Thriving With ADHD

Animo Sano Psychiatry

Practical, every day tactics to live better whether you have ADHD or not. People with ADHD and other behavioral health conditions often face stigma, prejudices, and discrimination. Join Animo Sano Psychiatry team, specialists in adult ADHD, as we discuss it with our team members and other healthcare professionals. This is an opportunity to learn about ADHD and other behavioral health conditions, how they present, how they impact individuals and their families, and strategies to manage them. If you are an adult with ADHD, or you have a loved one who is living with ADHD, this podcast is for you. This podcast is brought to you by Animo Sano Psychiatry. We provide accessible, high-quality mental health care. If you’re looking for support or have questions about our services, you can find us online or reach out to us directly at animosanopsychiatry.com. We’re here to help. 

  1. Is it ADHD or just life?

    APR 9

    Is it ADHD or just life?

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, distracted, or burned out. But how do you know when it might be ADHD rather than just everyday life? In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Dr. Jennifer Dall, a Grief-Informed Neurodivergence Specialist and founder of ADHD Holistically. Together, they explore how to distinguish between normal life stress and ADHD, and why so many people — especially women — go years without recognizing the signs. Dr. Jennifer shares both her professional expertise and personal experience of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s, offering a compassionate and practical perspective on understanding your brain, recognizing patterns, and managing daily life with more ease. You’ll learn:  How to tell the difference between ADHD and everyday overwhelm  Common behaviors that are often misunderstood or mislabelled  Why patterns and consistency matter  Practical tools and mindset shifts to reduce overwhelm  What to do if you think you might have ADHD This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: Is it ADHD… or is it just life? Dr. Jennifer Dall's website and social media links: Website: https://adhdholistically.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd.holisticallyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ADHDHolistically/100077667853992/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dall-ed-d-226857317/Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.  Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

    27 min
  2. ADHD in High Achievers

    MAR 9

    ADHD in High Achievers

    Send us Fan Mail When most people think about ADHD, they imagine missed deadlines, disorganization, or academic struggles. But many adults with ADHD are highly accomplished - building businesses, leading teams, and performing at high levels while quietly struggling behind the scenes. In this episode of Thriving With ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Maren Londahl-Smidt, LCSW, a therapist and coach who works with entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-performing adults navigating ADHD. Together they explore the “successful but struggling” paradox - why many high achievers with ADHD go undiagnosed for years and how masking, perfectionism, and hyperfocus can both support and strain performance. Maren shares insights from her clinical work and lived experience with ADHD, along with practical strategies to help high achievers move from hustle and burnout toward sustainable success. In this episode, we discuss: Why high achievers often receive ADHD diagnoses later in lifeThe hidden emotional cost of masking ADHD symptomsHyperfocus: when it’s a superpower and when it leads to burnoutADHD, perfectionism, and imposter syndromeCoping patterns like overwork, people-pleasing, and adrenaline dependenceHow to build sustainable routines and protect mental healthPractical tools for executive function and productivityIf you’re a high performer who feels like you’re constantly working twice as hard to keep everything together, this episode will resonate. Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.  Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

    49 min
  3. ADHD - Back to basics with Whitney Kost, PA-C

    FEB 9

    ADHD - Back to basics with Whitney Kost, PA-C

    Send us Fan Mail In this February episode of Thriving With ADHD, we’re going back to basics - unpacking what ADHD really is, how it’s diagnosed, what’s happening in the ADHD brain, and what actually helps. Joining Nada is Whitney Kost, PA-C, physician assistant at Animo Sano Psychiatry, who brings clinical insight and practical experience from working closely with adults navigating ADHD and other mental health challenges. Together, they explore: • What ADHD diagnostic criteria actually involve • The difference between ADD and ADHD • Types of ADHD and how they show up in daily life • Symptom overlap with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders • Common everyday struggles adults report • What’s happening neurologically in the ADHD brain • Treatment options - medication, therapy, coaching, and lifestyle supports • Persistent myths and misconceptions about ADHD Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with ADHD, or simply looking for a clearer understanding, this episode offers grounded, reassuring education without overwhelm. Thriving With ADHD is brought to you by Animo Sano Psychiatry, a behavioral health practice with a specialist ADHD clinic based in North Carolina. Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.  Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

    32 min
  4. ADHD in Kids: Medication, Therapy or Both. What’s the right treatment?

    JAN 9

    ADHD in Kids: Medication, Therapy or Both. What’s the right treatment?

    Send us Fan Mail Medication, Therapy, or Both? Understanding ADHD Treatment Options for Kids Breaking down misconceptions and supporting confident, informed decisions When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, one of the first, and often most overwhelming, questions parents face is: What is the right treatment? Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both? In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Dr. Karen Melendez, Clinical Advisor and Supervising Physician at Animo Sano Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, to gently and clearly unpack the realities of ADHD treatment for children. Together, they explore: How stimulant medication actually works in the ADHD brainCommon fears around medication, including addiction, growth, and side effectsWhen psychotherapy alone may not be enoughWhat a balanced, multimodal treatment approach looks like in real lifeHow structure, school support, sleep, nutrition, and family dynamics all play a roleWhy untreated ADHD can carry greater long-term risks than many parents realizeDr. Melendez shares practical examples, clinical insights, and compassionate guidance to help parents move from fear and confusion to clarity and confidence. Whether you’re just beginning your ADHD journey with your child or looking to reassess your current approach, this episode offers reassurance, evidence-based information, and a reminder that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.  Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

    32 min
  5. Managing Holiday Stress with ADHD

    12/10/2025

    Managing Holiday Stress with ADHD

    Send us Fan Mail Host: Nada Pupovac | Guest: Dr. Ronald Lee, MD (Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health) The holidays can feel like a perfect storm for adults with ADHD. Routines get disrupted, sensory and social demands ramp up, and executive function takes a hit. In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, Nada Pupovac sits down with board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Ronald Lee to unpack why the season is especially tricky and, more importantly, what you can do about it. Dr. Lee explains how disrupted sleep, cluttered schedules, travel, family dynamics, and sensory overload amplify ADHD symptoms and emotional reactivity. Then he offers clear, practical tools you can use right away: visual calendars and chunked task lists, scheduled “anchor” routines (sleep, meds, movement), short breaks and recharge rituals, simple scripts for setting boundaries, travel tips for medication, and the power of lowering perfectionism to make room for joy. If the holidays leave you tired, scattered, or people-pleasing, this episode brings compassionate, actionable advice so you can protect your energy, stay present, and actually enjoy meaningful moments. Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.  Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

    39 min
  6. ADHD & Creativity: Embracing the Flow with Brock Carter

    11/10/2025

    ADHD & Creativity: Embracing the Flow with Brock Carter

    Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac sits down with Brock Carter, Physician Assistant at Animo Sano Psychiatry and office lead for the Tennessee branch, who’s not only a mental health clinician but also a passionate musician and producer. Together, they explore the fascinating link between ADHD and creativity how divergent thinking, impulsivity, and curiosity can both fuel and challenge creative expression. Brock shares his perspective on embracing ADHD as a different operating system rather than a deficit, and how creativity can serve as a form of self-regulation, therapy, and empowerment. From navigating creative highs and lows to learning to “strike while the iron is hot,” this episode is filled with compassion, insight, and encouragement for anyone who’s ever felt frustrated by their creative rhythm. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone with a curious mind, you’ll walk away reminded that creativity doesn’t have an expiration date, and that your mind works in seasons, not on a stopwatch. 🎧 Tune in to learn: How ADHD traits like curiosity and impulsivity can spark creativityThe challenges of follow-through and structure in creative workWhy creativity can be therapeutic for ADHD mindsPractical ways to honor your natural creative rhythmHow clinicians can encourage creative outlets in ADHD treatmentThank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.  Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

    20 min
  7. From Missed to Seen: Changing the Story for Girls With ADHD

    10/10/2025

    From Missed to Seen: Changing the Story for Girls With ADHD

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Thriving with ADHD, dear ADHD community! 🌟 In this powerful episode, we shine a light on a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention — girls with ADHD. Many girls are still overlooked or misdiagnosed, their symptoms dismissed as daydreaming, anxiety, or perfectionism. Today, we explore why this happens and how parents, teachers, and clinicians can recognize and support these girls earlier. Our guest, Cynthia Hammer, is the Executive Director of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition and founder of FINDtheADHDgirls.org After receiving her own ADHD diagnosis later in life, Cynthia has dedicated her career to changing the story for girls with inattentive ADHD. Through her advocacy, writing, and public speaking, she empowers families and professionals to see the signs sooner—so that girls don’t have to wait decades for understanding and support. In this conversation, we discuss: Why girls with ADHD are often missed or misunderstoodThe subtle signs parents and teachers should watch forPractical steps to take if you suspect a girl may have ADHDHow Cynthia’s new resource, FINDtheADHDgirls.org, helps educators, clinicians, and families take actionThe importance of early diagnosis in shaping self-esteem and long-term well-beingCynthia also shares insights from her new book, Letters to My Younger Self, written by 22 women diagnosed later in life—a heartfelt gift to the ADHD community this Awareness Month. This inspiring collection belongs in the hands of every educator, clinician, and parent of a young girl who might be wondering if ADHD could be part of her story. 🎧 Tune in to learn how we can all play a part in helping girls with ADHD be seen, supported, and set up to thrive. Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.  Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

    27 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Practical, every day tactics to live better whether you have ADHD or not. People with ADHD and other behavioral health conditions often face stigma, prejudices, and discrimination. Join Animo Sano Psychiatry team, specialists in adult ADHD, as we discuss it with our team members and other healthcare professionals. This is an opportunity to learn about ADHD and other behavioral health conditions, how they present, how they impact individuals and their families, and strategies to manage them. If you are an adult with ADHD, or you have a loved one who is living with ADHD, this podcast is for you. This podcast is brought to you by Animo Sano Psychiatry. We provide accessible, high-quality mental health care. If you’re looking for support or have questions about our services, you can find us online or reach out to us directly at animosanopsychiatry.com. We’re here to help. 

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