Episodes

Friday Aug 09, 2019
Friday Aug 09, 2019
My buddy Adam Wilson is back on the pod! Adam is the founder of Calm Passion, a non-profit that creates sensory sensitive spaces to help those with sensory needs participate in events like comic book conventions and movie showings that might otherwise be too overwhelming for them. He also runs Calmer Con, which is an entire pop culture convention Adam has developed for kids, adults, and families with sensory needs.
In today’s episode, Adam and I talk about the importance of having a consistent approach to how we handle our kids, the power reframing our struggles, navigating the isolation of raising a kid with special needs, including our kids on their support team, and going out to dinner to get on the same page as our partner.
Recent & Upcoming Appearances:
Replay of my ADDitude Webinar on The Wall of Awful
Register for the Live Q&A with Eric Tivers
Register The Executive Function Online Summit
Guest Links:
- Learn more about Adam & Calm Passion at http://calmpassion.org
- Or check them out on Facebook, here!
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for the next round of The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community

Friday Aug 02, 2019
Friday Aug 02, 2019
Today, we’re talking to Lindsey Steele. Lindsey is a high school social studies teacher with ADHD. She writes about managing the life of a teacher while having ADHD on her blog, Fight, Pray, Teach.
In today’s episode, Lindsey and I talk about how having ADHD informs her teaching practice, and her relationships with her students. She also shares some of the organization strategies she uses in her classroom, and we talk about how they can be applied in the home by parents affected by ADHD.
Register for my Webinar with ADDitude Magazine on Tuesday, August 6th at 1pm Eastern, Here!
Guest Links:
- Learn more about Lindsey and her work at https://fightprayteach.wordpress.com/
- Read her article about organizing her classroom to be ADHD friendly.
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for the next round of The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community

Friday Jul 26, 2019
Friday Jul 26, 2019
Today, we’re talking to Doug Harris of ADHD Synergy. Doug is a long-time ADHD coach, working primarily with creatives and the gifted. He organizes the Ann Arbor Michigan ADHD Support group, and was an absolute blast to talk to!
In today’s episode, Doug tells us about finding connection in ADHD conferences and groups, how he used streaks to meditate for 388 days in a row, his theory of pre-trying, and growing up with ADHD.
Guest Links:
- Learn more about Doug at http://adhdsynergy.com
- Find the Ann Arbor, MI support group here: https://www.meetup.com/AnnArbor-ADHD-ADD-Support/
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for the next round of The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community

Friday Jul 19, 2019
Friday Jul 19, 2019
It was is an honor and a privilege to reconnect with my old friend, Jarra Meltzer for this interview. Jarra is the senior Developmental Learning Specialist at the Interactive Learning Center in Lexington, MA, and is an expert in learning and development of children, both academically and socially.
In today’s episode, we discuss focusing on process over results, the power of saying “I wonder…”, allowing space for failure, asking better questions, and the pillars of problem solving.
Guest Links:
- Learn more about Jarra and her work at https://theinteractivelearningcenter.com
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for the next round of The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community

Friday Jul 12, 2019
Friday Jul 12, 2019
WARNING: At one point in this episode, we discuss mass shootings at mosques and synagogs. It's only a small part of the show, but it does occur. /WARNING
Today, we’re talking to René Brooks of Black Girl, Lost Keys. René is a member of the ADHD tribe, and return guest. She’s currently raising awareness for Black Women’s Health as part of the “Crazy Like a Fox Tour”. The tour will be in Philly on Sunday at Location 215, and then they’ll be at Impact Hub in Baltimore on July 27th. Go to CrazyLikeAFoxTour.com for more details.
In today’s episode, René and I share some of our ADHD struggles and vulnerabilities while discussing ADHD & Self-Esteem, the importance of asking for help, the intersection of mental health and race, and the power of networking.
Guest Links:
- Learn more about Rene at her website: BlackGirlLostKeys.com
- Check her out on Facebook or Twitter
- And go see her in the "Crazy Like A Fox" Tour
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for the next round of The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community

Friday Jul 05, 2019
Friday Jul 05, 2019
I really enjoyed this conversation with ADHD coach Monica Hassal of Connect ADHD. Monica and I met at last year’s ADHD Conference, and she’s been a big supporter of this show. I am overjoyed to finally have her on! She's incredibly knowledgeable, as evidenced by this episode. I'm sure I'll have her back on in the future. You can learn more about her work at ConnectADHD.com.
In today’s episode, we discuss Executive Function, why ADHD rarely travels alone, and the various layers that underly problem behaviors through Monica’s outstanding Volcano of Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
(Scroll Down to See an Image of Monica's Volcano Below.)
ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups!
CLICK HERE for more information, and to sign up!
REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY, JULY 10th!
Monica Hassall's Volcano Model of ADHD:

Guest Links:
- Learn more about Monica and her work at www.ConnectADHD.com.
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
My "Wall of Awful" model was recently featured on Jessica McCabe's How to ADHD channel on YouTube. I'd love it if you'd take a look at her channel, as well as my episodes (Episode 1 and Episode 2). They really do great work, and I'm honored to be included.

Friday Jun 28, 2019
Friday Jun 28, 2019
Today, we’re talking to Gail Oakerman. Gail is an Educational Consultant, Counselor, and one of my old College Professors. She runs Five Points Counseling in Lunenburg, MA.
In today’s episode, we discuss the internal struggle of ADHD, how systemic & cultural realities get in our way, the power of teaching kids ways to talk about their challenges, and harnessing incremental change.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN:
For the ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups:
CLICK HERE for more information, and to sign up!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
My "Wall of Awful" model was recently featured on Jessica McCabe's How to ADHD channel on YouTube. I'd love it if you'd take a look at her channel, as well as my episodes (Episode 1 and Episode 2). They really do great work, and I'm honored to be included.
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community
Another big thank you to Jeffrey Gordon of Ideal Video Strategies, who did the heavy lifting on editing this episode.

Friday Jun 21, 2019
Friday Jun 21, 2019
Today's Episode is a little more personal. In it, I share the story of the worst year of my life, how it turned into the greatest lesson of my life, and why it might be useful for you as well. Along the way, we'll talk about expectations for summer vacation, confirmation bias, and my signature Facebook practice.
The second annual Parenting ADHD Summit wraps up today.
But don’t worry! All 28 sessions are still available on recording for the low price of $77. That’s just $2.75 per session. Not too shabby when you’re talking about information from experts like Sharon Saline, Jeff Copper, Dawn Kamila Brown, Ned Hallowell, Penny Williams, Ross Greene, Melissa Orlov, and well… me! CHECK IT OUT!!!
ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups:
CLICK HERE for more information, and to sign up!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
My "Wall of Awful" model was recently featured on Jessica McCabe's How to ADHD channel on YouTube. I'd love it if you'd take a look at her channel, as well as my episodes (Episode 1 and Episode 2). They really do great work, and I'm honored to be included.
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community

Friday Jun 14, 2019
Friday Jun 14, 2019
Today, we’re talking to Krista Gordon. Krista is mom of two kids with ADHD, and the founder of Tranquil Little One. Krista shares her story of getting her kids diagnosed with ADHD, learning how to help them manage their it though both mental and physical therapies, and how that led to her work with Tranquil Little One.
In today’s episode, we discuss how the way our children feel physically can affect how they feel emotionally, why core strength matters, anxiety, yoga, and learning from our kids.
Online ADHD Parenting Summit:
CLICK HERE for more information, and to sign up!
Guest Links:
- Krista's Website: https://www.tranquillittleone.com
ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups:
CLICK HERE for more information, and to sign up!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
My "Wall of Awful" model was recently featured on Jessica McCabe's How to ADHD channel on YouTube. I'd love it if you'd take a look at her channel, as well as my episodes (Episode 1 and Episode 2). They really do great work, and I'm honored to be included.
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community

Friday Jun 07, 2019
Friday Jun 07, 2019
Welcome to ADHD Essentials!
Friend of the Pod, ADHD coach, and professional organizer Cindy Jobs is back for a second round!
In today’s episode, we talk about the cost of keeping things in terms of upkeep, space, money, and bandwidth, how to manage challenge of organizing shared spaces, and why me putting my laundry away is a way for me to love my wife.
Online ADHD Parenting Summit:
CLICK HERE for more information, and to sign up!
Guest Links:
- Cindy's Website: https://www.cindyjobs.com
ADHD Essentials Links:
- Learn about & Register for The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
- ADHD Essentials Homepage
- Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Join Our Facebook Community
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
My "Wall of Awful" model was recently featured on Jessica McCabe's How to ADHD channel on YouTube. I'd love it if you'd take a look at her channel, as well as my episodes (Episode 1 and Episode 2). They really do great work, and I'm honored to be included.

