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November 23, 2024 • 14 mins
Ava and Jake Discuss the episode with Kristina Manning, exploring common myths and the impact of the pandemic. Kristina shares a comprehensive analysis of ADHD, while Kyle offers personal insights and management strategies. They discuss leveraging procrastination and holistic approaches, emphasizing the advantages of STEM programs for individuals with ADHD. The conversation highlights strategies for supporting children and adults with ADHD, celebrating the diversity and unique strengths within the ADHD community. The episode concludes by embracing ADHD's diversity and encouraging listeners to consider a broader perspective on ADHD management.
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Episode Transcript

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(00:00):
One thing they're both super passionate aboutis busting this myth that ADHD equals lower
intelligence.
Yeah.
That's such a harmful stereotype.
And Christina, she uses this awesome analogy.
She compares an ADHD brain to a Ferrari enginewith bicycle brakes.
Hello, and thank you for listening.
Welcome to the afterburn where Jake Carter andI break down the latest episodes of the

(00:22):
ignition path podcast.
I'm Ava Morgan.
And every week, we dive into the conversationsbetween host Kyle Goodnight and his incredible
guests.
And we're here to give you a thoughtful review.
No fluff.
No bias.
Just our honest take on the topics discussed.
That's right, Ava.
Pulling out the nuggets of wisdom and sometimesdebating the finer points.

(00:43):
We've got plenty to discuss.
So let's dive into it.
Welcome back deep divers.
Today, we're going deep on ADHD.
Oh, interesting.
You know, clinical stuff can be a bit dry.
What's our angle?
Well, we're actually gonna be looking at itthrough this super insightful interview.
Right?
Okay.
I'm listening.
It's with a parent coach who specializes inADHD, but it's not your typical expert

(01:09):
interview.
I see there's a twist.
Tell me more.
The podcast host, Kyle Goodnight, from theIgnition Path podcast, he has ADHD himself.
Oh, wow.
Okay.
So he's got skin in the game.
And get this, his son was also diagnosed withADHD.
So we're talking a really personal perspective,though.
Absolutely.
The interview is with Christina Manning.
She's a former teacher, now a parent coach.

(01:31):
And what struck me was just how honest andrelatable the whole conversation is.
I'm always up for real talk.
Yeah.
No sugarcoating.
Right?
Exactly.
They get into the challenges, but they alsotalk about the amazing potential that comes
with ADHD.
That's key.
So often, the focus is just on thedifficulties.
Right.
And one thing that jumped out at me was howthey discussed the pandemic's impact.

(01:52):
Oh, yeah.
That was a tough time for everyone.
Can't imagine what it was like for familiesdealing with ADHD.
Well, Christina, she observed this hugeincrease in parents reaching out to her for
help.
Makes sense.
Kids thrive on routine, and the pandemic threweverything out the window.
Totally.
And she actually talked about how this wholeexperience influenced her career path too.

(02:15):
How so?
She was a teacher, but she felt the schoolsystem wasn't really set up to meet the needs
of neurodiverse students.
I can see how that would be frustrating.
Yeah.
So she felt drawn to parent coaching becauseshe wanted to make a more direct impact.
So the pandemic kind of pushed her towards workthat felt more aligned with her passions.
It's interesting how sometimes these bigshakeups can lead us to where we're supposed to

(02:36):
be.
Right?
Absolutely.
Okay.
So we've got this parent coach and a podcasthost, both with firsthand experience with ADHD.
What else did they dive into?
One thing they're both super passionate aboutis busting this myth that ADHD equals lower
intelligence.
Yeah.
That's such a harmful stereotype.
And Christina, she uses this awesome analogy.

(02:57):
She compares an ADHD brain to a Ferrari enginewith bicycle brakes.
Oh, I love that.
Such a powerful image.
Isn't it?
You get it instantly.
All that power and potential, but strugglingwith control.
Right.
And didn't Kyle talk about his own experiencetoo?
He did.
He's a paramedic, an entrepreneur, and now apodcaster.
Clearly, ADHD hasn't stopped him.

(03:18):
So he's a living example that ADHD doesn'tlimit your potential.
Precisely.
What they're saying is it's not about lackingintelligence.
It's about processing information differently.
And that different wiring can actually be anadvantage in certain situations.
Right?
Definitely.
Like, think about hyperfocus.
That intense concentration can be incrediblefor certain tasks.

(03:38):
Or that constant need for novelty andstimulation that can fuel creativity and
innovation.
Exactly.
It's about finding the right context wherethose traits can flourish.
And that's where Christina's expertise comesin.
Mhmm.
She gives all these practical tips for parents.
Okay.
Give me the goods.
What kind of tips?
Well, one thing she emphasizes is breaking downtasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.

(04:01):
Makes sense.
Like, you wouldn't try to handle a Ferrariengine with just your bare hands.
Right?
Right.
And she talks about visual timers, especiallythe ones that change color.
They help kids manage time and expectations.
Visual cues can be so helpful.
I use them myself sometimes.
Gives that extra bit of structure.
And speaking of structure, Christina's big onvisual checklists for routines.

(04:24):
You know, like getting ready in the morning,the after school routine, things like that.
Oh, yeah.
That makes a ton of sense.
Predictability can be a game changer,especially for kids with ADHD.
Exactly.
Transitions could be so tough.
It's easy to get overwhelmed or overstimulatedby all the changes.
And that's where proactive planning comes in.
Right?
Like, if your kid's starting at a new school,visit beforehand, talk about what to expect,

(04:46):
prepare them for those sensory experiences.
That's a great point.
It's like giving them a road map so they feelmore in control.
And just as important, validating theirfeelings, letting them know it's okay to feel
anxious or overwhelmed.
Validation is so powerful.
Right?
It makes you feel seen and understood.
Absolutely.
Now this next point, it might surprise somepeople.
I love surprises.
Hit me with it.

(05:07):
They both talk about the importance of downtimefor ADHD brains.
Really?
It seems counterintuitive.
You'd think those kids need constant activityand engagement.
Right.
But, actually, those brains are working so hardall the time processing information, filtering
stimuli.
So it's like a high performance engine thatneeds to cool down.
Exactly.
They need that rest and stress reduction torecharge.

(05:27):
Now that makes sense.
Okay.
So downtime is key.
What else?
Well, Kyle brought up procrastination.
Oh, boy.
That's a familiar topic.
Procrastination ization.
Right?
But he actually framed it as both a superpowerand a struggle.
Wait.
A superpower.
I've always seen it as, well, a bad habit.
Now tell me more about this superpower idea.
He explained it as a coping mechanism, like away to avoid tasks that feel overwhelming.

(05:51):
And he actually said that sometimesprocrastinating can lead to unexpected
benefits.
Okay.
Now I'm really intrigued.
How can procrastinating be beneficial?
He gave this example, like, when youprocrastinate, you're kinda forced to think
outside the box because you're working underpressure.
So it can spark creativity and resourcefulness.
Exactly.
And sometimes, it forces you to prioritize andfocus on what's truly essential.

(06:15):
So it's not always about laziness or lack ofmotivation.
It can be tied to executive functionchallenges, difficulty with prioritizing, even
fear of failure.
That's a really different way to think aboutprocrastination.
It kinda reframes the
whole thing.
It does.
Instead of just judging ourselves or our kids,we can try to understand the root causes.
And then we can find strategies to supportthem.
Right?
Okay.
So procrastination
isn't all bad.

(06:35):
What else did I miss?
They also talked about medication, and theirperspective on that was really interesting too.
Oh, I'm curious.
What was their take?
They both emphasized that medication isn't theonly solution.
Which makes total sense.
It's about finding what works best for eachindividual.

(06:56):
Right?
Exactly.
They talked about things like dietary changes.
For example, reducing artificial dyes andincreasing protein.
I've heard about that.
But how does that connect to ADHD?
The thinking is that certain food additives canworsen symptoms for some kids, and protein
helps stabilize blood sugar, which can impactfocus.

(07:16):
So it's about a holistic approach, looking atall the different factors and experimenting to
see what helps.
Right.
And it reminded me of what Kyle said about STEMprograms.
STEM.
How does that fit in?
He talked about how hands on learning, like inSTEM programs, really ignited his passion for
science and how it's benefited his son too.
So he's suggesting that parents considerexploring STEM options even as early as middle

(07:40):
school.
Yeah.
Because STEM is all about problem solvingexperimentation.
You know?
It can be a great fit for kids who thrive inthose dynamic environments.
I see the connection.
It's about recognizing different learningstyles and finding what sparks that passion.
And, ultimately, that brings us back to one ofthe most important points they both made.
What's that?
ADHD is not a limitation.

(08:00):
Yes.
It's about shifting that perspective.
They see it as a superpower.
Mhmm.
But it's a superpower that needs to beunderstood.
Right?
And it needs the right tools so it can beharnessed.
Exactly.
So instead of seeing ADHD as a deficit, it'sabout embracing it as a different way of
thinking and being in the world.
Powerful stuff.

(08:21):
It makes you wonder, what would happen if weall viewed difference as a strength?
That's a great question.
Like, what if we saw the ADHD brain as a sourceof innovation?
What kind of world could we create if we reallyvalue those unique ways of thinking?
Instead of trying to force everyone into thesame mold.
Right?
Fascinating thought.
Okay.

(08:41):
So we're talking about a big shift inperspective.
But what about on a practical level?
Like, what can we do to create that supportiveenvironment?
Well, remember those strategies Christinamentioned.
You mean, like, chunking tasks, visual timers,predictable routines?
Exactly.
Those are great starting points.
And they're not just for kids with ADHD either.
Right.
Anyone can benefit from those tips, especiallyif you struggle with focus or time management.

(09:05):
And let's not forget downtime.
Giving ourselves permission to recharge, that'scrucial for everyone, not just people with
ADHD.
Absolutely.
It's about prioritizing well-being so we canshow up as our best selves.
It really is about taking care of ourselves sowe can be there for others too.
So true.
Now I wanna circle back to Christina.
She actually mentioned something else that'sreally important.

(09:26):
Okay.
Lay it on me.
What else did Christina highlight?
She actually offers some great resources forparents.
Oh, perfect.
Resources are always welcome.
What kind of stuff
does she offer?
Well, she does a free consultation, which isamazing, and she's put together this ADHD guide
for parents.
Okay.
So practical guidance and support.
That's awesome.
Where can people find those resources?

(09:46):
She's got a Facebook group, and she's onInstagram.
Easy to connect.
What's her handle?
It's at calmminds.
No spaces or underscores, just calmminds.
Got it.
At calmminds.
I'll have to check it out.
I think our listeners would find her superhelpful.
She's really down to earth and approachable.
I like that.
No judgment, just support.

(10:08):
It sounds like she's a great advocate for thesefamilies.
And, you know, hearing her talk about her ownjourney, it's clear that she's really
passionate about this work.
It's more than just a job for her.
I get that.
You can tell when someone's truly invested inmaking a difference.
So I'm curious, what resonated with you mostfrom this deep dive?
What are you taking away from thisconversation?
Well, I think the biggest takeaway for me isthat ADHD is not a life sentence.

(10:32):
It's not something to be ashamed of.
Absolutely.
It's about understanding how those brains work.
Right.
And finding the right tools and strategies tosupport those unique strengths and challenges.
And that's a message I think we all need tohear.
It's about celebrating neurodiversity, nottrying to erase it.
Exactly.
I mean, think about it.
So many brilliant minds throughout history,they probably had ADHD.

(10:54):
We wouldn't wanna lose those voices, would we?
Absolutely not.
We need those diverse perspectives.
They enrich our world in so many ways.
Okay.
So we've talked about the strengths, thechallenges, and some practical tips for
parents.
What about for those of us who might suspect wehave ADHD as adults?
That's a great point.
It's never too late to explore thatpossibility.

(11:15):
And I think the key is to approach it withcuriosity and compassion.
So instead of self judgment, it's about selfdiscovery.
Exactly.
And there are so many resources available now.
Online communities, therapists who specializein adult ADHD.
It's about advocating for yourself and seekingout that support.
Because knowledge is power.
Right?
Absolutely.

(11:35):
The more we understand about how our brainswork, the better equipped we are to navigate
the world.
And to create a world that celebrates thosedifferences too.
Well said.
And if you're interested in exploring thistopic further, I highly recommend checking out
the full episode of the Ignition Path podcast.
Yeah.
It's a great listen.
Really insightful and engaging.
I'll make sure to link to it in the show notes.

(11:55):
Perfect.
So deep divers, stay curious, stay informed,and keep embracing your unique brilliance.
Until next time.
You know,
it's funny.
When we talk about ADHD, it's often about kids.
Yeah.
That's true.
But it doesn't just magically disappear whenyou become an adult?
Exactly.
It's something you carry with you throughoutlife, and sometimes it's not even diagnosed

(12:16):
until adulthood.
It makes you wonder how many people out thereare struggling and don't even realize they
might have ADHD.
Right.
They might just think they're bad at organizingor easily distracted.
But what if those are actually signs of adifferent way of thinking, a different way of
processing the world?
And what if instead of seeing those asweaknesses, we saw them as strengths?
That's the key, isn't it?

(12:38):
Shifting our perspective.
Because those weaknesses, they can actually beincredibly valuable in the right context.
Think about entrepreneurs.
They often thrive on that impulsivity, thatneed for novelty.
It's what drives them to take risks andinnovate.
Or artists and musicians, That creativity, thatability to think outside the box, it's often

(12:58):
linked to ADHD.
So it's not about fixing ADHD.
It's about understanding it, embracing it, andfinding ways to make it work for you.
And that's a message I think everyone canbenefit from whether you have ADHD or not.
It's about celebrating diversity in all itsforms.
It's about creating a world where everyonefeels seen, understood, and valued for who they

(13:18):
are.
Beautifully said.
And on that note, I think it's time for us towrap up this deep dive.
But keep those conversations going, deepdivers.
Share this episode with someone who might needto hear this message.
And if you're looking for more insights onADHD, don't forget to check out that Ignition
Path podcast episode with Christina Manning.
We'll link to it in the show notes.
It's packed with helpful tips and real lifestories.

(13:41):
Until next time, deep divers.
Stay curious and keep exploring.
Alright.
That's it for today's review on the afterburn.
Thanks for joining us as we broke down anotherawesome episode of the ignition path podcast.
If you haven't listened to it yet, make sure tocheck it out.
Kyle always brings something new to the table,and we're here to make sure you don't miss a

(14:02):
beat.
For sure.
And don't forget, each week, we're here to giveyou the straight talk on these episodes,
pulling out what really matters for yourentrepreneurial journey.
See you next time and keep igniting your pathto success.
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