ADHDifference podcast

#Fitness #Mental Health #Jel Legg #Julie Legg #Adultadhd #Self-Improvement #Podcasting Education #Julie Legg And Jel #ADHD #Olderadhd

28:39

For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has been permanently changed, then what exactly is being preserved? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

ADHDifference

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Created by Julie and Jel Legg, both diagnosed with ADHD in their fifties, ADHDifference challenges the misconception that ADHD only affects young people. Drawing from full lives, careers, and relationships prior to their diagnoses, they share a unique perspective as older adults with ADHD.
Their mission is to foster understanding by sharing personal, relatable experiences in informal, unscripted, and honest conversations. Choosing "ADHDifference" over "disorder" reflects their belief that ADHD is a difference in brain wiring, not just a clinical label.
Julie is an ADHD author (The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Living with ADHD - HarperCollins NZ, 2024) and ADHD advocate.

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ADHDifference

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48 एपिसोडस

#Fitness #Mental Health #Jel Legg #Julie Legg #Adultadhd #Self-Improvement #Podcasting Education #Julie Legg And Jel #ADHD #Olderadhd

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1
ADHDifference - BODY DOUBLING 25:15

1 day ago25:15

25:15

Julie and Jel Legg explore the concept of body doubling, a common ADHD coping strategy where the presence of another person helps one complete tasks that feel overwhelming or unappealing when done alone. They clarify that body doubling isn’t teamwork—both people don’t have to be doing the same thing. Instead, it's about having someone nearby as a form of gentle accountability and moral support, which can reduce distraction and increase focus. They share personal anecdotes, and reflect on how many people may have been using this strategy instinctively without having a term for it, often in situations like decluttering, completing paperwork, or doing chores. KEY TAKEAWAYS Definition: Body doubling is when another person’s presence (not necessarily their help) makes it easier to complete a task. This can be done in person, remotely or by being in group environment with a common focus. Not Teamwork: It’s not about co-working on the same job, but rather about supporting focus and reducing avoidance or procrastination. Accountability Boost: Even a silent partner nearby, or a virtual presence (via video call), can create a sense of accountability. ADHD-Friendly Motivation : Especially helpful for mundane or repetitive tasks that don’t naturally engage the ADHD brain. Unconscious Use: Many people may already be using this technique without realising—like inviting a friend over for moral support when tackling a new project or task. Emotional Comfort: Beyond productivity, body doubling offers emotional ease—it feels less lonely and reduces the intimidation of big tasks. Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - OVERCOMING ADVERSITY + guest Michael W Allison 25:50

8 days ago25:50

25:50

Julie Legg interviews Michael W. Allison—CEO of The Adversity Academy, U.S. Marine combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and resilience expert—about his ADHD journey and how adversity shaped his purpose. Michael explains how he navigates life with ADHD through the lens of adversity, identity, and personal growth. From his early experiences of being misunderstood to discovering how structure, self-awareness, and purposeful systems can transform challenges into strengths, he shares powerful insights on reframing ADHD as a source of clarity, adaptability, and leadership. KEY TAKEAWAYS ADHD Traits: Michael reframes commonly misunderstood ADHD characteristics—such as high energy, impulsivity, hyperfocus, and rapid decision-making—as potential strengths. He notes that while these traits posed challenges in traditional academic settings and early social environments, they later became key tools in environments that value agility and decisiveness, such as the military and entrepreneurial leadership. Self-Awareness: A pivotal theme in Michael’s journey is the transformation that came with increased self-awareness which has helped him challenge the idea that ADHD was purely a limitation, instead seeing it as part of a broader identity with valuable capabilities. Adversity: Rather than being defined by hardship, Michael chose to use adversity as a forge—an opportunity to discover who he truly was and what he stood for. It’s not the adversity itself, he suggests, but our response to it that defines us. Structure – A support, not a constraint: Though naturally resistant to overly rigid systems in school, Michael came to appreciate the value of structure through his experience in the Marine Corps. The discipline, clarity, and operational frameworks of military life helped him channel his energy and focus more effectively. Owning Your Story: One of Michael’s core messages is the power of embracing your story fully, your authenticity. By understanding, articulating, and reframing your lived experience, he encourages others to rewrite their internal narratives and step into leadership with confidence. LINKS Michael Allison - Website The Adversity Academy Website Overcoming Adversity Book Michael Allison Facebook Michael Allison - Instagram Michael Allison - LinkedIn Michael Allison - TikTok Michael Allison - Twitter Michael Allison - Youtube Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - ADHD & PARENTING + guest Dana Baker-Williams 50:47

15 days ago50:47

50:47

Host Julie Legg speaks with ADHD and anxiety coach Dana Baker-Williams about the complexities of parenting neurodivergent children. Dana, who has ADHD herself, shares her personal journey and emphasizes that while traits may manifest differently in each child, there are common struggles with ADHD and parenting. Parents, she explains, play a crucial role in helping their children navigate these challenges, but they must also prioritize their own well-being. Self-care, even in small doses, is essential to maintaining balance in a household where emotions can run high. Ultimately, Dana’s message is one of empowerment: when parents understand and embrace their child’s unique wiring, they can approach challenges with patience, adaptability, and grace. KEY TAKEAWAYS Self-Care for Parents is Crucial: Parents with ADHD (or those managing ADHD in their children) must prioritize their own well-being. Parents set the tone for their household; if they are overwhelmed, their children will likely struggle too. Routines Reduce Anxiety: Establishing structured routines benefits both parents and children with ADHD. Predictability lowers anxiety by eliminating uncertainty. Externalizing Systems Helps with Memory and Organization: ADHD brains struggle with working memory and time perception. Keeping information visible prevents the “out of sight, out of mind” problem. Validation and Emotional Regulation: Parents should focus on validating their child’s emotions rather than immediately trying to “fix” problems. Emotional dysregulation is common in ADHD, and learning to name emotions (“name it to tame it”) can help children process their feelings. ADHD and Anxiety are Interconnected: Many children with ADHD also experience anxiety, often due to repeated failures or difficulty meeting expectations. Routine, sleep, exercise, and breathing techniques can help manage both ADHD and anxiety. Handling Defiance and Frustration: What appears as defiance in ADHD children is often frustration due to difficulty with emotional regulation. Arguing with an ADHD child in a power struggle provides a dopamine rush, reinforcing the behaviour. Instead of engaging in arguments, parents should set firm boundaries and disengage calmly. Every Child Needs Different Support: "Fair" does not mean treating all children the same; it means giving each child what they need. ADHD children often struggle with social cues, maintaining friendships, and understanding expectations. Parents should consider what works best for their child rather than imposing neurotypical expectations. LINKS Website: https://www.parentinginreallife.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentinreallife/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parentinginreallife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentinginreallife/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parentinginreallife/ Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - ORAGANISING THE CHAOS + guest Tina Hazen 25:18

22 days ago25:18

25:18

Host Julie Legg speaks with Tina Hazen, author and professional organizer (Houston, Texas) about her work helping others—especially those with ADHD—create structured, clutter-free spaces: organising the chaos. Diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety at 38, Tina (founder of Think Inside the Boxx) emphasizes that traditional organizing methods often don’t work for individuals with ADHD, who may struggle with object permanence, decision paralysis, and maintaining systems over time. She shares her personal experiences of trial and error in organizing her own space and explains how she turned these lessons into strategies for her clients. Through her book, Life is Messy , and her professional work, Tina empowers people to design spaces that work with their ADHD brains rather than against them. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Decluttering & Organizing Tips Use the "Like with Like" method: Group similar items together. This helps prevent over-purchasing and ensures you know what you already have before shopping. Create a "landing spot": Designate a space near the entrance for essentials like keys, bags, sunglasses, and other daily-use items. This prevents misplaced items and reduces the stress of searching for them when leaving the house. Set a timer for small tasks: If an organizing task feels overwhelming, set a timer for 10-15 minutes. This allows you to focus on one small section at a time, making progress more manageable. Use visual storage solutions: ADHDers often struggle with object permanence (forgetting about items if they are out of sight). Using open baskets or clear storage bins can help keep items visible and prevent clutter from accumulating. Start with the most stressful area Identify the space in your home that causes the most frustration (e.g., an overstuffed closet or messy kitchen). Tackling the biggest stressor first provides an immediate sense of relief and motivation to continue. Body doubling for decluttering: Having a friend or accountability partner present while organizing can help maintain focus and motivation. Even if they are not actively helping, their presence can reduce distractions and increase productivity. LINKS Think Inside the Boxx – website Think Inside the Boxx - Instagram Tina Hazen – LinkedIn Book by Tina Hazen - Life Is Messy Think Inside the Boxx - TikTok Julie Legg - The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - DOPAMINE STACKING & SNACKING 26:24

29 days ago26:24

26:24

Julie and Jel Legg explore dopamine stacking—when multiple sources of dopamine stimulation are layered on top of each other. This can create an intense, pleasurable experience but also lead to a crash afterward, leaving individuals feeling unmotivated, overstimulated, or even emotionally flat. They discuss how ADHD brains crave dopamine, and explore how dopamine stacking manifests in different areas of life, including social interactions, work, and family environments. They chat about dopamine ‘snacking’—engaging in small, spaced-out dopamine hits, which can help maintain motivation without burnout. KEY TAKEAWAYS Dopamine Stacking Feels Good but Has a Cost : Engaging in multiple dopamine-producing activities at once can be highly stimulating but often leads to a crash in motivation and mood afterward. People with ADHD often stack dopamine unintentionally due to dopamine deficiency and difficulty regulating pleasure and motivation. The Crash After the High: After intense dopamine stacking, the next day or even the next few hours can feel bland, unmotivating, or overwhelming, making it hard to focus or feel engaged. Social and Work Implications: Dopamine stacking isn't limited to personal entertainment; it can occur in social settings, leading to burnout after highly stimulating social events, or in work environments where overloading tasks can cause fatigue and mental exhaustion. Self-Awareness is Key: Recognizing when dopamine stacking is happening allows individuals to pace themselves, spread out rewarding activities, and avoid the intense highs and lows. LINKS Julie Legg, The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - COACHING CHATTER + guest Janine VanStee 29:00

5 weeks ago29:00

29:00

In this episode Julie Legg interviews Janine VanStee, an ADHD Life Coach and podcast host of ADHD Eaves Drop (Michigan, USA). Janine was diagnosed with ADHD at 50, after years of misdiagnoses including depression, anxiety, and OCD. With 30 years of experience in special education, Janine has dedicated her work to helping others navigate their ADHD traits. Janine’s journey highlights the power of self-awareness, structure, and support in thriving with ADHD. By implementing small, ADHD-friendly changes, it’s possible to navigate challenges more effectively and with self-compassion. KEY TAKEAWAYS Late Diagnosis: Like many women, Janine was misdiagnosed multiple times before receiving an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The "domino effect" is common in families, where one diagnosis often leads to others. Retrospective Signs of ADHD: Janine recalls early signs such as excessive talking, hyperactivity, impulsive decision-making, and rejection sensitivity (RSD). She also struggled with people-pleasing and being a "chameleon" in social settings to fit in. Self-Awareness & Acceptance: Accept that ADHD is not a flaw, but a different way of thinking that requires tailored strategies. Practice self-compassion—acknowledge emotions without judgment. Speak up about necessary accommodations at work or in social settings. Educate loved ones about ADHD to foster understanding and support. LINKS J VanStee ADHD Life Coaching - Website J VanStee - Instagram J VanStee - Facebook J VanStee - LinkedIn ADHD Eaves Drop Podcast Julie Legg - The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - ADHD MUSING + guest Stephon Brown 37:06

6 weeks ago37:06

37:06

Julie Legg chats with Stephon Brown (Los Angeles, USA), an author and self-described "modern-day muse," to discuss his journey with ADHD. While school posed significant challenges, he discovered his love for improv, which became a powerful outlet for his creativity and quick-thinking mind. Together they explore concepts like mental cartography and performative communication, The Barstool Theories, and the importance of recognizing and nurturing the strengths of ADHD individuals rather than forcing them into rigid systems. KEY TAKEAWAYS Early ADHD Diagnosis: In the 1980s ADD was poorly understood, often leading to medication without holistic support. Rigid education systems can suppress joy and creativity in neurodivergent children. Teachers and mentors who see beyond standardized learning can make a profound difference in ADHD individuals' success. Careers & Brick Walls : Traditional career paths often aren’t designed for neurodivergent thinkers. Despite being intelligent and creative, rigid work environments that don’t accommodate ADHDers way of thinking can lead to forcing oneself into a mould that doesn’t fit. Stephon’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line, and sometimes, breaking through the wall means finding a door that was never on the blueprint. Shame & Guilt in ADHD : Growing up in a time when ADHD was poorly understood, Stephon recalls how early treatment focused on "Ritalin and shame", making him feel broken rather than supported. Over time, he realized that this shame wasn’t his burden to carry; it was the result of a system that didn’t know how to nurture different thinkers. By reframing his ADHD as a strength rather than a deficit, he was able to let go of guilt and embrace his uniqueness. LINKS Stephon Brown, The Barstool Theories - Website Stephon Brown, The Barstool Theories – Instagram Stephon Brown, The Barstool Theories – Facebook Stephon Brown, The Barstool Theories – YouTube Stephon Brown, The Barstool Theories - Amazon Julie Legg, The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD ADHDifference – Instagram ADHDifference Podcast - Facebook Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - EMBRACING ADHD LIFE + guest Upton Rand 27:54

7 weeks ago27:54

27:54

Julie Legg welcomes Upton Rand to the ADHDifference podcast. Upton (Ohio, USA) was diagnosed with ADHD at six and shares his journey of embracing his ADHD as a powerful force that drives his curiosity, adventurous spirit, and capacity for innovation. Through his experiences, Upton has learned to ride the wave of ADHD rather than fight against it and encourages listeners to embrace their differences and trust their unique paths. His story exemplifies how ADHD, when acknowledged and navigated thoughtfully, can become a source of strength and adventure in life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Early Diagnosis & Childhood: Diagnosed at six, Upton experienced challenges with focus, stillness, and academic performance. He describes growing up during the "Ritalin generation," with ADHD becoming increasingly visible and many classmates taking medication. "Riding the Wave" of ADHD: Upton speaks about his philosophy of riding the wave of ADHD, saying: "It's the wave of who I am and I have to ride it. And it's taken me to amazing places. I've met incredible people. I've done things I never thought I'd be able to do. And I would really like to see everyone ride their wave, whatever that looks like for them." Curiosity, Adventure, and AI: Upton highlights how his ADHD fuels an insatiable curiosity and drive for adventure. AI has become a valuable tool in managing his curiosity and helps streamline his learning process by offering quick, tailored information, keeping him engaged while preventing the overwhelm that can come with distraction. LINKS Upton Rand - website Upton's book - Gay Campgrounds Upton's book - Gay Mens Field Guide: Urban Adventures Julie Legg's book - The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - CAREERS, STRESS & BURNOUT + guest Dr Jaime Raygoza 33:37

8 weeks ago33:37

33:37

Julie Legg chats with Dr Jaime Raygoza, founder of Rainbow Career Coaching (California, USA), to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by ADHDers in the workplace and beyond. Diagnosed as an adult, Jaime opens up about his journey of self-discovery, offering valuable insights into managing stress, preventing burnout, and embracing one's authentic self. Together, they discuss strategies to thrive in professional settings, the power of reframing ADHD traits as unique strengths, finding balance through self-care, and the surprising mental health benefits of practices like laughter yoga. It's a candid, practical conversation designed to inspire and empower ADHDers at every stage of their careers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Barriers to Career Progression : ADHD traits like procrastination, impulsivity, and hyperfocus can impact performance. Negative self-perceptions and societal expectations can undermine confidence. Being Authentic : Jaime highlights the importance of understanding your brain's wiring and leveraging ADHD traits like creativity and adaptability as strengths. Masking or suppressing one’s authentic self, often to conform, can increase anxiety and reduce productivity. Stress and Burnout Management : ADHDers can thrive in high-pressure situations due to the surge of dopamine but are also prone to burnout from overwork and sensory overload. demands or lack of control in tasks can trigger emotional shutdown or overwhelm. Strategies like structured breaks, managing workload, and prioritizing self-care are critical. Excessive Laughter Yoga as Stress Relief : This practice combines intentional laughter with breathing exercises to lower cortisol levels, and increase dopamine, improving mood and focus. Overcoming Challenges : Body-doubling, maintaining accountability, setting boundaries and building tailored strategies for focus and time management are beneficial, along with work-life balance. LINKS Rainbow Career Coaching - website Rainbow Career Coaching - YouTube Rainbow Career Coaching - Instagram Rainbow Career Coaching - Facebook Dr Jaime Raygoza - LinkedIn Dr Jaime Gaygoza - Google Scholar Julie Legg, author of The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - FLIPSIDES OF ADHD 26:15

9 weeks ago26:15

26:15

Julie and Jel Legg discuss the common yet invalidating comment, "You don’t look like you have ADHD," and explore how ADHD traits, such as overthinking and emotional regulation, can create paradoxical behaviours that confuse observers. The Flipsides of ADHD highlight the contrasting extremes that can coexist within moments—swinging from overthinking to underthinking, oversharing to withholding, and being highly organized to thriving in chaos. These complexities emphasize that ADHD is best understood through appropriate tools and expert guidance, rather than through casual judgments from friends or family. KEY TAKEAWAYS ADHD's Paradoxes: People with ADHD often exhibit seemingly contradictory traits, such as overthinking one moment and underthinking the next. This duality can confuse others and even those with ADHD themselves. The Challenge of Understanding ADHD: ADHD’s complexity makes it difficult for both neurotypicals and individuals with ADHD to fully grasp. Outsiders may simplify or misjudge the condition due to a lack of proper context or tools for understanding. Invalidation Through Misjudgment: Phrases like, "You don’t look like you have ADHD," can be invalidating and stem from others' limited perspectives rather than reality. These remarks highlight the importance of promoting awareness and education. The Importance of Perspective: Understanding ADHD requires the right tools and expertise. Lay observations are insufficient, much like using a tape measure to estimate the distance to the moon. Navigating Misunderstanding with Grace: Instead of responding harshly to misinformed comments, individuals with ADHD can use them as an opportunity to educate others while maintaining self-compassion. ADHD is Personal and Nuanced: No two ADHD experiences are alike, making it essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and an open mind. It is not a condition that can be boxed into simple categories or stereotypes. LINKS Julie Legg Author – The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD ADHDifference Instagram Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - TEEN & YOUNG ADULT THERAPY + guest Emily Cox 36:52

10 weeks ago36:52

36:52

Julie Legg chats with Emily Cox, a licensed therapist from North Carolina, USA, exploring the challenges and triumphs of navigating life as a neurodivergent teen or young adult. Drawing on her personal and professional journey, Emily sheds light on the social and emotional hurdles young people often encounter and shares her therapeutic approach, which focuses on empowering clients to harness their unique strengths and thrive. KEY TAKEAWAYS Social and Communication Challenges : Teens and young adults often face difficulties in expressing their thoughts and navigating social interactions. Emily emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where they can learn alternative ways to communicate and connect. Personal and Professional Journey : Diagnosed as neurodivergent in childhood, Emily’s experiences of feeling different in a time of greater stigma fueled her passion for mental health advocacy. Therapeutic Approach : Emily uses creative and adaptive methods tailored to individual needs, whether it's working through trauma, regulating emotions, or finding nonverbal ways to express feelings. Strengths Over Fixes : Therapy is not about “fixing” neurodivergence but empowering individuals to utilize their unique abilities as tools for success. Fostering Self-Confidence : By reframing neurodivergence as a source of strength, Emily helps clients build self-acceptance and confidence. LINKS Larkspur Therapy - website Larkspur Therapy - Instagram Julie Legg Author - website Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - RESILIENCE & LEADERSHIP + guest Dr Nathan Mellor 40:58

11 weeks ago40:58

40:58

Julie Legg chats with Dr Nathan Mellor, CEO of Strata Leadership, keynote speaker and author, to uncover his extraordinary journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30, Nathan's life was profoundly reshaped by this pivotal revelation. Nathan's narrative is not just inspiring—it’s a testament to the power of understanding, self-acceptance, and unwavering determination. Harnessing resilience and an indomitable spirit, Nathan turned his challenges into opportunities for growth, emerging as a dynamic advocate for ADHD awareness. His story is one of navigating the intricate tapestry of hyperfocus, emotional intensity, and the demands of leadership, proving that individuals with ADHD possess exceptional potential to thrive in creative and adaptive environments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Resilience and Self-Discovery: Despite initial reluctance, he embraced the diagnosis as a tool for understanding his struggles and strengths. Nathan developed resilience by confronting misconceptions about ADHD and overcoming personal biases. Hyperfocus and Leadership Skills: Hyperfocus presented challenges, such as exhaustion and difficulty balancing multiple interests, but also equipped Nathan with a strong work ethic and adaptability. His leadership in founding and running Strata Leadership is informed by his ability to harness creativity and remain empathetic to others’ struggles. Advocacy and Breaking Stigma: Nathan views speaking openly about ADHD as a responsibility to help others navigate their diagnoses and reduce societal stigma. By reframing ADHD as a difference rather than a deficit, he promotes an empowering perspective for individuals and communities. Harnessing Strengths and Driving Success: Dr. Mellor likened his mind to a “V12 engine with a faulty transmission,” symbolizing the disconnect he felt between his potential and execution prior to diagnosis. After diagnosis, he honed his focus and leadership skills, enabling him to excel academically and professionally. LINKS https://strataleadership.com/nathan-mellor https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnathanmellor/ https://julielegg.nz/ Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - AuDHD & FANTASY FICTION + guest JM Shaw 23:24

12 weeks ago23:24

23:24

Julie Legg interviews JM Shaw, a talented fantasy fiction writer from Alberta, Canada, celebrated for her Callum Walker series. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism in adulthood, JM shares her unique journey to understanding her neurodivergence, a process that began after her son’s diagnosis in 2019. JM opens up about how her dual diagnosis helped her make sense of her lifelong challenges, while also embracing the distinct way her mind works. She discusses how these traits fuel her creativity and passion for storytelling, transforming what might be seen as obstacles into tools for success. Together, they explore the intersections of neurodivergence, personal growth, and artistry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Late Diagnosis: JM Shaw discovered her adult ADHD and autism diagnoses was revelation and helped her make sense of lifelong experiences. She describes the dual experience of autism and ADHD as “having every tab open on a computer,” likening the overload to a “swirly wheel of death” when overwhelmed. The Callum Walker Series: Writing has been a constant in JM’s life, evolving from a hobby to a passion and a therapeutic outlet. She began writing over 30 years ago and has since turned it into her calling. Her Callum Walker series explores the idea of fairy tales being rooted in reality, involving a coexisting magical realm hidden from non-magical humans. ADHD and Creativity: JM credits her neurodivergence as a source of creative energy and unique perspectives, emphasizing her appreciation for how her brain functions. Understanding and Acceptance: The diagnosis brought clarity and self-acceptance, transforming her view of challenges into opportunities to leverage her unique traits. JM embraces her brain's functionality rather than viewing it as a disability. LINKS https://julielegg.nz/the-missing-piece/ https://jmshawauthor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/ https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-ascension-18 Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - 2024 ROUND-UP 23:34

13 weeks ago23:34

23:34

In this special ADHDifference episode, hosts Julie and Jel Legg reflect on the key moments, wins, and lessons of 2024. Rather than focusing on New Year’s resolutions, they highlight the power of reflection — a practice that can provide ADHDers with essential dopamine boosts and a sense of accomplishment. From personal growth to major ADHD-related changes in New Zealand, this episode is a celebration of progress and persistence. The hosts also share personal stories of weight loss, book releases, creative projects, and reflections on the power of patience and tenacity in the ADHD journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS Major Wins for ADHD in NZ: Pharmac introduced lisdexamfetamine as a funded ADHD medication in New Zealand, along with the removal of the costly 2-year Special Authority renewal process, making ADHD treatment more accessible and affordable. Weight Loss Success : Julie and Jel shared their inspiring journey of losing 20 kilos each. Unlike previous diet attempts, this approach was marked by patience, habit-building, and mutual support. Book Release : Julie's debut book, The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Living with ADHD , was released in February 2024. The book has had a profound impact on readers, with heartfelt messages pouring in from people around the world who felt seen and understood for the first time. Music Release : Jel and Julie released their third album, Unmasked , with their band OLDER . The album focuses on ADHD themes, and they’re already working on a fourth collection of tracks. Podcast Growth : 2024 marked the launch and growth of the ADHDifference podcast. Their candid, lived-experience discussions on ADHD-related topics have resonated with listeners. The addition of guest interviews with ADHD experts and advocates has further enriched the show. LINKS The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (HarperCollins, by Julie Legg) OLDER the band – ‘Unmasked’ ablum ADHDifference website Send us a text Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find past episodes, videos, links, or to say hello! Get social with us on Instagram and Facebook…

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ADHDifference - CHRISTMAS ADHD 26:02

14 weeks ago26:02