In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and hilarious Ashley Nicole Black—Emmy-winning writer, comedian, and actor known for her work on A Black Lady Sketch Show, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking. We dive into her personal ADHD journey, the powerful intersection of being Black and neurodivergent, and how her diagnosis—sparked by an unexpected wave of social media feedback—reshaped her understanding of herself. Ashley opens up about what it was like navigating school as a gifted yet misunderstood student, and how she's found strength and freedom in embracing the way her brain works.

This conversation is packed with insight, laughter, and hard truths. We talk about the realities of being undiagnosed for years, the emotional and physical toll of late recognition, and how ADHD both challenges and fuels her creativity in fast-paced writing rooms. Ashley shares why she believes improv should be part of every neurodivergent toolkit, and we touch on the need for authentic, joyful neurodivergent representation in media. This is a must-listen if you're looking for validation, inspiration, or just a damn good laugh.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Ashley shares the moment social media “diagnosed” her with ADHD before she even knew
[2:21] - The real path to her diagnosis—and how PMS played a surprising role
[5:40] - Childhood teachers, misunderstood brilliance, and being “smart but not smart”
[8:28] - Why schools need to rethink how they handle gifted, ADHD, and Black kids
[11:15] - How acting and writing became Ashley’s creative outlet and career
[13:19] - Using ADHD strengths in fast-paced writing rooms and comedy
[17:11] - Learning to manage energy instead of pushing through burnout
[21:23] - Why social media helped Ashley get diagnosed—and how it ties into dopamine seeking
[23:26] - Misdiagnosed with anxiety: what doctors missed
[26:03] - Representation of neurodiversity in media: we need more funny, authentic portrayals
[30:33] - Managing personal energy, shifting social time, and navigating life balance
[32:30] - A hilarious behind-the-scenes ADHD moment in the writers' room
[33:32] - Navigating ADHD and being Black in Hollywood
[36:43] - Creating authentic Black representation on shows like Ted Lasso
[40:43] - The power of storytelling and audience connection
[41:09] - How Ashley remembers lines despite ADHD memory challenges
[42:40] - “Laziness” redefined: the creativity in finding your own way
[44:00] - Encouragement for adults and parents of kids with ADHD
[46:34] - Improv as therapy: how it builds confidence and authenticity
[49:25] - What’s next for Ashley—updates on Shrinking and Ted Lasso

Connect with Ashley Nicole Black:

IG: @ashnb1

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADH

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD student coaches, parents of ADHD students, and educators of ADHD students

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

Help your ADHD students break free from overwhelm and gain confidence with our latest 3C Activation® : ADHD Student Coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD students

💥Earn 20 ICF Credits

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Live training with Brooke, access to all 200 slides and over 100 worksheets to keep for life!

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

In this episode, I’m joined by Russ Jones, the incredibly relatable and hilarious host of the ADHD Big Brother podcast and creator of the ADHD Big Brother community. Russ is not only a productivity coach trained in integrative wellness and ADHD-specific strategies—he’s also someone who’s walked the walk. Diagnosed later in life, Russ turned his own challenges into a mission to serve others, helping adults with ADHD cut through the noise and get the “tough stuff” done.

We dive into Russ’s ADHD journey—from late diagnosis to creating a thriving support community built around daily accountability, humor, and vulnerability. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or stuck in self-doubt, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that consistent, small steps can lead to transformational change. Tune in to hear how Russ turned a quit-smoking forum into the blueprint for an ADHD support system that actually works.

Russ Jones is a productivity coach trained in integrative wellness and ADHD-specific coaching. He’s committed to helping adults with ADHD get the tough stuff done. His personal journey, including a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis, fuels his passion for empowering the ADHD community, by simplifying the chaos of our unique skull spaghetti (his word for brains), and offering easy to apply solutions. Russ hosts the ADHD Big Brother podcast and is the founder of the ADHD Big Brother community, an online platform where he and members successfully give and get daily support and make progress on their goals, proving that community is one of the greatest tools to a well-managed and productive ADHD life.

Episode Highlights:

[1:02] - Introducing Russ Jones and his passion for simplifying the ADHD experience
[2:45] - Getting diagnosed at 40 and navigating the grief and relief
[5:00] - From actor to ADHD advocate: Russ’s early career and challenges
[9:22] - The emotional crash during COVID and rediscovering purpose
[12:46] - Launching his podcast and coaching practice
[14:10] - How quitting nicotine inspired the ADHD Big Brother community
[15:32] - The power of daily accountability and owning our struggles
[18:47] - What showing up consistently looks like—even on bad days
[20:27] - How community transforms shame into progress
[22:20] - Behind the scenes of the ADHD Big Brother platform and how it works
[25:16] - Gamifying success with “Skull Spaghetti” and badge rewards
[27:11] - Crushing long-term goals with consistent, low-pressure action
[30:04] - The “inverted mountain” analogy for achieving goals with ADHD
[33:39] - One big takeaway: be cool with yourself, even on hard days

Links & Resources:

• Russ Jones’ ADHD Community & Podcast: https://www.adhdbigbrother.com/

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD student coaches, parents of ADHD students, and educators of ADHD students

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

Help your ADHD students break free from overwhelm and gain confidence with our latest 3C Activation® : ADHD Student Coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD students

💥Earn 20 ICF Credits

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Live training with Brooke, access to all 200 slides and over 100 worksheets to keep for life!

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Elliott—science and health journalist, documentarian, and host of the podcast Climbing the Walls, which explores the surge in ADHD diagnoses among women. Danielle shares her personal journey of receiving an ADHD diagnosis and navigating pregnancy as a single mom by choice, offering a refreshingly honest perspective on how ADHD uniquely shapes her experiences and decisions.

We dive deep into the intersections of ADHD, hormones, anxiety, perfectionism, and motherhood. Danielle reflects on the expectations society places on women—especially moms—and how she’s redefining what it means to prepare for parenthood on her own terms.

Danielle Elliot is a science and health journalist, podcast producer and documentarian. Her most recent series, Climbing The Walls, asks why so many women are being diagnosed with ADHD. It reached No. 8 on the Apple podcast charts.

Episode Highlights:

[0:59] - Meet Danielle Elliott: Journalist, podcaster, and newly pregnant mom navigating ADHD
[3:00] - The motivation to understand ADHD before becoming a parent
[6:26] - Hormones, IVF, and how ADHD symptoms shift during pregnancy
[9:08] - What Danielle learned from creating Climbing the Walls and interviewing ADHD moms
[11:50] - Strategies to tune out external expectations during pregnancy
[14:03] - Ditching the smartphone for a Light Phone to stay present with her baby
[16:43] - Reducing postpartum anxiety by preparing early and mindfully
[18:40] - Emotional dysregulation, anticipatory anxiety, and the importance of therapy
[21:57] - Seeking postpartum ADHD support and community resources
[23:15] - Over-preparing with love: labeled bins, frozen meals, and realistic expectations
[27:29] - Building a strong support system of family and friends
[32:01] - Setting boundaries with loved ones and advocating for postpartum needs
[38:44] - Danielle’s top advice for moms-to-be with ADHD: let go of the pressure and follow what works for you

Links and Resources:

· Listen to Danielle’s podcast: Climbing the Walls on Understood.org

· Follow Danielle on Instagram: @danielle.elliott

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD student coaches, parents of ADHD students, and educators of ADHD students

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

Help your ADHD students break free from overwhelm and gain confidence with our latest 3C Activation® : ADHD Student Coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD students

💥Earn 20 ICF Credits

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Live training with Brooke, access to all 200 slides and over 100 worksheets to keep for life!

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

Have you ever found yourself obsessing over someone new, even if you barely know them? In this powerful episode, I sit down with dating coach and podcast host Sabrina Zohar to explore how ADHD intersects with dating, emotional regulation, and the often misunderstood phenomenon of limerence. Sabrina is known for her no-BS approach to relationships and brings her signature humor, authenticity, and wisdom to a candid conversation about how ADHD affects attachment, communication, and dating dynamics.

We dive into what it means to feel “too much,” how rejection sensitivity shows up in dating, and why being in a secure relationship doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Sabrina shares her personal experiences, including her late ADHD diagnosis, how she navigates a relationship with a partner who has OCD, and the somatic tools that help her regulate emotionally.

Sabrina Zohar is a dynamic entrepreneur and dating coach renowned for her transformative podcast, The Sabrina Zohar Show. With a clear, no-nonsense approach to relationship advice, Sabrina's podcast has resonated globally, ranking in the top 0.05% of all podcasts. Each episode features practical tips backed by board-certified and licensed psychologists, aimed at helping listeners improve their dating lives by fostering self-worth and personal growth.

Episode Highlights:

[1:23] – Introducing the amazing Sabrina Zohar and her journey to getting diagnosed with ADHD at 30
[4:52] – How ADHD and childhood trauma shaped her dating patterns
[8:22] – The importance of "doing the work" and learning to pause before reacting
[12:41] – Grieving old identities and cultivating a secure, aligned partnership
[13:37] – How body awareness helps Sabrina regulate emotions and manage triggers
[18:43] – Rethinking what a healthy and secure relationship actually looks like
[19:26] – What limerence is and how it uniquely shows up in people with ADHD
[25:42] – Why we need to stop relying on texts as the main indicator of someone’s interest
[27:13] – How to know when you’re ready to date again
[29:09] – ADHD and dating: the case for dating multiple people
[31:47] – How Sabrina’s partner Ryan showed consistent effort—and why that stood out
[34:06] – When limerence ends: The power of challenging your thoughts
[36:56] – Keeping a long-term relationship exciting when you're "neuro-spicy"
[40:26] – How to handle conflict and protest behavior in a relationship
[42:49] – Sabrina's advice on where to begin with somatic awareness and healing

Links & Resources:

• Find Sabrina Zohar on Instagram
• Listen to The Sabrina Zohar Show on your favorite podcast platform

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD student coaches, parents of ADHD students, and educators of ADHD students

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

Help your ADHD students break free from overwhelm and gain confidence with our latest 3C Activation® : ADHD Student Coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD students

💥Earn 20 ICF Credits

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Live training with Brooke, access to all 200 slides and over 100 worksheets to keep for life!

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

Philip Lindsay isn’t just a Special Education math teacher—he’s a Gen Alpha translator, content creator, and a powerful force in connecting with students who learn differently. In this episode of Successful with ADHD, I sit down with Philip to explore his late ADHD diagnosis, his journey from youth pastor to teacher, and how he uses humor, “brain rot” (yes, that’s a real thing!), and intentional connection to empower kids with learning differences.

We dive into how ADHD fuels his content creation, why relational investment is essential in education, and how his approach breaks long-standing stereotypes in the classroom. Philip shares stories that are both hilarious and deeply relatable—especially for educators and parents raising or working with neurodivergent kids. You’ll laugh, reflect, and maybe even find yourself googling Gen Alpha slang after this one!

Philip Lindsay is a Special Ed math teacher whose mission is simple: be helpful. Best known for decoding Gen Alpha slang, going viral on The Today Show, and creating content that bridges students, parents, and teachers—Philip’s mix of humor, heart, and practical insight resonates deeply with all who work with or raise the next generation.

Episode Highlights:

[1:06] - Meet Philip Lindsay: Special Ed teacher, Gen Alpha translator, and all-around hilarious human
[3:00] - Getting diagnosed with ADHD at 27—and why it was such a relief
[5:06] - Juggling marriage, fatherhood, and a youth pastor role during COVID
[7:06] - The game-changing power of self-awareness and honest communication in relationships
[10:00] - Redefining productivity: Embracing ADHD brain rhythms and ditching typical schedules
[14:33] - Why having a clear “why” makes ADHD a content creation superpower
[16:56] - Using humor to bridge the gap between teachers, students, and parents
[26:00] - Trashketball, trust, and transformative teaching strategies
[30:00] - Debunking the “fun teacher vs. serious teacher” myth
[33:45] - Breaking down Gen Alpha slang: from “gyat” to “skibidi” and everything in between
[36:08] - Brain rot explained: How memes and math mix in middle school
[40:51] - Teaching boundaries: When slang shows up in student writing
[43:03] - Hawk Tuah and other brain rot creations (you won’t believe this one!)
[46:36] - Are generations getting better or worse? Philip shares his take
[48:47] - Final wisdom for parents and educators: Connection over correction

Connect with Philip Lindsay:

• Instagram: @mr_phlindsay_sped
• TikTok: @mr_lindsay_sped
• Facebook: Philip Lindsay
• YouTube: Mr. Lindsay

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and revi

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD student coaches, parents of ADHD students, and educators of ADHD students

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

Help your ADHD students break free from overwhelm and gain confidence with our latest 3C Activation® : ADHD Student Coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD students

💥Earn 20 ICF Credits

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Live training with Brooke, access to all 200 slides and over 100 worksheets to keep for life!

▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

This is A Fan-Favorite Rerun Episode

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by two incredible guests, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, the dynamic duo behind the new book, Unapologetically ADHD. With decades of combined experience in coaching, podcasting, and living with ADHD, Pete and Nikki share their unique journey of co-authoring their book and the lessons they’ve learned about failure, success, and working together as a team. We dive into their podcasting journey, strategies for navigating big projects, and how they’ve redefined ADHD productivity with compassion and practicality.

Nikki Kinzer is a professional certified ADHD coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She’s been coaching adults with ADHD since 2010 and has built a business around supporting the ADHD community through coaching, teaching, and podcasting. She lives with her husband, Brad, in Springfield, Oregon. Pete Wright was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 28 and has spent the better part of his life since then studying and podcasting about his lived ADHD experience. He is a professional podcaster and co-founder of the TruStory FM podcast network. He’s a former journalist, educator, and public relations executive and lives with his wife, Kira, in Portland, Oregon.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Pete reflects on reprogramming how we view failure.
[0:44] - Introducing Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, their backgrounds, and the new book.
[2:35] - The origins of their podcast and the magic of their partnership.
[7:15] - Nikki’s journey into ADHD coaching and the transition to focusing on ADHD clients.
[13:20] - Pete’s perspective on working with a professional organizer and managing ADHD.
[17:03] - How their second book came to life and what made the process smoother.
[22:22] - Strategies they used to tackle challenges during the writing process.
[29:01] - Key takeaways from Unapologetically ADHD for managing big projects.
[37:37] - Pete’s deep dive into routines, executive function, and strategic friction.
[43:12] - Final reflections: reframing failure and embracing being unapologetically ADHD.

Links & Resources

• Visit Pete and Nikki’s website: takecontroladhd.com
• Order their book, Unapologetically ADHD: https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook
• Listen to their podcast: Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. https://takecontroladhd.com/the-adhd-podcast

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

This is A Fan-Favorite Rerun Episode

In this episode, I welcome back my friend and colleague, Jeff Copper, an ADHD and attention coach, to dive into a revolutionary approach he's developed for understanding ADHD. Jeff introduces his new tool, the "Attention Scope," designed to help individuals with ADHD and neurodivergent traits by bringing a new level of awareness to executive functioning. Through simulations and metaphors, Jeff walks us through how Attention Scope reveals the mechanics behind executive functions, empowering users to see their cognitive challenges and strengths from a fresh perspective. This method could be a game-changer for those seeking practical, data-driven strategies to improve their daily lives.

Jeff Copper is an expert attention coach and authority on ADD/ADHD, holding an MBA and various coaching certifications. He founded DIG Coaching Practice, Attention Talk Radio, and Attention Talk Video, coaching individuals and entrepreneurs with ADD/ADHD to enhance their personal and business outcomes. Leveraging his personal experience with attention management challenges, Jeff developed the Anatomy of Attention construct and employs unique methods, including Cognitive Ergonomics and his proprietary AttentionScope®, to help clients identify natural solutions to overcome attention-related obstacles. Jeff integrates Dr. Russell Barkley’s Executive Functioning Construct into his coaching, focusing on objective problem assessment and personalized strategy development. With a background from Indiana University and the University of Tampa, Jeff is deeply involved in the ADD/ADHD coaching community, holding memberships and accolades from several professional organizations. In 2023, he was honored with the Excellence in Coaching Award by the ADHD Coaches Organization. Jeff lives in Tampa, Florida.

Episode Highlights:
[0:59] – Welcoming Jeff back and introducing his new intervention tool, the Attention Scope.
[4:24] – Jeff explains how Attention Scope uses simulations to reveal executive function impairments.
[8:19] – The role of emotional regulation and self-awareness in ADHD coaching.[11:30] – Understanding executive functions in a tangible way through real-life tasks.
[16:37] – Why methodical thinking requires different strategies than insightful thinking.
[21:20] – Jeff discusses how Attention Scope is conceptually different from traditional ADHD approaches.
[28:45] – Addressing executive dysfunction through guided questioning as a low-cost accommodation.
[32:16] – How cognitive ergonomics benefits individuals by teaching them to advocate for the accommodations they need.
[39:56] – Where to learn more about Attention Scope and how it may help individuals with or without ADHD.

Connect with Jeff Cooper:

DIG Coaching – Learn more about Jeff Copper’s work and the Attention Scope tool.
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dig.coaching/

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

In today’s episode, I’m diving into identity work with the incredible Dr. Marcy Caldwell, and I promise, this conversation will shift how you see yourself and your ADHD. We’re not just talking about symptoms or strategies—we’re unpacking the emotional and psychological process behind how we relate to our diagnosis over time. Marcy shares her groundbreaking five-stage ADHD identity model that truly spoke to me, and I know it’ll speak to you too. We talk about everything from shame and self-acceptance to the stages we cycle through post-diagnosis—and why some of us get stuck.

Dr. Marcy Caldwell is a psychologist, writer, illustrator, and proud wife and mother in a family full of ADHD. With over twenty years of experience, she is a passionate advocate for those with neurodiverse brains, focusing on helping craft systems and environments that nurture unique strengths. As the Founder and Director of the Center for ADHD, one of the nation’s leading ADHD clinics, Dr. Marcy is committed to making a difference in the lives of those impacted by neurodiversity. She also established the blog ADDept.org and the digital program Meltdown to Mastery to bring accessible, science-backed information and strategies to adults with ADHD who might otherwise be unable to access services.

Episode Highlights:

[0:50] - Welcoming Dr. Marcy Caldwell and diving into her background
[2:20] - What identity work really means for people with ADHD
[4:47] - Why ADHD treatment often misses this huge piece
[7:19] - The five-stage ADHD identity model: an overview
[9:51] - Stage 2: Exploration—why it’s so energizing (and risky)
[11:14] - Stage 3: Foreclosure—when the excitement crashes into shame
[14:06] - Stage 4: Immersion—finding your people and feeling empowered
[16:27] - Stage 5: Integration—when ADHD becomes part of who you are
[24:35] - ADHD disruption spiral: when excitement leads back to burnout
[25:53] - Helping clients gently transition from immersion to integration
[29:00] - Justice sensitivity, burnout, and learning to put yourself first
[31:48] - Masking and how it changes across identity stages
[33:17] - Why it helps to know where you are in the identity model
[36:56] - The identity “reset” when another diagnosis (like autism) emerges
[38:00] - What integration looks like in real life
[39:03] - Why traditional identity models don’t fit ADHD
[40:56] - Marcy’s top advice if you're just starting to explore your ADHD

Connect with Dr. Marcy Caldwell:

• Follow Dr. Marcy Caldwell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.marcycaldwel
• Learn more about Dr. Marcy Caldwell: https://www.thecenterforadhd.com/
• Access more tools and insights from Marcy at: https://www.addept.org/

Thank you for tuning into SuccessFULL with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3c-for-coaches