ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

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 groundbreaking innovations in pediatric care. In this episode, Dr. Hazan shares how her experiences as a parent and professor helped her uncover the hidden strengths of an ADHD brain. She reflects on how embracing outside-the-box thinking has shaped her approach to problem-solving and innovation. As a professor of Biology at Grand View University and a trailblazer in pediatric healthcare, she demonstrates how leaning into neurodivergence can transform industries. Dr. Hazan discusses the development of her pioneering platform, designed to make clinical environments more engaging and empowering for children. She also offers insights on balancing life as a parent of three college-aged kids, a professor, and an innovator. Her story challenges the narrative of ADHD as a deficit and highlights the potential of neurodivergence to unlock creativity and drive meaningful change. Resources: X: https://x.com/genetics_prof/ [https://x.com/genetics_prof/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idit-hazan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/idit-hazan/] Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdforsmartwomen/], or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/]. Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book] Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok] Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/] Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka [https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka] Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class [https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/master-class-registration] Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms]

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 with ADHD, from challenges in school to finding her creative voice as a writer. Diagnosed later in life, Luci shares how finally understanding her ADHD transformed the way she saw herself and her goals. Her “Midwestern Bookish Belles” series reimagines classic heroines with neurodivergent traits, inviting young readers to see themselves in characters who defy convention and embrace their quirks. Luci also shares insights into her creative process, which includes using colorful Post-it notes to organize her ideas and letting go of perfectionism in early drafts. For aspiring neurodivergent writers, Luci’s story is a reminder that embracing your brain’s unique wiring can fuel both creativity and resilience. Her journey offers encouragement and practical advice for anyone learning to live authentically with ADHD or supporting someone who is. Resources: Website: https://www.lucitaylorbooks.com/ [https://www.lucitaylorbooks.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luci.taylor.books/ [https://www.instagram.com/luci.taylor.books/] Resources: Website: https://www.womenandadhd.com [https://www.womenandadhd.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenandadhdpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/womenandadhdpodcast] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/womenandadhd [https://www.linkedin.com/in/womenandadhd] Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdforsmartwomen/], or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/]. Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book] Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok] Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/] Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka [https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka] Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class [https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/master-class-registration] Unlock your best days with Blends:,https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms]

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 community. Katy’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery, full of twists that many will find relatable. Before entering the ADHD advocacy world, Katy spent years as a journalist, covering a range of human experiences and honing her ability to tell powerful stories. With experience at publications like National Geographic and PsychCentral, she now brings her storytelling expertise to Women & ADHD, sharing stories and insights that make listeners feel seen and understood. This episode captures her journey from the fast-paced world of New York City to finding a new sense of balance in the Hudson Valley, where she has found purpose in health coaching and community-building. Through Women & ADHD, Katy addresses topics that resonate with her listeners on a personal level, such as the complex relationship between ADHD and binge eating and moving beyond diet culture to embrace a more holistic approach to health. She shares how ADHD affects not only personal identity but also how women show up in their work and family lives. Katy’s story goes beyond diagnosis; it’s a journey of learning, unlearning, and embracing the strengths that come with ADHD. Her message is clear: it’s never too late to understand your own mind and rewrite your narrative in ways that are both empowering and authentic. Resources: Website: https://www.womenandadhd.com [https://www.womenandadhd.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenandadhdpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/womenandadhdpodcast] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/womenandadhd [https://www.linkedin.com/in/womenandadhd] Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdforsmartwomen/], or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/]. Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book] Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok] Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/] Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka [https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka] Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class [https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/master-class-registration] Unlock your best days with Blends:,https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms]

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 tools that helped her cope with childhood trauma and the pressures of raising a neurodiverse family. She opens up about the challenges of being misunderstood growing up, from struggling with dyslexia and math in school to finally receiving the support she needed. Her experience with mindfulness and compassionate communication gave her the ability to navigate her own neurodivergence and become a more present, understanding parent. In this episode, Breanna shares insights on how mindfulness and compassionate communication can reshape relationships, especially with children. From applying empathy in everyday situations to creating systems that work for ADHD minds, her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and connection. Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breannaautolitano/ [https://www.instagram.com/breannaautolitano/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-autolitano-88227778/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-autolitano-88227778/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breannaautolitano3 [https://www.tiktok.com/@breannaautolitano3] Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdforsmartwomen/], or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/]. Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book] Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok] Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/] Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka [https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka] Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class [https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/master-class-registration] Unlock your best days with Blends:,https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms]

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 environments, constantly facing burnout and frustration. Her diagnosis became a turning point, allowing her to build a life suited to her brain’s unique strengths. Now, through her planners and videos, she helps others create routines incorporating joy and play, proving that productivity can be fun and tailored to individual needs. Kristen’s work goes beyond to-do lists, blending humor and creativity with effective planning tools. In this episode, she shares her journey of managing ADHD, offering insights into overcoming challenges with self-compassion and humor. Her experiences show how turning perceived limitations into strengths can bring more balance and happiness into everyday life. When Kristen isn’t creating viral content, she’s likely climbing, baking bread, or trying to keep her vegetable garden alive. Her story is a reminder that success comes from embracing who you are and building systems that align with your unique needs, leaving room for fun along the way. Resources: Website: https://thecenteredlife.co/ [https://thecenteredlife.co/] Website: https://www.findyourmagic.biz/ [https://www.findyourmagic.biz/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenteredlifeco/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecenteredlifeco/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findyourmagicbiz/ [https://www.instagram.com/findyourmagicbiz/] Tiktok: @findyourmagicbiz Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsuka], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdforsmartwomen/], or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/]. Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book] Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok] Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/] Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka [https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka] Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class [https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/master-class-registration] Unlock your best days with Blends:,https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms]