

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

Jan 18, 2023 • 1h 9min
EP. 211: How to Live Your Purpose with Municipal Politician and Climate Consultant, Kacy Peterson DeLong
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Kacy Peterson DeLong will tell you that she's had a lot of goofy jobs that sometimes seemed like they were all over the place: librarian, apprentice cabinet maker, artist's live model, soooo much food service, bouncy castle carnival operator, Christmas tree shearer, goat-herder, self-employed science communicator, and fundraiser for kidney disease… you know, the usual ADHD career path.Today however, Kacy can look back at that zigzag path and see the path to the career she was always meant to have, the one that feeds her soul and helps her live her purpose. Kacy is a municipal politician and climate consultant and credits all those goofy jobs for helping her build tools for the toolkit that she regularly uses today.If you're feeling directionless, all over the place and not sure what to do with your life, this is the episode for you. Kacy will confirm for you that the path that you can't see looking forward becomes crystal clear once you look backwards; your journey will connect the dots.______________Resources:Email address: kacydelong@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

36 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 19min
EP. 210: CBT, Perfectionism, and Learning to Lean In with Therapist and Author, Kristen Baird-Goldman
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Kristen Baird-Goldman is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD certified clinical specialist with a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology and integrative wellness. Kristen recently released her first book, The CBT Workbook for Adult ADHD, which was inspired by her and her clients' experiences as adults with ADHD.Reading through the workbook, it's clear it was created with ADHD brain in mind; it has simple exercises designed to help you examine the most common obstacles that adult ADHDers encounter, followed by mindfulness and CBT-based techniques for navigating those obstacles successfully.Kristen's philosophy and approach to therapy is strength-based, allowing individuals to discover their best selves, which is why I knew she would be the perfect person to cover these topics on the podcast. During our conversation she provides an easy-to-understand explanation of what CBT is, how she uses it with her ADHD clients and herself, the important role of discomfort, and more.______________Resources:Website: bairdintegratedtherapy.comInstagram: @theadhdguruSend 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 4, 2023 • 1h 17min
EP. 209: Emotion, Trauma and ADHD with Dialectical Behavioral Therapist, Vanessa Gorelkin
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___This episode I'm delighted to re-introduce you to Vanessa Garkin. We talked to Vanessa a few months ago about occupational therapy (go back and listen to Episode 198 if you haven't already!), and as we were wrapping it up, it became very clear to me that in Vanessa we also had an expert in emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). So, at the end of our conversation I asked Vanessa if she would come back and share her expertise on these topics, and lucky for us, she said yes.During our conversation, Vanessa explains what DBT is, how it differs from CBT, and how she uses it to help her ADHD clients break out of the RSD cycle. We also dive into ADHD and emotional dysregulation, shame, and perfectionism, the link between RSD and trauma, and so much more.______________Resources:Website: vanessagorelkin.comInstagram: @humanist_therapistEpisode 198: How to Unlock Your Potential with Occupational Therapist, Vanessa GorelkinSend 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

7 snips
Dec 28, 2022 • 40min
EP. 208: What’s Your Intention for 2023?
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___For years I used to write out a long list of New Year's resolutions, only to not be able to remember what was on the list a week later, let alone where the hell the list even was. So a couple of years ago I started choosing one word and one word only to set the direction for my new year instead, and I discovered that I too could set goals and stick to them in the new year–I just had to start doing it my way.Choosing just one word for the year works so well for my ADHD brain because it's intentional and it's simple. I may forget about a whole list of goals, but I can focus on one word every day, all year long because that one word sums up who I want to be in that specific year. My word acts as my compass and helps me make my daily decisions with intentionality. It serves as a North Star for me, moving me toward my goals throughout the entire year. I think it'll have a huge impact on you too if you choose to join me.With one word as your focus, your New Year's goals don't need to be big cosmic shifts and changes in action and behavior, because it's the little things you do, the tiny actions you take every single day that lead to fulfilling a very big intention or goal in 2023.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

4 snips
Dec 21, 2022 • 1h 29min
EP. 207: Childhood Trauma with Non-fiction Author Coach, Allison Lane
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___We know that shame grows in silence, but the thought of actually sharing our traumas and innermost thoughts out loud can feel so scary that many of us end up burying it down deep instead. Allison Lane, a marketer for non-fiction authors and people who should be, tried using this approach with her own childhood trauma; for years she kept everything inside, afraid of making others uncomfortable and unable to face it herself, until a suicide attempt forced her to confront how much pain and shame she had been hiding, and how isolating it was to carry her trauma alone.Once Allison started sharing openly about her experiences, she discovered how empowering it was to be able to say, "this happened to me, but this is not me." Now, her mission in her work is to empower other women to share their stories and to use their voices in a way that reaches people.Allison has seen firsthand the value of sharing our stories and shedding light on our shame, and I hope her words give you the courage to let down some of your own walls, even when it feels vulnerable.______________Resources:@allisonlanelit on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedInWebsite: lanelit.comEmail: allison@lanelit.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

Dec 14, 2022 • 1h 9min
EP. 206: How to Stop the Guilt, Move More and Ditch Imposter Syndrome with Marnie Bothmer
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I initially started talking with fitness coach Marnie Bothmer because I told her that I often get pushback from ADHD women around exercise; they know it's beneficial for the ADHD brain, but they want to know how "real people" are supposed to fit it into their busy lives. Marnie pointed out that the whole concept of what "real people" can do for exercise reveals the root of the problem: the societally-ingrained belief that exercise has to be extreme, and is therefore unattainable.My conversation with Marnie completely changed the way I think and speak about movement (in fact, it got me to stop saying 'exercise' and start using 'movement' with my students and clients), so I knew I had to get her on the podcast to dive into this subject.In this episode Marnie talks about the value of listening to your body and finding movement that feels good for you, how her multiple sclerosis diagnosis challenged her ideology around the fitness industry, her ADHD-friendly tips for making movement more rewarding and attainable, and so much more.______________Resources:Instagram: @marnieb20Website: marniebothmer.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

Dec 7, 2022 • 1h 26min
EP. 205: How Luzia Tschirky, correspondent at Swiss Public Broadcasting SRF Uses Her ADHD Strengths to Cover the War in Ukraine
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Luzia Tschirky was born and raised in the Swiss Mountains in a small town close to the border of Austria and Lichtenstein. As a child, she knew she wanted to become a journalist, so much so that she started her own newspaper at the age of eight and began working for the local newspaper at 14. Now 28, not only is Luzia a professional journalist, she's the first-ever female correspondent in Moscow, where she covers all post-Soviet countries, including Russia and Ukraine.For the past nine months Luzia has been covering the war in Ukraine, which she says has given her a newfound appreciation for her ADHD. She credits her ADHD brain for her intense curiosity, her intuition, and her hyperfocus and quick thinking in moments of crisis, all of which have helped her to thrive in high-intensity situations and produce impactful journalism even in a warzone.What sets Luzia apart (on top of everything else) is her incredible empathy for the humans behind the stories, which shines through in everything she does and is one of the many reasons why I'm so excited to share her story with you this episode.______________Resources:Instagram: @luziatschirkyTwitter: @luziatschirkySend 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

Nov 30, 2022 • 1h 19min
EP. 204: Intermittent Fasting with Gin Stephens
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I've been doing intermittent fasting, well, intermittently for a few years now and have found that for me personally, it helps me eat intuitively and clears my brain fog. However, I've been hesitant to talk about it on the podcast because I know it isn't a lifestyle that works for everyone, but when a listener recommended author Gin Stephens as a guest I knew that she was the right person to tackle this tricky subject.Gin, who's written multiple bestsellers on clean eating and intermittent fasting, doesn't promote the lifestyle as a weight loss strategy or make any claims that it can "cure" your ADHD or anything like that; rather, she focuses on the research into the gut-brain connection and how what and when we eat affects our mood, our immune systems, our cognitive functioning, and our cravings, among many other things.In this episode, Gin gives a great breakdown of what intermittent fasting is, the science behind it, and how to ease into it responsibly. We also talk about metabolic syndrome, how to find the foods that work best for your body, and much more. Again, intermittent fasting isn't right for everyone, but if you're curious to learn more about it, come join our conversation.______________Resources:Instagram: @GinStephensWebsite: ginstephens.comHer books: ginstephens.com/get-the-booksSend 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

Nov 23, 2022 • 1h 14min
EP. 203: Changing the Definition of Success with TedX Speaker Martha Barnard-Rae
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___When Martha Barnard-Rae was finally diagnosed with ADHD after years of being told it was just anxiety, she started structuring her home and work life around her brain's unique needs and saw a complete transformation in how she lives and speaks to herself.Since getting her diagnosis, Martha has gone on to give an inspiring TedX talk about ADHD and start her own copywriting business, Word Candy, where she has the freedom to let her ADHD strengths shine."I want people to understand that ADHD is a part of me and I can use these powers such as they are for good. And I think the more that I can kind of say about it, the more people will understand and they can go, 'oh, I want to work with her because she does those hyperfocus weeks because she can work in that way.' That's a feature, not a bug."Join us this episode as Martha shares all the ways she's redefining success for herself, her vulnerable experience on the TedX stage, how she fills her "bowl of resilience," and so much more.______________Resources:Website: wordcandy.com.auInstagram: @wordcandycommsLinkedIn: Martha Barnard-RaeSend 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

Nov 16, 2022 • 48min
EP. 202: ADHD, Imposter Syndrome and Dentistry with Alexis Tomaszewski
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Alexis Tomaszewski knew she wanted to be a dentist by the age of 12. When she got to dental school, however, she realized that although she had the clinical and hand skills for dentistry, she struggled with multi-choice tests, which led to her essentially flunking out the first time around.Alexis thought about not returning to dental school, but after stepping back to get some clarity and rediscovering her purpose of opening up an ADHD-friendly dental practice, she returned to school in full force, this time with a lot more intention and positive emotions. Her imposter syndrome and RSD were and are still there, but keeping sight of her purpose has allowed Alexis to push through the negative thoughts even when things get hard.Alexis's goal to create a comfortable, shame-free, and fun dental experience for ADHDers is admirable (and much needed!), and her story is a great reminder that, when we align ourselves with our purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve.______________Resources:Tiktok: @tooth_be_toldEmail: toothbetoldbyalexis@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


