SuccessFULL With ADHD

In this episode, I chat with Christopher French, an accomplished composer, musician, and fellow ADHD warrior. Christopher opens up about his journey from a rebellious high school dropout to finding solace and purpose through music. He shares his personal experiences with ADHD, addiction, and recovery, and how these challenges have shaped his creative path.

Throughout our conversation, Christopher shares how he's managed to develop a variety of life hacks and strategies to maintain balance, especially as a husband and father. From meditation to blue-tinted sunglasses, he reveals some unique methods he's embraced to regulate his sensory experiences and stay grounded. Join us as we unpack the highs and lows of living with ADHD, the power of self-awareness, and what it takes to thrive as a neurodivergent creative.

Christopher French is a multi-talented composer, artist, and 1:1 creative wellness coach based in Los Angeles. With a rich background in alternative rock and an impressive range of scoring credits, Christopher has worked on projects for HBO, Amazon Prime, and feature films. He lives with his wife, actress and singer Ashley Tisdale, and their two children, and continues to create from his private HD recording studio, Dreamhaus.

Episode Highlights:
[00:32] - Introduction to Christopher French, his artistic journey, and living with ADHD.
[1:41] - Christopher shares his early experiences with ADHD diagnosis and medication in the '90s.
[7:28] - Discussing the link between ADHD, substance abuse, and the pursuit of dopamine.
[13:36] - How major life changes, like marriage and parenthood, re-trigger ADHD symptoms.
[21:15] - The challenges of executive dysfunction and strategies for managing chaotic situations.
[26:26] - Embracing dual diagnoses in recovery programs for ADHD and substance abuse.
[30:51] - Using sensory strategies like blue-tinted sunglasses and white noise to ease sensory overload.
[35:50] - The power of self-compassion and accepting ADHD as a part of oneself.
[43:28] - Christopher describes his hyper-focus and how he leverages it in high-pressure situations.
[47:30] - Closing thoughts on the lifelong journey of understanding and managing ADHD.

Connect with Christopher French:

• Connect with Christopher French: cmfrench.com
• Follow Christopher on Instagram: @cmfrench
• Book mentioned: Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols

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.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

I had the pleasure of sitting down with actress, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker Bethany Joy Lenz to discuss her journey with ADHD. Bethany opened up about how she went undiagnosed until adulthood and the relief she finally felt once she understood how her brain worked differently.

In our conversation, Bethany opens up about living undiagnosed for so long, pushing through challenges on willpower alone, and the incredible relief she felt once she understood how her brain worked differently. Even with a packed schedule juggling acting, music, a lifestyle newspaper, podcast, and motherhood, Bethany has found more peace and success by learning how to manage her ADHD. She shares her story so others may see themselves and know they are not alone. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Bethany Joy Lenz is best known for playing Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill. Since the show, she has continued acting while also pursuing music and creative projects like her lifestyle newspaper Modern Vintage News.

Episode Highlights

[01:52] - How Bethany discovered she likely had ADHD.

[03:16] - The relief of diagnosis after years of feeling something was wrong.

[04:46] - Bethany got an official diagnosis 6 months after self-diagnosing.

[05:30] - How medication helped Bethany's focus and feeling overwhelmed.

[07:19] - Playing to strengths and not beating yourself up over weaknesses.

[08:39] - Being careful with medication due to addiction history.

[09:30] - Managing friend expectations and communicating neurodivergence.

[13:00] - ADHD symptoms can look so different yet still recognize each other.

[15:30] - Never struggled to memorize scripts thanks to hyperfocus.

[18:37] - Remembering facts/data hard because of dyscalculia.

[19:52] - Timers, limits, scheduling help juggle everything.

[22:26] - High control groups prey on neurodivergent people.

[27:55] - Hard to distinguish narcissist traits vs ADHD challenges.

[31:57] - Brooke’s EMDR experience and feeling emotions.

[35:35] - Compartmentalizing emotions when acting vs everyday life.

[38:07] - What Bethany's cooking: Modern Vintage Newspaper and ‘Strawberries’ Song.

Connect with Bethany Joy Lenz:

· Modern Vintage News Lifestyle Newspaper: https://www.modernvintagenews.com/

· Drama Queens Podcast

· Strawberries Song

· Instagram: @msbethanyjoylenz and @modernvintagenews

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Successful with ADHD. If you enjoyed this conversation, please +FOLLOW the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to let us know your thoughts.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

I had an enlightening conversation with Mikey Goldman, creator of Quiet Mind weighted pillows. We explored how ADHD manifests through stimulation and obsession, the importance of honoring your body’s needs, and how weighted pillows can naturally calm the nervous system. Mikey shared his journey to developing the first-ever weighted pillow after struggling to find purpose and passion.

Episode Highlights:

[01:11] Introducing Mikey Goldman of Quiet Mind.

[05:00] The frustration of misophonia and sensory overload.

[07:23] Getting an ADHD diagnosis and learning about the body.

[09:42] Constantly researching natural solutions for ADHD.

[11:20] Staying motivated to keep up healthy routines.

[13:37] How Mikey became obsessed with nutrition without formal education.

[15:41] Do you need obsession to be successful with ADHD?

[17:19] Making routines become obsessions.

[18:54] The power of simple, consistent clothing choices.

[20:10] Fitting relationships into the ADHD routine.

[23:21] Mikey’s journey to creating the first weighted pillow.

[25:24] An over-medicated history that led to natural solutions.

[27:20] Tricking your nervous system to fully relax.

[31:29] How weighted pillows work better than blankets.

[33:02] The 2-year journey bringing the weighted pillow to life.

[35:11] Following your passion and sharing your story to help others.

[37:06] Listen to your body for what works for you.
Links and Resources:

· Quiet Mind - https://www.onequietmind.com/

· Mikey Goldman - [email protected]

· Quiet Mind Instagram - @quietmind
Thanks for tuning in. If you found value in our conversation, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue delivering impactful content. For more resources and episodes, visit https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses sensitive topics about suicide and traumatic injuries.

I had the honor of speaking with Andrew “Sully” Sullivan, a retired Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Navy SEAL. Andrew shared his incredible story of being diagnosed with ADHD in high school but not letting that stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL.

Andrew completed the notoriously grueling SEAL training and went on to have a nearly 20-year distinguished career full of combat tours and commendations. Andrew explained how the high-intensity, team-focused environment of special operations was perfectly suited for someone with ADHD. He never felt the need to disclose his diagnosis because his teammates naturally complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

We also discussed the mental health challenges many veterans face after transitioning out of service. Andrew now runs a nonprofit (503c) called the Community First Project that ensures the quality and integrity of the nation's law enforcement agencies.

Timeline Summary:

[01:07] - Andrew's distinguished military career, awards, and current ventures.

[03:32] - Andrew’s decision to serve in the military and how he approached it with ADHD.

[05:42] - Taking medication while serving.

[07:33] - Follow through is easier with a purpose.

[09:01] - The mental and physical toughness of SEALs training and the prime age for it.

[11:32] - How the Special Ops environment caters to ADHD strengths.

[14:32] - The struggle while exiting service and losing that community.

[15:14] - Adderall medication struggles to help study in college and a surprising way to focus.

[16:32] - Sneaky ways to get the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for ADHDers.

[17:45] - Andrew’s most difficult time in service and how he sought help.

[20:15] - The power of community in supporting mental health and breaking the stigma.

[22:18] - Providing peer support for law enforcement officers after traumatic events.

[25:42] - How the Seals compartmentalize, problem solve, and suppress just like ADHDers.

[26:33] - Mental toughness and dealing with traumatic loss. Nobody is alone.

[27:28] - Explosives brain injury comparison to professional football players.

[31:58] - Andrew found his purpose driving him to serve others through the military and his non-profit.

[34:21] - How to connect with the Community First Project.

Connect with Andrew Sullivan and the Community First Project:

Please consider donating to the Community First Project on their website, every bit helps! Please connect through the website or Instagram if you are with law enforcement and would like to get further information about the program.

· Community First Project website: https://c1p.org/

· Community First Project on Instagram: @community_first_project

· Andrew “Sully” Sullivan on Instagram: @sully_c1p

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Successful with ADHD. If you enjoyed this conversation, please +FOLLOW the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to let us know your thoughts.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Melissa Jackson, a neurodiversity advocate, reparenting coach, and host of the Reframing Neurodiversity Podcast. As a neurodivergent mom raising neurodivergent kids, Melissa shares her transformative journey of discovering and embracing reparenting practices that every mom—especially those with ADHD—can benefit from. Together, we dive into how inner child work, self-regulation tools, and building secure attachments are game-changers for creating a more grounded and fulfilling life. Melissa brings actionable insights, relatable stories, and practical tools to help us all learn how to "reparent" ourselves and show up for our kids in the most authentic and nurturing way.

Neurodiversity Advocate and Reparenting Coach for ADHD Moms Melissa Jackson is a neurodiversity advocate and reparenting coach for ADHD moms. As a neurodivergent mom raising neurodivergent kids herself, she’s come to recognize that she was never equipped with the tools she needed to thrive as an ADHD, 2e + dyslexic mother. That’s why, Melissa is so passionate about equipping mother’s with the tools we never received from a strengths based approach. She is the host of the Reframing Neurodiversity podcast and provides a community for ADHD moms raising neurodivergent kids on Substack.

Episode Highlights:
[2:03] - What is reparenting? Melissa defines the concept and why it's critical for parents with ADHD.
[5:31] - Why motherhood shines a light on unresolved patterns—and how inner child work helps.
[9:15] - The power of simple self-regulation tools and why we often overlook them.
[15:02] - Melissa’s top strategies for emotional regulation in high-stress moments.
[19:02] - How to help an overwhelmed mom take the first step towards self-prioritization.
[23:25] - Changing our relationship with discomfort and redefining what it means to “be a good mom.”
[28:55] - Understanding trauma bonds in parenting and partnerships—and how to heal.
[32:57] - Jim Kwik's tip for starting your day with intention and how it transformed Brooke's morning.

Connect with Melissa Jackson:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate
• Substack: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com
• Self-regulation Toolbox: https://notable-art-607.myflodesk.com/toolbox

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.

Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential?
Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd