ADHD Eavesdrop

ADHD Eavesdrop

by Janine VanStee
Self-ImprovementMental Health
Late-Diagnosed ADHD, Raising Three ADHD Boys & Growing Up in a Cult
What happens when you discover your own ADHD only after raising three children with it? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee sits down with author and book coach Sally Lotz to discuss her late ADHD diagnosis, raising three sons with ADHD, and how understanding neurodivergence transformed the way she viewed her life. Sally also shares her experience growing up as a Jehovah's Witness, the lasting effects of rejection, and how writing became both a creative outlet and a path toward healing. Together they explore masking, menopause and ADHD, creativity, parenting strategies, rejection sensitivity, and finding strengths in a differently wired brain.
E75
Jun 29, 2026
26:49
ADHD, Creativity & Comedy with Paco Romain | Neurodivergence, RSD & Creative Thinking
Explicit
Why do so many creative people seem to be neurodivergent? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee sits down with comedian, writer, actor, and creative Paco Romain for a deeply honest conversation about ADHD, creativity, emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), therapy, masking, pattern recognition, and the emotional intensity that often comes with neurodivergence. Paco shares stories from his life in comedy, acting, music, and performance while reflecting on the traits that made him begin questioning whether he may be neurodivergent. Together, Janine and Paco explore the connection between ADHD and creativity, the emotional impact of rejection sensitivity, the role of trauma, and why so many artists and creatives feel “different.” This episode is funny, vulnerable, insightful, and incredibly relatable for creatives, deep thinkers, ADHD adults, and anyone navigating emotional intensity or late diagnosis. Here’s a cleaner, more podcast-description-friendly version you can drop into YouTube or RSS details: Paco Romane — comedian, writer, actor, podcaster, and “The Voice of Pandora” — joins me for this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop! Paco has been featured on Comedy Central, Drunk History, SF Sketchfest, Outside Lands, The Todd Glass Show, NPR, NBC, Funny or Die, Cracked, KQED, The New York Times, Huffington Post, YouTube, and more. He is also the host of: Sup Doc — The Premier Podcast About Documentaries Paco was voted Best Comedian in San Francisco twice (2005 and 2012) and has been described as: “a natural entertainer” — Santa Cruz Review “an original” — Digital Journal and someone whose performances keep “audiences riveted and coming back for more” — NBC Learn more about Paco here: Website: www.pacoromane.com Twitter/X: @pacoromane Topics include: ADHD and creativity Neurodivergence in comedians and artists Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Emotional dysregulation Therapy and self-awareness Hyperfocus and pattern recognition Trauma vs ADHD Relationships and masking Creativity and purpose The emotional side of performing Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Meeting Paco Romain 04:41 Therapy, ADHD & Self-Discovery 0 8:37 Pattern Recognition & Creative Thinking 12:14 Puzzles, Music & Neurodivergent Brains 16:08 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) 19:29 Emotional Overload & Public Reactions 27:18 Trauma vs ADHD Explained 33:59 Creativity, Passion & Neurodivergence 40:49 Comedy, Success & Searching for Purpose 49:09 Final Thoughts & Creative Identity
E74
May 25, 2026
38:08
ADHD & Emotional Patterns: Creativity, Reactions, and Self-Awareness with Melanie Sue Hicks
In this episode, I talk with Melanie Sue Hicks about ADHD, emotional patterns, and self-awareness. We explore how patterns show up in reactions, creativity, and relationships—and what shifts when you start to recognize them We explore how ADHD shows up in everyday reactions, relationships, and the way we process the world around us. This conversation looks at patterns—how they form, how they repeat, and what starts to shift when we begin to recognize them. Melanie shares thoughtful insights on creativity, personal growth, and understanding your own responses over time. It’s one of those conversations that moves between humor, reflection, and those moments where you catch yourself thinking, “that’s me.” Connect with Melanie Sue Hicks Website: https://melaniesuehicks.com Instagram: @inpursuitmelsue LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesuehicks/ What We Talk About ADHD and emotional patterns Self-awareness and recognizing reactions Creativity and neurodivergence Relationships and communication Personal growth over time Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice.
E73
May 11, 2026
27:07
ADHD & Entrepreneurship: Why “Normal” Business Advice Doesn’t Work
ADHD and entrepreneurship can feel like they don’t mix—especially when traditional business advice just doesn’t work for your brain. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, I talk with Lark Frazier, a designer and marketing specialist who helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs build businesses that actually fit how they think, work, and create. We explore what it’s like to be late-diagnosed with ADHD, the challenges of finding your niche, and why self-doubt, rejection sensitivity, and executive dysfunction can make starting (and sustaining) a business feel overwhelming. Lark shares her journey from trying everything—coffee shops, woodworking, travel, and more—to realizing that 100% of her clients were neurodivergent, and building her business around that insight. If you’ve ever struggled with: ADHD and work or career direction Starting a business with ADHD Interview anxiety or self-doubt Feeling like “normal” advice doesn’t work for you This conversation will feel both validating and practical.
E72
Apr 27, 2026
41:10
Disabled or Different? Neurodiversity, Inclusion, and Representation
What does it mean to be disabled versus different? Janine VanStee talks with Lynn Greenberg about neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia, and why representation in children’s books matters for kids with learning differences. What does it mean to be disabled versus simply different? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee talks with advocate and children's book author Lynn Greenberg about neurodiversity, learning differences, and the importance of representation for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. Lynn co-created the Creative Cab Company children's book series with her son, creating stories that highlight strengths, creativity, and unique perspectives in kids whose brains work differently. Together they explore how labels can both help and harm, how representation shapes confidence, and why helping children see themselves reflected in stories can be incredibly powerful. This conversation looks at neurodiversity through a hopeful lens—focusing on acceptance, empowerment, and the idea that differences can also be strengths. In This Episode We Discuss • ADHD and dyslexia • Neurodiversity and learning differences • Disability vs. difference • Why representation in children's books matters • Helping kids build confidence and identity • The power of storytelling for neurodivergent children Connect with Janine ADHD Life Coaching https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net Email jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com Connect with Lynn Creative Cab Company Children's Book Series Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.
E71
Mar 16, 2026
27:47
ADHD, Gut Health, and Chronic Illness
Is ADHD really a neurological disorder — or could gut health, diet, and inflammation play a role? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee sits down with functional medicine practitioner Dr. Brad Montagne to explore a different perspective on ADHD, chronic illness, and the gut-brain connection. Dr. Brad shares insights from nearly four decades of working with people experiencing complex health conditions including Lyme disease, digestive issues, and inflammation-related symptoms. The conversation dives into topics like diet, sugar, gut microbiome health, and how lifestyle choices may influence focus, behavior, and overall well-being. Together they discuss: • The connection between gut health and brain function • Why inflammation may affect focus and behavior • Diet, sugar, and processed foods • The gut-brain relationship • Functional medicine approaches to chronic illness • Parenting and supporting children with ADHD • Supplements, fish oil, and nutrition myths • Epigenetics and lifestyle factors As always on ADHD Eavesdrop, this is an open conversation — not a script — where you get to be a butterfly on the wall listening in. If you’re curious about different perspectives on ADHD, health, and how our bodies work, this episode offers plenty to think about. Dr. Brad Montagne https://www.instagram.com/healthfullyu/ https://www.facebook.com/healthfullyu https://healthfullyu.com Free ADHD coaching consultation with Janine VanStee: https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation Website: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net 00:00 Welcome to ADHD Eavesdrop 03:00 ADHD, Diet, and “Toxic Food” 06:00 Why Defining the Problem Matters 09:00 Gut Health and the Brain Connection 12:00 Inflammation, Dopamine, and ADHD 15:00 Sugar, Caffeine, and Kids 18:00 Is ADHD Neurological or Gut-Related? 21:00 Epigenetics and Lifestyle Factors 25:00 Fish Oil, Supplements, and Nutrition 30:30 Advice for Parents of Kids with ADHD The views expressed in this episode are those of the guest and are for informational purposes only and not medical advice.
E70
Mar 2, 2026
29:01
Neurodiversity, Writing, and Healing
In this episode, Janine talks with Randi-lee Bowslaugh about autism, depression, parenting neurodivergent children, and the healing power of creativity and writing. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine sits down with author and podcaster Randi-lee Bowslaugh to talk about neurodiversity, mental health, and the power of creative expression. Randi-lee shares her experiences living with autism, depression, and PTSD, while also parenting a neurodivergent child and navigating life as a grandmother. Together, Janine and Randi-lee explore how writing, storytelling, and creativity can support emotional healing, identity development, and connection. This conversation touches on self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of finding supportive spaces where neurodivergent people can be fully themselves. As always, this episode is a real, unscripted conversation — just like listening to two people talk at the next table in a coffee shop. 00:00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 00:02:15 Randi-lee’s story: autism, depression, and PTSD 00:05:10 Parenting neurodivergent children 00:08:40 Becoming a grandmother and life perspective 00:11:30 Writing as emotional expression and healing 00:15:20 The connection between creativity and mental health 00:19:05 Living with multiple diagnoses 00:23:40 Identity, acceptance, and self-understanding 00:27:15 Supporting neurodivergent families 00:31:00 Closing reflections and encouragement Is ADHD Life Coaching right for you? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to better understand how your ADHD shows up in your daily life, coaching might help. I offer supportive, practical ADHD Life Coaching focused on real-life strategies, self-awareness, and sustainable change. You can schedule a free 45-minute consultation to see if coaching is a good fit: https://calendly.com/jvansteeadhdlifecoaching/45-min-consultation Learn more at: https://jvansteeadhdlifecoaching.net Email: jvansteeadhdlifecoaching@gmail.com This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, mental health, or professional advice. The views shared in this episode reflect personal experiences and conversations, not clinical recommendations. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional.
E69
Feb 23, 2026
27:58
Stress, Somatics and the Mind-Body Connection (with Jen Kreiner)
Short Spotify Description: How stress lives in the body — and how somatics can help you move from overwhelm to resilience. Janine talks with ADHD coach Jen Kreiner about nervous system awareness, burnout, and emotional healing. In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, Janine VanStee talks with ADHD coach Jen Kreiner about the mind-body connection and the role of somatics in emotional regulation, stress, and resilience. Jen shares how somatic practices help people notice where stress lives in the body, understand nervous system responses like fight, flight, and freeze, and build the ability to move from automatic reactions to intentional responses. They explore how ADHD, burnout, trauma patterns, and emotional avoidance can show up physically — and how learning to pause, notice, and connect with body sensations can support healing and long-term change. This conversation is especially helpful for adults with ADHD who experience overwhelm, rumination, or chronic stress and want practical ways to reconnect with themselves. Key Topics Somatics and the mind-body connection Nervous system regulation Fight, flight, freeze, and rest-and-digest ADHD and emotional avoidance Burnout and resilience Processing unexpressed emotions Curiosity and emotional awareness Guest Jen Kreiner — Stonesthrowcoaching.com Disclaimer ADHD Eavesdrop is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical or mental health treatment. ADHD coaching is not therapy, counseling, or medical care. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical or mental health concerns.
E68
Feb 9, 2026
29:18
The Patterns That Create Thrillers: ADHD, Autism & the Mind of J.D. Barker
What if the same pattern recognition that shapes bestselling thrillers is also tied to ADHD and autism? In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, I sit down with J.D. Barker, New York Times bestselling author, for an unscripted conversation about how his brain sees connections others miss — and how that ability influences creativity, storytelling, and suspense. We talk about: Pattern recognition in ADHD and autism How noticing small inconsistencies can lead to big stories The overlap between neurodivergence and creative work Why some minds naturally see where things are headed — before anyone else does This episode isn’t about writing tips or formulas. It’s about how certain brains work, how patterns become stories, and why neurodivergent thinking can be a powerful creative advantage. If you’re curious about ADHD, autism, creativity, or what really goes on inside the mind of a thriller writer, this conversation is for you.
E67
Jan 26, 2026
29:01
ADHD Isn’t Your Fault: Reducing Overwhelm, Shame, and Executive Dysfunction
In this episode of ADHD Eavesdrop, an ADHD podcast for adults, Janine sits down with Leah Caroll, an ADHD life and mindset coach, to talk about adult ADHD, overwhelm, and why ADHD isn’t your fault. Leah shares her lived experience with late-diagnosed ADHD, burnout, and years of feeling like life was harder than it should be. Together, Janine and Leah explore how executive dysfunction, shame, and all-or-nothing thinking keep many adults with ADHD stuck — even when they’re smart, capable, and trying their best. This honest conversation focuses on what actually helps people with ADHD feel more in control: reducing overwhelm instead of chasing perfect systems, building habits that work with an ADHD brain, and replacing self-criticism with curiosity and self-compassion. If you’ve ever wondered why routines don’t stick, why motivation feels inconsistent, or why you feel exhausted by daily life, this episode offers validation, practical insight, and a gentler way forward. Find Leah!: w: leahccoaching.com i: @adhd.coach.leah l: Leah Carroll f: ADHD: Now What?! 00:00 – ADHD Isn’t Your Fault Why ADHD is about wiring, not willpower — and how shame keeps people stuck 02:15 – Leah’s ADHD Story & Late Diagnosis Burnout, meds, and realizing life didn’t have to feel this hard 05:45 – Burnout, Identity, and Starting Over Quitting everything and what it taught Leah about adult ADHD 09:30 – Executive Dysfunction Explained Why “just try harder” doesn’t work for ADHD brains 13:00 – Pills Don’t Teach Skills Where medication helps — and where coaching matters most 16:30 – Reducing Overwhelm Without Perfection Why small, realistic changes beat total life overhauls 19:45 – Consistency vs. Persistence Why flexible routines work better than rigid plans 23:00 – Habits That Actually Stick Keys on hooks, tiny systems, and ADHD-friendly habit building 26:15 – Curiosity Over Self-Criticism Breaking shame cycles and rewriting the ADHD inner voice 29:45 – Advice to Our Younger ADHD Selves Self-compassion, safety, and progress over perfection
E66
Jan 19, 2026
31:41
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