www.facebook.com/healthfullyu https://healthfullyu.com Free ADHD coaching consultation with Janine VanStee: https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation Website: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net 00:00 Welcome to ADHD Eavesdrop 03:00 ADHD, Diet, and “Toxic Food” 06:00 Why Defining the Problem Matters 09:00 Gut Health and the Brain Connection 12:00 Inflammation, Dopamine, and ADHD 15:00 Sugar, Caffeine, and Kids 18:00 Is ADHD Neurological or Gut-Related? 21:00 Epigenetics and Lifestyle Factors 25:00 Fish Oil, Supplements, and Nutrition 30:30 Advice for Parents of Kids with ADHD The views expressed in this episode are those of the guest and are for informational purposes only and not medical advice.

    29 Min.
  3. Neurodiversity, Writing, and Healing

    23. FEB.

    Neurodiversity, Writing, and Healing

    In this episode, Janine talks with Randi-lee Bowslaugh about autism, depression, parenting neurodivergent children, and the healing power of creativity and writing. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine sits down with author and podcaster Randi-lee Bowslaugh to talk about neurodiversity, mental health, and the power of creative expression. Randi-lee shares her experiences living with autism, depression, and PTSD, while also parenting a neurodivergent child and navigating life as a grandmother. Together, Janine and Randi-lee explore how writing, storytelling, and creativity can support emotional healing, identity development, and connection. This conversation touches on self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of finding supportive spaces where neurodivergent people can be fully themselves. As always, this episode is a real, unscripted conversation — just like listening to two people talk at the next table in a coffee shop. 00:00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 00:02:15 Randi-lee’s story: autism, depression, and PTSD 00:05:10 Parenting neurodivergent children 00:08:40 Becoming a grandmother and life perspective 00:11:30 Writing as emotional expression and healing 00:15:20 The connection between creativity and mental health 00:19:05 Living with multiple diagnoses 00:23:40 Identity, acceptance, and self-understanding 00:27:15 Supporting neurodivergent families 00:31:00 Closing reflections and encouragement Is ADHD Life Coaching right for you? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to better understand how your ADHD shows up in your daily life, coaching might help. I offer supportive, practical ADHD Life Coaching focused on real-life strategies, self-awareness, and sustainable change. You can schedule a free 45-minute consultation to see if coaching is a good fit: https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation Learn more at: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net Email: jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, mental health, or professional advice. The views shared in this episode reflect personal experiences and conversations, not clinical recommendations. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional.

    28 Min.
  4. Stress, Somatics and the Mind-Body Connection (with Jen Kreiner)

    9. FEB.

    Stress, Somatics and the Mind-Body Connection (with Jen Kreiner)

    Short Spotify Description: How stress lives in the body — and how somatics can help you move from overwhelm to resilience. Janine talks with ADHD coach Jen Kreiner about nervous system awareness, burnout, and emotional healing. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee talks with ADHD coach Jen Kreiner about the mind-body connection and the role of somatics in emotional regulation, stress, and resilience. Jen shares how somatic practices help people notice where stress lives in the body, understand nervous system responses like fight, flight, and freeze, and build the ability to move from automatic reactions to intentional responses. They explore how ADHD, burnout, trauma patterns, and emotional avoidance can show up physically — and how learning to pause, notice, and connect with body sensations can support healing and long-term change. This conversation is especially helpful for adults with ADHD who experience overwhelm, rumination, or chronic stress and want practical ways to reconnect with themselves. Key Topics Somatics and the mind-body connectionNervous system regulationFight, flight, freeze, and rest-and-digestADHD and emotional avoidanceBurnout and resilienceProcessing unexpressed emotionsCuriosity and emotional awarenessGuest Jen Kreiner — Stonesthrowcoaching.com Disclaimer ADHD Eavesdrop is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical or mental health treatment. ADHD coaching is not therapy, counseling, or medical care. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical or mental health concerns.

    29 Min.
  5. ADHD Isn’t Your Fault: Reducing Overwhelm, Shame, and Executive Dysfunction

    19. JAN.

    ADHD Isn’t Your Fault: Reducing Overwhelm, Shame, and Executive Dysfunction

    In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, an ADHD podcast for adults, Janine sits down with Leah Caroll, an ADHD life and mindset coach, to talk about adult ADHD, overwhelm, and why ADHD isn’t your fault. Leah shares her lived experience with late-diagnosed ADHD, burnout, and years of feeling like life was harder than it should be. Together, Janine and Leah explore how executive dysfunction, shame, and all-or-nothing thinking keep many adults with ADHD stuck — even when they’re smart, capable, and trying their best. This honest conversation focuses on what actually helps people with ADHD feel more in control: reducing overwhelm instead of chasing perfect systems, building habits that work with an ADHD brain, and replacing self-criticism with curiosity and self-compassion. If you’ve ever wondered why routines don’t stick, why motivation feels inconsistent, or why you feel exhausted by daily life, this episode offers validation, practical insight, and a gentler way forward. Find Leah!: w: leahccoaching.com i: @adhd.coach.leah l: Leah Carroll f: ADHD: Now What?! 00:00 – ADHD Isn’t Your Fault Why ADHD is about wiring, not willpower — and how shame keeps people stuck 02:15 – Leah’s ADHD Story & Late Diagnosis Burnout, meds, and realizing life didn’t have to feel this hard 05:45 – Burnout, Identity, and Starting Over Quitting everything and what it taught Leah about adult ADHD 09:30 – Executive Dysfunction Explained Why “just try harder” doesn’t work for ADHD brains 13:00 – Pills Don’t Teach Skills Where medication helps — and where coaching matters most 16:30 – Reducing Overwhelm Without Perfection Why small, realistic changes beat total life overhauls 19:45 – Consistency vs. Persistence Why flexible routines work better than rigid plans 23:00 – Habits That Actually Stick Keys on hooks, tiny systems, and ADHD-friendly habit building 26:15 – Curiosity Over Self-Criticism Breaking shame cycles and rewriting the ADHD inner voice 29:45 – Advice to Our Younger ADHD Selves Self-compassion, safety, and progress over perfection

    32 Min.
  6. You Don’t Have to Suffer to Be Creative

    12. JAN.

    You Don’t Have to Suffer to Be Creative

    Creativity is often romanticized as something that only comes from pain, struggle, or trauma — but what if that’s completely wrong? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine sits down with therapist and creative Rachel Moore for a candid, unmasked conversation about ADHD, late diagnosis, and the myth of the “suffering artist.” Rachel shares why creativity doesn’t come from trauma, but from sensitivity — and how that sensitivity shapes how neurodivergent people experience art, work, relationships, and the world itself. Together, they explore why so many creatives are neurodivergent, how structure and novelty support ADHD brains, and why you don’t have to be miserable to make meaningful art. This episode is a grounding reminder that creativity can come from joy, regulation, and being fully yourself. Settle in, get cozy, and be a butterfly on the wall for this honest and affirming conversation. ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to ADHD Eavesdrop A conversation about ADHD, creativity, and late diagnosis 00:39 – Rachel’s Late ADHD Diagnosis Testing well, failing homework, and being diagnosed at 45 02:12 – ADHD, Work, and Why Certain Jobs Fit Deadlines, novelty, urgency, and creative careers 04:22 – Are All Creatives Neurodivergent? The overlap between creativity, ADHD, and theater communities 05:39 – Therapy as a Creative Process Structure, intuition, and why creativity matters in clinical work 08:16 – The Myth of the Suffering Artist Why trauma is not the source of creativity 09:39 – Creativity Comes From Sensitivity A powerful reframing of art, trauma, and neurodivergence 11:46 – ADHD, Perception, and Trauma Why neurodivergent kids experience the world differently 13:35 – Art, Emotion, and Identity Why sensitivity shapes creative expression 27:52 – Being Fully Unmasked Creativity, safety, and the freedom to be yourself

    29 Min.

Info

🎧 ADHD Eavesdrop is the podcast where you can be a butterfly on the wall, listening in on real, unscripted conversations about life with ADHD. Hosted by ADHD Life Coach Janine VanStee, each episode dives into authentic chats with experts, educators, coaches, and everyday people living with ADHD. We explore challenges, breakthroughs, and the messy, beautiful realities of neurodivergent life — from school and work struggles to creativity, relationships, mental health, and everything in between. Whether you're diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or just curious, ADHD Eavesdrop is here to bring you connection, insights, laughter, and lots of "me too!" moments.