Translating ADHD Asher Collins and Cameron Gott

This episode focuses on the idea of understanding, owning, and translating ADHD. Hosts Ash and Cam discuss how the language we use to describe our experiences with ADHD can shape our perception of it, and ultimately, our relationship with it.

Cam talks about a client who, through coaching, began to view their ADHD as something external that can influence behavior, rather than something inherent that defines them. This shift in perspective allows individuals to be more objective and less judgmental about their actions and traits. This client used language like "my ADHD tells me," indicating a shift towards a more flexible and accepting mindset.

Ash shares a story about a client whose optimism sometimes leads him to overcommit and take on too much. He introduced the term "toxic optimism" to describe this behavior, contrasting it with constructive optimism, which is more sustainable and realistic. This shift in perspective has helped him better manage his time and prioritize tasks.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of reflective practice. They talk about how adopting a growth mindset and being open to changing one's perspective can lead to personal growth and a more balanced life. They also discuss the limitations of time and the importance of not being overly attached to rigid ideas of success or productivity.

Overall, the episode is about helping listeners understand their ADHD experiences, embrace a more flexible mindset, and find healthier ways to manage their lives and expectations. The hosts encourage the audience to examine their internal dialogue and consider different perspectives, offering practical advice and personal stories to support this approach.

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Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.

About Cam and Asher

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Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode

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In this episode of Translating ADHD, Ash and Cam continue on the topic of collapsing frameworks and how this can lead to self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Cam shares a client example of a college president who struggles with doubt immediately after very public events. Cam introduces the unique ADHD phenomenon of hyper-focusing on small data points and extrapolating negative conclusions from them and how this contributed to his client’s sense of doubt. Those of us with ADHD are prone to a "Dip of Uncertainty" especially after an intense performance. Cam and Asher discuss strategies for managing this doubt and related emotions.

Asher introduces other factors such as the influence of hormonal fluctuations and how this can contribute to sewing seeds of doubt. The hosts discuss the idea of diversifying sources of feedback. The episode emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from underlying narratives and collecting diverse data to combat self-doubt and maintain resilience.

Episode links + resources:

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Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.

About Cam and Asher

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode

Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD

Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, hosts Ash and Cam delve into the topic of routines and their tendency to catastrophically collapse, especially for individuals with ADHD. They discuss insights from a coaching session about why routines fail and the difficulty of re-establishing them. The conversation covers the erosion of remembering the benefits of routines, the making of meaning from failure, and the introduction of the concept of 'should accretion' where additional expectations complicate routines.

They provide examples from coaching experiences, discussing the importance of connecting to the benefits of a routine, seeing adaptation as progress rather than failure, and identifying non-negotiable needs. The episode also highlights the benefits of watching coaching sessions to gain insights into one's own ADHD.

Episode links + resources:

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Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.

About Cam and Asher

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode

Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD

Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

On this episode of Translating ADHD, Cam and Ash delve into the power of storytelling and perspective work for individuals with ADHD. They discuss the importance of recognizing the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our relationships and experiences. Cam shares about a client reflecting on the limitations of using ‘ego and energy’ to navigate his day as a fast brainer.

The hosts emphasize the role of context and meaning-making in the ADHD brain, highlighting how coaching can help individuals reframe their perspectives to navigate challenges effectively. Ash shares how progress and old stories can create a tension but also an opportunity for change. Tune in to gain insights on reframing narratives and embracing new perspectives in managing ADHD.

Episode links + resources:

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Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.

About Cam and Asher

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode

Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD

Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, hosts Ash and Cam dive into the world of storytelling and its significance for individuals with ADHD. Ash returns to the booth after a rough bout with the flu, which sparks a brief discussion on how illness can affect executive functioning. The conversation then shifts to the main topic of storytelling, where Cam delves into the importance of context as a superpower.

The hosts explore how those with ADHD are naturally wired for context due to their divergent thinking abilities, constantly seeking the narrative thread, theme, and personal impact of stories. The episode promises to shed light on why storytelling resonates deeply with individuals with ADHD, often seen in children's persistent why questions, which stem from genuine curiosity rather than obstinance. Join Ash and Cam for an insightful discussion on the intricate connections between storytelling, context, and ADHD.

Episode links + resources:

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Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.

About Cam and Asher

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode

Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD

Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In Season 2 Episode 23 of the Translating ADHD podcast, hosts Ash and Cam continue to delve into the topic of context and its impact on ADHD. They recount the three ways of experiencing context: context switching, using context defensively, and using context proactively. Cam shares insights from a class he's teaching focused on improving relationships for those with ADHD. He emphasizes the importance of being a keen observer to identify dynamics that aren't working and taking proactive steps to address them.

Cam then recounts a success story from his class, where a participant used context to tackle the recurring stress of meal planning with their partner. They reached an agreement, allowing the ADHD partner to take ownership of meal planning which significantly reduced tension and improved communication. Ash and Cam stress the importance of understanding context and finding creative solutions to challenges.

Episode links + resources:

Join the Community | Become a Patron

Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.

About Cam and Asher

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode

Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD

Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com