ADHD & Neurodiversity: The Spicy Brain Podcast

Megan Mioduski & Michelle Woodward
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

ADHD isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a way of seeing the world.I'm a neurodivergent creative, and I'm teaming up with my neurotypical sister to unpack the chaos of ADHD, mental health, big feelings, and the wild ride of living with a spicy brain. Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in the neurospicy trenches, or just trying to make sense of someone you care about, we hope you’ll leave every episode feeling a little more seen and a little less alone. Here, we mix sister talk with ridiculous stories. Here, we break down how ADHD physically and emotionally feels in the body. Here, we laugh our way through the sometimes messy (and wildly creative) ways neurodivergence shows up in real life.  We believe you don’t have to “fix” your brain to feel better. This is your reminder that being wired differently doesn’t mean being broken. We’re in it with you. Our podcast is funny, honest, and probably the most validating train wreck you'll listen to this week. (New episodes weekly-ish.)  💬 Say hello on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/spicybrainstudios  🧠 Spicy Brain: Navigating Neurodiversity Through Curiosity, Joy, and Radical Acceptance. Tags: ADHD, neurodivergent, neurodivergence, executive dysfunction, masking, RSD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, autism, AuDHD, sensory overload, overstimulation, burnout, dopamine, mental health, time blindness, creativity, sibling podcast, funny mental health podcast, women with ADHD, late diagnosis ADHD, emotional dysregulation, productivity struggles, ADHD hacks, real talk, neurospicy, ADHD podcast

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 89 — ADHD, Parenting Yourself, and Pancake Pandemonium

    Living with ADHD or parenting someone who’s neurodivergent can feel like climbing a mountain every day—while carrying a backpack you forgot at home. In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Michelle and Megan continue exploring The Essential Guide to Raising a Complex Kid by Elaine Taylor-Klaus, with real talk about emotions, burnout, school struggles, and what it means to “parent yourself” as an adult with ADHD.From pancake chaos to forgotten backpacks and double-fisted coffee mornings, the sisters unpack the second and third challenge areas of complex living: organization and school/home life. Megan opens up about her husband's recent ADHD diagnosis and how grief, growth, and humor show up in unexpected ways. Michelle shares stories of parenting with compassion and what it means to redefine success when you're raising (or re-raising) a complex brain.Whether you’re managing a complex condition, supporting someone who is, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers validation, community, and a reminder that being here is enough. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep showing up.Favorite Line: "The ADHD is strong in me today."00:00 – Welcome and podcast catch-up02:00 – The story behind the two-minute episode06:30 – Why Megan thinks adulting is just parenting yourself10:00 – Brian’s new ADHD diagnosis and navigating the what-ifs14:30 – Grief, unmet expectations, and moving forward20:00 – Challenge 2: Organization and the great water bottle saga28:00 – Pancake chaos and Kodiak flapjack detours33:00 – When ADHD meds kick in mid-breakfast36:00 – Parenting with curiosity, not control40:00 – Backpack panic and asking for help45:00 – Challenge 3: Home and school life with complex kids51:00 – The pressure of potential and “just try harder” culture56:00 – Slowing down, connecting, and chipping away expectationsFollow or subscribe to the Spicy Brain Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss next week’s episode on logistics, broken routines, and family relationships. And if this episode resonated with you, leave us a review—it helps other neurospicy listeners find their way here, too.ADHD, parenting ADHD, reparenting, adulting with ADHD, burnout, emotions, executive function, complex kids, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, ADHD spouse, ADHD diagnosis, school challenges, organization struggles, neurodivergent parenting, radical acceptance, neurodiversity support

    59 min

  2. OCT 9

    Ep. 88 — ADHD Parenting, Emotional Regulation, and Self Compassion for Complex Kids and Adults: "Adulting is Just Parenting One's self"

    ADHD parenting, emotional regulation, and self compassion take center stage as Megan and Michelle unpack The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus. This conversation bridges two worlds at once: helping kids who are wired differently and learning how to “parent” our own neurospicy adult selves. You’ll hear practical reframes for rules and "shoulds," why consistency beats perfection, how to use curiosity and repair when emotions spike, and what it looks like to build family culture that supports complex brains. It’s warm, funny, and real life, with takeaways you can use today whether you’re raising a kid, re-raising yourself, or both.You’ll also hear sister-level honesty about loneliness in parenting and adulting, the invisible load of “fitting in,” strategies for grounding during meltdowns, and how shredding "shoulds" can unlock more calm mornings, kinder self talk, and better connection. If you’ve ever lost a sock, your patience, or your place in the plan, pull up a chair.favorite line from the episode: “Adulting is just parenting one’s self.”[00:00:00] welcome and why this parenting book applies to adults with adhd too[00:04:30] what “complex” really means and why fixing isn’t the goal[00:09:10] emotional regulation basics and why gifted kids can be hardest to teach[00:15:40] the rule problem: shoulds, fairness, and living in a neurotypical world[00:23:15] quick grounding for kids and grownups: notice five things, narrate the room, breathe[00:26:20] mornings are a logistics trap and why slowing down can speed up the day[00:31:30] siblings, shame, and building a family culture of curiosity and repair[00:38:45] tapping out without guilt and letting community help[00:45:20] repair beats perfect: how to circle back after hard moments[00:52:10] shred the shoulds: choose core values over invisible rulebooks[00:55:20] adulting as self parenting and permission to do what actually worksIf you’re new here, follow or subscribe on your favorite app. "If you’re a returning spicy brainer, a quick rating or review helps other neurodivergent listeners find us.keywords: adhd, adhd parenting, emotional regulation, self compassion, complex kids, adulting, self parenting, neurodiversity, gentle parenting, curiosity and repair, shred the shoulds, sensory needs, routines, adhd tips, adhd women

    56 min

  3. OCT 2

    Ep. 87 — Real Life, Real ADHD

    ADHD, self compassion, and celebrating small wins are at the heart of this quick victory lap episode. Life happens, ADHD brains get busy, and sometimes the podcast you planned turns into a one minute check-in instead. And that’s okay! This mini episode is your reminder that being consistent, even imperfectly, is an Olympic level win for any ADHD brain.So if you have been beating yourself up for forgetting a project, missing a deadline, or getting distracted by snacks (or pugs, or puzzles, or life in general), consider this your "permission slip" to laugh it off and keep going. There is nothing broken about a brain that needs a little grace.We will be back with a full episode soon, but for now celebrate the small wins, give yourself a high five, and maybe even call this week your own spicy brain victory lap.

    1 min

  4. SEP 25

    Ep. 86 — Parenting Complex Kids with ADHD: Breaking Free from “Shoulds”

    Parents worry about the future for their kids, but the ‘shoulds’ only disconnect us from what really matters.In this episode, we kick off The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids with ADHD by Elaine Taylor-Klaus. Michelle and Megan dive into the first chapter, exploring how “shoulds” dominate both parenting and self-talk, and how reframing these expectations can transform relationships. They share vulnerable moments from their own experiences: Michelle’s parenting challenges with Josh, Megan’s reflections on growing up neurodivergent, and the grace their mom gave us by loving who they were without shame. Along the way, they unpack how sleep, pain, and disrupted routines impact emotional regulation, and how curiosity can replace desperation when navigating complex needs.favorite line from the episode: "You, yourself know your kid, the best “[00:00:00] Welcome, community shout-outs, and new structure for the podcast[00:02:00] Megan’s journey toward confidence and co-producing the show[00:05:00] Introducing The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus[00:07:00] Why “shoulds” are damaging for kids and parents alike[00:10:00] Disability, disadvantage, and reframing ADHD in a neurotypical world[00:17:00] Six challenge areas for complex kids — starting with emotional management[00:23:00] Parenting language, micro-triggers, and navigating daily routines[00:33:00] Michelle’s early parenting memories with Josh and the “loving chair”[00:37:00] Rosey reflects on our mom’s acceptance despite limited resources[00:50:00] How sleep, pain, and routine disruptions derail regulation[01:00:00] Repairing in the moment and choosing curiosity over desperation[01:05:00] Wrapping up: parenting as relationship, community feedback, and radical acceptanceIf you’ve ever struggled with the weight of “shoulds” in parenting or self-talk, this episode is for you. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions. We love hearing from you! And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review helps other neurospicy folks find their way here too.ADHD parenting, complex kids, neurodiversity, parenting with ADHD, emotional regulation, ADHD podcast, ADHD women, radical acceptance, parenting challenges, reparenting inner child

    1h 7m

  5. SEP 18

    Ep. 85 — ADHD Protein & Brain Fuel: Simple Nutrition Wins for Steadier Focus — “Yay, you have food now!”

    This week we get practical about fueling an ADHD brain. Megan shares how adding more protein (and pairing it with healthy fats + carbs) is helping her keep energy steadier during cognitively heavy tasks, plus easy, zero-perfection ideas: smoothies with protein + milk powders, chia, spinach; protein muffins; overnight oats; egg bites; and simple “sneak-in” tips (protein in pancakes, protein shake as coffee creamer).We also talk cues for what your body needs (foggy brain → protein, dragging body → carbs), why healthy fats matter for satiety and absorption, and how to stay balanced if you’ve got ED history or are exploring GLP-1 under a doctor’s care. It’s a judgment-free, experiment-friendly chat aimed at helping your Ferrari brain run smoother: without a million rules.favorite lines from the episode: “Whoa, I can feel my brain churning!” • “I’m not a full glazed donut.”Timestamps00:00 Hello + why listeners’ lived expertise matters02:00 Today’s focus: protein & ADHD brain energy04:00 Realization: mental fatigue ≠ physical fatigue06:00 Immediate effect of a protein snack (“wave of happy”)07:30 Context: recovery, doctor care, low-dose GLP-1, long-term goals09:30 More consistent brain energy; remembering to eat is an ADHD thing11:00 Fewer migraines with steadier nutrition? Noticing signals12:30 “Can you feel your brain?” blood flow, alertness, neurotransmitters15:00 Practical takeaway: front-of-brain work needs fuel16:00 Smoothie system: protein powder + milk powders + chia + spinach + frozen fruit18:30 Thick smoothie preference, blender notes, mom feedback (watch sugars)19:30 Protein muffins (Kodiak-style mix + milk + egg + blueberries)20:30 Variety prevents burnout: overnight oats, bars, simple swaps22:00 Parenting angle: picky eaters, getting protein into kids23:00 The quick cue: foggy brain → protein; dragging body → carbs24:30 Why healthy fats help (absorption, satiety, brain support)26:00 Ferrari brain analogy: fuel type & maintenance matter28:00 Who to follow: registered dietitians > random “nutritionist” tips29:30 Sneak-in protein ideas (pancakes, coffee, flavorless powders)31:00 Road snacks truth: sometimes peanut M&M’s are the right tool33:00 Easy protein dinners: egg bites, ground turkey burgers34:30 Gentle, balanced mindset > food rules; what feels good for your body35:30 Signs it’s snack time; “not a full glazed donut… yet”37:00 Wrap + invite for listener recipes and experiencesThanks for listening to the Spicy Brain Podcast, brought to you by Spicy Brain Studios. Please follow/subscribe and leave a quick review, because it helps more neurospicy folks find us. Share your favorite protein hacks/recipes in the comments so we can feature them!Keywords: ADHD women, ADHD nutrition, ADHD protein, ADHD brain fog, executive function, healthy fats, GLP-1 and ADHD, ADHD snack ideas, protein smoothie, overnight oats, egg bites, neurodivergent tips, Ferrari brain, ADHD podcast sisters

    37 min

  6. SEP 11

    Ep. 84 — Adulting, Mental Rehearsal, and ADHD Strategies: "Dancing Through the Day?"

    Dancing through the day sounds nice in theory, but what does it really mean when you’re living with ADHD? In this episode, Megan and Michelle wrap up their deep dive into Your Brain Is Not Broken by Tamara Rosier. They tackle the loaded word “adulting,” how the ADHD brains handle (or resist) it, and the difference between outcome-based versus process-based goals. They also unpack the idea of mental rehearsal and how ADHD folks often replay failures instead of successes. They also explore how to shift that rehearsal into something more supportive. Along the way, they share laughter, sisterly honesty, and practical insights about creating safe spaces, reframing goals, and finding your own version of “adulting.”favorite line from the episode: “Can I just put the cups away? Because the cups seemed doable.”Timestamps:00:00 – Opening banter, “high kick,” and what the podcast is all about02:00 – Wrapping up Your Brain Is Not Broken03:00 – Dancing through the day and adulting—loaded or liberating?07:00 – What does it really mean to be an adult? (Bills, socks, and values)13:00 – Process vs. outcome goals: why solution-based goals help ADHD brains19:00 – The drill sergeant vs. realistic goals22:00 – The kitchen nemesis and the “cups” breakthrough23:00 – Mental rehearsal: how ADHD brains rehearse failure26:00 – Reframing rehearsal into something supportive36:00 – Megan realizes she actually does use rehearsal40:00 – Tools, not pressure: reframing strategies as options, not obligations44:00 – Closing reflections, gratitude for Tamara Rosier, and mic-drop on “the equation of life”If you loved this episode, please follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, leaving a review helps other neurospicy folks find us too. Stay curious, joyful, and keep practicing radical acceptance (and maybe a high kick).Keywords: ADHD women, ADHD adulting, ADHD podcast, ADHD goals, ADHD mental rehearsal, outcome vs process goals, ADHD overwhelm, Your Brain Is Not Broken, ADHD sisters, neurodivergent podcast

    47 min

  7. SEP 4

    Ep. 83 — ADHD, Sleep Struggles, and Protecting Your Peak Time: “I don’t feel like I’m dancing through my day right now”

    This week, Megan and Michelle dig into one of the toughest ADHD topics: sleep. From bedtime spirals to Ferrari brain, they share stories about what makes winding down so hard, including Megan’s strategies, listener shoutouts, and the frustration of never quite feeling rested. Inspired by Your Brain is Not Broken by Tamara Rosier, they explore the connection between sleep, adulting, and finding your “peak time” for productivity. It’s raw, honest, and full of those sisterly back-and-forth moments that remind us we’re not alone in the struggle.favorite line from the episode: “I don’t feel like I’m dancing through my day right now.”Timestamps00:00 Welcome back to the Spicy Brain Podcast01:30 Listener shoutout: Taryn’s Harry Potter sleep hack04:00 Ferrari brain and racing thoughts at bedtime09:00 The reality of ADHD sleep struggles12:00 Protecting your peak times18:00 Night owl energy vs. real productivity27:00 Technology, mornings, and ADHD focus36:00 The frustration of not feeling productive45:00 Lynda makes a cameo in the conversation55:00 Rethinking what “peak time” actually means01:00:00 Why sleep has to come firstThanks for listening to the Spicy Brain Podcast, brought to you by Spicy Brain Studios. Please share this episode with a friend and leave us a review to help more ADHD women find our community.Keywords: ADHD women, ADHD sleep, ADHD peak time, Ferrari brain, ADHD productivity, adulting hacks, ADHD burnout, Your Brain is Not Broken

    1h 4m

  8. AUG 28

    Ep. 82 — Sleep, ADHD, and Finding Calm in Chaos: "Blinking Like a Crazy Woman"

    Living with ADHD means navigating unpredictable emotions, burnout, and sleepless nights that don’t always make sense. In this episode, sisters Megan and Michelle unpack the strange, funny, and all-too-relatable ways ADHD affects sleep and nighttime routines. From Megan’s late-night blinking frenzy to discovering the surprising power of a “baby lamp,” they share stories filled with humor, insight, and self-discovery.As they reflect on what helps (and what absolutely doesn’t), you’ll hear about sensory preferences, anxious bedtime thoughts, and creative hacks like counting backwards by sevens. Whether you're someone who battles sleep, masks through fatigue, or just needs to feel less alone in the chaos, this episode offers warmth, laughter, and the reminder that even our messiest moments can lead to connection.Favorite line from the episode: “I was blinking like a crazy woman.”00:00 intro and a tale of a wild night03:05 the blinking incident and bedtime burnout08:40 Megan’s baby lamp vs. overhead doom12:55 counting backward by sevens16:30 the ADHD sleep cycle explained20:00 Michelle’s sensory preferences24:45 letting go of 'normal' routines28:10 how laughter helps regulate emotions32:05 wrapping up and a tiny winFollow the Spicy Brain Podcast and leave us a review! It helps more ADHDers (and the people who love them) find our show.ADHD, ADHD sleep, masking, burnout, bedtime routine, neurodivergent, humor, emotional regulation, ADHD sisters, Spicy Brain Podcast

    1 hr
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About

ADHD isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a way of seeing the world.I'm a neurodivergent creative, and I'm teaming up with my neurotypical sister to unpack the chaos of ADHD, mental health, big feelings, and the wild ride of living with a spicy brain. Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in the neurospicy trenches, or just trying to make sense of someone you care about, we hope you’ll leave every episode feeling a little more seen and a little less alone. Here, we mix sister talk with ridiculous stories. Here, we break down how ADHD physically and emotionally feels in the body. Here, we laugh our way through the sometimes messy (and wildly creative) ways neurodivergence shows up in real life.  We believe you don’t have to “fix” your brain to feel better. This is your reminder that being wired differently doesn’t mean being broken. We’re in it with you. Our podcast is funny, honest, and probably the most validating train wreck you'll listen to this week. (New episodes weekly-ish.)  💬 Say hello on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/spicybrainstudios  🧠 Spicy Brain: Navigating Neurodiversity Through Curiosity, Joy, and Radical Acceptance. Tags: ADHD, neurodivergent, neurodivergence, executive dysfunction, masking, RSD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, autism, AuDHD, sensory overload, overstimulation, burnout, dopamine, mental health, time blindness, creativity, sibling podcast, funny mental health podcast, women with ADHD, late diagnosis ADHD, emotional dysregulation, productivity struggles, ADHD hacks, real talk, neurospicy, ADHD podcast

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