Backpacking Through ADHD

ADHD & The Word "No"

Saying no should be simple, but for ADHD brains, it’s anything but. Whether it’s people-pleasing, overcommitting, or feeling guilty every time you set a boundary, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking why ADHD makes both saying and hearing no so difficult, the role of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and how impulsivity and validation-seeking keep us stuck in the yes cycle.
We’ll also break down real strategies to set boundaries without guilt, including scripts you can use in everyday situations—at work, in friendships, and even with yourself. For parents, we’ll explore how to help ADHD kids handle the word no without meltdowns, teaching them emotional resilience while still holding limits.
Join me for this deep dive into boundaries, rejection, and the power of saying no. Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s do this together!

Fueling Focus - The Power of Food

ADHD brains and food? It’s complicated. Whether you’re forgetting to eat, chasing sugar for a dopamine boost, or struggling to get your kid to eat anything besides Goldfish, you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how nutrition impacts focus, energy, and impulse control, the foods that help (and hurt) ADHD brains, and real-life meal solutions for busy families. Plus, we tackle the challenge of ADHD medication suppressing appetite and what to do when your kid refuses to eat all day but is starving at bedtime. No complicated meal plans here—just simple, ADHD-friendly hacks to make food work for you, not against you. Tune in now!

Empathy and ADHD Connections

Connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for ADHD brains.
Whether you’re an ADHD parent, an adult navigating friendships, or a child learning how to build relationships, connection shapes our experiences. But here’s the struggle—many of us with ADHD don’t always recognize our own ability to connect.
In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my son Grayson’s ADHD diagnosis, the struggles we faced with school, judgment from other parents, and how disconnection became a coping mechanism. I also dive into how ADHD brains experience social anxiety, why we can feel isolated even when we’re surrounded by people, and practical ways to build stronger, more intentional connections.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How empathy is a superpower—but only when we’re connected
Why ADHD brains struggle to internalize social success
How judgment and misunderstanding can lead to disconnection
ADHD-friendly strategies to help kids build friendships with confidence
How to recognize and strengthen real-world connections as an adult
The importance of finding the right people who truly get it
Big takeaway? Connection is the missing puzzle piece in managing ADHD—whether it’s through friendships, family, support groups, or even community spaces like our upcoming live conversations at the YMCA in Gadsden, AL.

Accelerate Action: Unveiling ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD isn’t just a "boy’s disorder." Many women, including me, go undiagnosed for years, often struggling with anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. In honor of International Women’s Day 2025 and its theme, "Accelerate Action," this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked reality of ADHD in women and girls.
In this episode, I share my personal journey to an ADHD diagnosis at 46, highlighting how perimenopause amplified my symptoms and why it took so long for me to get answers. I also dive into insights from my conversation with Wendy Harrison, who was diagnosed at 42, and explore research from the Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD, CHADD, and UCLA Health.
What You’ll Learn:
Why ADHD is often missed in girls and women
How hormonal changes, like menopause, can intensify symptoms
The consequences of late diagnosis, including mental health challenges
Real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for thriving with ADHD
How we can ‘Accelerate Action’ for better awareness, diagnosis, and support
Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself, supporting a loved one, or just curious about how ADHD shows up differently in females, this episode offers valuable insights, resources, and a reminder that you are enough—exactly as you are.

Overthinking and ADHD: Why is it so hard to LET THEM?

Ever find yourself obsessing over something that doesn’t make sense? 🤯 Maybe it’s an unfair workplace decision, a vague response that leaves you spiraling, or an unanswered “why” that won’t stop running through your mind. If you have ADHD, you know this feeling all too well. In this episode, I dive into:
Why ADHD brains struggle to "let go" of things that don’t make sense
The emotional toll of unanswered questions & inconsistent decisions
How workplace frustrations hit ADHD minds differently
The power of "Let Them"—why sometimes the best move is walking away
What I learned from reacting at the wrong time & how to reframe your response

ADHD and the Power of Sports

Is your ADHD child struggling to stay engaged in sports? Or maybe they thrive in high-energy activities but get frustrated when the pace slows down?
In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we dive deep into how sports can be a game-changer for ADHD kids—helping with focus, confidence, teamwork, and emotional regulation.
We’ll cover:
The ADHD advantage in sports – Why fast-paced, structured movement is a perfect match for ADHD brains
The impact of coaching styles – How the right strategies can keep ADHD athletes engaged and thriving
Michael Phelps’ ADHD journey – How his mom helped him channel his energy into becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time 
Parent & coach strategies – Practical tips to help ADHD athletes succeed without frustration
Choosing the right sport – Which sports work best for ADHD brains (and why some don’t)
Whether you're a parent, coach, or ADHD athlete yourself, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies to help ADHD kids thrive in sports. 
Tune in now & let’s level up the game for ADHD athletes!

Finding Calm in Chaos of Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival, especially for ADHD brains. But what does self-care actually look like when your brain craves movement, stimulation, and structure?
In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we discuss real, ADHD-friendly self-care strategies that actually work, including the power of movement, emotional regulation, and small, sustainable habits.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why traditional self-care advice doesn’t always work for ADHD
The science behind movement as a tool for focus & emotional regulation
Practical self-care strategies for ADHD adults and kids
How to redefine self-love (just in time for Valentine’s Day!)
A challenge to help you put self-care into action this week
Whether you have ADHD, love someone who does, or need a reminder to care for yourself, this episode is packed with actionable insights, personal stories, and encouragement to help you thrive.

The ADHD Plot Twist: Wendy’s Late Diagnosis at 42

What happens when you discover you’ve had ADHD your entire life—but never knew it? Wendy Harrison was diagnosed at 42 years old, after years of navigating a high-pressure career in global HR and constantly feeling like she was just “getting by.”
In this episode, Wendy opens up about the challenges, relief, and self-discovery that came with her late diagnosis. She shares how ADHD shaped her life in ways she never realized and how she’s now embracing her ADHD strengths—from quick thinking to intuition and deep empathy.
🌟 In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women✔️ The emotional impact of a late diagnosis✔️ Struggles at work & the strengths ADHD brings✔️ How impulsivity can be a superpower✔️ Wendy’s journey with medication, routines & mindfulness

Creative Chaos: Tapping into ADHD Superpower

Join Tera Greenwood as she explores how ADHD minds make unique connections, thrive in chaos, and turn everyday challenges into opportunities. From hilarious personal stories to practical tips, you’ll discover how to embrace the creative chaos that makes you, YOU.
Plus, she’ll share insights inspired by entrepreneurial legend Sara Blakely—because your next million-dollar idea might just be one sticky note away.
This episode is your guide to unlocking the potential of your ADHD brain and celebrating the strengths that come with it. Whether you’re brainstorming genius ideas or solving problems like a pro, this is the reminder you need: ADHD is your secret weapon!

Navigating Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD Families Series 2

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we're tackling a challenge every ADHD parent knows all too well—meltdowns. Building on insights from Dr. Joyce Cooper-Kahn’s article "From Meltdowns to Calm," we’ll break down what happens during a meltdown, why ADHD brains respond the way they do, and practical strategies to help your child regulate their emotions.
Join me as I share personal experiences, expert advice, and actionable tips on staying calm, teaching emotional literacy, and creating proactive routines to support your child through their toughest moments.
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find this episode helpful! Join our community on Facebook to share your journey and connect with other ADHD families.
🎧 Listen now and take it one step at a time