If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or struggled with that all-or-nothing mindset that so many of us with ADHD have, then today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by Colleen Kachmann—certified master life and recovery coach, mindful drinking coach, and host of It’s Not About the Alcohol. Colleen has a powerful story of overcoming alcohol use disorder while navigating ADHD, and she’s here to break down the science behind addiction, dopamine, and why traditional sobriety approaches don’t work for everyone.

Colleen introduces how self-directed neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, and how shifting your mindset from “I have to quit” to “I want to feel better” changes everything. Colleen shares her personal journey, the myths around addiction, and the small, sustainable steps that make lasting change possible.

Episode Highlights:

[2:26] – Colleen’s journey with ADHD, alcohol use disorder, and the moment she realized something had to change.

[6:31] – The difference between an addiction and an identity—why the word “addict” kept her stuck.

[10:47] – Debunking the “once an addict, always an addict” myth and the science of how the brain heals.

[15:06] – Why traditional sobriety doesn’t work for most people and what to do instead.

[21:05] – The first step to breaking the habit (and why it’s NOT quitting cold turkey).

[25:12] – Why small habit shifts are more effective than all-or-nothing thinking.

[30:40] – The importance of nervous system regulation and how to stop living in fight-or-flight mode.

[36:06] – How to bounce back from setbacks and avoid the shame spiral.

[40:00] – Colleen’s unexpected analogy for negative thoughts (this one’s hilarious and SO true!).

[41:45] – Trusting your felt experience and paying attention to your body’s cues.

[43:50] – Find the non-judgmental support and getting out of your head.

Connect with Colleen Kachmann:

• Podcast It’s Not About the Alcohol: https://itsnotaboutthealcohol.com/
• Social: Instagram @thehangoverwhisperer TikTok @thehangoverwhisperer

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

What if you could cut yourself some slack and still achieve massive success? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and leadership expert, JM Ryerson, to dive into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that help ADHDers—and everyone—stay focused, productive, and fulfilled. JM is a leadership and performance coach, international speaker, and best-selling author of Let's Go Win, Champions Daily Playbook, and Upgrade. He’s built and sold three businesses and now helps teams double their revenue while optimizing leadership and culture.

We talk about gamification, accountability, morning routines, and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs. JM shares how small changes—like shifting how you approach daily habits, structuring accountability, and using fun to stay motivated—can make a huge difference.

Episode Highlights:

[0:52] – Meet JM Ryerson: Entrepreneur, coach, and leadership expert
[3:38] – Simplifying focus and calming the nervous system
[5:18] – The power of cutting yourself some slack
[10:21] – Reframing daily tasks using gamification
[14:55] – How competition and fun can drive success
[22:22] – Rethinking morning routines (without rigid rules!)
[31:24] – The brain-boosting benefits of MCT oil in coffee
[35:41] – The role of accountability in making real progress
[41:08] – Getting clear on your values for a simpler, more fulfilling life
[46:29] – Final wisdom: Embrace authenticity and take off the mask

Connect with JM Ryerson:

🔗 Learn more about JM Ryerson: www.letsgowin.com
💡 Connect with JM on social: @letsgowin365

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

In this episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Linda Karanzalis, a nationally recognized cognitive specialist and advocate for nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD). Linda is on a mission to spread awareness about NVLD, a condition often misunderstood and misdiagnosed as ADHD, autism, or other learning challenges.

Linda breaks down what NVLD really is, how it differs from autism and ADHD, and the struggles people with NVLD face in communication, school, and the workplace. We also dive into the stigma surrounding NVLD, its unique learning and processing challenges, and how proper diagnosis and understanding can make a life-changing difference. Linda shares her own experiences growing up with NVLD, why she wrote her book "Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood", and how we can foster empathy and awareness to support those who think and learn differently.

Episode Highlights:

[0:49] - Introduction to Linda Karanzalis and her inspiring mission.
[3:23] - What is nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), and how does it differ from autism and ADHD?
[9:10] - The challenges of diagnosing NVLD and why it’s often misunderstood.
[16:27] - Why many psychologists and schools struggle to recognize NVLD—and how to advocate for proper evaluation.
[25:15] - Key markers of NVLD in psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations.
[37:24] - Teaching strategies and accommodations for students with NVLD.
[40:00] - How workplace stigma affects adults with NVLD—and why empathy is essential.
[41:35] - Linda’s advice for fostering understanding and patience toward neurodivergent individuals.

Connect with Linda Karanzalis:

• Linda Karanzalis’s website: LindaKaranzalis.com
• Linda’s book: "Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood" https://www.lindakaranzalis.com/book
• Advantages Learning Center: https://addvantageslearningcenter.com/
• The NVLD Project: nvld.org

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd