ADHD MUMS
ADHD MUMS
We are Gen and Claire.
We’re two best friends with ADHD and we both have kids, and we’re here to share our experiences, with an aim to crush the isolation of social stigma that surrounds our struggles. We have both had our own diagnosis journeys, involving a lot of research and self-education, and we will continue this in our podcast, sharing what we find with you!
As friends, we are really honest, and we share the highs and lows of parenting with our ADHD brains. We both have ever-changing family routines and challenges, with neurodivergent kids, and homes to run. We struggle with executive dysfunction, clutter and chaos, overstimulation and Mum guilt, but we also ride our hyperactive highs together. There is a lot of laughter, and celebrating of even the tiniest wins.
We’ve all heard that saying about it taking a village to raise a child but most of us don’t have access to that any more. As single mums we are lucky to consider each other chosen family, and we are intent on creating a vibrant community and support network for mums like us.
We are both AFAB people and we’re biological mums, but all mums are welcome here. In fact all parents, all people with ADHD, all people interested in ADHD...
Actually all humans are welcome. And not to be speciesist; your pets can listen too!
Trigger warning though - we will be discussing sensitive issues and we will use bad language, so the podcast won’t be suitable for all listeners. Please check the show notes for specific triggers.
Lately you might have noticed there’s a been quite a bit of ableist and stigamitising rhetoric in the media about people with ADHD. Well we want to come out loud and proud about who we are and help end that stigma for us and for you.
We’re not faking, we’re not lazy, we’re not lesser, we’re not going to suddenly become neurotypical by buying a planner, folding our clothes in a new way or just trying harder!
We are hoping that in turn we can learn from you. We’ll be asking you to share your stories, experiences and tips about any of the topics that we cover. Let’s face it if anybody has found any ADHD Mum hacks we all want to know about them.
In each episode we’ll take a closer look at a different specific area of ADHD, from our unique perspective as Mums. We aren't claiming to be experts, we just speak from our own lived experience, beliefs and opinions, and we'd love you to join us for the ride!
Raise a fist and say it with us: SISTERS IN CHAOS!!!
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Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 ADHD MUMS Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best ADHD MUMS episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to ADHD MUMS for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite ADHD MUMS episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
09/20/23 • 66 min
Have you sought diagnosis for ADHD, only to feel completely overwhelmed by the UK's labyrinthine diagnosis pathways? Well, we've been there, felt that, and today we are attempting to break it down a little for you.
Remember the time when you assumed your GP was the only hurdle between you and your ADHD diagnosis? We dive into the gatekeeper role of GPs and the impact of limited resources on the accessibility of the whole process.
Post-Brexit Tory Britain... Don't get us started!
We explore the options, including new 24/7 service Babylon GP (which we thought was NHS funded, but are now not so sure!), Individual Funding Requests, and the Right To Choose option for ADHD assessments. We mourn the state of affairs, with lengthy waits, and the potential price range for private diagnosis. We challenge the myth of over-diagnosis, and highlight the vital role of being an informed patient.
We throw light on the uphill battle of women in their quest for an ADHD diagnosis and the unwanted stigma fuelled by the media. We share compelling stories of those who embarked on private diagnosis journeys, and their fight to access treatment and medication.
Stay tuned for the final episode of Diagnosis month, next week, when we will be in conversation with Rosie Gill Moss, of Widowed AF podcast.
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
HIGHS & LOWS OF THE WEEK Ep. 2
ADHD MUMS
11/12/23 • 34 min
Ever found it tough to manage the daily chaos that ADHD throws at you while juggling the trials and tribulations of motherhood? Picture this: You've got an early morning job, and you're trying to navigate getting home in freezing rain, just to arrive home and find your prepayment electricity meter going on strike.
Our conversation takes a turn into the tough realities of building connections with other parents as our kids grow up. Moving from the playgroups to the school gates, we're navigating a new social dynamic. Gen opens up about the struggle to stay tuned in to the heart-wrenching reality of a war-torn Palestine. The empathy is real, the guilt is palpable, and finding the right balance feels like walking a tightrope.
As we nudge away from the guilt, we unpack the emotional baggage that COVID has dumped on us. Unable to physically help, feeling helpless, and guilt-tripping for avoiding the news, we are still spinning on the emotional roller coaster that the pandemic had us strapped into.
The light at the end of the tunnel is the joys of a new job as a massage therapist, after training before an unexpected second pregnancy. So come along, join in, and let's navigate this wild ride together through laughter, frustration, and some thought-provoking conversations!
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
11/03/23 • 40 min
What happens when life throws a curveball and you find yourself juggling a sick child, a new job, and a migraine? You grit your teeth through a free full body massage, of course!
Join us for a chat about our week, that was a mixed bag of highs and lows. Competing with the normal stresses of parenthood, Gen had the excitement of a new job at a spa, but found herself and her youngest child ill on her first day. Claire had a seriously stressful day of trying to get out of the city centre, with a dead mobile battery, and no cash or card.
Balancing personal and professional commitments can be taxing, especially when you are running a podcast. We get real about the emotional toll this project has taken on us at times, and how we had to adapt our work styles to pick up eachother's slack.
We reference our experiences with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a condition that can make criticism, no matter how constructive, feel like a personal attack. We discuss how we eased up on critiquing each other and found ways to work harmoniously.
As the discussion progresses, we delve into the intricacies of our commitments and how timekeeping delays can strain relationships. We explore how ADHD can be linked to chronic lateness, and how this can be triggering within neurodivergent relationships.
We emphasize the importance of understanding and empathy when dealing with someone living with ADHD, but acknowledge ourselves how challenging this can be in the moment. Claire shares exciting news regarding titration, and shares her initial thoughts on the impact of ADHD medication on energy levels and mental health.
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
10/18/23 • 69 min
In our highs and lows of the week, we share our struggles with single parenting, co-parenting schedules, and changing households. We pre-empt our upcoming month's topic, by discussing candidness about disclosing ADHD to potential employers, and the ethical considerations around this. As always, we hope this section will entertain, and also offer a sense of acceptance in those listeners who can relate to the situations we are living through week by week.
We discuss the interplay between hormones and ADHD, especially how Oestrogen, a key player in regulating dopamine pathways in the brain, can shape this journey. We consider the mental health implications of the hormonal changes related to pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the potential impact of ADHD medication.
This episode we are joined by listener, Lucy, an ADHD mum who shares her experience of ADHD pregnancy in a van. She shares her journey into motherhood, and battling misdiagnosis as she came to terms with self-identifying as ADHD and Autistic.
Lucy opens up about the distinct challenges of parenting with ADHD, seeking self-care, household organisation in a tiny house (on wheels), and the hurdles of sudden life changes. She also shares her advice and tips for managing life with ADHD, from setting reminders to embracing a minimalist lifestyle.
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
10/30/23 • 41 min
This month we get real about the realities of the working world? Join us on a rollercoaster journey through our eclectic work lives. We'll take you through our work path diversity, from waitressing to wedding photography, discussing the pressures of earning a living when your output changes so significantly from one day to the next.
We touch on how the Liverpool music scene, in which we grew up, bridges dreams with benefits and how even these have diminished under Tory government regimes.
We delve deeper into the harsher aspects of the workplace. We share the agonies of enduring a job with normal (but intolerable) conditions, managing sensory issues, and grappling with emotional dysregulation.
We share our world of work experiences, ranging from care homes to charity shops, and reveal how we have evolved professionally. We also candidly discuss how we’re instilling in our kids the power of creativity for making pocket money.
As we wrap up our conversation, we unmask our personal experiences with workplace bullying and discrimination. We discuss masked ableism, ageism, and our encounters with micro-managing bullies scrutinising our working style. We reveal the impact of disclosing disabilities within the workplace and the unique intersectionality of pressures that ADHD parents face on the job.
Finally, we reminisce about the joy of working with other creative people, the humourous moments that have kept us going through jobs in the past.
Stay tuned as we experiment with a new episode format, saving our HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE WEEK for their very own episode, this Friday! And look out for upcoming episodes this month, on working from home, self-employment, and the UK Access To Work scheme.
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
08/09/23 • 66 min
This is the first episode of introductions month.
We start by sharing the highs and lows of their ADHD parenting week.
We then introduce themuroselves and discuss some of our ADHD life experiences, focussing on our childhoods and school lives.
We also share some stats and background data on ADHD in mums.
SOURCES:
Occurrence of ADHD in parents of ADHD children in a clinical sample
How ADHD Shortens life expectancy: What parents and doctors need to know
(w/ Dr Russel Barkley Additude magazine youtube webinar)
Gov.UK - population statistics
SPECIAL THANKS:
Podcasting consultation: Niall McGowan at The Bat Minute podcast.
Audio tech / podcasting consultation: Stephen Cole at What Studio and Sound Torque podcast.
Theme and interlude music: Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Additional support: Michael Sutton at Overground Underground and Frederick Blezard Walton.
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
09/04/23 • 52 min
This episode marks the start of ADHD MUMS Diagnosis month.
Seeking diagnosis is too often a rollercoaster ride, a reeeeeeally painfully slow one! Navigating the complications of ADHD diagnosis while balancing the challenges of modern motherhood, that's extra!
In this week's Highs And Lows Of The Week we reflect on the ending of the summer holidays, from the challenges of travel with kids, to the kindness of strangers, and the stresses of the transition to high school.
We then map our own paths to ADHD diagnosis, and discuss the controversial Panorama documentary titled 'Private ADHD Clinics Exposed', which aired the day of Claire's assessment! We share our thoughts and feelings about the documentary, its potential impact on public opinion, and its unsettling influence on the mindset of people awaiting an ADHD diagnosis. We don't shy away from the hard questions, pondering whether private clinics have a financial motivation to over-diagnose, and the ripple effects this could have on patients seeking help.
Stay tuned gang, we are just getting started! From discussions about our personal highs and lows to more in-depth conversations about ADHD and parenting issues, we can't wait to continue learning, growing, and laughing together.
Gen & Claire, your SISTERS IN CHAOS! xxx
RESOURCES:
LADDERS OF LIFE Liverpool support group for adults with ADHD or Aspergers
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
10/25/23 • 65 min
If anyone understands about how ADHD can impact a woman's experience during pregnancy and postnatal care, it's a midwife with ADHD, who has had three pregnancies of her own. Our guest, Laura Spence, The ADHD Midwife, is going to open our eyes to the intricacies of neurodivergence and maternity services. Laura’s incredible journey starts with her own struggles with self-care, friendships, and academic life, leading her to the passionate work she does now. Her commitment to raising awareness about the unique needs of pregnant women with ADHD is totally brilliant.
Laura doesn’t shy away from sharing her personal experiences. She was misdiagnosed with postnatal depression, a common issue for many women. This raw, heartfelt conversation also uncovers the challenges women like Laura face in the workplace, from managing their ADHD to finding appropriate support.
But our chat with Laura isn’t all heavy. She also shares how she’s found joy and self-discovery through an unexpected source – makeup. It’s an inspiring account of finding self-care rituals that work for you. So, whether you’re a mum navigating ADHD or just curious about neurodivergence and pregnancy, there’s something for everyone in this conversation.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Post-natal depression, workplace bullying, birth and labour, self-harm, mental health.
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
10/11/23 • 68 min
Imagine being diagnosed with ADHD during your pregnancy. Our guest Ellie lived it and she's here to share the raw and riveting aspects of her journey. Ellie's story isn't just about the struggle; it's about the victories, the support, and the open conversations that make her experiences relatable and inspiring. From Hyperemesis Gravidarium, to figuring out medications, Ellie's narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions, determination, and resilience. Ellie shares how simple strategies like setting timers on her phone turned into a lifeline in managing her ADHD, and shows the importance of pushing through, even when situations seem daunting.
Ever wondered about the long-term effects of taking ADHD medication during pregnancy? We share news of a groundbreaking study released in 2023 that offers some hopeful outcomes. The study found no evidence of any change in the likelihood of developing a neurodevelopmental disorder for babies whose mums took ADHD stimulant medications during pregnancy. This is a step in the right direction amidst the pressing need for more research and awareness about pregnant individuals grappling with ADHD.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Suicide, Termination, Miscarriage, Hyperemesis Gravidarium, Vomiting, Prison, Abortion Law, Depression, Suicidal ideation, Racism in the healthcare system, Racially inequal maternal mortality rate, Risks of taking medications in pregnancy, VBAC, Tears, Emergency C Section, Drug abuse, Birth "defects"
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
10/04/23 • 43 min
Well listeners, you asked for it, so this moth we venture into the world of pregnancy and motherhood through the lens of ADHD. It's a rollercoaster ride - one that can be quite overwhelming for anyone.
We investigate how ADHD could affect someone's pregnancy journey. We've been there, and we open the dialogue this month by recalling what we can from our own experiences of pregnancy. From the joy, challenges, and reality checks that come with bringing a baby into the world, to the complexities of managing ADHD and depression during pregnancy, we share our personal experiences honestly.
We talk nesting, painting nurseries, and organizing baby clothes. We delve into the sensory experiences that can come with pregnancy, society's expectations of pregnant people, and our fears and anxieties around the possibility of our children inheriting ADHD.
We look into the complexities of taking medications during pregnancy, and managing due dates anxiety. So, whether you're an expectant mum, a new mum, or simply interested in the intricacies of ADHD and pregnancy, tune in for an enlightening and entertaining discussion.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Miscarriage, relationship breakdown, induction, psychosis, potential risks of longer-term pregnancy.
Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...
All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx
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FAQ
How many episodes does ADHD MUMS have?
ADHD MUMS currently has 17 episodes available.
What topics does ADHD MUMS cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Parenting, Parent, Kids & Family, Mental Health, Podcasts, Adhd, Kids, Mum and Neurodivergent.
What is the most popular episode on ADHD MUMS?
The episode title 'Ep. 15: Women, Work, & ADHD. Finding your THING with Special Guest Mellanie Parry' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on ADHD MUMS?
The average episode length on ADHD MUMS is 59 minutes.
How often are episodes of ADHD MUMS released?
Episodes of ADHD MUMS are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of ADHD MUMS?
The first episode of ADHD MUMS was released on Aug 9, 2023.
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