If you’ve ever been so overwhelmed that your brain either spins out at 10,000 miles an hour or completely shuts down, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, compassionate ways to navigate overwhelm with ADHD—whether it’s caused by stress, anxiety, or even excitement—and how to use connection and conversation to find your way forward. We’ll talk about the link between ADHD and executive dysfunction, why overwhelm can feel so paralyzing, and how to manage ADHD overwhelm without burning yourself out.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How ADHD overwhelm can show up as either mental overdrive or complete shutdown.
• Why talking and processing out loud is one of my favorite tools for working through overwhelm.
• Simple reflection questions to help you break paralysis and regain a sense of control.
• How to decide who to talk to—and what kind of support you actually want—in moments of executive functioning and overwhelm.
• Gentle, realistic strategies for how to manage ADHD overwhelm in daily life.

Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach

Resources Mentioned:

• Get your Free ADHD Action Plan
• Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started
• Read the Blog here

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Is your clever, quirky teen ready for advanced academics that actually ENGAGE rather than overwhelm?

This episode is a re-released interview with Sam Young, Head of School at Young Scholar’s Academy. Our conversation dives into what it means to be “twice-exceptional,” the different challenges neurodivergent students face, and how community and leaning into strengths builds confidence and sets students up for success.

My friends over at Young Scholars Academy offer WASC-accredited AP/Adulting 101/Leadership courses specifically designed for gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Their approach combines rigorous content with a supportive, strength-based environment where neurodivergent students can truly thrive and make like-minded friends.

One mom said, “You changed my son’s life. He’s in college now, thanks to the skills and confidence YSA gave him.”

Courses begin August 25th! Don’t miss out on your chance to enroll today!

⭐BONUS: Promo code for Young Scholars Academy - Save 10% with code: YSALOVELL10

https://youngscholarsacademy.org/courses/fall-college-prep-2025-2026

Connect with Sam Young & Learn more about Young Scholars Academy

• Website: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/
• Facebook: Young Scholars Academy
• Instagram: @youngscholarsacademy
• BONUS: Podcast Listeners Save 10% when you use my code YSALOVELL10

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Have you ever told yourself, “I just need to send that email”—and then… not done it for days (or weeks)? In this conversation with fellow coach Amy Voros, we unpack the phrase “I just need to”—why it feels so small but can actually signal something much bigger going on beneath the surface. From emotional overwhelm to unclear next steps, we talk about how getting stuck happens and what to do about it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why “I just need to…” can be a red flag for hidden barriers
• How lack of clarity (even when you think you're clear) leads to inaction
• The emotional weight of putting things off and how it builds over time
• What it means to be “consistently inconsistent” with ADHD
• Micro-steps and mindset shifts that can help you get unstuck

About Amy Voros:

Amy Voros is a PCC-level Certified Professional Coach who specializes in supporting divergent thinkers, especially those who are Gifted or have ADHD. As someone with ADHD herself, she understands the challenges of unfinished projects, procrastination, and the overwhelm of managing everyday life. Amy is a member of the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) and CHADD, a certified Tiny Habits® coach, and a Sanity School® trainer through Impact ADHD. She holds a BA in Business Administration and brings warmth, insight, and real-life experience to every coaching session.

Connect with Amy:

Website: https://www.creativecatapultcoach.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativecatapultcoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeCatapultCoaching/

Podcast: Ctl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds Podcast

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Resources Mentioned:

• Get your Free ADHD Action Plan
• Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background