TOMU: Jimmy Thistle - The Truth About Alcohol, Sobriety and Recovery

TOMU: Spoons - ADHD, Sobriety & Going Viral. Leaving Meds, Living in His Car & Chasing Freedom

What happens when a 22-year-old with ADHD quits medication, starts living out of his car, posts one raw emotional video online… and suddenly gains millions of views overnight? In this episode of TOMU: The Open Mic, Unfiltered, I sit down with content creator “Spoons” for one of the deepest conversations I’ve had on the podcast so far. We talk about ADHD, mental health, social media, going viral, addiction, emotional intelligence, purpose, masculinity, vulnerability, travelling the world, overthinking, sobriety, dopamine, self-worth, relationships, religion, happiness and what it actually means to feel alive in modern society. Spoons opens up about: * Growing up on ADHD medication * Leaving meds behind and rediscovering himself * Living out of his car and travelling America * His viral 15 million view ADHD video * Feeling like an outsider his whole life * Why men struggle to open up emotionally * The pressure of social media success * Fear, purpose, identity and freedom * Wanting to build a life with zero regrets We also get into deeper conversations around: * Overthinking and anxiety * Why modern life feels empty * Nature, tribalism and consumerism * Toxic productivity culture * Accountability and self-growth * Why pain can actually become a gift * The search for meaning in life This wasn’t a polished interview. It was two people trying to figure life out in real time. If you’ve ever struggled with ADHD, addiction, anxiety, purpose, loneliness, burnout, depression or feeling disconnected from the world around you… this episode will probably hit home. Buy Me a Coffee to support the show... https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast [https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast] Check out what else we got going on... https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast [https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast]

TOMU: David Hallett - The ADHD–Addiction Link No One Talks About (9 Years Sober)

This episode dives deep into the reality of ADHD, addiction, and long-term sobriety—and how undiagnosed neurodivergence can shape an entire life. I sit down with David, who shares his raw and unfiltered journey from early struggles in school, to substance abuse, to becoming nearly 9 years sober. We explore what it’s really like living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and suspected autism, and how a lack of understanding can lead to years of confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt. We break down: * The dopamine system and how it affects motivation, anxiety, and addiction * Why people with ADHD are more vulnerable to substance abuse * The reality of late ADHD diagnosis and its long-term impact * Growing up feeling like you have “potential” but can’t access it * Masking, shame, and rejection sensitivity (RSD) * The link between ADHD, procrastination, and last-minute pressure * How sobriety changes when you finally understand your brain This isn’t just about addiction—it’s about understanding yourself, rewiring your thinking, and making sense of a life that never quite felt like it fit. If you’ve ever struggled with focus, anxiety, addiction, or feeling misunderstood, this conversation will hit home.

TOMU: Matt Richardson - ADHD, Elvanse & Comedy

In this episode of TOMU: The Open Mic, Unfiltered, I sit down with UK stand-up comedian Matt Richardson — known for The Xtra Factor, Celebrity Juice, and his award-winning comedy career. We get real about ADHD diagnosis, medication (Elvanse), and what it actually feels like day-to-day — not the highlight reel, the reality. Matt shares his journey from late ADHD diagnosis to how medication has changed his focus, creativity, and even his relationship with alcohol. We dive into the impact of ADHD on stand-up comedy, writing, performance, and productivity, plus the mental side of chasing success in the entertainment industry. We also go deeper — talking about identity, growing up with a brother with autism, and learning to own who you are in a world that constantly tries to shape you. This one is funny, honest, and full of insight. Topics covered: * ADHD diagnosis story (late diagnosis) * ADHD medication (Elvanse vs stimulants) * Focus, productivity & dopamine * ADHD and addiction patterns * Comedy writing & performing with ADHD * Life as a stand-up comedian * Social media & building an audience * Autism, family & identity * Mental health & self-acceptance If this episode resonates, follow, rate, and share it with someone who might need it. Because sometimes hearing someone else’s story is what makes you feel less alone. Buy me a coffee link... https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast [https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast] Full list of socials here... https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast [https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast] Appreciate you all.

TOMU: 365 Days on ADHD Meds - Medanef, Elvanse, Sobriety & Finding Balance

ADHD medication isn’t a magic fix… and no one really talks about what it actually feels like. In this episode of TOMU – The Open Mic Unfiltered, I break down my real, unfiltered journey with ADHD medication — from the brutal early days on stimulant meds (similar to Adderall) to finding balance with Elvanse, sobriety, and rebuilding my life from the ground up. This isn’t the polished version. This is the truth. I talk about: * What ADHD medication really feels like in the beginning * The dark side of stimulant meds (crashes, anxiety, identity loss) * Trial and error with dosage (20mg → 50mg and finding my sweet spot) * Why medication alone is NOT the solution * ADHD, addiction & sobriety — and how they connect * Building structure: sleep, food, exercise, routine * Dopamine chasing, time blindness & mental overload * Learning to work with ADHD instead of against it There were moments I thought I’d made the biggest mistake of my life. Moments where medication felt worse than the problems it was meant to fix. But there was also growth. Clarity. And eventually… purpose. If you’ve ever: * Been diagnosed with ADHD * Considered medication (Adderall, Elvanse, Vyvanse, etc.) * Struggled with focus, impulsivity, or addiction * Felt overwhelmed in your own mind This episode is for you. Because ADHD isn’t just chaos… It’s power — if you learn how to live with it. Disclaimer: This episode is based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Always speak to a qualified professional regarding ADHD diagnosis or medication. If this episode resonated: Follow & rate the show Share it with someone who might need it Support the podcast via the link below... https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast [https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast]  Follow the show on the socials. Full List below... https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast [https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast] Appreciate you all.

TOMU: Jimmy Thistle - The Truth About Alcohol, Sobriety and Recovery

In this honest and reflective conversation, I sit down with Jimmy Thistle to unpack their personal journeys with alcohol, identity, and growth. From the recklessness of youth to the quiet realisations that come with self-awareness, we explore how drinking shaped their choices, relationships, and sense of purpose. The episode dives into the normalization of heavy drinking in social culture, the hidden costs that often go unnoticed, and the turning points that lead to change. Jimmy shares his experience with sobriety, shedding light on the challenges of letting go, the pull of nostalgia, and the discipline required to build a new path. Together, we discuss the power of creative outlets like photography, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and what it really means to find your tribe. This is a conversation about growth, accountability, and choosing a more intentional life, even when it’s the harder road. Check out the rest of our socials here... https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast [https://linktr.ee/tomupodcast] You can support the show further here by buying me a coffee. https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast [https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast] Catch Jimmy on his podcast After Hours with Jimmy Thistle here on Spotify... https://open.spotify.com/show/7b9xSfUrFFeWKWwwmkRf7O?si=0301d3be6e5b4095 Also on other podcast platforms Appreciate you all.