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
Apr 20, 2022 • 1h 18min
EP. 172: Tracy’s Top 12 Can’t Live Without, ADHD Resources
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Many people who know me would describe me as a tough critic–just ask my kids–but I like to think of it as valuing excellence. This means that when I do recommend a product or service, it's only because I believe in it so much that I want to shout it from the rooftops.In this episode, I'm sharing my list of rooftop-worthy ADHD hacks that have completely transformed my life. From organization to productivity to home care, these resources have helped me manage the more difficult aspects of my ADHD, leaving me more time and energy to focus on my strengths. At this point I truly couldn't make it through the day without them, they've had such a positive impact on my ADHD brain, and I think they'll make a big difference to yours too.______________Resources:Buy Apple Watch Series 9adhdforsmartwomen.com/kajabiSend 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
Apr 13, 2022 • 51min
EP. 171: ADHD and Dental Health: Crowns, Root Canals, TMJD and Grinding
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___As a dentist's daughter, I have to admit I was always spoiled when it came to my dental health. That is, until a terrible root canal (is there any other kind?) made me realize I had to start taking my dental health more seriously, even if that involved wearing the dreaded night guard I had cast aside many years before. It also got me thinking: 'Wait, is this another thing that is somehow related to my ADHD?'After diving into the research and taking a poll in our Facebook group, I discovered that an overwhelming number of ADHDers have experienced dental problems at some point in their lives, and there are some explanations as to why.Join me for a solo episode, where I break down the causes of this correlation, and share helpful suggestions from our Facebook group members, and hopefully convince you to learn from my mistakes and wear your damn night guard!______________Resources:https://chadd.org/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/https://decisionsindentistry.com/https://friscokidsdds.com/https://dental.washington.edu/https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/https://www.researchgate.net/https://www.plackers.com/ and yay! TSend 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
Apr 6, 2022 • 1h 10min
Ep. 170 Inattentive ADHD with Clinical Psychologist, April Kane
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___As Smart Ass women, we know ADHD varies wildly in how it presents compared to the stereotypes, but what do we do when the rest of the world hasn't caught up? After a lifetime of having our symptoms dismissed by teachers, parents, and even medical professionals, it can feel terrifying and futile to pursue a diagnosis. My guest in this episode, April Kane, was so worried about having her ADHD suspicions invalidated that she put off getting an official evaluation for years, despite being a clinical psychologist herself.April finally got assessed and received the affirming diagnosis of ADHD she had been hoping for, but she knows not everyone is so lucky, especially in cases of inattentive ADHD when symptoms are internalized and easier to miss. April Kane emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, gives a breakdown of the lesser-known signs of ADHD that are frequently missed in girls, women, and those with inattentive type, introduces me to schema therapy, and more.______________Resources:Instagram: @greatmindstherapyadhdWebsite: www.greatmindstherapy.com.auSend 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 30, 2022 • 1h 4min
EP. 169: ADHD, Higher Education and Completing That Damn Dissertation with Dr. Abbey Weinstein
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___I always say our best purposes give meaning to our past, and my guest this episode, Dr. Abbey Weinstein, proves just how true this is. Abbey struggled with school for most of her life, so she surprised even herself when she not only turned it around and started getting straight A's in college, but went on to get her Master's degree and Ph.D. in Special Education. Now an Educational Diagnostician, Abbey has found her purpose in making learning more accessible for others and getting students the support they need to be successful in school.Join our conversation to hear the inspiring Dr. Abbey Weinstein share how she was able to go from academic probation to completing her doctorate, some of the ADHD strategies she used to get herself through her dissertation (truly a feat of strength!), her tips on feeling good about yourself every day, and so much more.______________Resources:Podcast: Let's Talk Learning DisabilitiesInstagram: @weinsteinabbeyWebsite: Dr. Abbey Weinstein - EDiagnostic LearningSend 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 23, 2022 • 1h 40min
EP. 168: ADHD and 100 First Dates in NYC with Business Strategist & Stockbroker, Jackie Newman
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Dating has changed quite a bit since I was last single–for one, dating apps have replaced personal ads and handwritten letters–but no matter how you're approaching it, dating can feel overwhelming and impossible. My guest, Jackie Newman, is passionate about empowering people to face the challenges of the dating world, so she gave herself the challenge of going on 100 first dates to figure out how to make the whole process as easy as possible.Through trial and error, Jackie developed an ADHD-friendly guide to dating to help others find someone worth their time and hopefully avoid having to go on 100 first dates themselves–an invaluable gift to women if you ask me. Join us for this marathon episode to hear Jackie's tales from the dating world, her insights, and strategies for efficient online dating, and she even pulls a few dating stories out of me that I'm not sure I've ever shared on the podcast before.______________Resources:Dating Instagram: @the100datechallengePersonal Instagram: @jackienewmResources mentioned:Women with ADHD by Sari SoldenThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brene BrownModern Romance by Aziz AnsariWest Elm Caleb storyThe Science of Sex AppealSend 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 17, 2022 • 1h 6min
EP. 167: From Theoretical Physicist to Atmospheric Scientist with Natalia Bliankinshtein
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___ADHD women constantly amaze me with their brilliance and fearlessness, and my guest this episode, atmospheric scientist Natalia Bliankinshtein, is no different. Natalia works in a flight research laboratory in Canada, where she collects data for climate research by flying a 'flying laboratory' aircraft directly into storms and treacherous weather–talk about fearless!Natalia may refer to her risk-taking as 'craziness,' but I call it a huge ADHD strength and one of the keys to her success. Join our conversation to hear how Natalia went from being a gifted kid to hitting a wall in her early 20s, and how understanding and working with her ADHD helped her to get un-stuck and discover a career and life she's passionate about.______________Resources:Instagram: @prosto_blankFacebook: Natalia BliankinshteinLinkedin: Natalia BliankinshteinWebsite: brenebrown.comgettingthingsdone.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
Mar 9, 2022 • 35min
Ep. 166: Skin Picking, Hair Pulling, Nail Biting and ADHD
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as skin picking and nail biting can feel like a bad habit we need to break, but these behaviors go beyond just a habit; it's actually a complex condition that causes people to repeatedly touch their body in a way that results in physical damage. For years, BFRBs were thought to be part of the OCD family, but new research shows they're commonly co-morbid with ADHD as well, which shouldn't surprise too many ADHDers including myself.In this episode I'm hoping to lessen the shame many of us have surrounding these behaviors by sharing some of my own experiences and looking into the physiological reasons behind why we do them and why we often can't stop doing them with willpower alone. I'll also provide some helpful strategies for stopping or lessening BFRBs that were shared with me by our amazing Facebook group members, many of whom have struggled with BFRBs themselves. Remember, the more we can understand why we do the things we do, the more power we have to change them.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
5 snips
Mar 2, 2022 • 44min
EP. 165: This Might Be One of My Top 3 ADHD Life Hacks Ever!
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Reading is everywhere and in everything we do, but most reading curriculums taught in schools aren't aligned with the current research on the most effective way to teach reading. Kathleen Germs, a second-grade teacher and Instagram educator, is on a mission to change not just the way reading is taught, but the entire dynamic between teachers and students in the classroom–starting with asking kids what they need to learn best.Unsurprisingly, Kathleen's students adore her because she makes learning as easy as possible and helps them feel empowered and valued in the classroom. Join our conversation as Kathleen explains how she adjusts her lessons to meet her students' needs, the importance of bringing mental health into the classroom, and how her ADHD makes her the phenomenal teacher that she is.______________Resources:Instagram: @kathleengermsSend 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 23, 2022 • 55min
EP. 164: The Best Tool for Managing Anxiety with Kate Moryoussef
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___If you've been listening to the podcast for any length of time, you know that I'm a huge proponent of using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, to manage and alleviate ADHD symptoms. Kate Moryoussef, a wellbeing/lifestyle coach and EFT practitioner, shares my passion for tapping and helping ADHD women, so I knew I had to invite her onto the podcast to tell us more.Kate uses tapping with her clients, many of whom are ADHD women, to help them feel calmer, reduce overwhelm and anxiety, accept themselves, and step into their potential. Join me this episode as Kate provides an overview of what EFT is and why it works, describes how she uses tapping to clear negative beliefs and manage her own ADHD in moments of chaos, and much more.Please excuse any mic issues on my end, I know it's a little annoying but I promise the episode is worth it!______________Resources:Instagram: @kate_moryoussefBusiness Instagram: @adhd_womenswellbeing_podWebsite: coachingbykate.me.ukPodcast: ADHD Women's Well-Being PodcastSend 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 16, 2022 • 1h 15min
EP. 163: Entrepreneurialism, ADHD and Irlen Syndrome with Business Coach, Jessi Romero
Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Many of our ADHD traits like curiosity, fearlessness and creativity mesh well with entrepreneurialism. Other aspects of ADHD, however, like perfectionism and something I call "procrasti-learning", combined with outside influences telling us what we "should" be doing, can cause us to get in our own way. Entrepreneur and business coach, Jessi Romero, is here to remind us that ADHD women have all the skills necessary for starting and growing successful businesses, we just need to approach it in a way that works for our brains and aligns with our values, nervous systems, and even our circadian rhythms.In this episode, Jessi gives some of her best tips on structuring your business to fit your needs while avoiding burnout, shares how her approach to teaching sets her apart from other business coaches, and explains why changing your expectations for yourself can make all the difference in your business's longevity. Plus, she has some valuable information about a little-known eye condition called Irlen Syndrome that changed her life and just may change yours too.______________Resources:Instagram: @adhdownedWebsite: Adhdfemaleentrepreneurs.comIrlen Syndrome website: irlen.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
