ADHD & Neurodiversity: The Spicy Brain Podcast

Megan Mioduski & Michelle Woodward
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ADHD isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a way of seeing the world.I'm a neurodivergent creative, and I'm teaming up with my neurotypical sister to unpack the chaos of ADHD, mental health, big feelings, and the wild ride of living with a spicy brain. Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in the neurospicy trenches, or just trying to make sense of someone you care about, we hope you’ll leave every episode feeling a little more seen and a little less alone. Here, we mix sister talk with ridiculous stories. Here, we break down how ADHD physically and emotionally feels in the body. Here, we laugh our way through the sometimes messy (and wildly creative) ways neurodivergence shows up in real life.  We believe you don’t have to “fix” your brain to feel better. This is your reminder that being wired differently doesn’t mean being broken. We’re in it with you. Our podcast is funny, honest, and probably the most validating train wreck you'll listen to this week. (New episodes weekly-ish.)  💬 Say hello on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/spicybrainstudios  🧠 Spicy Brain: Navigating Neurodiversity Through Curiosity, Joy, and Radical Acceptance. Tags: ADHD, neurodivergent, neurodivergence, executive dysfunction, masking, RSD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, autism, AuDHD, sensory overload, overstimulation, burnout, dopamine, mental health, time blindness, creativity, sibling podcast, funny mental health podcast, women with ADHD, late diagnosis ADHD, emotional dysregulation, productivity struggles, ADHD hacks, real talk, neurospicy, ADHD podcast

  1. 20 HR AGO

    Ep. 93 — Parenting ADHD, Pressure, and the Power of Reframing : "You're a Real Girl Michelle"

    Shedding the "shoulds" is easier said than done. Especially when you're ADHD and live in a world that loves to measure you by impossible standards. In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, sisters Michelle and Megan dive deep into the expectations we place on ourselves and others, especially as neurodivergent folks and parents of complex kids.They explore what it means to parent your inner child with compassion, and how even well-meaning thoughts like “he should be able to take care of himself by now” can become emotional quicksand. You’ll hear Megan talk about her own masking moments, her husband's recent ADHD diagnosis, and how saying “you’re a real girl, Michelle” turned into a hilarious, and touching, highlight of the episode.Whether you're parenting a complex kid, reparenting yourself, or just trying to stop "shoulding" on yourself, this episode offers real talk, gentle reframes, and a big reminder that you’re not broken...you’re just spicy.favorite line from the episode: “You’re a real girl, Michelle.”00:00 welcome, new and returning listeners03:00 reframing parenting as adulting your inner child10:40 when masking becomes muscle memory17:00 Josh's “I’m just gonna keep disappointing you” moment23:30 redefining what it means to be dependable32:10 Megan’s cartoonish phrases and inner child healing40:00 reframing real struggles like spelling and time blindness50:00 what to do when the shoulds spiral57:00 does adulting require a butler or just radical acceptance?adhd, adhd parenting, neurodivergent families, masking, inner child healing, emotional regulation, reframing, shedding the shoulds, neurospicy podcast, sister podcastIf this episode helped you shed a few shoulds, share it with someone who needs a little spicy brain love. And don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Reviews and star ratings help other neurospicy humans find their way to our community.

    1h 22m

  2. 6 NOV

    Ep. 92 — Shredding the "Shoulds": Adulting, ADHD, and Why Megan Hates Lists

    In this episode of the Spicy Brain Podcast, Michelle and Megan tackle the tangled world of logistics, reframing, and the relentless inner critic that loves to say “you should.” Whether you're parenting a neurodivergent kid, learning to parent yourself, or watching your partner navigate a new diagnosis, this one hits close to home.Megan shares Brian’s recent ADHD diagnosis and how it’s reshaping their household’s understanding of daily routines, invisible challenges, and strengths that don’t always show up on paper. Michelle opens up about preparing her son Josh for adulthood, wrestling with the "he should be ready by now" voice, and discovering what real support looks like. Together, they explore how reframing our thinking about attention, distraction, and what it means to be “ready”can be a powerful act of radical acceptance.Favorite line from the episode: “You know why I hate lists? Because they should all over you.”00:00 welcome and the parenting-your-inner-child lens03:15 understanding the six challenge areas for complex kids06:45 Brian’s ADHD diagnosis and military masking10:15 communication differences and visual processing14:30 reframing diagnosis as resilience18:55 logistics as the real front line of ADHD life25:20 “He should be ready”. Michelle sheds the biggest should32:00 reframing traits like hyperactivity, impulsivity, distraction39:45 why we need more than a TikTok-sized reframe47:00 redefining adulthood (and letting go of perfection)55:00 reframing reminders into rehearsals1:03:00 healthy boundaries while offering supportIf this episode hit you in the feels or made you laugh out loud about the absurdity of ADHD logistics, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who’s parenting a complex kid (or being a complex kid), and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Your reviews help other neurospicy folks find their way to this community of radical acceptance.And hey, what’s the biggest should you’ve been carrying lately? DM us or tag us @spicybrainstudios with your personal reframe. Let’s keep shedding those shoulds together 💬🧠💖adhd, neurodivergent parenting, adult adhd diagnosis, reframing adhd, executive function, parenting complex kids, inner child healing, emotional regulation, adhd partners, neurodivergent relationships, radical acceptance, spicy brain podcast

    1h 9m

  3. 30 OCT

    Ep. 91 — Navigating ADHD and Brain Based Disorder Logistics: "Gird Your Loins, People"

    In this episode of the Spicy Brain Podcast, Michelle and Megan explore the often overwhelming world of ADHD or brain based disorders, emotions, and logistical chaos. Dive into their candid conversations about handling routines, relationships, and the challenges of neurodivergent living. They deliver helpful information with humor and warmth.You'll chuckle at Megan's musings on carrying everything around her neck, along with a whimsical journey from ADHD-fueled frustration to a comical vision of pugs and iPads as accessories. Plus, catch the heartfelt moment when Megan thanks their mom for those late-night homework marathons, and how these sisters navigate life’s complexities with genuine connection. Join them as they share stories, offer insights, and encourage radical acceptance in this adventure through the ups and downs of living with ADHD, brain based disorders and metabolic conditions. Favorite line from the episode: "Gird your loins, people."00:00 Welcome to Spicy Brain and intro to today’s logistics + relationship focus01:32 “Adulting is just parenting yourself” and why that line is hauntingly true03:50 Challenge signs that routines aren’t working with ADHD06:45 Megan’s ADHD brain fix: what if I just wore everything around my neck?08:40 Michelle on her family’s group routines and mirror strategies12:28 How ADHD reframes “simple routines” and the grief behind burnout17:30 Shame spirals and why it's hard to show your ADHD19:15 Relationship dynamics with complex kids and within friendships25:20 Megan shares a memory about losing friendships and sister repair29:45 Michelle reflects on her emotional repair moments with Megan34:10 Why parenting neurodivergent kids is deeply judged and misunderstood36:25 “Not everything is your responsibility” and how to set clearer expectations42:40 That feeling of being the problem and how society piles on47:00 How Brian’s internship showed what real support looks like51:20 Weekly meetings and curiosity as scaffolding, not shame54:00 Using body awareness and mirroring to strengthen connection56:30 Reframing hyperactive kids as spontaneous kids57:20 What happens when you get clear with yourself and others58:30 Closing reflections and a peek at what’s coming next weekFollow the show so you never miss an episode. If today’s chaos resonated with you, share this episode with someone who might need a laugh, a deep breath, or a little reminder that they’re not alone.ADHD, executive function, neurodivergent life, radical acceptance, routines, emotional regulation, logistics, family, burnout recovery, podcast for ADHD women

    1 hr

  4. 23 OCT

    Ep. 90 — Road Trips, ADHD Freeze, and Grace in the Chaos: “The Rainbow Spinny Wheel Is My Brain Right Now”

    Sometimes, ADHD doesn’t just cause delays it causes full-on system failure. In this short but honest update, Megan shares what happens when the to-do list becomes too much and your brain throws up that rainbow-colored spinning wheel of doom.With an early morning road trip on the horizon, a mountain of last-minute tasks, and a strong desire to finish The Reluctant Traveler, Megan taps in with a solo message full of humor, vulnerability, and a reminder for all our fellow neurospicy friends: you are not broken.This quick episode is a gentle nudge toward grace, rest, and letting go of perfection when life gets overwhelming. Because sometimes the win is just packing the snacks and making it to bed on time. (Or close to on time.)Favorite line: “The rainbow spinny wheel is my brain right now.”00:00 Tiny podcast alert00:15 ADHD freeze mode and road trip prep01:00 Overpacked snacks, underestimated bladder01:30 Grace for the chaos02:00 Teaser for what’s coming nextFollow the Spicy Brain Podcast so you don’t miss the next full episode, where we’ll dive back into Your Brain’s Not Broken with more emotional honesty, neurospicy strategies, and sisterly banter. And hey, if you’ve ever forgotten your to-do list mid-sentence, then leave us a review. We see you!ADHD, executive dysfunction, rainbow wheel brain, overwhelm, burnout, neurospicy life, ADHD freeze, self-compassion, road trip chaos, short episode, emotional honesty

    2 min

  5. 16 OCT

    Ep. 89 — ADHD, Parenting Yourself, and Pancake Pandemonium

    Living with ADHD or parenting someone who’s neurodivergent can feel like climbing a mountain every day—while carrying a backpack you forgot at home. In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Michelle and Megan continue exploring The Essential Guide to Raising a Complex Kid by Elaine Taylor-Klaus, with real talk about emotions, burnout, school struggles, and what it means to “parent yourself” as an adult with ADHD.From pancake chaos to forgotten backpacks and double-fisted coffee mornings, the sisters unpack the second and third challenge areas of complex living: organization and school/home life. Megan opens up about her husband's recent ADHD diagnosis and how grief, growth, and humor show up in unexpected ways. Michelle shares stories of parenting with compassion and what it means to redefine success when you're raising (or re-raising) a complex brain.Whether you’re managing a complex condition, supporting someone who is, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers validation, community, and a reminder that being here is enough. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep showing up.Favorite Line: "The ADHD is strong in me today."00:00 – Welcome and podcast catch-up02:00 – The story behind the two-minute episode06:30 – Why Megan thinks adulting is just parenting yourself10:00 – Brian’s new ADHD diagnosis and navigating the what-ifs14:30 – Grief, unmet expectations, and moving forward20:00 – Challenge 2: Organization and the great water bottle saga28:00 – Pancake chaos and Kodiak flapjack detours33:00 – When ADHD meds kick in mid-breakfast36:00 – Parenting with curiosity, not control40:00 – Backpack panic and asking for help45:00 – Challenge 3: Home and school life with complex kids51:00 – The pressure of potential and “just try harder” culture56:00 – Slowing down, connecting, and chipping away expectationsFollow or subscribe to the Spicy Brain Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss next week’s episode on logistics, broken routines, and family relationships. And if this episode resonated with you, leave us a review—it helps other neurospicy listeners find their way here, too.ADHD, parenting ADHD, reparenting, adulting with ADHD, burnout, emotions, executive function, complex kids, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, ADHD spouse, ADHD diagnosis, school challenges, organization struggles, neurodivergent parenting, radical acceptance, neurodiversity support

    59 min

  6. 9 OCT

    Ep. 88 — ADHD Parenting, Emotional Regulation, and Self Compassion for Complex Kids and Adults: "Adulting is Just Parenting One's self"

    ADHD parenting, emotional regulation, and self compassion take center stage as Megan and Michelle unpack The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus. This conversation bridges two worlds at once: helping kids who are wired differently and learning how to “parent” our own neurospicy adult selves. You’ll hear practical reframes for rules and "shoulds," why consistency beats perfection, how to use curiosity and repair when emotions spike, and what it looks like to build family culture that supports complex brains. It’s warm, funny, and real life, with takeaways you can use today whether you’re raising a kid, re-raising yourself, or both.You’ll also hear sister-level honesty about loneliness in parenting and adulting, the invisible load of “fitting in,” strategies for grounding during meltdowns, and how shredding "shoulds" can unlock more calm mornings, kinder self talk, and better connection. If you’ve ever lost a sock, your patience, or your place in the plan, pull up a chair.favorite line from the episode: “Adulting is just parenting one’s self.”[00:00:00] welcome and why this parenting book applies to adults with adhd too[00:04:30] what “complex” really means and why fixing isn’t the goal[00:09:10] emotional regulation basics and why gifted kids can be hardest to teach[00:15:40] the rule problem: shoulds, fairness, and living in a neurotypical world[00:23:15] quick grounding for kids and grownups: notice five things, narrate the room, breathe[00:26:20] mornings are a logistics trap and why slowing down can speed up the day[00:31:30] siblings, shame, and building a family culture of curiosity and repair[00:38:45] tapping out without guilt and letting community help[00:45:20] repair beats perfect: how to circle back after hard moments[00:52:10] shred the shoulds: choose core values over invisible rulebooks[00:55:20] adulting as self parenting and permission to do what actually worksIf you’re new here, follow or subscribe on your favorite app. "If you’re a returning spicy brainer, a quick rating or review helps other neurodivergent listeners find us.keywords: adhd, adhd parenting, emotional regulation, self compassion, complex kids, adulting, self parenting, neurodiversity, gentle parenting, curiosity and repair, shred the shoulds, sensory needs, routines, adhd tips, adhd women

    56 min

  7. 2 OCT

    Ep. 87 — Real Life, Real ADHD

    ADHD, self compassion, and celebrating small wins are at the heart of this quick victory lap episode. Life happens, ADHD brains get busy, and sometimes the podcast you planned turns into a one minute check-in instead. And that’s okay! This mini episode is your reminder that being consistent, even imperfectly, is an Olympic level win for any ADHD brain.So if you have been beating yourself up for forgetting a project, missing a deadline, or getting distracted by snacks (or pugs, or puzzles, or life in general), consider this your "permission slip" to laugh it off and keep going. There is nothing broken about a brain that needs a little grace.We will be back with a full episode soon, but for now celebrate the small wins, give yourself a high five, and maybe even call this week your own spicy brain victory lap.

    1 min

  8. 25 SEPT

    Ep. 86 — Parenting Complex Kids with ADHD: Breaking Free from “Shoulds”

    Parents worry about the future for their kids, but the ‘shoulds’ only disconnect us from what really matters.In this episode, we kick off The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids with ADHD by Elaine Taylor-Klaus. Michelle and Megan dive into the first chapter, exploring how “shoulds” dominate both parenting and self-talk, and how reframing these expectations can transform relationships. They share vulnerable moments from their own experiences: Michelle’s parenting challenges with Josh, Megan’s reflections on growing up neurodivergent, and the grace their mom gave us by loving who they were without shame. Along the way, they unpack how sleep, pain, and disrupted routines impact emotional regulation, and how curiosity can replace desperation when navigating complex needs.favorite line from the episode: "You, yourself know your kid, the best “[00:00:00] Welcome, community shout-outs, and new structure for the podcast[00:02:00] Megan’s journey toward confidence and co-producing the show[00:05:00] Introducing The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus[00:07:00] Why “shoulds” are damaging for kids and parents alike[00:10:00] Disability, disadvantage, and reframing ADHD in a neurotypical world[00:17:00] Six challenge areas for complex kids — starting with emotional management[00:23:00] Parenting language, micro-triggers, and navigating daily routines[00:33:00] Michelle’s early parenting memories with Josh and the “loving chair”[00:37:00] Rosey reflects on our mom’s acceptance despite limited resources[00:50:00] How sleep, pain, and routine disruptions derail regulation[01:00:00] Repairing in the moment and choosing curiosity over desperation[01:05:00] Wrapping up: parenting as relationship, community feedback, and radical acceptanceIf you’ve ever struggled with the weight of “shoulds” in parenting or self-talk, this episode is for you. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions. We love hearing from you! And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review helps other neurospicy folks find their way here too.ADHD parenting, complex kids, neurodiversity, parenting with ADHD, emotional regulation, ADHD podcast, ADHD women, radical acceptance, parenting challenges, reparenting inner child

    1h 7m
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ADHD isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a way of seeing the world.I'm a neurodivergent creative, and I'm teaming up with my neurotypical sister to unpack the chaos of ADHD, mental health, big feelings, and the wild ride of living with a spicy brain. Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in the neurospicy trenches, or just trying to make sense of someone you care about, we hope you’ll leave every episode feeling a little more seen and a little less alone. Here, we mix sister talk with ridiculous stories. Here, we break down how ADHD physically and emotionally feels in the body. Here, we laugh our way through the sometimes messy (and wildly creative) ways neurodivergence shows up in real life.  We believe you don’t have to “fix” your brain to feel better. This is your reminder that being wired differently doesn’t mean being broken. We’re in it with you. Our podcast is funny, honest, and probably the most validating train wreck you'll listen to this week. (New episodes weekly-ish.)  💬 Say hello on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/spicybrainstudios  🧠 Spicy Brain: Navigating Neurodiversity Through Curiosity, Joy, and Radical Acceptance. Tags: ADHD, neurodivergent, neurodivergence, executive dysfunction, masking, RSD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, autism, AuDHD, sensory overload, overstimulation, burnout, dopamine, mental health, time blindness, creativity, sibling podcast, funny mental health podcast, women with ADHD, late diagnosis ADHD, emotional dysregulation, productivity struggles, ADHD hacks, real talk, neurospicy, ADHD podcast

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