Podcast Summary: "I Got Diagnosed with ADD by Psychologist Gabor Maté"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know
• Host/Author: 186k Films
• Episode: I Got Diagnosed with ADD by Psychologist Gabor Maté
• Release Date: August 6, 2025
• Description: Two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian and noted IBS sufferer Hasan Minhaj engages with leading figures in politics, culture, and tech, posing questions that blend thought-provoking inquiries with absurdity. Each episode fosters a genuine curiosity, steering clear of conventional talking points to explore deeper, personalized exchanges.

Introduction to ADD/ADHD Diagnosis

[00:30] Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan introduces the episode by expressing his desire to understand why he's always late, a trait he struggles with across various aspects of his life, from personal relationships to professional commitments.

Gabor Maté:
Gabor promptly assesses Hasan's symptoms, highlighting issues like attention difficulties, disorganization, and procrastination as indicators of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), as detailed in his book Scattered Minds.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [02:07]: "ADHD is really a question of motivation and there are certain circuits in the brain to do with motivation and that has to develop."

Understanding Time Perception and Brain Development

[02:32] Gabor Maté:
Gabor delves into the developmental aspects of time perception, explaining that children naturally perceive time differently. He emphasizes that the brain's time sense develops under specific environmental conditions, particularly highlighting the impact of parental stress on sensitive infants.

Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan relates this to his personal experience of procrastination, sharing how he often diverts important tasks to less critical activities as a coping mechanism.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [02:45]: "Kids don't have a time sense. To a baby, a present moment is eternity."

Procrastination and Emotional Immaturity

[04:17] Gabor Maté:
Gabor connects procrastination to ADHD, discussing how individuals with ADHD often delay tasks until the last minute due to underdeveloped time sense and motivation circuits in the brain, which are regulated by dopamine.

Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan acknowledges his chronic lateness and its repercussions on his relationships, particularly with his wife, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on himself.

Notable Quote:

Hasan Minhaj [08:12]: "I'll be there at 7:30. Are you kidding me?"

Emotional Responsibility and Self-Judgment

[09:15] Gabor Maté:
Gabor addresses the issue of self-hatred associated with chronic lateness, challenging Hasan's acceptance of self-criticism. He advocates for shifting from self-judgment to self-curiosity, encouraging a deeper understanding of one's behaviors without assigning blame.

Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan grapples with the balance between recognizing past trauma and taking personal responsibility for present actions, questioning how much the past should influence one's current behavior.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [10:25]: "There's a lot of truth that you carry, let it unfold, but it takes attention."

Intergenerational Trauma and Parenting

[12:29] Gabor Maté:
Gabor discusses the concept of intergenerational trauma, emphasizing how unresolved childhood experiences can manifest in adult behaviors and relationships. He underscores the importance of understanding one's past to free oneself from its constraints.

Hasan Minhaj:
As a father, Hasan reflects on his own childhood experiences with bullying and biting, relating them to his current struggles with time management and emotional regulation.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [35:35]: "Trauma is multi-generational. It's passed on from one generation to the next."

Balancing Personal Responsibility and Understanding Trauma

[22:29] Gabor Maté:
Gabor clarifies that understanding past trauma does not equate to blaming parents. Instead, it involves recognizing how these experiences shape current behaviors and taking responsibility to mitigate their impact on relationships and personal well-being.

Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan explores the dichotomy between demanding accountability from parents and acknowledging their best efforts within their own traumas, seeking a balance between gratitude and personal growth.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [37:57]: "Your healing doesn't depend on them. Them acknowledging anything. That's totally your responsibility."

Political Trauma and Collective Suffering

[50:45] Gabor Maté:
Transitioning to a broader perspective, Gabor addresses political trauma, specifically referencing the prolonged suffering of Palestinian people. He highlights the ongoing collective trauma inflicted through conflict and oppression, drawing parallels to individual trauma experiences.

Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan shares his observations growing up during the War on Terror, witnessing the trauma of refugee communities, and questions the prospects for healing amidst such pervasive injustice.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [55:13]: "It's an almost unprecedented, massive traumatization of a whole people which is cheered on by the west and not even reported on a daily basis."

Healing Amidst Ongoing Trauma

[56:02] Gabor Maté:
Gabor discusses the challenges of healing in environments where trauma is continuous and deeply embedded in societal structures. He emphasizes the importance of contributing to healing efforts, even when complete resolution seems unattainable within one's lifetime.

Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan reflects on personal and collective suffering, drawing inspiration from his father's perspective on justice and the role of higher powers in addressing deep-seated injustices.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [60:19]: "The task of righting this world, of promoting justice, it's a sacred calling that's with us through eternity."

Mind-Body Connection and Intuition

[46:09] Hasan Minhaj:
Hasan explores the distinction between genuine intuition and emotions stemming from anxiety or self-doubt, seeking clarity on how to differentiate between the two.

Gabor Maté:
Gabor elucidates the physiological differences between gut feelings and emotional reactions, advising individuals to tune into their bodily sensations to discern true intuition from emotional turmoil.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [47:24]: "If there's a gut feeling, there's going to be a kind of a calm knowing about it. If there is a strong emotion, it's going to be tense."

Final Thoughts and Wisdom

[62:23] Gabor Maté:
Gabor imparts final wisdom, encouraging introspection and balance between looking inward and outward. He emphasizes that truth resides within and that personal growth requires attentive self-examination.

Hasan Minhaj:
Concluding the conversation, Hasan appreciates Gabor's insights, acknowledging the journey of self-discovery and the importance of understanding one's internal landscape.

Notable Quote:

Gabor Maté [63:08]: "Look inward as much as you look outward. The truth is always going to be inside you."

Key Takeaways:

1. ADD/ADHD Diagnosis:

   • ADHD is linked to brain development, particularly in time perception and motivation circuits.
   • Environmental factors, such as parental stress, significantly influence the development of ADHD traits.

2. Procrastination and Emotional Regulation:

   • Procrastination is a common trait among individuals with ADHD, driven by underdeveloped motivation circuits.
   • Emotional maturity plays a crucial role in managing procrastination and responsibility.

3. Intergenerational Trauma:

   • Trauma can be passed down through generations, affecting behaviors and relationships.
   • Understanding one's past is essential for personal healing and breaking destructive cycles.

4. Collective and Political Trauma:

   • Societal conflicts and injustices contribute to widespread trauma affecting entire communities.
   • Healing in such contexts requires collective effort and acknowledgment of ongoing suffering.

5. Mind-Body Connection:

   • Differentiating between genuine intuition and emotions rooted in trauma is vital for personal decision-making.
   • Physical sensations can provide clues to distinguishing true gut feelings from emotional reactions.

6. Personal Responsibility and Growth:

   • Balancing self-compassion with responsibility is key to overcoming the impacts of past trauma.
   • Continuous self-examination and introspection foster personal growth and resilience.

Conclusion:

In this enlightening episode, Hasan Minhaj delves deep into the complexities of ADD/ADHD, intergenerational trauma, and the intricate mind-body connection with esteemed psychologist Gabor Maté. Through candid discussions and insightful revelations, the conversation underscores the importance of understanding one's past, taking personal responsibility, and fostering emotional maturity to navigate the challenges of modern life. Gabor Maté's profound wisdom offers listeners valuable tools for self-discovery and healing, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking deeper insights into the human psyche.