#34 - Chaos or Genius? Harnessing the ADHD Brain w/ the Wizard of SEO's Arnout Hellemans

This episode is a must-listen for any parent with a child struggling with ADHD. Welcome back to The Brink! This time, Ringo and Ridgey are coming to you straight from the stunning Dolomites in Italy, where they sit down with digital strategist and all-round legend, Arnout Heleemans. If you've ever wondered whether ADHD is a curse or a superpower, this episode is for you. Arnout breaks down his own journey of being diagnosed as an adult and how it’s shaped his life, his career, and his understanding of how the ADHD brain really works. Spoiler alert: it’s not a disorder, it’s just a different way of thinking—and sometimes, it’s the perfect formula for success.

Arnout has built a career in SEO, figuring out the digital world’s trickiest algorithms while running a business full of neurodiverse minds. He’s a firm believer that people with ADHD and autism have unique skills that can actually give them an edge in the workplace. The boys dive into how school often fails kids with ADHD, conditioning them to feel like they don’t fit in, and how that can lead to a tough road if they don’t find the right environment. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Arnout’s got plenty of insights into how neurodiverse individuals can thrive, not just survive, in the right conditions.

The chat gets real about dopamine depletion, why people with ADHD procrastinate (yes, we see you putting off your taxes), and how the education system is completely missing the mark. They even get into the big question: should kids with ADHD take medication? Arnout shares his experience with ADHD meds—how they can be a game-changer but also how they can take away that creative spark. The boys go deep on how to find workarounds instead of just relying on medication, plus some hilarious personal stories of managing life with an ADHD brain.

Arnout isn’t just talking the talk; he’s one of the top SEO minds in Europe. He’s spent over a decade helping businesses master digital strategy, and when he’s not optimizing websites, he’s mentoring young professionals and speaking at top industry events. If you want to pick his brain, check out his website at onlinemarkethink.com or hit him up on Bluesky.

So whether you’ve got ADHD, suspect you might, or just want a deep dive into how different brains tick, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and maybe even a few lightbulb moments. Don’t forget to follow The Brink on Instagram @TheBrinkPodcast, and if you’ve got a wild ADHD story of your own, drop us a message. Enjoy the episode, and as always, stay on the brink!