The Faster Than Normal Podcast: ADD | ADHD | Health

Peter Shankman
  • 4.8 (482)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

  1. 2D AGO

    ADHD, Autism, Parenting and Entrepreneurship with Author & Artist Rachel Watts

    Join host Peter Shankman as he kicks off the ninth season of the Faster Than Normal podcast with Rachel Watts, the owner of Doodles and Sketches. Rachel shares her journey of managing mental health, entrepreneurship, and raising a neurodiverse child. Discover how she built a powerful online community and the challenges she faced along the way.   Our guest today, Rachel Watts, founder of *Doodles and Sketches*, is a neurodiverse entrepreneur who creates fandom-inspired merchandise. Living with autism, ADHD, and chronic illness, she candidly shares her journey of balancing mental health, parenting a neurodiverse child, and running a business. Following a mental health hospitalization, Rachel shifted her focus from business promotion to authentic self-expression on social media. Her openness has cultivated a deeply engaged online community, echoing the influence of early parenting bloggers. Her story underscores both the struggles and triumphs of neurodiverse entrepreneurship and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection online. We are grateful you are here- Enjoy! 01:45 - Introducing and welcome Rachel Watts! 03:30 - Threads versus ‘the old days’ 04:00 - On mental recovery, socials, community building and authenticity. 05:20 - How to find a topic and learn from trusting your community 06:00 - A little about talking representation and politics 06:38 - Dealing with criticism and opinions with positivity as a neurodiverse person 07:31- Rachel was not diagnosed with Autism until she was 28. 07:40 - About dealing with pushback in verbal confrontations 08:50 - A note about representation, curiosity, caring patience and compassion 10:30 - ON ADHD and Social media ‘self-controls’ and choices in 2025 11:15 - Why did you get diagnosed; what made you pursue testing? Ref: Dialectable Behavioral Therapy DBT 13:50 - On finding a provider and the ideal mental healthcare team members Ref: EMDR 15:50 - On how women and men present differently with behaviours and symptoms of being neurodivergent 17:60 - On finding the best team, advocating for your children.. and why you must learn to trust your gut. 18:15 - On how good mental health is a Practice! 19:00 - How can we find your awesome work!?  www.doodlesandsketches.com 19:42 - This is Peter’s Sweatshirt Era (SB’s too btw -Ed) 20:40 - Protect Queer Kids - cheers! 21:00 - Thank you for being here!! Give us a shout anytime! https://linktr.ee/petershankman Email: peter@shankman.com Podcast: Faster Than Normal Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    23 min

  2. JUL 2

    Rosie Elvin: Embracing Neurodiversity and Inclusive Design

    Our Guest today is Rosie Elvin, an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator who champions neurodiversity and inclusive design. Rosie, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, as she teaches architecture. Our discussion centers on the importance of Inclusive design, and naturally working with, rather than against neurodivergent brains. A little more about Rosie: Rosie Elvin is an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator passionate about helping individuals and workplaces embrace neurodiversity. Following her own late ADHD diagnosis at 43, Rosie founded ADHD Focus, where she provides coaching for adults with ADHD and delivers engaging training sessions on neurodiversity in the workplace. Her work blends lived experience with professional insight, supporting clients to understand their unique strengths, navigate challenges like executive functioning and emotional regulation, and build strategies that work with their brains, not against them. Rosie also teaches architecture part-time at Nottingham Trent University, where her interest in social justice and inclusive design shapes both her teaching and advocacy. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she challenges outdated narratives around ADHD and champions a strengths-based, human-centered approach. Whether she’s coaching, writing articles, or leading workshops, Rosie’s mission is clear: to create environments where neurodivergent people are understood, empowered, and celebrated. Enjoy! [You are now safely here, feel free to breathe] Intro and Welcome Rosie Elvin!  01:10 - So, what is inclusive design? 02:57 - Coaching Strategies for Neurodivergent individuals 03:20 - We don't often consider design's role in neurodiversity or ADHD, similar to how the world is designed for right-handed people; it seems designed for "normal brains." 04:12 - When coaching, how do you incorporate design, and what key strategies work for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals? 04:30 - If someone comes to you feeling lost or stuck, how do you help them shift their perspective? 05:47 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Impact 08:06 - Much of the problem stems from being told we're "broken" or "not good enough" for so long. 08:39 - On the journey of Self-Acceptance and Advocacy 11:20 - It's difficult to un-ingrain lifelong beliefs. 11:43 - When you were growing up, neurodiversity "didn't exist"; it meant being disruptive. 12:33 - Many first-world countries still don't discuss it. 13:13 - You're so talented and good at what you do. 14:48 - This seems like a classic ADHD response: identifying a problem and immediately fixing it without overthinking. 15:00 - Rosie, where can everyone find you? 16:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Rosie Elvin: LinkedIn: ADHD Focus, Rosie Elvin Website: www.adhdfocus.co.uk Instagram: @rosie.adhdfocus (Less active, as mentioned in the interview, but her LinkedIn and website are preferred contact methods) Peter Shankman: Email: peter@shankman.com Podcast: Faster Than Normal Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    15 min

  3. JUN 18

    Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja Founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services

    Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with clinical expertise in treating anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD.  She is the founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services, based in Montclair, New Jersey, where she provides in-person care and telepsychiatry across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her clinical approach integrates psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and evidence-informed complementary modalities—including lifestyle medicine, light therapy, and nutritional supplementation. Dr. Fajgenbaum-Teslja is committed to trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care and frequently collaborates with psychotherapists and interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive treatment planning. Today, Sarah discusses her unconventional path to psychiatry, her integrative approach, and observations on changing attitudes toward neurodiversity and mental health stigmas - stigmans which we are here to help permanently remove through using education, community encouragement, care, and entertainment. Enjoy! [You are now safely here, too]  01:00 - Introducing and welcome Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja! 01:45 - Could you please share a bit about your background and education? 03:20 - Was your path to this career revolving around Psychiatry what you expected? 03:39 - Why do you think ADHD diagnoses have increased, especially among parents and their children? 04:44 - Despite progress, why does stigma around mental health, especially for kids, still exist? 08:16 - What trends are you seeing in neurodiversity and ADHD treatment? 10:10 - How do you help new patients who feel anxious, or even ashamed about seeing a psychiatrist? 12:22 - How can people find you? @integrativepsychiatrynj on INSTA  Facebook  LinkedIN  YouTube and via her company's website: Integrative Phychiatric Services aka https://njips.com/ 12:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    14 min

  4. JUN 11

    Cynthia Murray / Founder + Recipe Developer of 4Legz All Natural Dog Treats!

    Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Today we are so happy to have Cynthia Murray join us! She’s the Founder + Recipe Developer of 4Legz Dog Treats!  So, she was born deaf. From an early age she found deep connection and comfort with animals, especially dogs. Over the years, she began rescuing deaf dogs and realized just how much love, loyalty, and understanding they offer, often without a single sound. They became her inspiration. Frustrated by the lack of healthy, transparent dog treats, she started baking her own using only human-grade, organic ingredients. She knew her furry family members deserved better—treats that were simple, safe, and made with love. And that’s how 4Legz was born. In 2025, her company is so much more than just a happy dog treats company. 4Legz is rooted in purpose. They support animal rescues and are committed to creating inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. -As someone who has navigated life with a disability, she understands how powerful it is to be included, empowered, and seen. Every bag of 4Legz treats represents more than quality ingredients—it stands for health, compassion, and change. When you support 4Legz, you're not just giving your dog something wholesome and delicious—you're helping build a more inclusive and caring world. Enjoy! [You are now safely here] 00:45 - Intro and Welcome Cynthia Murray, Founder of 4Legz All Natural Dog Treats  01:30 - You started this great company, but tell us your backstory—how you came into this idea, your childhood, you know, the whole thing. 04:45 - It sounds like the concept for the company is rooted in the fact that disability does not mean unable, right? 07:00 - Please tell us about success stories you’ve enjoyed with 4Legs? 10:00 - Broader Impact on Families and Community. It sounds like there’s an incredible overall benefit—not just for the employees, but for their families and the community, or?  Discussion about the positive ripple effects on families and the broader community when individuals with disabilities are empowered and supported 11:30 - Let’s talk about Four Legs for a bit. How is the business going? How are you growing? What’s next? 14:10 - How can people find you, Cynthia?  WEB:  https://4legZ.com/  SOCIALS: @4legzdogtreats on INSTA  YouTube, TikTok, FB 14:26 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again here, very soon! Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    13 min

  5. JUN 4

    Creativity + Inattentive ADHD: Comedian and Author Steph Sprenger on Navigating Life Career Parenthood

    Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Today we are lucky to share a few minutes with Steph Sprenger. She is a writer, producer, stand-up comic, and single Mom to two teenage girls. She produces Listen To Your Mother Boulder, a live storytelling show, and facilitates creative writing workshops for midlife women at The HerStories Project. As co-host of The Mother Plus Podcast and columnist at The Reclamation Era, she champions women who want to understand and celebrate their neurodivergence, especially at midlife. Steph is currently working on a memoir, “Breadcrumbs Across Suburbia” which is the story of a nostalgia pilgrimage which turns into a therapeutic reclamation by way of visiting her 17 prior homes; which we will talk about a little, in addition to learning about the path she followed which led her here. [You are now safely here, too]  Enjoy! 01:48 - Introducing and welcome the multi-talented Steph Sprenger!! 01:51 - Please share with us your background, and about why you were diagnosed?  Ref: perimenopause 02:47 - How did your ADHD diagnosis change your perspective on yourself and your family? 03:04 - What were some of the biggest challenges or surprises along the way? Ref: Inattentive ADHD 04:00 - Growing up, did you feel something was different with you, but you couldn't pinpoint just what? 04:08 - On “why can’t I”, neurodivergence and personal coping mechanisms in relationships and work 05:07 - What specific tools have helped you figure out your brain? Ref: Internal Family Systems - Therapy 06:22 - About applying the wrong operation manual to your personal operating system. 07:11 - If you are Inattentive ADHD, your external behavior is only extension of what’s happening to you, and your thoughts internally. 07:37 - Not everyone has a constant-running inner dialogue ..wait, What?!?  Ref: A Neurodiverse Namaste on radar/tractor beam 08:49- ADHD changes as you become older as you gain perspective and better tools 10:35 - Family and best friends can really be one and the same. ADHD is never a copout. 11:57 - Is there something to ADHD and divorce? Can dueling ADHD Superpowers produce conflict? 12:15 - On fun tool kits like: setting relationship expectations, meeting specific needs, and respect for systems we neurodiverse in place such as: “Watering Wednesday, or Fridge Friday”.  13:33 - Peter's Article in Medium. Ten Ways to be Happier When You Live/Love Someone Diagnosed With ADHD #trust #wetriedreallyhard #notbroken #guilt 14:00 - On parenting and leading by example with sensitive language choices and non-shaming positivity 14:48 - On the importance of good friends who also “speak your language” 15:53 - Tell us what you’ve learned by working in tandem with Moms and neurodiverse women? 18:00 - An example of parenting, but also personal systems that are working, consistently 19:20 - More on rituals and rigorous systems. ref: What is a mnemonic device as pertains to psychology? 20:32 - Smarthomes are good for you- you should not feel like you are being chased by a bear in the morning 21:36 - On breaking stereotypes and how it is excruciatingly difficult sometimes. 22:10 - How can people find you? @mother_plus_podcast on INSTA and via  https://stephaniesprenger.com/ 22:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    23 min

  6. MAY 28

    Success Routines, Tech, Sleep Hacks and Neurodiversity: Maya Salwen on Thriving in Corporate Life

    Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today, Maya Salwen is a transformation consultant at Accenture where she helps organizations navigate complex change. She’s also spent the past few years on a personal transformation journey, leveraging a range of tools to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maya has found the systems that keep her grounded in the chaos of Work life and Mom life—something she’s learned to navigate as a neurodivergent adult, living with ADHD and aphantasia (a condition where the mind’s eye can’t visualize images). She’s also overcome challenges related to depression and hyper-somnia, a chronic sleep disorder, building a life that supports her energy, focus, and well-being. She lives in New York City with her husband, their two sons, a dog, and loves connecting with others who are building lives that work on their own terms. Enjoy! [You are now safely here] 01:18 - Introducing and welcome Maya Salwen  Refs: Accenture,  Aphantasia 02:33 - How and what do you use to be successful consulting at Accenture, after joining in March, 2020? 03:50 - How to use captions in Microsoft Teams! 05:23 - What are the top 5 tools you use, in addition to live captions, in your very demanding job in corporate? 06:43 - Ref: Brain.FM and our interviews, (part 1/ part 2), with CEO Daniel Clark 07:00 - Setting yourself up for success while out of the work place, time management + routines around the house 07:52 - 10pm bedtime? ref: Moon Brew for sleep a few hours before bed and removing digital gadgets 08:50 - On morning routines and habitual disciplines 09:31 - On understanding how to adjust your sleep schedule; if you’re a night owl.  Ref: Robin Sharma book 11:00 - What happens if your routine and schedule get out of whack? 12:00 - On parenting and your morning rituals 12:48 - Living by example works 13:28 - What advice would you give to those diagnosed as ADHD/Neurodivergent and perhaps in Gen Alpha; who are looking for new jobs, especially in the corporate sector? Ref: what is an ERG Program? 16:44 - On sleep studies, a Hypersomnia diagnosis, and about sharing personal things with your work family 17:28 - How can people find you? @MayaLeah on INSTA 17:52 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent mind? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    19 min

  7. MAY 14

    Sharpening Your ADHD Productivity Toolkit with Author Ari Tuckman

    Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.   Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA is a psychologist, international presenter, and ADHD thought leader. The author or acclaimed ADHD After Dark, today joins us after a few years to tell us about his highly anticipated fifth book, The ADHD Productivity Manual. You can find more information about his books, his podcast More Attention, Less Deficit, upcoming and recorded presentations and contact information at adultADHDbook.com.  Enjoy! [You are now safely here] 00:42 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!! [Episode 332 I believe, but we will be 10 years old, wowzers! -Ed] 01:20 - Introducing and welcome back Ari Tuckman! 02:00 - COVID - 2025? 02:30 - Check out Peter’s interview with Ari about his book ADHD After Dark Interview here! 02:50 - Tell us about your new book The ADHD Productivity Manual 03:00 - Fitting the pieces of lists together, and how we can get stuff done, better and quicker 04:20 - It’s an easy read, right? 04:47 - What are you dealing with in your brain today? Let us know if the comments! 05:22 - Lazy, Stupid, Studio, or Crazy? 05:55 - On starting the learning late, and focusing on the right lessons and rituals for us. 06:40 - Experiences are our own 07:00 - On being kind to others. And dogs, and cats, all of the pets. 08:11 - On the importance of community support, and laughter 08:50 - On being a good person. A mentor who speaks your language/same brain. 10:05 - 5 FAST THINGS from the book: How to live with: Schedules, To Do Lists, and ALARMS and deadlines How to handle social stuff, and others’ expectationa of you and your work How to have faith and deal with the process, experience your experience; but show up and keep showing up. On focusing on the process and not giving up on the daily confusion or frustration. What’s the point anyway? 12:25 - A final thought on personal effectiveness and productivity using ADHD 13:06 - How can people find you? More Attention, Less Deficit also at adultADHDbook.com 13:18 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! D you know of anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! See you shortly! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    14 min

  8. APR 23

    Reframing ADHD: Emotional Fitness, Gen Z and Technology with Dr. Emily Anhalt

    Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today is psychologist, international speaker, and the CoFounder of Coa, the gym for mental health, Dr. Emily Anhalt. Dr. Anhalt studied psychology at the University of Michigan and attained Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology in Berkley, California. She conducted her doctoral research on ADHD and Success Without the Use of Medication and has spent the past two decades working clinically with executives, founders, and tech employees to support their emotional fitness. Dr. Anhalt has matched more than 800 people into therapy and has collaborated with some of the fastest-growing technology companies in the world including Google, Salesforce, NBCUniversal, NASDAQ, and the NBA. [You are now safely here] 00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!! 01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Dr. Emily Anhalt. 01:44 - Emily in her own words.  02:13 - Emily’s research on adult ADHD success without the use of medication.  02:29 - 3 keys to success alongside your ADHD.  04:45 - Is ADHD a good or a bad thing? 06:25 - Reframing ADHD. 06:53 - Gen Zers are standing up for their mental health and destigmatize ADHD.  08:03 - Social media is flipping the way we view mental health and ADHD.  08:56 - But it’s also paving the way for “Dr. TikToks” to take over.  10:07 - Al as a tool for the neurodiverse brain.  11:31 - Why AI is a tool and not a way to diagnose or get therapy.  12:08 - Emily’s new book, “Flex Your Feelings, Train Your Brain to Develop the Seven Traits of Emotional Fitness.” 13:44 - Connecting with Emily. 14:16 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! Connecting with Emily: Website: dremilyanhalt.com Instagram: @dremilyanhalt LinkedIn: Dr. Emily Anhalt X: @dremilyanhalt Don’t forget to pre-order Emily’s debut book, Flex Your Feelings, Train Your Brain to Develop the 7 Traits of Emotional Fitness before it launches on May 13, 2025!  My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

    15 min
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Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

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