In Part 2, Tracy Otsuka digs into ADHD with candor and science, pulling apart the “disorder” narrative and replacing it with a focus on strengths, interests and purpose.

We also walk the tightrope between ADHD and bipolar disorder where misdiagnoses often happen in college. Racing thoughts, impulsivity, and sleepless nights can mimic hypomania, but context matters: dorm food, lost structure, no movement, and constant stress create a similar picture of poor mental health. Tracy asks why isn’t a full biopsychosocial lens—sleep, exercise, nutrition, social connection, purpose—considered when diagnosing young women struggling with their mental health?

If your mornings start with negative self-talk like “Who doesn’t like me?” or “Who did I upset?” you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck—you may be experiencing rejection sensitive dysphoria. We talk through neuroplasticity, and the questions and old stories we tell ourselves and the power of “slow dopamine.” Tracy shares how mindfulness and a healthy daily routine solves 75% of the ADHD equation and how removing friction turns workouts into medication-grade focus without side effects and, again, neuroplasticity is the key.

The final takeaway is a compass you can use for the new year: follow your internal rudder. Positive emotion signals alignment; negative emotion signals a course correction. You’re the best expert on you. If this conversation resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a review so others can find us. Your story might be the evidence someone else needs to hear.

Music composed and performed by guitarist, JD Cullum

Edited by Brandon Moran

Sponsored by Soar With Tapping

What if your productivity no longer defines you? That question anchors a candid conversation with Tracy Otsuka—host of the ADHD for Smart Ass Women podcast and author of the best-selling book ADHD for Smart Ass Women: How to Fall in Love with Your Neurodivergent Brain.

We talk about how midlife hormones collide with ADHD traits and force us to reshape identity. As estrogen fluctuates through perimenopause and menopause, dopamine signaling gets shakier, and the classic ADHD pain points—working memory, sequencing, and emotional regulation—can suddenly intensify. Tracy explains why even high-achieving women can feel their confidence slip, how a “brain of interest” thrives only in the right environment, and why she reframes ADHD as an identity issue rather than a productivity flaw.

Tracy also shares the personal story that changed everything: her son’s diagnosis, the schools that missed his brilliance, and the decision to build spaces where curiosity is an asset, not a problem. From bold career pivots to building an approach that maps values, strengths, and passions into a clear purpose “sweet spot,” she shows how alignment restores executive function and self-trust. Along the way, we challenge disorder-first narratives, hold space for the seriousness of suicide risk and depression, and return to hope as a skill—tested through small actions, anchored by purpose, and protected by boundaries.

If you’re navigating midlife, exploring ADHD traits, or simply craving a more truthful way to measure your days, this conversation offers both science and strategy. If it resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe to support more honest, hopeful stories.

Music composed and performed by guitarist, JD Cullum

Edited by Brandon Moran

Sponsored by Soar With Tapping

Do you find yourself stressed and anxious when it comes to giving holiday gifts? Have you lost the joy of the experience?

We sit down with financial wellness expert Crystal Flores to learn ways to stop the anxiety and disconnection of gift giving. Cyrstal explains how she gives gifts based on her values: thrift, creativity, connection, and environmental stewardship. When your values lead, the pressure fades and gifts start to feel like gestures of care rather than tests you can fail.
We start where stress often spikes: the workplace. Crystal shares how leaders can normalize no-gift policies. Crystal also offers a clear script for holiday bonuses or tips when money is tight, separating appreciation from price and protecting your financial health with honest, kind language. When giving obligatory hostess gifts, she offers respectful, low-friction choices like homemade granola and ethical treats, including fair-labor chocolate that tastes amazing (Tony's Chocolonely).
Crystal gets specific and suggests that for single parents and families, acts of service beat stuff: car detailing swaps, dinner drop-offs, laundry runs, and babysitting hours. For kids and tweens, she emphasizes how kids love volume when it comes to gifts.We also tackle the emotional side—anxiety, perfectionism, and rejection-sensitive dysphoria. If someone expects expensive items, Crystal shows you how to set boundaries early with a loving family note.
Leave the pressure, keep the joy, and make gift giving personal again. Discover your own core values and keep this process fun!

Gift of Granola

The original recipe came from Mark Bittman's cookbook "How to Cook Everything," but I've been making this for so long I've made it my own, and I don't remember his original instructions.

You'll need 2 big baking dishes. I use a Pyrex glass baking dishes. If you want to do one smaller batch, then halve everything.

Fill the dishes with:

4 cups rolled oats (not instant...too small)

2 handfuls shredded coconut (optional, but we love it)

2 handfuls of 3 kinds of chopped nuts (whatever you have on hand..so 6 handfuls total)

lots of cinnamon

a little salt

drizzle the whole thing lightly with honey or agave syrup (optional)

Stir everything together

Preheat oven to 350

Bake for 17 minutes (you could 15 or 20...whatever works for your particular oven...17 works just right in mine with two baking trays of this stuff), pull it out, stir it around, and put it back for another 17 minutes. You just want to get everything toasted to get a crunchy texture.

Pull it out, let it cool. Add raisins or other dried fruit if you want.

Works well by itself, as a homemade cereal with milk, as a topping for yogurt or ice cream... whatever

Homemade Dog Cookies (20 minutes)

1 15oz can pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling

2 eggs

3 tablespoons (or more, if you like) natural peanut butter, make sure peanuts and salt are only ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour (you could use regular flour). I just only have whole wheat in my pantry, so that's what I used.

Preheat oven to 350

Mix ingredients. It should have the consistency of cupcake icing. If it needs to be thicker, add more flour. If you need to thin it, add some water.

Form 1-inch rounds on parchment paper and put them into preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.

Allow to cool thoroughly before giving these.

Finished cookie rounds should have the consistency of a thick cake.

Music composed and performed by guitarist, JD Cullum

Edited by Brandon Moran

Sponsored by Soar With Tapping