Episodios

  • #160 Why ADHDers Stim: The Hidden Purpose Behind Repetitive Behaviours
    Apr 6 2026

    Do you bounce your leg, chew your cheek, pick your skin, replay the same song on loop, or pace while you think? That might be stimming, and no, it’s not just an autism thing. Plenty of ADHDers stim too.


    In this episode, we’re unpacking what stimming actually is, why ADHD brains do it & why it may be serving a purpose rather than being “just a bad habit.”


    Inside this episode:

    • what stimming is & what it can look like in adults with ADHD
    • why stimming can help with focus, regulation, sensory input & overwhelm
    • the difference between stimming, fidgeting & habits
    • how to tell whether a stim is helpful or needs support
    • the shame many of us carry from being told to “sit still” or “stop that”
    • why all stimming behaviours serve a purpose


    If you’ve ever felt weird, childish, or ashamed of the ways your body tries to cope, regulate, or focus, this episode is your reminder that you’re not broken & your nervous system may have been trying to help you all along.


    LINKS TO GOOD SH*T:

    *Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community

    *Come hang out with me on Instagram!

    Más Menos
    27 m
  • #159 Sensory Differences: Why Noise, Lights, Textures & People Can Feel So Intense
    Mar 30 2026

    Ever wondered why bright lights, loud spaces, scratchy clothes or strong smells make it impossible to focus?


    In this episode, I’m talking about sensory differences in adults with ADHD, why they matter so much & why this isn’t just about “being sensitive” or “bad at coping.”


    Inside this episode we explore:

    • what sensory differences actually are
    • the different ways they can show up, including sensory-seeking, aversions & preferences
    • why sound, light, textures, smells, food, movement & internal body signals can feel so intense
    • lesser-known senses like proprioception, vestibular awareness & interoception, which may surprise you!
    • how sensory overload affects mood, focus, emotional regulation, relationships & burnout
    • practical ways to better understand your sensory patterns & support your nervous system


    Trust me when I say this episode is going to help you understand & support yourself a whole lot better!


    LINKS TO GOOD SH*T:

    *Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community

    *Come hang out with me on Instagram!

    Más Menos
    50 m
  • #158 Imposter Syndrome & ADHD with Jaime Rose-Peacock
    Mar 23 2026

    Today I’m joined by fellow late-diagnosed ADHDer Jaime Rose-Peacock to talk about imposter syndrome, that horrible feeling of doubting your abilities, downplaying your success, and worrying you’ll be “found out” as a fraud.

    You might remember Jaime from episode #136 on ADHD in the workplace. In this conversation, we explore the links between ADHD & imposter syndrome, how workplaces can fuel it, why it’s not always just in your head, and what can actually help.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • What imposter syndrome is
    • Why ADHDers may be more prone to it
    • How it often shows up at work, especially for women
    • Signs you might be experiencing it
    • Strategies to help you work through it

    If you’ve ever looked capable on the outside while secretly feeling like a fraud on the inside, this one’s for you.


    ABOUT JAIME:

    Jaime Rose-Peacock is an Employment Law Specialist, HR Consultant, and licensed Workplace Investigator based in Auckland NZ.

    She is the founder of two small practices -where she supports both small to medium-sized businesses and individuals in navigating workplace matters with a focus on integrity and empathy.

    Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jaime brings a lived experience lens to her professional practice and advocacy. As you’ll hear in this episode Gaining insight into her neurodivergence has been a transformative step - allowing her to navigate life, career, leadership, and wellbeing with greater self-awareness and intention.

    Jaime has recently completed her Master of Arts in Psychology, with her thesis exploring the organisational factors that influence Imposter Phenomenon among high-achieving professional women. Her academic work reflects her deep commitment to understanding the psychological and structural dynamics that shape people's experience at work.

    In addition to her consulting work, Jaime contributes to governance through her roles on several boards, including the Employment Law Institute of New Zealand (ELINZ) and A Change for Better.


    CONNECT WITH JAIME:

    www.marbles.org.nz

    Marbles People and Culture on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

    www.jaimerose.co.nz,

    Jaime Rose Employment Law Specialists on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

    In New Zealand phone: 0800 100 347


    LINKS TO GOOD SH*T WITH XENA:

    *Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our

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    1 h y 6 m
  • #157 10 ADHD Hacks That Actually Help
    Mar 16 2026

    In this episode, I’m sharing 10 ADHD hacks that actually help.
    Not gimmicks. Not “just try harder” advice.
    Just simple, practical strategies that can make everyday life feel a little easier when you’ve got an ADHD brain.

    Inside this episode:

    • 10 popular ADHD hacks that people genuinely use
    • Why these tools can work so well for ADHD brains
    • Real-life examples of how to use them in everyday life
    • Hacks for getting started, remembering things, managing time & reducing overwhelm
    • Simple ways to work with your ADHD brain, not against it

    Whether you’re newly diagnosed or you’ve known for years, this episode will give you some practical ideas to try out & make your life a little easier.


    LINKS TO GOOD SH*T:

    *Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community

    *Come hang out with me on Instagram!

    Más Menos
    29 m
  • #156 Supplements for ADHD - What I Take & Why
    Mar 9 2026

    The supplement aisle can feel overwhelming with every bottle yelling at you FOCUS! BRAIN! ENERGY!
    But which supplements actually make a difference for ADHD brains?

    In this episode, I’m breaking down the simple, science-backed supplements I personally take to support my ADHD.


    You’ll learn:

    • Why certain nutrients matter for dopamine, mood & brain function
    • The 5 daily supplements I take & the research behind them
    • When to use other supplements such as L-theanine, ashwagandha & iron
    • The timing of when I take each one & why
    • What to look for in blood work
    • Important considerations so you can choose safely & avoid common pitfalls


    To learn more about the link between low Iron & ADHD check out episode #125


    LINKS TO OTHER GOOD SH*T:

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community

    *Come hang out with me on Instagram!

    Más Menos
    24 m
  • #155 6 Things No One Told Us About ADHD & Perimenopause
    Mar 2 2026

    Perimenopause plus ADHD can feel like someone yanked the power cord out of your brain.
    Low mood, no energy, libido gone, shorter cycles, cutting back work and the gym, and thinking, “WTF is wrong with me?!”


    In this episode, I am sharing 6 things I have learned about ADHD and perimenopause, including my own hormone testing journey and what the research is starting to show.


    We talk about:

    • The new research showing women with ADHD often experience Perimenopause symptoms earlier & more severe!
    • Why estrogen matters SO much for ADHD brains
    • What I learned from running my own blood tests (Why timing matters when testing estrogen)
    • Testosterone cream, energy and mood & why it is usually added on top of an already solid estrogen plan
    • Advocating for yourself in the medical system
    • The perimenopause symptoms no one told me about… Including changes in body odour, itchy skin, formication, and phantom smells


    Important note: I am not a medical professional. This episode is based on my own experience and the research I have read, and it is not a substitute for medical advice. Please talk with your GP or menopause specialist about your specific situation.


    If you want to go deeper on hormones and ADHD, check out:

    • Episode 21 Women With ADHD
    • Episode 35 Hormones & ADHD
    • Episode 54 Hormones, Perimenopause & ADHD with Dr Samantha Newman
    • Episode 137 5 Things to understand about ADHD & Perimenopause


    LINKS TO OTHER GOOD SH*T:

    *Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community

    *Come hang out with me on Instagram!

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    Aún no se conoce
  • #154 Don’t Tell Me What To Do: ADHD, PDA & The Demand-Avoidant Brain
    Feb 23 2026

    In this episode, we’re unpacking Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) - It’s the “the second it becomes a have to, my brain says hell no” feeling, you might experience…

    I can decide myself to clean the kitchen & feel fine. But if my partner asks me, suddenly it’s a whole thing!


    We’ll chat about:

    • What PDA is & how it’s driven by anxiety & a need for autonomy, not laziness or being difficult.
    • How PDA can show up in adults with ADHD, from ignoring texts to melting down over “simple” tasks
    • Why your nervous system treats everyday demands like threats, even when they’re self-care or fun
    • The key difference between PDA & ODD (and how the why behind behaviour matters)
    • 3 Practical ways to make demands feel smaller & safer, increase your sense of choice,& support your nervous system instead of bullying yourself into action


    If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I fight even the things I want to do?”, this episode is for you my friend.


    LINKS TO GOOD SH*T:

    *Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community

    *Come hang out with me on Instagram!


    Más Menos
    32 m
  • #153: Not All Dopamine Is Created Equal & THIS Matters If You Have ADHD
    Feb 16 2026

    In this conversation we’re unpacking dopamine: what it actually is, how it works differently in ADHD brains & why not all dopamine is created equal. You’ll learn the crucial difference between fast dopamine (quick hits that spike & crash) & slow dopamine (the kind that actually supports your motivation, mood & long-term goals).


    We’ll chat about:

    • What dopamine really is (in simple, ADHD-friendly language)
    • How ADHD brains are wired differently when it comes to reward & motivation
    • Why we’re living in a “dopamine saturated” world (hello, smartphones, sugar & streaming)
    • The difference between fast dopamine vs slow dopamine in everyday life
    • How fast dopamine spikes can worsen ADHD symptoms including emotional dysregulation
    • Practical ideas for adding more slow dopamine into your day so you feel more focused, motivated & regulated


    By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of why you reach for certain things on autopilot & how to start working with your dopamine system instead of feeling like it constantly runs the show.


    Episode mentioned:

    #149 Dopamine Layering: The hidden reason you feel anxious & numb


    LINKS TO OTHER GOOD SH*T:

    *Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain

    *Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket!

    *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD

    *Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List

    *Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena

    *Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community

    *Come hang out with me on Instagram!

    Más Menos
    29 m