In this solo episode of Mad About Podcast, Maddy Alexander-Grout gets honest about ADHD, shame spirals, gym guilt, money avoidance, task paralysis, and the pressure neurodivergent people put on themselves to “do the thing.”

From struggling to go to the gym without a PT, to investing money, overspending, procrastinating, and putting unrealistic expectations on herself, Maddy explores how the word “should” can become one of the biggest blockers for neurodivergent brains.

This episode is a reminder that you are not lazy, broken or failing. Sometimes your brain is overwhelmed by pressure, guilt and emotional weight — and the more shame you pile on yourself, the harder it becomes to start.

Maddy talks openly about ADHD, PDA, spending addiction, fitness, self-worth, and why tiny steps matter more than perfection. Plus, why all your “shoulds” probably belong in the fuck it bucket.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

ADHD, PDA and task paralysis
Shame spirals and procrastination
Gym guilt and putting pressure on yourself
Why neurodivergent brains resist “should”
Money avoidance and emotional spending
Investing, saving and taking tiny financial steps
Switching tasks and ADHD overwhelm
Motivation vs pressure
Tiny habits that reduce barriers
Self-worth, identity and internal criticism
Why community support matters for neurodivergent people

Key Takeaways

The word “should” often creates shame instead of action.
PDA can make demands — even self-imposed ones — feel emotionally impossible.
Tiny actions build momentum better than perfection does.
Doing something is always better than staying stuck in guilt.
Shame keeps neurodivergent people frozen. Compassion helps movement happen.
Reducing barriers can make difficult tasks feel more accessible.
You don’t need to transform your whole life overnight.

Favourite Quotes

“The more shoulds we put on ourselves, the worse we feel.”“Those shoulds are the things that are sent to fuck with us.”“Sometimes it’s just a case of actually doing the thing.”“You are not lazy. You are overwhelmed.”

Chapters

00:00 – Why Maddy is Mad About the Gym
01:02 – ADHD, PDA and the Shame Spiral
02:20 – Strengthening Your Core Physically and Emotionally
03:05 – Task Paralysis and Emotional Weight
03:52 – Investing Money and Finally Doing the Thing
05:06 – Spending Addiction and Shame Around Money
06:02 – Ibiza, Book Writing and Reducing Pressure
06:50 – The “Fuck It Bucket” and Self-Worth
07:08 – Removing Barriers and Getting to the Gym
08:10 – Tiny Financial Steps That Build Momentum
08:55 – The Maddyverse and Community Support
09:32 – Why Neurodivergent People Need Cheerleaders
10:05 – Letting Go of Shame and Giving Yourself Grace

Connect with Maddy

Follow Maddy Alexander-Grout for more conversations around ADHD, money, visibility, business, identity and building a life that actually works for your brain.

@madaboutmoneyofficial on TikTok @maddytalksmoney on Instagram

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