Episode 123. ADHD Made Manageable with Francine Freedman

In today's episode, I'm joined by ADHD coach Francine Freedman to explore what ADHD coaching actually is, why medication can help but doesn't solve every executive function challenge, and the practical systems that support adults living with ADHD. We talk about procrastination, time management, organization, and why many mainstream productivity tips don't work for ADHD brains. Francine also shares how sleep, nutrition, and exercise form the foundation for focus, and we discuss women being underdiagnosed—plus how hormonal changes like menopause can intensify symptoms.

What I Cover With Francine

• How Francine explains ADHD (and why it's often an "activation" challenge)
• Why stimulant medication can support focus but isn't a cure
• What ADHD coaching looks like and who it's for (even without a formal diagnosis)
• Why "eat the frog" can backfire for ADHD—and what to do instead
• Mapping tasks to energy + focus windows to improve follow-through
• Why "boring, no-deadline" tasks are the hardest—and how to tackle them
• The lifestyle foundations that support focus: sleep, diet, exercise
• Low-carb/keto and metabolic psychiatry conversations (and why blood sugar stability matters)
• Why women are often missed in childhood, then diagnosed later in life
• The emotional impact of lifelong criticism: shame, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, rejection sensitivity
• How coaching can help rebuild confidence with skills + self-compassion

Key Takeaways

• Medication can help you focus, but skills and systems are what create lasting change.
• ADHD-friendly strategies work with your energy patterns—not against them.
• Sleep, movement, and nutrition aren't optional extras—they're the base layer for focus and resilience.
• Many adults are diagnosed later because they've been "coping" behind the scenes for years.
• Support early can prevent burnout, work crises, and constant last-minute stress.

Resources Mentioned

• Francine Freedman: https://francinefreedman.com
• Book mentioned: Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind — Dr. Georgia Ede
• YouTube channel mentioned: Metabolic Mind
• Menopause reference mentioned: Dr. Elizabeth Bright — High Fat is Good for Women in Menopause

About My Guest

Francine Freedman is an ADHD coach who helps adults build practical, ADHD-friendly systems for time management, organization, prioritization, and follow-through—while also working with the inner narrative that often comes from years of misunderstanding and criticism.

Work with Francine:

• She offers a free 15-minute discovery call via her website
• Coaching is available for ADHD and broader executive function challenges (diagnosis not required)

Visit: https://francinefreedman.com

Pre-Order My Book

You can now pre-order my new book:

Prescribing Lifestyle: A Doctor's Prescription for Lasting Weight Loss and Vibrant Health

It's full of practical and inspiring guides to nutrition, breathwork, mindset, and daily habits to transform your health. It's expected to be released in September, and you can pre-order now here: https://mlcclinic.com.au

Disclaimer

Everything I share on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.