ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

How do you build a writing life when your brain refuses to follow rules? For Paulette Perhach, the answer has always been a mix of creativity, structure, and compassion. Paulette is an award-winning author, writing coach, and creator of the Writer’s Mission Control Center and Finishing School for Writers. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Vox, Glamour, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan. But before all that, she was a gifted kid with a brain full of ideas—and no clue why some th...

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup ___ If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or just “too much,” this episode is here to tell you: you’re not. You’re intuitive, and that might just be your ADHD superpower. Julie Jancius, known as The Angel Medium, is a spiritual teacher, podcast host, and bestselling author who helps people re...

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup ___ Money advice rarely works for the ADHD brain. We’re told to budget, track every dollar, and rely on willpower—but what if the real answer is to make it easier, not harder? Nicole Stanley gets it. A financial coach, Latina entrepreneur, and founder of Arise Financial Coaching, Nicole helps women ditch the shame, conf...

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup ___________ What happens when a self-taught, multi-passionate entrepreneur builds a six-figure Etsy business from scratch—while homeschooling on a farm and running multiple income streams? You get Lizzie Smiley. Known for her hot-mess mom humor and contagious high energy, Lizzie is the host of How to Sell Your Stu...

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup ___________ For many ADHD women, relationships can be complicated—especially when navigating emotional intensity, executive dysfunction, and the feeling that something just isn’t right. Kate Anthony, host of the Divorce Survival Guide Podcast and author of The D Word, joins Tracy to talk about what it means to reclaim y...

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup ___________ Rejection stings, but what if you could flip it into your greatest advantage? Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story, knows that rejection isn’t just part of the game—it is the game. Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Alice struggled for years with imposter syndrome, so...

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup __ Some people are naturally organized. Cassandra Aarssen is not one of them. A self-proclaimed “super slob” turned organizing expert, Cas spent years struggling with clutter before realizing that traditional organizing methods simply didn’t work for her ADHD brain. That revelation led her to develop the Clutterbug® Org...

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup __ Growing up as the youngest of ten kids, Chelsea Kunz learned early how to be loud, funny, and grab attention—which, as it turns out, is pretty on-brand for an ADHD brain. Now an actor, creator, and self-described hot mess mom, Chelsea built an online following as Karen Disapproves, blending comedy and chaos into rela...

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup __ Procrastination, clutter, perfectionism—these aren’t just bad habits. For many ADHD women, they’re constant battles that drain energy and create overwhelm. Dr. Christine Li, a clinical psychologist and The Procrastination Coach, has spent over 25 years helping people break free from these struggles. A Princeton and...

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup __ Some people see retirement as slowing down—Emily Ransdell saw it as a chance to finally do what she was meant to do. After a career in tech marketing, she walked away at 59 and went all in on her lifelong love of writing. At 60, she enrolled in a Master’s in Creative Writing, and by 67, she had published her first po...

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup __ Most people don’t think of ADHD and aging in the same sentence, but what happens when someone reaches their 60s, 70s, or beyond—never knowing they had ADHD in the first place? Jami Shapiro is tackling that question head-on. As the founder of Silver Linings, she helps seniors navigate major life changes like dow...

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here. ___ Some people spend years trying to figure out what they want to do. Brit Madrid Mogensen does it all. From sports reporting and acting to hosting her own TV show, Brit built a career that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and adaptability—hallmarks of the ADHD brain. But before she found her rhythm in the fast-paced world of media, she strugg...

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

How do generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction intertwine—and how can understanding them save lives?In this deeply personal episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Jennifer Nicole Schmitz, whose journey is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Jennifer candidly shares her experiences growing up in a home marked by trauma, her mother’s undiagnosed ADHD, and struggles with addiction, and how these shaped her own path. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jennifer reflec...

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

Dr. Kathy Zhang has spent her career on the frontlines of life and death, supporting patients in their most vulnerable moments. A hospice and palliative care physician, TEDx speaker, and certified coach, Kathy transforms the wisdom of those nearing the end of life into lessons that inspire the living. Diagnosed with ADHD in her mid-30s, Kathy has used her neurodivergent brilliance to pioneer techniques that connect people to their inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and overcome emo...

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

Some kids can’t sit still in class. Others stare out the window, lost in their thoughts. Then there are kids like Rebecca Barrera, who ask a million questions, try their hardest, and still get told they’re not learning fast enough. When Rebecca was five, a teacher dismissed her as an academic lost cause—her mother refused to accept that.Rebecca was diagnosed with ADHD early, but school was still an uphill battle. Standardized tests, rigid expectations, and a system that didn’t understand how ...

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

Set Intentions, Not Resolutions and Making 2025 Your Best Year YetJanuary feels like a fresh start, but for many ADHD brains, resolutions quickly lose their spark. In this solo episode, Tracy Otsuka takes a deep dive into why the beginning of the year feels so energizing and how to harness that momentum all year long. She introduces the concept of temporal landmarks—natural reset points like New Year’s, birthdays, or even Mondays—that help our ADHD brains reframe goals and create clarity.Trac...

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

Your voice is more than what you say—it’s who you are.Dana Lewis, a communication and vocal coach, is on a mission to amplify the voices of neurodivergent women. As the founder of Undeniable Voice, she brings two decades of expertise in vocal pedagogy, nervous system awareness, and trauma-informed coaching to help ADHD women reconnect with their authentic voices.Dana shares her personal ADHD story, from masking as a child to rediscovering her quirks as a source of strength in adulthood. These...

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2025

ADHD brains and money: What if your challenges could become your greatest strength? In this episode of ADHD with Smart Ass Women, Tracy is joined by Catherine Morgan, a Certified Financial Coach and Trauma of Money Expert, about the emotional side of money and how ADHD shapes financial habits. Catherine, the founder of The Money Panel® and author of the bestseller It’s Not About the Money, shares her own ADHD story and how it reshaped her understanding of impulsive spending, budgeting st...

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

Let’s talk about your crowning glory—your hair—and how it can help you embrace your authentic self. Gina Marie Rodriguez, a self-described "nerdy/sciency hairstylist," is on a mission to help clients love their natural curls and waves. As the owner of The Cultivated Curl in Fair Oaks, CA, Gina’s work blends natural hair movement, gray hair acceptance, and neurodivergence advocacy, creating a space where authenticity is celebrated.In this episode, Gina shares her personal ADHD journey, from ch...

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

How do ADHD, trauma, and addiction intersect, and what strategies can help break this harmful cycle? In this episode, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Andrea Epting, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, addiction, and neurodivergence. As a professional with ADHD and OCD, and a mother to two neurodivergent young adults, Andrea brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation.Andrea delves into the often-overlooked connectio...

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

ADHD brains are creative powerhouses, built for innovation, connection, and resilience. In this episode, Tracy Otsuka sits down with Izzie Chea—a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and neurodivergence advocate—whose ADHD diagnosis unlocked a world of possibilities. From building a viral virtual piano studio during the pandemic to creating impactful initiatives like La Neuropicante and the Accountable Otters Club, Izzie shares how she turned challenges into opportunities to uplift herself an...

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

ADHD brains are built for brilliance.In this special Thanksgiving episode, Tracy reflects on the unique strengths of ADHD women and how they navigate a chaotic world. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of ADHD women, she explores why their minds excel at creativity, connection, and meaningful work.Tracy talks about the real challenges ADHD women face—overwhelm, juggling too many responsibilities, and feeling misunderstood—and offers practical strategies to create more focus and ...

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

ADHD brains are built for brilliance.In this special Thanksgiving episode, Tracy reflects on the unique strengths of ADHD women and how they navigate a chaotic world. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of ADHD women, she explores why their minds excel at creativity, connection, and meaningful work.Tracy talks about the real challenges ADHD women face—overwhelm, juggling too many responsibilities, and feeling misunderstood—and offers practical strategies to create more focus and ...

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

Hot take: ADHD behavior is a normal variant, not a disorder. This is what our guest, Dr. Idit Hazan believes.Dr. Idit Hazan, a pediatrician turned entrepreneur and professor, redefines what it means to embrace neurodivergence in medicine and beyond. Through her journey as a parent and professional, Dr. Hazan recognized traits in herself that align with ADHD, helping her reframe her challenges as strengths and fueling her creativity and problem-solving skills. Her insights have led to groundbr...

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

What if understanding your ADHD brain is the key to achieving your biggest dreams? For Luci Taylor, an ADHD diagnosis in her twenties became a turning point, giving her the clarity and confidence to finish her first book. Her journey—from crafting her first stories in kindergarten to creating complex, neurodivergent characters—is a testament to the power of self-discovery and embracing your unique strengths.In this episode, Luci opens up about the struggles and breakthroughs she’s faced ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

From parenting struggles to podcasting success, Katy Weber’s ADHD journey has reshaped her life. Diagnosed at 45, Katy—a health coach and founder of Women & ADHD—found herself rethinking everything she thought she knew about ADHD. This unexpected self-discovery helped her understand how ADHD had influenced her as a mother, professional, and individual. Through her podcast, she’s built a supportive, encouraging space for neurodivergent women to connect, share stories, and find communi...

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

When life gets overwhelming, self-compassion and mindfulness can be the key to thriving. Breanna Autolitano, a mother of 9 and mindfulness expert, shares how she embraced neurodivergence and used compassionate communication to transform her life. As a mindfulness tour guide certified by Eckhart Tolle, Breanna uses her skills to help others find balance amidst the chaos of daily life.Diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, Breanna talks about her journey of self-discovery and the to...

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

When life feels chaotic, humor can be your greatest tool for finding balance. Kristen West, founder of The Centered Life Co., has built a thriving online community around her fun, ADHD-friendly tools that bring joy and structure to daily life. With over half a million followers, her playful, shame-free videos on mental health and productivity inspire others to embrace their quirks and find motivation in unexpected ways.Diagnosed with ADHD at 26, Kristen struggled in traditional work envi...

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

When art became a refuge, it became a revolution. This episode is about embracing neurodivergence and challenging beauty standards. Yolanda Liu, a Taiwan-born artist based in London, is renowned for her work across photography, film, collage, illustration, and tattoo art. Featured in outlets like BBC, Vogue, and i-D, her story reflects resilience as she navigates life with ADHD and a recent autism diagnosis. From her early days nurtured by a creative mother to the launch of her second bo...

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

Imagine trying to visualize something in your mind, only to be met with a blank canvas. This is the reality for people with aphantasia, a condition where the mind's eye struggles to conjure images. In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I'm joined by Dr. Chelsea Twiss, a licensed psychologist from Colorado with an impressive background. She specializes in ADHD, women's health, chronic pain, and relationships, and conducts psychological testing with a focus on adult ADHD. As if that wasn...

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

Imagine trying to visualize something in your mind, only to be met with a blank canvas. This is the reality for people with aphantasia, a condition where the mind's eye struggles to conjure images. In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I'm joined by Dr. Chelsea Twiss, a licensed psychologist from Colorado with an impressive background. She specializes in ADHD, women's health, chronic pain, and relationships, and conducts psychological testing with a focus on adult ADHD. As if that wasn...

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

Celebrating the 300th Episode with a Special Guest—My Son, MarkusFor this milestone episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I wanted to do something meaningful and personal. So instead of interviewing a high-profile guest, I invited my son, Markus. While we usually only feature women, there have been a few exceptions—like Dr. Ned Hallowell, my husband, and Markus, who has been on twice before.Now, Markus is at a different stage in life. He’s just graduated from college after navigating a challen...

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

Do you have PCOS and ADHD? Struggling with anxiety and fertility too? Kristyn Hodgdon’s story might sound a lot like yours.Kristyn discovered her ADHD and PCOS while navigating fertility treatments and the challenges of motherhood. Balancing her role as co-founder of Rescripted with the emotional toll of trying to conceive, heightened ADHD symptoms eventually led to her diagnosis. In this episode, Kristyn opens up about how understanding her ADHD has reshaped her life, particularly in parenti...

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

What if you could draw your way out of a scattered mind?For Brandy Agerbeck, drawing became the key to turning her chaotic thoughts into something clear and manageable. Long before she was diagnosed with ADHD, Brandy used her visual skills to take control of her fast-paced brain, translating abstract ideas into organized visuals. In this episode, she shares how drawing helped her make sense of the world and how it’s become her go-to tool for managing ADHD—and empowering others to do the same....

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2024

Do you often feel swamped by money decisions? Or find yourself wondering how to make your spending really reflect what matters most to you? Money management isn't just about crunching numbers - it's deeply personal, shaped by who we are and how we think.In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, we explore the complex relationship between personal identity and financial behavior with Ellyce Fulmore, a 29-year-old queer and neurodivergent financial educator, content creator, and best-selling...

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

Can trauma be stored in the body? And if so, could understanding fascia - the connective tissue enveloping our muscles and organs - be key to unlocking healing? Join us as we explore these questions and delve into the often overlooked world of fascia with expert Anna Rahe.Anna Rahe, founder of GST Body, has dedicated over 25 years to the study and practice of fascia health and wellness. Born in the US and raised in Hobart, Australia, Anna's journey includes a personal history with ADHD, diagn...

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2024

From feeling lost to running a 7-figure business: Is it possible with ADHD?Molly Claire's journey shows it can be done. As a coach trainer and founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, Molly has built a 7-figure coaching business while navigating the challenges of ADHD. She's a mom of three, hosts a popular podcast, and wrote "The Happy Mom Mindset."Molly has learned to embrace her ADHD brain and hopes to inspire others – including her two kids with ADHD – to do the same. She's passionate ab...

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

From feeling lost to running a 7-figure business: Is it possible with ADHD?Molly Claire's journey shows it can be done. As a coach trainer and founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, Molly has built a 7-figure coaching business while navigating the challenges of ADHD. She's a mom of three, hosts a popular podcast, and wrote "The Happy Mom Mindset."Molly has learned to embrace her ADHD brain and hopes to inspire others – including her two kids with ADHD – to do the same. She's passionate ab...

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

Why does our ADHD brain get stuck on those annoying negative thoughts? It's all about two parts of our brain: the Task Positive Network (TPN) and the Default Mode Network (DMN). The TPN is our "get stuff done" network - it lights up when we're in the zone, laser-focused on a task. The DMN, on the other hand, is our "daydream/worry" network. It's where creativity flows, but also where negative thoughts creep in. For us ADHD folks, switching between these networks can be tricky. We might get st...

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2024

Do you ever feel like your emotions are too much to handle?Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a powerful yet often overlooked aspect of ADHD, particularly in women. If you've ever wondered whether your emotional turbulence is more than just "in your head," you're not alone. Many people with ADHD experience RSD, but it's frequently misunderstood - especially among women.In this episode, we're going to have an honest chat about RSD and how it relates to ADHD. We'll explore why those of us w...

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

"I thought I was just lazy and stupid." These words from Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll hit hard. At 37, with a PhD in education, she discovered she had ADHD - after her son's diagnosis.Tracy sits down with Dr. Mutti-Driscoll to explore ADHD in women, from feeling like an imposter to navigating social interactions. They discuss her groundbreaking work at the Hollowell Center and her book, "The ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls." This resource tackles the perfect storm of hormones, social pressures, ...

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2024

Your thoughts create your feelings.For women with ADHD, negative thoughts and emotions can be particularly challenging. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for personal growth and mental mastery. By recognizing that our emotions stem from our thoughts, we can better manage our actions and achieve our goals. Mindfulness plays a crucial role in this process, improving attention, enhancing emotional regulation, and reducing anxiety.Visualization is a powerful tool in this journe...

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

How do you effectively prepare for a meeting with an ADHD clinician to seek a diagnosis?Many women feel anxious about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, fearing encounters with professionals who lack expertise in how ADHD presents in women or who may doubt their intentions. As someone who has been through this process for both myself and my son, I understand these concerns and the importance of thorough preparation.Effective preparation involves understanding the comprehensive testing process and fin...

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

The digital landscape can pose challenges for individuals with unique needs—a challenge Nikki Kuhn is passionate about addressing. As an advocate and entrepreneur in the accessibility field, Nikki shares her journey of overcoming hurdles and fostering change in digital accessibility. She discusses her experiences with ADHD and dyslexia and the importance of inclusive design, showing how her neurodiversity shapes her perspective and approach.Nikki talks about the relief and self-discovery she ...

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Harnessing hyper-focus, effective prioritization, and community support are the ADHD traits that Michelle Harris credits for her success. Initially, her signs of ADHD were overlooked due to cultural misunderstandings, but she has since embraced her unique abilities. This episode highlights how unexpected life changes can bring lifelong conditions into clear focus.Michelle's entrepreneurial spirit showed early on, selling snacks at school and later exploring the MLM and insurance world. Inspir...

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

Imagine homeschooling five kids, battling chronic pain, and navigating life with ADHD—all during a pandemic. That's the incredible journey of our guest, Sarah McGlory. After years of dismissal by doctors, she finally received an ADHD diagnosis in her 40s, bringing much-needed validation. Her story is one of resilience and innovation.Sarah's ingenuity shines through in her creation of the Adaptive Cleaning system. Born out of necessity, this system helps manage a household without succumbing t...

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

Heather Florio's journey is one of resilience and growth. Her advice? Do overwhelming things one step at a time.Diagnosed with ADHD in high school and discovering she was autistic at age 41, Heather turned these traits into sources of strength and creativity. Growing up in a military family in Germany, she embraced her unique perspective and developed innovative strategies to manage her symptoms, such as using music to aid her focus and finding solace in books. Heather’s experiences highlight...

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

Struggling with perfectionism? Feeling like there's always more to achieve? You're not alone!Join us as Laura Key, host of the ADHD AHA podcast, shares her journey from an anxiety disorder diagnosis to discovering her ADHD. She talks about the moments that led to her diagnosis, including a discovery in her childhood journals. Laura reflects on her sensitive and perfectionist childhood, revealing how she turned struggles with focus and burnout into strengths. This episode highlights the inspir...

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Struggling with perfectionism? Feeling like there's always more to achieve? You're not alone!Join us as Laura Key, host of the ADHD AHA podcast, shares her journey from an anxiety disorder diagnosis to discovering her ADHD. She talks about the moments that led to her diagnosis, including a discovery in her childhood journals. Laura reflects on her sensitive and perfectionist childhood, revealing how she turned struggles with focus and burnout into strengths. This episode highlights the inspir...

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Managing time with an ADHD brain can be tough, but what if there were ways to make it easier?Join us as Alexis Haselberger shares her story of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s and how it changed her life for the better. She talked about practical strategies for coping with ADHD, tips for managing digital communication, and the benefits of using tools like TickTick. Alexis revealed her secrets to staying focused and balancing work and life, all while celebrating the unique strengths of neu...

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024