Mad About... with Maddy Alexander-Grout

Maddy Alexander-Grout
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Welcome to Mad About… The podcast amplifying neurodivergent voices, messy stories, and the brilliant humans who refuse to fit in boxes. Hosted by bestselling author and visibility strategist Maddy Alexander-Grout, Mad About… is a space where neurodivergent people get to speak for themselves. Each episode brings honest conversations about life, money, business, identity, and everything in between. No polished success stories. No pretending everything is perfect.  Just real humans sharing real experiences. Because neurodivergent people have spent far too long being spoken about instead of being listened to. This podcast exists to change that. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs, creatives, parents, leaders, and everyday people who are navigating ADHD, autism, chronic conditions, hidden disabilities, and brains that simply work differently. Some episodes are funny. Some are raw. Some might make you rethink everything you thought you knew about success. But every single one gives someone a voice and visibility. Maddy built her business and audience by telling the truth about her own struggles with ADHD, money mistakes, and not fitting into traditional business spaces. Now she uses that platform to help others be seen, heard, and valued too. It’s about being real, imperfect, neurodivergent AF, and proud of it. If you've ever been told you’re too much, too loud, too different, or too chaotic… You’re in the right place. Welcome to Mad About…

  1. MAY 18

    EP113 The Busiest Man Alive- Special Interests & Autism

    Message Us! In this episode of Mad About, Maddy Alexander-Grout is joined by the wonderful Michael Bown, community champion, performer, theatre-lover, choir member, charity supporter, and quite possibly the busiest man alive. Michael shares what life looks like as an autistic person with big passions, a packed calendar, and a deep love for performing, community, musicals, festivals and making a difference. From attending hundreds of theatre shows a year to singing in multiple languages, collecting DVDs, making personalised badges and taking part in local community events, Michael shows the joy, dedication and brilliance that can come from fully embracing your special interests. The conversation also explores autism, bullying, burnout, belonging, friendship, performing, finding your people, and why being different is not something to hide from. This is a beautiful, funny and heartfelt episode about autistic joy, community, and what happens when someone finally finds the places where they feel safe, seen and celebrated. In This Episode, We Talk About:  Michael’s role as a community champion in Lichfield  His love of theatre, musicals, choirs and festivals  Attending hundreds of shows and events every year  Special interests and going “all in”  Autism, dyspraxia and diagnosis at age 12  The impact of bullying and finding belonging later in life  Burnout and the pressure of a packed schedule  Performing as a place of safety and connection  Collecting DVDs, badges, calendars and memories  The power of community, friendship and making a difference Key Takeaways  Special interests can be powerful sources of joy, identity and connection.  Autistic people are not all the same, and social needs can look completely different from person to person.  Finding the right community can change everything.  Burnout can happen even when you love what you do.  Being different is not wrong. It can be brilliant, beautiful and deeply meaningful.  Belonging often comes from finding people who celebrate your quirks rather than question them. Favourite Quotes “I’m mad about making a difference in people’s lives and performing.”“When I’m up there on stage with my best friends who have become like family to me, I feel like I truly belong.”“The busiest man alive.”Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Michael and the Mad About Podcast 00:56 – Michael’s Life as a Community Champion 01:41 – Choirs, Concerts and Singing in Seven Languages 04:05 – Theatre, Musicals and Personalised Badge Collecting 05:17 – Special Interests, Shows and Going All In 06:32 – Work, Volunteering and a Very Busy Calendar 07:35 – Burnout, Rest and Reducing Pressure 09:30 – Autism, Socialising and Breaking Stereotypes 12:20 – Museums, Family Memories and Special Interests 14:53 – Maddy’s Sea Glass Collection and Creative Joy 16:03 – Lists, DVDs and Michael’s Collections 20:49 – Performing, Belonging and Feeling Safe on Stage 22:39 – Festivals, Lichfield and “Viva Lich Vegas” 28:58 – Michael’s Autism Diagnosis 30:05 – Bullying, Difference and Starting Again 35:42 – Walking for Autism and Making a Difference 37:26 – What Michael is Mad About Connect with Maddy Follow Maddy Alexander-Grout for more conversations around neurodivergence, money, business, life, visibility and what it really means to be seen, heard and understood. Follow Maddy @madaboutmoneyofficial on TikTok and @maddytalk ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    39 min

  2. MAY 14

    EP112 ADHD & The F*ck It Bucket

    Message Us! In this solo episode of Mad About Podcast, Maddy Alexander-Grout gets honest about ADHD, shame spirals, gym guilt, money avoidance, task paralysis, and the pressure neurodivergent people put on themselves to “do the thing.” From struggling to go to the gym without a PT, to investing money, overspending, procrastinating, and putting unrealistic expectations on herself, Maddy explores how the word “should” can become one of the biggest blockers for neurodivergent brains. This episode is a reminder that you are not lazy, broken or failing. Sometimes your brain is overwhelmed by pressure, guilt and emotional weight — and the more shame you pile on yourself, the harder it becomes to start. Maddy talks openly about ADHD, PDA, spending addiction, fitness, self-worth, and why tiny steps matter more than perfection. Plus, why all your “shoulds” probably belong in the f**k it bucket. In This Episode, We Talk About:  ADHD, PDA and task paralysis  Shame spirals and procrastination  Gym guilt and putting pressure on yourself  Why neurodivergent brains resist “should”  Money avoidance and emotional spending  Investing, saving and taking tiny financial steps  Switching tasks and ADHD overwhelm  Motivation vs pressure  Tiny habits that reduce barriers  Self-worth, identity and internal criticism  Why community support matters for neurodivergent people Key Takeaways  The word “should” often creates shame instead of action.  PDA can make demands — even self-imposed ones — feel emotionally impossible.  Tiny actions build momentum better than perfection does.  Doing something is always better than staying stuck in guilt.  Shame keeps neurodivergent people frozen. Compassion helps movement happen.  Reducing barriers can make difficult tasks feel more accessible.  You don’t need to transform your whole life overnight. Favourite Quotes “The more shoulds we put on ourselves, the worse we feel.”“Those shoulds are the things that are sent to f**k with us.”“Sometimes it’s just a case of actually doing the thing.”“You are not lazy. You are overwhelmed.”Chapters 00:00 – Why Maddy is Mad About the Gym 01:02 – ADHD, PDA and the Shame Spiral 02:20 – Strengthening Your Core Physically and Emotionally 03:05 – Task Paralysis and Emotional Weight 03:52 – Investing Money and Finally Doing the Thing 05:06 – Spending Addiction and Shame Around Money 06:02 – Ibiza, Book Writing and Reducing Pressure 06:50 – The “F**k It Bucket” and Self-Worth 07:08 – Removing Barriers and Getting to the Gym 08:10 – Tiny Financial Steps That Build Momentum 08:55 – The Maddyverse and Community Support 09:32 – Why Neurodivergent People Need Cheerleaders 10:05 – Letting Go of Shame and Giving Yourself Grace Connect with Maddy Follow Maddy Alexander-Grout for more conversations around ADHD, money, visibility, business, identity and building a life that actually works for your brain. @madaboutmoneyofficial on TikTok @maddytalksmoney on Instagram  ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    11 min

  3. MAY 11

    Ep111- Trauma Made Us Funny- With Alyssa Kyria Funny Mummy

    Message Us! In this episode of Mad About Podcast, Maddy Alexander-Grout sits down with Alyssa for a brilliantly honest, chaotic, funny, and emotional conversation about neurodivergence, identity, trauma, performance, and the pressure to fit into a world that often doesn’t understand different brains. Together they dive into the realities of living with ADHD, the long-lasting impact of bullying, rejection sensitivity, masking, burnout, and why so many neurodivergent people use humour as a survival tool. From cringeworthy moments and public perception to self-expression, grief, nostalgia, and self-care, this episode feels like a conversation between two people who genuinely get it. It’s funny. It’s vulnerable. It’s validating. And it’s a reminder that sometimes the people who laugh the loudest are carrying the heaviest stories. In This Episode, We Talk About:  ADHD, diagnosis journeys, and late discovery  Bullying and its impact on confidence and identity  RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)  Why humour becomes a coping mechanism  Performing, masking, and audience expectations  The evolution of communication and online culture  Alcohol, self-care, and neurodivergent coping strategies  Balancing work, rest, family, and overstimulation  Trauma, grief, and finding laughter in dark moments  Cringe stories, public mistakes, and awkward memories  Authenticity, visibility, and embracing who you really are Key Takeaways  Humour can be healing, especially for neurodivergent people navigating difficult experiences.  Many ADHDers grow up feeling “too much” or misunderstood.  Bullying and rejection can deeply shape self-worth and self-expression.  Rest is not laziness — especially for neurodivergent brains.  Authenticity becomes easier when you stop performing for everyone else.  Shared experiences create powerful connection and validation. Favourite Quotes “We’re mad about everything.”“I think we need to normalize it.”“Trauma made us funny.”Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Neurodivergence and Humor 02:59 – Alyssa’s Journey to Diagnosis and Performance 05:52 – The Impact of Bullying on Neurodivergent Individuals 08:55 – Nostalgia and the Evolution of Communication 11:51 – Navigating RSD and Audience Perception 13:56 – Public Expectations and Algorithms 14:46 – Alcohol, Self-Care, and Coping Mechanisms 18:36 – Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Needs 21:52 – Embracing Neurodivergence and Self-Expression 26:30 – Coping with Grief and Finding Humor 27:35 – Cringe Moments and Professional Mishaps 32:53 – Why Trauma Often Creates Dark Humor 36:46 – Defying Societal Norms and Embracing Authenticity Connect with Maddy Follow Maddy Alexander-Grout for more conversations around ADHD, visibility, business, money, identity, and showing up authentically as a neurodivergent human. @maddytalksmoney on instagram @madaboutmoneyofficial on TikTok  ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    47 min

  4. APR 27

    EP110- Rich, Visible & Neurodivergent AF, With Denise Duffield-Thomas

    Message Us! Can ADHD Entrepreneurs REALLY Chill & Prosper? In this episode of Mad About, Maddy is joined by money mentor, bestselling author and fellow ADHD entrepreneur Denise Duffield-Thomas for a brilliant, honest and hilarious conversation about money, business, ADHD and what happens when big ideas meet dopamine. They talk about money shame, spending addiction, debt, low-ticket offers, overgiving, boundaries, business models that actually suit your brain, and why ADHD entrepreneurs need systems that protect them from themselves. Denise shares her journey from entrepreneurial kid selling bracelets, to discovering coaching, building a huge online business, writing bestselling books and learning how ADHD shaped her money story. Maddy also opens up about her own debt journey, business failure, rebuilding after shame, and why visibility and honesty have been such a huge part of her work. This episode is for anyone who has ever had a brilliant idea, bought the domain name, overcommitted instantly, then wondered what the f**k they’ve done. In this episode, we talk about:  Denise’s journey from bracelet-selling kid to bestselling author  Why ADHD brains are often natural entrepreneurs  Money shame, debt and the emotional side of finances  Maddy’s journey from £40k debt to becoming a money and business voice  Why failure can be one of the most important parts of business  The link between ADHD, dopamine and impulse spending  Why more money doesn’t automatically fix money blocks  Denise accidentally buying 22 antique couches  Low-ticket offers, overgiving and pricing your work properly  Creating business offers that match your actual brain  Why ADHD entrepreneurs need boundaries, automation and systems  The difference between chilling and prospering  How to stop setting yourself up to fail  Why collaboration beats competition Best bits: “Money itself doesn’t cure money blocks.” “Sometimes we need systems that protect us from ourselves.” “If it’s a should, it goes in the f**k it bucket.” “ADHD entrepreneurs need business models that support how their brains actually work.” Links: Follow Denise: @DeniseDT Find Denise: denisedt.com Follow Maddy: @MaddyTalksMoney on Instagram TikTok: @MadAboutMoneyOfficial Book: Mad About Money: Managing Finances and Life with ADHD ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    49 min

  5. APR 23

    EP109- Vibe Check- When You Struggle To Show Up

    Message Us! In this episode of Mad About, Maddy talks about something so many business owners, especially neurodivergent ones, get wrong: trying to run a business when you are already running on empty. Because let’s be honest, you cannot show up properly in your business if you are burnt out, overwhelmed, under-slept, under-fed, over-committed and ignoring your own needs. Maddy shares her VIBE Method, a simple framework to help you check in with yourself before you dive into work, content, clients, or the never-ending to do list. In this episode, she breaks down: Vitals: are you eating, sleeping, hydrating and taking your meds? Internal state: how are you feeling mentally and emotionally? Boundaries: where are you overgiving, people pleasing or saying yes when you mean no? Energy: what is your actual capacity, not just the time you technically have available? This is your reminder that there is no badge of honour for working through the weekend, pushing through burnout, or pretending you are fine when you are absolutely not. If your business feels harder than it should right now, this episode is your nudge to stop, reset, and check your VIBE first. Maddy also shares why capacity matters more than hustle, why “should” belongs in the f**k it bucket, and why looking after yourself is not a luxury. It is part of building a business that actually works for your brain and your body. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like you’re trying to pour from an empty cup, this one is for you. ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    10 min

  6. APR 20

    EP108- From Cult To Courage- with Ben Gibbons

    Message Us! This week on Mad About, I’m joined by one of my favourite clients, the lovely Ben Gibbons. Ben is the founder of Nimble Photography, creating a safe and comfortable wedding photography experience for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent people. But that is only part of his story. In this episode, Ben opens up about growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, being outed, going through conversion therapy, becoming homeless, and the huge journey of trying to work out who he really was after years of being told not to be himself. We talk about trauma, rejection sensitivity, ADHD, autism, religion, politics, safeguarding, visibility, personal brand, and what happens when you finally stop shrinking and start speaking. This is a really raw, brave and important conversation about identity, survival and finding your voice. We cover:  growing up in a strict religious environment  being neurodivergent and feeling different from the start  the reality and impact of conversion therapy  losing family and rebuilding life from the ground up  chosen family, healing and love  confidence, TikTok and showing up online  standing up for your values in public  creating change through visibility Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of conversion therapy, suicidal ideation, homelessness, religious trauma, rejection, mental health, and discrimination. ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    45 min

  7. APR 16

    EP107- Autistic, I'll take your word for it....

    Message Us! Why do autistic people take things at face value… and how can that actually put us at risk? In this episode of Mad About, I’m sharing a very real (and slightly painful 😅) story about accidentally ending up in the wrong gym class… and how that spiralled into a much bigger realisation about trust, neurodivergence, and the way we process information. We talk about:  Why autistic and ADHD brains often lead with trust, not suspicion  How miscommunication happens and why we don’t always question it  The link between people-pleasing, RSD, and not speaking up  The dangers of taking things at face value in the online business world  Why I refuse to promise “six-figure results” (and what I will promise instead) This one gets into the real talk about smoke and mirrors in the business space, how to spot red flags, and why having the right support around you matters more than buying another shiny course. If you’ve ever trusted someone and thought “hang on… was that actually right?” — this episode is for you. Come for the gym fail, stay for the life and business reality check 💥 Follow me @maddytalksmoney on Instagram @madaboutmoneyofficial on TikTok ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    12 min

  8. APR 13

    EP106- The Overlap Between Trauma and ADHD

    Message Us! This episode is a proper, unfiltered conversation between Maddy and Lucy Power about neurodivergence, trauma, identity, and what it really means to be yourself in a world that constantly tries to put you in a box. From ADHD and autism to trauma responses, masking, queerness, and visibility—this is a deep, honest, sometimes funny, sometimes heavy chat about how our experiences shape who we are… and how we can start reclaiming that. There are big conversations here. Real life. Real stories. And a lot of “oh shit, that makes sense.” 🧠 What We Talk About  Lucy’s journey into ADHD diagnosis later in life  The overlap between trauma and neurodivergence Why so many neurodivergent people carry trauma  How trauma gets “stuck” and shows up in everyday life  Masking, identity, and feeling like you don’t fit  The pressure to conform to societal expectations  Queerness, visibility, and living authentically  Parenting, identity, and supporting neurodivergent kids  The impact of cancel culture and social rejection  Nervous system dysregulation and reactive behaviour  What it actually means to be radically authentic🔥 Key Takeaways  Trauma isn’t just what happened, it’s how your body holds it  Neurodivergence and trauma can look very similar  You’re not “too much”—you’ve just been unsupported  Masking disconnects you from who you really are  Identity is often a story we’ve been taught, not the truth  Being yourself in a world that doesn’t get you is an act of rebellion  You can build a life and business that actually fits who you are 💬 Real Talk Moments  Maddy sharing her personal experiences with trauma, grief, and ADHD  Lucy opening up about late diagnosis and queerness  Honest chat about feeling excluded and self-protection responses  The reality of raising neurodivergent kids and navigating identity  A raw moment around grief and loss mid-recording 💥 What Lucy is “Mad About” Lucy shares what truly fires her up:  The way society treats trans people  The impact of capitalism on wellbeing  Global injustice and inequality  And her deep passion for trauma work and transactional analysis🧩 About Lucy Lucy is a psychotherapeutic coach specialising in:  Trauma  Neurodivergence  Transactional Analysis  Radical authenticity She helps people understand themselves on a deeper level and unlearn the layers that stop them from being who they truly are. 🌍 Connect with Lucy  Instagram: @IamLucyPower  Facebook: Lucy Power  LinkedIn: Lucy Power  Email: lucy@iamlucypower.com📲 Connect with Maddy  Instagram: Maddy Talks Money TikTok: Mad About Money Official Book: Mad About Money---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

    45 min
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About

Welcome to Mad About… The podcast amplifying neurodivergent voices, messy stories, and the brilliant humans who refuse to fit in boxes. Hosted by bestselling author and visibility strategist Maddy Alexander-Grout, Mad About… is a space where neurodivergent people get to speak for themselves. Each episode brings honest conversations about life, money, business, identity, and everything in between. No polished success stories. No pretending everything is perfect.  Just real humans sharing real experiences. Because neurodivergent people have spent far too long being spoken about instead of being listened to. This podcast exists to change that. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs, creatives, parents, leaders, and everyday people who are navigating ADHD, autism, chronic conditions, hidden disabilities, and brains that simply work differently. Some episodes are funny. Some are raw. Some might make you rethink everything you thought you knew about success. But every single one gives someone a voice and visibility. Maddy built her business and audience by telling the truth about her own struggles with ADHD, money mistakes, and not fitting into traditional business spaces. Now she uses that platform to help others be seen, heard, and valued too. It’s about being real, imperfect, neurodivergent AF, and proud of it. If you've ever been told you’re too much, too loud, too different, or too chaotic… You’re in the right place. Welcome to Mad About…

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