Envision this: Anaheim, the land of Mickey Mouse, transformed into a buzzing hive of ADHD discourse. Pete and Nikki, our intrepid podcasting duo, are on the ground, soaking up the wisdom at the 2024 International Conference on ADHD. But before they regale us with cutting-edge insights, they've unearthed a time capsule – a 2017 episode recorded post-Nikki's return from the Atlanta conference.

Now, you might think, "2017? Ancient history!" But hold on. This isn't just nostalgia. It's an archaeological dig into the evolving understanding of ADHD. Remember, intellectual progress isn't a smooth upward trajectory. It's a messy, fascinating jumble of breakthroughs and backtracks.

So, join Pete and Nikki as they rewind the clock. Nikki, fresh off her Atlanta adventure, unpacks her five key takeaways. But here's the thing: this isn't just about revisiting the past. It's about understanding how far we've come. How have our perspectives shifted? What assumptions have we shed? What new questions are we grappling with?

This episode is a double-layered exploration. It's a glimpse into the ADHD landscape of 2017 and a primer for the insights to come from the 2024 conference. It's a reminder that the conversation around ADHD is ongoing, ever-evolving, and always ripe with potential for unexpected discoveries. So, buckle up for a journey through time, a conversation about language, and a deep dive into the ever-fascinating world of ADHD.

Links & Notes

• WriteMonkey
• Markdown
• Ulysses
• NaNoWriMo
• International Conference on ADHD

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:46) - An Episode Out of Time... to 2017!

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

The holidays: a time of joy, connection, and… overwhelming and paralyzing stress? For many, especially those with ADHD, the rapid approach of holidays can trigger a last-minute scramble. On this episode of "Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast," Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright offer a proactive approach to holiday planning, transforming the season from a source of anxiety into a period of manageable excitement.

Forget the stress spirals! Nikki and Pete kick things off with a simple but powerful tool: your calendar. Dust it off, check those dates, and make sure everything's up to date. Then, unleash your inner brainstormer! Grab a pen and paper (or your favorite digital tool) and let those holiday to-dos flow. Mind maps, master lists – whatever helps you wrangle those thoughts onto something other than the inside of your head. Important note: This isn't your actual to-do list, just a brain dump. We'll get to the action items later.

Next up? Taming the to-do beast by sorting it into categories. Think "Gifts," "Decorations," "That epic holiday party I'm totally going to crush." Once you've got your categories, it's time to plug them into your trusty task management system. The goal? A clear view of what needs doing, so nothing gets lost in the pre-holiday shuffle.

Now for the nitty-gritty: prioritizing. Nikki and Pete guide you through assessing deadlines, impact, and (let's be real) how much time you actually have. They also dive into the brilliant concept of "Priority Dilution" from Rory Vaden's book, Procrastinate on Purpose. It's like that moment when you keep adding water to your favorite drink and it becomes… well, less awesome. Learn how to avoid the Urgency Illusion, the Reactivity Trap, and other productivity pitfalls, and discover the power of a well-placed "no."

Feeling overwhelmed? Nikki and Pete have you covered. They recommend creating a separate daily list, picking just one or two tasks from your master list. It's all about small wins and avoiding that "where do I even start?" paralysis.

Finally, they share strategies for getting ahead of the game. Delegation? Yes, please! Accountability partners? Game-changer. Body doubling sessions? Pure magic. Regular check-ins with your task list? Essential. And remember, all progress is good progress. Pace yourself, schedule reasonable time blocks, and get ready to enjoy a smoother, more joyful holiday season.

Links & Notes

• Support the Show on Patreon
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:40) - Support the show, Find the show, Discord the show
• (04:54) - Long-Term Planning with ADHD: Holiday Edition
• (17:22) - Priority Dilution

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!

This week, Pete and Nikki sit down with Dr. Michael Felt to learn more about Delayed Sensory Affect (DSA). Ever find yourself so immersed in hyperfocus that basic needs fall by the wayside, only to erupt into chaos later? This could be a hidden ADHD struggle you've been facing.

We know our brains can be overwhelmed by constant stimuli and misinterpret sensory cues. This can lead to dramatic emotional responses. Through the amusing "I have to make" model, he illustrates how this affects both children and adults, becoming a silent disruptor in our daily lives.

The discussion turns raw as Pete opens up about the emotional toll of transitioning from work to home, highlighting a common yet unspoken burden for many ADHD adults. Nikki challenges listeners to recognize these patterns and take actionable steps to soften transitions with intention.

Dr. Felt is an ADHD & Executive Functioning specialist who has lectured at Yale University School of Medicine, and is a professor at Columbia University, where he teaches Psychopathology. He’s also, once again, a new dad. Congrats, Michael, from all of us, to all of you.

Links & Notes

• Patreon for The ADHD Podcast
• Discord Community
• Dr. Michael Felt’s Website
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (03:34) - Introducing Dr. Michael Felt
• (04:28) - What is DSA?
• (31:32) - A Toast to our ADHD

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It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!
Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!