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

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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

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by two incredible guests, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, the dynamic duo behind the new book, Unapologetically ADHD. With decades of combined experience in coaching, podcasting, and living with ADHD, Pete and Nikki share their unique journey of co-authoring their book and the lessons they’ve learned about failure, success, and working together as a team. We dive into their podcasting journey, strategies for navigating big projects, and how they’ve redefined ADHD productivity with compassion and practicality.

Nikki Kinzer is a professional certified ADHD coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She’s been coaching adults with ADHD since 2010 and has built a business around supporting the ADHD community through coaching, teaching, and podcasting. She lives with her husband, Brad, in Springfield, Oregon. Pete Wright was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 28 and has spent the better part of his life since then studying and podcasting about his lived ADHD experience. He is a professional podcaster and co-founder of the TruStory FM podcast network. He’s a former journalist, educator, and public relations executive and lives with his wife, Kira, in Portland, Oregon.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Pete reflects on reprogramming how we view failure.
[0:44] - Introducing Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, their backgrounds, and the new book.
[2:35] - The origins of their podcast and the magic of their partnership.
[7:15] - Nikki’s journey into ADHD coaching and the transition to focusing on ADHD clients.
[13:20] - Pete’s perspective on working with a professional organizer and managing ADHD.
[17:03] - How their second book came to life and what made the process smoother.
[22:22] - Strategies they used to tackle challenges during the writing process.
[29:01] - Key takeaways from Unapologetically ADHD for managing big projects.
[37:37] - Pete’s deep dive into routines, executive function, and strategic friction.
[43:12] - Final reflections: reframing failure and embracing being unapologetically ADHD.

Links & Resources

• Visit Pete and Nikki’s website: takecontroladhd.com
• Order their book, Unapologetically ADHD: https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook
• Listen to their podcast: Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. https://takecontroladhd.com/the-adhd-podcast

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 sit down with the incredible Eugene Yao, the force behind ADHD Founder on Instagram, where his content resonates with millions, helping people feel seen and understood. Eugene shares his journey of self-discovery, from his ADHD diagnosis to building a million-strong following in just six months. We delve into his transformation from chasing external rewards like money and status to creating purpose-driven content and meaningful work.

Eugene opens up about his personal growth, his unique path to finding fulfillment, and how he’s using his ADHD superpowers to inspire others. We also talk about his latest venture—an accountability buddy app aimed at fostering meaningful connections and helping users stay productive. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or someone navigating life with ADHD, this episode is packed with insights to spark motivation and self-reflection.

Eugene Yao is the Co-Founder of Huddle and former CEO of eVouch, a VC-backed marketing tool that served over 1,500 brands. After stepping down in April 2023, Eugene shifted his focus to mental health advocacy following his ADHD diagnosis. Passionate about educating others, he launched an Instagram channel that grew from 0 to 500k followers in just four months, reaching over 50 million unique accounts. His goal is to inspire and inform through engaging content, aiming to hit 1 million followers by the end of 2024.

Episode Highlights:
[3:18] - Eugene’s ADHD diagnosis journey and why finding meaningful work matters.
[7:07] - The transformative power of a "dopamine detox" and reconnecting with core values.
[13:55] - The rise of ADHD Founder: crafting relatable and original content.
[19:53] - The reality of content creation and how Eugene balances mission with financial needs.
[26:49] - A sneak peek into Eugene’s upcoming accountability buddy app.
[32:12] - Why growth and progress are essential for ADHD brains.
[35:29] - Eugene’s advice on moving from pleasure-driven habits to purpose-driven fulfillment.

Connect with Eugene Yao:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdfounder/?hl=en#
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-yao-nz/

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 heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Melissa Jackson, a neurodiversity advocate, reparenting coach, and host of the Reframing Neurodiversity Podcast. As a neurodivergent mom raising neurodivergent kids, Melissa shares her transformative journey of discovering and embracing reparenting practices that every mom—especially those with ADHD—can benefit from. Together, we dive into how inner child work, self-regulation tools, and building secure attachments are game-changers for creating a more grounded and fulfilling life. Melissa brings actionable insights, relatable stories, and practical tools to help us all learn how to "reparent" ourselves and show up for our kids in the most authentic and nurturing way.

Neurodiversity Advocate and Reparenting Coach for ADHD Moms Melissa Jackson is a neurodiversity advocate and reparenting coach for ADHD moms. As a neurodivergent mom raising neurodivergent kids herself, she’s come to recognize that she was never equipped with the tools she needed to thrive as an ADHD, 2e + dyslexic mother. That’s why, Melissa is so passionate about equipping mother’s with the tools we never received from a strengths based approach. She is the host of the Reframing Neurodiversity podcast and provides a community for ADHD moms raising neurodivergent kids on Substack.

Episode Highlights:
[2:03] - What is reparenting? Melissa defines the concept and why it's critical for parents with ADHD.
[5:31] - Why motherhood shines a light on unresolved patterns—and how inner child work helps.
[9:15] - The power of simple self-regulation tools and why we often overlook them.
[15:02] - Melissa’s top strategies for emotional regulation in high-stress moments.
[19:02] - How to help an overwhelmed mom take the first step towards self-prioritization.
[23:25] - Changing our relationship with discomfort and redefining what it means to “be a good mom.”
[28:55] - Understanding trauma bonds in parenting and partnerships—and how to heal.
[32:57] - Jim Kwik's tip for starting your day with intention and how it transformed Brooke's morning.

Connect with Melissa Jackson:

• Email: theneurodiversityadvocate@gmail.com
• Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate
• Substack: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com
• Self-regulation Toolbox: https://notable-art-607.myflodesk.com/toolbox

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

Today, I sit down once again with Dr. Michael J. Breus, a celebrated sleep expert and clinical psychologist, to dive into the essentials of wellness through the lens of his upcoming book, Sleep, Drink, Breathe. Known widely as "The Sleep Doctor," Dr. Breus brings a wealth of expertise and empathy, particularly valuable for those of us navigating life with ADHD. We discuss how the basics—sleep, hydration, and breathing—serve as critical "dominoes" in wellness, and explore how these essentials impact focus, energy, and daily rhythms for ADHD individuals and beyond. Join us for a refreshing conversation on taking control of your health by simplifying wellness in today’s complex world.

Dr. Breus and I cover everything from managing sleep patterns and hydration tips to specific breathing exercises that can help with stress and energy management. With actionable insights tailored to the ADHD community, this episode is all about finding balance without overcomplicating wellness. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Breus's simple yet transformative approach to building better health habits.

Dr. Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., renowned as The Sleep Doctor™, is a double board-certified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist. Distinguished as one of only 168 psychologists globally to pass the Sleep Medicine Boards without Medical School, he's the acclaimed author of the bio-hacking masterpiece "The Power of When." This groundbreaking work deciphers the science of optimal timing based on one's biological chronotype. With 23 years in private practice, Dr. Breus has been an expert voice in over 400 annual interviews, spanning media outlets like Oprah and The Doctors, and was recently named the Top Sleep Doctor of Los Angeles by Readers Digest.

Episode Highlights:
[02:17] - Welcoming back Dr. Michael J. Breus, introducing his new book Sleep, Drink, Breathe.
[05:00] - The "dominoes of wellness": why sleep, hydration, and breathing matter most.
[08:00] - Addressing ADHD and the impact of sleep disorders on focus and mental clarity.
[13:49] - Caffeine and ADHD: tips for timing and managing intake for better rest.
[18:02] - Hydration strategies, including balancing electrolytes and managing "hydration multipliers".
[27:20] - Navigating dry mouth and appetite effects from ADHD medication.
[29:11] - Consistent wake times for better ADHD management and improved energy.
[35:05] - Napping, non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), and their restorative benefits.
[47:26] - Breathing techniques like 4-7-8 breathing and their role in calming the mind.
[54:39] - How to preorder Dr. Breus's book and access exclusive wellness content.

Connect with Dr. Michael J. Breus:

• Dr. Michael Breus’s website: The Sleep Doctor
• Preorder Sleep, Drink, Breathe: The Sleep Doctor – Book: https://thesleepdoctor.com/brooke
• Follow Dr. Breus on Instagram: @thesleepdoctor

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 welcome back my friend and colleague, Jeff Copper, an ADHD and attention coach, to dive into a revolutionary approach he's developed for understanding ADHD. Jeff introduces his new tool, the "Attention Scope," designed to help individuals with ADHD and neurodivergent traits by bringing a new level of awareness to executive functioning. Through simulations and metaphors, Jeff walks us through how Attention Scope reveals the mechanics behind executive functions, empowering users to see their cognitive challenges and strengths from a fresh perspective. This method could be a game-changer for those seeking practical, data-driven strategies to improve their daily lives.

Jeff Copper is an expert attention coach and authority on ADD/ADHD, holding an MBA and various coaching certifications. He founded DIG Coaching Practice, Attention Talk Radio, and Attention Talk Video, coaching individuals and entrepreneurs with ADD/ADHD to enhance their personal and business outcomes. Leveraging his personal experience with attention management challenges, Jeff developed the Anatomy of Attention construct and employs unique methods, including Cognitive Ergonomics and his proprietary AttentionScope®, to help clients identify natural solutions to overcome attention-related obstacles. Jeff integrates Dr. Russell Barkley’s Executive Functioning Construct into his coaching, focusing on objective problem assessment and personalized strategy development. With a background from Indiana University and the University of Tampa, Jeff is deeply involved in the ADD/ADHD coaching community, holding memberships and accolades from several professional organizations. In 2023, he was honored with the Excellence in Coaching Award by the ADHD Coaches Organization. Jeff lives in Tampa, Florida.

Episode Highlights:
[0:59] – Welcoming Jeff back and introducing his new intervention tool, the Attention Scope.
[4:24] – Jeff explains how Attention Scope uses simulations to reveal executive function impairments.
[8:19] – The role of emotional regulation and self-awareness in ADHD coaching.[11:30] – Understanding executive functions in a tangible way through real-life tasks.
[16:37] – Why methodical thinking requires different strategies than insightful thinking.
[21:20] – Jeff discusses how Attention Scope is conceptually different from traditional ADHD approaches.
[28:45] – Addressing executive dysfunction through guided questioning as a low-cost accommodation.
[32:16] – How cognitive ergonomics benefits individuals by teaching them to advocate for the accommodations they need.
[39:56] – Where to learn more about Attention Scope and how it may help individuals with or without ADHD.

Connect with Jeff Cooper:

DIG Coaching – Learn more about Jeff Copper’s work and the Attention Scope tool.
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dig.coaching/

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