In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Brendan Mahan—host of the ADHD Essentials podcast and author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful (available for pre-order now!). Brendan is a former educator, mental health counselor, and one of the most hopeful voices in the ADHD space. And today? We’re diving deep into emotional dysregulation, shame, burnout, and what it really takes to move forward when your brain feels like the obstacle.

We talk about why ADHDers build a “wall of awful,” how repeated failure shapes our emotional responses, and what actually works to get past it. If you’ve ever struggled to start, found yourself stuck in procrastination, or spiraled into shame after a mistake—this episode is going to give you language, tools, and most importantly, hope. Press play and let’s unpack it together.

Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS., hosts the ADHD Essentials Podcast, and is the author of “Overcoming the Wall of Awful©” due out in Fall of 2026 from the Balance/Hachette.A former educator and mental health counselor, Brendan helps individuals, families, and organizations manage neurodiverse challenges by blending education, collaborative problem-solving, and accountability with compassion, humor, and a focus on strengths and growth.Brendan is on the board of the Men’s ADHD Support Group, and the organizing committee for the International Conference on ADHD. He has featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, LinkedIn, Understood, How to ADHD, and ADDitude.

Episode Highlights:

[1:05] - Introducing Brendan Mahan and his new book Overcoming the Wall of Awful

[2:42] - What it’s really like to write a book with ADHD (and why collaboration was key)

[7:17] - Burnout, anxiety, and the difference between moving away from something vs. toward something

[7:47] - What the “Wall of Awful” actually is—and why we all have one

[9:31] - Guilt vs. shame: “I made a mistake” vs. “I am the mistake”

[14:22] - Emotional dysregulation, the amygdala hijack, and finding the pause

[25:43] - The 5 ways we respond to the Wall of Awful (and which ones actually work)

[28:16] - Climbing the wall vs. putting a door in it: practical ADHD strategies

[34:04] - Why emotional dysregulation is at the core of the Wall of Awful

[35:32] - The psychology of change (pre-contemplation → maintenance → relapse)

[37:55] - Why 10% better beats dramatic transformation every time

[40:56] - Brendan’s advice: define “done” and make your goals smaller than you think

Connect with Brendan Mahan:

Pre-order Overcoming the Wall of Awful (available September 1, 2026)

ADHD Essentials – Website & social media

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

This episode is one that hits your home and your heart. I’m joined by Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place and host of Maximize Minimalist. Together, we unpack the biggest lies we’ve been sold about decluttering—especially how harmful those messages can be for ADHD and neurodivergent brains.

We go far beyond “just get organized” and dig into how clutter impacts your nervous system, identity, emotions, and stress levels. Katy shares a compassionate, realistic, and ADHD-friendly approach to decluttering that doesn’t rely on perfection, Pinterest aesthetics, or overwhelm. If clutter has ever sent you into a shame spiral or made you feel like you’re failing at adulthood, this conversation is for you.

Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real-Life Guide to Decluttering without the Overwhelm, created Holistic Decluttering—an approach that tackles clutter at its roots and pairs it with simple, sustainable systems. As host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast (5 million listens), Katy helps families break the cycle of clutter that keeps coming back. Her work has been featured on NBC News Daily, Martha Stewart, and Real Simple. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two sons.

Episode Highlights:

[0:51] – Introducing Katy Wells and why this conversation goes way deeper than “stuff”
[2:03] – The biggest decluttering myths we’ve been fed and why they harm ADHD brains
[5:51] – The shocking research linking clutter, cortisol, and focus
[8:27] – Why mess and clutter are not the same thing (and why that matters)
[11:56] – ADHD-friendly decluttering: one category, one decision at a time
[16:54] – “Only Handle It Once” and designing your environment for follow-through
[20:32] – Finding your baseline instead of chasing impossible standards
[24:45] – Decluttering as a lifestyle, not another exhausting to-do list
[33:00] – The four types of clutter: superficial, scarcity, sentimental, and identity
[40:33] – Letting go without regret and why decluttering is a skill you can build
[49:55] – Creating a home that feels possible, supportive, and truly yours

Links and Resources:

Katy’s website: https://www.katyjoywells.com/

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Candera, a fellow ADHDer, autism mom, attorney, and parent coach who helps parents regulate themselves first so they can better support their neurodivergent kids. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply needed—especially if you’ve ever felt like you’re holding everything together while quietly falling apart.

Lisa and I talk about what really happens when parenting a neurodivergent child pushes you to your limits—emotionally, physically, and mentally. We explore why traditional parenting strategies often backfire, how parent regulation changes everything, and what to do when behaviors escalate beyond what feels manageable. If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child and wondering, “Why isn’t this working?”—this episode is for you.

Lisa Candera is a single mom, attorney, ADHD-er, and autism mom coach. She helps parents of autistic children regulate themselves first so they can show up for their kids with compassion, clarity, and strength. Her upcoming book explores what it means to be a “solid object” for your child: not fixing, not co-escalating, but standing steady in the storm. She hosts The Autism Mom Podcast (top 2%) and has been featured in numerous top podcasts, like Turn Autism Around and On The Hard Days.

Episode Highlights:

[0:48] – Introducing Lisa Candera and why parent regulation matters more than we think
[2:20] – The moment Lisa realized she was just as dysregulated as her son
[3:22] – Why parent coaching often matters more than child-focused interventions
[5:25] – How traditional parenting approaches can backfire with neurodivergent kids
[6:13] – Lisa’s late ADHD diagnosis and how it reframed her parenting and career
[11:16] – Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and taking your child’s behavior personally
[13:34] – When behaviors turn physical and safety becomes the priority
[16:26] – Understanding the “order of operations” during behavioral crises
[22:54] – How to find autism-informed medical and mental health support
[27:22] – Why ABA isn’t always the right fit, especially with OCD and anxiety
[34:44] – Proactive strategies to reduce escalation before fight-or-flight hits
[36:06] – Co-regulation vs. compliance and why “doing less” can help more
[38:22] – Reframing behavior as communication—not disrespect
[44:21] – Regulating yourself as a parent when you’re triggered
[49:41] – The truth Lisa wishes she could tell her past self

Links & Resources

• Lisa’s website: https://theautismmomcoach.com
• Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismmomcoach/
• Lisa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theautismmomcoach
• The Autism Mom Coach Podcast

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend and colleague Dr. Sam Shay—also known as The Neurodiverse Doc. Sam is autistic, ADHD, and deeply committed to helping neurodiverse adults understand how their brains actually work in a world that wasn’t designed for them.

We dive into a powerful (and sometimes triggering) conversation around autism, ADHD, bullying, and the often-confused overlap between autism and narcissism. We talk about intention versus impact, pattern recognition, coercion, control, masking, and what happens when you finally reframe your entire life through the lens of neurodiversity. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this narcissism… or is this autism?”—this episode will give you language, clarity, and validation.

Dr. Sam Shay, DC, IFMCP, is a functional medicine expert, keynote speaker, and self-described NeuroSpicy comic who helps neurodiverse adults navigate life in a neurotypical world. Diagnosed AuDHD himself, Dr. Sam has dedicated his career to advocacy, education, and support for individuals on the autism and ADHD spectrum.

With over 25 years of experience in nutrition, genetics, and functional lab testing, he created the Neuro-Harmony Model and DNA-Decoded programs—data-driven approaches designed to boost energy, improve mental clarity, and help families create environments where neurodiverse individuals can thrive. Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Sam uses clean, witty, story-driven comedy to bring awareness to neurodiversity. His one-hour special, NeuroSpicy: Love, Life, & Comedy on the Spectrum, blends humor with powerful insight and is a must-watch for anyone seeking understanding through laughter.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Understanding the difference between narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths through their core drives
[1:03] – Welcoming Dr. Sam Shay and why this conversation matters for neurodiverse adults
[3:52] – Sensory overstimulation, bonding over shared neurodiverse experiences, and Vegas misconceptions
[6:24] – Autism vs. narcissism: similar behaviors, radically different intentions
[8:27] – Discovering autism later in life and “backfilling” 38 years of memories
[14:57] – Grief, identity shifts, and recalibrating your nervous system after diagnosis
[18:23] – Bullying, coercion, and why neurodiverse kids are often targeted
[21:09] – Masking vs. adapting: where survival ends and authenticity begins
[26:27] – Pattern recognition as protection and reclaiming personal agency
[35:41] – Finding your tribe and why one safe person can change everything
[37:29] – Sam’s closing wisdom on truth-seeking without losing human connection

Links & Resources

· Website: www.DrSamShay.com

· DNA-Decoded program: www.DrSamShay.com/DNA-Decoded

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsamshay

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.shay.792

· Youtube: www.Youtube.com/tenpointwellness

· Article on Narci

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that comes up all the time with my clients and listeners: vaping and nicotine addiction in adults with ADHD. I’m joined by Dr. Marc Picot—GP, health coach, former vaper, and founder of Vape Escape—who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to this conversation. Together, we unpack why ADHD brains are especially vulnerable to nicotine, how vaping can feel like self-medication, and what’s really happening with dopamine, focus, and emotional regulation behind the scenes.

Dr. Marc also shares practical, compassionate insights for anyone who’s tried to quit (and maybe relapsed more than once), including what withdrawal can look like for ADHDers, how vaping can interfere with ADHD medication, and why shame has no place in the quitting process. Whether you’re thinking about quitting, actively trying, or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with clarity, validation, and hope—without judgment or quick fixes.

Dr. Marc Picot is a vaping cessation expert, GP (family physician), health coach, and former vaper. After becoming addicted to vaping during a period of depression, he turned his personal experience into a passion for helping others quit. He is the founder of Vape Escape, a digital support service for people struggling with vaping addiction, and the author of The Last Puff. Dr. Marc now works with individuals worldwide, combining medical expertise with compassionate, practical guidance to support long-term recovery from nicotine dependence.

Episode Highlights:

[0:36] – Welcoming Dr. Marc Picot and why vaping is such a big issue for adults with ADHD
[1:52] – The brain chemistry connection: dopamine, norepinephrine, and ADHD
[4:58] – Vaping as self-medication and why it “works” in the short term
[7:02] – How nicotine peaks and crashes worsen ADHD symptoms over time
[8:29] – Why vaping can make ADHD medication feel less effective
[11:06] – Dr. Marc’s personal story: depression, withdrawal, and fear of relapse
[12:57] – Different ways to quit: cold turkey vs. gradual nicotine reduction
[18:45] – Cravings, dopamine, and finding healthier pattern interrupts
[22:39] – What the first week without vaping is really like
[26:01] – Relapse, shame, and why most people don’t quit on the first try
[29:37] – Common mistakes when quitting and the power of education
[32:07] – Dr. Marc’s book The Last Puff and who it’s for
[33:59] – Final advice for ADHDers struggling with vaping

Links & Resources

• Vape Escape: https://vapeescape.org.uk
• The Last Puff by Dr. Marc Picot

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and client, Connor P. Coleman—a ranch management consultant, entrepreneur, and Enviropreneur Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. Connor has one of the most fascinating blends of passions: land management, environmental problem-solving, and navigating life and business with ADHD. From childhood memories of kindergarten “Candy Land punishment” to building a thriving consulting business in the mountains of Colorado, Connor opens up about how ADHD has shaped his work, well-being and success.

We explore the highs, lows, and turning points that pushed him to embrace systems, routines, delegation, and self-advocacy. Connor shares what burnout taught him, how he finally built a support team, and what shifting from “contractor” to true CEO looks like for a neurodivergent mind. His insight and honesty will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt overextended, misunderstood, or unsure how to scale their brilliance.

Entrepreneur attempting to do good, better
Connor P. Coleman is an amateur philosopher and aspiring polymath based in the mountains of Colorado. Diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, he struggled to keep up in school, but through grit and determination, he was able to navigate college and graduate school successfully. Nearly a decade ago, he founded a ranch management advisory firm that serves conservation-minded landowners nationwide. These days, Connor relies more on systems and habits than pure grit to advance his mission.

Episode Highlights:

[0:33] – Introducing Connor and his work in ranch management and wildfire-risk solutions
[1:14] – What it means to be an Enviropreneur Fellow at Stanford
[2:16] – The ADHD-entrepreneur connection and Connor’s early path to business
[2:44] – Childhood signs of inattentive ADHD and the infamous Candy Land memory
[5:52] – How early school experiences shaped Connor’s work-reward patterns
[8:50] – The impact of having a parent in the medical field and receiving an early diagnosis
[10:02] – School accommodations, testing struggles, and how support changed everything
[13:04] – Academic Decathlon, discovering intelligence beyond test scores
[15:29] – Transitioning into the workforce and the accidental start of his business
[18:30] – The “ADHD tax,” missed billing, overwhelm, and finally asking for help
[20:07] – Time blindness, doubling time estimates, and the power of realistic planning
[22:29] – Learning to celebrate wins and build sustainable routines
[23:41] – Burnout, lifestyle changes, and respecting energy and limits
[27:12] – The importance of transitions, routines, and boundaries
[29:12] – Delegation struggles, the relay-race mindset, and building a trustworthy team
[32:08] – Tools like Trello, Monday, and Asana for getting chaos out of your head
[33:39] – Learning systems later in adulthood and adapting them over time
[35:04] – Connor’s advice: own your ADHD, learn the comorbidities, and advocate for yourself

Links & Resources

• Connor on Instagram: @connor.p.coleman
• Resiliency Lands (Connor’s business): https://resiliencylands.com
• Book mentioned:

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

What ADHD teens actually need from their parents can feel confusing, exhausting, and emotional—and if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting it “right,” this episode will bring relief. I sat down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author of Love the Teen You Have, for a deeply validating and practical conversation about parenting teens with ADHD. You’ll walk away feeling supported, encouraged, and equipped with tools you can use right away.

We explore why she wrote her book, the real meaning behind its title, and the myths that leave so many parents feeling defeated. We dig into how to stay connected when your teen is pushing boundaries, why unconditional love changes everything, and what it truly looks like to support ADHD teens with executive function, emotional regulation, and respect. We also get honest about step-parenting, hormone changes, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the teen years. Dr. Lockhart offers practical scripts, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you navigate tough moments with confidence and compassion.

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author who has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, HuffPost, and The Today Show. After feeling disconnected from her own mom as a teen, she wrote her book to help parents build the closeness she once wished for. Love the Teen You Have is available now.

Episode Highlights:
[0:35] Introducing Dr. Lockhart + her book
[2:19] Why she wrote it + radical acceptance
[3:45] Parenting vs. loving the child you have
[6:14] Unconditional acceptance as transformation
[7:37] The myth that “good parenting = good results”
[10:11] Rejection sensitivity + separating facts from stories
[13:35] ADHD catastrophizing vs. teen behavior
[16:24] PDA vs. ODD
[18:11] Teens seeking connection through conflict
[21:06] Gentle parenting vs. permissive parenting
[23:05] The “redo” + modeling regulation
[25:39] Repairing after rupture
[28:32] Hormones, puberty, and emotional upheaval
[34:30] What ADHD adults need to know about teen brains
[36:43] Can you be a friend and a parent?
[39:25] Step-parenting + connection first
[42:09] What schools need to understand
[44:24] Where to find Dr. Lockhart

Links and Resources:

• 📘 Love the Teen You Have by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart – Available wherever books are sold
• 🌐 Visit Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s website: https://drannlouiselockhart.com/
• 📱 Follow her on Instagram: @dr.annlouise.lockhart
• ▶️ Check out her YouTube channel for parenting insights and tips: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhart

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

College can feel overwhelming for students with ADHD, but support exists. In this episode, I talk with Hannah Choi—executive function coach and communications specialist at Beyond Booksmart. Hannah shares her personal ADHD story and practical tools to help college students build independence, manage their time, and advocate for what they need. From study strategies that actually work to understanding accommodations, we unpack how to set students up for a smoother transition into college.

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies. We also explore gap years, what colleges are required to provide under ADA, and how executive function coaching builds confidence beyond academics.

Meet Hannah Choi
Hannah Choi, MA, is an executive function coach and Communications and Engagement Specialist at Beyond Booksmart. She helps college students and adults strengthen time management, task initiation, and self-advocacy skills. Hannah hosts the Focus Forward podcast, leads webinars, and facilitates motivation and accountability programs. She holds degrees in Psychology and American Sign Language from the University of Rochester and a Master’s in Education from UC Santa Barbara. Hannah lives in Connecticut with her family.

Episode Highlights
[0:00] What studying really looks like with ADHD
[2:26] Hannah’s ADHD discovery and coaching path
[11:09] Study strategies that build self-regulation
[13:37] How to start practicing self-advocacy
[15:52] Accommodations: from 504 to college
[21:06] Top executive function skills before college
[23:38] Managing all that “free time”
[26:33] Building independence (without overparenting)
[29:55] The case for gap years and transition programs
[35:41] How EF skills impact life after graduation
[38:50] Getting unstuck: motivation + task initiation
[46:35] Final takeaway: it’s never too late to change

Connect with Hannah Choi:

Instagram: @beyondbooksmartcoaching
Website: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/
Focus Forward Podcast: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches