Hacking Your ADHD

Skye Waterson, research recap contributor and ADHD coach who runs Unconventional Organization, breaks down a Norwegian trial on goal-focused cognitive remediation. She explains Goal Management Training techniques like STOP and task-splitting. The conversation highlights why anxiety improved while ADHD executive symptoms did not and questions whether accountability drove the gains.

Dr. Stephen Faraone, a leading ADHD researcher and professor of psychiatry and neuroscience, walks through the ADHD Evidence Project and how to tell solid research from viral claims. He covers the pyramid of evidence, genetics versus environment, brain network differences, medication gaps and real-world costs of undertreatment. Practical strategies and where to find trustworthy resources are also highlighted.

A raw conversation about carrying on when everyday life feels impossible. It covers grief colliding with chores and the odd surrealness of routine after loss. The show digs into numbing versus true rest and warns against flashy overhaul plans. It highlights simple checks for emotional signals, using community as a refill, and choosing small sustainable moves over grand fixes.

Dr. Anupriya Gogne, a perinatal psychiatrist at Brown University Health who treats ADHD during pregnancy and postpartum, joins to unpack hormone-driven symptom changes. She explains why pregnancy and sleep loss amplify ADHD, how medication decisions are evolving, and why women often experience internal hyperactivity and emotional overload. Practical framing and support strategies are highlighted.

Skye Waterson, research recap contributor and founder of Unconventional Organization, breaks down a study on cosmetics and microplastics. She explores how phthalates, parabens, metals and microplastics might cross the placenta and affect fetal neurodevelopment. Short conversations cover sources of exposures, why pregnancy is a vulnerable window, and practical harm-reduction plus calls for regulation.

Erik Gude, an ADHD advocate who destigmatizes the internal ADHD experience, and Cate Osborn, an M.Ed-trained educator/researcher focused on relationships and communication, discuss their ADHD Field Guide. They cover designing an ADHD-friendly book, precision of language, combating misinformation, a systems-first approach to daily life, shame versus guilt, and practical home systems.

They unpack how memes act as visual shorthand that builds belonging and signals in-groups. They introduce "pebbling," small low-stakes gestures that maintain relationships. They consider why memes especially resonate with ADHD brains and how scrolling can comfort yet trap. They also warn about misinformation and over-pathologizing when memes are taken too literally.

Dani Donovan, neurodivergent artist and creator of The Anti‑Planner, blends design and advocacy to tackle executive dysfunction. She explains why traditional planners fail and promotes a toolbox of tactics. Conversations cover anti‑shame approaches, practical hacks like Inbox Sprints, worst‑drafts, task adjacency, and playful tricks to keep momentum.

Skye Waterson, research recap contributor and organizer at Unconventional Organization, breaks down a study on maternal inflammation and later child ADHD symptoms. They explain the study design and biomarkers. They define inflammation and cytokines. They discuss limitations, ethical concerns about blaming parents, epigenetics, and what stronger evidence could mean for prenatal care.

Erika Levine, a special education pro and occupational therapist who founded My IEP Hero to help parents navigate special education law. Conversations cover what an IEP actually means legally, differences between IEPs and 504 plans, how to start evaluations and meetings, and tools to walk into school meetings confidently. Practical, parent-focused guidance without the jargon.