Episode Summary: ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka
Episode 318: Brittany Madrid Mogenson: The ADHD Brain Behind BZenTV
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Host: Tracy Otsuka
Guest: Brittany Madrid Mogenson
Overview
This episode features Brittany Madrid Mogenson—a multi-faceted TV host, executive producer, podcaster, animal advocate, and self-proclaimed astrology lover—who brings her unique ADHD perspective to her thriving creative and professional life. Tracy and Brittany engage in a lively, honest conversation spanning Brittany's winding career path, her experiences with ADHD and dyscalculia, the joys and challenges of following non-linear passions, and how embracing her differences has fueled both creativity and impact across various industries.
Key Topics & Insights
1. Brittany’s ADHD Story
(Start – 16:30)
-
Early Struggles with Math and ADHD Diagnosis
- Diagnosed with dyscalculia in 6th grade, Brittany recounts her isolating struggles with math despite excelling in other subjects.
- Officially received her ADHD diagnosis during her sophomore year in college, which was “life-changing” after years of frustration.
- She describes how learning differences often weren't meaningfully accommodated—extra time and tutoring didn’t help with core difficulties.
- Quote:
"It was torturous, to be honest, because I just couldn’t... it just doesn't compute for me." (13:31, Brittany)
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Emotional Relief and Self-Understanding
- Diagnosis brought relief and increased self-esteem, validating her experiences and affirming her intelligence beyond academic struggles.
- ADHD and dyscalculia often interact, making some traditional pathways particularly challenging.
2. Non-Linear Career & Living with ADHD
(40:57 – 45:56)
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Embracing Multiple Passions and Careers
- Brittany’s path included acting (small role in the Dallas reboot, detective character), sports reporting (ESPN2, Dallas Cowboys), group fitness, PR, and TV hosting.
- Opportunities often arose organically via connections and saying “yes” to new experiences before feeling fully prepared.
- Quote:
“You just have to keep doing things and keep learning because you never know when the opportunity is going to come up.” (45:54, Brittany)
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Handling Rejection and the Competitive Media Industry
- Rejection never gets easier, but reframing and focusing on a big-picture vision helps.
- Brittany normalizes feeling sensitive, but channeling hope for the “next thing” and believing in possibilities are key.
- Quote:
“I would feel rejected and feel sad and then I would just, just reframe it and I would say, okay, well, yes, like I didn't get it, but maybe I'll get it next time. And I just have to keep going because this is what I want." (46:30, Brittany)
3. ADHD Strengths in Creative Work
(58:51 – 60:07)
- Seeing ADHD as a Superpower
- Brittany credits her ADHD with her ability to think outside the box, follow creative ideas, and genuinely connect with others.
- She recognizes her innate curiosity and ability to dive deeply into new topics—a trait she leans on as a journalist, host, and producer.
- Quote:
"My ADHD helps me to believe in possibilities and to think outside of the box." (58:56, Brittany)
4. Memory, Performance, and Finding Your Lane
(25:05 – 29:22; 35:28 – 37:34)
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Working Memory & Performance Anxiety
- Memorization is difficult, especially under pressure—Brittany uses intuition, enthusiasm, and deep topic interest to stay present.
- Sports reporting was stressful; she eventually pivoted to lifestyle topics, which fit her brain and strengths better.
- Quote:
“If I’ve studied it and I’m passionate about it, I can talk about it forever... but when I first started—even thinking about it right now is giving me, like, a weird flashback anxiety, because sports reporting, oh my god.” (26:14, Brittany)
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Find What Feels Natural
- Brittany and Tracy agree: following your natural interests, intuition, and “personality” is not only validating but makes for a better fit in creative industries.
5. Coping Strategies & ADHD Workarounds
(60:07 – 62:18)
-
Physical Activity and Organization
- High-intensity exercise first thing in the morning is crucial for getting her brain “online.”
- She uses visual planning tools: annual and monthly calendars, daily planners, and quiet time to map out responsibilities—a “big-picture” strategy to stay grounded and minimize anxiety.
- Quote:
“That’s the only thing that gets my brain, like, into gear... And then I also have my daily and weekly planner that are one thing. I have to take quiet time... at least a solid amount of time every week before I start the week to look at everything, make sure I’m on course.” (60:10, Brittany)
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Listening to Herself & Self-Kindness
- Allows space for “off” days; intentionally gives herself grace rather than push through negative emotion, which serves her creativity long-term.
6. Astrology, Numerology & ADHD Intuition
(49:56 – 58:45)
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Astrology’s Appeal to ADHD Minds
- Brittany finds astrology and numerology affirming, pattern-based, and helpful for understanding personality nuances and life timing.
- Full birth charts, rather than just sun signs, provide layers of insight—something that appeals to ADHD curiosity and preference for the big picture.
- While acknowledging skepticism, she encourages experiential openness, emphasizing astrology’s role in self-acceptance and reframing.
- Quote:
“Anybody who is interested in that type of thing, especially if you have ADHD, I would say experience it for yourself. Get an in-depth reading... It can be very affirming, very comforting. And also, I don’t know, it can help make sense of the big picture, which I think is what I also really love about it.” (50:41, Brittany)
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Her Podcast
- “In the Cards and Stars” blends astrology, pop culture, and celebrity birth charts, exploring how collective and individual planetary shifts can inform daily life and trends.
7. Advocacy and Giving Back
(07:27 – 08:44; 63:43 – 65:19)
- Volunteering with Animal Shelters
- Brittany is a passionate animal advocate, volunteering at Dallas Animal Services and frequently adopting rescues (including four husky mixes).
- She encourages listeners to get involved with shelter advocacy, fostering, or adoption.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
-
On Sensitivity to Rejection:
“I don’t think I’ve ever gotten great with it. But I also know about myself—and I’ve always known—that I’m sensitive to rejection, which I think is part of the ADHD thing.” (46:30, Brittany)
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On Career Pivots:
“I feel like definitely I had some sad times where I felt low and I had to try to pick myself back up and give myself a pep talk and stay focused on the vision. That was what kept me going.” (47:41, Brittany)
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On Embracing Passions and ADHD Brilliance:
“What I always used to call it... I wanted to be a personality. Like, that was, like, my thought. Or an actress, but a personality. You know, I really wanted... And I still think that, you know, sometimes kids know what they’re talking about.” (36:00, Brittany)
Important Timestamps by Segment
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|--------------------| | Intro: ADHD women & strengths | 00:05 – 04:13 | | Brittany’s ADHD & dyscalculia story | 11:00 – 16:30 | | Memory, school struggles, philosophy insights | 16:30 – 25:05 | | Performance anxiety, reporting vs. lifestyle | 25:05 – 29:22 | | Non-linear career path | 40:57 – 45:56 | | Handling rejection & setbacks | 46:14 – 48:02 | | Astrology, numerology, intuition | 49:56 – 58:45 | | ADHD strengths in creativity | 58:51 – 60:07 | | Workarounds, calendars, physical activity | 60:07 – 62:18 | | Animal advocacy & call to action | 63:43 – 65:19 |
Notable Quotes
-
Tracy:
“No one ever made a difference by being too little.” (00:05, Tracy)
“We are big picture people, and so if we don’t understand the overview, we can’t understand the little pieces.” (23:54, Tracy) -
Brittany:
“My ADHD helps me to believe in possibilities and to think outside of the box.” (58:56, Brittany)
“I have to be as organized as possible and as aware of the direction that I’m moving in... or else things get really chaotic really fast.” (60:36, Brittany)
Resources & Follow-Up
- BZenTV: Find new episodes on Instagram, YouTube
- In the Cards and Stars Podcast: On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
- Animal Advocacy: Volunteer/adopt through local shelters
- Connect with Brittany: Instagram @britmadrid
- Tracy Otsuka: Programs via adhdforsmartwomen.com
Episode Takeaway:
Brittany Madrid Mogensen exemplifies how understanding and embracing ADHD—rather than masking or fighting it—can lead to a creative, impactful, and joyful life. Her openness about challenges, humor, persistence, and willingness to try uncharted paths is inspiring for anyone with an ADHD brain. Listeners are encouraged to “fall in love” with their ADHD, find their unique workarounds, and trust the brilliance that comes from thinking differently.