Organizing an ADHD Brain

Megs Crawford

This Podcast is about what it's like to have ADHD and different techniques people can apply to their life to find their own version of what organized means. Megs is a professional organizer coach with ADHD and shares how organizing your brain, while understanding how it works, provides the key to living your best life. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Choosing Hope Instead of Avoidance with ADHD

    In this episode, Megs explores organizing through the lens of ADHD, nervous system regulation, and the human need for comfort during difficult times. She shares a personal story about losing her childhood blankie to illustrate how comfort objects and familiar routines often help us feel safe — especially when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming. The episode also acknowledges the emotional weight of what’s happening in the world and how collective stress can quietly intensify avoidance, dysregulation, and the urge to retreat or “hide.” Through this discussion, the host differentiates between comforts that genuinely support regulation and those that keep people stuck. With compassion and honesty, the episode offers practical organizing insights, emotional regulation strategies, and reminders that seeking ease, structure, and hope is not a failure — it’s a form of care. The overall message centers on coming out of hiding, choosing supportive comforts, and remembering that progress doesn’t require perfection. Article: Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings Podcast Recommendation: Connection Project 360 Episode Breakdown  01:21 – Childhood comfort objects and why they matter more than we realize 02:05 – Autonomy, choice, and trust in organizing decisions 04:04 – Why discomfort makes us cling to clutter, routines, or avoidance 07:47 – Emotional reactions, nervous system responses, and ADHD coping patterns 11:47 – Healthier comforts, regulation tools, and practical support strategies 16:37 – Hope, connection, and the role of community when things feel heavy 26:20 – Final reflections, reassurance, and encouragement to keep going Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    30 min
  2. FEB 4

    Learning to Let Life Be Messy (Without Giving Up on Yourself)

    Motherhood. Neurodivergence. Work-from-home life. Burnout.  And that uncomfortable in-between season where nothing is falling apart… but nothing feels settled either. This episode is a deep exhale for anyone living in the messy middle. Megs sits down with Candice Janae — therapist, coach, writer, and fellow human navigating real life — to talk about what happens when life shifts, routines stop working, and you’re trying to stay aligned without burning yourself out. Together, they unpack how to: Adapt when life changes (again)Build systems that actually work for neurodivergent brainsLet go of guilt, perfection, and “this should be easier by now”Communicate needs and share the load at homeChoose rhythms and rituals over rigid routinesThis conversation is grounding, honest, and full of “oh wow, that’s me” moments — especially if you’re juggling caregiving, creativity, and a career. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown (timestamps adjusted +39 seconds) 02:22 — What “The Messy Middle” Actually Means 03:46 — When Life Happens: Navigating Unexpected Changes 05:31 — Coping with the Unknown (without spiraling) 13:02 — Aligning Your Values with Your Real-Life Needs 19:19 — Creating Systems That Work For You (Not Against You) 24:47 — Letting Go, Grief, and Embracing Change 25:04 — Holiday Decorations, Traditions, and Letting Them Evolve 26:07 — Adapting to New Living Spaces 27:08 — Creative, Neurodivergent-Friendly Organizing Solutions 30:55 — Progress in the Messy Middle (Even When It’s Not Pretty) 37:13 — Why Rhythms & Rituals Beat Routines Every Time 42:54 — Sharing the Load: Communication & Balance with Partners 🌊 Guest Spotlight: Candice Janae Candice is a private practice therapist by day and, in the online space, a burnout & balance coach for indie, self-employed, and freelance moms. She works closely with chronically ill and neurodivergent moms who are trying to do all the things — without losing themselves in the process. She’s also: An author of both fiction and nonfictionA water-lover (oceans, lakes, give her all of it)An introvert constantly navigating the push-pull between community and quietCandice brings a grounded, compassionate lens to burnout, balance, and identity — especially for moms who are exhausted from holding everything together. ✨ Connect with Candice Instagram / Threads: https://instagram.com/soul_cadence_coaching Substack: https://soulcadencecoachconnect.substack.com Website: https://soulcadencecoaching.servicesShare your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    48 min
  3. JAN 21

    How Do You React to Your Clutter?

    The Power of Noticing: Transforming Your Reactions to Clutter and Life In this episode, Megs—ADHD coach and professional organizer—dives into the practice of noticing as the true starting point for meaningful change. Before decluttering systems, routines, or productivity hacks can stick, we have to become aware of how we react. Megs explores the most common nervous-system responses to clutter and overwhelm—fight, flight, freeze, and appease—and explains how noticing these patterns without judgment creates space for compassion, curiosity, and choice. Through personal reflections and real client examples, she shows how noticing reveals triggers, beliefs, and habits that often run quietly in the background. Noticing can feel uncomfortable. It can bring grief, frustration, or resistance. But it’s also where growth begins. This episode invites you to stay curious, soften self-criticism, and understand that real transformation happens gradually—through awareness, not force. Episode Breakdown 01:03 – Why noticing is the first step to lasting change 02:04 – Understanding patterns, triggers, and automatic reactions 02:29 – Real-life examples of noticing in everyday moments 05:00 – How judgment shuts down awareness (and what helps instead) 09:04 – Why noticing can feel uncomfortable—and why that’s normal 15:26 – Fight, flight, freeze, and appease responses explained 30:37 – Using curiosity to analyze reactions without shame Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    37 min
  4. JAN 14

    Money Without Shame: A Starting Point for ADHD Brains

    In this episode of Organizing an ADHD Brain, Megs is joined by financial therapist Lindsay for an honest conversation about money, debt, and personal growth for ADHD brains. If you’ve ever felt shame around finances, struggled with consistency, or believed past money decisions defined your worth, this episode is for you. Megs and Lindsay explore the powerful overlap between financial organization and home organization, starting with a crucial reframe: debt and clutter are morally neutral. Neither is a personal failure. Both are signals that systems, support, and regulation matter more than willpower. You’ll learn: Why persistence matters more than consistency with ADHDHow to use financial data without self-criticismWhat “money dates” are and how they reduce avoidanceHow to externalize your brain when money feels overwhelmingThe impact of social media on financial shame and comparisonWhy community and coaching support follow-through and regulationLindsay also shares personal insights from her own financial journey, including navigating major life transitions and redefining success on her own terms. This episode is a reminder that financial growth, like organizing your home or managing ADHD, isn’t about perfection. It’s about self-trust, awareness, and small sustainable actions. Lindsey is your favorite financial therapist for women and couples, here to help you feel excited about money! (Yes, it's possible!) Money isn't just a math problem; there is always so much more to the equation. Merging behavioral therapy and financial education, Lindsey helps you live your dream life! Links: Join the Waitlist for the Financial Self-Care Course + Community here!Lindsey’s websiteLindsey’s IGFREE Get Out of Debt Template & GuideEpisode Timeline: 04:12 Introducing Lindsay and the role of financial therapy 10:17 Lindsay’s personal and professional updates 23:31 Using data as a supportive tool in financial planning 28:42 Externalizing the brain for financial success 31:02 Learning from mistakes without self-judgment 33:13 Social media, comparison, and distorted expectations 36:21 Navigating emotions tied to financial decisions 42:01 The role of community and coaching in growth 46:05 Setting realistic, supportive financial goals Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    1h 1m
  5. JAN 7

    Starting Over Again in The New Year with ADHD

    Why consistency doesn’t work for ADHD brains — and how learning to come back without shame creates real change. If you’ve ever felt like you can’t stick with anything — routines, organizing, decluttering, goals, or New Year’s resolutions — this episode is for you. Book a Call with Megs > Calendar In this episode, Megs talks honestly about why starting over is not failure, especially for ADHD brains. She breaks down why so many systems don’t stick, how social media narratives can quietly box people with ADHD into believing there are things they “just can’t do,” and what actually creates sustainable change. This conversation is about the messy middle — the part no one posts about. The part where motivation fades, routines fall apart, planners get abandoned, and shame creeps in. And why that middle isn’t a problem to fix — it’s where learning happens. Instead of pushing consistency, Megs introduces a more realistic (and ADHD-friendly) concept: persistence — the ability to come back without shame, even after you forget, avoid, or fall off. This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder that: Your ADHD brain is not brokenYou’re not lazy or inconsistentYou don’t need to change everything at onceAnd there is always a moment you can begin againArticle Referenced in Podcast > What is Executive Dysfunction in ADHD? 01:03 — How Social Media Shapes ADHD Beliefs 02:31 — Why the New Year Feels Like a Reset for ADHD 03:22 — Noticing ADHD Patterns That Block Change 05:55 — Persistence vs Consistency for ADHD Brains 09:12 — Organizing Strategies That Actually Work With ADHD 19:52 — Why ADHD Community and Support Matter 24:33 — Microdosing Mindfulness for ADHD Overwhelm Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    33 min
  6. 12/08/2025

    The ADHD Stuck Cycle: What Keeps You Looping and What Actually Shifts It

    You know that moment when you walk into a room and your whole body reacts before your brain even has time to make sense of it? That’s what today’s episode is really about, how clutter hits the nervous system first, and how that shapes everything from motivation to avoidance to why that one corner has been haunting you for months. In this episode, I’m sharing the real, lived experience behind regulation, what it is, why it matters, and how it changes the way ADHD women interact with their homes. We walk through each protection pattern (fight, flight, freeze, appease) in a way that helps you see yourself with clarity instead of shame. You’ll hear more about my own journey with understanding regulation, the resources that shifted everything for me, and why this work matters so much if you’ve spent years thinking, “Why can’t I just do this?”  My mission: to help you rebuild self-trust, one tiny regulated moment at a time. If this episode resonates, I’d love to hear where clutter shows up in your nervous system. Your stories help other women feel less alone.  01:17 — Personal Updates and Reflections  02:47 — Understanding Regulation and ADHD  05:15 — Personal Journey into Regulation  10:31 — Reactions to Clutter: Fight Mode  15:11 — Reactions to Clutter: Flight Mode  17:42 — Reactions to Clutter: Freeze Mode  20:18 — Reactions to Clutter: Appease Mode  23:08 — Final Thoughts and Community Updates Check out Jenna Free: https://www.adhdwithjennafree.com/ Check out Mindful as a Mother: https://mindfulasamotherco.com/  ^Go join their community! Megs is in it too! Check out Laura Hope: https://www.hopeandhealingcoach.com/ Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    31 min
  7. 12/01/2025

    Curiosity Over Perfection: Navigating ADHD with Behavior Insight

    In today’s episode, you’ll meet Anishia Denee — a board certified behaviour analyst, ADHD coach, and founder of Authentic Self ADHD Coaching. She helps adults make sense of their patterns, shift from shame into curiosity, and build strategies that actually fit their strengths, values, and capacity. Her blend of behavior analysis, ADHD coaching, and lived experience offers such grounded, compassionate support for real ADHD life.  Website link: https://www.authenticselfadhd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anishiab/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@anishiab We talk about:  • using behavior analysis to build supportive rhythms   • recognizing and celebrating tiny wins  • navigating the messy middle  • making decluttering easier on your nervous system  • what to do when executive function taps out  • how community + self-awareness change everything This is a gentle, encouraging conversation that reminds you: You don’t need to be consistent to make progress — you just need to keep returning to yourself. (persistence) 01:47 — Anisha’s Background and Journey How she went from behavior analysis into ADHD coaching — and why her personal story matters. 04:49 — Behavior Analysis and ADHD Coaching How behavior principles can support ADHD brains without shame or rigidity. 07:16 — Understanding and Embracing Personal Values Why values-based living makes rhythms stick more than motivation ever will. 11:46 — Managing Clutter and Environment Realistic strategies for building a home that supports (not drains) your brain. 15:16 — Navigating the Messy Middle Progress isn’t linear — here’s how to stay steady when it feels chaotic. 19:27 — The Value of Coaching Through Challenges Why co-regulation, support, and outside perspective matter so much for ADHD women. 21:21 — Basic Needs and Self-Compassion A gentle reminder that sleep, food, and rest are foundational — not optional. 23:13 — Community, Creativity, and ADHD How connection makes follow-through possible, and why creativity is a strength, not a flaw. 25:03 — Experimentation and Personalization There is no one-size-fits-all. Learn to test tiny adjustments and honor what actually works for you. 29:18 — Noticing Progress and Releasing Perfectionism How to see the tiny victories your brain tends to overlook. 32:38 — Behavior Analysis and Understanding Triggers Why your reactions aren’t personal failures — they’re patterns you can understand. 33:55 — Connecting and Finding Support How coaching, community, and safe people help you break old ADHD cycles. 35:40 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement A gentle send-off reminding you that small shifts build real confidence over time. Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    40 min
  8. 11/24/2025

    Living Two Truths: Gratitude and Change in an ADHD Life

    In this Thanksgiving-week episode of Organizing an ADHD Brain, I’m inviting you into a very real season of my life — the messy middle of moving across the country with my husband, and everything that stirred up inside me. If you’re someone who feels every life transition deep in your nervous system — the overwhelm, the freeze, the “this is too much and also I’m glad I’m doing it” duality — this episode is for you.  You’re going to hear stories, yes… but also practical grounding, gentle reframes, and reminders that you’re not behind. You’re just human. And your ADHD brain is allowed to have a tender response to big change. We explore:  🌱 how growth often feels chaotic before it feels good  🌗 the power of holding two truths at once 💛 the hidden emotional labor of transitions 🧠 ADHD responses that show up during change 🙏 gratitude that doesn’t ignore the hard 🌬️ and simple ways to regulate when life gets loud Megs Getting out of debt journey: The Messy Middle of Getting out of Debt 01:30 — Introduction + Thanksgiving Greetings A warm, grounding check-in… and a reminder you’re not expected to hold it all together during the holidays. 01:36 — The Journey Across the Country How a cross-country move cracked me open, stretched my capacity, and exposed all my ADHD “under stress” patterns. 03:08 — Insights from the Journey What big change teaches us about identity, self-trust, and nervous-system safety. 03:34 — Organizing and Personal Growth Why your home often mirrors your emotional landscape — and how change shakes both up. 04:31 — Embracing Dual Emotions Holding joy + grief, excitement + overwhelm at the same time. (ADHD brains feel all the things, sometimes all at once.) 05:28 — The Move to Nashville The messy middle, the tears in the car, and why transitions don’t follow a clean timeline. 09:49 — Adventures in Georgia Finding grounding in small moments, even when everything else feels like a lot. 10:44 — Facing Challenges + Building Resilience How to navigate hard seasons with compassion, not pressure. And what to do when your ADHD brain freezes. 15:40 — Regulation + Self-Trust Tiny nervous-system resets you can use when your environment (or emotions) feel too big. 23:44 — The Importance of Gratitude Not the forced kind — the gentle, “I’m finding one small good thing today” kind. 27:37 — Final Thoughts + Coaching Invitation A soft invitation into support if you’re craving co-regulation, momentum, and systems that don’t collapse in three days. Share your thoughts with Megs! Would you like to learn more about hiring Megs as your ADHD coach? Start here> The Perfect Place to Start The Community is OPEN! Join right here: Organizing an ADHD Brain You can also learn more about the community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

    30 min

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4.8
out of 5
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About

This Podcast is about what it's like to have ADHD and different techniques people can apply to their life to find their own version of what organized means. Megs is a professional organizer coach with ADHD and shares how organizing your brain, while understanding how it works, provides the key to living your best life. 

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