Podcast Summary

Podcast: I Have ADHD Podcast
Episode: 📣 I Need to Tell You Something About This Podcast (Don’t Skip This One!)
Host: Kristen Carder
Date: October 24, 2025

Overview:

This short, candid episode serves as an important update from host Kristen Carder about significant changes coming to the “I Have ADHD Podcast.” Kristen details the decision to introduce advertisements into the show for the first time in its six-year history. She covers the reasons behind this change, her commitment to transparency, and her continued dedication to serving the ADHD community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage

• Kristen opens with her signature warm, welcoming tone, emphasizing this episode is different:

  "[...] This is going to be short and sweet. Yes, this is coming out on a Thursday. It's a bite sized episode, but it is brand new. It's brand, brand new. I am here with an update. A little update from me to you." (01:08)

2. The Reality of Podcast Production Costs

• Kristen explains the behind-the-scenes reality and rising expenses:
  • Expenses include editing, production, distribution, music licensing, transcripts, marketing, and paying her team.
  • In 2025 alone, she notes she’s spent more than $35,000 on podcast costs.

  "This year alone, in 2025, I've spent more than 35 days, thousand dollars on podcast expenses. And listen, that's Fine. It's a cost of doing business. But I need to tell you that it's gotten to a point where I really can't continue to carry the cost completely on my own anymore." (02:04)

3. The Decision to Introduce Ads

• Starting November 1st, listeners will hear ads at the beginning and middle of each episode:

  "Starting November 1st, that's like, very, very soon, you're going to begin hearing ads on the show. Like, you know the kind of ads that you hear on every other podcast." (02:40)

• Kristen emphasizes her resistance to ads in the past, having only partnered with two advertisers in over six years.

4. Transparency and Respect for the Audience

• Kristen is intentional in sharing this update directly, rather than allowing ads to appear without explanation:

  "I really respect you. I really appreciate you. You've been so loyal. Many of you have listened for years and years, and I do feel like you deserve transparency. You deserve to know." (03:54)

• She acknowledges that change can be hard, especially for the neurodivergent, and wants to give listeners time to process:

  "Transitions can feel jarring. So I wanted to give you a heads up and some time for you to prepare your heart, your soul, your mind for this." (04:13)

5. Addressing Listener Concerns

• She is aware that ads may be frustrating and asks listeners for understanding:

  "...if they are super jarring, like, go ahead and press that fast forward button. You know what I'm saying? Like, it's okay. But please understand my heart behind this decision. I'm not trying to sell out. I'm really just trying to keep the show sustainable and available to everyone who needs it and wants." (04:29)

• Requests listeners not to react with negative reviews, and assures them she will only partner with brands that align with her values and serve the ADHD community:

  "Please know that I will continue to be intentional about the companies and brands that I work with. I'm not just going to accept any sponsorship." (05:11)

6. How Listeners Can Support the Podcast

• Kristen invites support through continued listening and positive engagement:

  “So if you value this podcast, which I think you do, the best way you can support is just keep listening and be cool. Like, just keep listening. Just be cool.” (05:00)

• She encourages supporting advertised brands if listeners find a product genuinely useful, as it directly supports the podcast’s sustainability.

7. Reaffirming the Podcast’s Purpose

• Kristen finishes by reaffirming her mission to serve the ADHD community with compassion and helpful, honest content:

  “I've always created this podcast with one goal in mind, which is to serve you, to give you real and helpful and compassionate content that helps you understand yourself and your ADHD a little bit better. And this hasn't changed. This decision doesn't change my heart or my mission.” (06:00)

• She expresses deep gratitude for the community’s support, whether listeners are new or long time fans.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Transparency:

  "I do feel like you deserve transparency. You deserve to know. You deserve to be told." (03:54)

• On the Emotional Side of Change:

  "Transitions can feel jarring. So I wanted to give you a heads up and some time for you to prepare your heart, your soul, your mind for this. Emotionally, spiritually, like, oh, we're gonna transition together." (04:13)

• On Staying True to the Mission:

  "This decision doesn't change my heart or my mission. It's simply a practical step so that I can keep showing up up for you." (06:16)

• On Listener Appreciation:

  "Every download, every share, every time you recommend the show to a friend, it matters to me." (05:49)

• Sign-off:

  "I love you guys." (07:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:36 – Kristen officially opens the update episode
• 01:08 – Announcement: The episode will be short, personal, and important
• 02:04 – Breakdown of podcast production costs and the financial reality
• 02:40 – Official announcement: Ads are coming starting November 1st
• 03:54 – On prioritizing transparency and respecting listeners
• 04:13 – Understanding change and preparing the ADHD audience
• 05:00 – How to support the podcast during this transition
• 06:00 – Reaffirmation of the podcast's mission and values
• 07:58 – Heartfelt sign-off

Conclusion

Kristen Carder's update is a heartfelt and transparent message about a major change for the "I Have ADHD Podcast"—the introduction of advertisements. She candidly discusses the unsustainable costs of production, thanks her loyal listeners, and affirms her ongoing commitment to the ADHD community. Kristen’s tone remains compassionate, honest, and reassuring throughout, inviting her audience to join her through this transition and continue supporting the podcast’s growth and accessibility.

For feedback or to share thoughts, listeners are encouraged to reach out: focused@ihaveadhd.com