Translating ADHD

Cameron Gott, Shelly Collins

  • 30 minutes 40 seconds
    ADHD Variations: Exploring Our Unique Flavors and Life Strategies

    In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Ash and Dusty dive into the diverse ways ADHD manifests in individuals, including their own experiences. Both diagnosed with combined type ADHD, Dusty leans more hyperactive while Ash leans inattentive, leading to strikingly different challenges and coping mechanisms. Dusty shares her "ready, fire, aim" approach, embracing complexity and constant activity, whereas Ash describes his struggle with inaction and getting stuck in neutral. They discuss how these differences influence their daily lives, time management, decision-making, and social engagement, emphasizing that ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition.

    The hosts highlight the importance of personalized coaching and self-experimentation in managing ADHD effectively. They caution against generic advice found on social platforms and stress the value of curiosity and adaptability in discovering individual solutions. By sharing their contrasting experiences and strategies, Ash and Dusty illustrate how coaching encourages people with ADHD to understand their unique profiles and engineer approaches that fit their lifestyles, ultimately fostering empowerment rather than frustration.

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    13 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 45 minutes 11 seconds
    Balancing Authenticity and Accommodation in Neurodivergent Relationships

    In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty explore the complex balance between showing up authentically as a neurodivergent person and the social accommodations necessary for healthy personal relationships. They unpack the nuanced difference between masking (hiding or changing one’s personality to fit in) and modulating (adapting communication and behavior appropriately to different social contexts). The conversation highlights how neurodivergent people often struggle with black-and-white thinking about authenticity, while real-life social interactions require constant give-and-take, consent, and mutual accommodation.

    Asher and Dusty also share personal experiences from their working relationship to illustrate concepts of regulating emotions and modulating behavior. They emphasize the importance of ownership of one’s neurodivergent traits alongside understanding the impact those traits have on others. The episode underscores that successful relationships rely on clear communication, willingness to adapt, and recognizing individual capacities for accommodation — all within a foundation of growing intimacy and trust.

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    6 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 41 minutes 2 seconds
    ADHD in the Workplace: Managing Perceptions, Accommodations, and Challenges

    In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty continue their conversation on social skills by focusing on advocacy and adaptation in the workplace for neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the challenges ADHD and autism can pose in professional settings, especially when colleagues and managers lack understanding of neurodiversity. Through client stories and personal experiences, they illustrate how behaviors like asking many questions or seeming disruptive can be misunderstood and lead to negative consequences, including job loss. They emphasize the importance of awareness about how neurodivergent traits show up and are perceived, as well as the need for workplace accommodations that go beyond task-related adjustments to include communication and social dynamics.

    The hosts also explore practical strategies for adaptation and self-advocacy, such as developing awareness of unwritten workplace rules, using clear communication about one’s working style, and collaborating with supportive managers who can provide backing and help set boundaries. They highlight the value of understanding “what’s yours, mine, and ours” in workplace conflict to identify where change is possible. Ultimately, Asher and Dusty stress that while some environments may be untenable, there are workplaces where neurodivergent strengths can be valued and flourished. The episode closes with the reminder that strength and challenge often go hand in hand, and cultivating intentional awareness helps individuals navigate and leverage their unique traits effectively in different contexts.

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    30 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 26 minutes 33 seconds
    Navigating Social Adaptation and Advocacy with ADHD: Striking the Balance

    In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty explore the complex balance between adapting social behavior and advocating for oneself as a neurodivergent person, especially within the context of ADHD. They emphasize the distinction between harmful masking and healthy adaptation, underscoring the importance of choice in how one shows up socially. Dusty introduces the concept of “intimacy buckets” to help listeners understand social boundaries and appropriate sharing depending on the type of relationship, a framework she found highly useful for building social awareness.

    The conversation shifts to the workplace, where navigating social expectations can have significant economic consequences for neurodivergent individuals. Both hosts acknowledge how difficult it can be to find or create inclusive environments but stress the importance of awareness, social skills, and advocacy under the protection of disability accommodations when possible. They also highlight the harsh reality that sometimes adaptation is necessary for survival in non-inclusive settings.

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    23 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 28 minutes 43 seconds
    Flexible Systems and Simple Routines for ADHD Success

    In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the challenges and opportunities involved in creating routines that work well for people with ADHD. They emphasize starting with what you already do and finding ways to add value without overcomplicating or overengineering your daily habits. The hosts discuss how routines don't have to be perfect or rigid but should instead be adaptable to individual capacity, positionality, and life seasons. They also provide real-life examples of small adjustments, such as using waiting times productively or breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, to help listeners build sustainable daily practices.

    Asher and Dusty also highlight the importance of self-awareness in designing routines, pointing out that some people thrive on structure while others need flexibility and novelty to stay engaged. They caution against forcing generic advice like strict checklists onto everyone and encourage listeners to find their own balance between formal systems and going with the flow. Ultimately, they remind listeners that routines serve the purpose of making life easier and more fulfilling, not more stressful or overwhelming. The key takeaway is that progress matters more than perfection and that routines should be tailored to fit one’s unique needs and energy levels.

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    16 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 22 minutes 36 seconds
    Lowering Barriers and Building Motivation: ADHD Strategies for Daily Success

    In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the challenge many people with ADHD face in capturing moments of high motivation and inspiration, often described as "lightning strikes." They discuss how the friction caused by disorganization or incomplete routines can prevent these moments from turning into productive or enjoyable experiences. Dusty introduces the concept of "making the stars align" — setting up one's environment and habits in advance to reduce barriers, so when motivation hits, it's easier to act on it. Both share personal examples, such as the frustration of not having clean clothes ready or art supplies prepared, illustrating how small daily habits can either support or hinder these moments of flow.

    The hosts also emphasize the importance of shifting motivation from external "shoulds" to internal, meaningful reasons that resonate deeply with the individual. They suggest practical strategies like future forecasting—considering consequences of inaction—and celebrating small wins to build awareness and positive reinforcement. The episode concludes with advice for listeners to start small by choosing one area to reduce friction and prepare for future inspired moments, highlighting that even minor adjustments can lead to greater success and satisfaction in managing ADHD challenges.

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    9 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 26 minutes 43 seconds
    Fun as Medicine: How Play and Joy Fuel ADHD Brains

    In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty discuss the crucial role of fun and joy as essential tools for managing ADHD. They explore how many people with ADHD fall into the trap of endless to-do lists and feel they must “earn” their fun, which leads to burnout, depletion, and a life spent in procrastination or the “dark playground” — a place of unproductive scrolling and disengagement. By prioritizing fun and incorporating playfulness into daily routines, individuals can create the mental capacity and motivation needed to tackle tasks more effectively. Dusty shares a personal story about transforming the mundane task of taking calcium pills into a joyful ritual, highlighting how small changes in aesthetics and mindset can make a significant difference.

    The hosts also introduce a framework called the "Forces of Fun," breaking down fun into four categories: create, consume, commune, and cavort. They emphasize the importance of making space for pure fun, even when it feels difficult due to executive dysfunction or burnout. Strategies such as pre-deciding activities or creating dopamine menus help overcome barriers to engaging in enjoyable activities. The episode concludes with a reminder that fun is a birthright and an essential part of self-care for people with ADHD—not a reward to be earned but a necessary part of living well.

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    2 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 31 minutes
    Navigating Struggle: Simple Routines and Sleep Strategies for ADHD

    In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore how to manage difficult seasons of struggle, especially when living with ADHD. They focus on the importance of simple, flexible routines—not perfectionist or rigid ones—that support basic self-care such as hygiene, tidying, and sleep. Asher shares a personal moment of realizing the need to slow down and create a manageable morning routine, while Dusty highlights how routines can serve as freedom rather than restriction. The conversation emphasizes building routines that fit individual needs, acknowledging that what works for one person may not work for another.

    A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing sleep challenges and strategies for improving sleep hygiene. Both hosts note how lack of sleep compounds executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation common with ADHD. They share client examples illustrating different nighttime routines tailored to individual preferences and stress the importance of incorporating “luxury time” or moments of joy into these routines as positive motivation. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to prioritize incremental progress in sleep and self-care, using routines as supportive tools to navigate struggle with kindness and flexibility.

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    23 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 32 minutes 31 seconds
    ADHD and Seasons of Struggle: Embracing Rest, Reality, and Future Self-Care

    In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty discuss the concept of a "season of struggle," especially as it relates to living with ADHD during difficult times. They highlight how external factors — such as cold, dark months, global stressors, and personal health challenges — can compound the usual difficulties faced by people with ADHD. Both hosts share personal experiences about recognizing lowered capacity, managing expectations, and the importance of being kind and gentle with oneself when productivity dips. They emphasize that sometimes the goal shifts from forward progress to simply managing daily life and preserving mental health.

    The conversation also explores practical strategies for navigating these tough seasons, such as focusing on small wins, adjusting commitments, and using tools like running to-do lists that capture accomplishments rather than just tasks yet to be done. They reflect on the mental shift needed to trust one’s future self to handle tasks later and to avoid harsh self-judgment in moments of executive dysfunction. Overall, the episode provides compassionate guidance for anyone with ADHD facing periods of burnout, encouraging listeners to balance logistics with mindset shifts to maintain resilience.

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    16 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 37 minutes 22 seconds
    Breaking Down Clutter: Tailored Organizing Tips for ADHD Brains

    In this episode, Asher and Dusty explore the complexities of organizing for people with ADHD. Asher shares insights from his background as a professional organizer and ADHD coach, emphasizing that traditional organization methods often don’t fit the unique needs of ADHD brains. They discuss the difference between situational and chronic disorganization, highlighting that organizing is not a one-time fix but requires ongoing maintenance, especially for those with ADHD. Dusty introduces the concept of chores as cyclical care tasks, helping shift the mindset away from “done or not done” thinking, which can reduce overwhelm and perfectionism.

    The conversation also tackles common challenges such as inventory management, limiting beliefs around decluttering, and the importance of customizing organizing systems to individual needs rather than aspiring to unrealistic standards. Strategies such as breaking projects into smaller pieces, sorting belongings into friends, acquaintances, and strangers, and using “partway gone” boxes are shared to help manage belongings thoughtfully. The hosts underscore that organization looks different for everyone and encourage listeners to find practical solutions that work for their lifestyle while balancing priorities and self-compassion.

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    1 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 32 minutes 19 seconds
    ADHD, Humility, and the Journey Beyond Shame and Perfectionism

    In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the concept of humility as a vital strength for people with ADHD. They discuss how humility differs from shame and self-deprecation and how it can help individuals manage the real impacts of ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and missed commitments, without falling into harsh self-judgment. Dusty shares how humility is an essential coaching tool that fosters cognitive flexibility, accountability, and authentic self-awareness, allowing clients to approach challenges with curiosity rather than ego or shame.

    The conversation also delves into how humility can counteract imposter syndrome and rejection sensitivity, common struggles for those with ADHD. By embracing humility, individuals can let go of perfectionistic standards, accept their imperfections alongside others’, and build healthier relationships with themselves and those around them. Ash and Dusty emphasize the importance of modeling humility, owning mistakes honestly without shame, and understanding failure as a natural part of growth on the ADHD journey.

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    24 November 2025, 10:00 am
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