ADHD Brain Hacks, Lion’s Mane Benefits & Finding Comfort in Laughter (5th Thing)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "ADHD Brain Hacks, Lion’s Mane Benefits & Finding Comfort in Laughter (5th Thing)"

The Bobby Bones Show, hosted by Amy and Kat from Premiere Networks, delivered an engaging and insightful episode on February 11, 2025. Titled "ADHD Brain Hacks, Lion’s Mane Benefits & Finding Comfort in Laughter (5th Thing)," this episode delved into practical strategies for managing ADHD, the potential cognitive benefits of lion’s mane mushroom, and the therapeutic power of humor in coping with grief. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for context.

Introduction and Opening Remarks

The episode commenced with Amy and Kat exchanging reflections on the challenges and desires associated with ADHD. Kat humorously shared a quote by comedian Dustin Nickerson:

“Being a child is great. You get upset and everyone decides it's best if you take a nap.” [00:37]

This set a light-hearted tone as they mused over childhood frustrations and the longing of adults with ADHD for structured guidance.

ADHD Coping Strategies

A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to discussing effective coping strategies for individuals with ADHD. Amy introduced the topic by highlighting their personal experiences with ADHD, both medicated and unmedicated:

“Kat and I both have ADHD … trying to focus and be productive.” [02:51]

They explored five key tips (referred to as "hacks" or "tips") to enhance focus and productivity:

1. 5-4-3-2-1 Focus Reset (29:04):

   • Description: A grounding technique involving using the senses to reset focus—identify 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and take 1 deep breath.
   • Kat’s Insight: “I use this with clients a lot. It’s good for grounding … good for the present.” [29:40]

2. Body Doubling Trick (31:14):

   • Description: Working alongside someone else, even virtually, to increase accountability and reduce procrastination.
   • Amy’s Example: Suggesting the use of YouTube study videos as virtual body doubles. [31:14]

3. 10-Minute Rule for Procrastination (32:22):

   • Description: Setting a timer for 10 minutes to start a daunting task, often leading to extended productivity beyond the initial timeframe.
   • Kat’s Experience: “I do this when I clean … end up like scrubbing the floors.” [33:25]

4. First Step Only Rule (34:09):

   • Description: Breaking down overwhelming tasks by identifying and completing just the first step to build momentum.
   • Amy’s Reflection: “Making my bed first thing … feels really good.” [36:27]

5. Task Pairing (Habit Stacking) (36:45):

   • Description: Pairing new tasks with established daily habits to enhance consistency and memory.
   • Kat’s Practical Tips: “Take your medication while making your coffee … stretch while brushing your teeth.” [37:33]

Throughout this segment, Amy emphasized the adaptability of these tips for anyone, not just those with ADHD:

“People will get something out of these more efficient little tips.” [06:41]

Exploring Lion’s Mane Benefits

Transitioning from ADHD strategies, the hosts delved into the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom, a functional mushroom renowned for its potential cognitive benefits.

• Introduction to Lion’s Mane (10:01):

  • Description: Amy shared her personal use of lion’s mane through Ryze Mushroom Coffee, discussing its purported benefits for brain function, memory, and focus.
  • Amy’s Quote: “I could be thinking that it’s doing amazing things for me.” [21:05]

• Kat’s Expertise (19:27):

  • As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Kat provided insights into how lion’s mane is perceived in mental health circles:

    “This is something that people with ADHD struggle with … why aren’t we increasing their intake of that.” [20:13]

• Potential Benefits Discussed:

  • Reduction in anxiety and mood swings.
  • Lowering inflammation, which is crucial for optimal brain function.
  • Enhancing executive function, particularly beneficial for those with ADHD.

Amy and Kat also touched upon the idea of lion’s mane being dubbed "nature’s Adderall," highlighting its growing popularity as a natural cognitive enhancer.

Listener Interaction: Samantha’s Email

A heartfelt portion of the episode involved reading and discussing an email from Samantha in Albuquerque, who shared her experience of losing a friend to cancer and how the podcast provided her comfort:

“Your fifth thing this week has made that so much easier. I felt so lucky to hear you and Kat talk … I laughed out loud for the whole episode.” [15:11]

Kat and Amy responded with empathy, recognizing the impact of humor and genuine conversation in the grieving process:

“He had an infectious laugh and smile and brought so much joy to my life.” [16:37]

This segment underscored the podcast’s role not just in entertainment but also in providing solace and support to its listeners.

Anecdotal Conversations and Personal Stories

Amy and Kat interspersed their discussions with personal anecdotes and light-hearted banter, creating a relatable and engaging atmosphere. Topics ranged from Amy’s experiences with coffee rituals to Kat’s observations on practical aspects of managing ADHD daily. Notably, Amy recounted her challenges with subscription services and the humorous mishaps related to them:

“I try to not encourage myself to do that.” [41:40]

Their candid exchanges about personal habits, struggles, and humorous incidents added depth to the conversation, making the content more accessible and personable.

Conclusion and Takeaways

As the episode wrapped up, Amy and Kat reinforced the key messages:

• Embracing Differences: Amy emphasized self-acceptance and the importance of recognizing that having an ADHD brain is not a flaw but a different wiring.

  “I'M just wired differently.” [39:53]

• Practical Support: They encouraged listeners to share their own tips and experiences, fostering a community of support and shared learning.

  “You can email us four things with amybrownmail.com.” [24:49]

• Closing Humor: The episode concluded on a humorous note, maintaining the blend of seriousness and levity that characterizes The Bobby Bones Show.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kat on Life Hacks:

  “I never use that language. … it feels kind of invalidating.” [04:02]

• Amy on Trusting Yourself:

  “I'm trying to lean into the different ways that work for me.” [39:32]

• Samantha’s Comfort:

  “They make people laugh.” [12:58]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show masterfully intertwined practical advice for managing ADHD with discussions on natural supplements like lion’s mane and the healing power of laughter. Amy and Kat’s authentic and empathetic dialogue not only provided valuable insights but also reinforced the supportive community fostered by the show. Whether you're navigating the complexities of ADHD, exploring natural cognitive enhancers, or seeking comfort through humor, this episode offers a comprehensive and compassionate listening experience.

Connect with Amy and Kat:

• Instagram: @CatVanBuren and @RadioAmy
• Email: [e-mail] (Note: This will be changing soon)

Join the Conversation: Share your own ADHD tips, experiences with lion’s mane, or stories of finding joy through laughter by reaching out to them via email or social media. Your input could feature in future episodes, continuing the cycle of support and shared wisdom.

Thank you for tuning in to The Bobby Bones Show. Stay connected, stay positive, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey.

Transcript

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[Amy]

Happy Tuesday. Welcome to the fifth thing. I'm Amy.

[Kat]

And I'm Kat. And today's quote comes from Dustin Nickerson, who is a comedian and he said being a child is great. You get upset and everyone decides it's best if you take a nap. The dream.

[Amy]

Oh, yeah, those are the days.

[Kat]

I would love that if somebody, you know, banished me up to my room.

[Amy]

I know. It makes me think about how my kids just want to be grown up so bad so that they can do whatever they want. No one's telling them what to do. And I'm like, yeah, I would give anything if I could have someone boss me around right now and tell me exactly what to do and tell me.

[Kat]

To go to bed and when to do it and how to do it.

[Amy]

Yeah. And pay for it.

[Kat]

Yeah. Like it's bedtime.

[Amy]

It's 9:00pm it's amazing. So I got a. An email blast from. I don't know if it's reformation or reformation. Do you know that clothing site?

[Kat]

Yes. And I feel like in my head I say reformation, but I bet it's reformation.

[Amy]

Probably. That sounds cooler. Well, we're not cool. Because I was like, oh, reformation with the cute quote. Because they had this whole thing about linen. And the subject of the email intrigued me because it said, cancel your Botox appointment. And I thought, what? Yeah, I'm not doing Botox. So I click on it just to see what in the world the clothing company is saying about it. And they had this whole thing, wrinkles are in. Throw away your iron, cancel your Botox appointment, Save money. Also water, because linen. And it's this whole thing about how.

[Kat]

Linen'S in and linen has a lot of wrinkles.

[Amy]

Yeah. So embrace them. 20, 25. Wrinkles are in.

[Kat]

So do you think we were ahead.

[Amy]

Of that trend by canceling our Botox appointments?

[Kat]

Yes, but also, I iron my linen.

[Amy]

Yeah. But then it gets wrinkled.

[Kat]

Pointless.

[Amy]

Yeah, it is pointless. I don't even Know where my iron is or my ironing board, because I was looking for it the other day. Cannot find it. So you know what? I use my. Go to a straightener. Hair straightener.

[Kat]

As I said that, I thought to myself, katherine, you don't own iron, so you don't iron anything. I steam everything.

[Amy]

So you steam your linen?

[Kat]

Yes, I steam my linen.

[Amy]

Okay. I could see how getting out the door, wanting it to look sharp and good, but then the soon as you get in the car. Yeah. So just embrace the wrinkles everywhere.

[Kat]

I love it.

[Amy]

Plus face fitness, because we're doing that too. But Kat and I both have adhd and sometimes we're medicated, sometimes we're not. So today we are going to be going over some ADHD hacks that may come in handy if you're trying to focus and be productive. Cause Kat and I were working on a project the other day, and we were actually doing that. The mirroring thing because we were working together.

[Kat]

We were doing it accidentally, too.

[Amy]

You know, when you have a partner alongside you, even if they're just in the room, they don't even have to be doing the activity. But as long as someone else is present there with you, you're more likely to get done what you need to get done. And I thought these tips or hacks or whatever might be helpful for all. But before we started recording, Cat was like, I don't really know how I feel about the word hacks. So what do you want to call them?

[Kat]

I don't know what to say. I guess in my hat, in my head, hack means like, it, like, gets rid of something. Like, if it's a life, like, even the word life hack, I don't know. I have a weird relationship with it. It's not a hack. It's just a tip of how to do something simpler. But maybe I'm being too hard on the word hack. I think they're, like, coping skills is what I think of them as.

[Amy]

Sure.

[Kat]

Because it's. To me, you're. You still have adhd. These things don't eliminate or take away the struggle. It just helps you cope with that easier.

[Amy]

Okay. So I saw a parchment paper hack for lining a baking sheet.

[Kat]

Yeah.

[Amy]

To me, the hack just made it more efficient. Like, I'm going to use the parchment paper and my way is a little bit more wonky. But when I saw the hack, where you get it wet and wadded up in a ball and then it lays flat onto the baking sheet so it's not sliding all over the place, I'M like, ok, still using the parchment paper, but this hack just makes it more efficient.

[Kat]

Wait a second.

[Amy]

That sounds difficult. It's not difficult to get it wet.

[Kat]

And then spread it out.

[Amy]

It's way easier than it like sliding around. You're trying to get it to stay in place when you're putting stuff on.

[Kat]

It, but you have to dry it off. Then you put your food on the bottom.

[Amy]

No, water doesn't. It doesn't hold water. It's weird.

[Kat]

Oh, because it's parchment paper.

[Amy]

That's why it's a hack.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

It really. I was. I promise it doesn't make it more difficult. So, like, I don't see hacks as, like, getting rid of anything. It's just making it more efficient. Okay. I feel like that's what we're doing. That's neither here nor there. We don't need to. Semantics, you know, call it a hack, call it a tip, call it a skill, call it a skill, whatever. If you don't have adhd, I feel like, don't you agree people will get something out of these more efficient little tips?

[Kat]

Okay. I have to defend myself because I.

[Amy]

Feel like maybe I'm not attacking you.

[Kat]

But I feel like. Feel like somebody might be like, she's being too hard on the word hacks. I guess it comes from the space if I'm talking to a client about trying to cope or, you know, overcome something. I never am. Like, here's a hack that you can. I just don't use that language. That language doesn't come to me. So when you're talking about something in the kitchen, I guess hack, it makes more sense. It goes. But when we're talking about things with mental health, which ADHD has to do with your mental health, in my head, the word hack is a little bit. I guess it feels like kind of invalidating.

[Amy]

Let's call it tips. I don't want anybody to ever feel invalidated with their disorder or whatever they have going on.

[Kat]

And I could be being too hard on this because that's just where my.

[Amy]

Brain'S going because you're in the therapy space. So I totally respect that. I do think that these tips, though, could work for everybody. Even if you don't have adhd, there might be times where you feel a little scattered or you might have a day where you're very unmotivated. So you could implement one of these tips.

[Kat]

And I think it only makes sense to add to. With you saying that because you might benefit from one of these tips or coping skills, doesn't also mean that you then have adhd, you know?

[Amy]

Oh, yeah. ADHD is totally my algorithm. It's ADHD and face fitness all the time. That is what I am fed. And the amount of people that pop up and start to just give all the things that they do, which I can relate to most of them. And I'm thankful for the content and the people that are putting it out. Like, I go to their page, and they legit know what they're talking about. But I could see if that was just showing up for anybody. And they have, like, one or two of the 10 listed. They might be like, oh, my gosh, I have this. I have adhd. But I think you can have days again where you are, you know, struggling, acting in a way that might seem like you have ADHD when it's not an everyday thing. Like, some people are really struggling with it every single day. And, you know, I got off my meds. What? First of the year. So January, also, I'm still sober. January, February. I haven't had any alcohol, so no Adderall. No alcohol. Which people with adhd, that's another thing. Should they have alcohol?

[Kat]

Oh, really?

[Amy]

That's an algorithm.

[Kat]

Do you ever wonder what other people's algorithms are?

[Amy]

Yeah, like, what's yours? Nails.

[Kat]

Yes.

[Amy]

You're like Olive and June, everything.

[Kat]

Yes. It's all nails right now. And it's all super. Right now. It's super bowl halftime show. I was dissecting that.

[Amy]

Well, yeah, that'll die down. The Serena Williams and Drake and.

[Kat]

It's Nails and Justin Baldoni. Blake Lively still. Yeah.

[Amy]

Yeah. I'm curious to see what's gonna happen when they have to go to, like, is Taylor Swift gonna get subpoenaed?

[Kat]

Patrick was sending me videos that he's even into the drama. Yes.

[Amy]

Is sending you that. Sending it from where?

[Kat]

Work.

[Amy]

I don't sending it from work because Kat told me the other day she's never called her husband at work before, ever. Not to just be like, hey, how's it going? What's switching you in? And he does. To be clear, he is not a first responder. He is not in the military.

[Kat]

He's an accountant.

[Amy]

He definitely has a job where you could call and casually be like, hey, just checking in to see how your day's going. And she was like, never.

[Kat]

Okay. I would call him if it was an emergency. 100%, I would call him. Or I also don't have kids, so there's never like, oh, I'm gonna. Can you do pickup? So I Have no reason to call about that. My thought is I don't like talking on the phone in general. I'm not a chit chatter. You are a chit chatter. You love to talk, talk, talk, and. Which is a beautiful trait of yours.

[Amy]

Thank you.

[Kat]

But I just either want you to text me or voice on me or, like, talk in person. So I think that's probably why I never have the urge to call him. Also, he's very busy, I will say so. I don't want to annoy him.

[Amy]

Oh, he's so busy that he sent you, like, lively.

[Kat]

He didn't turn that at work. I think he sent it when he was, like, in the bathroom, probably.

[Amy]

So, anyway, again, like I said, Kat and I both have adhd, so let me go back to my original point, which was that I'm unmedicated.

[Kat]

Can you tell?

[Amy]

And I'm loving life and it's great. But one thing that keeps popping up for me, and I have been taking it because I was seeing it enough, is lion's mane. Have you heard of it?

[Kat]

I've heard of it. I don't know. Correlation with. I don't. I know it's a mushroom.

[Amy]

Oh, you know that. You didn't think it was. They go to a lion and trim the mane and blend it up into powder.

[Kat]

Even before I knew what it was. I don't think I ever had that thought. But it would make sense.

[Amy]

Just in case you think it's actual lion's mane. It's not. It is a functional mushroom and it's not from a cat.

[Kat]

Do you know what it looks like?

[Amy]

It looks kind of like white, furry, like a mane.

[Kat]

Oh, really?

[Amy]

It does have that hairy, that look. Ooh. Which, since we talked about cats, maybe before we get into lion's mane, we might need to read that email that we got the other day about last week's podcast.

[Kat]

Yeah, you should read that.

[Amy]

I have it ready. I wasn't sure how we were gonna get into it because I do want to be respectful of the person and where they are in life. But I do think that what they went through and how the person that passed away was handling may help with the grieving process. Like, beforehand, how they were able to be like, don't grieve me in this way. Like, almost giving instructions for grieving, which maybe you could think about how you would want me to grieve you one day or why do I grieve me?

[Kat]

I don't want to grieve you either.

[Amy]

Well, yeah, but what if I'm like, look, don't I need you to go have fun. Take some Lion's man.

[Kat]

That would help. Yeah. It also reminds me of a million little things.

[Amy]

Oh, I know.

[Kat]

Gary, you finish watching it?

[Amy]

Yeah, I don't think I finished. That's a good question. Like, right now, I literally can't tell you. I know that I wouldn't watch that show because of you, but right now I have no memory of how that show ended.

[Kat]

It was one of the cra. Not crazy, but I mean, it was a very well done TV ending. I'll say that. I don't want to say. Good. Because there's some sadness in it.

[Amy]

Okay. I might have to Google what happened and then maybe my brain will recall.

[Kat]

Watch it.

[Amy]

Well, but if I already watched it.

[Kat]

Well, then you won't. You'll be like, oh, this is good. I'm glad I'm watching it again. Or you know what?

[Amy]

Something that I have to watch for work is. Chiefsaholic.

[Kat]

What?

[Amy]

It's some Chiefs fan that was robbing banks.

[Kat]

What?

[Amy]

In every city. He would go to every Chiefs game, and when he was in the town that he was in for the game, he would rob banks.

[Kat]

Did he get caught?

[Amy]

Obviously there's a documentary. I think so.

[Kat]

I didn't know if it was like an unsolved mystery. That's a thing.

[Amy]

I haven't watched it yet, so I don't really know. Okay. I got this email. Here it is from Samantha. She lives in Albuquerque. Hey, Amy. I went into this week losing a friend to cancer. Also, let me preface this real quick before we read it. Do you remember what I said after last week's episode? Because we got multiple messages about last week's episode being enjoyable. Funny, strange, but people.

[Kat]

Oh, you got messages saying it was fun. Yeah, that was good.

[Amy]

Like saying, thanks, I needed the laugh. Yeah, whatever. That type of vibe, that energy. Do you remember what I said to Houston whenever we finished?

[Kat]

Yes. You said, I don't know, Houston. That might have been weird. You might just want to put on a best of.

[Amy]

And so let this just be a little thing that even if you're not feeling confident about something, just put it out there anyway.

[Kat]

Because what is confidence? What's the definition of confidence?

[Amy]

Trying, as said by Mel Robbins. So I and thankful Houston did that. He heard and he was like, you know what? I'm not going to do a best of. We're going to air this. They did it. And even if one person needed to hear it, that'd be great. But it seems multiple people need to laugh. Because I know you got notes about it too. And it's not that we get a note about every episode we ever do.

[Kat]

Yeah.

[Amy]

Like sometimes I'm like, hello?

[Kat]

Did anybody listen? That was a really good episode. Why is nobody complimenting me?

[Amy]

Well, not complimenting, but just even asking about it.

[Kat]

Hello? I also think that speaks to when you are yourself. This is for everybody. But specifically, you can relate this from that experience. When you're yourself and you're authentic and you just allow things to flow and happen, you'll be surprised on how well received that is. Like, people genuinely like when people are genuine. And I think in that episode, you were being interesting, but also very genuine.

[Amy]

Well, thank you. Yeah, same to you.

[Kat]

Thanks.

[Amy]

You're acting like I was the only weird one.

[Kat]

Think I said anything weird? Except my person I dated didn't wear deodorant. I wasn't acting like a cat.

[Amy]

To be clear, I never acted like a cat.

[Kat]

Okay, I'm sorry. You pretended like your parents were cats.

[Amy]

I told my. Told my boyfriend to tell his co worker, his colleague. I don't feel like it's a co worker, but colleague that I was raised by cats. Anyway, to be fair, I think. Okay, it's neither here nor there. Let's read the email. Hey, Amy. I went into this week losing a friend to cancer. He fought so hard for as long as he possibly could due to his condition. He never wanted his friends or co workers to see him so vulnerable. I assume it is because police officers never want people to see them as weak. All he ever asked for was prayers, and he tried to go into each appointment with joy and hope in superhero references that I never understood. When I got the news of his passing, I was, and still am, heartbroken. But I remember him, prior to his diagnosis, always telling me, if something happens, no, I am okay. Please don't cry or mourn me. Remember all the fun I had in life. He would say things like, if you cry, I will haunt you. He had an infectious laugh and smile and brought so much joy to my life. That said, I have followed my normal routine and really tried hard to mourn in a way that he would have wanted. Your fifth thing this week has made that so much easier. I felt so lucky to hear you and Kat talk about Maggie's model sister and to see you being more playful. I laughed out loud for the whole episode. I felt so much comfort in smiling that big. If you're ever in doubt that the random things you and Kat say or do on the fifth thing are getting listened to, they are. And they make people laugh. Raised by cats. Lol. Your friend Samantha from Albuquerque.

[Kat]

I just love that.

[Amy]

Yeah, it's such a good email. And, Samantha, we're thinking of you. And I know that it's hard to lose somebody like that. And I do think it is special that he was able to give you instructions on how to mourn. And it doesn't make it any easier, but the fact that you almost had this permission slip to live life and laugh and remember the good times, I think helps.

[Kat]

Yeah. And that he did it with humor, too. I think that's sweet. That if you mourn me, I will haunt you.

[Amy]

Maybe that's what I'm gonna do.

[Kat]

Okay, not to change the subject, but we do have to go back to the lion's mane.

[Amy]

Oh, we were talking about that.

[Kat]

Yep.

[Amy]

Okay, well, I think you were asking what it looked like, and it's like a fluffy. Looks like a mane. No, but like a picture. Like a white pom pom.

[Kat]

Like a dandelion.

[Amy]

Sure. Kind of looks like if you were to grab, like, a lion's mane and hold it in your hand, like cup it, and the hairs were poking out, it kind of looked like furry. Google it. Okay, just Google lion's mane. But I would say like a fluffy white pom pom. Okay, but like a lion's mane.

[Kat]

But doesn't look like a mushroom.

[Amy]

No, I wouldn't see it and think mushroom. Like, I would think weird thing. Maybe even from the sea, it looks like cauliflower.

[Kat]

Also does look like a lion's mane.

[Amy]

Thank you. It's been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, so it's not anything new. But it is having a moment, that's for sure. You know, like, cottage cheese is all the rage with protein people.

[Kat]

Is it?

[Amy]

Yeah. I feel like 2024.

[Kat]

That's not in my algorithm because I hate cottage cheese.

[Amy]

Okay, that makes sense. Why you didn't know it was, like, the food of the year last year.

[Kat]

It was. Well, wait, is that a thing? Or you just mean, like. Okay, sorry. I thought there was some, like, a word.

[Amy]

I mean, if you were to maybe ask, like, what was the most, like, trendy food talked about item for a recipe? I don't know that we would call cottage cheese trendy food. But, like, people were using it to make pancakes, and Patrick told me that.

[Kat]

He puts cottage cheese in his pancakes.

[Amy]

What's a way to increase the protein?

[Kat]

Oh, or make it fluffy. I thought we were on the same page there.

[Amy]

Well, it can do both.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

Two things can be true okay. At the same time. Time that's true. Well, lion's mane is making its way into my algorithm because a lot of people take it for brain function and it's in the ADHD content that I'm constantly being given. But brain function, memory, focus. That's why it's likely good for people like us because we struggle with our executive function and you probably know more about that than I do.

[Kat]

Well, it sounds like you're the one that is getting all the content around it, so you might know just as much as me.

[Amy]

No, but you, like, have a degree, not an adhd.

[Kat]

But I. Thank you.

[Amy]

Yeah, well, I like to give credit's due. Like, what are the little letters you have after your name?

[Kat]

Lpcmhsp. And that stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. Mental Health Service Provider, AKA Therapist.

[Amy]

With a degree.

[Kat]

Yeah, with a degree. I do have to have a degree. You have a degree, just not in therapy.

[Amy]

No. Agricultural development, which always.

[Kat]

It was so surprising every time you say it with agriculture. Look, that's why you know about lion's mane.

[Amy]

Yes, Yes. I could grow functional mushrooms, potentially.

[Kat]

So has this. I guess it's been used probably to help with that stuff in general. And now people are saying, oh, this is something that people with ADHD struggle with. So why aren't we helping? We increasing their intake of that.

[Amy]

So they're calling it, quote, unquote, nature's Adderall.

[Kat]

Oh.

[Amy]

So obviously, you know, when I saw that, I was like, click, buy, order, take it.

[Kat]

You got me.

[Amy]

So I've been having it through Ryze Mushroom coffee. It's R, Y, Z, E. Tell me.

[Kat]

About the mushroom coffee, though. Does it taste like coffee or is it just like a type of drink?

[Amy]

There is a little bit of coffee in it, but not as much coffee as I was having before. And I will say, I don't get all jittery. I don't have a crash. I just like it. Coffee for me, though, is an experience. I like having it in my little mug with my milk. Like I make it with my almond milk. Put a little honey in there and that's my me time. So this could be doing nothing. It could be placebo. I could be thinking that it's doing amazing things for me. But I feel like Chinese medicine, I believe in.

[Kat]

They've been doing it for a long time, all that.

[Amy]

So I do think that there is something that's happening. They say it can reduce anxiety, mood swings. Shout out, I need some of that. It lowers inflammation, which. That's a really big deal for brain Function because when your brain is inflamed, that can cause more problems. So anyway, the rise mushroom coffee. That's what I've been having daily this whole year, actually. I just haven't talked about it yet.

[Kat]

You are making your little coffee drinks with your fancy coffee thing.

[Amy]

What fancy coffee thing?

[Kat]

You have the coffee machine. Do you not have that anymore?

[Amy]

I lost that in the divorce. Meaning when we divided up assets, you.

[Kat]

Gave that he took or you got that.

[Amy]

I guess that sounds weird. It was his too. It's just that you no longer have it. That's on his list. Mm. Yeah. And it's been a goal to get another one because I do like a shot of espresso. Like, quite honestly, I would even maybe make the rise coffee and throw in an extra shot on the hard days because I love my sister's coffee.

[Kat]

You always make that.

[Amy]

And I could just do an espresso shot and throw it in there because it's like good quality stuff.

[Kat]

So this is a little off topic, but if you were to make coffee that wasn't the mushroom coffee, what are you making it in right now?

[Amy]

Well, it's just powder and you just put a. Like I heat up the milk.

[Kat]

No, I mean, like, if you weren't having mushroom coffee. Do you have a coffee machine?

[Amy]

No, I was just buying iced coffee in a. That's like pre made.

[Kat]

Because you loved your coffee making experience.

[Amy]

I know.

[Kat]

Okay. I didn't mean to bring up a sad.

[Amy]

That's okay. Okay. It's okay.

[Kat]

Anyway, tell me about your ritual with the rice coffee. That sounds fun too.

[Amy]

Well, that it has the functional mushrooms in there, so I don't know if anybody else has tried Lion's mane and other things. I think it's also in my. I don't have a bar, so I can't look at the ingredients. But I love those Alpha 10 bars. And I know there's functional mushrooms in there, but I don't know if one of the mushrooms is actually lion's mane, but it depends on the milligrams that you're getting. Right. So you need to get a certain amount if you're wanting to have. Have the benefits of whatever it is you're trying to achieve. Because there's different mushrooms for different things. I might overdose online lines mane. Now that I think about it, because in my mushroom alcohol that I bought called Little Saints, now I think it might be in my Alpha 10 bar. It's in my rye's coffee. And then now I think it's in my Little Saints Mocktail stuff, which.

[Kat]

That was good. Yeah, I had that at your house. That was really good.

[Amy]

And I'm pretty sure it's lion's mane. Can you OD on it? No, not like to your death, but I mean can I wonder if you.

[Kat]

Can take too much that it like it cancels out the benefits.

[Amy]

Exactly. If so, I need to research that and dial it back because I want to do good things with my lion's mane. I mean too much of water is harmful.

[Kat]

Yeah, but you're going to have to drink a lot. You're never going to hit that.

[Amy]

Do you not know about we for a Wii, hold your wee for a Wii. It was a radio bit from early 2000s where they were giving away a Wii. Remember when we's were very popular or whatever?

[Kat]

This wasn't you, right dear? No, okay.

[Amy]

No, but people in radio, I can't remember the station, but they were giving away a Wii and you had to drink water and then hold your pee in and whoever could hold it the longest won the Wii. So hold your Wii for a Wii. And a woman died.

[Kat]

Oh my God.

[Amy]

Holding her.

[Kat]

We are just days that you're doing this.

[Amy]

I don't remember all the details. I don't even remember if I finished that show you told me to watch. So I don't remember the details of this. But I mean too much of anything can become.

[Kat]

Too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. Yes, yes.

[Amy]

Correct. Yeah.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

Any hoozy that's, that's what I'm doing over here with my lion's mane. If anybody else is more well versed, would love to hear from you. You can email us four things with amybrownmail.com or if you have a product that you have really enjoyed, something natural that has helped you with your adhd, let us know. And something that.

[Kat]

Oh my gosh.

[Amy]

Natural. What?

[Kat]

Well, this just hit me. You know, I went to the doctor today and I talked to her about so Patrick and I are going to try to have a baby soon. And she said this is not for everybody. So this is not medical advice. But I was talking to her and she said, well, you might want to try to not be taking your medication while you're trying to conceive and definitely while you are pregnant. Some people do and it's fine. I just am not going to do that. And we were talking about okay, well is there anything I can take that's not a simul stimulant that would be safe or whatever versus having to just like you Know, not have this at all for a prolonged. Who knows how long it's going to take for me to get pregnant lion's mane.

[Amy]

Shut up. She said that?

[Kat]

No, she didn't.

[Amy]

But I thought she said that and you were just. I forgot. Putting two and two together.

[Kat]

No, I'm just thinking, like, oh, my gosh, this is perfect timing that you're telling me about this. Because I want to look into it. Because that is something that did kind of scare me. If I'm gonna be trying to get pregnant for a long. If it takes a long time, that would. That's kind of scary to not be able to take something that's been so helpful for so long.

[Amy]

Well, you should ask her about it. Yeah, ask her what she thinks about lion's mane.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

I'm curious. Like, a actual doctor's advice, because.

[Kat]

Yeah, she's very natural, too.

[Amy]

Oh, good. Yeah, she'll likely know about it, but this isn't medical advice in any way, shape, or form, but just other things that are out there that you might be able to take if you're trying not to take things. When you were talking about getting pregnant on medication, it made me think of when college. I did Accutane for about six weeks because I couldn't last. I wasn't able to finish all the way through because why? Because I couldn't even open my mouth to chew food. Yes. Like, the corners of my mouth were so cracked. And honestly, I don't even really think that I needed it. And I think it started to scare me what it was doing to my body. And my roommates were on it, too. We were all on it. So if you came over to our house, because each individual pill was behind, like, a little.

[Kat]

Little. I had. I had it. It was like the.

[Amy]

Perforated. Is that the word?

[Kat]

It was like the foil with the.

[Amy]

Then you pop the pill out. But the little card that you would have to pop out, every single pill was covered with a little pregnant person with a circle and a line through it to remind you, do not. Do not get pregnant on this drug. Which. That wasn't a problem for any of us anyway at that time in our life.

[Kat]

But you had to have.

[Amy]

If you came over to our apartment, you'd be like, what the heck are y'all on? There's those little.

[Kat]

Those little perforated little pieces of paper.

[Amy]

With, like, the pregnant lady in the circle line through it all over our house.

[Kat]

Yeah, I took that twice. It was hard because I also had chapped lips and stuff like that. But it wasn't that.

[Amy]

I mean, I was 18. I just don't think I was responsible enough to, like, do the things to take care of.

[Kat]

A lot of water.

[Amy]

Yeah. Probably wasn't drinking water. Probably moisturizing. Oh, yeah, I definitely didn't drink. They said don't drink because your liver. But that's why I'm doing dry February is because I've already gone four weeks. And did I tell you how they say going six weeks, Giving your liver a break for six weeks is life changing for it. Like, your liver's like, thank you. Your liver's like, wow, I feel amazing. You have a whole new liver. I've completely turned over.

[Kat]

What is that word? Turned over? This can be the word of the week when it turns a new leaf. Like, I've completely.

[Amy]

Cell turnover. Rejuvenated.

[Kat]

Rejuvenated.

[Amy]

I think that's rejuvenation.

[Kat]

Maybe that's. I don't know.

[Amy]

Rejuvenation.

[Kat]

Reformation.

[Amy]

Reformation.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

Okay. So something else that is totally natural and drug free are our tips.

[Kat]

Our brains are natural and drug free.

[Amy]

So, Kat, we'll go back and forth. We've got five to share. Kat, you go first.

[Kat]

Okay, so the first one is the five. Four, three, two, one, Focus, reset.

[Amy]

And these tips are for focus and productivity, right?

[Kat]

Yes. So first one. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, focus, reset. This is best for when you're overwhelmed, when you're having task paralysis, brain fog. Basically, when your brain is stuck, you can use your own senses to ground yourself. So you do five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and then one deep breath. I love that. Just skill in general.

[Amy]

I love this too. I feel like I read an article a while back in the New York Times about this for anxiety, and my sister and I were talking about it. I think that's why I remember specifically it was New York Times. We were like, sharing the article and she was having a lot of anxiety at the time and it was a way for her to completely reset.

[Kat]

And this is good too. I use this with clients a lot. It's good for grounding in general when you're feeling dissociative or. Yeah, just overwhelmed for anybody because it forces you to focus on the present versus all of the external stimuli. I love it.

[Amy]

So boom. Comes in handy even if you don't have adhd. Second hack is the body doubling trick. This is best for getting through tasks that you avoid, which is kind of what Kat and I were talking about earlier are mirroring Some people call it mirroring, some people call it body doubling, but it's you working alongside someone else. Even if they're doing something unrelated, like they just have to be there. And this can be a real person. But guess what? Even if you have someone virtually there with you, it can work as well. So even if you've got someone on FaceTime or Zoom, get this, I was reading about it. It could even work if you were watching a YouTube video or something like someone else that you're watching because it feels like there's someone there with you. Like, just take your computer, if you've got a bunch of clothes to hang up, take your computer in your closet and watch someone on YouTube. Which coming soon, you're gonna be able to watch me and count on YouTube. So you can take us everywhere you go. We'll be your body double.

[Kat]

Okay, wait, I. I thought you meant something different. That's why I made that face. That makes sense to me. I thought you were saying, like, watch a YouTube video of somebody doing work.

[Amy]

No, I mean, and really it's not supposed to be like of us doing our podcast. It should be a YouTube video of someone there. If you go like, you can look up study with me videos and it will be someone on YouTube studying.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

And they'll study with you. Have you seen those funny jokes of like, I'm gonna read this book for as long as this candle is burning, or I'm gonna study for as long as this candle burns and you light the candle and then they find a way to casually get it blown out. Then they shut their book and it blows out and they're like, okay, I guess that's hilarious. Actually, I'm done studying. Why body doubling works is our brains struggle with self motivation. But we thrive when there's accountability, external accountability. We thrive. We thrive with the deadline.

[Kat]

We thrive with somebody watching you to be somewhere. I will be there. If not, I don't know if I'll show up.

[Amy]

Yeah.

[Kat]

Yeah. Okay, so third hack is the ten minute third tip.

[Amy]

I prefer to call them tips. I really do.

[Kat]

Third coping skill is the 10 minute rule for procrastination. And this is best for starting tasks that you dread or just in general starting tasks that feels big or hard or overwhelming. And basically what you do is you just put a timer and say, I have 10 minutes to do this. You could make it 15 minutes, you can make it 20 minutes. But 10 minutes is an easy number that I think people can think in their mind. Oh, that'll be over really soon. So Set a timer. You can either put a playlist on, that's 10 minutes. You can actually just set a timer. You can do anything like that. And most of the time when you do this, you'll end up going longer. I do this when I clean. I'll say I'm just gonna clean the counters and the mirror in the bathroom. That'll take me like what, 15 minutes and then I end up like scrubbing the floors.

[Amy]

Yeah, like a lot of times that's what I found. When I do my timer things, I'll go longer.

[Kat]

It's because it is hard. And I assume that you feel the same way. When I'm looking at the wholeness of a task, it often feels like too big to even start. Like I'll never finish it, so I don't even want to start it. But if I just start it, then it starts to break down.

[Amy]

What are your thoughts on trusting yourself? Because sometimes if we say I'm only going to do this 10 minutes and then you keep going, it's like the next time you do that, you're like, oh, but last time I said I was only going to do it 10 minutes, I kept going and it was like 30. So I don't trust myself and that becomes the whole thing. But maybe if it's just you give yourself permission to go with the flow and if you want to stop, you stop. And if you want to keep going, you keep going.

[Kat]

Yeah, I don't think that that comes into play because when I keep going, when I told myself I'm only going to do it for 10 minutes, it's not like, oh, I have to keep doing this. It's not like a feeling of dread. It's like, oh, I actually am enjoying getting this test and it's not so bad. So I guess in my head, if I'm thinking, well, I did that last time, it doesn't feel negative.

[Amy]

Yeah, I think I'm just thinking about that because I've had to work to like, trust.

[Kat]

Trust yourself. Yeah. And like, well, you have permission to change your mind. Right, Right. So just because you did it once doesn't mean you're going to do it every time. And I think trusting yourself is also trusting that if I change my mind, I'm allowing myself to do it.

[Amy]

It's just being breezy.

[Kat]

Breezy and easy and fun.

[Amy]

I'm breezy.

[Kat]

Yeah. That's you. Breezy.

[Amy]

That's me. So our brains, they tend to freeze up sometimes and things feel really big. But I like the 10 minute thing because it makes it more bite size. All right, fourth skill. The first step only rule. Now, this is best for executive dysfunction when you don't really know where to start. So, like, when a task feels overwhelming, identify just the first step, not the whole thing, just step one. So, like an example might be, instead of clean the kitchen, you might say, okay, I'm just gonna put one dish in the sink. Step one, dish in the sink. Step two, rinse the dish. Step three, put the dish in the dishwasher. And then you'll pick up momentum and your brain will start to do things naturally. But sometimes there's just that getting started, we get frozen. For some reason, I feel like when.

[Kat]

That happens because it's similar to the 10 minute when we start to do the task, when you start to get into it, your body remembers, oh, this feels good to get this done. So it wants to keep doing that. And I think we struggle with. Because dopamine, it's not the feel good neurotransmitter, it's what that it's associated with that. But really it is. It helps with motivation because it helps you remember that it feels good. But we lack that sometimes, so we forget that that thing feels good. So we don't create these habits, but once we get in it, then we get that hit of dopamine of like, oh, this does feel good.

[Amy]

That makes me think about making my bed first thing in the morning. That. That's become a habit. Yeah, that feels really good. And it's like, step one, I know this is something that feels good, and it's a great way to start my day.

[Kat]

Yes. Okay, so I have the fifth and final tip skill hack ready.

[Amy]

Every time we've changed it to something else. So for the final one, it's a.

[Kat]

Tip skill hack, we're combining them all. This is the task pairing, and basically it's habit stacking, if you're familiar with that. So this is best for remembering things and staying consistent. I think this is so helpful for me personally, because I am one of the most forgetful people that you will ever meet. And what you do is you just pair something that you need to do with something that you already do daily. So the example of this would be taking your medication while you are making your coffee. If you make your coffee every day, and that's just a habit you've already started, then you pair that with something that you need to do, like take your medicine, do your skin care while listening to a podcast, stretch while brushing your teeth, which sounds different.

[Amy]

Done it. I've done it.

[Kat]

What kind of stretches do you do?

[Amy]

You name it. I've been doing a lot of posture exercises lately and I do them kind of while I'm brushing my teeth. I go over half moon to the right and then I'm brushing with my other hand and then I switch hands. Sometimes I'll brush with my non dominant hand to exercise that part of my brain.

[Kat]

Interesting.

[Amy]

It's more challenging. Although I'm a wee bit ambidextrous. So it's not that I was gonna.

[Kat]

Say you are a cheater.

[Amy]

It just doesn't feel natural because I do most things with my right hand. So if I switch it up and try to brush with my left hand.

[Kat]

It just feels different.

[Amy]

Yeah. And it is good. It like fires and wires, different things in the brain. But I've done squats while I heat food up, brush my teeth, stuff like that. Which makes me think of Erin Andrews back in the day. Remember when that peeping Tom pervert guy, she's probably top of mind because the super bowl just happened too. But do you remember when someone put cameras in her hotel room and was spying on her and she was getting ready and she didn't have clothes on, she was doing her hair and about to get dressed and like while she was doing her hair, I mean, she has a very busy day and that's what sometimes people have to do if they want to get some squats in.

[Kat]

Was that what she was doing?

[Amy]

Yeah.

[Kat]

Oh, horrible. Yeah, Very terrible. And what's sad is that I think that happens more than we know.

[Amy]

I know if like, I mean, and she was a well known person and still is, so that's just terrifying in itself. Like if someone just has a video of me from somewhere, a dressing room, a public bathroom, something, whatever. If they're keeping it to themselves, I hate that they have it. But like, just please don't put it out. You know, like, I don't want you to have it. Like, ew, you're disgusting.

[Kat]

And you don't want to know the hell either.

[Amy]

Don't ever realize. Oh, that's Amy from the Bobby Bones show. I'm going to send it into the Bobby Bones mailbag.

[Kat]

Oh, God.

[Amy]

Or something.

[Kat]

No, then they would get arrested. They're not going to do that.

[Amy]

Yeah, true.

[Kat]

I think you're safe.

[Amy]

True. Well, so there you go. Boom. Five tips, tricks, skills, hacks, and just a message to anybody that does have an ADHD brain. And something that I continue to tell myself during this season, like, I'm not broken at all. I'M just wired differently.

[Kat]

Different. Not better, not worse.

[Amy]

Yeah. And I'm trying to lean in to the different ways that work for me. Embrace them, invite them in, make a little home for them. Tuck them in a seat at the table. Yeah. Feed them, brush their teeth, give them water, Stretch them. Give them cute little socks like Kat has on from Amazon. Cat does. She has on the cutest socks. And she's like, oh, yeah, they're from Amazon. And I was like, link them.

[Kat]

Did I not get these socks from you? Not, like, take these from you.

[Amy]

But I thought, oh, maybe.

[Kat]

No, you had these kinds of socks from somewhere else. And I said, I can find those on Amazon. And I did.

[Amy]

I got all Met Aritzia.

[Kat]

Yep.

[Amy]

So I paid way too much.

[Kat]

Yep. I.

[Amy]

And you're right, they do look like. They look exactly like them. But don't tell me how much you paid.

[Kat]

I won't, but I'll link them and then you can buy them.

[Amy]

Okay, well, send me the link. I'll put them in the show notes.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

Along with the Rise coffee, because you can also get that on Amazon. But I don't. I do know. Well, Amazon has a subscription, but Rise has a subscription, too. And I think you save more if you sign up for that. But I don't know. I haven't subscribed yet. I'm not totally committed. But you know what? I'll do a lot of. To a lot of things that I'm trying lately. I subscribe so that I get the discount.

[Kat]

And then you cancel it.

[Amy]

And then I cancel. Duh. But some stuff, if I end up liking it, then I had to stop.

[Kat]

Doing that because I always see, this is the ADHD thing. I have to realize that this is not something that I'm capable of doing in this season of my life. Every time there's a free trial, I'm like, oh, I'll just remember to cancel it. Not one time have I ever canceled on time. I always end up paying for the subscription. So I'm gonna not encourage myself to do that.

[Amy]

I can help.

[Kat]

Okay.

[Amy]

I think my list is too long of things that I'm.

[Kat]

How do you see what you're subscribed to?

[Amy]

Oh, you can go on your phone or I go on Shop My.

[Kat]

That's just like.

[Amy]

Or not Shop My, but it's the purple app.

[Kat]

Shop, Shop, shop. What is that? Shop.

[Amy]

Hey, Shop Pay.

[Kat]

Is that what it is?

[Amy]

I don't know. But surely people know what we're talking about. Like, when you check out, it's purple. You can Use Apple Pay. Or you can use Shop Pay Shop. I don't think it's shopping.

[Kat]

I swear it is. I don't have my phone right now, so I would.

[Amy]

Look, Shop Pay, whatever. You know, it's the purple link. I love when they have that because I have everything entered. And with that one Shop Pay, you can enter codes. So if there's a discount code, you can do that. If you do Apple Pay, you can't.

[Kat]

It takes a discount code away.

[Amy]

Exactly.

[Kat]

I was having that. That struggle yesterday. I was trying to buy some olive and Drew nail polish, and it kept taking my discount away. And I got so frustrated. Finally, I was like, I just. I'm not gonna get it. And so then Patrick just took the phone and he ordered it, not through.

[Amy]

Apple Pay, but what kind of cahoots are we in with Apple Pay, right?

[Kat]

Yeah.

[Amy]

Like who. Who are they in business with? The non code people.

[Kat]

But I don't understand why you can't put the code in and then pay Apple Pay. But it kept taking it away.

[Amy]

Well, it should be like, when you click on the purple one, the shop.

[Kat]

You can add the code.

[Amy]

You go, and it takes you and it's like, hey, do you want to add a code? Boom. It's easy. It does it. It's all simple inside. Wherever it takes you. If you go to Apple Pay, it just takes you. Takes you to the Apple Pay, and then there's no option to add a code.

[Kat]

Yeah.

[Amy]

Who do we need to call?

[Kat]

Apple Pay guy.

[Amy]

Who is Tim Cook?

[Kat]

Tim Cook? Tim Cook, are you there?

[Amy]

I think it's Tim Cook. Like, he.

[Kat]

I don't know who that is.

[Amy]

He's like the CEO after Steve Jobs died, you know, there was another founder with Steve Jobs. Oh, Steve Wozniak. Wozniak or Wozniak. One of those. And then there was another guy too, but I think he sold his shares to the Steves maybe because he's like, ah, I'm gonna get out. And it was before it took off. Oh, you know, that guy is sad. Yeah. But you know what? I think if I ended up making as much, I'd probably be like, you know what, dude?

[Kat]

Here's some money.

[Amy]

Here's a little. And maybe they did that. I don't know.

[Kat]

Sometimes people can be a little selfish.

[Amy]

Yeah. But.

[Kat]

Well, we'll call Tim Kick and we'll ask him. Okay.

[Amy]

Kat, where can people find you on Instagram? Cat Van Buren, and I am Radio Amy. And Kat and I are, well, at least one day closer to making our announcement. We're working on it. Tbd. Can't wait. Wish we could say something, but I don't know.

[Kat]

It'll just leaving these little Easter eggs spoil it, so.

[Amy]

We're not going to spoil it, but we do want to say that we're very, very, very, very excited about it. And I think that our friend Samantha in Albuquerque, she's going to be excited. At least there's one person.

[Kat]

Hey, that's all that matters. One person.

[Amy]

We're good. We got it. All right, hit us up four things with amyroundmail.com but a hint will be that that will not be our email anymore for much longer. Mic drop. Bye. Or something like that. Bye. Say bye.

[Kat]

Bye. Say bye.

[Amy]

Bye. Oh. Oh.

[Kat]

Have the day you need to have.

[Amy]

Looking at me. Okay. Have the day you need to have.

[Kat]

Bye.