ADHD or life? - A couples perspective!

Adam and Donna
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🎙️ Welcome to ADHD or Life? – A Couple's Perspective! Join Adam and Donna as they dive deep into the realities of living with ADHD in a relationship. Each week, we share honest, no-holds-barred discussions on challenges, symptoms, strategies, and real-life stories. Together, we explore the journey of questioning ADHD and finding solutions. Tune in for authentic conversations that resonate! Each episode we ask - Is it ADHD or just life? 💬✨ #ADHDorLife #CouplesPodcast #realtalk 

  1. 4d ago

    Is it ADHD or Life? Claudia Devonshire | Neurotypical + ADHD Marriage, Parenting & Real Talk

    Send us Fan Mail We end with our Good, Bad and Funny — think exciting times, overthinking, face reading, birthday pressure making a comeback… the dog coming back again… and the classic “cooking a full dinner without turning the oven on” moment. This week we cover: - ADHD and neurotypical relationships (real-life dynamics) - TikTok diagnosis, labels, and people spotting it before you do - Overthinking, face reading, and scenario spirals - Sharing the load, parenting pressure, and emotional intensity at home - Communication, texting, apologies, and the 80/20 rule - Adult-only moments, connection, and keeping the relationship alive - Sex, ADHD, medication, PMDD, and periods - Staying in your lane and focusing on what matters - Good, Bad and Funny: birthdays, pressure, and the oven fail Watch on YouTube:   https://youtu.be/C_qarzKkBuY Find Claudia / At Home with the Devs:   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepingupwiththedevs   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththedevs/   Dev & Co clothing:   https://devclothing.co.uk/   Listen on Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS   Follow us:   Instagram: @adhdorlifepod   TikTok: @adhdorlifepod   YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod   Send your stories / questions:   adhdorlife@gmail.com   #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDPodcast #ADHDRelationships #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #CouplesPodcast #Marriage #Neurotypical #Communication #Overthinking #RSD #EmotionalRegulation #FaceReading #Parenting #FamilyLife #PMDD #ADHDMedication #SexAndADHD #RelationshipAdvice #GoodBadFunny #AtHomeWithTheDevs #KeepingUpWithTheDevs Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or Life? Claudia Devonshire | Neurotypical + ADHD Marriage, Parenting & Real Talk

  2. Jul 24

    Is it ADHD or Life? – ADHD Agony Aunt: RSD, Birthdays, Amazon Addiction & Unfinished Projects

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, we’re doing an Agony Aunt special… and honestly, it’s one of those episodes where you might laugh, cringe, and feel personally attacked all in one go. We start with Donna having a new toy (will it get confiscated?) and a catch-up on the chaos of the last couple of weeks. Donna has started and finished her new job, Adam’s been flat out with nursery graduation parties, and we talk about the stress of juggling everything. Adam also has to give Donna some proper credit this week for being the backbone of the family lately (write it down, it happened). Then it’s the big event of the week: Donna’s birthday. Was she spoiled? We talk birthdays and ADHD symptoms in full force: - Face reading and Adam trying to work out if Donna likes her presents - Time blindness and leaving everything to the last minute - The judgement, pressure, and panic Adam puts on himself - RSD and the “is she disappointed?” spiral - The stress of banners, balloons and cake on birthday mornings - Has medication calmed any of it down? Adam nearly breaks into song… until he realises he bought tickets for the wrong singer. Classic. Then we get into the main reason for this episode: an ADHD Agony Aunt special from both perspectives. We go through listener questions and stories and answer honestly from both sides. This could get heated. We cover: - Forgetting wedding anniversaries and important dates (and whether Dear Deirdre was actually an adult agony aunt) - Forgetting dates from both perspectives, and Adam not appreciating Donna’s tone - Calendars, reminders, and why we need to use them properly - Impulsive spending and Amazon orders: when does it become “too much” or an addiction? - Sneaky spending, online baskets, and Monzo accounts (Adam even gives actual advice… but does he follow it?) - Unfinished projects: is it ADHD or just life? Does it lead to guilt spirals? - Gamifying tasks, motivation, and whether life is just too busy - Text messages: is it worse to be left on read or unread? Is it rude not to text back? - Replying immediately vs replying “eventually” (and if you don’t reply within 3 days… is that friendship over?) - Forgetting things on the school run and whether heat makes ADHD worse - Systems you can put in place so you’re not living in constant panic We also talk about why we started this podcast in the first place: not just to help the person with ADHD, but to support the partner too. 5 minute moans this week: - Donna’s involves pass the parcel (it’s a manly one this week) - Adam’s wedding ring pressure: does it have to be on 24/7? Should he just get Donna tattooed on his forehead? Then it’s What Adam’s learned on Facebook this week about ADHD: - Brackets (are you an over-user?) - Favourite self scanners in shops (comment if you’ve got a favourite at your local) We finish with your good, bad and funny listener stories involving presents, birthdays, and forgetting things — keep them coming. This week we cover: - ADHD and birthdays: time blindness, RSD, pressure, and last-minute chaos - Relationship dynamics: face reading, tone, misunderstandings, and stress - ADHD Agony Aunt Q&A: anniversaries, calendars, spending, unfinished projects, texting, school run chaos - Impulsive spending, Amazon orders, Monzo budgeting, and sneaky spending - Executive dysfunction, guilt spirals, and gamifying tasks - Forgetfulness, routines, and systems that actually help - What Adam learned on Facebook: brackets and self scanners Watch on YouTube:   https://youtu.be/5r0Bi2YiYwc Monzo referral link:   https://join.monzo.com/c/4w6zqv8 Listen on Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS   Follow us:   Instagram: @adhdorlifepod   TikTok: @adhdorlifepod   YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod   Send your stories / questions:   adhdorlife@gmail.com   #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDPodcast #ADHDRelationships #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #AgonyAunt #RelationshipAdvice #RSD #RejectionSensitivity #TimeBlindness #ExecutiveDysfunction #ImpulsiveSpending #AmazonAddiction #Budgeting #Monzo #Forgetfulness #SchoolRun #TextingAnxiety #GuiltSpiral #Gamification #ADHDCommunity #CouplesPodcast #GoodBadFunny Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or Life? – ADHD Agony Aunt: RSD, Birthdays, Amazon Addiction & Unfinished Projects

  3. Jul 17

    Is it ADHD or Life? Bossman Special – Producer Andy on ADHD, Relationships & the ADHD Tax

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple's Perspective, we've got a very special episode. Our producer Andy joins us as our official (well, unofficially riddled) guest and referee. Andy sees more of the podcast than we do – he watches it live, edits it, and knows all the behind-the-scenes chaos. So we wanted to pick his brain about what he actually thinks. We dive into the empty ask – asking something knowing the answer will be no. Is it thoughtful or negative? Does it hurt the neurotypical partner? We ask Andy if he thinks we have a chaotic relationship, and whether we should make a special out of what gets cut before we even start recording. Then we get into the real stuff: does Adam forget things regularly? Is Andy forgetful? Is that age or ADHD? We talk family calendars, changing plans, time keeping (Adam nearly double-booked their wedding day with parties), and whether forgetting means you don't care. We're talking marketplace obsessions, Temu, follow through, the differences in our ADHD, Andy's old radio job, Adam's RSD confession, blackouts during recording, pretending to listen, and whether we should change our living arrangements. Does Andy read faces? Does age affect ADHD or just give you more experience? We talk about remembering things you messed up years ago and how that affects relationships. Messages, misunderstandings, ideas at 3am, waking each other up, working better at night, and what you need to fall asleep to. Then there's the ADHD tax – new toys, recording equipment, business expenses, urinals and she-wees. Impulsive spending, whether the business justifies it, how heat affects ADHD, and a 5-minute moan from Andy that left Adam in a cold sweat (spoiler: it was actually Donna). No filter, just three people talking about ADHD, relationships, and life. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kH4sgxsVbAU #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDPodcast #ADHDRelationships #Neurodiversity #CouplesPodcast #RealTalk #Producer #BehindTheScenes Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or Life? Bossman Special – Producer Andy on ADHD, Relationships & the ADHD Tax

  4. Jul 10

    Is it ADHD or Are We Financially Incompatible?

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, we’re getting properly real about money, impulsivity, and what it’s like when two people are trying to build a life together… but their brains (and spending habits) are on completely different settings. Episode title says it all: Is it ADHD or are we financially incompatible? This is one of our rawest chats yet. No fluff, no pretending, just truthful relationship talk about ADHD and money — and how it affects the partner who’s trying to keep things steady. We start by settling last week’s debate (is it mowing the lawn or cutting the grass?) and then Adam shares his recent embarrassing padel situation. Then Adam realises what today’s episode is about… and you can literally hear the panic. This week we look at money from Donna’s perspective: what it’s like living with someone with ADHD who struggles with spending, impulse decisions, and the stress that comes after the dopamine wears off. Adam finally gives Donna access to the business account (no more sneaky spending), and we talk about joint accounts and transparency — including how it feels when you can both see exactly what the other is spending. It can be helpful… but it can also add pressure, guilt, and “I’m being watched” energy. The profits have definitely gone up since Donna can see what’s happening… funny that. We also talk about how ADHD can create a Jekyll and Hyde cycle with money: impulsive decisions in the moment, then panic, stress, regret, and low mood afterwards — and how that emotional crash affects the relationship. And yes… we talk about the most ADHD holiday decision ever: Adam deciding on Thursday night that we’re going on holiday Friday morning for the weekend. The thought process, the chaos, Donna being left packing and sorting everything while starting a new job, and the final cost (spoiler: it was a lot more expensive than expected). Then we get into the pattern properly: Impulsive hobbies costing money (Donna asked the darts shop if they take Klarna)How long the padel craze will lastImpulsive car buys (and why Donna insists on bringing up the past)Adam’s obsession with Facebook Marketplace (are we becoming a crew van family?)Adam’s embarrassing confession that comes out of that obsession… and whether Donna finds it cuteWe talk about the “shiny things” problem, the “no pockets in a shroud” mindset, and the downside people don’t talk about enough: the low mood after spending, the consequences, and the relationship tension that follows. We also ask the big question: has it got better since medication started? We talk financial planning, knowing what’s happening, and how much difference it makes when you’re not guessing. Then we get to the bottom of what really happened in a conversation about money yesterday: Who is right?Should Donna buy new pants?Are we both all-or-nothing?Why do we spend money on experiences but hate spending on necessities?Is that ADHD, or just modern life?Do all the little expenses build up until you feel like you’re drowning?We talk recent impulsive spends (anyone want to buy lapel mics?), Donna’s possible Amazon parcel problem, and the dopamine hunting that sits underneath so much of it. Good, Bad & Ugly this week includes: Communication and money in relationshipsEarning differences and how that changes the dynamicCandy Crush coins (yes, really)Monzo joint account link (yes this is real): https://join.monzo.com/c/4w6zqv8 Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/RYZqL4avGmE Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod TikTok: @adhdorlifepod YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Send your Good, Bad & Ugly stories / questions: adhdorlife@gmail.com #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDPodcast #ADHDAndMoney #ImpulsiveSpending #DopamineSpending #MoneyInRelationships #FinancialStress #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ADHDRelationships #CouplesPodcast #Communication #Transparency #JointAccount #Monzo #ExecutiveDysfunction #Impulsivity #Hyperfixation #RealTalk Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or Are We Financially Incompatible?

  5. Jul 3

    Is it ADHD or a heatwave? Sleep, Sensory Overload, Irritability & ADHD Meds in Hot Weather

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, we’re asking the question everyone’s been thinking lately… is it ADHD, or is it just a heatwave? We start off with our new setup, fancy coffee and new mugs, and Donna insisting on a cringey little cheers (sorry in advance). Then we get straight into the heat — we actually missed a week’s recording because it was so warm, and it’s properly messed with everything. We talk sleep (or lack of it), and how heat can hit ADHDers differently. Adam’s bought air con for his ancient van, which has obviously led to him wanting to become a TikTok seller (links incoming if he can ever film the perfect video without spiralling). We also chat about recent market trips, then Donna takes over and we get into the real impact of heat on ADHD. We talk sweat issues, and Adam admitting he always just assumed he was “fat and ginger” rather than sensory overloaded. We get into how heat can make ADHD feel louder — more irritability, snappiness, impulsiveness — and how the sun makes you want to do fun things even when your executive function is on the floor. We cover executive dysfunction ramping up, whether Donna basically feeds Adam, and how appetite disappears… unless it’s ice cream. We also learn how Adam feels about nipples (yes, really). Then we get into something that’s been a big one lately: transitions. Adam’s struggling to move from one thing to another and has started spending loads of time sitting in the car in-between tasks. Is that the heat, the medication, or just life? If you struggle with this too, comment and tell us you’re not alone. We talk sensory overload: sweat, sticky clothes, suncream, and mainly Adam’s very embarrassing sweat situation (but to be fair… he’s not smelly). We chat hydration (seriously important), clothes, and Adam’s topless confessions. We also cover Adam’s terrible choice to mow the lawn in the heat, and then Donna shares a very embarrassing heat-related problem… even Adam is shook. Sleep comes back round (because it always does). Heat has made it worse, crazy eating is back, naps are back, and it’s created a never-ending circle. We talk ADHD meds and heat too, and yes… cue the giggles when Donna mentions how meds can make sensations feel bigger. We look at Donna’s side of it as well. Does heat affect neuro-normals as badly? And the social side of summer — Adam’s avoided it, and Donna’s got thoughts. We also ask the important question: does Adam moan too much? We finish with your Good, Bad and Ugly listener stories (keep sending them to adhdorlife@gmail.com), which lead to another admission from Adam. We also ask whether we should walk more. And then it’s 5 minute moans: Donna is still not impressed with Adam leaving things around (cue recycling confessions)Adam wants your answer: is it mowing the lawn or cutting the grass?Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/js7E7DSgnq8 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod TikTok: @adhdorlifepod YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Send your Good, Bad & Ugly stories / questions: adhdorlife@gmail.com #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDPodcast #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #Heatwave #HotWeather #ADHDAndHeat #SensoryOverload #ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHDMedication #Titration #SleepProblems #Insomnia #EmotionalRegulation #Irritability #Impulsivity #ADHDRelationships #CouplesPodcast #FamilyLife #GoodBadUgly #FiveMinuteMoans #Hydration #SummerStruggles Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or a heatwave? Sleep, Sensory Overload, Irritability & ADHD Meds in Hot Weather

  6. Jun 19

    Is it ADHD or Life? Claudia Devonshire | Late Diagnosis, Parenting, Meds & Farm Chaos

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, we’ve got a proper special guest episode with Claudia Devonshire from Keeping up with the Devs (and yes… it’s as chaotic and funny as you’re hoping).  We get straight into it with Donna’s podcast voice, and then Claudia’s TikTok journey — how she started documenting real life chaos (including the iconic moment of Claudia dancing with her duck) and the shock of actual real-life school runs. Then we go straight into ADHD and Claudia’s late diagnosis… which happened accidentally because of her son. We talk about how ADHD can really shine in parenthood, but also how brutal early parenthood can be, especially when sleep disappears. We cover the terrible twos (is it even real?), turning your back for one second and the baby’s eaten 8 bananas, “special hot chocolate”, and kids swearing (it is funny isn't it?) We also have one of the most unhinged conversations we’ve ever had about “mating season” and the question every parent dreads: Do gran and grandad mate? What age do you even have that conversation with kids? We talk about Claudia when she was younger (self-confessed “bitch”), the recent magpie video, and then get into the diagnosis properly: - How did it feel? - What did it change? - Did it bring out the real Claudia? - Does diagnosis make you feel like you’re “too much”? We chat about the assessment process, the whole “TikTok diagnosed” debate, and whether you’ve got ADHD if you accidentally buy a plant. We talk down days, exhaustion, and that classic situation where you get diagnosed with depression… when it’s actually ADHD. Cue breakdowns, CBT stories, and intrusive thoughts. We talk Claudia’s husband Dan and how he copes with Claudia’s ADHD. Communication is everything, and we get into mood mirroring, reading people’s faces, family life pressure, and that ADHD instinct where you can basically smell a rat. We talk over-analysing, acting differently with different people, and why ADHD people together is both comforting and dangerous. And then we realise both Adam and Claudia have started medication… so obviously we get right into that: - How fast it starts - Placebo vs real effects - That first-day feeling - Does medication bring music back into your life? - Titration, time scales, routines, and the ups and downs Then we go full farm chaos. Claudia’s animals are a whole storyline: - Chicken lady era - Ducks - Bridgerton in the garden - Quails (Adam doesn’t know what a quail is) - Should Claudia get a turkey? - The goat situation (you do not want to miss this story) - Is Dan an enabler? - How do you get rid of goats named after grandparents? - Should Adam get chickens? We also talk Claudia’s new clothing brand Dev & Co (comfy stuff, genuinely lovely), and we finish with Claudia’s Good, Bad & Ugly of ADHD — working well under pressure, rejection sensitivity, overthinking, and caring way too much what people think. We talk family, Claudia’s mum thinking she’s turned into a Hullite, and her private school roots… and then Donna makes a special request for Claudia to do the Bridgerton voice to finish us off. This week we cover: - Late ADHD diagnosis (and how it can happen through your kids) - Parenting with ADHD, sleep deprivation, and chaos routines - ADHD vs depression misdiagnosis, burnout, CBT and intrusive thoughts - Relationships, communication, mood mirroring, RSD and overthinking - ADHD medication: first-day feelings, titration, routines and side effects - Social media pressure, people pleasing, and work becoming addictive - Farm life and the animal chaos (including the goat story) - Dev & Co clothing brand and Claudia’s Good, Bad & Ugly of ADHD Watch on YouTube:   https://youtu.be/Gq5VQLz3PgA   Find Claudia / At Home with the Devs:   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepingupwiththedevs   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththedevs/   Dev & Co clothing:   https://devclothing.co.uk/   Follow us:   Instagram: @adhdorlifepod   TikTok: @adhdorlifepod   YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod   #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #LateDiagnosis #ADHDWomen #ADHDParenting #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ADHDPodcast #ADHDMedication #Titration #RSD #RejectionSensitivity #Overthinking #EmotionalRegulation #ADHDRelationships #Marriage #FamilyLife #ParentingHumour #IntrusiveThoughts #CBT #Burnout #ADHDCommunity #TikTokCreator #AtHomeWithTheDevs #DevAndCo #KeepingUpWithTheDevs Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or Life? Claudia Devonshire | Late Diagnosis, Parenting, Meds & Farm Chaos

  7. Jun 12

    Is it ADHD or Life? Maddy Alexander-Grout – ADHD Visibility, Debt, Masking, Trolls & Finding Your Voice

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, we’re joined by special guest Maddy Alexander-Grout — ADHD visibility coach, best-selling author, and creator of the Maddyverse. We get straight into Maddy’s ADHD journey, because for years she genuinely thought she was broken. We talk the stuff people don’t always say out loud: struggling through life, spending addiction, debt, and the shame spiral that can come with it. We get into ADHD and money, how quickly things can snowball, and the weird (but effective) ways you end up coping — including gamifying debt, tinned tomato on toast, and sneaking drinks into pubs. Trigger warning: we also talk about post-partum psychosis. Maddy shares how horrendous it was, and we discuss how it can be more common for ADHDers, plus spiralling, PMDD, and the pressure-cooker of new babies and no support. We chat impulsive business decisions and trying to save money. Then we get into the bigger picture: ADHD being seen as a “naughty little boys” condition, and what it’s like learning about adult ADHD and suddenly having that “oh… that’s me” moment. We talk imposter syndrome, internalised ableism, Right to Choose, and realising autism might be part of the picture too. Maddy’s book is a big part of this episode (because it’s genuinely helpful and written for real humans): 📚   Mad About Money: Managing Finances (and Life) with ADHD   https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729/ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_BXVWCNXTXWDR91N88CZ4 We also talk about Maddy becoming a visibility coach and what that actually means — helping people show up, live according to their values, and stop hiding their “hidden disabilities” like they’re something to be ashamed of. We get into the Maddyverse too — a free safe place for people to talk about hidden disabilities and feel less alone:   https://maddyverse.co.uk/ There’s loads in this one about the ADHD stuff that gets overlooked, misconceptions, and the fight to raise awareness. Maddy’s been on the BBC arguing with doctors, and we talk about the negativity in the press and public: - Does everyone with ADHD have blue hair? (apparently yes, according to the internet) - Are ADHDers “benefit scroungers”? - Can good girls at school have ADHD? - Masking, overcompensating, and becoming a “naughty adult” Then we meet Maddy the troll slayer 🗡️ because she’s had years of learning to deal with trolls head-on — from being branded a “sickfluencer” to handling constant nasty comments. Adam, naturally, chooses to hide behind the couch. We also talk blue badges, relationships and ADHD (past relationships, limerence, communication, people pleasing, and finding your person), plus the serious stuff like domestic abuse and why open conversations matter. We chat neurodivergent kids too — how smart they are, how often they’re dismissed, and different ways of learning (including audiobooks — and yes, Maddy’s book is coming to audiobook soon 🎧). We finish with Maddy’s Good, Bad & Ugly — hyperfocus, showing up, communication, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). Watch on YouTube:   https://youtu.be/-D4Xt5Ol_KY Find Maddy online: www.maddyalexandergrout.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddytalksmoney/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madaboutmoneyofficial   Maddy’s book (again, because yes we mentioned it and yes it’s worth it): 📚   https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729/ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_BXVWCNXTXWDR91N88CZ4 Listen on Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS   More on our website:   https://www.adhdorlife.com   Join the Facebook group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdrelationshipsunfiltered   Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod   TikTok: @adhdorlifepod   YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod   #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ADHDPodcast #ADHDWomen #LateDiagnosis #ADHDAndAutism #AuDHD #RightToChoose #ADHDAwareness #ADHDVisibility #Masking #ImposterSyndrome #InternalisedAbleism #RSD #RejectionSensitivityDysphoria #ADHDRelationships #Limerence #PeoplePleasing #HiddenDisability #BlueBadge #ADHDAndMoney #Debt #SpendingAddiction #FinancialWellbeing #PMDD #PostpartumPsychosis #MentalHealth Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or Life? Maddy Alexander-Grout – ADHD Visibility, Debt, Masking, Trolls & Finding Your Voice

  8. May 29

    Is it ADHD or Life? – ADHD Medication Update: Titration, Mood Swings, Sleep Issues & What’s Changed

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, it’s another Medication Special… and we start with Donna’s big news: she’s left her job. Adam’s main takeaway? The chocolate she got. So yes, we do ask the important question… is it all about Adam? We’ve had a proper rollercoaster couple of weeks, and Adam’s also decided he’s now a gardener — which obviously means he’s starting a business. Also… is Donna just very easily impressed? We discuss. Then we get into medication, with a big warning up front: this episode is based on our personal experience only, and we are not medically trained. We talk about how Adam completely ruined Eurovision with a bad mood (turns out he forgot his medication). Was old Adam back? We get into mood swings, outbursts, and what it’s like when the meds aren’t doing what you expect — or when you’re not taking them at all. We answer listener questions and talk titration: what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what the last few weeks have really been like now the initial buzz has worn off. We talk about novelty, timing, and why chasing a “buzz” isn’t the goal. We cover surprises from taking medication, whether things feel less overwhelming, and how stress and single-mindedness show up now. We also talk people pleasing, relationship changes, and whether Donna’s noticed things Adam hasn’t. We get honest about arguments, conflict, moods, and the balance between relying on medication versus taking a more holistic approach. Sleep comes up (again), because sleep affects everything — including how medication feels. We talk about what’s become harder since starting meds, whether burnout is looming, and the titration process so far… including the bit we’re not looking forward to: getting it moved over to the GP. We also share what ADHD traits are still very much present, what medication has genuinely helped with, and the difference it’s making in family life. There’s a sense of pressure lifting, and things not needing to be perfect all the time. And because it wouldn’t be us… Adam has a new mission in life and it involves karaoke. 5 minute moans this week: Should Donna stop eating cheese in Adam’s van? Is his life stinking?Adam is still leaving rubbish everywhereWe end a bit differently this week with Donna’s Good, Bad & Ugly about medication — expectations, being more present, and feeling like she’s got more of Adam back. Should the next episode be Ask Donna Anything? Send your questions to ADHDorlife@gmail.com. This week we cover: Medication update and titration questions from listenersWhat’s changed vs what hasn’t (now the initial buzz has worn off)Mood swings, outbursts, and what happens when you forget medsRelationship changes, people pleasing, and conflictSleep issues and how sleep impacts medicationHolistic approach vs over-depending on medicationBurnout worries and what’s become harderFamily life, pressure lifting, and letting go of perfectionDonna’s Good, Bad & Ugly on medication expectationsWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KsNIUMrEpow Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS More on our website: https://www.adhdorlife.com Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdrelationshipsunfiltered Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod TikTok: @adhdorlifepod YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDMedication #Titration #Elvanse #Amfexa #RightToChoose #NHS #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #ADHDPodcast #ADHDRelationships #EmotionalRegulation #ExecutiveDysfunction #SleepAndADHD #ADHDFamilyLife #ADHDCommunity #GoodBadUgly #FiveMinuteMoans  Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

    Is it ADHD or Life? – ADHD Medication Update: Titration, Mood Swings, Sleep Issues & What’s Changed
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🎙️ Welcome to ADHD or Life? – A Couple's Perspective! Join Adam and Donna as they dive deep into the realities of living with ADHD in a relationship. Each week, we share honest, no-holds-barred discussions on challenges, symptoms, strategies, and real-life stories. Together, we explore the journey of questioning ADHD and finding solutions. Tune in for authentic conversations that resonate! Each episode we ask - Is it ADHD or just life? 💬✨ #ADHDorLife #CouplesPodcast #realtalk 

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