Backpacking Through ADHD

In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m leaning all the way into a theme that’s been on my heart—and sitting right on my head. My hat this week says Be the Kindness, and that’s exactly where we’re going together. This episode is a deep, emotional, and at times raw exploration of how kindness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a powerful ADHD regulation tool. We talk about what kindness looks like in the middle of meltdowns...

In this deeply personal episode, I share my belated Mother’s Day tribute to the woman who raised a neurodiverse household without ever needing a diagnosis herself. My mom doesn’t have ADHD—but she parented three ADHD brains with grace, grit, and intuition that rivaled any expert playbook. Through stories, reflection, and a letter I never knew I needed to write, I honor the legacy of a woman who was our structure, our rhythm, and ou...

In the final episode of our “Under the Hat” series, we dive into the identity stories our ADHD kids tell themselves—and how those stories are often rooted in shame, perfectionism, and years of correction without recognition. From “I’m stupid” to “I always mess up,” we explore where these thoughts come from and how we can help rewire them. With insight from Kirk Martin’s Brain Boosters, the Child Mind Institute, and voices l...

In this episode of Under the Hat, we unpack the real, daily needs of the ADHD brain—movement, nutrition, sensory input, and the tools that actually help kids regulate and focus. Inspired by the Brain Boosters series and layered with personal experience, this episode explores what it means to fuel focus instead of forcing it. From fidgets to food routines, we’re building a survival kit that supports ADHD brains in real life—not just...

In this kickoff episode of my new series, Under the Hat: What ADHD Kids Wish We Knew, I take you inside the real struggles behind ADHD behavior and how we can reroute the parenting and teaching roadmap with compassion, structure, and calm. Inspired by the Calm Parenting Podcast and Kirk Martin’s Brain Boosters series, this episode is filled with hard-earned insight, practical tools, and stories that will resonate—whether you're par...

This week, I’m solo on the mic — and feeling it — as I dive into one of the hardest lessons for ADHD brains: patience. Inspired by a weekend stuck on I-70 (again), I’m sharing real stories, including the birth of my son, and unpacking why waiting feels so impossible for us. We’ll talk time blindness, emotional spirals, impulsive decisions, and how to build patience like a muscle — even when every part of you wants to hit the gas. I...

Today’s episode is a special one—because it’s personal. I’m sitting down with Matt Bonavita, an educator, dean, professor, and longtime advocate for neurodiverse students in New York City. But before I knew Matt the educator, I knew Matt the DJ—he was the one who rocked my wedding and taught me the power of letting go of rigid plans. We dive into everything from IEPs, emotional regulation, and the hidden lives of at-risk students, ...

In this week’s episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, I’m live from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums conference with a very special guest—Grayson Ponti, founder of ZANE and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. We explore how zoos and aquariums can become more inclusive spaces for both visitors and professionals, especially those who are neurodivergent. Grayson opens up about his personal journey navigating autism and ADHD, ...

Saying no should be simple, but for ADHD brains, it’s anything but. Whether it’s people-pleasing, overcommitting, or feeling guilty every time you set a boundary, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking why ADHD makes both saying and hearing no so difficult, the role of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and how impulsivity and validation-seeking keep us stuck in the yes cycle.

We’ll also break down real strategies to set bo...

ADHD brains and food? It’s complicated. Whether you’re forgetting to eat, chasing sugar for a dopamine boost, or struggling to get your kid to eat anything besides Goldfish, you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how nutrition impacts focus, energy, and impulse control, the foods that help (and hurt) ADHD brains, and real-life meal solutions for busy families. Plus, we tackle the challenge of ADHD medication suppressing ap...

Connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for ADHD brains.

Whether you’re an ADHD parent, an adult navigating friendships, or a child learning how to build relationships, connection shapes our experiences. But here’s the struggle—many of us with ADHD don’t always recognize our own ability to connect.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my son Grayson’s ADHD diagnosis, the struggles we faced with school, judg...

ADHD isn’t just a "boy’s disorder." Many women, including me, go undiagnosed for years, often struggling with anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. In honor of International Women’s Day 2025 and its theme, "Accelerate Action," this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked reality of ADHD in women and girls.

In this episode, I share my personal journey to an ADHD diagnosis at 46, highlighting how perimenopause amplified my symptoms a...

Ever find yourself obsessing over something that doesn’t make sense? 🤯 Maybe it’s an unfair workplace decision, a vague response that leaves you spiraling, or an unanswered “why” that won’t stop running through your mind. If you have ADHD, you know this feeling all too well. In this episode, I dive into:

• Why ADHD brains struggle to "let go" of things that don’t make sense
• The emotional toll of unanswered questions & incon...

Is your ADHD child struggling to stay engaged in sports? Or maybe they thrive in high-energy activities but get frustrated when the pace slows down?

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we dive deep into how sports can be a game-changer for ADHD kids—helping with focus, confidence, teamwork, and emotional regulation.

We’ll cover:

• The ADHD advantage in sports – Why fast-paced, structured movement is a perfect match for ...

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival, especially for ADHD brains. But what does self-care actually look like when your brain craves movement, stimulation, and structure?

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we discuss real, ADHD-friendly self-care strategies that actually work, including the power of movement, emotional regulation, and small, sustainable habits.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why traditional self-care adv...

What happens when you discover you’ve had ADHD your entire life—but never knew it? Wendy Harrison was diagnosed at 42 years old, after years of navigating a high-pressure career in global HR and constantly feeling like she was just “getting by.”

In this episode, Wendy opens up about the challenges, relief, and self-discovery that came with her late diagnosis. She shares how ADHD shaped her life in ways she never realized and how sh...

Join Tera Greenwood as she explores how ADHD minds make unique connections, thrive in chaos, and turn everyday challenges into opportunities. From hilarious personal stories to practical tips, you’ll discover how to embrace the creative chaos that makes you, YOU.

Plus, she’ll share insights inspired by entrepreneurial legend Sara Blakely—because your next million-dollar idea might just be one sticky note away.

This episode is your ...

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, we're tackling a challenge every ADHD parent knows all too well—meltdowns. Building on insights from Dr. Joyce Cooper-Kahn’s article "From Meltdowns to Calm," we’ll break down what happens during a meltdown, why ADHD brains respond the way they do, and practical strategies to help your child regulate their emotions.

Join me as I share personal experiences, expert advice, and actionable t...