ADHD-ish™

Diann Wingert

ADHD-ish ™ is THE podcast for business owners who are driven and distracted, whether you have an “official” ADHD diagnosis or not. If you identify as an entrepreneur, small business owner, independent professional, or creative, and you color outside the lines and think outside the box, this podcast is for you. People with ADHD traits are far more likely to start a business because we love novelty and autonomy. But running a business can be lonely and exhausting. Having so many brilliant ideas means dozens of projects you’ve started and offers you’ve brainstormed, but few you’ve actually launched. Choosing what to say "yes" to and what to "catch and release" is even harder. This is exactly why I created ADHD-ish. Each episode offers practical strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help you harness your active mind and turn potential distractions into business success. From productivity tools to mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to do business your way by embracing your neurodivergent edge and turning your passion and purpose into profit. If we haven't met, I'm your host, Diann Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-business coach and serial business owner, who struggled for years with cookie-cutter advice meant for “normies” and superficial ADHD hacks that didn’t go the distance. In ADHD-ish, I’m sharing the best of what I’ve learned from running my businesses and working with coaching clients who are like-minded and like-brained. Note: ADHD-ish does have an explicit rating, not because of an abundance of “F-bombs” but because I embrace creative self-expression for my guests and myself. So, grab those headphones if you have littles around, and don’t forget to hit Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

  1. 1d ago

    Out of Sight, Out of Mind: How ADHD Object Permanence Leaks Money From Your Business

    ‍Welcome back to ADHD-ish! In this episode, host Diann Wingert closes out the five-part solo series, “Reframing ADHD Traits as Business Strategies.” Today’s focus: the ADHD challenge of “out of sight, out of mind”—a.k.a. ADHD Object Permanence—and how it quietly drains money from your business. This is one of the most misunderstood ADHD strengths and struggles, and understanding it transforms your revenue. Most people learned about object permanence as a developmental milestone in infants: it’s the reason peekaboo is so mind-blowing for toddlers. But for adults with ADHD, it’s not about missing a childhood milestone—it’s a “functional glitch” that endures throughout adulthood. ADHD Object Permanence challenges aren't about immaturity; they're directly connected to how ADHD working memory functions differently from neurotypical brains. If something isn't visible—literally in your line of sight—your ADHD brain tends to forget it exists. In business, this means things like overdue follow-ups, unrevived client relationships, or forgotten services gather dust. This is one of the core ADHD strengths and struggles that impacts your bottom line. Where Are You Leaking Money? ‍ I break it down into three layers: 1. Past Clients: Amazing people who loved working with you, would buy again, and just need a nudge. But if they’re not in your calendar or inbox—they don’t exist to your brain. Your ADHD working memory isn't the problem; your system is. 2. Leads in the ‘Dark Pipeline’: Warm prospects you were this close to converting…now forgotten until you randomly find that old email weeks later (and then feel the shame spiral). ‍This is ADHD Object Permanence in action—out of sight, completely out of mind. 3. Your Own Offers: Courses, workshops, or services you actually could be selling—but forgot you even have. How many revenue streams are invisible because of ADHD Object Permanence? What’s the Fix? Structural Visibility ‍ Don’t go buying a new planner or promising to “try harder.” That’s not a strategy—it’s just more stress. Instead, build software (aka systems!) around your brain’s “hardware” constraints. This is how you turn ADHD strengths and struggles into actionable business strategy. Here’s How: ‍ ● Use a CRM to remember leads for you—don't let your ADHD working memory be your only sales tool! This is structural support for ADHD Object Permanence. ● Block off time every week to review offers, check in on clients, and nudge those dark leads back into the light. Regular visibility beats relying on memory. ● Pre-schedule re-engagement emails for past clients + warm leads. Automation handles what ADHD Object Permanence makes invisible. Where to start: ‍ Don’t overhaul everything at once. Pick one area—past clients, dark leads, or forgotten offers—and add a single piece of visibility this week. ‍ It could be as simple as pulling your last 20 clients into a spreadsheet or writing a list of every product you currently offer. The important part is making invisible opportunities visible again. This is how you leverage ADHD strengths and struggles for revenue growth. Mentioned in this episode: ‍ Laura Schulte - LinkedIn ‍ The Pipeline Compounder Kit email marketing platform (affiliate link) ‍ ‍ Other episodes in the Reframing ADHD Traits as Business Strategy series: ‍ Ep #315: How Successful ADHD Entrepreneurs Trigger Hyperfocus on Demand ‍ Ep #317: Time Blindness is a Pricing Problem, Not Just a Productivity Problem ‍ Ep #321: The Recurring Revenue Trap: The Hidden Cost of Stable Income Ep #323: What Procrastination, Resistance & Avoidance are Trying to Tell You About Your Business ‍ Your ADHD-ish ™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a business strategist, coach, serial entrepreneur, former psychotherapist, and passionate thought leader at the intersection of ADHD and entrepreneurship. In addition to hosting the ADHD-ish ™ podcast, Diann is the creator of The ADHD-ish ™ Method, a practicing Buddhist, dog mom, and relentlessly curious human. ‍ Want help to reimagine business with your ADHD traits in mind? Schedule a free consultation to explore 1:1 ADHD entrepreneur coaching with ADHD business strategist and coach, serial business owner, and former licensed psychotherapist, Diann Wingert. For more ADHD-informed business strategies, follow ADHD-ish ™ for the rest of the Reframing Your ADHD Traits as Business Strategies, as well as inspiring guest interviews and real client success stories! Subscribe/Follow ADHD-ish ™ on Apple or Spotify ‍ ‍ © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

  2. Jul 21

    Eliminating Friction & Fatigue as an ADHD Solopreneur: A Client Success Story with Kathryn Bird

    In this episode of ADHD-ish, host Diann Wingert is joined by client, Kathryn Bird, a successful travel content creator and entrepreneur, as she opens up about the reality behind her seemingly enviable career. Despite speaking at major shows and building an impressive business, Kat wrestled with overwhelm, time blindness, guilt, and the relentless expectations she placed on herself—classic hallmarks of living and working with ADHD. Join us for an honest conversation about unraveling the tangled threads of passion, drive, and self-worth, and how doing "less but better" can transform both business and well-being. Here are my top 3 takeaways for anyone feeling stuck in their own “success”: You don’t have a million problems—just a few powerful patterns. Identifying and naming them makes change possible.Your worth is not tied to your to-do list. Planning for realistic work hours, protected downtime, and recovery is the key to sanity and sustainability.You get to define your boundaries. Say no, let go of what drains you, and protect your energy—even when it means “hiding” some of your projects from yourself if deleting them feels too scary. If you find yourself working nonstop, feeling guilty about taking a break, or recreating old corporate patterns in your “dream job,” remember: nothing on your list is more important than your well-being. About today’s guest, Kathryn Bird Kat (she/her) is a former Royal Navy helicopter observer and London airspace air traffic controller turned travel blogger and entrepreneur. After leaving her high-pressure career to travel the world, Kat turned her passion into a thriving business, teaching and inspiring fellow adventurers through her content and memberships. Her journey has been marked by remarkable achievements—and the hidden struggle of managing ADHD, perfectionism, and the pressures of self-employment. Connect with Kat: Website: https://www.wandering-bird.com/ Instagram: @wanderingbird.adventures. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WanderingBird Your ADHD-ish™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a former therapist turned coach, speaker, and consultant who blends her expertise in entrepreneurship and neurodiversity to help others thrive. Host of the top-rated ADHD-ish™ podcast and creator of The ADHD-ish™ Method, Diann works with ADHD-ish™ business owners who are ready to create stand-out, sought-after, profitable businesses based on their unique brilliance, while eliminating the extremes of boredom and burnout. Inspired by Kat’s results & want to chat about what success can look like for YOUR business? Book a free consultation and let’s talk! Want to listen to other Client Success Story episodes before booking that consultation appointment? I’ve got you. Here is the playlist. Practical Takeaways Be honest about what’s really on your plate. Track your time and get real with your expectations“Nothing on this list cannot wait.” Borrow Kat’s mantra - perfect for ADHD overachieversRest is productive. Building in recovery weeks and being intentional about your workload makes all the differenceLet go (just a little). Not every idea, offering, or piece of content needs to be perfect or even used Not ready for my six-month, one to one coaching program, but want an ADHD-informed, business savvy coach on demand? My digital clone, Di AI is free in beta.Just click the link and start chatting now! © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops/ Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

  3. Jul 14

    What Procrastination, Resistance & Avoidance Are Trying to Tell You About Your Business

    Feeling stuck in a cycle of procrastination, resistance, and avoidance? If you’re running a business with an ADHD brain, it’s time to stop fighting your nervous system and start listening to it. Understanding ADHD means recognizing that your resistance is data. In this episode of the ADHD-ish™ Podcast, part of the Reframing ADHD Traits as Business Strategy series, I challenge the mainstream productivity tips, and offer a new perspective: Procrastination isn't always the enemy—it's often vital business information. 3 Key Takeaways: Procrastination is a signal, not a personal failing. Your nervous system might be telling you something important about your business, like a task you’ve outgrown or a decision you haven’t fully made. This is how ADHD neurodiversity communicates through resistance.Five “signals” behind resistance: Delegation (tasks you should hand off), Decision (incomplete choices), Sunset (offers you need to let go), Revenue (underpriced work), and Clarity (undefined scope/stakes). Most productivity tips miss these underlying issues entirely.Don’t override, diagnose first. Before pushing through with more discipline, ask “What is this resistance telling me?”—then act on the real issue behind your avoidance. This diagnostic approach honors ADHD neurodiversity. The Reframe: Procrastination is regulatory, NOT motivational. Your nervous system is sending a protective signal, not exposing a character flaw or lack of discipline. For ADHD neurodiversity, this shows up when something is off below the surface—even if you don't consciously know what it is. This is why traditional productivity tips often fail. Next time you find yourself stuck, don’t reach for another productivity hack. Instead, ask: “What is my resistance trying to tell me?” Then act on the message, not just the task. Your business, and your brain, will thank you. This is what working with ADHD neurodiversity—rather than against it—actually looks like. Other episodes in the series: Ep #315: How Successful ADHD Entrepreneurs Trigger Hyperfocus on Demand Ep #317: Time Blindness is a Pricing Problem, Not Just a Productivity Problem Ep #321: The Recurring Revenue Trap: The Hidden Cost of Stable Income Looking for an ADHD-informed business coach that is available on demand? Sign up for my digital clone, Di AI Beta access is still free and available now! Your ADHD-ish ™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a business strategist, coach, serial entrepreneur, former psychotherapist, and passionate thought leader at the intersection of ADHD and entrepreneurship. Diann is the creator of The ADHD-ish ™ Method, a practicing Buddhist, dog mom, and relentlessly curious human. Want help to reimagine business with your ADHD traits in mind? Schedule a free consultation to explore 1:1 ADHD entrepreneur coaching with ADHD business strategist and coach, serial business owner, and former licensed psychotherapist, Diann Wingert. For more ADHD-informed business strategies, follow ADHD-ish for the rest of the Reframing Your ADHD Traits as Business Strategies, as well as inspiring guest interviews and real client success stories! Subscribe/Follow ADHD-ish on Apple or Spotify © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

  4. Jul 7

    No Diagnosis? No Problem! Embracing Neurodivergence Without Labels with Dr. Naketa Ren Thigpen

    Welcome to another episode of ADHD-ish, where we explore the lived realities, hidden challenges, and unique gifts of being neurodivergent in business and life. Today’s episode is an intimate conversation between friends, colleagues, and fellow neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Returning guest, Dr. Naketa Ren Thigpen, is an expert at the intersection of relationships and entrepreneurship, who has made the decision to forgo a formal diagnosis, while fully accepting her ADHD traits. Together, we explore how trauma, workarounds, and unapologetic authenticity shape both personal growth and professional impact. 3 Key Takeaways: Workplace Dynamics Are Deeply Human: So many organizational challenges stem from unresolved personal issues that show up at work. As Naketa says, bringing relational intelligence into organizations is the next frontier for trust, performance, and true inclusion.Diagnosis Isn’t Required for Legitimacy: You don’t need a formal diagnosis to embrace your neurodivergent identity. For some, building effective "workarounds" is enough to thrive—labels can be empowering for some and unnecessary for others, as powerfully shared.Hyperfocus Is a Super Tool—With Boundaries: Our ability to “hear the words and the music”—to focus deeply and be truly present—is a neurodivergent gift. Guarding these focus states with strong boundaries is key to making the most of them, both in business and personal growth. About today’s guest, Dr Naketa Ren Thigpen Dr. Naketa Ren Thigpen is the Architect of Intimacy in Innovation, the world's foremost Balance (and) Relationship Advisor, and Co-Founder and CEO of ThigPro Balance (and) Relationship Management Institute. Embodying her wild & rare nature, she moved beyond traditional therapy into something the industry hadn't seen. Double Board Certified and doctorate-trained in Relationship Dynamics, Dr. Naketa licenses Applied Relational Intelligence Systems to mid-market organizations, certifying their own leaders to reduce turnover, stabilize trust, and accelerate decisions from the inside. Her private advisory, BAR COTERIE, serves a select few bold enough to recalibrate success without regret. Named among 100 Women to Watch in 2026 and honored by the NAACP, she proves one thing: intimacy fuels innovation. Connect with Dr Naketa: Website: https://thigpro.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naketathigpen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asknaketaNaketa’s framework: Applied Relational Intelligence System (ARIS)Substack: https://thigproquo.substack.com/ Your ADHD-ish™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a former therapist turned coach, speaker, and consultant who blends her expertise in entrepreneurship and neurodiversity to help others thrive. Host of the top-rated ADHD-ish™ podcast and creator of The ADHD-ish™ Method, Diann works with ADHD-ish™ business owners who are ready to create stand-out, sought-after, profitable businesses based on their unique brilliance. What’s the first step for turning the business you have into the business you want? Take the ADHD-ish™ Business Blindspot quiz Loved this episode? Leave a review and tell us why! © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

  5. Jun 30

    The Recurring Revenue Trap: The Hidden Cost of "Stable" Income for Business Owners with ADHD

    Welcome back to ADHD-ish! I’m Diann Wingert, and in this episode, we’re addressing a question that many business owners with ADHD hesitate to ask themselves: Do you actually like the work that brings you your most reliable income? Not just the money, but the day-to-day tasks, the routine, and the clients you serve month after month. Understanding neurodiversity means recognizing that what works for neurotypical business owners—predictable recurring revenue models—may actively sabotage your success. Because so many of them hate to admit they don’t, I’m breaking down what I call the “recurring revenue trap”—the idea that true business maturity comes from stacking retainers, running memberships, or launching evergreen offers for that coveted, predictable income. This myth is especially damaging for those of us navigating neurodiversity in business. But what happens when your ADHD brain, which craves novelty, challenge, and variety, clashes with the sameness and repetition these models demand? If you’ve ever found yourself bored, resentful, or white-knuckling through work that “should” feel like a win, the problem isn't you—it's a structural mismatch between how neurodiversity is wired and traditional business models. 3 key takeaways for ADHD business owners: Predictability vs. Novelty: Recurring revenue models (like retainers and memberships) are built for brains that thrive on sameness and routine—not the dopamine-hungry ADHD brain, which craves novelty, challenge, and change. Understanding neurodiversity means designing around these realities, not fighting them.Structural Not Personal: Burning out on reliable income streams isn’t a failure—it’s a sign of structural mismatch. ADHD brains are wired to lose motivation with repetitive, predictable work. This is where value based pricing strategy becomes essential—charging for outcomes and transformation, not time.Design for Your Brain: You DON’T have to quit recurring revenue altogether. Instead, intentionally build novelty into your recurring offers—limited run cohorts, rotating scopes, themed “seasons,” and planned refreshes let you keep both financial stability and creative energy. A flexible retainer model can honor both your needs and your neurodiversity. 6 Dopamine-rich alternatives to boring recurring revenue models: Limited-run cohorts: Short sprints, not never-ending slogsRetainers with rotating scope: New focus each quarter keeps it freshMemberships by season/theme: Built-in breaks & changing contentQuarterly intensives: Ditch the monthly grind; go deep, then restPlanned sunsets: Don’t beat dead offers—set a clear end date!Built-in refreshes: Schedule reinventions before boredom strikes The offer you’re white-knuckling today is NOT the offer that’ll get you to the next level. Try, tweak, or sunset—but make it on YOUR terms. Mentioned during this episode: Episode #238_Creative Sprint Days: One Entrepreneur’s Solution for an ADHD-Friendly Business, with Evan Sargent Other episodes in the series: Ep #315: How Successful ADHD Entrepreneurs Trigger Hyperfocus on Demand Ep #317: Time Blindness is a Pricing Problem, Not Just a Productivity Problem Your ADHD-ish ™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a business strategist, coach, serial entrepreneur, former psychotherapist, and passionate thought leader at the intersection of ADHD and entrepreneurship. In addition to hosting the ADHD-ish ™ podcast, Diann is the creator of The ADHD-ish ™ Method, a practicing Buddhist, dog mom, and relentlessly curious human. Want help to reimagine business with your ADHD traits in mind? Schedule a free consultation to explore 1:1 ADHD entrepreneur coaching with ADHD business strategist and coach, serial business owner, and former licensed psychotherapist, Diann Wingert. For more ADHD-informed business strategies, follow ADHD-ish for the rest of the Reframing Your ADHD Traits as Business Strategies, as well as inspiring guest interviews and real client success stories! Subscribe/Follow ADHD-ish on Apple or Spotify © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

  6. Jun 23

    You're a F*cking Wizard: Why Your Business Needs a Game Master, Not a Guru, with Paul Pape

    Welcome back to ADHD-ish! In this episode, I sit down with Paul Pape, a creative business coach who brings creativity and playfulness to entrepreneurship by turning business strategy into an adventure—literally. Together, we explore the starving artist myth, the difference between creatives and artists, and why traditional business advice often falls flat for "cloud thinkers" with ADHD. You'll hear behind-the-scenes stories about rescuing multi-million dollar businesses with a single round of "D&D Business Edition," how self-knowledge (and a character sheet!) can help you embrace your quirks, and find profit, purpose, and magic—on your own terms. Whether you’re a seasoned creative entrepreneur or wondering how to turn your neurodivergence into your greatest asset, this conversation is filled with wisdom bombs, real talk, and practical strategies for making business—and life—a game worth playing. Here are my top 3 takeaways for creative entrepreneurs and fellow neurodivergents: Gamify for Engagement: Turning business challenges into quests (not just tasks!) makes even the most daunting to-do list approachable and—dare I say—fun. Paul swears by quest structures with tangible rewards to help ADHD brains stay motivated and follow through. Identity Is Your Superpower: Creating a "character sheet" for yourself enables candid self-reflection, minus the ego panic. It’s a way to step outside traditional business coaching and unlock rapid personal growth—especially for those who hide or mask their real selves. Redefine Success on Your Terms: Not every creative business needs to scale. chooses bespoke, deeply connected work over group programs and mass-produced results. The real magic? Custom approaches lead to legacy-building impact for both coach and client. Ready to gamify your business? Take Paul’s personality quiz at www.gamifybusiness.com/quiz About today’s guest, Paul Pape: Despite the challenges of running an all-custom operation—a model many believe is doomed to fail—Paul Pape has been thriving, creating more than 3,000 original products for an impressive roster of clients, including Disney, Universal, and Nickelodeon, as well as individuals from around the globe. His unwavering dedication and inventive spirit have sustained his business for over 20 years, proving that passion and adaptability can defy the odds. In addition to his custom design work, Paul runs Gamify Business, where he is the barkeep in a tavern for creatives. Tapping into his neurodivergent nerdery, Paul takes boring business practices and translates them into gaming themes and terminology. Character classes instead of customer avatars, quest lines instead of project plans. Want to chat with Paul about your business quest? The barkeep is in, so pull up a stool. Paul’s Body of Work: Gamify Business TEDx Talk: Santa for Nerds Paul’s Books: Stop Selling Your Shit The Creative Player’s Handbook to Business Paul Pape Designs Your ADHD-ish™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the neurodivergent experience. Diann is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship. She is the creator of the ADHD-ish Method and host of the top-rated ADHD-ish podcast. Diann is many things, but she is not a gamer. She is, however, learning to tap into her nerdy side. Mentioned during the episode: Dragons & Beasties‍ ‍ Breaking Bad‍ ‍Dungeons & Dragons‍ ‍World of Warcraft‍ ‍Joe Dispenza: Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself‍ ‍‍ ‍Vincent Van Gogh‍ ‍Jackson Pollock‍ ‍The Industrial Revolution‍ Target‍ ‍TJ Maxx‍ ‍Tim Burton‍ ‍Nightmare Before Christmas‍ ‍Danny Elfman‍ ‍Johnny Lam’s You Are Player 1 ‍ Loved this episode? Leave a review and tell us why! © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

  7. Jun 16

    The ADHD Expert's Trap: Performing Your Value Instead of Owning It: A Client Success Story with Jabari Allen

    When many leave traditional employment to start their own business, they dream of freedom, creativity, and fulfillment. Yet the reality often looks eerily familiar. Even after making that bold leap, it’s easy to recreate the same patterns and pitfalls from corporate life—scope creep, burnout, and that ever-present sense of chasing moving goalposts. For today’s guest, Jabari Allen, a tech consultant specializing in AI reliability, the early entrepreneurial road was filled with the same energy-draining dynamics he’d hoped to escape. But what makes Jabari’s story so unique is the intersectionality at play: building a business while navigating the realities of being Black and neurodivergent in the predominantly white tech industry. Jabari shares what it feels like to be “the only one” in the room, and how owning every facet of his identity—rather than hiding or compensating—becomes the most radical business strategy of all. This Client Success Story is a vulnerable and inspiring conversation about evolving your entrepreneurial identity and what is possible with a thought partner who challenges you to move beyond proving your worth into owning your power. Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode Trusting Your Intuition Matters: What it really means to listen to your gut in business, especially when everyone else seems to know betterPeople-Pleasing Isn’t Always Obvious: Discover the sneaky ways people-pleasing shows up for entrepreneurs—and why setting boundaries is actually better for you and your clientsIntersectionality & Self-Advocacy: Gain insight into what it’s like to navigate tech as a Black neurodivergent professional, and how those layers shape confidence and communicationEmbracing Your Thought Leadership: Learning how to shift from “technician” to “expert”—and how the simplest offer can be both disruptive and profitable Fun Fact from the Episode There’s a term in the tech industry for endlessly fussing with tiny details called “yak shaving.” Turns out, it’s not just about perfecting code—but can be a major sign you’re avoiding a bigger decision. Jabari calls it circling the drain, and I refer to it as fluffing the pillows. Whether it's the obsessive nature of ADHD perfectionism, anxiety about feeling we need to prove ourselves, or keeping ourselves too busy with the small stuff to confront the big stuff, or a combination plate of all of the above, set a limit on this tendency to keep from holding yourself back while feeling productive. Connect with Jabari Allen: Website - Substack - LinkedIn Is it time to redefine your success as a business owner with ADHD, and shift from proving your value to owning your expertise? The first step is scheduling a free consultation where we talk about your goals and see if we are a good fit. Click here to book yours now. Click here for the custom playlist of more ADHD-ish™ Method Client Success Stories And, don’t forget to leave a comment on Spotify (I personally respond to every one) or leave a review so more ADHD-ish business owners can find THE podcast full of real talk and real solutions for neurodiverse business brains. © 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

  8. Jun 9

    "Somebody Stole My Sh*t!" : Copycats, Counterfeiters, and How to Protect What You've Built, with Dani Donovan

    ‍From her unexpected rise as an ADHD comic creator to pouring over 3,000 hours into designing The Anti-Planner, a "productivity spell book," Dani Donovan is a force of nature. In this lively interview, Dani shares her unfiltered journey of building a tool for people tired of feeling like failures, dealing with the emotional roller coaster of intellectual property theft, and navigating impostors selling shoddy knockoffs of her labor of love. ‍We discuss what goes into protecting your intellectual property as an entrepreneur, why valuing your own creative work is vital, and what Dani wishes she’d known before dealing with copycat chaos and the steep cost of defending her business. Her story underscores why trademark protection and legal safeguards aren't luxuries—they're essential armor for small business ownership. ‍If you’ve ever obsessed over planners you never use, struggled with perfectionism and procrastination, or wondered what it really takes to launch and protect something one-of-a-kind—this episode will resonate. ‍Get ready for hard truths, laughter, and transparency about the messy realities of ADHD entrepreneurship. ‍ Key takeaways for fellow creators and founders: ‍Protect Your IP Early - Dani Donovan’s story underscores the importance of copyrighting your content and considering trademarks before you reach mass awareness—even an overseas copyright or trademark if necessary. Counterfeiting Can Happen to You - Whether you’re just starting out or have a viral hit, don’t assume your business is “too small” to be targeted. Copycats watch for what’s trending, and success makes you a target. ‍Community & Transparency Matter - Sharing the messy, challenging parts (like publicly addressing counterfeiting) can activate support from customers and fellow entrepreneurs—and may even lead to further growth and visibility. ‍Fun Fact From The Episode ‍When the first shipment of the Anti-Planner arrived, people (including myself) literally hugged it to their chest—and it wasn’t by accident! Dani intentionally made it “therapy pillow-sized” based on how she wanted users to feel about it. ‍ About today’s guest, Dani Donovan: ‍Dani Donovan is an award-winning designer and creator of the viral hit product, "The Anti-Planner: How to Get Sh*t Done When You Don't Feel Like It." Known for her relatable ADHD comics, tweets, and TikToks, she's been helping shape the online neurodiversity community since 2018. Dani was the closing keynote speaker at the 2021 International ADHD Conference, and her work has helped thousands of people seek an ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Mentioned during the episode: ‍Alibaba ‍ - Steve Peha - Copyscape Plagarism Checker ‍- MarqVision Brand Protection Agency ‍ About the Anti-Planner: ‍Tapping into her own frustrations and the lived experiences of ADHD peers, Dani Donovan spent over 3,000 hours creating The Anti-Planner, a “productivity spellbook”—a lovingly designed, non-linear, highly personalized compendium of over 100 strategies for overcoming procrastination and building emotional resistance. ‍Dani obsessed over every detail: the comforting size, playful illustrations, durable faux-leather binding, gold foil, thick paper, pen loop, and rounded corners. It is gorgeous, practical, and nothing like all the planners you’ve bought and abandoned two weeks later. I absolutely love mine! ‍Buy your copy of the Original Anti-Planner here. (Dani also has a Clean version if you are not so sweary…) ‍ ‍ Your ADHD-ish™ host, Diann Wingert ‍Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner to coaching entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct and strategic, with a dash of humor, and filled with the insights of someone who lives and breathes the ADHD-ish™ experience. Diann is the creator of the ADHD-ish™ Method, host of the top-rated ADHD-ish™ podcast and proud mom of three neurodivergent adults. ‍ ‍‍ ‍ Should I have Dani back again? Want Dani Donovan to return to ADHD-ish™ to talk about what actually happens when your business scales way faster than you expected? Let us know by leaving a voice message here or sending an email here. Thanks! ‍ ‍ © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

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ADHD-ish ™ is THE podcast for business owners who are driven and distracted, whether you have an “official” ADHD diagnosis or not. If you identify as an entrepreneur, small business owner, independent professional, or creative, and you color outside the lines and think outside the box, this podcast is for you. People with ADHD traits are far more likely to start a business because we love novelty and autonomy. But running a business can be lonely and exhausting. Having so many brilliant ideas means dozens of projects you’ve started and offers you’ve brainstormed, but few you’ve actually launched. Choosing what to say "yes" to and what to "catch and release" is even harder. This is exactly why I created ADHD-ish. Each episode offers practical strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help you harness your active mind and turn potential distractions into business success. From productivity tools to mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to do business your way by embracing your neurodivergent edge and turning your passion and purpose into profit. If we haven't met, I'm your host, Diann Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-business coach and serial business owner, who struggled for years with cookie-cutter advice meant for “normies” and superficial ADHD hacks that didn’t go the distance. In ADHD-ish, I’m sharing the best of what I’ve learned from running my businesses and working with coaching clients who are like-minded and like-brained. Note: ADHD-ish does have an explicit rating, not because of an abundance of “F-bombs” but because I embrace creative self-expression for my guests and myself. So, grab those headphones if you have littles around, and don’t forget to hit Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

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