ADHD IS...

Linda Monahan

Habits, Hyperfixations & Life with ADHD | Formerly Corporate to Calm. Now fully ADHD. Welcome to ADHD IS… the podcast where we talk real life with ADHD. Every week (maybe, probably, I don't know) I’m shooting the breeze about what it’s actually like to live, work and create with an ADHD brain. We explore - Symptoms, quirks & hyper fixations - Habits that actually stick (for a while anyway) - Business, productivity & burnout - Sobriety, energy, and life hacks - Navigating overwhelm while building your life This is for neurodivergents, creatives, entrepreneurs and anyone whose brain works a little differently, ready to embrace it, not fight it. New episodes drop weekly, relatable, honest and actionable.

  1. ADHD IS | Routines & Ridiculous Habits - Why We Do What We Do (And Why It Matters)

    May 21

    ADHD IS | Routines & Ridiculous Habits - Why We Do What We Do (And Why It Matters)

    In this episode, Linda Monahan ADHD coach, business mentor, Taurus queen and lover of a good routine dives into the hilarious, relatable and downright ridiculous quirks that come with ADHD. From birthday boundaries to laundry systems, from “my chair” energy to needing every detail of a plan, this episode explores how ADHD shows up in everyday life… and how those quirks impact business, relationships and emotional wellbeing. This is a warm, honest, laugh‑out‑loud episode that helps ADHD women and creative entrepreneurs feel seen, validated and a little less alone.   Key Takeaways (ADHD • Life • Business) 1. ADHD people overdeliver for others and underdeliver for themselves. You say it plainly: ADHDers are phenomenal workers for clients but often neglect their own admin, marketing and systems. “They go above and beyond for other people. It’s themselves they neglect.” 2. Birthday boundaries are real and they matter. You’re not making people feel better for forgetting your birthday. ADHDers often remember everything for others, so the lack of reciprocity hits differently. 3. The “special chair” phenomenon is universal. ADHD brains love familiarity, predictability and sensory safety even if it looks ridiculous from the outside. “Do you have a chair in the house that you sit in? I do… and I don’t feel right if I’m not sitting in that chair.” 4. Walking on the ‘right side’ is not optional. This is sensory regulation, not stubbornness. When the environment feels wrong, the body feels wrong. 5. Routines aren’t boring, they’re survival - well they are a bit boring! Your laundry system is a decade-long masterpiece of gamification, habit stacking and ADHD-friendly structure. “Do not f*** with my process because there is going to be trouble.” 6. ADHD brains need details early and often. Loose plans = anxiety. Clear plans = safety. “Who do you think you’re talking to? I need to know all the details now.” 7. Recording on the ‘wrong day’ feels physically off. ADHD time‑anchoring is real, routines create stability. 8. Judging people for not liking coffee or Heat is a personality trait. And honestly? It’s hilarious. 9. The dopamine death when someone tells you to do something you were already going to do. This is peak ADHD. “You’ve ruined it. You f***ed all the dopamine. It’s gone.” 10. ADHD quirks aren’t flaws, they’re patterns. And when you understand them, you can build a business that works with your brain, not against it.   🎟️ Event Mentioned Full‑day ADHD Business Event — May 27th, Bray, Co. Wicklow 100 pieces of content • Roadmap for your big goal • Mental health tools • Strategy & clarity Tickets available now ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://thehabitboss.com/take-space-event Be part of an amazing group of people within The Small Steps Accountability Circle ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://thehabitboss.com/smallstepscircle

    16 min
  2. ADHD IS | Misinterpreted - The Hidden Social Rules ADHD Women Keep Bumping Into

    May 14

    ADHD IS | Misinterpreted - The Hidden Social Rules ADHD Women Keep Bumping Into

    In this raw, funny and deeply validating episode, Linda breaks down the invisible social rules that neurodivergent women constantly trip over. This is not because we’re “wrong,” but because the world communicates in coded language we were never handed the manual for. From “We should meet for coffee” (which often means please leave me alone) to “That’s so interesting” (which usually means I’m not interested at all). Linda unpacks the hidden meanings behind everyday phrases and how they impact ADHDers in friendships, business and networking. She also dives into the emotional fallout of being misunderstood, the lack of grace many ADHD women experience post‑diagnosis and the power of gamifying daily routines to create stability and self‑trust. This episode is equal parts truth‑telling, humour and empowerment. A must‑listen for ADHD women, creatives and entrepreneurs.   Be part of an amazing group of people within The Small Steps Accountability Circle https://thehabitboss.com/smallstepscircle Grab tickets to the Take Space Event https://thehabitboss.com/take-space-event   10 Key Takeaways Neurotypical language is coded and ADHDers take things literally “I thought it meant honk if you like pizza… I just like pizza.” Literal interpretation isn’t a flaw, it’s a different operating system. 2. “We should meet for coffee” is often a polite exit, not an invitation If they don’t set the time and date… they don’t want to meet you for coffee.” This misunderstanding affects networking, collaborations and client relationships. 3. “We’ll see” = No (and ADHD brains prefer direct honesty) “We’ll see is usually no… just say no.” Clarity is kindness — especially for neurodivergent people. 4. ADHD women value truth over politeness We’re not rude, we’re efficient communicators who thrive on transparency. 5. Social cues are confusing, but patterns are obvious “We cannot read social cues… but we can see a pattern a mile off.” ADHD intuition is powerful. 6. Post‑diagnosis, many ADHD women receive less grace, not more “The amount of people who have just given me less grace… unbelievable.” This is a common and painful experience. 7. Masking hides our needs, unmasking reveals who supports us You learn quickly who can hold space for your real self. 8. Emotional safety determines connection If someone repeatedly dismisses your perspective, your nervous system stops trusting them. 9. ADHD opinions are often misinterpreted as criticism Even when you’re simply expressing your own preference, people can take it personally. 10. Gamifying routines is a powerful ADHD life hack “I have a reset I do every morning… it takes five or ten minutes.” Small, structured rituals reduce overwhelm and create momentum.

    20 min
  3. ADHD IS | You Are the Author of Your Own Story | ADHD, Life & Business Truths

    May 7

    ADHD IS | You Are the Author of Your Own Story | ADHD, Life & Business Truths

    In this episode, Linda explores the emotional, energetic and entrepreneurial realities of living with ADHD.   From navigating takers and energy‑drainers to understanding why neurodivergent people are so often misunderstood, this episode is packed with truth, humour, and practical wisdom for ADHD women and creative entrepreneurs. Linda shares openly about motherhood, marriage, business ownership, and the invisible mental load women carry. She also breaks down why automation is essential (not rude), why joy can’t be bottled, and how to build a business that supports your brain instead of burning it out. 1. You curate your own life algorithm Linda reflects on how we unconsciously invite certain patterns and people into our lives. “We are in fact the authors of our own story but actually we are the curators of our own algorithm.” 2. ADHDers are used to being misinterpreted Neurodivergent people often communicate openly and literally which others misread. “We always have been misinterpreted.” 3. Protect your joy, not everyone can hold it Some people become alienated when you’re doing well. “Sometimes it’s better to keep it under your hat… celebrate with the right people.” 4. Boundaries + clarity = ADHD business survival ADHD entrepreneurs thrive when expectations are clear. “We need clarity. We need boundaries and we need clarity.” 5. The ADHD business paradox ADHDers struggle to live in the present in life but get stuck in the present in business. “We tend to see the now in our businesses… we’re not looking at the next steps.” 6. Automation is not impersonal, it’s essential Linda dismantles the myth that automation removes the personal touch. “If I have an auto reply… go f*** yourself because I am being personal in my own life.” 7. The invisible mental load Women carry a constant checklist in their heads and ADHD amplifies it. “Have you got that mental load of is X, Y, and Z in the fridge…?” 8. Joy is fleeting and that’s okay ADHD emotional cycles shift fast. “Maybe in half an hour I’m going to feel like s***… you cannot bottle that joy.” 9. Small steps create big shifts Linda introduces her Small Steps Accountability Circle gentle, sustainable progress for ADHD brains. Be part of an amazing group of people within The Small Steps Accountability Circle https://thehabitboss.com/smallstepscircle   Grab tickets to the Take Space Event https://thehabitboss.com/take-space-event

    23 min
  4. ADHD IS | The Joy, the Burnout & the Hangover of ADHD

    Apr 29

    ADHD IS | The Joy, the Burnout & the Hangover of ADHD

    In the latest episode of the Irish ADHD Is Podcast Linda takes a raw, honest look at what ADHD really feels like behind the scenes. The passion, the burnout, the emotional crash and the complicated relationship we have with motivation. After a short break, Linda returns to share why ADHDers can love something deeply yet struggle to stay consistent, why joy feels fleeting and why pressure‑based ADHD motivation often steals the magic from the things we care about most. You’ll hear about The ADHD cycle of hyperfocus → burnout → avoidance Why routine works only when it’s flexible The heartbreak of forgetting what brings you joy The “ADHD hangover” after social or business highs How to work with your energy instead of fighting it The power of an ADHD Joy List The “Do or Delegate” rule for ADHD entrepreneurs If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t “just stay motivated,” why success feels anticlimactic or why you crash after big moments, this episode will make you feel seen, understood and a little less alone.   We also look at ADHD burnout, ADHD routines, ADHD emotional regulation, ADHD business tips, neurodivergent entrepreneurs.   ⬇️ LINKS & RESOURCES The ADHD Energy Habit Tracker Align your habits with your energy not the other way around! If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur tired of chaos and burnout, this is for you. The Take Space Event Step away from the noise and into a structured, intimate environment designed specifically for Creative & Neurodivergent minds to breathe, focus and map out what’s next without the overwhelm. Click here to book your space What if you could finally break free from the chaos and create a simple ADHD-Friendly Systems for Work-Life Balance, that actually works? THE ESSENTIAL ADHD WORK-LIFE BALANCE BLUEPRINT   💬 Join the conversation Let me know in the comments: – What part of ADHD do you relate to most? – What should I talk about next? – What are your business questions?   My Free Stuff  100 Quick Wins for ADHD Entrepreneurs The ADHD Entrepreneur's Time & Energy Reset 10 Calm Systems for Creative Entrepreneurs The Habit Boss YouTube Channel The Habit Boss Instagram The Habit Boss TikTok This isn’t about fixing yourself or pretending ADHD is a superpower. It’s about understanding it, working with it and feeling less alone. New episodes will drop whenever, with honest conversations, reflections and practical insights  🌻 no perfection required.   🎙️ ADHD IS… formerly Corporate to Calm (some CtoC guests are not ADHD) If this episode resonates, please follow, share, or leave a review, it helps more ADHD brains find their way here 💛 #ADHDWomen #ADHDentrepreneur #SoberCurious #GreyAreaDrinking #AlcoholFreeLife #NeurodivergentWomen #EmotionalRegulation #DopamineDetox #NervousSystemHealing #HabitsThatHelp #CalmBusiness #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDAwareness

    12 min
  5. I Found Out My IVF Failed 10 Minutes Before a Work Meeting… | ADHD & Pregnancy Loss

    Apr 15 ·  Bonus

    I Found Out My IVF Failed 10 Minutes Before a Work Meeting… | ADHD & Pregnancy Loss

    Wave of Light – Pregnancy Loss Awareness Trigger Warning: Pregnancy Loss, IVF, Emotional Distress This episode of ADHD Is… is a deeply personal one. I’m sharing my experience of IVF, pregnancy loss, and the emotional impact of navigating it all while living with ADHD. This time of year always brings reflection, and I wanted to open up about a journey that shaped not only my life, but the path that led me from corporate life into a more intentional, calmer way of living. I was told my IVF hadn’t worked just 10 minutes before a work meeting. And like so many women, I had to carry on. Show up. Perform. Deliver. That moment stayed with me. And it highlights something we don’t talk about enough the lack of support for pregnancy loss and fertility struggles in the workplace, especially for women managing ADHD, emotional regulation and mental load on top of everything else. In this episode, I talk through My personal IVF journey and pregnancy loss Masking, coping and showing up in corporate environments Why more awareness and compassion is needed in workplaces How this experience contributed to my Corporate to Calm journey This isn’t a polished conversation, it’s a real one. If you’re going through something similar, feeling overwhelmed, lost or like you need to scream please know this You are not alone. Please reach out to someone you trust or simply sit with this and know there are others who understand   #PregnancyLoss #WaveOfLight #IVFJourney #ADHDWomen #Neurodivergent #WomensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHDSupport #FertilityJourney #YouAreNotAlone   ⬇️ LINKS & RESOURCES The ADHD Energy Habit Tracker Align your habits with your energy not the other way around! If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur tired of chaos and burnout, this is for you. The Calm Business Method shows you how to create simple systems and habits that support your energy, focus and growth without forcing yourself into rigid routines. The Calm Business Method 💬 Join the conversation Let me know in the comments: – What part of ADHD do you relate to most? – What should I talk about next? – What are your business questions?   My Free Stuff  The Calm Business Audit The Creative Entrepreneur's Time & Energy Reset 10 Calm Systems for Creative Entrepreneurs The Habit Boss YouTube Channel The Habit Boss Instagram The Habit Boss TikTok This isn’t about fixing yourself or pretending ADHD is a superpower. It’s about understanding it, working with it and feeling less alone. New episodes will drop whenever, with honest conversations, reflections and practical insights  🌻 no perfection required.   🎙️ ADHD IS… formerly Corporate to Calm (some CtoC guests are not ADHD) If this episode resonates, please follow, share, or leave a review, it helps more ADHD brains find their way here 💛 #ADHDWomen #ADHDentrepreneur #SoberCurious #GreyAreaDrinking #AlcoholFreeLife #NeurodivergentWomen #EmotionalRegulation #DopamineDetox #NervousSystemHealing #HabitsThatHelp #CalmBusiness #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDAwareness

    26 min
  6. ADHD Is… Why We Act Before We Think

    Mar 21

    ADHD Is… Why We Act Before We Think

    ADHD Is… Why We Act Before We Think Impulsivity is one of the most misunderstood parts of ADHD and one of the most impactful. In this episode, I open up about my personal experience with ADHD impulsivity, from interrupting conversations to making risky decisions and how it shaped my life both positively and negatively. I also share why impulsivity played a major role in my decision to stop drinking and how understanding my ADHD brain has helped me find healthier ways to cope. We talk about What ADHD impulsivity really looks like day-to-day The connection between ADHD and addiction behaviours Why ADHD brains act fast and think later Emotional overwhelm, anger and impulsivity How impulsivity can actually be a strength Practical ways I regulate my energy and decisions This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about living with ADHD/AuDHD, learning from mistakes and finding what works for you. #ADHDPodcast #ADHDLife #ADHDImpulsivity #Neurodivergent #MentalHealthAwareness #AdultADHD #ADHDSupport #WomenWithADHD #ADHDJourney   ⬇️ LINKS & RESOURCES The ADHD Energy Habit Tracker Align your habits with your energy not the other way around! If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur tired of chaos and burnout, this is for you. The Calm Business Method shows you how to create simple systems and habits that support your energy, focus and growth without forcing yourself into rigid routines. The Calm Business Method 💬 Join the conversation Let me know in the comments: – What part of ADHD do you relate to most? – What should I talk about next? – What are your business questions?   My Free Stuff  The Calm Business Audit The Creative Entrepreneur's Time & Energy Reset 10 Calm Systems for Creative Entrepreneurs The Habit Boss YouTube Channel The Habit Boss Instagram The Habit Boss TikTok This isn’t about fixing yourself or pretending ADHD is a superpower. It’s about understanding it, working with it and feeling less alone. New episodes will drop whenever, with honest conversations, reflections and practical insights  🌻 no perfection required.   🎙️ ADHD IS… formerly Corporate to Calm (some CtoC guests are not ADHD) If this episode resonates, please follow, share, or leave a review, it helps more ADHD brains find their way here 💛 #ADHDWomen #ADHDentrepreneur #SoberCurious #GreyAreaDrinking #AlcoholFreeLife #NeurodivergentWomen #EmotionalRegulation #DopamineDetox #NervousSystemHealing #HabitsThatHelp #CalmBusiness #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDAwareness

    17 min
  7. ADHD IS... | Meditation and Why It Doesn’t Work for Everyone and That's OK!

    Mar 13

    ADHD IS... | Meditation and Why It Doesn’t Work for Everyone and That's OK!

    ADHD IS... | Meditation and Why It Doesn’t Work for Everyone and That's OK! Welcome to The ADHD Is... Podcast with ADHD mentor Linda Monahan In this episode we’re talking about ADHD, meditation, habits and energy cycles and why the traditional advice around mindfulness and daily routines doesn’t always work for ADHD brains. Let’s be honest Not every ADHD person can sit still and meditate. And that’s okay. In this episode I share • Why meditation doesn’t work for everyone with ADHD • Why movement can be meditation for ADHD brains • Understanding ADHD energy cycles and menstruation cycles • Why habits should be flexible for neurodivergent entrepreneurs • How to reduce decision fatigue in ADHD business owners • The importance of tracking habits for ADHD success We also talk about something rarely discussed Circadian vs Cyclical energy rhythms and how people who menstruate often experience 28-day energy cycles rather than 24-hour productivity cycles. Understanding this can completely change how you • build habits • structure your business • manage energy • avoid burnout Instead of forcing rigid routines ADHD entrepreneurs thrive when they create flexible systems that work with their brain. If you struggle with - ADHD burnout - inconsistent habits - productivity guilt - entrepreneur overwhelm This episode will help you rethink how you approach your routines. ADHD Habit Tracker https://thehabitboss.com/the-adhd-habit-tracker Habits & Hormones Energy Boosting Pack https://thehabitboss.myflodesk.com/habitsandhormones About Linda Linda Monahan is an ADHD mentor, entrepreneur and habit strategist helping ADHD business owners create systems that reduce overwhelm and increase consistency.   Subscribe for more episodes about ADHD habits ADHD entrepreneurship ADHD women ADHD productivity Neurodivergent business systems #ADHD #ADHDwomen #ADHDentrepreneur #ADHDhabits #ADHDproductivity #NeurodivergentEntrepreneur #ADHDcoach #ADHDpodcast #ADHDmotivation #WomenWithADHD #ADHDmindset #ADHDsystems   ⬇️ LINKS & RESOURCES The ADHD Energy Habit Tracker Align your habits with your energy not the other way around! If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur tired of chaos and burnout, this is for you. The Calm Business Method shows you how to create simple systems and habits that support your energy, focus and growth without forcing yourself into rigid routines. The Calm Business Method 💬 Join the conversation Let me know in the comments: – What part of ADHD do you relate to most? – What should I talk about next? – What are your business questions?   My Free Stuff  The Calm Business Audit The Creative Entrepreneur's Time & Energy Reset 10 Calm Systems for Creative Entrepreneurs The Habit Boss YouTube Channel The Habit Boss Instagram The Habit Boss TikTok This isn’t about fixing yourself or pretending ADHD is a superpower. It’s about understanding it, working with it and feeling less alone. New episodes will drop whenever, with honest conversations, reflections and practical insights  🌻 no perfection required.   🎙️ ADHD IS… formerly Corporate to Calm (some CtoC guests are not ADHD) If this episode resonates, please follow, share, or leave a review, it helps more ADHD brains find their way here 💛 #ADHDWomen #ADHDentrepreneur #SoberCurious #GreyAreaDrinking #AlcoholFreeLife #NeurodivergentWomen #EmotionalRegulation #DopamineDetox #NervousSystemHealing #HabitsThatHelp #CalmBusiness #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDAwareness

    17 min
  8. ADHD IS... Relationships | Choosing the Right Partner Changes Everything

    Mar 6

    ADHD IS... Relationships | Choosing the Right Partner Changes Everything

    ADHD IS... Relationships | Choosing the Right Partner Changes Everything Choosing the right partner when you have ADHD can completely change your life.  In this episode of the ADHD Is... Podcast, I share my personal experience of relationships, masking, emotional safety and why the partner you choose can have a huge impact on your ADHD life, parenting and mental load. As someone who is ADHD, medicated, an ADHD parent and ADHD mentor, I talk honestly about - ADHD and relationships - choosing a supportive partner - masking in relationships - mental load and parenting - ADHD medication experiences - how the right relationship can create calm and stability Many ADHD women spend years masking who they are, trying to fit into relationships that don’t feel safe. But when you meet someone you don’t have to mask with, everything shifts. We also talk about ✔ ADHD medication and trial and error ✔ ADHD vs anxiety and trauma symptoms ✔ ADHD parenting and sharing the load ✔ the mental load in relationships ✔ raising confident and respectful children Your partner should bring support, patience and respect, not more chaos. If you are navigating ADHD relationships, ADHD marriage or dating with ADHD, this episode will resonate. 👇 I would love to hear from you How has ADHD impacted your relationships? #ADHD #ADHDWomen #ADHDRelationships #ADHDPodcast #Neurodivergent #AuDHD #ADHDLife #ADHDMarriage #NeurodivergentLove #ADHDBrain #ADHDAwareness #ADHDEntrepreneur   ⬇️ LINKS & RESOURCES The ADHD Energy Habit Tracker Align your habits with your energy not the other way around! If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur tired of chaos and burnout, this is for you. The Calm Business Method shows you how to create simple systems and habits that support your energy, focus and growth without forcing yourself into rigid routines. The Calm Business Method 💬 Join the conversation Let me know in the comments: – What part of ADHD do you relate to most? – What should I talk about next? – What are your business questions?   My Free Stuff  The Calm Business Audit The Creative Entrepreneur's Time & Energy Reset 10 Calm Systems for Creative Entrepreneurs The Habit Boss YouTube Channel The Habit Boss Instagram The Habit Boss TikTok This isn’t about fixing yourself or pretending ADHD is a superpower. It’s about understanding it, working with it and feeling less alone. New episodes will drop whenever, with honest conversations, reflections and practical insights  🌻 no perfection required.   🎙️ ADHD IS… formerly Corporate to Calm (some CtoC guests are not ADHD) If this episode resonates, please follow, share, or leave a review, it helps more ADHD brains find their way here 💛 #ADHDWomen #ADHDentrepreneur #SoberCurious #GreyAreaDrinking #AlcoholFreeLife #NeurodivergentWomen #EmotionalRegulation #DopamineDetox #NervousSystemHealing #HabitsThatHelp #CalmBusiness #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDAwareness

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Habits, Hyperfixations & Life with ADHD | Formerly Corporate to Calm. Now fully ADHD. Welcome to ADHD IS… the podcast where we talk real life with ADHD. Every week (maybe, probably, I don't know) I’m shooting the breeze about what it’s actually like to live, work and create with an ADHD brain. We explore - Symptoms, quirks & hyper fixations - Habits that actually stick (for a while anyway) - Business, productivity & burnout - Sobriety, energy, and life hacks - Navigating overwhelm while building your life This is for neurodivergents, creatives, entrepreneurs and anyone whose brain works a little differently, ready to embrace it, not fight it. New episodes drop weekly, relatable, honest and actionable.