Podcast
ADHD-ish™
Hosted by Diann Wingert · EN
ADHD-ish is THE podcast for business owners who are driven and distracted, whether you have an “official” ADHD diagnosis or not. If you identify as an entrepreneur, small business owner, independent professional, or creative, and you color outside the lines and think outside the box, this podcast is for you.
People with ADHD traits are far more likely to start a business because we love novelty and autonomy. But running a business can be lonely and exhausting. Having so many brilliant ideas means dozens of projects you’ve started and offers you’ve brainstormed, but few you’ve actually launched. Choosing what to say "yes" to and what to "catch and release" is even harder. This is exactly why I created ADHD-ish.
Each episode offers practical strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help you harness your active mind and turn potential distractions into business success. From productivity tools to mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to do business your way by
embracing your neurodivergent edge and turning your passion and purpose into profit.
If we haven't met, I'm your host, Diann Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-business coach and serial business owner, who struggled for years with cookie-cutter advice meant for “normies” and superficial ADHD hacks that didn’t go the distance. In ADHD-ish, I’m sharing the best of what I’ve learned from running my businesses and working with coaching clients who are like-minded and like-brained.
Note: ADHD-ish does have an explicit rating, not because of an abundance of “F-bombs” but because I embrace creative self-expression for my guests and myself. So, grab those headphones if you have littles around, and don’t forget to hit Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Time Blindness is a Pricing Problem, not Just a Productivity Problem
2d ago00:21:20Tap to summarizeTraditionally seen as a productivity flaw, time blindness is revealed here as a money problem, quietly undermining pricing, profits, and self-worth for solopreneurs with ADHD.This episode explores why common fixes like timers and time blocking miss the deeper issue, and instead, offers practical ways to design around the unique ADHD brain.Listeners can expect actionable tools—like range pricing, value-based pricing, and multipliers—to help create smarter, ADHD-friendly business practices.Key Takeaways: 1. Why time blindness is more of a money issue than a productivity problemMissed deadlines are visible, but it’s the underpriced projects and unseen labor that are draining your profits.2. How the ADHD brain’s sense of time impacts your pricing (and sends you into the red)3. Why accurate estimation is a myth—and what to do insteadSpoiler: The strategic move is to build pricing that works with your brainThe Three Places You’re Losing MoneyThe invisible cost of time blindness shows up in three big ways in most service-based businesses—and maybe in yours too:● Quoting New Work: Saying “yes” to projects we’ve never done, referencing a project that only looks similar, and then confidently (but cluelessly) assigning a price. Inevitably, unknowns explode, and you end up working for free● Scoping Familiar Work: Every project you think you know by heart, but memory only shows you the highlight reel.● Hidden Labor: The worst offender. All the little admin tasks, endless revisions, back-and-forth emails, and extra meetings never get included in my quote. They don’t feel like “billable” work, but they devour hours and energy in unpaid work.Six Pricing Strategies that Correct The Effects of Time Blindness:● Range Pricing: Quote within a range, not a fixed number.● Value-Based Pricing: Charge for outcomes, not hours.● Multipliers & Buffers: Take your default quote and multiply it (1.5x, 2x, even 2.5x if you’re feeling brave).● Project vs. Hourly Pricing: Bill by project, not hours, so you’re aren’t penalized for hyperfocus sprints● Built-In Revision Rounds & Communication Caps: Set clear boundaries on extra work and comms, and make it official.Time blindness isn’t going away—but by meeting your brain where it is, you can transform ADHD traits from liabilities into business assets. Design your pricing not despite your ADHD, but in partnership with it—and start keeping your hard-earned money where it belongs: in your business.Try The Multiplier Experiment on your next proposal:1. Write down the number you want to send.2. Multiply it by 1.5x (or higher—it should feel just a bit stretchy).3. Send that quote. Notice the resistance, the stories, the “what ifs.”4. Collect the data: Did the client say yes? No? What did you learn?Every proposal is a data point for better pricing decisions. Stop leaving money on the table!Research on ADHD & time blindnessYour ADHD-ish ™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a business strategist, coach, serial entrepreneur, former psychotherapist, and passionate thought leader at the intersection of ADHD and entrepreneurship. In addition to hosting the ADHD-ish ™ podcast, Diann is the creator of The ADHD-ish ™ Method, a practicing Buddhist, dog mom, and relentlessly curious human.Diann explains neuroscience in a relatable way. Through her accessible storytelling, Diann empowers others to understand their brains, manage their energy, and show compassion to themselves as they navigate the demands of being a business owner and in their everyday lives. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Sign up for Di AI, my ADHD business coach digital clone, for free: https://bit.ly/di-ai-accessMake sure you don’t miss the next episodes in this “Reframing Your ADHD Traits as Business Strategies” series. Subscribe/Follow ADHD-ish on Apple or SpotifyWant my help to build your business with your ADHD traits in mind? Schedule a free consultation to explore 1:1 ADHD entrepreneur coaching. © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →You Want to Be a Published Author, but You Have ADHD
1w ago00:45:36Tap to summarizeEver wondered how someone with a full plate—a thriving business, a family, a neurodiverse household, AND a stack of published books—still finds time to sleep?Or better yet… how they use their ADHD to power all of it? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your own creativity or wondered if you’re “too much,” you’re going to love this interview with returning guest and my SEO consultant, Meg Casebolt. Her approach to neurodiversity in business proves that ADHD can be a strategic advantage, not a limitation.Meg is an entrepreneurial powerhouse who perfectly embodies the phrase “multi-passionate with a mission.” I’m talking about building a successful SEO consultancy while cranking out several romance novels, nonfiction books, and helping others find their voices—all with the magic (and occasional mayhem) of an ADHD brain. Her writing strategy and approach to creative writing offer a blueprint for managing multiple projects without burning out.This is not a conversation about “doing it all.” It’s about how to let your brain’s unique wiring become your greatest asset. Meg shares candidly about her writing journey: from being a childhood word nerd, to losing the joy of writing through academia’s rigidity, and then rediscovering the creative spark during the uncertainty of the pandemic.Ever felt like your nervous system is on overdrive? You’re not alone—turns out writing romance novels was exactly what Meg needed to dial down anxiety and reclaim hope. This is neurodiversity in business at its most authentic.Here are my top 3 takeaways from our chat:Creativity Needs Structure:Meg breaks big projects like writing novels and business books into manageable, bite-sized sessions—30 minutes a day can add up to published work and reduced overwhelm.Curate Your Input to Cultivate Your Output:Both of us have found that reducing media consumption and focusing on our unique perspectives boosts creativity and clarity—whether you’re writing, building, or rebranding.Honor Your Brain (and Your Needs):It’s not about doing it all—it's about doing what fuels you. Speaker B balances left- and right-brain work, has learned to say no to platforms that drain her energy, and finds flow by following her interests and intrinsic motivations.About today’s guest, Meg Casebolt:Meg Casebolt helps experienced founders, consultants, and creators become findable in AI-powered search—not through keyword tactics, but through strategic authority positioning.As founder of Love At First Search, she works with experts who don’t need more SEO advice but do need a new way to be understood by modern search systems. Her approach focuses on helping people become quotable and recommendable: teaching them to claim specific expertise territory and build the signals AI uses to evaluate credibility.Diann’s Note: After I lost 10k followers on social media accounts overnight due to hackers, I was determined to learn SEO and started working with Meg. Within 1 year, I rank at the top of all search engines in my niche, and 50% of my clients now find me through online search. Meg’s Body of Work: Love at First Search / Signal - SEO membership program (affiliate)Aggressively Human podcast with Jessica LackeySocial Slowdown Meg’s podcast and bookHappily Ever Indie - for self-published romance authorsMeg’s romance novels under her pseudonym Bailey Seaborn Recommended by Meg during the episode:Lacy Boggs, The Content Direction AgencyJoanna Wiebe - 12 Books That Will Make You Insanely Smart Your ADHD-ish™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Diann is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship. She is the creator of the ADHD-ish Method and host of the top-rated ADHD-ish podcast.Connect with DiannReady to work with an ADHD-informed business strategist and coach? Book a free consultation with me. © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →How Successful ADHD Entrepreneurs Trigger Hyperfocus on Demand
2w ago00:23:16Tap to summarizeWelcome back to ADHD-ish™, where we're kicking off a five-episode series reframing the most talked-about ADHD traits as tools for entrepreneurial success, starting with hyperfocus.Forget the myth that hyperfocus is a rare, unpredictable gift. ADHD-ish™ host, Diann Wingert, reveals that the most successful ADHD entrepreneurs create the conditions for hyperfocus rather than hoping it just shows up.Here’s the game-changing insight:Hyperfocus is a state, not a fixed trait—and you can stack the deck to get into it on demand.3 Key Takeaways:Engineer Your Hyperfocus: Don’t wait for the muse—set up conditions like real deadlines, novel environments, meaningful rewards, supportive sensory cues, and a nourished body to invite focus on demand.Body Doubling is a Real Strategy: Working alongside others—friends on Zoom, coworking sessions, or even a busy coffee shop—provides social accountability and can reliably spark focus.Stack Conditions, Not Guilt: Hyperfocus isn’t about willpower; it’s about stacking multiple supportive factors. Even intentionally stacking just two of these can create momentum in your business.Hyperfocus can be a genuine business asset—if you learn to direct it. But, there are hidden costs to hyperfocus, too:Mental exhaustion and decision fatigueNeglected relationshipsOther parts of your business are left idleRemember: Hyperfocus is a power tool. Use it wisely—and plan for the comedown.What’s My Hyperfocus Setup? In my own business, I decide, ahead of time, exactly what needs my hyper-focused attention and how much time I’ll devote to it.The routine is precise: comfortable clothes, a high-protein breakfast, natural light, a pre-game ritual of exercise, sunshine, and social connection. And hydration throughout the hyperfocused state. No brain jerky for me.What’s not in my routine: willpower, white-knuckling, bullying myself or shame. The environment is repeatable, the stakes are real, and the body, mind, and brain are primed and ready. After it's over? Rest, recalibration, and reconnection.Hyperfocus as Skill - Start Here:Pick one 90-minute block of business-critical work.Deliberately create at least two of the five conditions above.Do the work—and observe the impact on your focus.Don’t be an overachiever and do all five. Start small, track the effect, and iterate. It’s not a productivity contest—it’s your personal hyperfocus experiment.Resources mentioned in this episode:Focus MateFocused Space (affiliate link)Zoom Spotify playlistsYour ADHD-ish ™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a business strategist, coach, serial entrepreneur, former psychotherapist, and passionate thought leader at the intersection of ADHD and entrepreneurship.In addition to hosting the ADHD-ish ™ podcast, Diann is the creator of The ADHD-ish ™ Method, a practicing Buddhist, dog mom, and relentlessly curious human.Diann explains neuroscience in a relatable way. Through her accessible storytelling, Diann empowers others to understand their brains, manage their energy, and show compassion to themselves as they navigate the demands of being a business owner and in their everyday lives.Want more strategies for time blindness, novelty chasing, object permanence issues, and procrastination? Make sure you don’t miss the next episodes in this “Reframing Your ADHD Traits as Business Strategies” series. Subscribe/Follow ADHD-ish on Apple or SpotifyWant my help to build your business with ADHD in mind? Schedule a free consultation to explore expert ADHD entrepreneur coaching with Diann Wingert© 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →Myths About Virtual Assistants That Prevent ADHD Entrepreneurs From Getting The Help They Need
3w ago00:39:50Tap to summarizeADHD fundamentally impacts executive function—the mental skills for planning, prioritizing, delegating, and following through. So, when an entrepreneur hires a VA and is expected to onboard, direct, and give detailed instructions, they’re faced with a mismatch: the very skills they struggle with are those they now must use to instruct their assistant.Traditional VAs, trained to “do what they’re told,” end up sitting idle, waiting for direction, while the entrepreneur is paralyzed by indecision and shame. The result? Money is wasted, little is accomplished, and increased frustration, making it even harder to try again.What if support could be different? What if, instead of looking for a “unicorn” VA who can do everything, ADHD entrepreneurs sought out “distant assistants”—human lifelines who specialize in executive functioning, regulated communication, and operationalized thinking?Today’s guest is Avigail (Avy) Schondorf, fellow ADHD entrepreneur, podcaster, and owner of the Alisto agency that trains and outsources distant assistants who understand what neurodivergent business owners really need.This conversation is full of insights, humor, cringeworthy moments, and a new paradigm for shame-free support.Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone considering hiring support:A “bad” solution is not worse than no solution. Many ADHD entrepreneurs avoid help out of fear that it won’t work, but that only fuels more shame and wasted energy.Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or system. The real tipping point isn’t having more work—it’s being ready to ask for what you need, without shame.Stop looking for unicorns—lean into teams. Expecting one assistant to do everything sets everyone up for failure. Specialized support means you (and your VA) can play to your strengths.If “doing it all myself” isn’t scalable OR sustainable, maybe it’s time to delegate differently—and embrace asking for help as a sign of strength.About today’s guest, Avigail (Avy) Schondorf:Avigail (Avy) Schondorf is a social worker turned entrepreneur who built two companies around the way her brain actually works.She's the founder of Alisto Virtual Workforce, a team of Distant Assistants who specialize in supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs — and AvyHD, her strategy and thought leadership brand where she gets real about ADHD, delegation, and building a business without burning out.When she's not running her team or hosting the AvyHD Podcast, she's lifting weights, reading, or wrangling two very energetic daughters.Connect with Avy: WebsiteAVYHD podcastLinkedIn Mentioned during this episode:Avigail’s Octopus promptJamie from Bottleneck Distant Assistant My interview on Avi’s podcast, “Consistency, the Other C Word for ADHD Entrepreneurs”Your ADHD-ish™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the neurodivergent experience.Diann is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship. She is the creator of the ADHD-ish Method and host of the top-rated ADHD-ish podcast.Links:Follow / Subscribe to ADHD-ish so you don’t miss an episodeReady to work with an ADHD-informed business strategist and coach? Visit my website. © 2026 ADHD-ish™ Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →Four Ways High Functioning ADHD Entrepreneurs Put Their Mental Health at Risk
May 500:31:46Tap to summarizeYou’ve scrolled past Mental Health Awareness Month posts thinking, “That doesn’t apply to me.” Your business looks fine. On the surface, YOU look fine. But what if the very skills driving your success are quietly putting your mental health at risk? The ADHD-ish ™ Podcast tackles the conversations mainstream mental health awareness misses—especially for high-functioning ADHD entrepreneurs.For those with ADHD, the world often evaluates “functioning” based on visible output, and being able to run a business is seen as “high functioning.” But the trap is that the more capable and outwardly composed you appear, the less likely you—and others—are to notice when your mental health is slipping.This isn’t about denial. It’s the same creativity, drive, and resilience that helped build your business that masks the warning signs. What looks like ambition could be an ADHD brain that never learned to stop, rest, or celebrate. This is the hidden reality of ADHD entrepreneur chronic stress.Your ability to “power through” is precisely what puts you at risk for long-term exhaustion, burnout, and a quiet form of isolation.Four hidden risk categories:1. Cognitive TrapsThese are thinking patterns that feel like logic but quietly work against us. Do any of these sound familiar?The perpetually moving finish line (rest is always “after the next thing”)“I work better under pressure” — sound familiar? It’s a seductive trap, not a strategy!Comparing your struggles to others and invalidating your own needs2. Nervous System ConfusionYou might think you’re resting when you’re actually just switching to a different kind of stimulation (hello, endless content consumption!). Genuine restoration often looks like boredom at first, but it’s what your mind and body actually need.3. Recovery FailuresHigh-functioning ADHD people are notorious for skipping the habits that keep us steady, especially when we need them the most.Jumping right back into work after time off? That’s the “vacation tax.”Ditching sleep, movement, and real food when stress rises? That’s called “stress inversion.”Having no interests or life outside your business? That’s a hidden drain on your energy and identity.4. Loss of Connection & IdentityBusyness can become a mask for loneliness. Relationships that aren’t transactional quietly disappear, and your sense of self can erode until it’s fused with your business. If your only role is “the one who has it together” for everyone else, this one may hit home especially hard.You are not broken. These patterns are the predictable result of managing ADHD in a career that rewards output and intensity. If you recognize yourself in this description, don’t make it another to-do item. Instead, let this be an invitation: Pause. Notice. Take your own needs seriously, even—and especially—when you’re “doing well.” Your mental health is always worth protecting, no matter how high-functioning ADHD you appear to others.Your ADHD-ish ™ host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a business strategist, coach, serial entrepreneur, former psychotherapist, and passionate thought leader at the intersection of ADHD and entrepreneurship. In addition to hosting the ADHD-ish ™ podcast, Diann is the creator of The ADHD-ish ™ Method, a practicing Buddhist, dog mom, and relentlessly curious human.Diann explains neuroscience in a relatable way. Through her accessible storytelling, Diann empowers others to understand their brains, manage their energy, and show compassion to themselves as they navigate the demands of being a business owner and in their everyday lives.Ready to Explore More?Try out “Di AI”—my digital ADHD business coach I have spent the last several months training and fine-tuning Di AI with The ADHD-ish ™ Method frameworks, strategies, and mindset tools. Not quite ready to work with an ADHD business coach? Di AI is currently in beta, and you can get access for free.Ready to work with an expert ADHD entrepreneur coach? Most of us started out bootstrapping our business and raw dogging everything on our own. But that approach will only get you so far. If you want to get further and faster, it might be time for the guidance, support, and accountability you can only get from working with an expert strategist and coach. Book a free consultation to see if we are a fit. And remember: You are never too high-functioning for your own mental health to matter.© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →Hire the Hurricane Chasers: Why The Best Team You'll Ever Build Looks Nothing Like You've Been Taught
Apr 2800:43:36Tap to summarizeWelcome back to ADHD-ish! In this episode, my guest Ian Wilson, a creative agency owner of over 16 years, is what I call a natural-born entrepreneur. From hustling for his first job at age eleven to building a unique partnership with his neurodivergent business partner Eric, Ian sheds light on why traditional approaches to team building rarely work for people whose brains are wired a bit differently.We’ll hear how Ian and Eric’s complementary neurotypes—ADHD and autism - have enabled them to build a successful agency grounded in autonomy, mastery, and ownership. Ian shares lessons learned on building a team of “hurricane chasers,” hiring for attitude over experience, and why the bold move of unapologetically charging what you’re worth doesn’t just benefit the business—it creates a thriving company culture.Whether you’re a founder who is churning and burning team members or a solopreneur anticipating that first hire, this episode is packed with practical advice, refreshing honesty, and plenty of laughs about what happens when you fully embrace the ADHD-ish way of doing business.Three key takeaways:Self-awareness and self-acceptance matter more than “best practices.” Knowing what you’re brilliant at—and what you hate—makes it so much easier to build a business (and find team members) that complement your strengths and support your growth.Hire for traits, not just skills. Ian’s team isn’t made up of “perfect resumes” but of entrepreneurial thinkers who enjoy solving problems and don’t need to be micromanaged. Find the ones who vibe with your approach and love challenging themselves to figure things out.Be bold about your value. Ian & Eric tell prospects: “We’re probably the most expensive quote you’ll get—and here’s why.” Setting unapologetic boundaries not only draws the right clients but also creates a culture of excellence and transparency.Mic Drop Moment:Ian & Eric deliberately hire people who crave these three things, no matter their resume. Their neurodivergent advantage? Investing in traits, not credentials.Autonomy: Freedom to do things your way.Mastery: The drive to get better and own your craft.Ownership: Feeling like your contributions actually matter.About today’s guest, Ian Wilson:Ian is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of buildcreate, a full-service B2B marketing agency for manufacturing, technology, engineering, and industrial clients in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Home-schooled and entrepreneurial from childhood, Ian discovered his ADHD as an adult. He and his business partner, Eric Lynch, who is autistic, have discovered that their secret sauce as neurodivergent leaders is to hire smart people and let them work to their strengths.Connect with Ian: LinkedIn- Company Website - Email Your ADHD-ish host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Diann is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship. She is the creator of the ADHD-ish Method and host of the top-rated ADHD-ish podcast.Mentioned during this episode:Ep # 303: Which Company Culture is Your ADHD Brain Building?Links:Follow / Subscribe to ADHD-ish so you don’t miss an episodeKnow another entrepreneur with ADHD who thinks there is only one way to build a team - the neurotypical way? Share this episode.Ready to work with an ADHD-informed business strategist and coach? Visit my website. © 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops/ Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →When Your ADHD Brain Hits Empty: Decision Fatigue, Emotional Labor & Ego Depletion
Apr 2100:25:09Tap to summarizeEver found yourself unable to make the simplest decision or making impulsive choices you later regret at the end of a long day? You're not lazy—you're depleted. Understanding ADHD strengths and struggles means recognizing that our executive function ADHD capacity is finite—and knowing how to manage it strategically.This episode of ADHD-ish dives into the science and lived reality of ego depletion—the phenomenon where self-control and decision-making get harder the more you use them—and why it hits brains with ADHD so much harder than most people realize.What is Ego Depletion? Ego depletion is the idea that self-control is a limited resource—every tough decision, every time you push through discomfort, you draw down the tank a bit more. And for those of us with ADHD, that tank starts out smaller and empties faster.ADHD brains work harder to stay focused, resist distractions, and mask our real struggles behind a “put-together” exterior. All of that is invisible work—work that drains our resources and directly impacts executive function ADHD capacity.Why Does This Matter for Entrepreneurs?If you run your own business, chances are, you’re making choices all day long. Decision fatigue hits fast when your working memory is taxed, and the emotional labor, rejection sensitivity, ambiguity, and hyperfocusing can all leave you running on fumes.And when the tank runs dry? That’s when the late-day impulsive emails, knee-jerk “yeses” to bad projects, and pricing compromises hit. It’s not poor judgment—it’s overdrawn capacity. This is one of the core ADHD strengths and struggles we navigate as entrepreneurs.About the host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert is a business strategist, coach, serial entrepreneur, former psychotherapist, and passionate thought leader at the intersection of ADHD and entrepreneurship.Through practical neuroscience and accessible storytelling, Diann empowers others to understand their brains, manage their energy, and show compassion to themselves as they navigate the demands of running a business with an ADHD brain.Five Triggers That Drain Your BrainDecision Overload: Every “tiny” business choice eats up self-regulation energy. All those open tabs in your mind have a cost.Emotional Labor: Managing client feelings, financial uncertainties, and the constant hum of ambiguity depletes you, even if “nothing is happening.”Sustained Focus (and Hyperfocus): Even fun, project-based deep work can leave nothing left for anything else once the session’s over.Masking: Trying to look “together” when you don’t feel it is invisible labor, not covered in most productivity advice.Sleep and Blood Sugar: When you run low in these departments, you start the day with a deficit.Practical Strategies: Refilling the TankKnowledge is useless without practice. Here’s what’s working for my clients and me:Protect the Peak Window - Notice when focus comes more naturally. Schedule your highest-value and most “expensive” mental work then. Don’t let admin or reactive tasks steal your best hours.Ruthless Pre-Decision - I now audit decisions weekly: What can I automate? Which choices can be made in advance? This includes everything from client policies to what I eat for breakfast. I have a breakfast rotation now that saves me about 10 minutes every morning—energy I use elsewhere.Don’t Skip the Refueling - Eating on a schedule is non-negotiable. I use an alarm for lunch because, without external cues, I’ll work straight through and crash later. Treat meals and breaks with the same gravity you would an important meeting.Schedule Intentional Resets - Real mental breaks matter. Laughter, small pleasures, or even a quick walk create real returns. I log two restorative breaks in my calendar daily—not as a luxury, but as mental maintenance.Prioritize Sleep as a Business Tool - Nothing refills the willpower account like rest. Chronically starting the day depleted only feeds the self-doubt loop. Honoring my natural sleep needs—even if it means leaning into night-owl tendencies strategically—made a profound difference.Resources mentioned in this episode: Roy Baumeister’s Model of Ego Depletion Alexis Hope: Using Joy to Fuel Productivity for Neurospicy Entrepreneurs Risa Williams: How Celebrating Tiny Wins Boosts Motivation and Beats Burnout Ready for more? Subscribe to the podcast - Visit my website - Follow me on LinkedIn © 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →How Celebrating Tiny Wins with ADHD Boosts Motivation & Beats Burnout
Apr 1400:39:13Tap to summarizeToo often, those of us with ADHD (and, honestly, just about anyone striving for success) fall into the “check the box and move on” mentality, downplaying our achievements and racing toward the next goal. Sound familiar? In this episode, host Diann Wingert and returning guest Risa Williams, LMFT, challenge listeners to radically rethink what counts as a win. What if making a sandwich, sending a tough email, or—even better—taking a moment for self-care, can be celebrated as much as those big, flashy milestones? If you’ve ever felt like your wins don’t "count," or you’re stuck on the productivity treadmill, this episode is your sign to embrace a kinder, more sustainable approach.3 key takeaways from our conversation:Redefine Productivity: Success isn’t just about big goals—it’s about acknowledging every step, even the small ones. Practicing this daily fosters confidence and decreases imposter syndrome and chronic dissatisfaction.Combat Dismissiveness: Many of us grew up being dismissed or dismissing ourselves. Start catching that dismissive inner voice. Replace it with gentle validation—give yourself credit the way you’d celebrate a friend’s progress.Track and Celebrate Progress: Write down 3–5 tiny accomplishments every day. Over time, this simple act retrains your brain to notice and remember your efforts, fueling motivation and staving off burnout.Mic Drop Moment:Many high achievers with ADHD also battle imposter syndrome. Why? Because they literally cannot remember the many incremental steps it took to get results. If you don’t witness your own progress, you can’t internalize your success. The result: even evidence-based accomplishments don’t “count,” fueling the endless treadmill of “not good enough.” About Risa Williams, LMFTRisa Williams is a licensed therapist, a time management expert, and an award-winning book author of six self-help books. She's also the host of The Motivation Mindset Podcast (Apple, Spotify). Risa has been featured as an expert in Forbes Magazine, Wondermind, Wired, Bustle, Psychology Today, and Business Insider. She's also a busy mom of two and a university professor. Connect with Risa: Website - Instagram - Motivation Mindset Podcast Ready to put it into practice?Ultimately, reframing tiny wins is an act of reclaiming joy and validation from a world conditioned to withhold or diminish them. The results are worth it—greater momentum, resilience, and happiness. So, what tiny win will you celebrate today?Risa Williams’ Tiny Wins Journal - Tiny Wins digital mini-course Rick Hanson’s Book Buddha’s Brain If You Take Just One StepThe act of writing down tiny wins and then reviewing them is what rewires the narrative in your brain. Do it out of skepticism, if that works. Gamify it, make it defiant, or treat it as an experiment. And because we know accountability makes it real, DM me on LinkedIn, email me, or leave a voice message on my website. Your ADHD-ish host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert has decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner, and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the ADHD experience. Sharing is Caring Know a fellow business owner who is on the productivity dreadmill, always moving on to the next project without celebrating their success? They might need this wake-up call, too, so be a pal and share the episode. Here is a link to make it easy. © 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →Stimulant Medication for Entrepreneurs with ADHD: What Difference Does it Make?
Apr 700:25:58Tap to summarizeYou’ve probably heard that medications like Ritalin, Adderall, or Vyvanse simply "fix" your attention. But what if I told you that most of what you think you know about how these meds work is actually wrong—or at least seriously incomplete? Understanding why neurodiversity is good for business starts with accurate information about how our brains actually function—including the real science behind ADHD medication.In this episode, we’ll unpack new, game-changing scientific research that reveals what stimulants are truly doing in your brain. Spoiler: they’re not just fixing your attention networks.We’ll explore how these meds boost arousal and make boring business tasks feel more worth doing, why sleep is a critical performance variable, and what all of this means for structuring your workflows and managing your expectations as a business owner with ADHD.Whether you’re taking medication, considering it, or just plain curious, this episode will help you understand the real role of stimulants in your entrepreneurial journey—and give you practical strategies to work with your brain.For years, we’ve been told stimulants “fix” our faulty attention networks. But new research out of Washington University just flipped that script—and it has huge implications for how we work, rest, and structure our businesses. This research on the attention mechanism in neural networks reveals that ADHD medication works differently than we thought.3 Key Takeaways:Stimulants = Wakefulness + Salience boost: They don’t “fix” your attention span—they make your brain more awake (like a great night’s sleep) and make boring tasks feel more worth doing.Sleep is a performance variable, not optional: Meds can mask sleep deprivation, but can’t fix it. If you’re hitting a wall by afternoon, it’s likely a sleep issue, not a “bad brain” or “bad med” issue.Build your business around your real needs: Use your medicated hours for tedious-but-critical tasks, create systems that connect daily actions to meaningful outcomes, and get super-specific in conversations about what “isn’t working”—the answer isn’t always a higher dose.Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Study in Cell MagazineAbout the Host, Diann Wingert:Diann Wingert is the creator and host of ADHDish, a podcast that explores the realities of living with ADHD, especially for entrepreneurs and business owners. Rather than prescribing solutions, she empowers listeners to make informed choices, providing clear, actionable information in an approachable, no-nonsense style that makes her a trusted voice for those navigating ADHD in the workplace and beyond.Sharing is CaringKnow a fellow business owner who thinks their ADHD medication fixes their attention or claims they need a higher dose because it stopped working? They might need this wake-up call, too, so be a pal and share the episode. Here is a link to make it easy. Want one-on-one support? Ready to create the strategies that reduce the friction and fatigue of running a business with ADHD? Click here to book a free consultation. It’s the first step to transforming what you’re building intentionally through expert ADHD entrepreneur coaching.© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
Transcribe →ADHD & The Lifetime Legacy of Bullying
Mar 3100:42:08Tap to summarizeIn this vulnerable and eye-opening conversation, ADHD-ish host Diann Wingert sits down with fellow ADHD coach, Brooke Schnittman, to explore the lasting impact of bullying for those of us with ADHD, drawing from her own lived experience and groundbreaking research. One of the most surprising insights? While bullying trends downward in the general population as we age, it barely drops for those with ADHD, showing up in new and often subtle forms throughout adulthood. What starts as name-calling and exclusion on the playground can morph into chronic criticism, micromanagement, gaslighting, and professional exclusion in adulthood. This constant “othering” can erode confidence and reinforce masking, people-pleasing, and overachievement as survival strategies.Here are 4 key takeaways for anyone navigating ADHD (or supporting neurodivergent folks):What makes it bullying? Repetitive pattern - Power imbalance - Harm Bullying rarely ends with childhood: For adults with ADHD, bullying simply morphs. Physical teasing and exclusion may become workplace micromanagement, social exclusion, and subtle undermining.The harm goes beyond “hurt feelings.” Chronic criticism and exclusion keep the brain’s stress system on high alert, triggering anxiety, imposter syndrome, burnout, and even making executive dysfunction worse.Self-acceptance + community are critical. When we name bullying for what it is and seek out supportive communities, we can start to untangle shame and build resilience. As Brooke notes: “We were never too much. We were exactly who we were meant to be, just waiting for a world that could understand us.”About Brooke Schnittman, MA, PCC, BCC:Brooke Schnittman is an ADHD coach, educator, and advocate for adults with ADHD. With years of working directly with individuals and families, she noticed an alarming pattern: bullying is not only common in the lives of people with ADHD but is also a neglected topic in ADHD research and support. Brooke’s recent pioneering survey on adult ADHD and bullying—the first of its kind—has started an essential conversation about the legacy of bullying, how it changes form over time, and how those affected can heal and thriveConnect with Brooke: Website: https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithbrooke/Free e-book:https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/ebookParticipate in the survey on ADHD & bullying: https://bit.ly/4stMllMMentioned during this interview:Ned Hallowell, MDWilliam Dodson, MDTake action: Participate in Brooke’s survey on ADHD & Bullying: https://bit.ly/4stMllMYour ADHD-ish host, Diann Wingert Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner, and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the neurodivergent experience. If conversations like this one are one of the reasons you keep coming back to ADHD-ish, the best way to let me know is to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. Here’s the link to make it happen.© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.
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