ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

How do generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction intertwine—and how can understanding them save lives? In this deeply personal episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Jennifer Nicole Schmitz, whose journey is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Jennifer candidly shares her experiences growing up in a home marked by trauma, her mother’s undiagnosed ADHD, and struggles with addiction, and how these shaped her own path. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jennifer reflects on her teenage years battling addiction and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety. Jennifer is now pursuing a psychology degree with the mission to help women and young girls navigate ADHD, trauma, and the impact of misdiagnosis. She discusses the tools and strategies that helped her manage her ADHD and build a healthier life, including creating space for emotions, self-awareness, and connecting with a supportive community. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the critical links between ADHD, addiction, and mental health while offering insights on breaking free from shame, recognizing personal worth, and finding purpose amid life’s challenges. Resources: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.n.schmitz [https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.n.schmitz ] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms] 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]

Dr. Kathy Zhang has spent her career on the frontlines of life and death, supporting patients in their most vulnerable moments. A hospice and palliative care physician, TEDx speaker, and certified coach, Kathy transforms the wisdom of those nearing the end of life into lessons that inspire the living. Diagnosed with ADHD in her mid-30s, Kathy has used her neurodivergent brilliance to pioneer techniques that connect people to their inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and overcome emotional blocks. In this episode, Kathy shares her journey from a sensitive, introverted child to a medical doctor driven by connection and purpose. She reflects on the challenges she faced as a first-generation immigrant navigating cultural expectations and societal pressures, and how those experiences shaped her compassionate approach to caregiving. Through stories from her practice, she illustrates how understanding and addressing nervous system dysregulation can unlock resilience, clarity, and peace. Kathy also delves into the transformative power of hypnosis and meditation, explaining how these tools can help rewire the brain for positive change. Whether you’re seeking to calm your mind, address trauma, or embrace life with intention, Kathy offers practical strategies rooted in neuroscience and empathy. Her insights remind us to live fully while we can and to use the lessons of mortality as a catalyst for meaning and connection. Resources: Website: https://luyikathyzhang.com/ [https://luyikathyzhang.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luyikathyzhang [https://www.instagram.com/dr.luyikathyzhang] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luyikathyzhang/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luyikathyzhang/] Other Resources: To download a free video guide from Dr. Zhang to learn 3 techniques to help soothe and calm your nervous system, please visit this link: https://exciting-mover-6982.kit.com/bc79a6821a [https://exciting-mover-6982.kit.com/bc79a6821a] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms] 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]

Some kids can’t sit still in class. Others stare out the window, lost in their thoughts. Then there are kids like Rebecca Barrera, who ask a million questions, try their hardest, and still get told they’re not learning fast enough. When Rebecca was five, a teacher dismissed her as an academic lost cause—her mother refused to accept that. Rebecca was diagnosed with ADHD early, but school was still an uphill battle. Standardized tests, rigid expectations, and a system that didn’t understand how her brain worked made things harder. But with a mother who fought for her, Rebecca figured out how to work with her brain instead of against it. She went on to earn a nursing degree and build a career that keeps her engaged, moving, and connecting with people in a way that makes sense for her. In this conversation, Rebecca shares what it was like growing up with ADHD, how early medication rewired her approach to learning, and why she still has to be intentional about managing her symptoms at work. She also talks about the fast-paced nature of nursing, the emotional weight of the job, and the daily strategies that help her focus. If you’ve ever struggled in traditional settings, you’ll probably see a bit of yourself in her story. Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becsb1229/ [https://www.instagram.com/becsb1229/ ] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbarrera1229 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbarrera1229] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms] 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]

Set Intentions, Not Resolutions and Making 2025 Your Best Year Yet January feels like a fresh start, but for many ADHD brains, resolutions quickly lose their spark. In this solo episode, Tracy Otsuka takes a deep dive into why the beginning of the year feels so energizing and how to harness that momentum all year long. She introduces the concept of temporal landmarks—natural reset points like New Year’s, birthdays, or even Mondays—that help our ADHD brains reframe goals and create clarity. Tracy shares her own journey with setting intentions over resolutions, explaining how defining a single word of the year has transformed her mindset and productivity. She walks listeners through the process of finding their North Star—a guiding intention that simplifies decisions and keeps them aligned with their true goals. From overcoming perfectionism to embracing micro-actions, she offers practical strategies to maintain focus and build momentum without falling into the cycle of self-criticism. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help ADHD minds thrive, including daily rituals, micro-goals, and simple strategies to reset and stay on track throughout 2025. Tracy also shares her own word of the year and how it will shape her goals. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by resolutions, this episode will show you a better way to approach the new year—with clarity, confidence, and a plan that actually works. Resources: * A-OK [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok-everyday]: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok-everyday [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok-everyday] For other resources: * Bracelets, rings and necklaces: adhdforsmartwomen.com/epi-314 [https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/epi-314]   Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms] 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]

Your voice is more than what you say—it’s who you are. Dana Lewis, a communication and vocal coach, is on a mission to amplify the voices of neurodivergent women. As the founder of Undeniable Voice, she brings two decades of expertise in vocal pedagogy, nervous system awareness, and trauma-informed coaching to help ADHD women reconnect with their authentic voices. Dana shares her personal ADHD story, from masking as a child to rediscovering her quirks as a source of strength in adulthood. These formative experiences inspired Dana’s journey of self-acceptance, where she discovered how singing and voice work can not only regulate the nervous system but also boost confidence and foster emotional clarity. Dana recounts pivotal moments in her youth that shaped her journey. In grade school, a teacher’s harsh criticism of her learning style left a lasting mark on her confidence. In high school, rumors about her having a learning disability fueled her determination to mask and overcompensate, striving for perfection to prove her capabilities. These challenges ultimately guided Dana toward finding her voice, building resilience, and igniting her passion for helping others do the same. Her later discovery of singing as a tool to reconnect with suppressed emotions solidified her commitment to empowering others to embrace their voices and identities. She now sees voice work not just as a tool for communication but as a pathway to healing and self-expression. Through her Bold and Brilliant program, born from this desire to help others reclaim their voices, Dana empowers ADHD women to build resilience, express their truths, and embrace their unique identities with pride. Resources: * Website: https://www.undeniablevoice.com/ [https://www.undeniablevoice.com/ ] * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danalewis-undeniablevoice [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danalewis-undeniablevoice/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undeniable_voice/  [https://www.instagram.com/undeniable_voice/ ] Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2316437/open_sms] 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]