Translating ADHD

In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty discuss the crucial role of fun and joy as essential tools for managing ADHD. They explore how many people with ADHD fall into the trap of endless to-do lists and feel they must “earn” their fun, which leads to burnout, depletion, and a life spent in procrastination or the “dark playground” — a place of unproductive scrolling and disengagement. By prioritizing fun and incorporating playfulness into daily routines, individuals can create the mental capacity and motivation needed to tackle tasks more effectively. Dusty shares a personal story about transforming the mundane task of taking calcium pills into a joyful ritual, highlighting how small changes in aesthetics and mindset can make a significant difference. The hosts also introduce a framework called the "Forces of Fun," breaking down fun into four categories: create, consume, commune, and cavort. They emphasize the importance of making space for pure fun, even when it feels difficult due to executive dysfunction or burnout. Strategies such as pre-deciding activities or creating dopamine menus help overcome barriers to engaging in enjoyable activities. The episode concludes with a reminder that fun is a birthright and an essential part of self-care for people with ADHD—not a reward to be earned but a necessary part of living well. 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 how to manage difficult seasons of struggle, especially when living with ADHD. They focus on the importance of simple, flexible routines—not perfectionist or rigid ones—that support basic self-care such as hygiene, tidying, and sleep. Asher shares a personal moment of realizing the need to slow down and create a manageable morning routine, while Dusty highlights how routines can serve as freedom rather than restriction. The conversation emphasizes building routines that fit individual needs, acknowledging that what works for one person may not work for another. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing sleep challenges and strategies for improving sleep hygiene. Both hosts note how lack of sleep compounds executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation common with ADHD. They share client examples illustrating different nighttime routines tailored to individual preferences and stress the importance of incorporating “luxury time” or moments of joy into these routines as positive motivation. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to prioritize incremental progress in sleep and self-care, using routines as supportive tools to navigate struggle with kindness and flexibility. 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 discuss the concept of a "season of struggle," especially as it relates to living with ADHD during difficult times. They highlight how external factors — such as cold, dark months, global stressors, and personal health challenges — can compound the usual difficulties faced by people with ADHD. Both hosts share personal experiences about recognizing lowered capacity, managing expectations, and the importance of being kind and gentle with oneself when productivity dips. They emphasize that sometimes the goal shifts from forward progress to simply managing daily life and preserving mental health. The conversation also explores practical strategies for navigating these tough seasons, such as focusing on small wins, adjusting commitments, and using tools like running to-do lists that capture accomplishments rather than just tasks yet to be done. They reflect on the mental shift needed to trust one’s future self to handle tasks later and to avoid harsh self-judgment in moments of executive dysfunction. Overall, the episode provides compassionate guidance for anyone with ADHD facing periods of burnout, encouraging listeners to balance logistics with mindset shifts to maintain resilience. 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, Asher and Dusty explore the complexities of organizing for people with ADHD. Asher shares insights from his background as a professional organizer and ADHD coach, emphasizing that traditional organization methods often don’t fit the unique needs of ADHD brains. They discuss the difference between situational and chronic disorganization, highlighting that organizing is not a one-time fix but requires ongoing maintenance, especially for those with ADHD. Dusty introduces the concept of chores as cyclical care tasks, helping shift the mindset away from “done or not done” thinking, which can reduce overwhelm and perfectionism. The conversation also tackles common challenges such as inventory management, limiting beliefs around decluttering, and the importance of customizing organizing systems to individual needs rather than aspiring to unrealistic standards. Strategies such as breaking projects into smaller pieces, sorting belongings into friends, acquaintances, and strangers, and using “partway gone” boxes are shared to help manage belongings thoughtfully. The hosts underscore that organization looks different for everyone and encourage listeners to find practical solutions that work for their lifestyle while balancing priorities and self-compassion. 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 explore the concept of humility as a vital strength for people with ADHD. They discuss how humility differs from shame and self-deprecation and how it can help individuals manage the real impacts of ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and missed commitments, without falling into harsh self-judgment. Dusty shares how humility is an essential coaching tool that fosters cognitive flexibility, accountability, and authentic self-awareness, allowing clients to approach challenges with curiosity rather than ego or shame. The conversation also delves into how humility can counteract imposter syndrome and rejection sensitivity, common struggles for those with ADHD. By embracing humility, individuals can let go of perfectionistic standards, accept their imperfections alongside others’, and build healthier relationships with themselves and those around them. Ash and Dusty emphasize the importance of modeling humility, owning mistakes honestly without shame, and understanding failure as a natural part of growth on the ADHD journey. 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