Grandma Has ADHD

Jami Shapiro
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to “Grandma Has ADHD,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and experiences of seniors living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and referred by some as ADD.  We’ll provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories to help older adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the journey of managing ADHD in later life mixed with a little humor and real life, unedited examples of navigating life with ADHD. Whether you are a senior who suspects you may have ADHD or love an ADHD Senior, “Grandma Has ADHD” embraces the saying “Making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life” and is here to provide you with the information, support, and resources you need to thrive.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 104: When Burnout Leads to Discovery & Why We Need to Pause

    What happens when pushing through stops working? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro talks with Lisa Richer, neurodivergent success partner and founder of Journey to Bloom, about the burnout that forced her to slow down and ultimately helped her better understand herself and her ADHD. They explore late diagnosis, workaholism, masking, people-pleasing, and what can change when we stop trying to do more and start paying attention to what we actually need. What You’ll Learn How burnout played a role in Lisa discovering her ADHDWhat ADHD looked like before she knew she had itWhy a diagnosis can inform without defining youHow masking and people-pleasing can contribute to burnoutWhy understanding your strengths and struggles mattersHow Lisa learned to set boundaries and give herself permission to restWhy it’s never too late to pause and understand yourself better Before the ADHD Diagnosis Looking back, Lisa can see ADHD throughout her life. As an elite gymnast, movement helped her stay regulated and focused. In school and later at work, things were harder. She describes being great at the "messy middle" of a project but struggling with the beginning and end. She could create an entire presentation but get stuck on the title and objectives. Learning she had ADHD finally gave those experiences context. Diagnosis Informs, It Doesn't Define Lisa never went looking for an ADHD diagnosis. Two different healthcare providers eventually brought it to her attention. The diagnosis didn't change who she was. It helped her understand herself and communicate what she needed. As Lisa says: "Diagnoses inform, they don't define who a person is." That clarity helped her become more comfortable saying, "That's easy for you, but what's hard for you is easy for me." When Burnout Forces You to Stop Lisa spent years pushing herself as an athlete, professional, parent, people-pleaser, and the person who held everything together. Eventually, she couldn't keep going. Burnout forced her to reflect on the masking, pressure, and expectations she had carried for years. It also forced her to finally make room for herself. Learning to Pause One of Lisa's biggest realizations was that doing more didn't mean she was being more successful. She started giving herself permission to nap, read, sit outside, and take breaks without seeing them as wasted time. She became more intentional about her work and learned to say no, not yet, or not now. Her message: "It's never too late to pause and learn how to slow down." The ADHD Button Question Would Lisa press a button that meant she never had ADHD? No. What she would change is trusting herself sooner, even when other people didn't understand her. About Lisa Richer Lisa Richer is a neurodivergent success partner and founder of Journey to Bloom. She is a COPAA Certified Advocate, author, and creator of the Clarity, Confidence, Courage Journey Map. Her work helps neurodivergent individuals, families, and organizations better understand what they need to thrive. Resources & Links Journey to BloomLisa's Free Book Chapter: "Unbecoming to Become: Finding Clarity in the Chaos"Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)CHADD: Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsLisa Richer on LinkedInJourney to Bloom on Instagram Connect with Lisa Journey to Bloom Email: lisa@journey2bloom.com About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She explores ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, relationships, and what happens when we finally understand how our brains work. Learn more about Jami Sometimes doing less isn't giving up. Sometimes it's exactly what we need to keep going. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  2. Sep 1

    Episode 103 - Looking Back 2 Years After Discovering ADHD at Age 77

    What happens when you discover ADHD at 77 and then have two years to understand what it has meant throughout your life? In this special episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with a very important guest: her mom, Vicki Armel, the original “Grandma” behind the podcast. Vicki’s late ADHD discovery helped Jami see decades of clutter, disorganization, anxiety, memory struggles, and family tension through a completely different lens. It ultimately became part of the inspiration for this podcast, Jami’s ADHD coaching work, and her book, This Explains So Much. Now, Vicki looks back at what has changed since learning she has ADHD and what she understands about herself differently today. Clutter, Memories & Letting Go For years, clutter was a major source of tension between Jami and her mom. Jami once believed Vicki’s piles and difficulty letting go might be hoarding disorder. Understanding ADHD gave them another way to look at what was happening. Vicki shares how she’s become less embarrassed about her home and more thoughtful about why she keeps certain things. She talks about finally letting go of her mother’s china after realizing something important: the plates themselves weren’t what made her feel connected to her mom. That shift has helped her begin separating the memory from the object. “Oh, That’s ADHD Too?” Since discovering ADHD, Vicki has continued reading and learning about it—and keeps recognizing pieces of herself. Things she once worried about or judged herself for now have context. Even forgetting a word feels different. Instead of immediately worrying about her memory, she can recognize what’s happening, laugh about it, and move on. As Vicki puts it, understanding what’s going on makes it much easier to handle. More Grace for Each Other Perhaps the biggest change has happened between mother and daughter. Understanding ADHD hasn’t made every frustration disappear. Jami and Vicki still annoy each other sometimes. But after decades of misunderstanding certain behaviors, they now have language for what’s happening. Jami says there is “more forgiveness for each other” and “more grace.” That may be one of the greatest gifts of a late ADHD discovery: not changing who you are, but finally understanding yourself, and the people you love, a little better. Vicki’s Message to Other Older Women If you’re discovering ADHD at 50, 60, 70, or beyond, Vicki wants you to know it may not be as scary as it sounds. There are things she struggles with because of ADHD, but there are also things she believes she can do because of the way her brain works. And after more than seven decades without an explanation, she’s learning to accept those differences instead of worrying about them. Because as Jami says, it really never is too late. About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she shares honest conversations about ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, relationships, and finally understanding the way your brain works. Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroSilver Linings TransitionsThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  3. Aug 25

    Episode 102 - Why ADHD & Autism Look Different in Women

    Why do so many women reach adulthood before realizing they have ADHD, autism, or both? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with Dr. Karen Albert Saporito, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing and supporting adults with ADHD and autism. With more than 10,000 diagnostic evaluations under her belt, Dr. Saporito brings a unique perspective on why women and girls are so often overlooked. Jami and Karen talk about masking, perfectionism, social expectations, and the ways women may learn to compensate for their differences so well that even they lose sight of what comes naturally and what they've learned to do in order to fit in. Karen also shares her own experience of discovering ADHD later in life after seeing it in her children, and why receiving a diagnosis as an adult can be so healing. Rather than simply putting a label on someone's behavior, the right diagnosis can help remove shame, provide context for lifelong struggles, and allow people to reframe who they thought they were. What You'll Learn Why ADHD and autism can present differently in women and girlsHow social expectations can contribute to masking and camouflageWhy perfectionism and appearing "organized" don't necessarily rule out ADHDHow women may intentionally learn the social rules others seem to understand naturallyWhy ADHD and autism can be difficult to separate into neat categoriesWhat a thorough adult ADHD evaluation should considerWhy diagnosis involves more than recognizing a checklist of ADHD symptomsHow childhood report cards, relationships, routines, and personal history can provide important cluesWhy receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life can help reduce shameHow our understanding of neurodivergence may continue to evolve ADHD, Autism & the Bigger Picture Karen challenges the idea that ADHD and autism always fit into completely separate boxes. She believes our understanding of neurodivergence will continue to evolve as researchers study more diverse populations and clinicians become better at recognizing ADHD and autism in adults, women, girls, and people who don't fit the historically stereotypical presentations. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If you could press a button and make your ADHD disappear forever, would you? Karen doesn't hesitate: No. While she acknowledges that being neurodivergent can make life genuinely difficult, she also emphasizes the importance of removing stigma and recognizing the creativity, individuality, humor, and strengths she sees in the people she works with. Karen's ADHD Hack Her answer might be controversial in ADHD circles: a planner. Karen has used the same brand since graduate school. For her, writing things down and keeping them in one consistent place provides a visual picture of her days and weeks and helps keep her grounded. The key isn't finding another shiny new planner. It's actually surrendering to the one that works and making it part of everyday life. About Dr. Karen Albert Saporito Dr. Karen Albert Saporito is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder and clinical director of Integrative Psychology Associates of South Jersey. She specializes in diagnosing and supporting adults with ADHD and autism and has performed more than 10,000 diagnostic evaluations. She serves on the board of the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD), is part of the APSARD U.S. Guidelines Task Force working to develop nationwide standards for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and co-chairs its Women and Girls Special Interest Group. About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she creates honest conversations about ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, and what it means to finally understand the way your brain works. Connect with Dr. Karen Saporito Website: Integrative Psychology Associates of South JerseyEmail: karen@integrativepsychassoc.comLinkedIn: Dr. Karen Albert Saporito Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroIf you're discovering ADHD or autism later in life, this conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to understand yourself differently. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  4. Aug 18

    Episode 101 – ADHD, Narcissism & Generational Trauma

    What happens when ADHD, trauma, and the patterns we inherit from our families overlap? Jami Shapiro sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Virginia Wilcsek, founder of The Transcending Pathway, for an honest conversation about ADHD, narcissism, generational trauma, and the nervous system. Virginia shares her experience growing up with a narcissistic parent and how that eventually shaped her work helping people heal from trauma and difficult relationships. Together, she and Jami explore how growing up around emotional dysregulation, chaos, neglect, or caregivers who weren't attuned to us can affect the way we learn to regulate ourselves. They also unpack an important and complicated question: where does ADHD end and trauma begin? While ADHD and trauma are not the same thing, they can share characteristics such as emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and executive functioning challenges. Virginia explains why biology, development, environment, and our family experiences can all be pieces of the larger story. What You'll Learn Why ADHD and trauma can sometimes look similarHow generational trauma can affect nervous-system regulationThe impact of growing up with narcissistic or emotionally immature parentsWhy an unsafe or chaotic environment can keep the body scanning for dangerHow emotional dysregulation and executive functioning are connectedWhy regulating the nervous system may need to come before problem-solvingWhat somatic practices are and how they can support regulationHow imposter syndrome and negative self-talk can show up with ADHDSimple breathing and grounding techniques for moments of overwhelm Why This Matters For many adults discovering ADHD later in life, understanding their brain can also bring up questions about their childhood and family history. Maybe a parent struggled with emotional regulation. Maybe home never felt completely predictable or safe. Maybe behaviors you once thought were simply part of your personality make more sense when you consider both ADHD and the experiences that shaped you. As Virginia explains, the relationship between ADHD and trauma isn't an either/or question. ADHD has neurological and biological components, while our developmental experiences and environment also shape how we learn to respond to the world. A Tool to Try Virginia shares a simple four-part breathing exercise for moments when you feel overwhelmed or dysregulated: Take a breath and release your throat.Take another and release your chest.Take a third and release your stomach and pelvic muscles.On the fourth breath, release everything.Then notice: Were you holding your breath? Were you bracing? Did anything shift when you gave your nervous system a moment to regroup? The ADHD Button Question Jami asks Virginia: If you could press a button and no longer have ADHD, would you press it? Virginia's answer is an emphatic no. She shares that one of her favorite parts of ADHD is having many different interests, projects, and passions. What might feel "scattered" to someone else allows her to explore different ideas, support people in different ways, and continually discover something new. About the Guest Virginia Wilcsek is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of The Transcending Pathway, a California-based group practice specializing in trauma, complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, loss of identity, and healing from pathological relationships. Virginia is also a certified breathwork trauma facilitator and incorporates somatic approaches into her work, helping clients understand not only their thoughts and emotions but how their experiences can show up in the body and nervous system. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women discovering ADHD later in life, better understand their brains, let go of shame, and find tools that work for the way they're wired. Resources The Transcending PathwayThe Transcending Pathway workshopsAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. GibsonScattered Minds by Dr. Gabor MatéThis Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Connect with Virginia Website: The Transcending Pathway Instagram: @thetranscendingpathway Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.me Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro If something in this conversation sounds familiar, Virginia leaves listeners with a simple reminder for those moments of overwhelm, self-doubt, or dysregulation: “It is not a you problem, it is a nervous system that never learned to feel safe.” Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  5. Aug 11

    Episode 100 - Unwrapping the Gifts of ADHD with Dr. Ned Hallowell

    For the 100th episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro welcomes one of the most influential voices in the ADHD world: Dr. Edward "Ned" Hallowell. Psychiatrist, bestselling author of Driven to Distraction and ADHD 2.0, and someone who has spent more than four decades helping people understand that ADHD is far more than a disorder—it's a different way of experiencing the world. Together, Jami and Dr. Hallowell explore his remarkable personal story, from a chaotic childhood to becoming one of the world's leading ADHD experts. They discuss why so many people with ADHD grow up believing they're "not enough," how discovering your strengths can transform your life at any age, and why connection, not perfection, is one of the most powerful tools for thriving. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hallowell challenges the traditional deficit-based view of ADHD, encouraging listeners to see it as a collection of gifts that, when understood and supported, can become extraordinary strengths. What You'll Learn Why Dr. Hallowell believes ADHD is a trait—not simply a disorderThe hidden strengths behind distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivityHow curiosity, creativity, and imagination become ADHD superpowersWhy self-esteem is one of the biggest challenges for people with ADHDThe importance of finding mentors who recognize your giftsWhy it's never too late to discover your purposeDr. Hallowell's concept of "Vitamin C"—the healing power of connectionWhy "Never worry alone" may be one of the best pieces of ADHD advice you'll ever hear Why This Matters For many adults diagnosed later in life, ADHD has long been associated with shame, frustration, and feeling like they never measured up. Dr. Hallowell offers a different perspective. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with me?" he encourages us to ask, "What am I uniquely wired to contribute?" When we stop trying to become someone else and begin embracing our own strengths, ADHD becomes something to understand—not something to fear. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest the same question: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? Dr. Hallowell's answer is an immediate no. He believes ADHD is inseparable from his creativity, imagination, energy, and ability to contribute to the world. While it has brought challenges, it's also shaped the life and career he wouldn't trade for anything. About the Guest Dr. Edward "Ned" Hallowell is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. He is the co-author of Driven to Distraction and the author of more than 20 books, including ADHD 2.0. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia himself, Dr. Hallowell has dedicated his career to helping children and adults discover the strengths that often accompany neurodivergence. He is the founder of the Hallowell ADHD Centers and continues to advocate for a strength-based approach to ADHD. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, understand their ADHD, reduce shame, and discover the gifts hidden beneath years of misunderstanding. Resources Driven to Distraction by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John RateyADHD 2.0 by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John RateyHallowell ADHD CentersHallowell HubThis Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  6. Aug 4

    Episode 99 - Hacking Your ADHD with William Curb

    In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with fellow ADHD podcaster William Curb, host of Hacking Your ADHD, for a practical conversation about what it really looks like to work with an ADHD brain instead of constantly fighting against it. William shares his experience of being diagnosed as an adult after all three of his siblings had already been identified with ADHD, and reflects on how understanding his brain changed the way he approached everyday challenges. Together, he and Jami discuss everything from clutter and decision fatigue to forgetting meals, travel mishaps, and why the right systems can make life dramatically easier. Filled with relatable stories, actionable strategies, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a reminder that ADHD isn't about trying harder - it's about finding hacks that work for your brain. What You'll Learn Why understanding your ADHD is the first step toward lasting changePractical strategies for managing clutter and organizationHow AI can be a helpful tool for tackling overwhelming tasksWhy decision fatigue keeps so many people stuckSimple ways to build systems that reduce executive dysfunctionThe importance of sequencing tasks to prevent forgetfulnessWhy many adults with ADHD forget to eat and what to do about itHow self-compassion leads to better outcomes than self-criticismWhy acceptance is one of the most powerful ADHD tools Why This Matters Many adults with ADHD spend years trying to force themselves into systems that weren't designed for how their brains work. This episode offers a different approach: instead of asking, "Why can't I do this?" ask, "What system would make this easier?" Small adjustments can remove unnecessary obstacles and make everyday life feel far more manageable. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? William's answer is thoughtful: it depends on what pressing the button would change. While ADHD has created real challenges, it has also shaped the person he has become. Rather than viewing ADHD as purely a blessing or a curse, he reflects on the importance of accepting how his brain works and building a life around it. About the Guest William Curb is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Hacking Your ADHD, where he shares practical, research-informed strategies to help adults better understand and manage ADHD. Diagnosed as an adult in 2011, William combines personal experience with evidence-based tools to help listeners work with their brains instead of against them. He lives in Washington State with his wife and two children. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults - especially women diagnosed later in life - better understand their brains, reduce shame, and build systems that make everyday life easier. Resources Hacking Your ADHD podcastHacking Your ADHD websiteThis Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroNational Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM): https://www.nasmm.org Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 98 - Why Rejection Hurts So Much with ADHD

    Why does one small criticism stick with us for days? Why do our emotions sometimes feel so much bigger than everyone else's? And what does ADHD have to do with it? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Emma McAdam, founder of Therapy in a Nutshell, to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD: emotional dysregulation. Emma shares her own journey to recognizing ADHD in herself while raising four daughters, including navigating ADHD within her own family. Together, she and Jami explore why rejection sensitivity can feel so overwhelming, how executive function affects emotional regulation, and why anxiety and ADHD are so often intertwined. Most importantly, Emma offers practical, research-backed strategies that can help you better understand and work with your emotions instead of feeling controlled by them. What You'll Learn Why rejection can feel so much more painful for people with ADHDThe connection between ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulationHow executive function affects your ability to process emotionsWhy emotions often feel bigger, louder, and last longer with ADHDThe role masking and shame can play in rejection sensitivityWhy so many women are first diagnosed after their childrenPractical tools for calming your nervous system and managing overwhelming emotionsHow small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements over time Why This Matters Many adults with ADHD spend years believing they're "too sensitive," overly emotional, or simply not resilient enough. The truth is that emotional regulation is part of executive functioning. Understanding how your ADHD brain processes emotions can replace shame with self-compassion—and give you practical tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and calm. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest the same question: If there were a button that could take away your ADHD forever, would you press it? Emma's answer is a thoughtful no. While ADHD has brought real challenges, especially in relationships and parenting. She also credits it with her creativity, curiosity, and the hyperfocus that helped build Therapy in a Nutshell into a resource that has reached millions of people. About the Guest Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Therapy in a Nutshell, a popular YouTube channel and online learning platform dedicated to making quality mental health education accessible to everyone. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience, Emma specializes in teaching practical, evidence-based skills for managing anxiety, emotional regulation, and overall mental wellness. Her videos have helped millions of people better understand their minds and build healthier emotional habits. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, understand their ADHD, reduce shame, and build lives that work with their brains instead of against them. Resources Therapy in a Nutshell YouTube ChannelFree courses:How to Process Your EmotionsHow to Break the Anxiety CycleThis Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much: Understanding Undiagnosed ADHDThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  8. Jul 21

    Episode 97 - Finding Peace After a Late ADHD Diagnosis

    Jami Shapiro sits down with executive communication coach and public speaking expert Dr. Reesa Woolf for a conversation that goes far beyond speaking in front of a crowd. After decades of believing she simply wasn't good at certain things, Reesa shares how discovering she had ADHD later in life brought an overwhelming sense of relief and self-compassion. Instead of seeing herself as "bad at life," she finally understood that her brain simply worked differently. Together, Jami and Reesa explore the emotional impact of a late ADHD diagnosis, the freedom that comes from letting go of self-criticism, and why understanding your brain can help you make peace with your past while creating a better future. They also discuss rejection sensitivity, public speaking anxiety, addiction, and the importance of building systems that support the way your brain naturally works. What You'll Learn Why a late ADHD diagnosis can bring relief instead of regretHow to replace years of self-criticism with self-compassionThe connection between ADHD and public speaking anxietyWhy rejection sensitivity can make criticism feel so overwhelmingHow structure and routines can create more peace in everyday lifeThe relationship between ADHD and addictive behaviorsSimple ways to work with your brain instead of against itWhy focusing on one small change at a time leads to lasting progress Why This Matters Many adults spend years believing they're lazy, disorganized, or simply "not good enough." A late ADHD diagnosis doesn't change the past, but it can completely change the way you understand yourself. This conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to replace shame with understanding and begin building a life that works for your brain. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? Reesa says she wouldn't. While ADHD has certainly brought challenges, she believes it's also shaped her creativity, compassion, curiosity, and the adventurous life she's built. For her, understanding her ADHD brought peace—not a desire to erase it. About the Guest Dr. Reesa Woolf is an executive communication coach, TED Talk trainer, and public speaking expert with more than 30 years of experience helping executives, business owners, and professionals become confident, authentic communicators. She is the author of Mr. Bear Speaks Without Fear and specializes in helping people overcome public speaking anxiety through practical, lasting strategies. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, better understand their brains and navigate life with greater clarity and compassion. Resources Mr. Bear Speaks Without Fear by Dr. Reesa WoolfPublic Speaking AustinThis Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Welcome to “Grandma Has ADHD,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and experiences of seniors living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and referred by some as ADD.  We’ll provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories to help older adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the journey of managing ADHD in later life mixed with a little humor and real life, unedited examples of navigating life with ADHD. Whether you are a senior who suspects you may have ADHD or love an ADHD Senior, “Grandma Has ADHD” embraces the saying “Making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life” and is here to provide you with the information, support, and resources you need to thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Jami Shapiro
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grandma Has ADHD
  • Show Website
    Grandma Has ADHD

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