I decided to do something special for this episode, because this week is our 5th podcast anniversary (and it's also Mental Health Awareness Month.)

One of the most challenging things about being neurodivergent is learning to accept ourselves in a world where being different often marks you as an outsider.

Using my obsession with Wicked and exploring four of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic songs —from the hopeful longing of "The Wizard and I" to the defiant liberation of "Defying Gravity"—my goal in this episode is to connect them to the distinct stages of our ADHD journey in learning to embrace our differentness.

So, grab your broomstick and let’s go on an adventure to Oz.

Episode Highlights:

Let's take a trip through four major songs from “Wicked” that map out the ADHD journey to self-acceptance:

• “The Wizard and I”: The bittersweet hope that someone or something outside of us will finally fix what feels broken.
• “Popular”: The pressure to fit into neurotypical molds, no matter how unnatural it feels, and why those “helpful tips” so rarely work.
• “Defying Gravity”: The exhilarating breakthrough of embracing your true self and rejecting systems that were never built for your brain.
• “For Good”: Honoring everyone who contributed to your journey, finding peace with imperfection, and stepping into deeper self-acceptance.

Whether you’re still searching for that magic fix, trying to fit into neurotypical norms, or learning to soar with your own brand of brilliance, this episode is an invitation to recognize the real magic within yourself.

Join me as I encourage us all to “keep defying gravity together”—and celebrate just how far we’ve come, thanks to a little help from our friends in Oz.

Inspired by this episode? Click this link to share it with a friend.

Complete song lyrics for “The Wizard and I”, “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “For Good” can be accessed here for reference. Used with permission by Scribd.

All songs from “Wicked” were written by Stephen Schwartz and the clips used in this podcast recording were performed by various artists from The Studio Allstars

Used with permission from One Media Publishing

Digital distribution label based in Pinewood Studios, UK ©2008

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast

Ever wondered why the idea of working for someone else just never quite fit, or why chaos seems to call your name (and you answer with gusto)? If you’re an entrepreneur who’s found yourself drawn to the thrill of building your own path—and maybe even stumbled more than a few times along the way—you are going to love this week’s guest interview.

I recently sat down with Dr. Michael A. Freeman, an acclaimed psychiatrist, professor, and serial entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research uncovers the fascinating relationship between ADHD, bipolar spectrum conditions, and the entrepreneurial drive.

In this lively conversation, we get real about what makes entrepreneurs with ADHD different—and what it takes to turn those differences into undeniable strengths instead of exhausting liabilities.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

Why do so many entrepreneurs have ADHD tendencies

Dr. Freeman breaks down fascinating research on why we’re more likely to go solo in our careers—and why we struggle in traditional workplaces.

The double-edged sword of the ADHD entrepreneurial brain

We chat about superpowers and vulnerabilities, with a big emphasis on how to recognize your “zone of genius” (and when to call in backup!).

Building your own ADHD-friendly toolkit for sustainable success

From teams and routines, to handling sleep and “offloading the boring stuff,” we talk actionable strategies (yes, including coaching and medication).

The myth vs. reality of the entrepreneurial life

Spoiler: it isn’t all glamor and “get rich quick”—and Dr. Freeman shares why radical self-awareness and resilience are must-haves.

Why fun is non-negotiable for the entrepreneur with ADHD

Turns out, fun isn’t just a bonus—it’s the main event for the ADHD brain, and Dr. Freeman explains how to keep your business (and life) playfully sustainable.

Make it actionable:

• Take three minutes to reflect: what feels fun, energizing, or “flow-y” in your own work? What support do you need more of?
• Feeling inspired to start, pivot, or quit? Get a “personal board of directors” before you make big decisions or take big risks.

Get to know Michael Freeman, MD

Michael A. Freeman, MD, is a clinical professor at UCSF School of Medicine, a researcher and mentor at the UCSF Entrepreneurship Center, a psychiatrist and executive coach for entrepreneurs, and an integrated behavioral healthcare systems consultant. His current research focuses on the identification of emotional overwhelm with early intervention and support.

Dr. Freeman’s thought leadership on entrepreneurship and mental health has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall St. Journal, Fortune Magazine, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNN Money, Financial Times, and Bloomberg News.



Mentioned in this episode:

UC San Francisco, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, the Gallup Organization

Connect with Michael A Freeman, MD

Website - LinkedIn

🎙️ Fun Fact From the...

Our edge as entrepreneurs comes from spotting trends and launching fresh ideas. The problem? Most of us have a graveyard of half-baked projects, forgotten launches, half-written newsletters, and more orphaned tech tools than we care to admit. Let’s face it: innovation is our ADHD advantage, but execution moves the needle.

Shiny Object Syndrome is not a quirky personality trait; our ADHD brains are hardwired for novelty, so creating consistency takes self-awareness and strategy. Lucky for you, this episode is full of candid stories, neuroscience-backed insights, and actionable advice on how to do just that.

Loan me your ear holes for the next 25 minutes for:

🧠The Neuroscience-Based Truth

Why your ADHD brain is forever thirsty for dopamine—and why trying to force yourself to focus just doesn’t work for us.

🏃‍➡️The Cost of Chasing Novelty

The sneaky ways shiny object syndrome drains your revenue and energy (and how to recognize it hiding in your business).

📋5 Practical Strategies

Including: dopamine scheduling and reframing the “messy middle” to creating shiny object parking lots and setting up accountability that actually works.

🎨How to Enlist (Not Resist) Your Curiosity

Specific ways to channel your creative bursts into profitable execution, instead of abandoned projects.

📇Systems That Make Space for New Ideas (Without Derailing Your Progress)

Learn how a “shiny object fund” can keep your creativity alive while protecting your core business

Fun Fact from the Episode:

ADHD expert William Dodson, MD, coined the expression “interest-based brain” to explain how we operate differently. Here is an article from ADDitude magazine that explains it ( including a one-minute YouTube video with a “House of Cards” style soundtrack).

🏆Ready to start creating more consistent business success—and work with your interest-based brain?

To make it extra easy to go from innovation to implementation, I created a free companion handout with all the go-to strategies mentioned in this episode. Grab your copy right here.

🎙️And be sure you're following/ are subscribed to ADHD-ish on your favorite podcast app, because next week, I’m chatting with Dr. Michael Freeman, a leading psychiatrist, entrepreneur, researcher, and consultant. Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss it.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.