Our Guest today is Rosie Elvin, an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator who champions neurodiversity and inclusive design. Rosie, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, as she teaches architecture. Our discussion centers on the importance of Inclusive design, and naturally working with, rather than against neurodivergent brains. A little more about Rosie:

Rosie Elvin is an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator passionate about helping individuals and workplaces embrace neurodiversity. Following her own late ADHD diagnosis at 43, Rosie founded ADHD Focus, where she provides coaching for adults with ADHD and delivers engaging training sessions on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Her work blends lived experience with professional insight, supporting clients to understand their unique strengths, navigate challenges like executive functioning and emotional regulation, and build strategies that work with their brains, not against them.
Rosie also teaches architecture part-time at Nottingham Trent University, where her interest in social justice and inclusive design shapes both her teaching and advocacy. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she challenges outdated narratives around ADHD and champions a strengths-based, human-centered approach.
Whether she’s coaching, writing articles, or leading workshops, Rosie’s mission is clear: to create environments where neurodivergent people are understood, empowered, and celebrated.
Enjoy!

[You are now safely here, feel free to breathe]

• Intro and Welcome Rosie Elvin!

• 01:10 - So, what is inclusive design?

• 02:57 - Coaching Strategies for Neurodivergent individuals

• 03:20 - We don't often consider design's role in neurodiversity or ADHD, similar to how the world is designed for right-handed people; it seems designed for "normal brains."

• 04:12 - When coaching, how do you incorporate design, and what key strategies work for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals?

• 04:30 - If someone comes to you feeling lost or stuck, how do you help them shift their perspective?

• 05:47 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Impact

• 08:06 - Much of the problem stems from being told we're "broken" or "not good enough" for so long.

• 08:39 - On the journey of Self-Acceptance and Advocacy

• 11:20 - It's difficult to un-ingrain lifelong beliefs.

• 11:43 - When you were growing up, neurodiversity "didn't exist"; it meant being disruptive.

• 12:33 - Many first-world countries still don't discuss it.

• 13:13 - You're so talented and good at what you do.

• 14:48 - This seems like a classic ADHD response: identifying a problem and immediately fixing it without overthinking.

• 15:00 - Rosie, where can everyone find you?

• 16:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Rosie Elvin:

• LinkedIn: ADHD Focus, Rosie Elvin

• Website: www.adhdfocus.co.uk

• Instagram: @rosie.adhdfocus
  (Less active, as mentioned in the interview, but her LinkedIn and website are preferred contact methods)

Peter Shankman:

• Email: peter@shankman.com

• Podcast: Faster Than Normal

  Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?

  We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

Our guest today Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with clinical expertise in treating anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD. She is the founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services, based in Montclair, New Jersey, where she provides in-person care and telepsychiatry across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her clinical approach integrates psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and evidence-informed complementary modalities—including lifestyle medicine, light therapy, and nutritional supplementation. Dr. Fajgenbaum-Teslja is committed to trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care and frequently collaborates with psychotherapists and interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive treatment planning. Today, Sarah discusses her unconventional path to psychiatry, her integrative approach, and observations on changing attitudes toward neurodiversity and mental health stigmas - stigmans which we are here to help permanently remove through using education, community encouragement, care, and entertainment. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here, too]

01:00 - Introducing and welcome Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja!

01:45 - Could you please share a bit about your background and education?

03:20 - Was your path to this career revolving around Psychiatry what you expected?

03:39 - Why do you think ADHD diagnoses have increased, especially among parents and their children?

04:44 - Despite progress, why does stigma around mental health, especially for kids, still exist?

08:16 - What trends are you seeing in neurodiversity and ADHD treatment?

10:10 - How do you help new patients who feel anxious, or even ashamed about seeing a psychiatrist?

12:22 - How can people find you? @integrativepsychiatrynj on INSTA Facebook LinkedIN YouTube and via her company's website: Integrative Phychiatric Services aka https://njips.com/

12:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?

We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

Today we are so happy to have Cynthia Murray join us! She’s the Founder + Recipe Developer of 4Legz Dog Treats! So, she was born deaf. From an early age she found deep connection and comfort with animals, especially dogs. Over the years, she began rescuing deaf dogs and realized just how much love, loyalty, and understanding they offer, often without a single sound. They became her inspiration. Frustrated by the lack of healthy, transparent dog treats, she started baking her own using only human-grade, organic ingredients. She knew her furry family members deserved better—treats that were simple, safe, and made with love. And that’s how 4Legz was born.

In 2025, her company is so much more than just a happy dog treats company. 4Legz is rooted in purpose. They support animal rescues and are committed to creating inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. -As someone who has navigated life with a disability, she understands how powerful it is to be included, empowered, and seen. Every bag of 4Legz treats represents more than quality ingredients—it stands for health, compassion, and change. When you support 4Legz, you're not just giving your dog something wholesome and delicious—you're helping build a more inclusive and caring world. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:45 - Intro and Welcome Cynthia Murray, Founder of 4Legz All Natural Dog Treats

01:30 - You started this great company, but tell us your backstory—how you came into this idea, your childhood, you know, the whole thing.

04:45 - It sounds like the concept for the company is rooted in the fact that disability does not mean unable, right?

07:00 - Please tell us about success stories you’ve enjoyed with 4Legs?

10:00 - Broader Impact on Families and Community. It sounds like there’s an incredible overall benefit—not just for the employees, but for their families and the community, or? Discussion about the positive ripple effects on families and the broader community when individuals with disabilities are empowered and supported

11:30 - Let’s talk about Four Legs for a bit. How is the business going? How are you growing? What’s next?

14:10 - How can people find you, Cynthia? WEB: https://4legZ.com/ SOCIALS: @4legzdogtreats on INSTA YouTube, TikTok, FB

14:26 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again here, very soon!

Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA is a psychologist, international presenter, and ADHD thought leader. The author or acclaimed ADHD After Dark, today joins us after a few years to tell us about his highly anticipated fifth book, The ADHD Productivity Manual. You can find more information about his books, his podcast More Attention, Less Deficit, upcoming and recorded presentations and contact information at adultADHDbook.com. Enjoy!

[You are now safely here]

00:42 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!

[Episode 332 I believe, but we will be 10 years old, wowzers! -Ed]

01:20 - Introducing and welcome back Ari Tuckman!

02:00 - COVID - 2025?

02:30 - Check out Peter’s interview with Ari about his book ADHD After Dark Interview here!

02:50 - Tell us about your new book The ADHD Productivity Manual

03:00 - Fitting the pieces of lists together, and how we can get stuff done, better and quicker

04:20 - It’s an easy read, right?

04:47 - What are you dealing with in your brain today? Let us know if the comments!

05:22 - Lazy, Stupid, Studio, or Crazy?

05:55 - On starting the learning late, and focusing on the right lessons and rituals for us.

06:40 - Experiences are our own

07:00 - On being kind to others. And dogs, and cats, all of the pets.

08:11 - On the importance of community support, and laughter

08:50 - On being a good person. A mentor who speaks your language/same brain.

10:05 - 5 FAST THINGS from the book:

1. How to live with: Schedules, To Do Lists, and ALARMS and deadlines
2. How to handle social stuff, and others’ expectationa of you and your work
3. How to have faith and deal with the process, experience your experience; but show up and keep showing up.
4. On focusing on the process and not giving up on the daily confusion or frustration.
5. What’s the point anyway?

12:25 - A final thought on personal effectiveness and productivity using ADHD

13:06 - How can people find you? More Attention, Less Deficit also at adultADHDbook.com

13:18 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

D you know of anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! See you shortly!

My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

Our guest today is psychologist, international speaker, and the CoFounder of Coa, the gym for mental health, Dr. Emily Anhalt. Dr. Anhalt studied psychology at the University of Michigan and attained Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology in Berkley, California. She conducted her doctoral research on ADHD and Success Without the Use of Medication and has spent the past two decades working clinically with executives, founders, and tech employees to support their emotional fitness. Dr. Anhalt has matched more than 800 people into therapy and has collaborated with some of the fastest-growing technology companies in the world including Google, Salesforce, NBCUniversal, NASDAQ, and the NBA.

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!!

01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Dr. Emily Anhalt.

01:44 - Emily in her own words.

02:13 - Emily’s research on adult ADHD success without the use of medication.

02:29 - 3 keys to success alongside your ADHD.

04:45 - Is ADHD a good or a bad thing?

06:25 - Reframing ADHD.

06:53 - Gen Zers are standing up for their mental health and destigmatize ADHD.

08:03 - Social media is flipping the way we view mental health and ADHD.

08:56 - But it’s also paving the way for “Dr. TikToks” to take over.

10:07 - Al as a tool for the neurodiverse brain.

11:31 - Why AI is a tool and not a way to diagnose or get therapy.

12:08 - Emily’s new book, “Flex Your Feelings, Train Your Brain to Develop the Seven Traits of Emotional Fitness.”

13:44 - Connecting with Emily.

14:16 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

Connecting with Emily:

Website: dremilyanhalt.com

Instagram: @dremilyanhalt

LinkedIn: Dr. Emily Anhalt

X: @dremilyanhalt

Don’t forget to pre-order Emily’s debut book, Flex Your Feelings, Train Your Brain to Develop the 7 Traits of Emotional Fitness before it launches on May 13, 2025!

My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.

Our guest today is family man, entrepreneur and CEO, Mike Dos Santos. Mike is the CEO of Versatile Studios, a production studio with offices worldwide, the creator of Versa Battery and Co-Founder of Crane Properties LLC and Crane Property Holdings LLC. Mike is also a former partner in One Drop Rentals and a former director for Quixote Studios New York. Today, Mike shares how he has learned to stay focused amidst his busy schedule and he and Peter discuss how exercise has been a game changer for both of their careers.

Born and raised in Boston, Mike was drawn to photography at an early age and graduated from Northeastern University in 2003 with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Photography. Mike completed his photography degree at the New England School of Photography and started in the photo industry as an assistant, worked in digital tech, and was a retoucher and photographer before establishing his own digital production studio, Versatile Studios, in Manhattan and Los Angeles. In addition to Versatile Studios, Mike and his partner, Shawna, created Crane Properties, a real estate redevelopment company investing in the North Shore of Boston as well as Crane Property Holdings with real estate holdings across the United States.

[You are now safely here]

00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!

01:20 - Introducing and welcoming Mike Dos Santos, CEO of Versatile Studios.

03:15 - How Mike juggles his busy schedule with #ADHD.

04:56 - Why trusting your employees is a game-changer for your business.

05:28 - What excites Mike most about his busy days?

07:25 - How to persevere when tasks are boring as someone with #ADHD.

07:58 - Brain.fm to help #ADHDers focus on boring tasks (use this link to get brain.fm for FREE for 30 days exclusively for FTN listeners)

09:32 - How working out first thing in the morning can help #ADHDers to crush the day.

12:18 - Peter and Mike talk about their favorite workouts.

15:05 - Connecting with Mike.

16:06 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

Know anyone doing wonderful things with #ADHD? We would love to have them on and listen to how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked!

Connecting with Mike:

Website: Versatilestudios.com

Instagram: @mikedos22

Don’t forget to click this LINK to access 30 days of brain.fm for FREE exclusively for Faster Than Normal listeners.

My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman