Podcast
Backpacking Through ADHD
Hosted by Tera Greenwood · EN
Backpacking Through ADHD is your guide for navigating the twists and turns of ADHD parenting. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the journey, this podcast offers practical tools, personal stories, and expert advice to help you and your family thrive. Explore the peaks, valleys, and unexpected paths of ADHD with resilience, support, and camaraderie to make the trek a little easier.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Gratitude, Grace and Grit
Nov 900:19:35Tap to summarizeWhat happens when ADHD meets the chaos of midlife? When emotional regulation collides with hormonal imbalance, and everything—focus, patience, even mental stability—feels like quicksand? In this powerful, heart-forward episode, host Tera Greenwood explores three pillars that help ADHD minds survive and thrive through life’s hardest seasons: Grace — learning self-compassion when your brain and hormones feel like they’re working against you. Gratitude — how small, intentional moments of appreciation can rewire emotional regulation and ground an overstimulated mind. Grit — the quiet persistence that keeps us moving, even when motivation disappears and life feels heavy. Tera shares candid stories from motherhood, leadership, and late-diagnosis ADHD, while weaving in current research on self-compassion, dopamine, and how menopause magnifies emotional dysregulation. It’s a raw, relatable conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered: “Why can’t I keep it together right now?”
Transcribe →Empathy and ADHD Connections
Mar 13, 202500:20:06Tap to summarizeConnection 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.
Transcribe →Accelerate Action: Unveiling ADHD in Women and Girls
Mar 6, 202500:12:16Tap to summarizeADHD 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.
Transcribe →Overthinking and ADHD: Why is it so hard to LET THEM?
Feb 27, 202500:18:34Tap to summarizeEver 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
Transcribe →ADHD and the Power of Sports
Feb 20, 202500:17:34Tap to summarizeIs 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!
Transcribe →Finding Calm in Chaos of Self-Care
Feb 13, 202500:16:07Tap to summarizeSelf-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.
Transcribe →The ADHD Plot Twist: Wendy’s Late Diagnosis at 42
Feb 6, 202500:22:51Tap to summarizeWhat 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
Transcribe →Creative Chaos: Tapping into ADHD Superpower
Jan 30, 202500:15:49Tap to summarizeJoin 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!
Transcribe →Navigating Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD Families Series 2
Jan 23, 202500:10:01Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Navigating Emotional Dysregulations in ADHD Families
Jan 17, 202500:14:27Tap to summarizeJoin Tera Greenwood as she navigates the trails of life with ADHD, one step at a time. This podcast is your companion for exploring the ups and downs of parenting and living with ADHD, with practical insights, expert advice, and resonating personal stories. In this episode, we kick off a special mini-series on emotional dysregulation in ADHD families. If you’ve ever felt like small moments, escalate into emotional storms or wondered how to bring calm to the chaos, this is for you. Drawing on expert research, real-life experiences, and actionable strategies, we’ll help you understand and manage emotional regulation for both kids and parents. Subscribe now to join our journey, discover helpful tools, and connect with a supportive community of fellow adventurers. Let's keep backpacking through ADHD together!
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