ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

Jennifer Nicole Schmitz shares her inspiring journey from addiction to advocacy while pursuing a psychology degree. She discusses how generational trauma intertwines with ADHD and the impact of misdiagnosis. Jennifer highlights her struggles with self-worth and emotional turmoil in her early years, plus the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety. She offers coping strategies for managing ADHD, emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, and advocates for women and young girls facing similar challenges.

Dr. Kathy Zhang, a hospice physician and certified coach, shares profound insights from her career at the intersection of life and death. She discusses her late ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her journey. Kathy emphasizes the importance of nervous system regulation, and the transformative power of hypnosis and meditation. Through stories from her practice, she highlights life's fleeting nature, urging listeners to embrace authenticity and meaningful connections. Kathy also explores emotional sensitivity and practical strategies for managing anxiety, ultimately redefining the narrative around ADHD.

Rebecca Barrera, a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina, shares her inspiring journey living with ADHD. She describes growing up in a rigid educational system that failed to understand her unique brain. Rebecca discusses her experience with early medication and how it redefined her approach to learning. In nursing, she highlights managing ADHD symptoms amid the emotional challenges of the role and emphasizes practical strategies that help her stay focused, turning her perceived weaknesses into strengths.

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Set Intentions, Not Resolutions and Making 2025 Your Best Year YetJanuary feels like a fresh start, but for many ADHD brains, resolutions quickly lose their spark. In this solo episode, Tracy Otsuka takes a deep dive into why the beginning of the year feels so energizing and how to harness that momentum all year long. She introduces the concept of temporal landmarks—natural reset points like New Year’s, birthdays, or even Mondays—that help our ADHD brains reframe goals and create clarity.Tracy shares her own journey with setting intentions over resolutions, explaining how defining a single word of the year has transformed her mindset and productivity. She walks listeners through the process of finding their North Star—a guiding intention that simplifies decisions and keeps them aligned with their true goals. From overcoming perfectionism to embracing micro-actions, she offers practical strategies to maintain focus and build momentum without falling into the cycle of self-criticism.This episode is packed with actionable advice to help ADHD minds thrive, including daily rituals, micro-goals, and simple strategies to reset and stay on track throughout 2025. Tracy also shares her own word of the year and how it will shape her goals. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by resolutions, this episode will show you a better way to approach the new year—with clarity, confidence, and a plan that actually works.Resources:A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok-everydayFor other resources:Bracelets, rings and necklaces: adhdforsmartwomen.com/epi-314 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  

Dana Lewis, a communication and vocal coach and founder of Undeniable Voice, empowers neurodivergent women to embrace their authentic voices through singing. She shares her personal ADHD journey, recounting challenges in school and the impact of harsh criticism on her confidence. Lewis emphasizes how singing can regulate the nervous system, boost emotional clarity, and foster resilience. By connecting voice work with self-acceptance, she offers practical insights for managing ADHD symptoms and encourages embracing one's unique identity.

In this conversation, Catherine Morgan, a Certified Financial Coach and Trauma of Money Expert, shares her inspiring journey with ADHD and how it shaped her approach to finance. She discusses the often-overlooked link between ADHD and financial trauma, revealing why traditional budgeting fails for many. Catherine offers practical strategies like automating finances and breaking tasks into manageable steps. Her compassionate insights emphasize seeing money as a tool for freedom, urging listeners to transform their financial challenges into opportunities for growth.

Gina Marie Rodriguez, a curly hair specialist and owner of The Cultivated Curl salon, blends her passion for natural beauty with advocacy for neurodivergence. She shares her personal ADHD journey, revealing how it inspires her work and educational initiatives for clients. Gina discusses the challenges of societal expectations, embracing authenticity, and nurturing curly hair, while emphasizing the importance of community in supporting neurodiverse individuals. Her insights encourage listeners to celebrate their unique identities and love their natural hair.

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___How do ADHD, trauma, and addiction intersect, and what strategies can help break this harmful cycle? In this episode, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Andrea Epting, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, addiction, and neurodivergence. As a professional with ADHD and OCD, and a mother to two neurodivergent young adults, Andrea brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation.Andrea delves into the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and addiction, explaining how trauma, emotional dysregulation, and a search for dopamine can create vulnerabilities. She shares her therapeutic approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of abstinence, community, and replacing unhealthy habits with meaningful alternatives. Andrea also highlights the unique challenges ADHD women face in emotional regulation and how breaking harmful cycles can lead to resilience and healing.This episode provides strategies for navigating the intersections of ADHD, trauma, and recovery. Andrea offers insights into the role of mindfulness, self-compassion, and creating structure in building healthier habits. She also discusses her work through her nonprofit, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS), to make mental health resources more accessible.Website: lightninginabottle.bizheadsupsavannah.org/PlannerSocial Media:instagram.com/liab_lightninginabottle pinterest.com/liablightninginabottle youtube.com/@directimpactimpactae 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  

Izzie Chea, an educator and neurodivergence advocate, shares her empowering journey after a late ADHD diagnosis. She discusses how growing up in a traditional Latinx environment influenced her experiences and fueled her passion for advocacy. Izzie highlights her innovative projects, including La Neuropicante and the Hiki app, aimed at uplifting neurodivergent voices. She also offers practical productivity tips and emphasizes the importance of mental health and community support, showcasing how her challenges transformed into opportunities for growth.

Explore the brilliance of ADHD minds in a chaotic world! Discover how ADHD women navigate overwhelm, harness creativity, and cultivate meaningful connections. Practical strategies like breaking tasks into micro-goals can lead to clarity and focus. Learn about the A-OK system that empowers small steps for big changes. Tracy shares personal stories and insights that highlight the unique strengths of ADHD traits and encourage listeners to embrace their authenticity. It's a motivating reminder of the incredible achievements possible with ADHD!