ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse

Topics: ADHD online tests, self-evaluation challenges, personal insights, quiz comparisons, understanding ADHD symptoms, and the complexity of self-diagnosis. Rachael and Ruth take a deep dive into the world of online ADHD tests! 🧠✨ We share our personal experiences tackling two popular ADHD quizzes and reflect on the many ways self-evaluation can be confusing, imperfect, and oh-so-relatable. Whether you’re curious about ADHD or just want a laugh at how messy these tests can get, this episode has something for everyone. Key Discussion Points: * Tackling ADHD Online Tests Together: Rachael and Ruth walk through ADHD self-evaluation quizzes, discussing the questions, their answers, and why it's hard to be 100% honest with yourself when taking them. * Why Self-Evaluation Is So Tough: From overthinking to interpreting vague questions, the hosts share the challenges of accurately self-reporting symptoms and why these tests are just a starting point. * Comparing Two ADHD Quizzes: They explore two different quiz formats—one with endless options and another that's visually ADHD-friendly—and share what worked, what didn’t, and where things got hilarious. * Personal Stories of ADHD Symptoms: From losing keys to fidgeting and missing appointments, Rachael and Ruth get candid about how ADHD shows up in their daily lives and how they’ve learned to cope. * The Role of Systems and Strategies: The episode wraps up with a reflection on why creating systems (like reminders, dopamine hit lists, or even just writing things down) can make all the difference in managing ADHD. Helpful Links: * ⁠⁠Psychology Today-ADHD Test ⁠⁠ [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/health/adhdattention-deficit-disorder-test] * ⁠⁠Clinical Partners-ADHD Test Online⁠⁠ [https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/adult-adhd-add/test-for-adhd] * ⁠ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse Blog⁠ [https://winter-willow.com/adhd-blog] 👉 Join the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/adhdwomenexploretheneuroverse/] for support and community, or reach out if you’d like to share your ADHD journey! 📬 Interested in being a guest or working with us? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ruth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [ruth@pomogranatecircle.com] or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [rachael@winter-willow.com] directly—we’d love to hear from you! 📚 Do you feel like you're floundering? Ruth helps women move from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Functioning to Flourishing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/pomegranatecircle/meet-the-mentor?month=2024-10]. Focus on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Getting Sh*t Done⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/winter-willow/get-organized] with Rachael.

Topics: ADHD support systems, self-compassion, community connections, balancing energy, leaning into strengths In this episode, we welcome the wonderful Katy Gooblar! 🎉 Katy opens up about her ADHD journey and the unique way she’s embraced it without an official diagnosis. We talk about the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with ADHD, especially when it comes to building a strong support system. Katy shares insights on how she balances her high-energy lifestyle, her career, and the constant demands of parenting—all while learning to listen to her needs and lean on her support network when things get tough. Key Discussion Points: 1. The Power of a Support System: Katy shares the importance of surrounding herself with people who can step in when ADHD challenges crop up. From work buddies to family, she highlights how leaning on others isn’t a weakness—it’s an incredible strength. 🌟 2. Learning Self-Compassion: Rachael and Katy dive into self-compassion, discussing why it’s essential for ADHD-ers to cut themselves some slack. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but learning to show ourselves grace is part of the journey. 3. Energy Management: With her hands in so many projects, Katy has mastered some pretty cool ways to keep her energy balanced. She reveals her favorite "bookend" routine and how she uses little pauses to recharge during the day. 4. Leaning Into Strengths: Rather than focusing on fixing her weaknesses, Katy talks about harnessing her natural strengths and embracing what she does best. It’s all about recognizing what makes you shine—and letting that guide you! 🌈 5. Creating Connection: We touch on how essential community and understanding connections are for people with ADHD, especially women who may feel misunderstood. Katy opens up about how she found her community and why she thinks every ADHD-er deserves that same support. Connect with Katy Gooblar: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-gooblar-the-data-skills-chaperone/] Helpful Links: ADHD for Smart Ass Women Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-for-smart-ass-women-with-tracy-otsuka/id1443678424]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Piece-Julie-Legg/dp/1775542467] Julie Legg's The Missing Piece⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Piece-Julie-Legg/dp/1775542467] ⁠ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse Blog⁠ [https://winter-willow.com/adhd-blog] 👉 Join the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/adhdwomenexploretheneuroverse/] for support and community, or reach out if you’d like to share your ADHD journey! 📬 Interested in being a guest or working with us? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ruth⁠⁠⁠⁠ [ruth@pomogranatecircle.com] or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠⁠ [rachael@winter-willow.com] directly—we’d love to hear from you! 📚 Do you feel like you're floundering? Ruth helps women move from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Functioning to Flourishing⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/pomegranatecircle/meet-the-mentor?month=2024-10]. Focus on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Getting Sh*t Done⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/winter-willow/get-organized] with Rachael.

Topics: ADHD diagnosis challenges, navigating ADHD evaluations, self-assessment vs. formal diagnosis, understanding ADHD symptoms, ADHD in women, coping with ADHD testing frustrations, medication considerations, and self-compassion. In this episode, we tackle the tangled web of getting an official ADHD diagnosis. 🧠✨ From the inconsistencies in testing methods to the hoops we jump through just to find answers, this conversation dives deep into why the process can feel overwhelming—especially for women. Whether you're considering an official diagnosis or simply trying to understand yourself better, this episode is packed with insights and a big dose of compassion. 💛 Key Discussion Points: * Why Pursue an ADHD Diagnosis?: Rachael and Ruth explore the reasons why someone might seek a diagnosis—from finding answers to accessing tools like medication—and the unique challenges women face along the way. * The Trouble with ADHD Testing: They discuss the frustrating inconsistencies in diagnostic tests, such as unclear questions and how coping mechanisms can mask symptoms, making it even harder for women to get diagnosed. * Understanding ADHD in Women: Ruth shares her journey of self-realization (or as she calls it, her "revelation"), highlighting how ADHD can show up differently in women and why so many of us have been overlooked. * The Role of Self-Compassion: Both hosts emphasize the importance of self-compassion, whether you're pursuing an official diagnosis or just starting to recognize ADHD traits in yourself. * Navigating Medication Choices: Rachael opens up about her experience with ADHD medications, the pros and cons, and how it’s okay if medication isn’t part of your journey. * Trusting Your Gut: They encourage listeners to trust their instincts—if ADHD symptoms resonate with you, there’s value in understanding them, diagnosis or not. * Creating Community and Support: The episode highlights the importance of building a supportive network, sharing resources, and validating each other’s experiences. Helpful Links: * ⁠Psychology Today-ADHD Test ⁠ [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/health/adhdattention-deficit-disorder-test] * ⁠Clinical Partners-ADHD Test Online⁠ [https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/adult-adhd-add/test-for-adhd] * ADHD Testing/Support in Australia [https://mindoasis.com.au/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/] * ⁠Julie Legg's The Missing Piece [https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Piece-Julie-Legg/dp/1775542467] * ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse Blog⁠ [https://winter-willow.com/adhd-blog] 👉 Join the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/adhdwomenexploretheneuroverse/] for support and community, or reach out if you’d like to share your ADHD journey! 📬 Interested in being a guest or working with us? Email ⁠⁠⁠Ruth⁠⁠⁠ [ruth@pomogranatecircle.com] or ⁠⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠⁠ [rachael@winter-willow.com] directly—we’d love to hear from you! 📚 Do you feel like you're floundering? Ruth helps women move from ⁠⁠⁠Functioning to Flourishing⁠⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/pomegranatecircle/meet-the-mentor?month=2024-10]. Focus on ⁠⁠⁠Getting Sh*t Done⁠⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/winter-willow/get-organized] with Rachael.

**Ooops! Here is the full episode! Topics: ADHD dopamine, ADHD support systems, ADHD dopamine hit list, ADHD dopamine activities, ADHD sensory preferences, ADHD community, ADHD women support, Dopamine management. In this episode, we continue our conversation on dopamine hit lists by creating ours together! We break down the journey of building their personalized dopamine lists, offering an inside look at the trial and error involved. From understanding what truly sparks dopamine to learning the value of sensory preferences, this conversation unpacks how ADHD-ers can create practical, go-to lists to stay balanced and boost mood. Key Discussion Points: * The Importance of a Dopamine Hit List: Ruth and Rachael explain why having a ready-to-go list of dopamine boosters can make all the difference on tough days or when motivation is low. * Personalizing Dopamine Hits: From knitting to Earl Grey tea, they share specific examples and the “dopamine caveats” that influence how rewarding each activity feels. * Novelty and ADHD: They discuss how novelty drives dopamine and why switching things up is essential for long-lasting impact. * Sensory Preferences in Action: Rachael and Ruth break down how sensory sensitivities (like taste, touch, and smell) play into which activities bring the most joy and dopamine. * Creating a Balanced Routine: They share tips on integrating dopamine-boosting activities into daily life without burning out or making it feel like a chore. * Community and Connection: Emphasizing the power of collaboration, they encourage listeners to connect with fellow ADHD-ers to brainstorm dopamine activities that align with their unique needs. Helpful Links: * Feeling the ADHD Blues? Design a Better Dopamine Hit List [https://winter-willow.com/adhd-blog/build-your-adhd-dopamine-hit-list] * Novelty & the ADHD Brain Article [https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-novelty] * Never Enough? Why ADHD Brains Crave Stimulation [https://www.additudemag.com/brain-stimulation-and-adhd-cravings-dependency-and-regulation/] ✨ Love what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate our podcast to help more ADHD women connect and thrive in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join the conversation on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/adhdwomenexploretheneuroverse/] for support and community, or reach out if you’d like to share your ADHD journey! 📬 Interested in being a guest or working with us? Email ⁠⁠Ruth⁠⁠ [ruth@pomogranatecircle.com] or ⁠⁠Rachael⁠⁠ [rachael@winter-willow.com] directly—we’d love to hear from you! 📚 Do you feel like you're floundering? Ruth helps women move from ⁠⁠Functioning to Flourishing⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/pomegranatecircle/meet-the-mentor?month=2024-10]. Focus on ⁠⁠Getting Sh*t Done⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/winter-willow/get-organized] with Rachael.

Topics: ADHD and communication challenges, working memory struggles, finding the right words, dealing with interruptions, perfectionism in conversations, and the beauty of ADHD quirks. We jump into the ups and downs of communication for ADHD-ers. Whether it’s finding the perfect word, navigating a million thoughts at once, or trying not to interrupt (oops, too late 😆), they share real stories and strategies to help make conversations easier—and maybe even a little more fun. Key Discussion Points: Our ADHD Communication Quirks: We chat about what it’s like trying to keep up with an ADHD brain in conversation. From losing words to rapid-fire talking, they get real about why communication can feel messy—and how it’s all part of the ADHD experience. Working Memory Woes: How often do you feel a great thought slip away before you can even share it? The hosts talk about those moments when you “know you know” but can’t quite recall the details. They break down the science behind ADHD working memory and why our brains sometimes leave us searching for words. The Art of Interrupting (and Being Interrupted!): We all know the drill. You’re mid-sentence, and something amazing just has to be shared. ADHD brains are notorious for interrupting—and for feeling guilty about it. Rachael and Ruth chat about how they manage these moments and embrace the flow of ADHD conversation without piling on the shame. Finding the Right Words… Eventually: When the words are right on the tip of your tongue but just won’t come out. The hosts share their struggles with getting their message across, especially when their minds are juggling 10 thoughts at once. Spoiler alert: you’re not alone, and this is so common for ADHD-ers. Self-Compassion in Conversation: Ending the episode on a high note, Rachael and Ruth talk about why it’s so important to give yourself grace. ADHD communication may look different, but by embracing our quirks, we can have more meaningful and fun conversations—without holding back our authentic selves. Helpful Links: * Frientimacy by Shasta Nelson [https://www.amazon.com/Frientimacy-Deepen-Friendships-Lifelong-Happiness/dp/1580056075] * ⁠ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse Blog⁠ [https://winter-willow.com/adhd-blog] ✨ Love what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate our podcast to help more ADHD women connect and thrive in the Neuroverse! 👉 Join the conversation on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/adhdwomenexploretheneuroverse/] for support and community, or reach out if you’d like to share your ADHD journey! 📬 Interested in being a guest or working with us? Email ⁠Ruth⁠ [ruth@pomogranatecircle.com] or ⁠Rachael⁠ [rachael@winter-willow.com] directly—we’d love to hear from you! 📚 Do you feel like you're floundering? Ruth helps women move from ⁠Functioning to Flourishing⁠ [https://calendly.com/pomegranatecircle/meet-the-mentor?month=2024-10]. Focus on ⁠Getting Sh*t Done⁠ [https://calendly.com/winter-willow/get-organized] with Rachael.