ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse

Ruth and Rachael
ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse Podcast

ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse is a weekly podcast hosted by Leonie-Ruth (Ruth) Acland and Rachael Massey. This podcast developed out of a desire for us to find support for ourselves and offer it to other women who recognised they have ADD or ADHD after childhood. To create a trusted place to share our stories. Where we can feel seen, heard, and accepted for the whole of who we are. We discuss ADHD and ADD facts and observations. Share tools and skills to manage some of the quirks. And we interview women, like you, who share their experience with adult attention deficit disorder.

  1. Neurodiversity In The Workplace: Mariane Power's Vision...Teaser Episode

    17 HR AGO

    Neurodiversity In The Workplace: Mariane Power's Vision...Teaser Episode

    **We had some tech issues 😢 But the show notes reflect some of what was missed. Please check out Mariane's amazing work** In this episode, we have the absolute pleasure of talking with Mariane Power, a forward-thinking Clinical Psychologist, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Posify Group, and an all-around powerhouse in the world of neurodiversity. Mariane is also the mom of neurodivergent kids and has deep personal and professional insight into the ADHD and neurodivergent communities. Mariane’s passion for neurodivergent leadership and helping organizations truly thrive by leveraging neurodiversity shines through in this dynamic and electrifying conversation. 🌟 You’ll hear us dive into all sorts of thought-provoking topics, including: ✨ Key Discussion Points: Twice Exceptional Profiles: Mariane breaks down the fascinating concept of twice-exceptionality and how it affects those with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. From Functioning to Flourishing: We explore how individuals with ADHD can move from just “getting by” to truly thriving in their personal and professional lives. Cyclothymia and Logotherapy: Mariane introduces us to these insightful psychological approaches and how they apply to ADHD and emotional regulation. Late ADHD Diagnosis in Women: A deep dive into why many women are diagnosed later in life, and how that discovery can lead to profound changes in self-perception and growth. Posify’s Mission: How Mariane’s work with Posify is helping organizations better understand and support neurodivergent individuals to create inclusive and productive workplaces. This is a lively, engaging, and inspiring chat filled with Mariane’s lived wisdom, science-backed insights, and a true passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals and organizations. Whether you’re curious about the nuances of ADHD or looking to better understand how neurodiversity can enhance the workplace, this episode is packed with value! Connect and check out Mariane's Work: Her ⁠Website⁠ Classroom 5.0 ⁠Podcast⁠ ⁠LinkedIn Posify Group⁠ Link from the Episode: ⁠Flourishing Education podcast Episode 244 Natural Inclusion with Alan Rayner⁠ 📌 Rate and Subscribe: If you find this podcast helpful, please rate and subscribe. Help us reach more ADHD women explore and support each other in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join Our Community: Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you are looking for support and community. Are you also a woman who recently discovered her ADHD? Want to share your story? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leonie "Ruth"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or DM us on IG. We would love to hear about your journey! 🙋‍♀️ Want to Support and/or Work With Us: Are you flourishing professionally and personally? Learn how Ruth's ⁠⁠Mentorship to Flourish⁠⁠ helps women who are ready to thrive but unsure where to start. Or learn how Rachael aligned her life with her core values (and you can too) in her book, ⁠⁠Habit-Driven Success: How to Make Changes that Stick Without Being Miserable in the Process.

    22 min
  2. ADHD and Public Spaces: Planning for Better Experiences

    12 AUG

    ADHD and Public Spaces: Planning for Better Experiences

    This is a lively reflective discussion on how we interact with spaces and how spaces impact us as ADHD women, particularly in relation to social anxiety. Key Discussion Points: Unpredictability and Structure: Rachael shares insights into how the lack of predictability and structure in public spaces can be overwhelming for those with ADHD. Discover how well-designed spaces can improve functionality and comfort. Social Anxiety in Public Spaces: Rachael and Leonie-Ruth open up about their personal experiences with social anxiety in bustling environments. They contrast the structured chaos of New York City with the unpredictable nature of places like Disneyland. Cultural and Gender Influences: Leonie-Ruth discusses how living in different cultures has affected her anxiety levels and how being female adds another layer of complexity to navigating public spaces. Coping Mechanisms: Rachael reflects on her strategies for managing anxiety in new places, including extensive planning and research to help her feel more in control. Regenerative Spaces and ADHD: Explore how natural environments, like beaches and forests, can serve as calming spaces for ADHD brains, while other landscapes might induce anxiety. Nature’s Dual Role: Understand the dual nature of natural environments—both serene and challenging—and how our connection to these spaces is influenced by our need for control and comfort. Silence vs. Noise: Rachael and Leonie-Ruth discuss the impact of noise pollution on ADHD, contrasting the overwhelming noise of urban settings with the calming effects of natural sounds. Adjusting to Our Environment: Learn about the challenge of adapting to different environments, including how modern emphasis on comfort affects our ability to manage ADHD symptoms. Reevaluating Personal Habits: Discover the importance of reassessing personal routines and structures to better meet evolving needs and preferences. Creating Supportive Spaces: Conclude with practical advice on how to design environments that better support ADHD, including the use of noise-canceling headphones and seeking out peaceful natural spaces. 📌 Rate and Subscribe: If you find this podcast helpful, please rate and subscribe. Help us reach more ADHD women explore and support each other in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join Our Community: Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you are looking for support and community. Are you also a woman who recently discovered her ADHD? Want to share your story? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leonie "Ruth"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or DM us on IG. We would love to hear about your journey! 🙋‍♀️ Want to Support and/or Work With Us: Are you flourishing professionally and personally? Learn how Ruth's Mentorship to Flourish helps women who are ready to thrive but unsure where to start. Or learn how Rachael aligned her life with her core values (and you can too) in her book, Habit-Driven Success: How to Make Changes that Stick Without Being Miserable in the Process.

    1h 9m
  3. Finding Balance In ADHD Dynamics: Caitlin Davies’ Perspective

    5 AUG

    Finding Balance In ADHD Dynamics: Caitlin Davies’ Perspective

    🎙️ Welcome to Episode 13! I'm finally back on track...This week, we're thrilled to chat with the amazing Caitlin Davies! 🎙️ In this lively and enlightening conversation, Caitlin shares the story of her "TikTok diagnosis" and the profound shift it brought to her self-perception, leading to an "understanding myself that is not shame-centered." ✨ Key Highlights: Navigating ADHD Accommodations: Caitlin delves into the various adjustments we've made and continue to make to navigate the world with ADHD. Locus of Motivation: Explore how our motivation impacts our nervous system and influences our actions. Building Dynamic Relationships: Insights on fostering meaningful and dynamic connections with others. Community Importance: The value of community (de facto body doubling) and feeling at home among fellow ADHD’ers (our neuro-kin). Embracing Struggles: Caitlin talks about the importance of being okay with struggling and finding comfort in authenticity. Cool Concepts: Introduction to “flash bulb memory” and the 'spectrometer,' plus tips on staying grounded and being honest with ourselves and others. Caitlin’s perspective on finding balance within the dynamics of ADHD is both inspiring and practical. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, profound wisdom, and actionable insights that can help you navigate your ADHD journey. Connect with Caitlin Davies Email: ⁠caitlindaviesconsulting@gmail.com⁠ Website: ⁠caitlinconsults.com⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ 📌 Rate and Subscribe: If you find this podcast helpful, please rate and subscribe. Help us reach more ADHD women explore and support each other in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join Our Community: Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you are looking for support and community. Are you also a woman who recently discovered her ADHD? Want to share your story? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leonie "Ruth"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or DM us on IG. We would love to hear about your journey!

    57 min
  4. Liesl Codrington Building Inclusive Cities: Better Spaces for Neurodiversity

    24 JUL

    Liesl Codrington Building Inclusive Cities: Better Spaces for Neurodiversity

    We have the incredible Liesl Codrington joining us to delve into the fascinating world of urban design and its impact on neurodiverse communities. 🔹 Liesl Codrington is a visionary urban planner dedicated to creating inclusive and safe urban environments for everyone. With a passion for neurodiversity, Liesl's work focuses on transforming cities into spaces that cater to the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals. Her innovative approach to urban design ensures that our cities are more welcoming, accessible, and supportive for all. 🔹 Highlights Understanding Inclusive Urban Design: Liesl explains the principles behind inclusive urban design and why it's crucial for neurodiverse individuals. Neurodiversity in Urban Planning: Discover how Liesl incorporates neurodiversity into her urban planning projects, making cities more accommodating and safe. Creating Safe Spaces: Learn about the specific design elements that contribute to a sense of safety and comfort for neurodiverse individuals. Community Engagement: Liesl shares her insights on involving neurodiverse communities in the urban planning process to ensure their needs are met. Success Stories: Hear about successful projects where inclusive urban design has made a significant difference in the lives of neurodiverse individuals. 🔹 Why This Episode Matters Urban design plays a pivotal role in shaping our daily experiences, and Liesl Codrington's work highlights the importance of considering neurodiversity in these designs. By understanding and implementing inclusive urban planning principles, we can create cities that are not only functional but also compassionate and supportive. 🔹 Tune In and Be Inspired! Whether you're an urban planner, a neurodiverse individual, or simply passionate about creating better spaces for all, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. 🙋‍♀️GIVE YOUR 2 CENTS and complete Liesl's survey Connect with Liesl Codrington Email: liesl@vaeresocial.au Website: vaeresocial.au LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook 📌 Rate and Subscribe: If you find this podcast helpful, please rate and subscribe. Help us reach more ADHD women explore and support each other in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join Our Community: Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you are looking for support and community. Are you also a woman who recently discovered her ADHD? Want to share your story? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠Leonie "Ruth"⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠⁠ or DM us on IG. We would love to hear about your journey!

    45 min
  5. Discovering Your ADHD Strength: Caitlyn Bates Found Hers

    17 JUL

    Discovering Your ADHD Strength: Caitlyn Bates Found Hers

    We dive deep into the inspiring journey of Caitlyn Bates, a remarkable horticulturalist, gardener, philosopher, and solopreneur. This is an interview not to be missed. Caitlyn's story is full of twists and turns, each enriched with incredible wisdom far beyond her years. Early Recognition and Late Diagnosis: Despite having teachers recognize her ADHD in childhood, her family was not engaged with the situation, leading her to leave school early, frustrated, unsupported, and undiagnosed. Transformation Post-Diagnosis: Caitlyn battled the health system in Australia to get a formal diagnosis of AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) in adulthood. She has since transformed her life and progressed her chosen profession in quantum leaps and bounds. Tools and Support for Managing ADHD: Caitlyn shares her tools and the support she accessed to manage ADHD, the change in her work choices which have allowed her body to work with her ADHD, not against it (for her, movement and nature are part of her therapy), and the ongoing challenges she faces. Work Choices and ADHD: The importance of choosing work that aligns with her ADHD needs, integrating movement and nature as part of her therapy. Challenges and Sacrifices: The ongoing challenges she faces, including the sacrifices needed to kick addictions and the importance of supportive friendships. Wisdom on Life and ADHD: Caitlyn drops pearls of wisdom throughout the conversation, emphasizing the importance of connecting with your purpose and loving your body. Chunking Techniques: Caitlyn explains the benefits of "chunking" tasks to manage ADHD. Kicking Addictions: The pain and gain of kicking addictions and the importance of making supportive life choices. Purpose and Passion: The paramount importance of connecting with your purpose and respecting your body. Caitlyn exudes a positive and energized attitude towards all she is and does. Her journey is a testament to her strength and resilience. And an inspiration for overcoming the challenges of neurodiversity. 🎧 Join us for this enlightening conversation with Caitlyn Bates as we explore the power of embracing your strengths, managing ADHD, and finding purpose in every aspect of life. 📌 Rate and Subscribe: If you find this podcast helpful, please rate and subscribe. Help us reach more ADHD women explore and support each other in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join Our Community: Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ if you are looking for support and community. Are you also a woman who recently discovered her ADHD? Want to share your story? Email ⁠⁠⁠Leonie "Ruth"⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠ or DM us on IG. We would love to hear about your journey!

    59 min
  6. Adult ADHD Diagnosis: The Magic of The Missing Piece with Julie Legg

    10 JUL

    Adult ADHD Diagnosis: The Magic of The Missing Piece with Julie Legg

    Hey there listeners and sorry for the delay! In this exciting episode, we are thrilled to chat with the incredible Julie Legg. She is the author of The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Living with ADHD. Released earlier this year, Julie’s book is about to make its paperback debut in the UK. It’s already available as an e-book, audiobook, and even in braille! 🐝Julie’s journey to an adult ADHD diagnosis inspired her to write this powerful book, which has become a beacon of hope and insight for many women navigating life with ADHD. We dive deep into the "how" and "why" behind her writing, and Julie shares profound insights on the importance of personal growth post-diagnosis. In this episode, we cover: Strategies for harnessing ADHD and turning challenges into strengths. Personal anecdotes from Julie on dealing with ADHD-related obstacles, including social anxiety. Effective "harnessing" strategies that work for Julie in her daily life. 🐝About Julie Legg: Julie is a passionate advocate for ADHD, sharing her journey and insights through various platforms. She, along with her husband Jel Legg, runs the vlog ADHDifference, where they explore the many facets of living with ADHD. Julie was also recently interviewed on the Flourishing Education podcast with Fabienne Vailes, where she delved into her experiences and advocacy work. Join us as we explore Julie’s fascinating journey and the magic of The Missing Piece. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone impacted by ADHD. Don’t miss out! Links and Resources: Julie Legg’s Book: The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Living with ADHD Julie’s Vlog: ADHDifference Flourishing Education Podcast Interview: Listen Here 📌 Rate and Subscribe: If you find this podcast helpful, please rate and subscribe. Help us reach more ADHD women explore and support each other in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join Our Community: Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ if you are looking for support and community. Are you also a woman who recently discovered her ADHD? Want to share your story? Email ⁠⁠Leonie "Ruth"⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠ or DM us on IG. We would love to hear about your journey!

    1h 6m
  7. ADHD Energy Management and Self-Compassion

    2 JUL

    ADHD Energy Management and Self-Compassion

    So sorry we missed you last week! We take a bit of a break but want to check in with each other and all of you. Rachael's Big Move: Rachael is moving from California to Washington, a 27-hour drive (actually 21ish). The movers came yesterday, and today involved a lot of physical tasks and errands. Despite the exhaustion, Rachael is excited about the move to Washington, which has been a goal for five years. Energy Management During Big Tasks: Rachael discusses the importance of creating strategies for managing ADHD energy when your schedule requires you to keep pushing. Sometimes we can't give our body what it needs but we can make it better. Communicating energy levels, taking breaks, and eating something every couple hours made all the difference. Ruth's Recent Travels: Ruth shares her experiences with traveling and how she managed her energy and anxiety. She gives some travel tips that have worked for her. Compassion and Self-Care: Ruth emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and planning for potential disruptions. Closing Thoughts: Acknowledging the challenges and triumphs of managing ADHD while navigating big life events and travel. Emphasizing the importance of flexibility, planning, and self-compassion in handling unexpected situations. 🤗Thank you for your support and patience over the last couple weeks. We will be back to our normal schedule next week with an exciting interview with Julie Legg. She is the author of The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD. 🙋‍♀️What strategies have you found to manage your ADHD during big events and travel? Comment on the episode, on Instagram or email Ruth or Rachael directly. 👋Enjoying our show? Help us reach more ADHD women by subscribing to the podcast and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. And/or sharing the podcast with friends/family who might benefit from these discussions.

    28 min
  8. ADHD and Transitions: Embracing Change Despite the Overwhelm

    17 JUN

    ADHD and Transitions: Embracing Change Despite the Overwhelm

    In this episode, we dive into the beautiful mess that is ADHD and transitions. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating change, sharing personal stories, coping strategies, and a good dose of humor. Whether you're dealing with ADHD overwhelm or striving for self-compassion, we've got insights and tips to help you through. Topics Covered: The impact of ADHD on transitions and how it affects planning and emotions. Strategies for managing ADHD overwhelm and finding self-compassion during change. Personal experiences with ADHD sensory overload and how to cope. The importance of ADHD forgiveness and extending grace to ourselves and others. How body doubling can help in managing ADHD tasks and transitions. Techniques for ADHD emotional regulation and dealing with hyperfocus. Key Takeaways: Communicate: Share feelings of overwhelm or anxiety with others to get support and strengthen relationships. Self-compassion: Learn the importance of extending grace and understanding to yourself. Coping Strategies: Discover the benefits of making lists and writing by hand. Routine and Novelty: Balance the pull between needing routine and craving novelty. Forgiveness: Understand the place and benefits of forgiveness for yourself and others. Links from this episode: ADHD and Transitions: Change Is Tough; How to Deal with It Why is change difficult for people with ADHD? How to Make Transitions Easier with ADHD ⁠10 Minute Leaves on a Stream Mindfulness Exercise 💡 Connect with us: If you’re an ADHD solopreneur, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out to ⁠Ruth⁠ or ⁠Rachael⁠ for a virtual coffee chat to share experiences and support each other. 📌 Rate and Subscribe: If you find this podcast helpful, please rate and subscribe. Help us reach more ADHD women explore and support each other in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join Our Community: Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ if you are looking for support and community. Are you also a woman who recently discovered her ADHD? Want to share your story? Email ⁠Leonie "Ruth"⁠ or ⁠Rachael⁠ or DM us on IG. We would love to hear about your journey!

    1h 1m

About

ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse is a weekly podcast hosted by Leonie-Ruth (Ruth) Acland and Rachael Massey. This podcast developed out of a desire for us to find support for ourselves and offer it to other women who recognised they have ADD or ADHD after childhood. To create a trusted place to share our stories. Where we can feel seen, heard, and accepted for the whole of who we are. We discuss ADHD and ADD facts and observations. Share tools and skills to manage some of the quirks. And we interview women, like you, who share their experience with adult attention deficit disorder.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada