Discovering ADHD: Stories from Backyard Brunch

Episode 1: How We Discovered Our ADHD

The sisters and GenXers, introduce their podcast centered around their late diagnosis of ADHD. Their journey into the world of ADHD began when Heidi's daughter was diagnosed, prompting both to reflect on their own symptoms and struggles, leading to their eventual late diagnoses. They touch upon the challenges of growing up undiagnosed, like difficulty with focus and self-care, and the additional conditions that often accompany ADHD.

Episode 2: Fear, People Pleasing, and Goth

Gen X sisters, menopausal phase, discuss their newly diagnosed ADHD and share their experiences of utilizing fear as a motivator. They reminisce about their childhood, highlighting different coping mechanisms. The conversation delves into topics like feeling misunderstood, ADHD in relation to goth culture, and different perspectives on behavioral issues. The sisters aim to uplift and support women dealing with undiagnosed ADHD, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and community.

Episode 3: Coincidental Physical Effects of ADHD

This episode touches on the importance of recognizing ADHD in both children and adults, its impact on family dynamics, and the struggles of managing daily life and health issues such as orthodontia decisions for Heidi's daughter, Grace. Through laughter and tears, they explore the interconnectedness of ADHD with physical health issues like sensory sensitivities, orthodontic needs, and postural concerns. They also delve into broader topics like genetics, early childhood development, and the importance of understanding ADHD's influence on their lives and the lives of children. The sisters aim to offer comfort and camaraderie to other women going through similar experiences.

Episode 4: Lying, Mental Load, and a Golden Girls/Barbie Tangent

Uncover the hidden truths of living with ADHD in our latest podcast episode. From misunderstood behaviors to coping mechanisms, we shed light on the realities many face. Let's spread awareness and support each other in this journey. #ADHDawareness #RealTalk

Episode 5: Hormones, Hypermobility, and Squirrel!

Heidi Faucette and her sister Heather, both Gen Xers newly diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic and undergoing menopause, share their weekend backyard conversations in Brooklyn. They discuss the interplay between estrogen levels, ADHD, and menopause, reflecting on their emotional struggles and physical symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and body imbalances. They emphasize the importance of self-care, the challenges of living with ADHD, and the support systems they've found beneficial. The podcast aims to offer comfort and insights for women navigating similar experiences.

Episode 6: Grief, Gratitude, and Growth

This episode discusses the emotional impact of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, particularly the grief from realizing how different one's life could have been with an earlier diagnosis. It highlights the challenges faced by quiet girls with ADHD, who are often overlooked, and the cycle of misdiagnosis passed down through generations. The narrative explores socioeconomic struggles, mental illness, and the difficulties of providing a stable environment for children. It touches on personal anecdotes of overcoming hardships, going to college as non-traditional students, and dealing with imposter syndrome in the corporate world. The episode also delves into the struggle of finding meaningful work and the journey towards self-discovery and professional fulfillment.

Episode 7: Perception, Shyness, and Spoons

Heidi Faucette and her sister Heather discuss their recent diagnoses and impacts. They reflect on their experiences with ADHD in their daily lives, the challenges of growing up undiagnosed, and the societal expectations on neurodiverse individuals. They highlight the importance of understanding ADHD beyond the deficit and disorder labels, advocating for recognition and inclusion. Conversations in the podcast range from personal anecdotes, mental health struggles, coping mechanisms, and their journey to embracing their neurodiverse identities.

Episode 8: Hair Fidgets, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and Crows!

In this podcast episode, Heidi Faucette and her sister Heather, both GenXers experiencing menopause, discuss their recent ADHD diagnoses. They recount their weekend backyard discussions in Brooklyn during the pandemic, exploring the impact of ADHD on their lives, reflecting on personal stories, and expressing the grief felt over the delays in their diagnosis. The conversation covers their struggles with hair-picking due to ADHD, sensitivity to rejection, motivation challenges, and the parallels between their experiences and those of others. They aim to support and connect with other women who may also be recognizing the late onset of their ADHD symptoms. They encourage listeners to share their own thoughts by emailing them and conclude the episode with future plans for home improvement projects.

Episode 9: Empathy for M&Ms and Google Tab ADHD

Hosts Heidi and Heather share their journey of being newly diagnosed with ADHD in their candid podcast. They explore living with ADHD through the lens of empathy, memory, and emotional experiences with topics ranging from childhood habits to extreme empathy and its implications. They discuss the challenges of adapting to life with ADHD, including emotional sensitivity and the difficulty of fitting into a neurotypical world, ultimately aiming to support and uplift women facing similar struggles.

Episode 10: Flaking on Plans, Exercise, and Collecting Hobbies

In this episode, Heidi and Heather discuss their experiences, challenges, and discoveries related to their condition. They reflect on topics such as anticipatory anxiety, social anxiety, the impacts of ADHD on their social lives and relationships, as well as the common tendency to abandon hobbies and projects. They aim to support and uplift women dealing with undiagnosed ADHD by sharing their own stories and struggles, hoping to provide comfort and a sense of community. Additionally, they touch upon how ADHD affects job retention and the feelings of guilt and inadequacy that often accompany these experiences.