Episodes

  • Today we delve deep into the complex and often misunderstood relationship between diet and ADHD symptoms. I’m bringing you a topic that’s close to my heart, sparked by my own journey and curiosity about the potential of nutrition in managing ADHD. But, as we’ll explore, it’s not as straightforward as it may seem.

    I’ve always been fascinated, and admittedly a bit skeptical, about how what we eat impacts our mental health, especially when it comes to ADHD. With a rise in functional medicine practitioners advocating for diet as a panacea, I felt compelled to take a closer look. Can dietary changes alone truly manage ADHD without medication? It’s a question that many of us grappling with ADHD have pondered.

    From personal experience, I can tell you that managing a strict diet can be a Herculean task for someone with ADHD. We’re talking about a condition that inherently makes planning, prioritizing, and resisting impulses more challenging. Yet, there’s this growing narrative suggesting that if we just ate the right foods, we could overcome these hurdles on our own.

    But what does the research say? In today’s episode, we’ve dug into the studies and found a sobering lack of substantial evidence supporting the idea that diet alone can significantly alter ADHD outcomes. While no one denies the benefits of improved nutrition on overall health, suggesting it as a standalone solution for managing severe ADHD is not only misleading but potentially harmful.

    The conversation around diet and ADHD doesn’t stop with us adults. There’s immense pressure on pregnant mothers with ADHD, bombarded with claims about how their diet could impact their child’s health and potential ADHD. It’s a heavy burden, rooted in the oversimplification of ADHD’s causes. Today, we debunk some of these myths, emphasizing ADHD’s complexity and how it’s shaped by a tapestry of genetic and environmental factors.

    Another critical issue we tackle is the widespread misinformation about ADHD medication. It’s alarming how non-medical professionals feel emboldened to make broad claims, contributing to the stigma and confusion surrounding these evidence-based treatments. Despite our critique of oversimplified solutions, we acknowledge the undeniable role of a healthy diet in enhancing well-being. But to suggest it can ‘cure’ ADHD? That’s where we draw the line.

    As we wrap up today’s episode, I want to remind everyone that while diet is important, managing ADHD is a multifaceted journey. This is why I’m excited to introduce our coaching membership program FOCUSED designed for adults with ADHD. Our program recognizes the value of a comprehensive approach, incorporating medication, lifestyle changes, and personalized support to navigate the complexities of ADHD together.

    Here is the study that I mention in this episode: Nutrition in the Management of ADHD: A Review of Recent Research

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

    AG1 by Athletic Greens

  • I’m back with another “everything but the kitchen sink” podcast episode.

    Honestly, I was struggling with my capacity to create content for the podcast. So, I’m honoring the capacity I have. Because ADHD is all about meeting yourself where you’re at, right?

    If you’re looking for tips and tricks on improving your life with ADHD, I might steer you to the other 250 podcast episodes we’ve recorded. This one is more of a wild look into my mind at the moment. So, buckle up.

    I’m sharing some hot takes on a book I recently read that I wanted to throw against a wall, discussing a super ADHD-friendly book I highly recommend, and giving you TMI about what’s been happening in my family lately.

    I’m offering my thoughts on turning 43 a couple of weeks ago and what it’s made me realize about life in general and, more specifically, my ever-evolving ADHD journey.

    But also I’ve got a huge announcement about something I’m currently working on. Spoiler: it’s one of the reasons my creative capacity has been zapped in most areas of my life lately. If nothing else, listen until you get to that point.

    I hope you enjoy this look into what’s happening in Kristen’s crazy brain!

    Podcast episode referenced in this episode:

    A Beginner’s Guide to ADHD, Part 2: ADHD is (NOT) a Gift

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

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  • In this episode, the incredibly amazing Brooke Schnittman joins us.

    Brooke is one of my favorite colleagues and I'm so happy to introduce her to you. She’s the founder of Coaching With Brooke, an ADHD & executive function coaching company for students and adults.

    Brooke and her team help kids and teens with ADHD by educating them on the 'why' behind their struggles and providing executive function coaching.

    Coaching made a huge difference in Brooke's life, so much so that she decided to become a coach herself. But get this: she wasn't diagnosed with ADHD yet. It wasn’t until Brooke started coaching other ADHDers that she recognized the symptoms in her own life.

    In this episode, Brooke shares exactly what’s worked for her in her ADHD journey and what she uses to help her own clients have those same aha moments in their own lives.

    Do not skip this podcast episode. You’ll take home some actionable steps you can start applying to your life today if you suspect you might have ADHD - or you’ve been diagnosed for decades.

    You can learn more about Brooke at coachingwithbrooke.com. And be sure to follow her on Instagram too!

    If you want to see how coaching can impact your life, I encourage you to check out my group coaching program, FOCUSED. This is the place to achieve your goals and feel better than ever. Come join a community that understands you where you're at today.

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.
    AG1 By Athletic Greens

  • This episode is going all in on a spicy topic. That’s right, we’re talking about sleep. Or for some of you ADHDers, lack of sleep.

    Do we know it helps us live a healthy life? Of course. But the practicality of getting ourselves to bed at a reasonable time is so hard.

    Before we can figure out HOW to improve our sleep though, we need to understand WHY sleep is hard for us. Trouble sleeping isn’t a symptom of ADHD, but the symptoms of ADHD (impulsivity, hyperactivity, time blindness, etc.) make it hard for us to wind down, relax, and sleep. For me, overworking led me to years of struggling to sleep. My nervous system was wired, like constantly. Of course, it affected my sleep.

    When I taught on the subject of sleeping in my group coaching program FOCUSED last week, I heard from several members who resonated heavily with this topic. So, I decided to share that class on the podcast for those of you with the same challenges. I want you to feel seen, heard, and validated.

    Whether you find yourself up late because you’re trying to cross things off your to-do list or those precious few hours at the end of the day are the only alone time you get, this episode is for you. I’m sharing exactly what you need to improve your sleep once and for all.

    If you find this podcast episode helpful and want to receive more coaching like this, check out FOCUSED. This program is perfect for you if you keep trying to conquer your ADHD symptoms but can’t quite figure it out, and you know you’re ready for some help.

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.
    AG1 By Athletic Greens

  • What if you could change your life in 7 minutes? I’m here to tell you it’s possible. In fact, I’m doing it myself. It’s called The 7-Minute Principle, and it’s the idea you can do anything for 7 minutes.

    Here’s an example. A former student of mine had drama around doing the dishes. For years and years, she HATED doing them.

    One day, she decided to time herself. It took her 7 minutes. All of the drama dropped immediately because - let’s be honest, you can do anything for 7 minutes and it’s not that bad. Now apply this to other areas of your life.

    What would your email inbox look like if you spent 7 minutes cleaning it up?What would your laundry situation look like if you spent 7 minutes folding clothes?What would your morning routine look like if you spent 7 minutes getting ready?

    In this episode, you'll learn the ins and outs of this simple but life-changing hack.

    Try applying this principle to your life for one week and see what changes you experience. It’s a small change that can make a huge impact.

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

  • They are baaaaaaack! Everyone’s favorite psychotherapists, Helen Villiers, and Katie McKenna, are back to finish the conversation on emotionally abusive behaviors they see in parent-child relationships.

    They quite literally wrote the book on this topic. These two brilliant ladies co-authored You're Not the Problem: The Impact of Narcissism and Emotional Abuse and How to Heal.

    In this podcast episode, we’re diving even deeper into the impact of narcissistic parents and the role past trauma can have on your ADHD. This episode is for you if you:

    Are curious about what narcissistic behavior looks like.Find yourself repeating cycles you experienced in childhood.Have yet to recognize where your ADHD stems from.Want strategies for healing.

    You can listen to part one of this episode here. And be sure to check out their podcast called In Sight: Exposing Narcissism.

    If you’re ready to learn more about trauma’s impact on your past and current behaviors, I invite you to join my group coaching program FOCUSED. You’ll get regular coaching calls and a supportive community with all the tools needed to thrive with ADHD.

    Hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

    AG1 by Athletic Greens.

  • We’ve had some truly amazing guests on the podcast lately, and our most recent guest is no exception.

    Dr. Layne Norton is an evidence-based nutrition coach and self-proclaimed 'nerd who lifts heavy things.' He has a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences, 4 USA Power Lifting National Titles, and 1700 clients in his coaching program.

    His resume is stacked, to say the least. But being diagnosed with ADHD at age 6, Layne has had to overcome some serious challenges both in his personal and professional life.

    With more than 1 million followers on social media, it’s no secret that Layne’s story has resonated with a lot of people.

    He’s sharing the ways he copes with his diagnosis and how he’s used what he’s learned over the years to create a crazy successful business and beautiful home life.

    Be sure to follow Layne on Instagram. You can learn more about his coaching services by visiting his website.

    Be sure to hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

  • You might remember psychotherapists Helen Villiers and Katie McKenna from episode 200 where we talked about toxic relationships and their impact on ADHDers. You may also know their podcast called In Sight: Exposing Narcissism.

    Well, since we last visited, they’re ALSO co-authors of You're Not the Problem: The Impact of Narcissism and Emotional Abuse and How to Heal.

    I’m honored to have these two incredible ladies back on the podcast to discuss some of the emotionally abusive behaviors they commonly see from parent to child. Even if you believe you had a very normal childhood and your parents were wonderful people, I’d urge to to listen to this episode.

    A lot of the tendencies your parents might’ve had (or have now) may be your normal, but that doesn’t mean there’s not some generational trauma at play.

    Note: This is not me saying your parents aren’t wonderful people; they very well may be! But recognizing some of these tendencies can be PIVOTAL to unpacking and working through your ADHD — and they can help you avoid repeating the same behaviors.

    So, without further adieu, I re-welcome, Helen and Katie!

    Does this episode resonate with you? I invite you to join my group coaching program FOCUSED. This program is for you if you’re interested in regular coaching calls and a supportive community with all the tools needed to thrive with ADHD.

    AG1 by Athletic Greens

  • I’ve been married to Greg Carder for almost 20 years years. This man is the only one for me! But when I tell you we couldn’t be more different...

    He's calm, steady, and methodical, and he doesn't mind mundane tasks like laundry. I mean, COME ON!

    Through a lot of trial and error combined with years of ADHD research on my end, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to be a good partner. More specifically — how to be a good partner to someone who’s neurotypical when you have ADHD.

    I’ve coached a lot of FOCUSED members on their relationships, and I see the same struggle: Either they’re not taking their ADHD seriously and getting treated or their partner isn’t taking it seriously and is dismissing their needs. Both ways create major issues in any ADHD relationship.

    Hear me when I say that to be a good partner, you have to get treated for your ADHD. You need to take responsibility for your mental health condition. This part isn't optional.

    Because if you’re not taking your diagnosis seriously, you can’t expect your partner to either.

    In this episode of the I Have ADHD Podcast, we’re taking a deep dive into how to be a good partner when you have ADHD. I’m breaking this down into 10 simple steps that you can analyze and apply to your relationship.

    These steps work for marriages, friendships, family, and business relationships. This episode has something for everyone who’s in a relationship. Period.

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

  • Every once in a while, I struggle to know what to do for a podcast. This was one of those episodes.

    So, I decided to take questions posted in the FOCUSED Slack by our community members and answer them publicly. And you know what? This ended up being so much fun.

    Because those of us with ADHD are very similar. We’re human beings with ADHD brains. And that is a common experience that just binds us together.

    So, I know reading these questions and answering them will be helpful for you.

    We’re covering topics like…

    What to do if you feel like medication isn’t working for youHow to avoid binge eating when you struggle with ADHDHow to transition into intimacy with your partner when it’s unexpectedAll the challenges of parenting with ADHD

    There’s a reason I chose the questions. I know so many of you struggle with them. So, if you resonate with any of these topics, you don’t want to miss this episode.

    Hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

    AG 1 by Athletic Greens

  • I’m beyond excited to share this episode with the one and only Oliver James. At 35 years old, Oliver is learning how to read for the first time.

    You might have seen him on TikTok, Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, or NPR, where he’s shedding light on functional illiteracy.

    After being diagnosed with ADHD and OCD as a child, Oliver spent most of his life struggling to keep up both in and out of the classroom until a string of bad choices found him in prison.

    On the other side, Oliver continued to struggle. His ADHD and OCD left him desperate for answers but not sure where to turn — until he decided to teach himself how to read in 2020. Oliver captured the raw journey on TikTok, where he ended up going viral.

    Over the past four years, Oliver’s story has inspired millions. He’s now using his powers for good as a public speaker and advocate for adult literacy. I truly cannot wait for you to hear his story.

    You can follow Oliver on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

  • I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was in college. While I’d like to think that was like 5 years ago, it was actually a lot longer. It was much harder to get a diagnosis back then.

    In fact, the ADHD diagnosis process was different 5 years ago when I started my podcast.

    It’s 2024 now, and I’m thrilled to say it’s easier than ever before for adults to get an ADHD diagnosis. This isn’t me saying it’s easier to FOOL clinicians into falsely diagnosing you. I mean it’s easier for people who have ADHD to get an accurate diagnosis. How so?

    We’ve got more access to info than we’ve ever had. People are more willing to share their experiences with ADHD, which is helping lessen the stigma around mental health.The medical field is finally catching up with science. It wasn’t until the '90s that doctors realized most children do NOT grow out of ADHD. Adults are finally getting diagnosed!We’re living in a highly digital world, which means we’re now able to get assessed and treated online. This is huge.

    So, how do you go about getting diagnosed with ADHD? In this podcast episode, I’m sharing the 3 steps you need to take if you’re ready for a formal assessment, including links for an online diagnosis.

    PS - if you know somebody who suspects they have ADHD but hasn’t gotten a diagnosis or been evaluated for it, send them this podcast episode to help them gain some clarity.

    Shownotes links:
    The ASRS-5 assessment

    Online ADHD resources for the US
    Done
    Circle Medical
    ADHD Online

    Online ADHD resources for Canada
    Frida
    Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada

    Find a clinician who can help you across state lines
    Psypact map

    Hang out with me on Instagram HERE.
    AG1 by Athletic Greens.


  • The I Have ADHD Podcast is a clear, concise, and FUN podcast for adults with ADHD. Host Kristen Carder is an ADHD expert who has been supporting ADHDers for over a decade. Kristen began working with ADHD students in 2012 and transitioned to mindset coaching for ADHD adults in 2019. Let's just say she entered the ADHD field long before it was a trending topic on TikTok. Join Kristen to learn about how ADHD impacts every area of your life...from the boardroom to the bedroom...and how you can begin to overcome your symptoms by accepting who you are, flaws and all. This podcast is a mix of solo shows + interviews with the authors of all the dusty ADHD books sitting on your shelf: Dr. Barkley, Dr. Hallowell, Dr. Quinn, Dr. Ramsay, Sari Solden, Dr. Tuckman, and more! Binge-listen from the beginning, or start with the latest episode. Either way, it won't be waste of your time. Whether you're officially diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or just curious about ADHD, you're going to love this podcast...guaranteed or your money back! Disclaimer: Kristen would like you to know that she's a very different person now from the woman who dropped the first 75 episodes of this podcast. Her values have changed. Her tone of voice has changed. She's much more empathetic and trauma-informed NOW than she was 4+ years ago. ****OBVIOUSLY the content in this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Kristen Carder is not a medical professional.

  • This week, I blew up at my son. At the time, I felt justified (don’t cross mama’s boundaries) but the more I sat with the situation, I knew I was in the wrong.

    The whole thing made me feel ick and got me thinking about the “right way” to apologize.

    Note: These are tips for apologizing in a perfect world. If you’re activated, feeling defensive, or in self-judgment mode, it’s going to be way harder to put these into action.

    Here’s the thing: Being human is hard. We all want safe, connected relationships. But every relationship in our lives will rupture at some point.

    Fortunately, it is possible to repair even when we're in the wrong.

    Because at the end of the day, apologies aren’t enough. (I know, if you grew up in a home where “sorry” was used as a power play to silence you, this is probably shocking.)

    But being sorry doesn't fix everything. 🙅🏻‍♀️ We need to do the work of repair, and people need time before they can recalibrate and trust us again. That’s NORMAL.

    In this episode on How to Apologize, I’m sharing 3 steps you need to take the next time you apologize - plus what you need to do to repair the relationship and make sure you don’t make the same mistake again.

    Hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

  • I’ve got something incredible to share with you. As an adult, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Did you know this?! Pause. Breathe. Let that soak in.

    Many of us grew up in situations where we didn’t feel we had autonomy or the right to self-govern. We didn’t feel like we were in charge of our lives. So, in adulthood, we struggle to recognize that we have control over what we say yes and no to.

    Why is this a problem? Because, as adult ADHDers, it takes us so much mental and emotional energy to do things we don’t want to do.

    So, you stay stuck in a job you don’t like doing tasks you don’t enjoy. You feel burnt out. You spend your weekends unable to do things around the house because you’re exhausted.

    I’ll let you in on my little secret. I give myself an 'out' for everything.

    I tell myself I don’t have to do anything. It takes away any obligation and resentment so my brain can truly determine if it’s something I want to choose to do.

    Next time you are resisting and dreading a task and procrastination keeps nagging at you, ask yourself that question. Challenge yourself to consider what will happen if you don’t do it. Is that what you really want?

    Hang out with me on Instagram HERE
    Athletic Greens AG1

  • If you’ve ever wanted a look inside the brain of Kristen Carder, this episode is for you. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
    Maybe it’s the fact that I’ve been sick or that I’ve just got things I want to say that don’t fit into a topic we’ve covered on the podcast lately… but this episode is going to be me dumping the contents of my brain for all to see (or…hear?!).
    So, find a comfy spot on the couch, grab your beverage of choice, and let’s chat!
    In this episode, I’m sharing about…How it’s so dang *hard* to be human.

    The actual meltdown I had after a crazy successful FOCUSED launch last monthWhy success is scarier for us ADHDers than failure. See point #1.The struggle happening in my mind after working for years to stop overcommittingWhether I’ll actually commit to going to yoga classes this year… tbdAll the things I learned from Dry January and the takeaway that surprised me most

    This episode is no-holds-barred. If you like a structured podcast episode, you may want to check out one of the other 249 I Have ADHD Podcast episodes.

    Hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

  • If you’ve ever wanted a sneak peek at what happens inside FOCUSED, this podcast episode is for you.

    I recently added a new course to my group coaching program called How to Build Self-Trust Even with ADHD. It’s been so impactful I had to share a coaching call we had on the topic.

    Self-trust is hard for those of us with ADHD. If you feel alone, I encourage you to listen to this coaching call. It will help you understand yourself better.

    Whether you grew up with parents who interrupted your ability to build self-trust or society slowly eroded it, you need to change that inner voice/critic. Building self-trust is about changing how you talk to yourself.

    It’s time to stop saying you’re too much or not enough. Stop listening to the flippant comments from people who don’t build you up.

    On this call, you’ll learn how to become your own (overly protective) bestie who doesn’t listen to that voice in your head.

    Watching others get coached is so powerful. When you listen, ask yourself how you can identify with these stories. Take the questions I ask on the call. How can you apply them to your own life?

    I dare you not to get goosebumps listening to some of these stories!

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

    Athletic Greens AG1

  • On the latest podcast episode, I had the absolute honor of talking with my business and life coach, Breian Elliott, about the topic of saying sorry.

    We’re digging DEEP into why we feel the need to apologize so much when we should be saying sorry, and why it’s detrimental to constantly be in sorry mode.

    Spoiler alert: When you’re apologizing and haven’t done anything wrong, you’re actually putting the other person in an uncomfortable position.

    Brien’s breaking down the 6 different types of “sorry” we use most often, including the “negative self-image sorry” where we apologize because we’re seeking reassurance.

    If you find yourself apologizing for every little thing, this episode will be a game-changer. I know I learned a lot recording it.

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

    Breian Elliott Coaching

  • We get to enjoy the delicious Jen Kirkman on another episode of the podcast!

    The TV writer, comedian, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, and FOCUSED member shared part 1 of her ADHD story.

    Jen’s story of misdiagnosis, navigating a career in the public eye, and figuring out how to use her diagnosis to help other people inspired so many of you.

    In part 2, we get to learn…

    How Jen found ADHD coaching (spoiler: it was listening to this very podcast)The different ways she uses talk therapy and coaching Her daily morning routine she calls "Bedquarters"How she was able to step away from burnout and into a life she lovesWhat her career plans are for 2024 and beyond

    For being the *most* famous person in my group coaching program, Jen is incredibly relatable. You can use the tools and routines she’s incorporated into her daily life to set yourself up for success in living a life with ADHD.

    Jen is encouraging, entertaining, and educational. I can’t recommend part 2 of my interview with Jen Kirkman enough.

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

  • Today's episode is part 1 of a 2-part interview with my dear client, Jen Kirkman. Jen is currently a writer/producer on the one-hour comedy Etoile for Amazon Prime. She was a writer/producer on 4 seasons of the The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime). Jen hosts a weekly solo podcast, "You Are A Lot" (An ADHD Podcast) - which is about navigating life with ADHD. Jen is a New York Times Bestselling author of two books. She has toured the world as a stand-up comedian and has two critically acclaimed stand-up specials on Netflix. You're going to LOVE this conversation - enjoy!

    Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE.

    AG1 by Athletic Greens