The Adulting With ADHD Podcast

Getting started can feel harder than the work itself—especially when your brain insists on finding the perfect system before you begin. In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah sits down with Russ Jones, host of the ADHD Big Brother Podcast, to explore what happens when we stop waiting for certainty and start jumping in sloppy instead.
Russ shares his late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and how burnout, depression, and the isolation of the pandemic led him to rethink productivity from the inside out. Together, Sarah and Russ unpack why ADHD brains get stuck in planning mode, how perfectionism disguises itself as "research," and why starting imperfectly is often the most compassionate move we can make.
This conversation is a grounding reminder that progress doesn't come from flawless systems—it comes from momentum, connection, and designing effort that your nervous system can actually tolerate.
In this episode, we explore:
Why ADHDers often over-plan instead of starting—and how to interrupt that cycle

What "jumping in sloppy" really means (and what it doesn't)

How finite effort and timers can reduce anxiety around overwhelming tasks

Why quitting is sometimes part of getting started

The concept of felt accountability and why other humans make follow-through more likely

How community, body doubling, and shared effort reduce shame and isolation

Reframing productivity as something we do together, not alone



Russ also shares the heart behind his ADHD Big Brother approach—why guidance works better when it feels like support instead of authority, and how small, human-scale systems can help us finally tackle the tasks we've been avoiding.
If you've ever told yourself, "I know me—this won't work," this episode gently challenges that belief and offers a more hopeful alternative: start where you are, start imperfectly, and don't do it alone.
🔗 Connect with Russ Jones
Website: www.adhdbigbrother.com

In this episode, I share a personal update, highlighting a shift in content based on audience feedback. I also tease a new resource set to debut in 2026 to meet listeners' needs more effectively.

Survey: https://forms.gle/8XHTKRNcnWGd9SQG8

In this episode, host Sarah is joined by Alexis Haselberger, a time management, productivity, and leadership coach. Alexis, who was diagnosed with ADHD through her work with clients, shares her journey from the high-pressure world of Silicon Valley startups to becoming a coach focused on sustainable success.
The conversation explores crucial strategies for adults with ADHD, particularly in high-pressure environments, focusing on the power of self-compassion. Alexis discusses:
Reframing Self-Criticism: Why kindness and celebrating small wins (even just putting on your shoes!) are essential for motivation, contrasting with the common belief that being harsh leads to improvement.

Practical Workplace Boundaries: Implementing communication boundaries, like turning off notifications and using "away" messages, to protect mental health and maintain focus.

The External Brain: The necessity of a trusted external task system (like alarms and reminders) to manage short-term memory issues and reduce anxiety.

The Myth of "Doing It All": How accepting that you cannot "do it all" gives you agency over your life and time, making life about intentional trade-offs and effective prioritization rather than endless overwork.

Tune in to learn how to leverage self-compassion to increase productivity and gain a sense of control over your life.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
Adulting with ADHD Podcast Archives: patreon.com/adultingwithadhd

Sponsor Offer (ADHD Online Assessment): Visit ADHDOnline.com and use promo code ADULTINGADHD40 to save $40.

🔗 Connect with Alexis Haselberger
Website: www.alexishaselberger.com

Natalia Aza, a licensed therapist and co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective, discusses the overlap between ADHD and OCD. Natalia shares her personal journey with ADHD and OCD, the importance of proper diagnosis, and the specific treatments for OCD. She highlights the challenges of misdiagnosis and discusses lesser-known OCD presentations that individuals with ADHD might overlook.
Highlights
Natalia's Journey with ADHD and OCD
Understanding the Overlap Between ADHD and OCD
Lesser-Known OCD Presentations in ADHD
Steps to Take if You Suspect OCD
Mentions
kairoswellnesscollective.com
adhdonline.com/adultingwithadhd