In this long-awaited Academy of Imperfection, we chat to psychologist Janelle Booker, who specialises in ADHD and Highly Sensitive Person trait.

There is SO MUCH to learn (and love) about an ADHD brain.

We learn how ADHDers are often extremely creative, innovative, and talented, and in the right conditions, absolutely thrive.

However, ADHDers may struggle with executive functions such as time keeping, organisation and emotional regulation, which can make daily life really hard and exhausting.

People with ADHD can be more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as dopamine boosting activities such as risk-taking behaviour, addiction and disordered eating. This is why seeking the right diagnosis and treatment plan can be really impactful.

With school as a battleground, and friendships sometimes hard to maintain, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat through how neurotypical people can be better allies and support systems to ADHDers, as friends, partners, employers, and parents.

On a HSP note (not the snack pack, unfortunately), we bet a few of you might resonate with Janelle’s explanation, especially since 15-20% of the population have the Highly Sensitive Person trait.

Janelle, it was an absolute pleasure, and we can’t believe we didn’t do this sooner.

Janelle is based in Western Australia, and her practice Janelle Booker Psychology, will be accepting new clients in February 2025. Click here to find out more - https://bit.ly/3BZimwO

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NPDDf7

💻 ADHD Resources to check out:

• ADHD Foundation Australia Hotline - https://adhdfoundation.org.au/adhd
• Stardust Support - https://www.stardustsupport.com.au/
• Curtin University ADHD Support Group - https://bit.ly/40fIm14
• For support groups at other universities, contact your counselling or psychology service

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World - https://apple.co/48nT3Ax
• Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me - https://apple.co/3yHdawf
• Dr. Emily - Truth vs Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7

📖 Things to read:

• Elaine Aron’s work on HSP - https://bit.ly/4eYlO9H
• Research paper on ADHD genes - https://go.nature.com/3YGcgui

📺 Things to watch:

• ADHD Meme Account Recommended by Ryan - https://bit.ly/3YrxwCt

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef extraordinaire, creative genius and owner of Attica, Ben Shewry is welcomed back to the studio, this time into the Vulnerabilitea House.

In this episode, Ben answers the question, “When was a time you stayed silent, and regretted it?” and talks about his own culpability in racism, and how this event shaped the person that he is today.

Hugh and Josh share a moment they wish they could have back, and how they have been moving through the shame to do better next time.

In determining what success means to him, Ben talks so graciously about how showing sensitivity and love within relationships leads to deeper connections, and a more enriching life.

Ben, we’re IN LOVE with you.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/s2ZnJ1fw35w

📖 Things to read:

• Uses for Obsession by Ben Shewry - https://bit.ly/4f8Z6eA

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Ben Shewry (Pt 1) - The Other Side of Excellence - https://apple.co/4hhc2RB
• Ben Shewry (Pt 2) - How The Chef Was Made - https://apple.co/48hrQiQ
• Rana Hussain - Belonging for Connection - https://apple.co/3NwftWC
• Slip Slidin’ Away by Paul Simon - https://bit.ly/3NyRqGL

🍴Things to check out:

• Attica - https://www.attica.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s tiiimmmmeeee, to get vulnyyyyy (again).

And this time, we’re talking about year 12 exams. With the WHOLE TEAM!

Whether you’ve hid a possum in your cupboard the night before your English exam, or lost your voice on stage in your drama final, or maybe didn’t even take exams, we’ve been there, and we’re here to tell you, it will be okay.

So, get out your papers and pens (do kids still use these?), sit down and enjoy.

Love,

The Imperfects.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3YkRBuk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.