ADHD Eavesdrop

ADHD & Emotional Patterns: Creativity, Reactions, and Self-Awareness with Melanie Sue Hicks

In this episode, I talk with Melanie Sue Hicks about ADHD, emotional patterns, and self-awareness. We explore how patterns show up in reactions, creativity, and relationships—and what shifts when you start to recognize them We explore how ADHD shows up in everyday reactions, relationships, and the way we process the world around us. This conversation looks at patterns—how they form, how they repeat, and what starts to shift when we begin to recognize them. Melanie shares thoughtful insights on creativity, personal growth, and understanding your own responses over time. It’s one of those conversations that moves between humor, reflection, and those moments where you catch yourself thinking, “that’s me.” Connect with Melanie Sue Hicks Website: https://melaniesuehicks.com [https://melaniesuehicks.com] Instagram: @inpursuitmelsue LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesuehicks/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesuehicks/] What We Talk About * ADHD and emotional patterns * Self-awareness and recognizing reactions * Creativity and neurodivergence * Relationships and communication * Personal growth over time Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice.

ADHD & Entrepreneurship: Why “Normal” Business Advice Doesn’t Work

ADHD and entrepreneurship can feel like they don’t mix—especially when traditional business advice just doesn’t work for your brain. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, I talk with Lark Frazier, a designer and marketing specialist who helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs build businesses that actually fit how they think, work, and create. We explore what it’s like to be late-diagnosed with ADHD, the challenges of finding your niche, and why self-doubt, rejection sensitivity, and executive dysfunction can make starting (and sustaining) a business feel overwhelming. Lark shares her journey from trying everything—coffee shops, woodworking, travel, and more—to realizing that 100% of her clients were neurodivergent, and building her business around that insight. If you’ve ever struggled with: * ADHD and work or career direction * Starting a business with ADHD * Interview anxiety or self-doubt * Feeling like “normal” advice doesn’t work for you This conversation will feel both validating and practical.

Disabled or Different? Neurodiversity, Inclusion, and Representation

What does it mean to be disabled versus different? Janine VanStee talks with Lynn Greenberg about neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia, and why representation in children’s books matters for kids with learning differences. What does it mean to be disabled versus simply different? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee talks with advocate and children's book author Lynn Greenberg about neurodiversity, learning differences, and the importance of representation for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. Lynn co-created the Creative Cab Company children's book series with her son, creating stories that highlight strengths, creativity, and unique perspectives in kids whose brains work differently. Together they explore how labels can both help and harm, how representation shapes confidence, and why helping children see themselves reflected in stories can be incredibly powerful. This conversation looks at neurodiversity through a hopeful lens—focusing on acceptance, empowerment, and the idea that differences can also be strengths. In This Episode We Discuss • ADHD and dyslexia • Neurodiversity and learning differences • Disability vs. difference • Why representation in children's books matters • Helping kids build confidence and identity • The power of storytelling for neurodivergent children Connect with Janine ADHD Life Coaching https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net [https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net] Email jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com [jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com] Connect with Lynn Creative Cab Company Children's Book Series Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.

ADHD, Gut Health, and Chronic Illness

Is ADHD really a neurological disorder — or could gut health, diet, and inflammation play a role? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee sits down with functional medicine practitioner Dr. Brad Montagne to explore a different perspective on ADHD, chronic illness, and the gut-brain connection. Dr. Brad shares insights from nearly four decades of working with people experiencing complex health conditions including Lyme disease, digestive issues, and inflammation-related symptoms. The conversation dives into topics like diet, sugar, gut microbiome health, and how lifestyle choices may influence focus, behavior, and overall well-being. Together they discuss: • The connection between gut health and brain function • Why inflammation may affect focus and behavior • Diet, sugar, and processed foods • The gut-brain relationship • Functional medicine approaches to chronic illness • Parenting and supporting children with ADHD • Supplements, fish oil, and nutrition myths • Epigenetics and lifestyle factors As always on ADHD Eavesdrop, this is an open conversation — not a script — where you get to be a butterfly on the wall listening in. If you’re curious about different perspectives on ADHD, health, and how our bodies work, this episode offers plenty to think about. Dr. Brad Montagne https://www.instagram.com/healthfullyu/ [https://www.instagram.com/healthfullyu/] https://www.facebook.com/healthfullyu [https://www.facebook.com/healthfullyu] https://healthfullyu.com [https://healthfullyu.com] Free ADHD coaching consultation with Janine VanStee: https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation [https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation] Website: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net [https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net] 00:00 Welcome to ADHD Eavesdrop 03:00 ADHD, Diet, and “Toxic Food” 06:00 Why Defining the Problem Matters 09:00 Gut Health and the Brain Connection 12:00 Inflammation, Dopamine, and ADHD 15:00 Sugar, Caffeine, and Kids 18:00 Is ADHD Neurological or Gut-Related? 21:00 Epigenetics and Lifestyle Factors 25:00 Fish Oil, Supplements, and Nutrition 30:30 Advice for Parents of Kids with ADHD The views expressed in this episode are those of the guest and are for informational purposes only and not medical advice.

Neurodiversity, Writing, and Healing

In this episode, Janine talks with Randi-lee Bowslaugh about autism, depression, parenting neurodivergent children, and the healing power of creativity and writing. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine sits down with author and podcaster Randi-lee Bowslaugh to talk about neurodiversity, mental health, and the power of creative expression. Randi-lee shares her experiences living with autism, depression, and PTSD, while also parenting a neurodivergent child and navigating life as a grandmother. Together, Janine and Randi-lee explore how writing, storytelling, and creativity can support emotional healing, identity development, and connection. This conversation touches on self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of finding supportive spaces where neurodivergent people can be fully themselves. As always, this episode is a real, unscripted conversation — just like listening to two people talk at the next table in a coffee shop. 00:00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 00:02:15 Randi-lee’s story: autism, depression, and PTSD 00:05:10 Parenting neurodivergent children 00:08:40 Becoming a grandmother and life perspective 00:11:30 Writing as emotional expression and healing 00:15:20 The connection between creativity and mental health 00:19:05 Living with multiple diagnoses 00:23:40 Identity, acceptance, and self-understanding 00:27:15 Supporting neurodivergent families 00:31:00 Closing reflections and encouragement Is ADHD Life Coaching right for you? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to better understand how your ADHD shows up in your daily life, coaching might help. I offer supportive, practical ADHD Life Coaching focused on real-life strategies, self-awareness, and sustainable change. You can schedule a free 45-minute consultation to see if coaching is a good fit: https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation [https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation] Learn more at: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net [https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net] Email: jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com [jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com] This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, mental health, or professional advice. The views shared in this episode reflect personal experiences and conversations, not clinical recommendations. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional.