Translating ADHD

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Ash and Dusty explore the concept of emotional permanence—a term that highlights the experience of being stuck in intense emotions, often seen in people with ADHD. They discuss how emotional dysregulation, a common but under-recognized aspect of ADHD, interferes with motivation, goal-directed behavior, and the ability to tolerate distress. Dusty shares personal experiences and therapeutic tools such as distress tolerance and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that help in recognizing that emotions are temporary and learning to self-soothe rather than react impulsively. Ash and Dusty also discuss practical coaching strategies for clients dealing with emotional overwhelm, including shifting from reactive to curious mindsets to gain clarity and make thoughtful decisions. They emphasize the importance of balancing action and patience, knowing when to push forward and when to allow oneself time to regroup. The episode offers valuable insights into managing ADHD-related emotional challenges by fostering self-awareness, gentle self-talk, and curiosity—helping listeners build resilience and make more grounded choices in their daily lives. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the concept of "positionality," or what they call having "a case of the I don’t want," a common experience for people with ADHD where tasks feel overwhelming or unappealing, leading to avoidance and resistance. They discuss how this resistance can manifest in different ways, such as feeling stuck before even starting a task or struggling with opposition even when motivation is present. Both hosts share examples from their personal and coaching experiences, highlighting the importance of recognizing and naming these feelings to better manage them. The conversation delves into practical strategies that help overcome this resistance, including breaking tasks into manageable steps, pairing unpleasant tasks with enjoyable activities, and using techniques like reverse Pomodoro to balance productivity with breaks. They emphasize the value of flexibility, mood management, and intrinsic motivation—encouraging listeners to find what works for them personally. Ultimately, Asher and Dusty stress that while these challenges are ongoing, they are manageable with the right tools and mindset, and that progress, no matter how small, is a meaningful step forward. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode, Ash and Dusty discuss the important topic of when worsening ADHD symptoms may actually be caused or worsened by other physiological or medical conditions. They explore how hormonal changes related to PMS, PMDD, perimenopause, and menopause can significantly impact cognition, mood, and executive function. Dusty shares her personal experience with PMDD and how medication has been life-changing in managing symptoms that overlap with ADHD but require different treatment approaches. They also highlight other health issues such as anemia, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), hypermobility disorders like Ehlers-Danlos, TMJ, migraines, and sleep disruptions that can mimic or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing these co-occurring or separate conditions and how ADHD coaching can support managing them by focusing on follow-through, executive functioning, and problem-solving rather than "coaching out" chronic illness itself. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to advocate for themselves with healthcare providers, get regular checkups, and explore potential underlying causes when symptoms suddenly worsen. They also caution against dismissing new or worsening symptoms as just ADHD and stress the value of integrated care between medical treatment and coaching to improve overall functioning and quality of life. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the concept of New Relationship Energy (NRE) and how it uniquely impacts individuals with ADHD. They discuss how ADHD brains are drawn to novelty and intense dopamine experiences, which can make the early stages of any relationship—romantic or friendship—feel overwhelming and all-consuming. The hosts highlight challenges such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine connection from the excitement of novelty. They stress the importance of time to truly know someone, managing expectations upfront, and being cautious to avoid rushing into commitments or overlooking red flags. Asher and Dusty also share practical tips for maintaining healthy relationships beyond the initial novelty phase. These include setting clear communication expectations, using reminders to retain important details about partners or friends, and regularly renegotiating relationship needs to ensure mutual well-being. They emphasize self-awareness about personal values, limitations, and compatibility, along with the necessity of protecting oneself from toxic relationships by moving at a comfortable pace. Overall, the episode offers both insight and actionable strategies for people with ADHD to navigate new relationships thoughtfully and sustainably. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the various types and levels of ADHD coaching, highlighting how coaching can range from practical, day-to-day executive function support to deeper, transformational insight work. They emphasize that ADHD coaching is not one-size-fits-all; some clients benefit most from hands-on logistical help, while others thrive on open-ended reflective questions that spark new perspectives. Both hosts share real-life examples illustrating how coaches adjust their approach based on client needs and how experience plays a crucial role in recognizing when to dig deeper or focus on practical scaffolding. The episode also provides guidance for listeners on how to evaluate if their current ADHD coaching relationship is meeting their needs, cautioning against coaches who guarantee quick fixes. Asher shares a story about helping a client realize the importance of managing time as a resource, which was a breakthrough beyond organizing tasks. Dusty adds the importance of coaching clients to develop sustainable systems that work beyond the sessions. Overall, the conversation helps listeners understand what to expect from ADHD coaching and encourages them to seek the level of support that truly fits their unique challenges. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com