Understood.org

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Channel • 13 Shows

Parenting

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Management

Updated 20/10/2025
Parenting

Parenting

Updated 25/06/2025
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Weekly series
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Education for Kids

Every two weeks
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Careers

Updated weekly

28/10/2025

What’s so funny about ADHD? (Comedian Jim Tews’ story)

Jim Tews is a comedian, Coast Guard veteran, and New York Times bestselling author who’s not shy to talk about ADHD in his stand-up act. Jim shares how he went from doing admin work in the Ohio Coast Guard to community college, where panic attacks finally led to his ADHD diagnosis. Jim shares what it was like trying medication for the first time and why he thinks he wasn’t diagnosed sooner. (“I had girl ADHD.”) These days, he’s channeling all of it into comedy. With a new special (With Pictures) and album (Without Pictures), Jim talks about how stand-up keeps him grounded and what he’s learned along the way. He also looks back on a childhood full of distractions — like hiding behind doors and watching squirrels — and how those moments still show up in his life and work. For more on this topic: Jim’s book: Felines of New YorkADHD and distraction in the militaryADHD and the brainTimestamps: (01:52) Starting out in the Coast Guard in Ohio (05:51) Jim’s doctors dismiss a possible ADHD diagnosis (07:30) How college made ADHD more obvious (15:29) Going alcohol-free with ADHD (16:45) ADHD stories from childhood For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org. You can also email us at adhdaha@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

28/10/2025

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24 min
18/11/2025

ADHD impulsivity and saying yes to sex too fast

Ever said yes to sex a little too fast and regretted it later? Same. Today we’re joined by psychologist and Understood Expert Dr. Ari Tuckman for a candid talk about impulsivity, ADHD, and intimacy. We’ll dig into the messy mix of consent, shame, and emotional regulation. And we’ll talk about how to slow down, stay curious, and find self-compassion after a spicy decision. For more on this topic: Listen: Impulsivity, risky behavior, and obsessions (Chris’ story)Listen: ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity (Ange’s story)Timestamps: 02:15 How ADHD-related impulsivity can influence sexual decisions 08:45 Consent, emotional regulation, and navigating pressure or fear of rejection 17:30 Differentiating shame from embarrassment after vulnerable sexual experiences 28:10 Strategies for slowing down and gathering insights from experiences For a transcript and more resources, visit Sorry, I Missed This on Understood.org. You can also email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18/11/2025

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31 min
21/10/2025

Breaking the burnout cycle: How to move forward

In the final episode of our “Breaking the Burnout Cycle” three-part series, host Cate Osborn and Dr. Shauna Pollard explore what comes after burnout. They discuss how burnout can affect your relationships, the importance of communicating your needs clearly, and how to reflect on past experiences to avoid repeating patterns. Cate and Dr. Shauna also shares practical tips for tuning in to yourself, setting boundaries, and creating a plan for moving forward with greater awareness, balance, and resilience. For more on this topic: ADHD burnoutADHD and boundaries: Why saying no feels hard (and how to start)Setting boundaries in relationships with ADHDDr. Shauna's list of Executive Functioning ResourcesTimestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:44) We have more emotions to regulate while in burnout (05:26) How can burnout impact relationships? (14:32) Setting boundaries (17:52) How can we show up for our partners when we’re burned out? (23:11) Feeling “too much” for needing to have our needs met (24:44) What do we do if we don’t have a support system? (28:01) Outro and credits For a transcript and more resources, visit Sorry, I Missed This on Understood.org. You can also email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

21/10/2025

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29 min
04/11/2025

ADHD, disordered eating, and getting through the holidays

The holidays are here — and so is all the food, family, and sensory overload that can come with them. Host Cate Osborn sits down with Aleta Storch, dietitian, nutritionist, ADHD expert, and founder of Wise Heart Nutrition, to talk about food and ADHD. They cover what disordered eating looks like (and how it’s different from a diagnosed eating disorder), why sensory sensitivities can make meals stressful, and what it’s like not to be believed when you say you don’t want to eat something. Plus, the dopamine rush of holiday treats — and how to navigate it all with more compassion and understanding. (Note: This episode does not dive deeply into diagnosed eating disorders — we’ll have another episode in the future focused entirely on that topic.) For more on this topic: The National Eating Disorders AssociationADHD and eatingUnderstood.org’s “Neurodiversity and the Holidays” surveyAleta’s website, www.wiseheartnutrition.comAleta’s Instagram, @the_adhd_rdTimestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:05) Aleta’s personal story with ADHD and eating (05:48) What’s the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? (07:46) What about ADHD can affect our relationship with food? (13:39) Sensory challenges and food (18:11) The consequences of ignoring our own needs (20:12) Good food practices to support ourselves and the neurodivergent people in our lives (26:23) Aleta’s parting advice for the holidays (28:23) Outro and credits For a transcript and more resources, visit Sorry, I Missed This on Understood.org. You can also email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

04/11/2025

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30 min
02/07/2024

Managing expectations in relationships with ADHD

It can be a struggle to balance chores in a relationship. When one or more people in the relationship have ADHD, there’s even more room for miscommunication. It’s important to be on the same page about expectations, or you may end up with resentment, and more fights than you’d like to. KC Davis wrote the book How to Keep House While Drowning, and hosts the podcast Struggle Care. KC joins host Cate Osborn in this episode of Sorry, I Missed This to talk about care tasks, sharing the load, and getting on the same page. Related resources KC Davis’ website, strugglecare.comTackling organization, clutter, and stress with hyperfocus (Wendy’s story)ADHD and messinessTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Sorry, I Missed This podcast page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02/07/2024

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35 min
02/12/2025

Weaponized incompetence and other ADHD “crimes” (Reddit Reactions)

We’re back with another spicy Reddit Reactions episode! This week, we dive into two wildly relatable ADHD relationship posts: one about a partner claiming “you lost your sparkle” (eye roll), and another spiraling over chores, shame, and new-job burnout. We unpack toxic dynamics, people-pleasing, clutter blindness, and why you’re not weaponizing incompetence. For more on this topic: Listen: ADHD, cheating, and weaponized incompetenceWatch: ADHD and people-pleasingRead: What IS weaponized incompetence?Timestamps: (01:00) A sparkle-stealing husband (04:10) Is it ADHD… or a toxic partner? (08:20) ADHD shame spiral: “I can’t do anything right!” (11:40) Clutter blindness and burnout For a transcript and more resources, visit Sorry, I Missed This on Understood.org. You can also email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02/12/2025

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17 min
16/12/2025

Sensory overload in intimacy and the ADHD hyperfocus spiral (Listener Q&A!)

In this listener Q&A, Cate tackles two wildly relatable ADHD questions: sudden sensory discomfort during intimacy, and the maddening cycle of not being able to start a task… then not being able to stop. From sensory overload and burnout to hyperfocus, momentum anxiety, and emotional regulation, Cate breaks down what’s going on and how to navigate it without losing it. Thanks to our listeners for these deeply ADHD-coded questions! Keep ’em coming. For more on this topic: Listen: ADHD and sensory overwhelmListen: ADHD sensory challenges and sexRead: ADHD and hyperfocusFor a transcript and more resources, visit Sorry, I Missed This on Understood.org. You can also email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

16/12/2025

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19 min
09/09/2025

Cate answers your burning ADHD questions

It’s a solo mailbag episode! Host Cate Osborn grabs her trusty D20 to let fate decide which listener emails to answer. Cate answers some common ADHD questions from navigating ADHD as a woman, to what it means to have a diagnosis, to how symptoms can shift as we age. Related resources Understood Explains podcast season 2: ADHD diagnosis in adultsADHD and: AgingFacebook group: ADHD Support for Women by Understood.orgTimestamps (00:00) Intro (00:27) The rules (01:14) Why do previously stimulating activities become routine? (02:48) What does an ADHD diagnosis provide? (05:30) What are some tips for self kindness when dealing with problems we’ve created? (09:56) How to not get too overloaded by a task (14:52) Does ADHD become more calm as you get older? Are there future treatments other than medication being developed? (21:38) A parting word from Cate (23:04) Outro and credits For a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

09/09/2025

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24 min
15/07/2025

ADHD and destigmatizing your desires

Forget what you’ve seen in movies: BDSM isn’t one-size-fits-all. As Dr. Leann Borneman explains, it’s more of an à la carte menu where consent, communication, and personal boundaries come first. You can take what works for you and leave the rest. Host Cate Osborn talks with clinical sexologist Dr. Borneman about the intersection of BDSM, neurodivergence, and executive function. They explore how some people with ADHD use parts of BDSM, like structure, sensory input, and clearly defined roles. These can help support attention, reduce overwhelm, and build emotional regulation. Listen as Cate and Leann challenge outdated assumptions, and learn how destigmatizing your desires can help you show up more fully in your life. Related resources Leann’s website, bornemancoaching.comLeann’s dissertation, The Intersection of ADHD and BDSM Engagement in Heterosexual WomenFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Timestamps (00:00) Intro (00:48) A comment from Cate on stigma (02:35) BDSM as a coping strategy, not just a preference (03:58) Society’s stigma versus the scientific research (06:37) Pick and choose what works for you, you don’t have to label yourself (10:53) ADHD and sexuality: Incapability versus lack of access (13:10) What is causing this lack of access to good sex? (17:27) Unmasking is key to authenticity and figuring out what you like (19:11) BDSM creates space for safety through it’s collaborative and consentful nature (21:54) Leann’s advice for those curious about BDSM and kink (24:33) Outro and credits ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

15/07/2025

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26 min
11/06/2025

What parents should know about the MAHA report

ADHD gets mentioned a lot in the new report from the Make America Healthy Again commission. It’s pitched as part of the “childhood chronic disease crisis,” and the authors make a lot of big claims: Food additives cause behavioral disordersTime outside can help treat ADHDADHD is overdiagnosed and overtreatedBut are any of these claims legit? We asked a licensed psychologist who specializes in learning and thinking differences like ADHD. Dr. Andy Kahn also happens to be Understood’s Associate Director, Behavior Change and Expertise. He’s spent decades working with kids and families with ADHD, and he joins this episode of Hyperfocus to talk us through more of the MAHA report and what it has to say about kids with ADHD. (PS…if you didn’t listen to our last episode breaking down the science in the report, definitely go check it out.) Related resources The MAHA report on ADHD is misleading — a researcher explains whyADHD meds at risk? Unpacking the new executive order, DEA proposalADHD alternative treatmentTimestamps (02:00) How do food additives interact with ADHD? (04:58) Can exposure to environmental toxins cause ADHD? (10:07) Does lack of exposure to nature lead to ADHD? (16:55) All about ADHD diagnosis and treatment levels (28:55) Recap of takeaways from the report For a transcript and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

11/06/2025

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34 min

Real talk and personal stories for and from people who learn and think differently. Together, we'll cover a wide range of topics related to ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning and thinking differences. We'll hear from individuals, families, educators, advocates, and experts in the field — and we hope that their stories will inspire and support our listeners. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.