ADHD-Friendly Podcast — Episode #233: ADHD & "Out of Sight, Out of Mind"
Host: Patty Blinderman
Date: April 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this insightful episode, host Patty Blinderman explores the core ADHD challenge of "out of sight, out of mind" (OOSOOM), why visibility is crucial for those with ADHD, and how making things visible can be a game-changer for executive function. Patty also shares her latest favorite ADHD-friendly products and books, offers an actionable tip for cracking task initiation, and provides practical, lived-experience strategies for closing the gap between struggling and thriving with ADHD.

Main Segments & Highlights

1. Weekly Celebration: Moving Forward (00:00-03:00)

• Theme: Progress and consistency with a "just keep swimming" mindset.
• Patty’s Word of 2026: "Forward," symbolically reinforced by a Dory fish necklace charm.
• Routine Win: Patty consistently swims at least twice a week, except for one instance since January.
  • "It's only because I've been consistently doing it, have I gotten really comfortable doing what I need to do to feel like it's doable and repeatable and fun." (01:39)
• Unexpected Joys: Community at the pool, desire to always have swim access.

2. Life & Little Things (03:00-05:30)

• Wardrobe Woes: New oversized shirt, changing into spring clothes, dog hair on black pants.
• Spring Preparation: Anxiety about hot weather and spring attire readiness.

3. No-Spend Week & Movie Review (04:30-05:16)

• Patty refrained from unnecessary purchases this week, aside from a movie outing (which "doesn’t count" as her husband paid).
• Reviewed "Project Hail Mary": Enjoyed the adaptation, but preferred "The Martian."
  • "It was actually really good. Not as good as The Martian, but still entertaining and enjoyable to see in a film." (05:11)

4. ADHD-Friendly Product of the Week: Anxiety Bookshelf (05:17-14:24)

Product Demo & Comparison (05:29-14:24)

• The Product: Mini bookshelves designed for soothing organization, called "Anxiety Bookshelf" (anxietybookshelf.com).
• Two Versions Compared:
  • Amazon Dupe: $10, arrives quickly, decent quality, foam books, thinner and harder to grip.
  • Original Anxiety Bookshelf: $30 + shipping, higher quality, thicker and more satisfying book pieces, custom packaging, more tactile enjoyment.
    • "This one I definitely think is a nicer quality. And I'm all about supporting small businesses. So this would be my pick for quality and giftability and usability." (14:13)
• Most Notable Quote:
  • "For somebody that has anxiety, I do think this one is one that you would just have more connection with physically that you would want to be messing around with it." (13:17)
• Decision: Both have value, but the original is preferred for gift-giving and sensory experience.

5. ADHD-Friendly Tip: Cracking Task Initiation (14:25-15:52)

• Upcoming Workshop Announcement: First "Step Lab" on April 15th at 1pm ET — workshop focused on making task initiation possible for ADHD brains.
  • Details: $39, includes practical worksheet and replay access.
    • "If starting tasks feels impossible with your ADHD brain, you are absolutely not alone. Come join me for this live workshop where you'll learn strategies that can help you take that first step." (15:00)
• Registration via show notes/link provided.

6. Main Topic: "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" & Why Visibility Matters (15:52-25:26)

Core Concept Overview (15:52-16:40)

• OOSOOM Explained:
  • For ADHD brains, if something isn’t visible, it doesn’t exist—it vanishes from working memory.
    • "It's like we can't see it. It doesn't exist. It's not even there." (16:16)
• Executive Function:
  • Working memory is often weakest in ADHD; supporting it with external visual cues is vital.

Key Strategies for Making Life "In Sight, In Mind" (16:41-25:26)

1. Create ISIM Zones ("In Sight, In Mind")
   • E.g., Keep medicine on the counter to remember taking it.
   • Use a pill alarm for privacy + reminder if medication can’t be left visible.
2. Develop a Command Center
   • Visual prompts to cue everyday actions: charging stations, key/wallet holders, whiteboard calendars.
   • Fun adaptations: Using a pie chart magnet board to track household members’ locations.
3. Make Visual Lists
   • Shift from mental lists to written/physical ones: paper, Post-its, or checklist apps.
4. Use Visual Prompts and Triggers
   • Place items (e.g., gym bag, forms, returns) in HIGH-TRAFFIC locations to force interaction.
   • Patty’s personal routine: returns must go in the car’s passenger seat, not trunk.
     • "If I put them in the trunk, they'll be in the back forever. And I mean, like years…" (24:07)
5. Make Time Visual
   • Use analog clocks and timers to physically see the passage of time, which digital displays do not provide.
6. Digital "In Sight, In Mind"
   • Organize your phone/computer home screens so most-used apps or widgets are immediately visible.
   • Patty uses an analog clock widget on her Mac for time awareness and enjoyment.

• Essential Takeaway:
  • "Out of sight, out of mind doesn't exist. So if it's not in your line of sight... that's how we thrive. Keeping things in sight, in mind." (25:26)

Book of the Week (26:30-27:46)

• Pick: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (February 2026)
  • Heartfelt story of grief, love, and sharing books.
  • Unique twist: Husband leaves the widow a book for each month, with book recs throughout (80+ books mentioned).
  • Patty’s review: 4/5 stars, sweet but not saccharine.
    • "Her husband wasn't even a reader, but she loved books, and so it was really, really very thoughtful." (27:46)

Quote of the Week (27:47-28:05)

• "A shared book can say what we don't know how to say out loud." — Unknown (28:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On swimming consistency:
  • "It's only because I've been consistently doing it, have I gotten really comfortable…" (01:39)
• On ADHD working memory:
  • "It’s like we can’t see it. It doesn’t exist. It’s not even there." (16:16)
• On supporting small businesses:
  • "This one I definitely think is a nicer quality. And I'm all about supporting small businesses. So this would be my pick for quality and giftability and usability." (14:13)
• On visual prompts:
  • "Where does this belong for me to actually do the thing?" (23:29)
• On time awareness:
  • "Digital does not work the same way. Analog is the way to go if you’re trying to support your brain's awareness of time passing." (25:17)
• On ADHD-friendly living:
  • "Out of sight, out of mind doesn't exist. So if it's not in your line of sight... that's how we thrive." (25:26)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Just Keep Swimming & Celebration: 00:00–03:00
• Life & Wardrobe Chat: 03:00–05:30
• No-Spend Week/Movie: 04:30–05:16
• Product Review: Anxiety Bookshelf: 05:17–14:24
• Tip — Cracking Task Initiation: 14:25–15:52
• Main Topic — Out of Sight, Out of Mind: 15:52–25:26
• Book of the Week: 26:30–27:46
• Quote of the Week & Wrap-up: 27:47–28:05

Summary

Patty Blinderman delivers another engaging, super practical episode tailored for the ADHD community. She brings warmth and relatability to the discussion around "out of sight, out of mind," undercutting shame with humor and actionable insight—from reviews of ADHD-friendly products to systems for visibility. Her strategies, peppered with honest reflection and lived experience, make this episode a must-listen (or must-read) for anyone seeking to tilt the playing field and thrive with ADHD.

If you’re looking for workshop info, practical product reviews, or visibility hacks to get things done with ADHD, this episode is for you!