Gold Stars and Doom Piles: The Podcast for High-Functioning ADHD Women

Coach Jen T. Johnson
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Gold Stars and Doom Piles is the podcast for high-functioning women with ADHD who look fine on the outside but are secretly crashing and running on fumes. Hosted by certified coach Jen Johnson, each episode tackles the real struggles - task initiation, burnout, perfectionism, emotional regulation, all-or-nothing thinking and the executive dysfunction nobody talks about for high-achieving women. No hacks. No planners. Just the actual skills your brain has been missing. New episodes weekly. 🌐 Work with Jen: pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson

Episodes

  1. Jul 5

    Ep. 9 - Going Viral + Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

    This is Gold Stars & Doom Piles - the podcast for high-functioning ADHD women. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. In this episode Jen shares the real story behind a wild week. Her Instagram grew from 7,200 to over 11,000 followers in less than a week after posting a batch of trial reels, and within days she'd booked 17 client consults. It should feel like nothing but a win. And mostly, it does. But Jen gets honest about the rejection sensitive dysphoria that showed up right alongside the success... the part nobody talks about when things actually start working. She also traces her own path from health and weight loss coaching into ADHD specific work, and how the systems she originally built just to survive her own postpartum burnout turned out to be exactly what high functioning ADHD women had been missing. Plus, why she's committed to staying loudly, fully herself online... political opinions, social views, and all... because the clients who are the right fit are the ones who actually want that. In this episode: The trial reel strategy that grew her account by almost 4,000 followers in a week Why 17 consult bookings came with a wave of RSD instead of pure celebration Her path from postpartum weight loss coaching to ADHD specific coaching Why high functioning ADHD women struggle more with internal systems than external tasks Why she refuses to soften her voice or her values to appeal to a broader audience 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson *Find this podcast streaming here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachjentjohnson/ New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

  2. Jun 28

    Ep. 8 - ADHD Brains vs. The 9-to-5

    This is Gold Stars & Doom Piles - the podcast for high-functioning ADHD women. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. Jen introduces a strategy she's used herself: blocking out dedicated time during the workday to handle personal and life tasks, instead of fighting guilt about it after hours or letting it pile up. The idea is simple. ADHD brains lose huge amounts of energy to context switching, so instead of squeezing life admin into the cracks of your day, you plan a window for it ahead of time, right inside your work hours. Jen explains why this actually helps both employees and employers... less guilt, less stress, more focus, better output overall. In this episode: What "f**k the patriarchy hours" actually means and how to set them up Why planning the time in advance is what makes this work, not winging it How this reduces the ADHD tax of constant context switching Why this benefits your boss too, not just you 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson *Find this podcast streaming here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachjentjohnson/ New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

  3. Jun 21

    Ep. 7 - Why "High-Functioning" Is Problematic

    This is Gold Stars & Doom Piles - the podcast for high-functioning ADHD women. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. In this episode Jen addresses real feedback she's gotten about the term "high functioning ADHD," and doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable parts. She unpacks why the term is genuinely problematic, the way it implies "functioning at a neurotypical level" is the goal, and how that mirrors the same trap as diet culture language. And then she explains why she still uses it in her branding anyway... because it's the exact language her clients use to describe themselves when they find her. Jen talks through what high functioning ADHD actually costs behind the scenes: the masking, the burnout, the perfectionism, the rejection sensitive dysphoria, the quiet exhaustion that never shows up on a calendar. She explains that her coaching work isn't about helping women perform neurotypical standards better. It's about building systems that honor neurodivergence instead of fighting it. She also gets personal about her own RSD and what it's like to put herself out there as her platform grows quickly, plus a fun teaser for an upcoming spinoff podcast (working title: "F**k the Patriarchy Hour" 😄). In this episode: Why "high functioning" is an imperfect, even ableist term... and why Jen still uses it intentionally The real cost of masking: burnout, exhaustion, and the invisible labor nobody counts How 11+ years coaching 300+ women shaped this specific niche Jen's own experience with RSD while growing a platform in real time A first look at a future podcast project 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson *Find this podcast streaming here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachjentjohnson/ New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

  4. Jun 16

    Ep. #3 - Why ADHDers Run Out of Steam Before They Run Out of Day

    Ep. #3 - Why ADHDers Run Out of Steam Before They Run Out of Day This is The ADHD Operating Manual - the podcast for high-functioning women with ADHD. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. Today's episode is about time vs. energy - or, why you're so exhausted all the time. You had the whole Saturday. Nothing on the calendar. A list of things you'd been putting off for weeks. By noon you'd done two of them and you were completely done. "I had ALL DAY. What is wrong with me." Nothing is wrong with you. You scheduled based on time available... not energy available. And for high functioning women with ADHD who are already spending more energy than their neurotypical peers just to be baseline functional... that math was never going to work. In this episode we're talking about Skill 11: Measure Energy - Not Time. Why the hours on your calendar are lying to you, what the invisible energy drain of masking actually costs, and how to start planning around your actual capacity instead of your available hours. Because "I had all day" stops being something you say with guilt... when you finally understand what that day actually cost you. 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

    Ep. #3 - Why ADHDers Run Out of Steam Before They Run Out of Day

  5. Jun 16

    Gold Stars and Doom Piles, Ep. 6: Less Chaotic Mornings + Calmer Evenings (building your bookends)

    Gold Stars and Doom Piles, Ep. 6: Less Chaotic Mornings + Calmer Evenings (building your bookends) This is Gold Stars & Doom Piles - the podcast for high-functioning ADHD women.We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. Today's episode is about creating simple ADHD friendly bookends to your days - with the intention of less chaotic mornings and calmer evenings. Tune in for all the how-tos and great ideas to make your days smoother! *🔥 Ready for more support? **📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide **Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported **📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson **🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson **Find this podcast streaming here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachjentjohnson/*New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.*

  6. Jun 9

    Gold Stars & Doom Piles - Ep.5: "Is this normal?" - a common ADHD question!

    EP. 5 - "Is this normal?" - a common ADHD question! This is Gold Stars & Doom Piles - the podcast for high-functioning ADHD women. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. Today's episode is about the two most common questions I get as a coach - "Is this normal" and "What do other people do"... Let's dive in! 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson *Find this podcast streaming here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachjentjohnson/ New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

  7. May 25

    Ep. # 4 - Coaching vs. Mentoring vs. Therapy

    EP. 4 - What is Coaching vs. Mentoring vs. Therapy This is The ADHD Operating Manual - the podcast for high-functioning women with ADHD. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. Okay I get this question a LOT. "Is coaching the same as therapy?" "Do I need both?" "What's the difference?" So let's talk about it. In this episode I'm breaking down coaching vs. therapy vs. mentoring... what each one actually is, what it isn't, and how to figure out which kind of support your brain actually needs right now. Spoiler: for a lot of high functioning ADHD women... the answer is often more than one. 💙 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson Find this podcast streaming here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-adhd-operating-manual/ New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

    Ep. # 4 - Coaching vs. Mentoring vs. Therapy

  8. May 15

    Ep #2- ADHD and Motivation - When you get a case of the "I don't waaannnas!"

    This is The ADHD Operating Manual - the podcast for high-functioning women with ADHD. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. Today's episode tackles ADHD motivation (or lack thereof...). I give you my top 3 tools to slay the "I don't waaaaaannas" so you're not stuck waiting for motivation or the right time! 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

    Ep #2- ADHD and Motivation - When you get a case of the "I don't waaannnas!"

  9. May 15

    Ep. #1 - Welcome to The ADHD Operating Manual

    This is The ADHD Operating Manual - the podcast for high-functioning women with ADHD. We talk about executive dysfunction, task initiation, emotional regulation, burnout, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, energy management and the real skills nobody taught us. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD (or you're pretty sure you have it) and you're exhausted from white-knuckling your way through life, you're in the right place. In this episode I get to say hi, share a bit about me and what I'm goiiing to help you accomplish - yes, even with ADHD. 🔥 Ready for more support? 📖 Grab The ADHD Operating Manual guide - $25: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/skillsguide Learn about 1:1 coaching: https://pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson/yousupported 📱 Instagram + TikTok: @coachjentjohnson 🌐 pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson New episodes weekly. Follow so you never miss one.

    Ep. #1 - Welcome to The ADHD Operating Manual
  • 9 Episodes

About

Gold Stars and Doom Piles is the podcast for high-functioning women with ADHD who look fine on the outside but are secretly crashing and running on fumes. Hosted by certified coach Jen Johnson, each episode tackles the real struggles - task initiation, burnout, perfectionism, emotional regulation, all-or-nothing thinking and the executive dysfunction nobody talks about for high-achieving women. No hacks. No planners. Just the actual skills your brain has been missing. New episodes weekly. 🌐 Work with Jen: pensight.com/x/coachjentjohnson

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