Organizing an ADHD Brain

Megs Crawford

This Podcast is about what it's like to have ADHD and different techniques people can apply to their life to find their own version of what organized means. Megs is a professional organizer coach with ADHD and shares how organizing your brain, while understanding how it works, provides the key to living your best life. 

  1. 6D AGO

    Why Art Actually Fills You Up: The ADHD Brain on Color and Creativity with Eli Trier

    🔁 Rerun from Fall 2024 — still so good, we had to bring it back. If you've ever felt guilty for loving color, keeping "too much," or struggling to maintain a minimalist space — this episode is your permission slip. Megs sits down with Eli Trier, an AuDHD neuroqueer artist based in Copenhagen, to talk about what it really means to organize and decorate as a neurodivergent person. Spoiler: it's not about having less. It's about having what fills you up. In this episode, you'll learn: Why colorful spaces aren't clutter — they're actually good for your ADHD brain (hello, dopamine 🧠)What maximalism really means and why it can be the most intentional way to liveHow art and color affect dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol — backed by scienceEli's late AuDHD diagnosis story and the emotional journey that followedHow to stop organizing out of guilt and start curating a space that genuinely supports youThis episode is for you if: ✔ You're a human with ADHD looking for less overwhelm at home ✔ You've tried minimalism and it just… didn't stick ✔ You want a neurodivergent-friendly approach to your space and your life Connect with Eli Trier: 🌐 Website  ▶️ YouTube Timestamps  00:14 Minimalism to Color  02:00 Meet Eli in Copenhagen  04:13 Diagnosis Journey  09:38 Art and Brain Chemistry  16:21 Maximalism Explained  26:21 Systems For Creative Chaos  32:45 Advice For Late Diagnosis  37:30 Final Thanks And Reflection Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    42 min
  2. FEB 18

    ADHD and Flow State: How to Focus in a World Built to Distract You

    Book: Deep Work Learn more about Sukha: Join Steven's Flow State App Contact Steven:  steven@thesukh.co In this episode of Organizing an ADHD Brain, Megs talks with Steven Puri — ADHD-diagnosed entrepreneur, former film executive, and founder of Sukha — about flow states, distraction, and what it actually takes to focus in a world engineered to pull your attention away. Steven shares his journey from engineering and Hollywood to building a company centered on sustainable focus for neurodivergent brains. Together, they explore: What flow state really isWhy ADHD brains struggle with long to-do lists and context switchingThe nervous system layer of distractionWhy hiding all but your top three tasks increases follow-throughHow finishing one meaningful task a day shifts identitySteven explains Sukha’s “friendly nudge” approach — gently asking, “Is this helping you?” instead of harshly blocking websites — and how redefining productivity as time for what truly matters (family, creativity, community) changes everything. 07:16 — What Flow State Actually Is (ADHD + Neuroscience Explained) Clear explanation of flow and why ADHD brains crave it. 13:01 — Why Modern Distraction Feels Impossible to Beat Notifications, dopamine loops, and the attention economy. 14:48 — ADHD Distraction & Regulation: Real-Life Examples Nervous system awareness + how distraction shows up day-to-day. 29:56 — Multitasking vs Monotasking: The Context-Switch Trap Why switching tasks drains executive function. 30:59 — ADHD To-Do List Paralysis & the “Top 3 Only” Strategy Reducing overwhelm to increase follow-through. 32:15 — Breaking Big Goals Down: 1% Progress & Micro Practices Sustainable momentum instead of burnout cycles. 28:15 — Beating the ‘I’m Behind’ Story: Identity & Momentum Rewriting self-narratives through action. 48:59 — Redefining Success: The One Thing That Moves Your Life Forward Today Values-based productivity instead of hustle culture. Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    59 min
  3. FEB 11

    Choosing Hope Instead of Avoidance with ADHD

    In this episode, Megs explores organizing through the lens of ADHD, nervous system regulation, and the human need for comfort during difficult times. She shares a personal story about losing her childhood blankie to illustrate how comfort objects and familiar routines often help us feel safe — especially when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming. The episode also acknowledges the emotional weight of what’s happening in the world and how collective stress can quietly intensify avoidance, dysregulation, and the urge to retreat or “hide.” Through this discussion, the host differentiates between comforts that genuinely support regulation and those that keep people stuck. With compassion and honesty, the episode offers practical organizing insights, emotional regulation strategies, and reminders that seeking ease, structure, and hope is not a failure — it’s a form of care. The overall message centers on coming out of hiding, choosing supportive comforts, and remembering that progress doesn’t require perfection. Article: Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings Podcast Recommendation: Connection Project 360 Episode Breakdown  01:21 – Childhood comfort objects and why they matter more than we realize 02:05 – Autonomy, choice, and trust in organizing decisions 04:04 – Why discomfort makes us cling to clutter, routines, or avoidance 07:47 – Emotional reactions, nervous system responses, and ADHD coping patterns 11:47 – Healthier comforts, regulation tools, and practical support strategies 16:37 – Hope, connection, and the role of community when things feel heavy 26:20 – Final reflections, reassurance, and encouragement to keep going Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    30 min
  4. FEB 4

    Learning to Let Life Be Messy (Without Giving Up on Yourself)

    Motherhood. Neurodivergence. Work-from-home life. Burnout.  And that uncomfortable in-between season where nothing is falling apart… but nothing feels settled either. This episode is a deep exhale for anyone living in the messy middle. Megs sits down with Candice Janae — therapist, coach, writer, and fellow human navigating real life — to talk about what happens when life shifts, routines stop working, and you’re trying to stay aligned without burning yourself out. Together, they unpack how to: Adapt when life changes (again)Build systems that actually work for neurodivergent brainsLet go of guilt, perfection, and “this should be easier by now”Communicate needs and share the load at homeChoose rhythms and rituals over rigid routinesThis conversation is grounding, honest, and full of “oh wow, that’s me” moments — especially if you’re juggling caregiving, creativity, and a career. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown (timestamps adjusted +39 seconds) 02:22 — What “The Messy Middle” Actually Means 03:46 — When Life Happens: Navigating Unexpected Changes 05:31 — Coping with the Unknown (without spiraling) 13:02 — Aligning Your Values with Your Real-Life Needs 19:19 — Creating Systems That Work For You (Not Against You) 24:47 — Letting Go, Grief, and Embracing Change 25:04 — Holiday Decorations, Traditions, and Letting Them Evolve 26:07 — Adapting to New Living Spaces 27:08 — Creative, Neurodivergent-Friendly Organizing Solutions 30:55 — Progress in the Messy Middle (Even When It’s Not Pretty) 37:13 — Why Rhythms & Rituals Beat Routines Every Time 42:54 — Sharing the Load: Communication & Balance with Partners 🌊 Guest Spotlight: Candice Janae Candice is a private practice therapist by day and, in the online space, a burnout & balance coach for indie, self-employed, and freelance moms. She works closely with chronically ill and neurodivergent moms who are trying to do all the things — without losing themselves in the process. She’s also: An author of both fiction and nonfictionA water-lover (oceans, lakes, give her all of it)An introvert constantly navigating the push-pull between community and quietCandice brings a grounded, compassionate lens to burnout, balance, and identity — especially for moms who are exhausted from holding everything together. ✨ Connect with Candice Instagram / Threads: https://instagram.com/soul_cadence_coaching Substack: https://soulcadencecoachconnect.substack.com Website: https://soulcadencecoaching.servicesShare your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    47 min
  5. JAN 21

    How Do You React to Your Clutter?

    The Power of Noticing: Transforming Your Reactions to Clutter and Life In this episode, Megs—ADHD coach and professional organizer—dives into the practice of noticing as the true starting point for meaningful change. Before decluttering systems, routines, or productivity hacks can stick, we have to become aware of how we react. Megs explores the most common nervous-system responses to clutter and overwhelm—fight, flight, freeze, and appease—and explains how noticing these patterns without judgment creates space for compassion, curiosity, and choice. Through personal reflections and real client examples, she shows how noticing reveals triggers, beliefs, and habits that often run quietly in the background. Noticing can feel uncomfortable. It can bring grief, frustration, or resistance. But it’s also where growth begins. This episode invites you to stay curious, soften self-criticism, and understand that real transformation happens gradually—through awareness, not force. Episode Breakdown 01:03 – Why noticing is the first step to lasting change 02:04 – Understanding patterns, triggers, and automatic reactions 02:29 – Real-life examples of noticing in everyday moments 05:00 – How judgment shuts down awareness (and what helps instead) 09:04 – Why noticing can feel uncomfortable—and why that’s normal 15:26 – Fight, flight, freeze, and appease responses explained 30:37 – Using curiosity to analyze reactions without shame Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    36 min
  6. JAN 14

    Money Without Shame: A Starting Point for ADHD Brains

    In this episode of Organizing an ADHD Brain, Megs is joined by financial therapist Lindsay for an honest conversation about money, debt, and personal growth for ADHD brains. If you’ve ever felt shame around finances, struggled with consistency, or believed past money decisions defined your worth, this episode is for you. Megs and Lindsay explore the powerful overlap between financial organization and home organization, starting with a crucial reframe: debt and clutter are morally neutral. Neither is a personal failure. Both are signals that systems, support, and regulation matter more than willpower. You’ll learn: Why persistence matters more than consistency with ADHDHow to use financial data without self-criticismWhat “money dates” are and how they reduce avoidanceHow to externalize your brain when money feels overwhelmingThe impact of social media on financial shame and comparisonWhy community and coaching support follow-through and regulationLindsay also shares personal insights from her own financial journey, including navigating major life transitions and redefining success on her own terms. This episode is a reminder that financial growth, like organizing your home or managing ADHD, isn’t about perfection. It’s about self-trust, awareness, and small sustainable actions. Lindsey is your favorite financial therapist for women and couples, here to help you feel excited about money! (Yes, it's possible!) Money isn't just a math problem; there is always so much more to the equation. Merging behavioral therapy and financial education, Lindsey helps you live your dream life! Links: Join the Waitlist for the Financial Self-Care Course + Community here!Lindsey’s websiteLindsey’s IGFREE Get Out of Debt Template & GuideEpisode Timeline: 04:12 Introducing Lindsay and the role of financial therapy 10:17 Lindsay’s personal and professional updates 23:31 Using data as a supportive tool in financial planning 28:42 Externalizing the brain for financial success 31:02 Learning from mistakes without self-judgment 33:13 Social media, comparison, and distorted expectations 36:21 Navigating emotions tied to financial decisions 42:01 The role of community and coaching in growth 46:05 Setting realistic, supportive financial goals Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    1 hr
  7. JAN 7

    Starting Over Again in The New Year with ADHD

    Why consistency doesn’t work for ADHD brains — and how learning to come back without shame creates real change. If you’ve ever felt like you can’t stick with anything — routines, organizing, decluttering, goals, or New Year’s resolutions — this episode is for you. Book a Call with Megs > Calendar In this episode, Megs talks honestly about why starting over is not failure, especially for ADHD brains. She breaks down why so many systems don’t stick, how social media narratives can quietly box people with ADHD into believing there are things they “just can’t do,” and what actually creates sustainable change. This conversation is about the messy middle — the part no one posts about. The part where motivation fades, routines fall apart, planners get abandoned, and shame creeps in. And why that middle isn’t a problem to fix — it’s where learning happens. Instead of pushing consistency, Megs introduces a more realistic (and ADHD-friendly) concept: persistence — the ability to come back without shame, even after you forget, avoid, or fall off. This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder that: Your ADHD brain is not brokenYou’re not lazy or inconsistentYou don’t need to change everything at onceAnd there is always a moment you can begin againArticle Referenced in Podcast > What is Executive Dysfunction in ADHD? 01:03 — How Social Media Shapes ADHD Beliefs 02:31 — Why the New Year Feels Like a Reset for ADHD 03:22 — Noticing ADHD Patterns That Block Change 05:55 — Persistence vs Consistency for ADHD Brains 09:12 — Organizing Strategies That Actually Work With ADHD 19:52 — Why ADHD Community and Support Matter 24:33 — Microdosing Mindfulness for ADHD Overwhelm Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    32 min
  8. 12/08/2025

    The ADHD Stuck Cycle: What Keeps You Looping and What Actually Shifts It

    You know that moment when you walk into a room and your whole body reacts before your brain even has time to make sense of it? That’s what today’s episode is really about, how clutter hits the nervous system first, and how that shapes everything from motivation to avoidance to why that one corner has been haunting you for months. In this episode, I’m sharing the real, lived experience behind regulation, what it is, why it matters, and how it changes the way ADHD women interact with their homes. We walk through each protection pattern (fight, flight, freeze, appease) in a way that helps you see yourself with clarity instead of shame. You’ll hear more about my own journey with understanding regulation, the resources that shifted everything for me, and why this work matters so much if you’ve spent years thinking, “Why can’t I just do this?”  My mission: to help you rebuild self-trust, one tiny regulated moment at a time. If this episode resonates, I’d love to hear where clutter shows up in your nervous system. Your stories help other women feel less alone.  01:17 — Personal Updates and Reflections  02:47 — Understanding Regulation and ADHD  05:15 — Personal Journey into Regulation  10:31 — Reactions to Clutter: Fight Mode  15:11 — Reactions to Clutter: Flight Mode  17:42 — Reactions to Clutter: Freeze Mode  20:18 — Reactions to Clutter: Appease Mode  23:08 — Final Thoughts and Community Updates Check out Jenna Free: https://www.adhdwithjennafree.com/ Check out Mindful as a Mother: https://mindfulasamotherco.com/  ^Go join their community! Megs is in it too! Check out Laura Hope: https://www.hopeandhealingcoach.com/ Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    30 min

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4.8
out of 5
69 Ratings

About

This Podcast is about what it's like to have ADHD and different techniques people can apply to their life to find their own version of what organized means. Megs is a professional organizer coach with ADHD and shares how organizing your brain, while understanding how it works, provides the key to living your best life. 

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