ADHD reWired

Eric Tivers, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
  • 4.8 (904)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
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The podcast for adults with ADHD. Hear stories, learn strategies, and get great productivity tips as we talk about the real-life struggles and what it takes to achieve success. Host, Eric Tivers, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, coach and entrepreneur (with ADHD) in private practice. Eric interviews a variety of guests. Many are people just like yourself, as well professionals, entrepreneurs, and ADHD experts.

  1. How to Finish Anything with Paulette Perhach 560

    13H AGO

    How to Finish Anything with Paulette Perhach 560

    If you've ever had a week where your intentions were solid… and your follow-through vanished into the void, you're not alone. In this episode, Eric is joined by writer, teacher, and ADHD coach Paulette Perhach, who shares the FINISH framework: a simple, ADHD-friendly approach to actually completing projects, building consistency, and getting unstuck. Paulette's take is refreshingly honest: ADHD can feel like the superpower and the kryptonite at the same time. She talks about getting diagnosed at 38, learning to ask for accommodations without shame, and building systems that support creative work… even when your brain fights you every step of the way. This conversation is part practical strategy, part nervous-system-friendly encouragement, and very "you're not broken, you're under-supported." ✅ In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why ADHD brains often need "fake stakes" (engineered urgency) to follow through How to break big goals into small increments that create momentum The importance of nixing distractions (without relying on willpower) How to protect hyperfocus and use it intentionally instead of accidentally Why community and body doubling are so powerful for ADHD How self-compassion becomes a real strategy, not just a nice idea What to do when you're having a "bad brain day" and can't access your usual tools 🧠 The FINISH Framework (Six Elements to Finish Anything) Paulette breaks down the acronym FINISH: F — Fake Stakes ADHD motivation often needs emotional urgency. Fake stakes are "real enough" accountability: deadlines, commitments, public accountability, or putting something on the calendar that makes it harder to ghost your own goal. I — Increment Instead of "write the book," aim for 500 words a day. Small daily targets create dopamine, progress, and trust. N — Nix Distractions This is about designing your environment so you don't have to wrestle your brain all day long. Tools like app blockers (Freedom App) and external reminders can support focus. I — Immerse Make space to hyperfocus on purpose by doing the planning/admin work ahead of time. Paulette calls this a weekly "writer's refresh" to calm the nervous system and reduce background stress. S — Share Community matters. Body doubling matters. Doing things with other people (even silently) can dramatically increase follow-through. H — Hype This one is about self-talk and emotional regulation. Exercise, meditation, and kindness toward yourself aren't luxuries, they're performance tools for ADHD brains. 🔥 Standout Moments Paulette's line: "My version of consistency is that I get back up every time I fall down." The difference between luxury vs. accommodation, especially when traveling Eric's take on requesting extra time to board flights and why it can be a legitimate accommodation The idea that shame doesn't create change (it creates shutdown) Why ADHD-friendly success often looks like iteration, not perfection 🎧 ADHD-Friendly Takeaway If your brain only gives you one usable step today, let it be this: Pick the smallest thread you can hang onto to stay connected to the work. Open the document. Read one paragraph. Write one sentence. Show up for one increment. That counts. That builds trust. 👤 About Paulette Perhach Paulette Perhach is a writer, teacher, and ADHD coach who helps writers and creatives build sustainable, fulfilling creative lives. Her work has appeared in major outlets, and she leads writing and meditation sessions through her community programs. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Paulette Perhach (website): paulperhach.com Writer's Mission Control Center: thewritermissioncontrolcenter.com Freedom App (distraction blocking) ✅ Work With Eric / Join the Community Want structure that actually works for your ADHD brain? ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups: coachingrewired.com Winter 2026 Groups Forming Now! -- February 5-6 | April 2-3Registration EventsThursday, January 15, 22, 29 at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ETFriday, January 16, 23, 30 at 7:30 AM PT / 11:30 AM ET Adult Study Hall (Virtual Coworking): adultstudyhall.com Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/adhdrewired

    42 min
  2. 559 ADHD & AuDHD Burnout: Why Community & Accountability Still Matter Personal Updates & Listener Questions

    JAN 14

    559 ADHD & AuDHD Burnout: Why Community & Accountability Still Matter Personal Updates & Listener Questions

    In the final Q&A of 2025, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired coach Brian for a candid, intimate conversation about ADHD, AuDHD, burnout recovery, unmasking, grief, and what it looks like to rebuild momentum without torching your nervous system in the process. They answer listener questions ranging from "what I wish I knew before my autism diagnosis" to "what burnout actually looks like," and they zoom out to something simple but powerful: community and accountability aren't "nice extras," they're often the difference between knowing what helps and actually doing it. Also: a listener puts Eric in the hot seat about getting back to pickleball… and it turns into real-time accountability, immediate action, and a follow-up update that he's now going 3–4 times a week. In this episode, we cover Personal updates: burnout recovery, nervous system capacity, and Eric's autism diagnosis Why AuDHD can increase burnout risk (and why recovery can take longer than you expect) Brian's reflections on exploring autism and recognizing long-term burnout patterns Unmasking: what it really means (beyond "coming out") and how it impacts relationships The balance between honoring your needs while still caring about impact on others Grief and burnout: how loss affects the nervous system, energy, and expectations What burnout looks like in real life: apathy, feeling rudderless, skill regression, and "my usual motivators aren't working" Eric's working theme for the year: attunement (listening to self, body, and capacity) Favorite AI tools right now: thinking partner, planning support, and everyday practical use Autism assessment options in Chicago (including what worked for Eric) A playful-but-serious accountability moment that leads to real behavior change Listener Q&A highlights What are your favorite AI tools right now? Eric and Brian share how they're using ChatGPT in everyday life and personal/professional planning, including using AI to organize thoughts, support self-reflection, help with decisions, and even analyze photos for practical problem-solving. What do you wish you'd known before being diagnosed autistic? Eric talks about high-masking autism, and how repeated success can quietly raise internal expectations year after year… until the nervous system taps out. How has grief impacted your nervous system and burnout? Eric reflects on losing his dad (and grandmother), how grief shows up unexpectedly, and choosing to let grief be grief rather than trying to "bounce back" on a schedule. What does burnout look like for you? Eric describes burnout as apathy, feeling rudderless, needing far more recovery time, anxiety no longer activating last-minute productivity, and struggling to do even the helpful things (like exercise/pickleball). What's the smallest step I can take to get back into pickleball? A listener challenges Eric to take one tiny step… and it becomes immediate action, membership sign-up, and later consistency. Resources mentioned ADHD reWired (podcast, programs, and more): https://www.adhdrewired.com Learn about Coaching & Accountability Groups: https://www.coachingrewired.com Adult Study Hall (virtual coworking + community): https://www.adultstudyhall.com Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/adhdrewired Prosper Health (online autism evaluations): https://www.prosperhealth.io Devon Price (author + clinician mentioned in the episode): https://www.drdevonprice.com Key takeaway Burnout recovery isn't linear. For AuDHD folks especially, the cycle of "I feel better → I go full throttle → I crash again" can repeat fast. This episode is a reminder that community and accountability aren't just support… they're infrastructure. Next live Q&A March 10 at 12:30 PM Central

    49 min
  3. When "Fine" Keeps Us Stuck: A Reflection on My Dad, Masking, and Adapting ep 558

    10/06/2025

    When "Fine" Keeps Us Stuck: A Reflection on My Dad, Masking, and Adapting ep 558

    "I'm Fine": What My Dad Taught Me About Resisting Help On August 14th, my dad passed away. In the weeks since, I've been reflecting on his life, his humor, his resilience — and his signature phrase: "I'm fine." He said it when he was hooked up to machines in the hospital. He said it when he was on the roof cleaning gutters, even though his balance was shot. And most of the time, he wasn't fine at all. In this episode, I share some of the lessons I learned from my dad about adapting — and about the cost of resisting it. From the adult trike he never would have bought for himself, to the senior living community he resisted but came to love, my dad's story is a mirror for the ways we all struggle with change, masking, and accepting support. I also talk about my own journey: being diagnosed with ADHD at 19, and more recently, with autism — a diagnosis that really came into focus during a season of burnout. Like my dad, I've had to learn that determination isn't enough. Saying "I'm fine" isn't enough. What matters is adapting — and allowing ourselves to receive help when we need it. If you've ever caught yourself saying "I'm fine" when you're not, this one's for you. In This Episode The phrase my dad used that wasn't always true — "I'm fine." How his resistance to adapting shaped my understanding of masking. The trike that gave him joy he wouldn't have chosen for himself. Why moving into a senior living community became one of the best decisions he never wanted to make. What his struggles taught me about ADHD, autism, burnout, and learning to adapt. Resources & Links Learn more about ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups: coachingrewired.com Join our virtual co-working community: adultstudyhall.com Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/adhdrewired

    15 min
  4. Building Systems that work for you (and not the other way around) with Stephanie Blake - Ep 557

    09/30/2025

    Building Systems that work for you (and not the other way around) with Stephanie Blake - Ep 557

    🧠 Episode Summary: Are you building a business (or a life) that supports your life—or one that runs you into the ground? In this episode of ADHD reWired, Eric Tivers is joined by business systems coach and automation strategist Stephanie Blake. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Stephanie shares how simplifying her business, embracing structure, and getting honest about burnout helped her reclaim her energy and build a business that works for her, not the other way around. They talk about the unique ways ADHD brains thrive with streamlined systems, why too many tools can be a trap, and how authenticity and self-awareness fuel sustainable success. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to do all the things, this episode is your permission slip to do less—better. You'll also hear tips for where to start with automation, how to avoid shiny object syndrome, and why consistency matters more than complexity. ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics: 00:00 – Intro 02:02 – Stephanie's story: diagnosis, business, and burnout 06:11 – "Simplify to scale": the ADHD-friendly approach to business 11:58 – Tools and systems that actually help (and what to ditch) 18:05 – Where to start with automation (without breaking your brain) 21:42 – The myth of doing it all—and why solo doesn't mean alone 26:39 – What's behind our addiction to new tools 30:14 – The power of community and authenticity in building your brand 35:20 – Why revisiting your systems is a must, not a maybe 38:17 – Final thoughts: automate the right things, at the right time 40:36 – Learn more from Stephanie + Fall Coaching Groups are open! 👤 Guest Bio: Stephanie Blake is the founder of the Simple Business School and Simple Business Suites. She helps entrepreneurs scale to six figures and beyond by simplifying their business systems, automating strategically, and building offers that align with their values. As a mom, a CEO, and an ADHDer, Stephanie believes in doing business your way—and building something that lasts. 🌐 Learn more at: theblakecollective.com 📱 Instagram: @theblakecollective 🔧 Tools & Resources Mentioned: ClickUp – Project Management Airtable – Databases / Organizing Everything Zapier – Automation StreamYard – Live Streaming Platform 🚀 Learn More & Take Action 🧭 Fall 2025 Coaching Groups are open for registration! If you're ready to finally get support, structure, and accountability that works for your ADHD brain, then come join us. Join our next Registration Event: 📅 Friday, October 3rd at 12pm Central OR 📅 Thursday, October 9th at 10am Central October 3rd: $1699 October 9th (Late Reg): $1899 📆 3- and 6-month payment plans available! 🔗 Start your pre-registration now at www.coachingrewired.com 🌐 Learn more about: Adult Study Hall (Virtual co-working): www.adultstudyhall.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/adhdrewired 🎧 Listen & Share If this episode helped you feel less alone or gave you a new perspective on how to run your business or your life with ADHD, share it with a friend—or on social! Use #ADHDreWired to join the conversation.

    42 min
  5. Hustle, Flow or Let it Go? Lessons from Burnout and Grief - with Dr. Portia Preston - Ep 556

    09/15/2025

    Hustle, Flow or Let it Go? Lessons from Burnout and Grief - with Dr. Portia Preston - Ep 556

    What does it really mean to know when to push, when to pause, and when to let go? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Portia Preston returns to ADHD reWired to share insights from her book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go? We talk about burnout, shame-free wellness, and the small practices that can help us create a more sustainable rhythm in life. This episode weaves together stories of resilience and grief, the reality of living with ADHD and autism, and Portia's SANE model (Slow down, Acknowledge, Navigate, Evaluate)—a simple framework to help you reset when overwhelm takes over. We also talk about support squads, the hidden cost of hustle culture, and what it means to choose rest without shame. If you've been running on empty, carrying grief, or just wondering if there's another way forward, this conversation is for you. 00:00 – Introduction: Shame Free Wellness and unlearning harmful beliefs 01:07 – Welcome to ADHD Rewired, host Eric Tivers introduces the show 01:31 – Eric shares personal news: loss of his father and recent illness 03:06 – Portia Preston joins: author, speaker, and executive coach 05:36 – Portia discusses the motivation behind her book and the concept of sustainable rhythm 07:54 – The SANE Cycle: a four-step process for self-reflection and growth 08:49 – Book launch experiences, balancing promotion, and authenticity 10:57 – Defining "hustle" and "flow" in the context of wellness 13:00 – Letting go: the challenge and importance of releasing what doesn't serve you 15:21 – The SANE model explained: Slow down, Acknowledge, Navigate, Evaluate 17:06 – Portia's favorite part of the book and audience reactions 17:52 – Break: Coaching and accountability group info - ADHD Rewired Coaching & Accountability Groups - ADHD Rewired Virtual Coworking Community 18:48 – Grief, burnout, and the importance of sitting with discomfort 22:00 – Building a support squad and the difference between solitude and isolation 25:00 – Neurodivergence, intersectionality, and Portia's experience as a Black woman with ADHD and autism 29:00 – Audience feedback on the book and the importance of vulnerability 33:00 – Shame Free Wellness Manifesto (read aloud) 35:44 – The importance of rest, authenticity, and self-acceptance 39:00 – Context shifting, capacity vs. discipline, and self-compassion - Dr. Raquel Martin on Instagram: @drraquelmartin 43:00 – Teaching students about shame-free wellness and legacy 46:00 – Grief, community, and turning pain into purpose 49:00 – The value of showing up authentically and embracing imperfection 52:00 – Where to find Portia's book and connect online - Book: "Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go: A Guide to Shame-Free Wellness" • PortiaPreston.com • Amazon Book Link - Instagram: @drportiapreston 54:00 – Closing thoughts: SANE model reminder and encouragement 56:00 – Outro: gratitude and next steps

    52 min
  6. People Pleasing & ADHD: When "Yes" is a Nervous-System Response and How to Stop with Anita Sandoval, LPC - EP 555

    08/11/2025

    People Pleasing & ADHD: When "Yes" is a Nervous-System Response and How to Stop with Anita Sandoval, LPC - EP 555

    People-pleasing isn't a personality flaw—often it's a nervous-system strategy. Licensed Professional Counselor and ADHD-CCSP Anita Sandoval joins Eric to unpack how the fawn response shows up with ADHD, trauma, and RSD; how it differs from masking and conflict avoidance; and what real change looks like. We cover Anita's "Empower → Resilient → Authentic" model, ADHD-friendly EMDR adaptations, and the messy-but-worth-it work of boundaries (including with narcissistic family dynamics). Resources, Anita's links, and a quick survey about a potential evening coaching group are in the full notes at ADHDreWired.com. Guest: Anita Sandoval, LPC-S, EMDR-Certified, ADHD-CCSP — therapist, supervisor, and author of Broken Chains (English & Spanish). Host of Empowering Women in Conversations and creator of Empower Her Pathways. We cover: People-pleasing as a neuro-adaptive response (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) People-pleasing vs. conflict avoidance vs. masking ADHD & RSD: why "neutral" feedback stings and how regulation shifts it Differentiating from personality disorders (dependent/BPD) Hypervigilance, ACEs, and emotional regulation circuits Boundaries with narcissistic dynamics (including the "victim narcissist" pattern) Anita's staged model (Stages of Change × grief work): Unaware → Aware → Ready → Action → Maintenance → Integration (Empowered → Resilient → Authentic) Therapies that help ADHD brains: EMDR with resourcing, IFS/parts work, polyvagal-informed regulation Eric's EMDR story: from trigger spirals to co-regulation Try this: Notice your next automatic "yes." Ask: Is this aligned with my values, or is my nervous system chasing safety? Then practice one tiny boundary this week and track before/during/after. Resources mentioned: Anita Sandoval — anitasandoval.com (course: Empower Her Pathways) Broken Chains (English/Spanish) Dr. Ramani's work on narcissism (Should I Stay or Should I Go?) Modalities: EMDR, IFS/Parts, Polyvagal-informed approaches Coaching & community: Evening Coaching Group — interest survey We're exploring a fall evening section (proposed Wed, Sept 18 • 5pm PT / 8pm ET) led by ADHD reWired Coach & LCSW Kristin Marts, at a budget-friendly rate (starting at $999) if we move forward. Deadline to weigh in: Aug 15. Take the short survey at www.coachingrewired.com. Complete the survey to enter to win 6 months free in our Alumni community ($240 value) or 1 year free of Adult Study Hall ($240 value). Adult Study Hall (ASH) — virtual co-working & body doubling. Free 1-week trial, then $19.99/mo or $150/yr at www.adultstudyhall.com. Connect with Anita: www.anitasandoval.com | Podcast: Empowering Women in Conversations

    45 min
  7. 554 | OCD with ADHD: Could your anxiety be OCD? with Natalia Aíza

    07/07/2025

    554 | OCD with ADHD: Could your anxiety be OCD? with Natalia Aíza

    What is OCD, really? It's far more than the stereotypes of handwashing, tapping, or lining up your pens just right. On today's episode, Eric is joined by Natalia Aíza — a therapist, parent, writer, and co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective — who specializes in supporting individuals and families navigating OCD and anxiety. Together, they explore how OCD can show up in less obvious ways, especially for those with ADHD. You'll hear: ✅ Why OCD is often missed or misdiagnosed in ADHD brains ✅ How intense nostalgia, perfectionism, and social media checking can all be forms of OCD ✅ The difference between typical anxiety and OCD ✅ Why intrusive thoughts don't define you ✅ How exposure response prevention (ERP) and medication can help ✅ Eric's own reflections on healing unexpected layers through EMDR and discovering his autism If you've ever felt stuck in mental loops, struggled with perfectionism, or wondered whether your patterns might be more than "just" ADHD, this episode is for you. Learn more about Natalia Aiza and Kairos Wellness Collective: 👉 Instagram: @letstalk.ocd 👉 Kairos Wellness Collective: kairoswellnesscollective.com 👉 Email: natalia@kairoswellnesscollective.com Ready to take the next step with your ADHD? Don't miss our second 2nd chance Registration Event for the summer ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups on Thrusday, July 10. Visit coachingrewired.com to learn more and secure your spot.

    48 min
  8. The ADHD Productivity Manual with Ari Tuckman, PSY.D, MBA

    06/30/2025

    The ADHD Productivity Manual with Ari Tuckman, PSY.D, MBA

    Support Comes from ADHD reWIred's Coaching and Accountability Groups. Summer Sessions are July 24 - Sept 18. Join us at our next registration event on July 10th. Learn more by going to www.coachingrewired.com Episode Overview: In this episode, Eric is joined by Ari Tuckman, PSY.D, MBA, psychologist, international presenter, and author of the new "ADHD Productivity Manual." Together, they dive deep into the realities of productivity for people with ADHD, exploring motivation, activation, self-compassion, and practical strategies for getting things done. Key Topics Discussed: The difference between motivation and activation, and why both matter for ADHD brains How perfectionism and unrealistic expectations can sabotage progress The importance of understanding your "why" for each task, not just the "what" Social aspects of productivity: people-pleasing, setting boundaries, and communicating when you can't meet a deadline Real-world strategies and creative hacks from Ari, Eric, and their clients (including timers, accountability, and engineering urgency) The value of celebrating small wins and tracking progress over time Self-compassion and letting go of impossible standards How to build systems that work for your unique brain, not just follow generic advice Guest Bio: Dr. Ari Tuckman is a leading ADHD expert, psychologist, and author of five books, including the "ADHD Productivity Manual." He brings decades of clinical experience and a practical, compassionate approach to helping people thrive with ADHD. Resources & Links: Learn more about Ari and his books: adultadhdbook.com Join ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups: coachingrewired.com Check out Adult Study Hall for virtual coworking: adultstudyhall.com Support the Show: Become a patron for bonus content and monthly coaching calls: adhdrewired.com/patreon Sign up for the newsletter and get episode resources: adhdrewired.com Takeaway: You're not broken, and you don't have to do hard things the hardest way or alone. Progress is possible—one step, one system, and one act of self-compassion at a time. Thanks for listening!

    57 min
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4.8
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About

The podcast for adults with ADHD. Hear stories, learn strategies, and get great productivity tips as we talk about the real-life struggles and what it takes to achieve success. Host, Eric Tivers, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, coach and entrepreneur (with ADHD) in private practice. Eric interviews a variety of guests. Many are people just like yourself, as well professionals, entrepreneurs, and ADHD experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Tivers, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    575
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©Tivers Clinical Specialties, PC Dba ADHD reWired, (2025)
  • Show Website
    ADHD reWired

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