ADHD Cheat Codes: A Game of Neurodivergence
🎧 Episode 7: ADHD Cheat Codes: A Game of Neurodivergence
In this episode, I take you through some of the wild, messy, and occasionally funny chapters of my life — from dropping out of uni in a blur of beer and burgers, to solo climbing 'missions' that could’ve gone very wrong, to lifeguarding, failed police applications, and eventually stumbling into criminology.
Along the way, I share the ADHD 'cheat codes' I’ve discovered — the shortcuts and workarounds that helped me survive and, eventually, succeed. And to wrap up, I share a bunch of practical cheat codes that you can actually steal and try in your own life.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Why my first go at university was doomed from the start
The thrill (and chaos) of late-night climbing escapades
The crushing shame of walking out of my first exam
Lifeguarding, depression, and trying to 'repent' by joining the police
Discovering criminology and finally feeling interested in something
ADHD 'cheat codes' I’ve used across work, study, and life
A list of practical hacks for focus, routine, money, social life, and study
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🛠 Cheat Codes You Can Steal
Here are some of the ADHD hacks I talk through in the episode:
Brain & Focus: body doubling, timers, externalising your brain
Life Admin: the one-touch rule, default meals/outfits, visible storage
Money: automate bills, separate fun money
Social & Emotional: script conversations, pre-commit to plans, schedule rest
Work & Study: work with your natural energy, use templates, micro-deadlines
These aren’t rules — they’re tools. Try what works, ditch what doesn’t.
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🚑 Australian Support Services
If you’re struggling with ADHD, mental health, or both, you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some supports you can reach out to:
ADHD-specific
ADHD Australia — adhdaustralia.org.au
ADHD Foundation — Helpline 1300 39 39 19, adhdfoundation.org.au
ADHD Support Australia — adhdsupportaustralia.com.au
ADHD Guide (Australia) — adhdguide.com.au
Mental health & crisis support
Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (mental health support and counselling)
Head to Health — headtohealth.gov.au
NSW Mental Health Line — 1800 011 511 (24/7 service in NSW)
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👉 If you find this episode useful, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a few cheat codes of their own.