SuccessFULL With ADHD

Most moms I talk to are running on empty and still showing up for everyone else first. But what if feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and responsible for everyone isn’t actually the price of being a good mom? In this episode of Successful with ADHD, I’m joined by Heather Chauvin, leadership coach, TEDx speaker, host of Emotionally Uncomfortable, and author of Dying to Be a Good Mother. After being diagnosed with stage four cancer at 28 while raising three boys, Heather was forced to rethink how she was living, parenting, and using her energy.
Heather and I get into ADHD, motherhood, burnout, emotional regulation, boundaries, executive functioning, and the invisible mental load so many women carry. We talk about what happens when you stop being everyone else’s executive function, why letting your kids struggle can actually help them build independence, and how operating from the energy you want to feel can change your relationships. I also share a deeply personal part of my own story and what happened when I finally started stepping back. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything and somehow still failing, press play on this one.

Episode Highlights
[0:45] - Meet Heather Chauvin and hear how a stage four cancer diagnosis changed the way she approached motherhood and life.
[2:19] - Heather shares the internal shift that made her decide she was no longer willing to feel depleted.
[4:10] - Facing fear, survival mode, motherhood, business, and cancer all at the same time.
[6:39] - The difference between simply coping and asking yourself how you actually want to live.
[8:29] - Why getting another planner or writing another to-do list won’t fix an identity built around doing everything for everyone.
[12:20] - Looking beyond ADHD and other labels to recognize our basic human needs for regulation, nourishment, movement, and connection.
[17:02] - Heather breaks down Energetic Time Management and her powerful “Wouldn’t it be nice if…” practice.
[21:11] - Holding boundaries with ADHD kids without rescuing, controlling, or falling into a guilt spiral.
[23:04] - Why emotional discomfort can feel horrible at first—and why yelling can actually be a stress response.
[28:21] - I open up about nearly getting divorced, carrying the executive functioning of my household, and what changed when I finally stepped back.
[30:45] - The fine line between helping, rescuing, codependence, and interdependence.
[34:54] - Getting the mental load out of your brain and allowing other people to take responsibility—even when they do things differently.
[36:22] - ADHD executive functioning, independence, and why letting our kids fail can be an important part of helping them grow.
[37:17] - Moving through shame, regulating your nervous system, and creating the accountability your brain actually needs.
[41:12] - Collaborative problem-solving: asking kids what their brains need instead of assuming we have all the answers.
[43:08] - Why Heather believes the more responsibility you have, the lighter you should feel.
[47:49] - Delaying difficult conversations, using ADHD-friendly communication strategies, and knowing when it’s better to text, write, or walk.
[50:02] - Heather leaves overwhelmed moms with one belief she wants them to stop carrying.

Links and Resources
Heather Chauvin is a leadership advisor for high-performing women raising children and building lives that demand more than conventional time management can hold.
Her work sits at an unusual intersection: Trained as a Social Worker, she spent the early part of her career inside the systems most of her clients are now navigating from the other side (schools, mental health services, family courts, the quiet machinery that shapes how children, especially neurodiverse children, are seen and supported). That lens still informs everything. She knows what's happening underneath the surface of a family, a marriage, a woman holding it all together.
What she layers on top is lived. A stage 4 cancer diagnosis at 28, while raising three young sons and building a career. A TEDx stage. A book — Dying to Be a Good Mother. A podcast with more than 11 million downloads. Years of working privately with executives, founders, and mothers who look successful on paper and feel quietly depleted underneath.
Her clients describe her as the advisor in their back pocket, someone who can hold the strategic conversation and the spiritual one in the same breath. The cash flow plan and the question of what makes you feel alive. The team restructure and the marriage or health diagnosis. The next career move and the child who needs you to show up differently than you were taught to.
The throughline is this: The more responsibility you carry, the lighter you should feel. Heather has spent 15+ years proving it's possible — for herself, and for the women she works with privately.
https://www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_/

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 Student ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training
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
💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice
💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory
Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode 

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 Student ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training
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
💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice
💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory
Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode 
This episode is one that hits your home and your heart. I’m joined by Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place and host of Maximize Minimalist. Together, we unpack the biggest lies we’ve been sold about decluttering—especially how harmful those messages can be for ADHD and neurodivergent brains.
We go far beyond “just get organized” and dig into how clutter impacts your nervous system, identity, emotions, and stress levels. Katy shares a compassionate, realistic, and ADHD-friendly approach to decluttering that doesn’t rely on perfection, Pinterest aesthetics, or overwhelm. If clutter has ever sent you into a shame spiral or made you feel like you’re failing at adulthood, this conversation is for you.
Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real-Life Guide to Decluttering without the Overwhelm, created Holistic Decluttering—an approach that tackles clutter at its roots and pairs it with simple, sustainable systems. As host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast (5 million listens), Katy helps families break the cycle of clutter that keeps coming back. Her work has been featured on NBC News Daily, Martha Stewart, and Real Simple. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two sons.
 
Episode Highlights:
[0:51] – Introducing Katy Wells and why this conversation goes way deeper than “stuff”
 [2:03] – The biggest decluttering myths we’ve been fed and why they harm ADHD brains
 [5:51] – The shocking research linking clutter, cortisol, and focus
 [8:27] – Why mess and clutter are not the same thing (and why that matters)
[11:56] – ADHD-friendly decluttering: one category, one decision at a time
[16:54] – “Only Handle It Once” and designing your environment for follow-through
[20:32] – Finding your baseline instead of chasing impossible standards
[24:45] – Decluttering as a lifestyle, not another exhausting to-do list
[33:00] – The four types of clutter: superficial, scarcity, sentimental, and identity
[40:33] – Letting go without regret and why decluttering is a skill you can build
[49:55] – Creating a home that feels possible, supportive, and truly yours
 
Links and Resources:
Katy’s website: https://www.katyjoywells.com/ 
 
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 Student ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training
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
💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice
💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory
Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode 

What ADHD teens actually need from their parents can feel confusing, exhausting, and emotional—and if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting it “right,” this episode will bring relief. I sat down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author of Love the Teen You Have, for a deeply validating and practical conversation about parenting teens with ADHD. You’ll walk away feeling supported, encouraged, and equipped with tools you can use right away.
We explore why she wrote her book, the real meaning behind its title, and the myths that leave so many parents feeling defeated. We dig into how to stay connected when your teen is pushing boundaries, why unconditional love changes everything, and what it truly looks like to support ADHD teens with executive function, emotional regulation, and respect. We also get honest about step-parenting, hormone changes, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the teen years. Dr. Lockhart offers practical scripts, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you navigate tough moments with confidence and compassion.
Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author who has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, HuffPost, and The Today Show. After feeling disconnected from her own mom as a teen, she wrote her book to help parents build the closeness she once wished for. Love the Teen You Have is available now.
Episode Highlights:
[0:35] Introducing Dr. Lockhart + her book
[2:19] Why she wrote it + radical acceptance
[3:45] Parenting vs. loving the child you have
[6:14] Unconditional acceptance as transformation
[7:37] The myth that “good parenting = good results”
[10:11] Rejection sensitivity + separating facts from stories
[13:35] ADHD catastrophizing vs. teen behavior
[16:24] PDA vs. ODD
[18:11] Teens seeking connection through conflict
[21:06] Gentle parenting vs. permissive parenting
[23:05] The “redo” + modeling regulation
[25:39] Repairing after rupture
[28:32] Hormones, puberty, and emotional upheaval
[34:30] What ADHD adults need to know about teen brains
[36:43] Can you be a friend and a parent?
[39:25] Step-parenting + connection first
[42:09] What schools need to understand
[44:24] Where to find Dr. Lockhart
Links and Resources:
📘 Love the Teen You Have by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart – Available wherever books are sold
🌐 Visit Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s website: https://drannlouiselockhart.com/ 
📱 Follow her on Instagram: @dr.annlouise.lockhart
▶️ Check out her YouTube channel for parenting insights and tips: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhart  
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 Student ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training
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
💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice
💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory
Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training

This is A Fan Favorite Rerun Episode 
I had an incredible conversation with Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, in this week's episode of Successful with ADHD. Chris shared so many valuable insights on communication, empathy, and understanding - topics that are very relevant for the ADHD community.

Chris is a former Lead FBI Negotiator and dynamic speaker who debunks the biggest myths around negotiation. Chris engages all groups with captivating stories, insights, and useful tips for business and everyday life. Chris has lectured on negotiation at business schools across the country and has been seen on ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox News. Chris has also been featured in Forbes, Time, Fast Company, and Inc. Chris’s Keynotes are based on his book Never Split The Difference©.

Episode Highlights:
[01:06] – Starstruck by my guest Chris Voss and why his book means so much to me and my husband.
[02:48] - Chris emphasizes the importance of listening and paying attention to more than just words in a conversation.
[03:50] - Strategies Chris suggests for people with ADHD to improve focus when listening intently.
[06:37] - How turning communication into a "game" can help capture wandering attention.
[08:39] - The challenges of reading body language accurately via video calls compared to in-person interactions.
[10:00] - Tips for maintaining engagement and energy on long video calls.
[11:05] - Using the "mirroring" technique to bring attention back to key points you may have missed.
[13:52] - Why some personalities may not enjoy being "mirrored" and prefer different approaches.
[17:22] - The strategic use of apologies before interruptions or assertions.
[19:10] - Why apologies shouldn't necessarily be seen as a sign of weakness.
[20:10] - Whether communication tactics can be used effectively when both parties are aware of them.
[21:33] - Chris explains prospect theory and loss aversion based on the work of Daniel Kahneman.
[25:14] - The importance of empathy and appreciation when using the powerful tool of invoking loss.
[26:34] - The benefits of handwriting over typing for memory retention and focus.
[29:49] - Practicing mental hygiene to counter our innate negativity bias.
[32:33] - Tuning into emotions rather than words when listening.
[35:33] - Paying attention to the "emotional timeline" based on the type of feelings being expressed.
[36:01] - Strategies for bridging disagreements by ensuring people feel truly heard.
[40:03] - Thoughts on reducing conflict through understanding and empathy for all sides.
[40:56] - Whether world peace can ever be achieved.
[43:13] - The importance of making people feel heard in communication.

Connect with Chris Voss:
•Black Swan Ltd - Chris Voss's company website: www.blackswanltd.com
•The Edge weekly email newsletter - get free negotiation tips from Chris
•Never Split the Difference - Chris's bestselling book

I loved diving into so many facets of communication and empathy with an expert like Chris. Let me know if you found this episode valuable by leaving a review! And don't forget to follow along on social media @coachingwithbrooke. See you next time!
🚨Calling all aspiring Student ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training
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
💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice
💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory
Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/student-coach-training