Podcast Summary: Hacking Your ADHD – The ADHD Field Guide with Cate Osborn and Erik Gude

Episode Date: March 9, 2026
Host: William Curb
Guests: Cate Osborn (“Katy asaurus”) & Erik Gude (“Hey Good”)

Episode Overview

This episode features Cate Osborn and Erik Gude, co-authors of The ADHD Field Guide for Adults, in a candid and illuminating discussion about ADHD lived experience, the importance of language, the systemic and personal dimensions of managing ADHD, and the process of creating more compassionate and effective systems for neurodivergent adults. Listeners are guided through sharp insights, anecdotes, and practical frameworks, all delivered in a relatable, community-focused style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis of The ADHD Field Guide for Adults (03:04–06:23)

• Inspiration: The idea sparked from a TikTok live when a viewer asked if Cate would ever write a book. Serendipitously, their future literary agent was present and reached out the next day.
• Goal: Both Cate (late-diagnosed, hyper-academic type) and Erik (early-diagnosed, school struggled) wanted to write a book that reflects the diversity of adult ADHD experiences, not just one archetype.
• Accessibility: Avoided academic jargon and patronizing tone—aimed to be approachable and ADHD-friendly.
  • Quote – Cate Osborn (03:42):
    "I thought a lot about a lot of the ADHD books that I don’t like...they’re either not accessible or they’re just like massive walls of text...I just didn’t want the book to be that way."

2. Making ADHD Knowledge Accessible (06:32–09:21)

• Design Philosophy: The book is intentionally friendly to those who struggle to read cover-to-cover or process dense information. Readers are invited to dip in and out.
  • Quote – Erik Gude (06:32):
    "It was really important for me personally to make sure that this book was going to be a win for whoever gets it...They can just kind of keep it around and engage with it however they want."
• Language Precision: Effort to clarify common ADHD terms and distinctions (e.g., hyperfocus vs. hyperfixation) ensuring all readers share a foundational vocabulary.
  • Quote – Kate Osborn (08:06):
    "We wanted to be able to foundationally create a knowledge base that the ADHD person can then go off into the world and carry with them."

3. Cutting Through Misinformation (10:21–13:57)

• Media Literacy: Many gain their ADHD knowledge from memes and social media, often absorbing myths (e.g., vitamin C kills Adderall). The book serves as a fact-checked, evidence-based anchor.
  • Quote – Kate Osborne (10:34):
    "We really wanted to make sure that no matter...what belief system you were coming in with, you were at least going to leave with good, accurate, factual, peer-reviewed information..."
• Skepticism and Ethics: Navigated the challenge of providing information without becoming "grifters" themselves, emphasizing their commitment to accuracy and good faith.
  • Quote – Eric Gude (14:19):
    "I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I was like, man, we’ve been trying to sell a book that’s wrong."

4. Systemic History and Stigma (14:33–16:52)

• DSM & Social Attitudes: The stigma attached to ADHD and neurodivergence is deeply rooted in outdated moralistic views, traceable to the 1700s, reflected in the history of psychiatric diagnosis.
  • Quote – Kate Osborne (14:56):
    "Medical attitudes around mental illness and morality in the 1700s are shaping the conversations that we’re having around mental health care today."

5. Shame, Guilt, and Radical Acceptance (16:40–20:24)

• Shame vs. Guilt: Strong focus on self-narrative—ADHD is not a moral failing. Distinguishing between shame (“I am bad”) and guilt (“I did something I regret”) opens a path for change without sacrificing self-acceptance.
  • Quote – Erik Gude (16:52):
    "Shame dooms you to this unchangeable thing you are...whereas guilt concerns what you do, and you can change what you do."
• Accountability: ADHD is not an excuse for harming others—behavior is still the individual’s responsibility.

6. Systems for Living, Compassion for Struggle (21:28–25:44)

• No Cure, Only Strategy: There’s no “cure” for ADHD, only better management. The resignation of “that’s just who I am” can become a comfort trap; striving to improve still matters.
  • Quote – Kate Osborne (21:40):
    "Sure, you can spend your life trying to find the people who will always let you talk over them and be 15 minutes late. But I don’t think that invites...respect and compassion."
• System-Building: Failure in systems isn’t a personal failure—it’s a data point. Adapt and customize to fit actual needs and realities.
  • Quote – Eric Gude (25:44):
    "Failure is one of the most...important parts of the process. If you try a system...and it doesn’t work, that is so useful."

7. Intersectionality & Community Voices (28:28–29:24)

• A Diverse ADHD Community: Cate and Erik stressed the importance of reflecting many experiences (e.g. BIPOC, LGBTQ+) by including guest experts and dozens of community quotes.
  • Quote – Kate Osborne (29:24):
    "We asked our community...there are hundreds and hundreds...of quotes from people in the book from different experiences, from different backgrounds..."

8. Systems Versus Social Expectations: Embracing Authenticity (31:10–43:32)

• Audit Inherited Rules: Many “rules” (e.g., folding laundry, sorting silverware) are inherited and may not serve the individual; ADHD management is about honest self-inventory.
  • Quote – Erik Gude (32:44):
    "...Around 24, 25, I decided, I’m not folding my underwear ever, and I’m not matching my socks ever, and I’m gonna wear the same shirt..."
• Permission to Be Yourself: Living authentically can liberate oneself and others. Cate emphasizes the home as a space for joy, not external judgment.
  • Quote – Kate Osborne (38:25):
    "My space is going to represent me...It is going to work functionally for me and my brain. And I’m not going to worry about...all my friends might judge me..."

9. Final Thoughts, Book Info & Live Tour (43:47–44:45)

• Book Availability: The ADHD Field Guide for Adults is available in print, eBook, and audiobook (narrated by the authors). Local purchases and library requests are encouraged.
• Tour & Community: Cate announced her first national tour ("Wildly Unprepared"), with book signings and meet-and-greets.
  • More info: katyasaurus.com

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cate Osborn, on knowledge and inclusivity:
  “We wanted the book to represent not just one experience with ADHD...we wanted the book to represent everybody.” (04:32)

• Erik Gude, on self-compassion and change:
  “Shame is a dead end, guilt is a window for change.” (16:52)

• Cate Osborn, on breaking stigmas:
  “There’s gotta be at least one other weirdo out there who struggles with the same thing. And then it turned out that there were millions of weirdos out there, and I love them.” (43:10)

• William Curb, on system customization:
  “You need to do things the way your brain works, not the way Steve’s brain works. Do what works for you.” (36:03)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Book origin and intent: 03:04–06:23
• Accessible design for the ADHD brain: 06:32–09:21
• Fighting misinformation in ADHD spaces: 10:21–13:57
• History and stigma in ADHD diagnosis: 14:33–16:52
• Shame vs. guilt, radical acceptance: 16:40–20:24
• Systems, failure, and compassion: 21:28–25:44
• Intersectionality and community voices: 28:28–29:24
• Personalizing systems, home authenticity: 31:10–43:32
• Resources & upcoming tour info: 43:47–44:45

Tone & Takeaways

The episode maintains a tone of warmth, empathy, humor, and respect for diversity of ADHD experiences. Cate and Erik’s honesty is refreshing, and they advocate for self-awareness, community, and critical examination of received wisdom about ADHD and how to live with it.

Recommended for:
Anyone with ADHD (especially adults, late-diagnosed, or those seeking compassionate, practical guidance); friends, family, or professionals supporting ADHDers; and advocates for inclusive neurodivergent communities.

Links & Resources:

• The ADHD Field Guide for Adults – Book Info
• Hacking Your ADHD – Show Notes & Transcript