Are you building a business (or a life) that supports your life—or one that runs you into the ground?

In this episode of ADHD reWired, Eric Tivers is joined by business systems coach and automation strategist Stephanie Blake. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Stephanie shares how simplifying her business, embracing structure, and getting honest about burnout helped her reclaim her energy and build a business that works for her, not the other way around.

They talk about the unique ways ADHD brains thrive with streamlined systems, why too many tools can be a trap, and how authenticity and self-awareness fuel sustainable success. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to do all the things, this episode is your permission slip to do less—better.

You’ll also hear tips for where to start with automation, how to avoid shiny object syndrome, and why consistency matters more than complexity.

00:00 – Intro
02:02 – Stephanie's story: diagnosis, business, and burnout
06:11 – “Simplify to scale”: the ADHD-friendly approach to business
11:58 – Tools and systems that actually help (and what to ditch)
18:05 – Where to start with automation (without breaking your brain)
21:42 – The myth of doing it all—and why solo doesn’t mean alone
26:39 – What’s behind our addiction to new tools
30:14 – The power of community and authenticity in building your brand
35:20 – Why revisiting your systems is a must, not a maybe
38:17 – Final thoughts: automate the right things, at the right time
40:36 – Learn more from Stephanie + Fall Coaching Groups are open!

Stephanie Blake is the founder of the Simple Business School and Simple Business Suites. She helps entrepreneurs scale to six figures and beyond by simplifying their business systems, automating strategically, and building offers that align with their values. As a mom, a CEO, and an ADHDer, Stephanie believes in doing business your way—and building something that lasts.

🌐 Learn more at: theblakecollective.com
📱 Instagram: @theblakecollective

• ClickUp – Project Management

• Airtable – Databases / Organizing Everything

• Zapier – Automation

• StreamYard – Live Streaming Platform

🧭 Fall 2025 Coaching Groups are open for registration!
If you're ready to finally get support, structure, and accountability that works for your ADHD brain, then come join us.

Join our next Registration Event:
📅 Friday, October 3rd at 12pm Central
OR
📅 Thursday, October 9th at 10am Central
October 3rd: $1699
October 9th (Late Reg): $1899
📆 3- and 6-month payment plans available!

🔗 Start your pre-registration now at www.coachingrewired.com

🌐 Learn more about:

• Adult Study Hall (Virtual co-working): www.adultstudyhall.com

• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/adhdrewired

If this episode helped you feel less alone or gave you a new perspective on how to run your business or your life with ADHD, share it with a friend—or on social! Use #ADHDreWired to join the conversation.

What does it really mean to know when to push, when to pause, and when to let go? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Portia Preston returns to ADHD reWired to share insights from her book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go? We talk about burnout, shame-free wellness, and the small practices that can help us create a more sustainable rhythm in life.

This episode weaves together stories of resilience and grief, the reality of living with ADHD and autism, and Portia’s SANE model (Slow down, Acknowledge, Navigate, Evaluate)—a simple framework to help you reset when overwhelm takes over. We also talk about support squads, the hidden cost of hustle culture, and what it means to choose rest without shame.

If you’ve been running on empty, carrying grief, or just wondering if there’s another way forward, this conversation is for you.

00:00 – Introduction: Shame Free Wellness and unlearning harmful beliefs
01:07 – Welcome to ADHD Rewired, host Eric Tivers introduces the show
01:31 – Eric shares personal news: loss of his father and recent illness
03:06 – Portia Preston joins: author, speaker, and executive coach
05:36 – Portia discusses the motivation behind her book and the concept of sustainable rhythm
07:54 – The SANE Cycle: a four-step process for self-reflection and growth
08:49 – Book launch experiences, balancing promotion, and authenticity
10:57 – Defining “hustle” and “flow” in the context of wellness
13:00 – Letting go: the challenge and importance of releasing what doesn’t serve you
15:21 – The SANE model explained: Slow down, Acknowledge, Navigate, Evaluate
17:06 – Portia’s favorite part of the book and audience reactions
17:52 – Break: Coaching and accountability group info
  - ADHD Rewired Coaching & Accountability Groups
  - ADHD Rewired Virtual Coworking Community
18:48 – Grief, burnout, and the importance of sitting with discomfort
22:00 – Building a support squad and the difference between solitude and isolation
25:00 – Neurodivergence, intersectionality, and Portia’s experience as a Black woman with ADHD and autism
29:00 – Audience feedback on the book and the importance of vulnerability
33:00 – Shame Free Wellness Manifesto (read aloud)
35:44 – The importance of rest, authenticity, and self-acceptance
39:00 – Context shifting, capacity vs. discipline, and self-compassion
  - Dr. Raquel Martin on Instagram: @drraquelmartin
43:00 – Teaching students about shame-free wellness and legacy
46:00 – Grief, community, and turning pain into purpose
49:00 – The value of showing up authentically and embracing imperfection
52:00 – Where to find Portia’s book and connect online
  - Book: “Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go: A Guide to Shame-Free Wellness”
   • PortiaPreston.com
   • Amazon Book Link
  - Instagram: @drportiapreston
54:00 – Closing thoughts: SANE model reminder and encouragement
56:00 – Outro: gratitude and next steps

People-pleasing isn’t a personality flaw—often it’s a nervous-system strategy. Licensed Professional Counselor and ADHD-CCSP Anita Sandoval joins Eric to unpack how the fawn response shows up with ADHD, trauma, and RSD; how it differs from masking and conflict avoidance; and what real change looks like. We cover Anita’s “Empower → Resilient → Authentic” model, ADHD-friendly EMDR adaptations, and the messy-but-worth-it work of boundaries (including with narcissistic family dynamics).
Resources, Anita’s links, and a quick survey about a potential evening coaching group are in the full notes at ADHDreWired.com.

Guest: Anita Sandoval, LPC-S, EMDR-Certified, ADHD-CCSP — therapist, supervisor, and author of Broken Chains (English & Spanish). Host of Empowering Women in Conversations and creator of Empower Her Pathways.

We cover:

• People-pleasing as a neuro-adaptive response (fight/flight/freeze/fawn)

• People-pleasing vs. conflict avoidance vs. masking

• ADHD & RSD: why “neutral” feedback stings and how regulation shifts it

• Differentiating from personality disorders (dependent/BPD)

• Hypervigilance, ACEs, and emotional regulation circuits

• Boundaries with narcissistic dynamics (including the “victim narcissist” pattern)

• Anita’s staged model (Stages of Change × grief work): Unaware → Aware → Ready → Action → Maintenance → Integration (Empowered → Resilient → Authentic)

• Therapies that help ADHD brains: EMDR with resourcing, IFS/parts work, polyvagal-informed regulation

• Eric’s EMDR story: from trigger spirals to co-regulation

Try this:
Notice your next automatic “yes.” Ask: Is this aligned with my values, or is my nervous system chasing safety? Then practice one tiny boundary this week and track before/during/after.

Resources mentioned:

• Anita Sandoval — anitasandoval.com (course: Empower Her Pathways)

• Broken Chains (English/Spanish)

• Dr. Ramani’s work on narcissism (Should I Stay or Should I Go?)

• Modalities: EMDR, IFS/Parts, Polyvagal-informed approaches

Coaching & community:

• Evening Coaching Group — interest survey
  We’re exploring a fall evening section (proposed Wed, Sept 18 • 5pm PT / 8pm ET) led by ADHD reWired Coach & LCSW Kristin Marts, at a budget-friendly rate (starting at $999) if we move forward. Deadline to weigh in: Aug 15. Take the short survey at www.coachingrewired.com.
  Complete the survey to enter to win 6 months free in our Alumni community ($240 value) or 1 year free of Adult Study Hall ($240 value).

• Adult Study Hall (ASH) — virtual co-working & body doubling. Free 1-week trial, then $19.99/mo or $150/yr at www.adultstudyhall.com.

Connect with Anita: www.anitasandoval.com | Podcast: Empowering Women in Conversations

What is OCD, really? It’s far more than the stereotypes of handwashing, tapping, or lining up your pens just right. On today’s episode, Eric is joined by Natalia Aíza — a therapist, parent, writer, and co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective — who specializes in supporting individuals and families navigating OCD and anxiety. Together, they explore how OCD can show up in less obvious ways, especially for those with ADHD.

You’ll hear:

✅ Why OCD is often missed or misdiagnosed in ADHD brains
✅ How intense nostalgia, perfectionism, and social media checking can all be forms of OCD
✅ The difference between typical anxiety and OCD
✅ Why intrusive thoughts don’t define you
✅ How exposure response prevention (ERP) and medication can help
✅ Eric’s own reflections on healing unexpected layers through EMDR and discovering his autism

If you’ve ever felt stuck in mental loops, struggled with perfectionism, or wondered whether your patterns might be more than “just” ADHD, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Natalia Aiza and Kairos Wellness Collective:
👉 Instagram: @letstalk.ocd
👉 Kairos Wellness Collective: kairoswellnesscollective.com
👉 Email: natalia@kairoswellnesscollective.com

Ready to take the next step with your ADHD?
Don't miss our second 2nd chance Registration Event for the summer ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups on Thrusday, July 10. Visit coachingrewired.com to learn more and secure your spot.

Support Comes from ADHD reWIred's Coaching and Accountability Groups. Summer Sessions are July 24 - Sept 18. Join us at our next registration event on July 10th. Learn more by going to www.coachingrewired.com

Episode Overview:
In this episode, Eric is joined by Ari Tuckman, PSY.D, MBA, psychologist, international presenter, and author of the new "ADHD Productivity Manual." Together, they dive deep into the realities of productivity for people with ADHD, exploring motivation, activation, self-compassion, and practical strategies for getting things done.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The difference between motivation and activation, and why both matter for ADHD brains
• How perfectionism and unrealistic expectations can sabotage progress
• The importance of understanding your "why" for each task, not just the "what"
• Social aspects of productivity: people-pleasing, setting boundaries, and communicating when you can’t meet a deadline
• Real-world strategies and creative hacks from Ari, Eric, and their clients (including timers, accountability, and engineering urgency)
• The value of celebrating small wins and tracking progress over time
• Self-compassion and letting go of impossible standards
• How to build systems that work for your unique brain, not just follow generic advice

Guest Bio:
Dr. Ari Tuckman is a leading ADHD expert, psychologist, and author of five books, including the "ADHD Productivity Manual." He brings decades of clinical experience and a practical, compassionate approach to helping people thrive with ADHD.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Ari and his books: adultadhdbook.com
• Join ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups: coachingrewired.com
• Check out Adult Study Hall for virtual coworking: adultstudyhall.com

Support the Show:

• Become a patron for bonus content and monthly coaching calls: adhdrewired.com/patreon
• Sign up for the newsletter and get episode resources: adhdrewired.com

Takeaway:
You’re not broken, and you don’t have to do hard things the hardest way or alone. Progress is possible—one step, one system, and one act of self-compassion at a time.

Thanks for listening!

In this special announcement episode of ADHD reWired, Eric shares something a little different: a powerful 10-minute audio montage of alumni from our most recent coaching group — voices from ADHDers just like you who finished the program not long ago.

You’ll hear, in their own words, why they joined, what they were struggling with, and what changed for them over 8 weeks of coaching, accountability, and connection. From burnout and overwhelm to self-doubt and shame, these stories highlight the real transformations that can happen with the right support.

👉 Our second-chance registration event is Thursday, June 26th at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern!
✅ Pre-registration is due by Wednesday, June 25th at least 24 hours before the event.

📝 Session details:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

• 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern

• July 24th through September 18th

💥 Ready to join us? Here’s your next step:
1️⃣ Go to coachingrewired.com
2️⃣ If you’re not already on our interest list, click the button to join
3️⃣ Check your email and confirm your address so you don’t miss anything

When you join the interest list, you’ll also get:

• A free time tracker we use in group

• A letter you can share with your employer about the program

🎧 Even if joining this season isn’t possible for you, we hope these alumni stories remind you:
👉 You’re not alone.
👉 You can do hard things — and you don’t have to do them the hardest way possible.

Join host Eric Tivers and three incredible panelists—Nathan James, Meg Zirger, and Christal Wang—for the second-annual Neurodivergent Queer Pride panel, organized by Shimmer. In this landmark conversation, we explore:

• Masking vs. Unmasking: Why hiding feels safe and how reclaiming your authentic self fuels resilience.

• Intersectional Identities: How ADHD, autism, and LGBTQ+ pride intersect—and why that intersection is a source of strength.

• Political Climate & Pride: Strategies for holding onto joy and courage when the world feels heavy.

• Power of Community: From isolation to solidarity—why peer support is essential for lasting change.

Whether you’re neurodivergent, queer, an ally, or simply curious, this panel offers actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and affirmations to help you thrive.

1. Masking Is Exhausting

   • Childhood “survival mode” often becomes adult burnout.

   • Unmasking is an ongoing, courageous process of self-discovery.

2. ADHD + Queer = Unique Superpower

   • Both identities challenge “scripts” society hands us.

   • Embracing difference unlocks creativity, empathy, and authenticity.

3. Pride Under Pressure

   • Celebrate safely: balance vigilance with joy.

   • Collective conversation and advocacy build courage.

4. Community as Catalyst

   • Small cohorts and online groups reduce shame and spark accountability.

   • Shared experiences create “me-too” moments that heal and empower.

• 00:00 Welcome & Episode Intro

• 01:04 What Is Neurodivergent Queer Pride?

• 03:07 Panelist Introductions & Backgrounds

• 09:30 Personal Identity Journeys: “Scripts” & Masking

• 17:36 Societal Expectations: Fitting In vs. Standing Out

• 29:18 Deep Dive on Masking & Self-Acceptance

• 38:59 Holding Pride in a Difficult Political Climate

• 48:12 The Role of Community in Connection & Healing

• 54:48 Final Affirmations & Advice

• 57:41 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

• Join ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups (Season 41)
  ▸ Live kickoff: Wed, June 18 • 2 PM CT
  ▸ Pre-registration due: Tue, June 17 • 2 PM CT
  ▸ 👉 https://www.coachingrewired.com

• Shimmer (Episode organizer; online ADHD coaching platform)
  ▸ Co-founder & panel host: Christal Wang
  👉 https://www.shimmerplatform.com

• Adult Study Hall (24/7 ADHD-friendly coworking)
  👉 https://www.adultstudyhall.com

1. Subscribe to ADHD reWired so you never miss an episode.

2. Share this episode with friends who identify as neurodivergent, queer, or allies.

3. Explore our summer Coaching & Accountability Groups to turn these insights into real-world growth.

Your whole self belongs. Let’s celebrate, connect, and thrive—together.