Mad About... with Maddy Alexander-Grout

Maddy Alexander-Grout
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Welcome to Mad About… The podcast amplifying neurodivergent voices, messy stories, and the brilliant humans who refuse to fit in boxes. Hosted by bestselling author and visibility strategist Maddy Alexander-Grout, Mad About… is a space where neurodivergent people get to speak for themselves. Each episode brings honest conversations about life, money, business, identity, and everything in between. No polished success stories. No pretending everything is perfect.  Just real humans sharing real experiences. Because neurodivergent people have spent far too long being spoken about instead of being listened to. This podcast exists to change that. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs, creatives, parents, leaders, and everyday people who are navigating ADHD, autism, chronic conditions, hidden disabilities, and brains that simply work differently. Some episodes are funny. Some are raw. Some might make you rethink everything you thought you knew about success. But every single one gives someone a voice and visibility. Maddy built her business and audience by telling the truth about her own struggles with ADHD, money mistakes, and not fitting into traditional business spaces. Now she uses that platform to help others be seen, heard, and valued too. It’s about being real, imperfect, neurodivergent AF, and proud of it. If you've ever been told you’re too much, too loud, too different, or too chaotic… You’re in the right place. Welcome to Mad About…

  1. Sep 7

    Ep120- Disabled & Scared- A life update from me

    Message Us! It’s been six weeks since I last picked up the podcast mic… and quite frankly, A LOT has happened. In this episode of Mad About, I’m giving you a proper life update. I talk about burnout, navigating the summer holidays with two neurodivergent kids, the frankly horrific way disabled and neurodivergent people are being talked about online and in the press, and why it’s made me even more determined to use my voice. I also share my plans for a new documentary/mini-series about the REALITY of living with hidden disabilities. Real people. Real stories. No polished scripts or carefully manufactured narratives. Then there’s Gladys, my powerchair, becoming a much bigger part of my life, running a business when your health changes, and figuring out what I actually want the next chapter of my career to look like. And then something pretty bloody brilliant happened… I PRESENTED ON KERRANG RADIO. 🤘 Yep. My favourite radio station. And I absolutely bloody loved it. So now I’m thinking seriously about radio, journalism and how I can combine disability advocacy with the things that give me ridiculous amounts of dopamine: music, radio and apparently collecting sea glass. 😂 I also talk about what’s changing inside The Maddyverse, why that community matters so much to me, and what I want to create next. Oh, and it’s my birthday. A day I traditionally find deeply awkward because PLEASE DO NOT SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME. 😂 Basically, this episode is disability, neurodivergence, business, burnout, birthdays, wheelchairs, Kerrang, sea glass and me figuring out WTF comes next. Welcome back to Mad About. 💖🤘 In this episode: 🎙️ Why the podcast disappeared for six weeks ♿ Becoming a much more regular wheelchair user 🔥 Disability backlash and why I want to fight back 🎥 My plans for a hidden-disability documentary 💖 What’s happening with The Maddyverse 🤘 My Kerrang Radio experience 📻 Why I want to do more radio and journalism 🧠 Running a business alongside disability and burnout 🎂 Why autistic me is really not a fan of birthdays 🌈 And what’s coming next If you have a hidden disability and would be interested in sharing your story for the documentary/mini-series, get in touch. And if you enjoy the episode, subscribe and leave a review. It genuinely helps more people find the podcast. 💖 ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

  2. Jul 31

    Ep119 The ADHD Myth- with Maddy Alexander-Grout

    Message Us! This week I'm absolutely fuming. A new Channel 4 documentary, The ADHD Myth, asks whether ADHD is really a neurodevelopmental condition and questions whether too many children are being medicated. As someone who has ADHD, has spent years coaching people with ADHD, trained in ADHD, and literally wrote a book about it... I had a few things to say. In this episode I talk about:  Why headlines like this can be so damaging.  The difference between asking scientific questions and fuelling stigma.  Why ADHD medication is never an "easy option" for parents.  The reality of living with ADHD and why validation matters.  Why invisible disabilities are constantly questioned.  Blue Badges, PIP and the myths surrounding ADHD support.  Whether this documentary is genuine investigation... or simply rage bait. I'm also sharing my personal experience as an ADHD parent, why I haven't rushed to medicate my own children, and why every family deserves the right to make those decisions without judgement. If you have ADHD, love someone who does, or you're simply curious about the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. ⚠️ Please note: This episode was recorded before the documentary aired and is a reaction to the promotional material and press coverage available at the time.  Connect with me 📖 Mad About Money: Managing Finances and Life with ADHD 📱 TikTok: @madaboutmoneyofficial 📸 Instagram: @maddytalksmoney 💼 LinkedIn: Maddy Alexander-Grout 🌈 Join The Maddyverse community for support with life, business, money and visibility. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, follow the podcast, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. It really helps more people discover the show ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

  3. Jul 27

    Ep118 Finding Your Voice After An ADHD Diagnosis- With Ileana Weynberg

    Message Us! Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing... but what happens after that? In this episode, Maddy is joined by ADHD empowerment and mindset coach Ileana Wainberg for an honest conversation about everything that comes after the diagnosis—the grief, the relief, the anger, the overwhelm, and the journey of finding your voice again. Together they chat about the reality of raising children while navigating ADHD, the challenges of medication, advocating for yourself in healthcare, hidden disabilities, entrepreneurship, burnout, sensory struggles, and why support shouldn't stop the moment you receive a diagnosis. Ileana also shares her incredibly powerful personal story, from surviving trauma and being sectioned overseas to becoming an advocate who now helps others understand their brains and rebuild their confidence. As always, expect plenty of laughter, a few rants, parenting chaos, and the occasional tangent—because that's exactly how ADHD conversations work. In this episode we cover:  What nobody tells you after an ADHD diagnosis  The grief of late diagnosis  Medication journeys and mixed feelings  Losing your voice and learning to advocate for yourself  ADHD, autism and motherhood  Running a business with hidden disabilities  Burnout, energy management and executive dysfunction  Sensory issues and healthcare experiences  Why visibility matters  Finding support that actually understands neurodivergent brains Connect with Ileana 🌐 Website: https://force-of-mind.com 📱 Instagram: @forceofmind23 Facebook & TikTok: Force of Mind 🎁 Download Ileana's free Restart Playbook to help you break out of ADHD overwhelm and get unstuck. Join The Maddyverse If you're neurodivergent, disabled, living with a hidden disability or simply looking for a supportive community that understands life, business and everything in between, come and join The Maddyverse. ✨ First month FREE  ✨ Group coaching  ✨ Masterclasses  ✨ Community support  ✨ Business, money and life help 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear that they're not alone.  ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

  4. Jul 13

    Ep117- What grief really feels like and why it never leaves you- with Karen Whybrow

    Message Us! Grief changes everything. In this deeply honest episode of Mad About, Maddy sits down with Sacred Life Coach Karen Wybrow to talk about what happens after unimaginable loss—and how you slowly begin to rebuild a life you never expected to be living. Karen shares the story of losing her husband, Ben, to bowel cancer at just 39 years old while raising two young daughters. Together, Maddy and Karen explore the realities of grief that people rarely talk about, including what happens after everyone else goes home, why grief never truly disappears, and how spirituality, the universe and small daily choices helped Karen find herself again. The conversation also dives into ADHD, addiction, money after bereavement, manifestation, Reiki, the moon, and why looking after yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. This episode is emotional, hopeful and full of practical wisdom for anyone navigating loss, change or simply trying to find their way back to themselves. Please note: This episode contains discussions around bereavement, terminal illness, death, grief and addiction. In this episode we discuss:  Karen's story of losing her husband to cancer  Why grief never really ends—it just changes shape  The "ball in the box" theory of grief  Parenting through bereavement  ADHD, addiction and unhealthy coping mechanisms  Giving up alcohol and finding healthier ways to cope  The financial reality of losing a partner  Bereavement support and why the system needs to change  Why wills, life insurance and power of attorney matter  Spirituality versus religion  Reiki, intuition and trusting yourself  The connection between the moon, the universe and our wellbeing  Manifestation, mindset and changing the stories we tell ourselves  Karen's book One Sacred LifeConnect with Karen Wybrow Follow Karen for guidance on grief, spirituality, Reiki and reconnecting with yourself. Instagram: @karenwybrowcoaching  Facebook: Karen Wybrow  TikTok: @karenwybrow Connect with Maddy Instagram: @maddytalksmoney  TikTok: @madaboutmoneyofficial  Website: The Maddyverse If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who might need to hear this conversation today. Every review helps more people discover the podcast. ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

  5. Jul 6

    Ep116- Advocating for yourself in Healthcare- With Debbie Greyson The Godmother Of Phamacology

    Message Us! Advocating for Yourself, ADHD, PMDD, Perimenopause and Why Your Gut Might Be Trying to Tell You SomethingHow many times have you left a GP appointment thinking... "I forgot to say the important bit." Or felt like you weren't being listened to? In this episode of Mad About..., I'm joined by pharmacist, nutritional therapist and self-proclaimed Godmother of Pharmacology, Debbie Grayson. We have a completely honest conversation about what it's really like trying to navigate healthcare when you're neurodivergent, dealing with ADHD, PMDD, perimenopause, thyroid problems, medication and everything else life throws at you. We also chat about my own health journey, including starting sertraline after losing my dad, my recent experience with HRT, histamine reactions, and why advocating for yourself can sometimes be the hardest part of getting the right support. In this episode we cover: • Why antidepressants often make you feel worse before they make you feel better • How ADHD medication actually works in the brain • My experience of starting sertraline and why I'm so glad I stuck with it • PMDD, hormones and why they can completely change how your ADHD feels • The connection between ADHD, perimenopause and emotional regulation • Why so many women are dismissed when talking about hormonal symptoms • Histamine, hives, urticaria and why hormones can trigger allergic-type reactions • The surprising link between oestrogen and histamine • Why gut health isn't just about what you eat • Simple changes that can genuinely improve digestion • ADHD medication, appetite suppression and blood sugar crashes • Coffee, caffeine and stimulant medication • Practical ways to improve your energy without trying to become a wellness influencer overnight • How to advocate for yourself at GP appointments • What to do if you feel your doctor isn't listening • Why taking someone with you to appointments can make a huge difference Debbie's top advice Sometimes the biggest changes aren't the dramatic ones. Drink more water. Eat before your ADHD medication kicks in. Slow down when you eat. Be present with your food. Ask for a double GP appointment if you need one. Write your symptoms down before you go. And remember... You know your body better than anyone else. Follow Debbie Grayson YouTube: The Godmother of Pharmacology Debbie shares simple, evidence-based advice on medication, supplements, digestion, hormones and nutrition in a way that's actually easy to understand. If this episode helped... Please leave a review, subscribe to the podcast and share it with someone who's currently trying to fight to be heard by the healthcare system. The more conversations we have about hidden disabilities, hormones, ADHD and advocating for ourselves, the better. Because nobody should have to fight this hard just to be listened to. ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

  6. Jun 15

    Ep115 Building a 7 figure business, losing your spark and starting again- with Laurie Burrows

    Message Us! In this episode of Mad About, Maddy sits down with entrepreneur and marketing expert Laurie Burrows for a raw and honest conversation about grief, resilience, business, motherhood and finding the courage to start again. Laurie shares her extraordinary journey from launching a business in January 2020, discovering she was unexpectedly pregnant just weeks later, navigating lockdown, and growing a successful seven-figure company while dealing with the devastating loss of her dad and other family members. Together, Maddy and Laurie explore: • Starting a business while preparing to become a mum • Growing a company during the Covid lockdowns • Coping with grief while running a successful business • The impact of losing a parent and how grief changes over time • Neurodivergence, identity and emotional processing • Why success doesn't always equal happiness • Outgrowing a business you've worked hard to build • The courage it takes to pivot when something no longer lights you up • The rise of AI and how it's changing the business landscape • Building a new software company from scratch • Laurie's mission to give back and support families facing financial hardship This is a powerful conversation about trusting yourself, embracing change, and remembering that you're allowed to evolve. If you've ever felt stuck, lost your passion for something you once loved, or wondered whether it's too late to start over, this episode is for you. Find Laurie: Instagram: @_laurieburrows Find Maddy: Instagram: @maddytalksmoney TikTok: @madaboutmoneyofficial Join The Maddyverse – Maddy's free community for people with hidden disabilities, chronic illness, invisible conditions and hidden struggles. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it. ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

  7. Jun 1

    Ep114- The Hidden Politics of Personal Style- ADHD & Your Wardrobe: with Samantha Harman

    Message Us! What do women’s pockets, ADHD, personal branding and billionaires have in common? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this thought-provoking episode, Maddy sits down with style consultant and author Samantha Harman to explore why clothing is about so much more than fashion. Together they dive into authenticity, self-expression, neurodiversity, personal branding, consumerism, gender expectations and the hidden politics behind what we wear.  From colourful hair and leopard print to school uniforms, corporate dress codes and the pressures of conformity, this conversation challenges the idea that professionalism has to look a certain way.  They also discuss:  Why authenticity is becoming rarer online  How clothing acts as a powerful form of non-verbal communication  ADHD, comfort, sensory needs and getting dressed  The role style plays in personal branding  Why women’s clothing is often designed differently from men’s  School uniforms, class, privilege and self-expression  The connection between clothing, identity and confidence  Consumerism, fast fashion and the psychology behind spending  How retailers use marketing tactics to encourage impulse buying  Klarna, Clearpay and the rise of buy-now-pay-later culture  Why Samantha wrote her new book, Just Get Dressed The importance of questioning societal expectations and creating a life that feels authentic to you. This is a conversation about much more than clothes. It's about identity, freedom, self-expression and having the confidence to show up as yourself in a world that often encourages conformity.  About Samantha Harman Samantha Harman is a style consultant and author of Just Get Dressed: Why You Have Nothing To Wear and What To Do About It. Her work explores style through the lenses of identity, beliefs, politics, gender, class and neurodiversity, helping people create wardrobes that feel authentic, comfortable and empowering.  Connect Find Samantha on Instagram and LinkedIn: The Style Editor.  Find Maddy:  Instagram: @maddytalksmoney  TikTok: @madaboutmoneyofficial ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

  8. May 18

    EP113 The Busiest Man Alive- Special Interests & Autism

    Message Us! In this episode of Mad About, Maddy Alexander-Grout is joined by the wonderful Michael Bown, community champion, performer, theatre-lover, choir member, charity supporter, and quite possibly the busiest man alive. Michael shares what life looks like as an autistic person with big passions, a packed calendar, and a deep love for performing, community, musicals, festivals and making a difference. From attending hundreds of theatre shows a year to singing in multiple languages, collecting DVDs, making personalised badges and taking part in local community events, Michael shows the joy, dedication and brilliance that can come from fully embracing your special interests. The conversation also explores autism, bullying, burnout, belonging, friendship, performing, finding your people, and why being different is not something to hide from. This is a beautiful, funny and heartfelt episode about autistic joy, community, and what happens when someone finally finds the places where they feel safe, seen and celebrated. In This Episode, We Talk About:  Michael’s role as a community champion in Lichfield  His love of theatre, musicals, choirs and festivals  Attending hundreds of shows and events every year  Special interests and going “all in”  Autism, dyspraxia and diagnosis at age 12  The impact of bullying and finding belonging later in life  Burnout and the pressure of a packed schedule  Performing as a place of safety and connection  Collecting DVDs, badges, calendars and memories  The power of community, friendship and making a difference Key Takeaways  Special interests can be powerful sources of joy, identity and connection.  Autistic people are not all the same, and social needs can look completely different from person to person.  Finding the right community can change everything.  Burnout can happen even when you love what you do.  Being different is not wrong. It can be brilliant, beautiful and deeply meaningful.  Belonging often comes from finding people who celebrate your quirks rather than question them. Favourite Quotes “I’m mad about making a difference in people’s lives and performing.”“When I’m up there on stage with my best friends who have become like family to me, I feel like I truly belong.”“The busiest man alive.”Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Michael and the Mad About Podcast 00:56 – Michael’s Life as a Community Champion 01:41 – Choirs, Concerts and Singing in Seven Languages 04:05 – Theatre, Musicals and Personalised Badge Collecting 05:17 – Special Interests, Shows and Going All In 06:32 – Work, Volunteering and a Very Busy Calendar 07:35 – Burnout, Rest and Reducing Pressure 09:30 – Autism, Socialising and Breaking Stereotypes 12:20 – Museums, Family Memories and Special Interests 14:53 – Maddy’s Sea Glass Collection and Creative Joy 16:03 – Lists, DVDs and Michael’s Collections 20:49 – Performing, Belonging and Feeling Safe on Stage 22:39 – Festivals, Lichfield and “Viva Lich Vegas” 28:58 – Michael’s Autism Diagnosis 30:05 – Bullying, Difference and Starting Again 35:42 – Walking for Autism and Making a Difference 37:26 – What Michael is Mad About Connect with Maddy Follow Maddy Alexander-Grout for more conversations around neurodivergence, money, business, life, visibility and what it really means to be seen, heard and understood. Follow Maddy @madaboutmoneyofficial on TikTok and @maddytalk ---------------------- Visit Maddy's ⁠⁠⁠Stan Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Maddy on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

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About

Welcome to Mad About… The podcast amplifying neurodivergent voices, messy stories, and the brilliant humans who refuse to fit in boxes. Hosted by bestselling author and visibility strategist Maddy Alexander-Grout, Mad About… is a space where neurodivergent people get to speak for themselves. Each episode brings honest conversations about life, money, business, identity, and everything in between. No polished success stories. No pretending everything is perfect.  Just real humans sharing real experiences. Because neurodivergent people have spent far too long being spoken about instead of being listened to. This podcast exists to change that. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs, creatives, parents, leaders, and everyday people who are navigating ADHD, autism, chronic conditions, hidden disabilities, and brains that simply work differently. Some episodes are funny. Some are raw. Some might make you rethink everything you thought you knew about success. But every single one gives someone a voice and visibility. Maddy built her business and audience by telling the truth about her own struggles with ADHD, money mistakes, and not fitting into traditional business spaces. Now she uses that platform to help others be seen, heard, and valued too. It’s about being real, imperfect, neurodivergent AF, and proud of it. If you've ever been told you’re too much, too loud, too different, or too chaotic… You’re in the right place. Welcome to Mad About…

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