

ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka
Tracy Otsuka
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here : programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup*I have NEVER met an ADHD woman who wasn’t truly brilliant at something! This podcast, with nearly 7 million downloads, is for smart, high-ability ADD/ADHD (diagnosed or suspecting) women who see their symptoms as more positive than negative. If you want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and discover where your brilliance lies, this podcast is for you!**ADHD for Smart Ass Women is globally ranked in the top one-tenth of one percent of all podcasts in the world on any subject. It’s streamed in more than 160 countries and is downloaded by more than 150,000 listeners every month. My book of the same name, published by HarperCollins/William Morrow, was recently honored by Amazon Editors as a Top 20 Best Nonfiction Book of 2024.**I’m Tracy Otsuka, your host. I’m a lawyer, not a doctor, a lifelong learner, and a certified ADHD coach. I’m on a mission to change the conversation around ADHD because I believe it’s time to focus on the strengths that come with our unique brains. When I was diagnosed eight months after my son, my entire life finally made sense, yet all I read and heard about ADHD focused on what I should struggle with. What I discovered, though, was that my ADHD was responsible for some of my greatest strengths.**Another thing we constantly hear is all the success stories about ADHD men, but no one talks about the women. This podcast is here to change that. ADHD women are my people, and I’m here to acknowledge, support, and cheer them on. My experience as an adult living with ADHD, along with my expertise, is regularly sought out by top-tier media, including Bloomberg, Forbes, CBS Mornings, ABC News Live, Inc., Prevention Magazine, Verywell Mind, ADDitude magazine, and The Goal Digger Podcast, etc.**adhdforsmartwomen.com**The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of anything you have seen or heard from Tracy Otsuka, her guests or this podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 3min
EP. 221: ADHD and Grief After a Later in Life Diagnosis with Amelia Etherton
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Amelia Etherton, a freelance editor and writer living in Ireland, bravely reached out to me with a request that I have more older (personally, I prefer venerable) ADHD women on the show who can speak to the specific type of grief that comes with a later-in-life diagnosis and all of the 'what-if's that come with it. Amelia herself was recently diagnosed with inattentive ADHD at 57, so I thought, who better to speak on this topic than her?Amelia's diagnosis brought with it an almost overwhelming sense of grief over how hard it was to bring up her kids mostly alone without knowing they were all neurodivergent, but it also gave her a newfound feeling of hope and self-understanding that has been life-changing.She wants other late-diagnosed ADHD women to see that it's possible to move beyond the grief of what could have been and to embrace your unique brains in order to truly enjoy the time you have left, and I'm delighted to share her message of hope with you this episode.______________Resources:Website: www.picincottage.comInstagram: @ameliajmaidenSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

6 snips
Mar 22, 2023 • 1h 2min
EP. 220: ADHD Strengths, a Late in Life ADHD Diagnosis and Why You Should Talk to Strangers with Angela Raspass
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___When I work with older ADHD women they often ask me, "I've made it through life this far, what would really change if I got a diagnosis?" Well, self-leadership coach and author Angela Raspass is here to answer that question, and her response is "everything."Angela was diagnosed last year at 53, and even she was shocked by just how drastically her life was altered when she started to understand and accommodate her ADHD. She was lucky enough to find a medication that works for her brain, but Angela credits the biggest improvements to lifestyle and positivity changes, which have manifested into better relationships with her business, her family, and most importantly, herself.Angela's ADHD diagnosis allowed her to finally feel like she was taking the reins on her own life after so many years of not realizing the reins were even there. I hope her story inspires you to grab your own reins no matter your age.______________Resources:Website: angelaraspass.com.au, angelaraspass.com.au/anchored (a new program)Instagram: @angelaraspassLinkedIn: Angela RaspassPromo Codes:Angela Raspass SMARTSTRENGTHS - for $50Angela Raspass SMARTBOOK - for $10 offSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Mar 15, 2023 • 48min
EP. 219: ADHD Tenacity: Using No to Get Closer to Yes with Jamie Cutino
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___ADHD women are known for being tenacious (probably because we've had to be!), but my guest this episode takes it to a whole new level. Jamie Cutino is a Master of Occupational Therapy, an entrepreneur, and an ADHD advocate and coach. Her tenacity has gotten her through a difficult upbringing, onto the TedX stage, and has driven her to found two different companies where she gets to do what she loves.Jamie never questions whether she can do something, she just takes the leap and trusts that she can make a net appear. Her secret, she tells me, is an unwavering dedication to her purpose: "My 'why' is showing women with ADHD that they are brilliant, and if I allowed my fear to get in the way of that I wouldn't be able to help anybody."Jamie has gotten to where she is today through her persistence and her refusal to take 'no' for an answer, and I'm so delighted to share her story with you.______________Resources:TikTok: @jamie_outsmartadhdFB Group: Women with ADHD - Support & Strategies - Outsmart ADHDInstagram: @jamie_outsmartadhdYoutube: Outsmart ADHDWebsite: Outsmartadhd.coTEDxCWRU: Jamie CutinoSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Mar 8, 2023 • 57min
Ep. 218 How an ADHD Diagnosis Taught Micah Clasper-Torch to Rethink Entrepreneurship
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___In true ADHD style, artist Micah Clasper-Torch has had a winding career path, leading her to a variety of jobs in art, fashion, and startups. When Micah discovered the traditional craft of punch needle rug hooking, however, she unexpectedly uncovered a passion that would finally allow her to focus her creativity in a single direction. After completing a rug hooking program in 2019, she successfully launched her own business, Punch Needle World, with a mission to uplift the craft and make high-quality supplies and training accessible to all.Micah's passion may have inspired her to start her business, but it was when she received her official ADHD diagnosis that the rest of the entrepreneurship puzzle pieces fell into place. Her diagnosis taught her that her creative brain needs structure to thrive, and since building ADHD-friendly systems and supports into her days her business has only grown stronger.Join our conversation to hear how Micah structures her days to get the most out of her creativity, what's changed since getting diagnosed, her thoughts on creative entrepreneurship, and much more.______________Resources:Personal website: www.micahclasper-torch.comInstagram: @claspertorchPunch Needle World website: www.punchneedleworld.comInstagram: @punchneedle.world If you're interested in learning punch needle, check out her online courses here PUNCH NEEDLE ACADEMY.Use the coupon code ADHDPODCAST for 20% off of Micah’s online course.Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Mar 1, 2023 • 1h 16min
EP. 217: Working Through Imposter Syndrome and RSD with Bestselling Author, Emily McKaskle
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Emily McKaskle grew up in the 70's during a time when girls "didn't have ADHD," so when she started struggling with reading in the 2nd grade her teacher dismissed her as just not being very bright and left it at that. It wasn't until she discovered a Harlequin Romance novel at age 11 that her passion for reading, and therefore her reading ability, skyrocketed.Now, Emily is an award-winning author of nearly forty books and co-founder of her own company, Book+Love Ink. Her impressive leap from struggling reader to bestselling author definitely improved her confidence, but the imposter syndrome and rejection sensitive dysphoria never really went away.Join our conversation as Emily shares how she quiets that negative voice by incorporating gratitude and positive emotion into her writing process, what's changed since getting her ADHD diagnosis, how she survives the brutal book editing process, and much more. Emily's journey just goes to show how crucial interest is for the ADHD brain and what we're capable of when we follow it, and I'm so excited to share her story with you this episode.______________Resources:Website: emmaleejayne.com; emilymckay.comInstagram: @emmaleejaynewritesRomance Writers of AmericaSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Feb 22, 2023 • 1h
Ep. 216: Building an ADHD-Friendly Career with Elly Linam
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___After grooming her own Shih Tzu during the pandemic and posting a picture online, Elly Linam started having neighbors reach out to her, asking if they could pay her to groom their dogs. One thing led to another, and within a month of that first neighbor asking, she knew there was a passion brewing and enrolled in grooming school.Now, only a few short years later, Elly is a Certified Pet Groomer with her own dog grooming business and a career she's endlessly passionate about–one that's dynamic, creative, and perfect for her ADHD brain. Elly found her dream profession at 35 by putting herself out there and growing her spark of passion into a flame, but she's been able to maintain that flame by supporting her ADHD needs and giving herself permission to do things differently.Join our conversation to hear Elly's ADHD entrepreneurship story, what changed once she got her official diagnosis, how she builds a balance of work, creativity, and rest into her daily routine, and much more.______________Resources:Instagram: @ellywentwestTime Timer: timetimner.comSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Feb 15, 2023 • 55min
EP. 215: Anxiety, Rumination and Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone with Amanda Feliciano
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___In my 200th episode I made a callout for someone to come on the podcast who's been listening for a while, but who doesn't think they're accomplished or successful enough to measure up to my other guests. I personally know having interviewed hundreds of ADHD women at this point, that regardless of how much we've done in our life, we still think we haven't done anything. So I challenged our listeners to raise their hand, because every listener resonates differently with every guest and we can learn so much from each other regardless of our age or where we happen to be in life.Well, listener Amanda Feliciano took a giant leap out of her comfort zone and volunteered for the challenge despite her fears, and I'm so glad she did. Amanda, who's a customer service representative by day and the co-founder and president of Full Circle Theatre Collective by night, has seen huge changes in her confidence, anxiety, and self-talk since receiving her ADHD diagnosis at 32.Her story is a great example of what we can accomplish when we get out of our ruminating brains and into action, and I hope Amanda's leap of bravery inspires you to take even the littlest step out of your own comfort zone–I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with just how much you're capable of.______________Resources:Instagram: @amanda_eff; @thefullcircletheatrecollectiveEmail: fullcircletheatercollective@gmail.comSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Feb 8, 2023 • 1h 1min
EP. 214: From Banker to Baker with Entrepreneur, Emma Dodi
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Emma Dodi is the founder of Emma Dodi Cakes in London, a luxury cake and hand-painted macaron business. In true ADHD fashion, Emma's path hasn't been a straight one. In a previous life, she was a banker working at top financial companies. Now with four kids, a hands-on husband, and a business of her own that's creative and dynamic, she couldn't be happier with where she's ended up, no matter how unexpected.In our conversation, Emma shares her ADHD journey and diagnosis story, the challenges of socializing as you age, how she carved out a niche for herself in the baking world, the value in getting an ADHD diagnosis, and more.Not only am I blown away by Emma's incredible edible works of art, but I'm inspired by her drive to discover her true ADHD self and live an authentic life, and I couldn't be more excited to introduce this episode.______________Resources:Instagram: @emmadodicakesWebsite: www.emmadodicakes.comSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Feb 1, 2023 • 1h 10min
EP. 213: How Testing for Learning Differences Showcases our Unique Strengths with Emily Yudofsky, Co-Founder of Marker Learning
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Emily Yudofsky struggled with reading growing up, but luckily her dyslexia was identified at a young age and she was given the proper reading interventions to support her differently-wired brain. Emily knows how different her life would've been if her dyslexia had gone undiagnosed, which is what inspired her to co-found her company, Marker Learning.Marker Learning's mission is to level the playing field by making learning disability evaluations and supports more accessible and affordable for families, schools, and individuals no matter their location or financial situation. Emily says, "Previously, evaluations for things like ADHD and dyslexia have been incredibly expensive and cost-prohibitive for many families. Our whole goal is to make access to these services more equitable so that they're not just available for a small echelon of the world."If you've been stuck on a year-long waitlist trying to get an evaluation, or if you haven't even made an appointment yet because of the outrageous costs, Emily Yudofsky just may have what you need to finally access the supports you deserve.______________Resources:Website: Markerlearning.comInstagram: marker.learningTikTok: @markerlearningEmail: emily@markerlearning.comSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com

Jan 25, 2023 • 1h 8min
EP. 212: How to Make a Sustainable Living From Your Creativity with Miriam Schulman
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I always talk about how creative the ADHD mind is, but creativity can only get us so far if we don't also have structure to make things happen. The problem is, there's so much advice out there on how to create that structure and monetize creativity, most of which isn't written for our unique brains, that it's hard to know where to begin. This is why I invited Miriam Schulman back onto the podcast (go back and listen to her first episode #136 if you haven't already!) to talk about her recent book, Artpreneur.In Artpreneur, Miriam provides actionable steps to turn your creative ideas into a thriving business in a way that works for neurodivergent brains. She's an expert at cutting through the noise and consolidating everything down into simple, straightforward advice for creative entrepreneurs and I'm so excited to be able to share her brilliance with you again.Join our conversation as Miriam and I discuss the book-writing process, what defines art, how to market your work, the importance of believing in the buyer, and so much more.______________Resources:Podcast [The Inspiration Place]: schulmanart.com/itunesYouTube: The Inspiration PlaceInstagram: @schulmanartBook pre-order: ArtpreneurBOOK.com; schulmanart.com/BELIEVE (free chapter of Artpreneur)Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shiftInstead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academyLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2 Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com


