Podcast Summary: "Lies People with ADHD Tell Themselves (And Why They're So Relatable)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bobby Bones Show
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Episode: Lies People with ADHD Tell Themselves (And Why They're So Relatable)
• Release Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of The Bobby Bones Show, host Amy Brown delves into the common misconceptions and self-deceptions that individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often grapple with. Titled "Lies People with ADHD Tell Themselves (And Why They're So Relatable)," Amy not only sheds light on these prevalent myths but also offers relatable anecdotes and practical strategies to overcome them.

ADHD Awareness and Misconceptions

Amy begins by addressing the growing discourse around ADHD, emphasizing that while awareness has increased, misconceptions persist. She states, “There’s this perception that everyone has ADHD on socials, and while that’s not the case, not everyone has it” (02:20). This highlights the fine line between increased visibility and the risk of trivializing the condition.

Influence of Social Media and Misinformation

Amy expresses concern over the misuse of ADHD terminology for engagement on social platforms. She remarks, “Some people are definitely just using it for engagement” (02:30), underscoring the importance of authentic discussions over performative displays.

Overview of the 15 Lies People with ADHD Tell Themselves

Drawing inspiration from Alex Partridge’s podcast ADHD Chatter, Amy explores 15 common lies that resonate deeply with those living with ADHD. These lies not only hinder personal growth but also perpetuate feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Detailed Discussion on Selected Lies

1. "I'll take a screenshot and look at it later." (04:30)

   • Amy shares her struggle with procrastination, exemplified by her overloaded phone storage with unnecessary screenshots. She humorously recounts a 2015 recipe screenshot she possibly never utilized, illustrating the disconnect between intention and action.

2. "A new notebook will solve all of my problems." (09:15)

   • The allure of fresh planners is strong, but Amy admits to the fleeting satisfaction they bring. She advocates for sticking with existing journals to maintain consistency and avoid accumulating unused notebooks.

3. "I need to buy some top-tier professional gear because this hobby will stay in my life forever." (10:45)

   • While Amy relates to her co-host Kat's commitment to hobbies, she personally identifies less with this lie, recognizing her tendency to engage in short-lived interests without significant investment.

4. "I'll remember this person's name." (12:00)

   • Memory challenges are a common hurdle. Amy discusses techniques like repeating names thrice during conversations, though she admits to often faltering before completing the process.

5. "I'll just save this to my desktop and I'll organize it later." (15:25)

   • Desktop clutter mirrors the chaotic state of one's thoughts. Amy candidly shares her ongoing battle with digital disorganization, despite occasional clean-ups.

6. "I can organize two social gatherings in one day and be okay afterward." (22:30)

   • Social fatigue is a reality for many with ADHD. Amy emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself to avoid exhaustion after extended social interactions.

7. "I'll just save this to my desktop and I'll organize it later." (15:33)

   • Reiterating her earlier point, Amy discusses the procrastination trap of saving tasks for later, leading to accumulated clutter both physically and mentally.

8. "I'll be there in five minutes." (18:00)

   • Time blindness leads to chronic tardiness. Amy shares her strategy of building buffer time to accommodate delays, a crucial step in mitigating this common ADHD challenge.

9. "I definitely need all these tabs open, even though they are so small and I can't even read them anymore." (20:10)

   • Digital disorganization is another facet of ADHD. Amy likens open browser tabs to scattered thoughts, often forgotten and left unattended.

10. "I'm going to put laundry on and empty the machine when it is finished." (23:50)

    • Overcommitment can lead to unfinished tasks. Amy discusses her experience with laundry mishaps, emphasizing the need for realistic task management.

11. "I'm going to grab something in the other room and I'm not going to get distracted by a side quest." (24:30)

    • The lure of side tasks is strong. Amy illustrates how minor deviations can derail initial intentions, leading to significant distractions.

12. "This is the last time I buy another reusable shopping bag." (26:00)

    • Sustainable habits can be challenging to maintain. Amy humorously recounts her repeated purchase of shopping bags, highlighting the cyclical nature of certain behaviors.

Practical Tips and Strategies

Throughout the discussion, Amy interweaves practical advice to combat these self-deceptions:

• Buffer Time: Building extra time into schedules to account for delays.
• Single Notebook Policy: Limiting oneself to one journal at a time to enhance consistency.
• Subscription Management: Regularly reviewing and canceling unused subscriptions to save money.
• Digital Organization: Periodically cleaning up digital clutter to maintain mental clarity.
• Task Prioritization: Focusing on one task at a time to prevent overwhelm.

Listener Feedback and Testimonials

Amy shares a heartfelt email from a listener named Carol, who credits the podcast with transforming her relationship with food and overcoming orthorexia. Carol writes:

"I was a binge eater and definitely orthorexic... I can now enjoy food without guilt and focus on nourishing my body." (26:30)

This testimonial underscores the podcast’s impact, highlighting its role in fostering positive mental health and self-acceptance.

Conclusion

Amy Brown wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to take incremental steps toward overcoming these self-limiting beliefs. She advocates for "baby steps," such as canceling a single subscription or organizing one pile of clutter, to build momentum towards larger changes. Her empathetic approach and actionable advice provide a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of ADHD.

Notable Quotes:

• “A new notebook will not solve all of my problems.” – Amy Brown (09:15)
• “I'll be there in five minutes.” – Amy Brown (18:00)
• “Socializing takes energy, and for ADHD brains, two events in one day or one night can take so much out of us.” – Amy Brown (22:30)
• “Let them have their opinion and focus on managing your own actions and reactions.” – Amy Brown (12:45)

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a compassionate guide for individuals with ADHD, offering both solidarity and practical tools to navigate daily challenges. Amy Brown’s candid sharing of personal experiences, coupled with her strategic recommendations, makes for a compelling and enriching listen.