Episodes

  • Ep. 15: Women, Work, & ADHD. Finding your THING with Special Guest Mellanie Parry
    Nov 13 2023

    Ever wondered how ADHD affects women juggling a career, parenting, and daily life struggles? Tune in as we are joined by our guest Mellanie, to hear her personal journey of dealing with ADHD in the workplace. Still coming to terms with her late diagnosis, she describes the constant fight to fit into a world that seems so effortlessly managed by others, and the challenges of making a mark in the corporate setup.

    She shares how transitioning from office spaces to working from home has significantly affected her productivity and mental health. Mellanie, with her fascinating insights, leads the conversation about the intriguing world of network marketing and how its particular challenges seem tailor-made for people living with ADHD.

    She then turns the spotlight on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and its incredible impact on her mental health. We rage over how many individuals are denied medical assistance for peri-menopause symptoms purely based on their age, and throw light on the detrimental effects of menopause on a woman's career, especially when they are at its height. So sit tight, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready for an enlightening, emotional, and humorous journey into the world of ADHD, work, and women's health.

    TW: Depression, Suicidal ideation.

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

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    48 mins
  • HIGHS & LOWS OF THE WEEK Ep. 2
    Nov 12 2023

    Ever found it tough to manage the daily chaos that ADHD throws at you while juggling the trials and tribulations of motherhood? Picture this: You've got an early morning job, and you're trying to navigate getting home in freezing rain, just to arrive home and find your prepayment electricity meter going on strike.

    Our conversation takes a turn into the tough realities of building connections with other parents as our kids grow up. Moving from the playgroups to the school gates, we're navigating a new social dynamic. Gen opens up about the struggle to stay tuned in to the heart-wrenching reality of a war-torn Palestine. The empathy is real, the guilt is palpable, and finding the right balance feels like walking a tightrope.

    As we nudge away from the guilt, we unpack the emotional baggage that COVID has dumped on us. Unable to physically help, feeling helpless, and guilt-tripping for avoiding the news, we are still spinning on the emotional roller coaster that the pandemic had us strapped into.

    The light at the end of the tunnel is the joys of a new job as a massage therapist, after training before an unexpected second pregnancy. So come along, join in, and let's navigate this wild ride together through laughter, frustration, and some thought-provoking conversations!

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

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    35 mins
  • Ep. 14: Access to Work - A system set to help?
    Nov 6 2023

    Navigating the workplace can be a minefield, especially when you are living with a disability. But imagine if you had a tool in your arsenal that could provide up to £63,000 per year to help you stay in or return to work?

    Well, the UK government's Access to Work scheme apparently does just that.
    We talk through through the many ways this fund can potentially be a game-changer for you, from covering your travel expenses to securing a job coach. However, we also highlight some of the stumbling blocks along the way, such as the challenge of finding a coach and the intricate system navigation, particularly if you've been working from home.

    The second half of our conversation zeroes in on the hoops and hurdles of sourcing the best resources under the Access to Work scheme - ADHD MUMS listener, Sarah, tells us her experience of Access To Work so far; an endless paper trail, a search for the right equipment and support for ADHD, and getting into debt with family.

    Click here for ADHDUK's brilliant resource for Access To Work
    And here to take part in ADHDUK's Access To Work research survey

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

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    31 mins
  • HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE WEEK! - Ep. 1 - A snot-drip and a battery blip...
    Nov 3 2023

    What happens when life throws a curveball and you find yourself juggling a sick child, a new job, and a migraine? You grit your teeth through a free full body massage, of course!

    Join us for a chat about our week, that was a mixed bag of highs and lows. Competing with the normal stresses of parenthood, Gen had the excitement of a new job at a spa, but found herself and her youngest child ill on her first day. Claire had a seriously stressful day of trying to get out of the city centre, with a dead mobile battery, and no cash or card.

    Balancing personal and professional commitments can be taxing, especially when you are running a podcast. We get real about the emotional toll this project has taken on us at times, and how we had to adapt our work styles to pick up eachother's slack.

    We reference our experiences with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a condition that can make criticism, no matter how constructive, feel like a personal attack. We discuss how we eased up on critiquing each other and found ways to work harmoniously.

    As the discussion progresses, we delve into the intricacies of our commitments and how timekeeping delays can strain relationships. We explore how ADHD can be linked to chronic lateness, and how this can be triggering within neurodivergent relationships.

    We emphasize the importance of understanding and empathy when dealing with someone living with ADHD, but acknowledge ourselves how challenging this can be in the moment. Claire shares exciting news regarding titration, and shares her initial thoughts on the impact of ADHD medication on energy levels and mental health.

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Ep. 13: WORK - Navigating Career Paths with ADHD, Our Stories So Far...
    Oct 30 2023

    This month we get real about the realities of the working world? Join us on a rollercoaster journey through our eclectic work lives. We'll take you through our work path diversity, from waitressing to wedding photography, discussing the pressures of earning a living when your output changes so significantly from one day to the next.

    We touch on how the Liverpool music scene, in which we grew up, bridges dreams with benefits and how even these have diminished under Tory government regimes.
    We delve deeper into the harsher aspects of the workplace. We share the agonies of enduring a job with normal (but intolerable) conditions, managing sensory issues, and grappling with emotional dysregulation.

    We share our world of work experiences, ranging from care homes to charity shops, and reveal how we have evolved professionally. We also candidly discuss how we’re instilling in our kids the power of creativity for making pocket money.

    As we wrap up our conversation, we unmask our personal experiences with workplace bullying and discrimination. We discuss masked ableism, ageism, and our encounters with micro-managing bullies scrutinising our working style. We reveal the impact of disclosing disabilities within the workplace and the unique intersectionality of pressures that ADHD parents face on the job.

    Finally, we reminisce about the joy of working with other creative people, the humourous moments that have kept us going through jobs in the past.

    Stay tuned as we experiment with a new episode format, saving our HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE WEEK for their very own episode, this Friday! And look out for upcoming episodes this month, on working from home, self-employment, and the UK Access To Work scheme.

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Ep. 12: A Midwife’s Perspective on ADHD, Pregnancy and Misdiagnosis
    Oct 25 2023

    If anyone understands about how ADHD can impact a woman's experience during pregnancy and postnatal care, it's a midwife with ADHD, who has had three pregnancies of her own. Our guest, Laura Spence, The ADHD Midwife, is going to open our eyes to the intricacies of neurodivergence and maternity services. Laura’s incredible journey starts with her own struggles with self-care, friendships, and academic life, leading her to the passionate work she does now. Her commitment to raising awareness about the unique needs of pregnant women with ADHD is totally brilliant.

    Laura doesn’t shy away from sharing her personal experiences. She was misdiagnosed with postnatal depression, a common issue for many women. This raw, heartfelt conversation also uncovers the challenges women like Laura face in the workplace, from managing their ADHD to finding appropriate support.

    But our chat with Laura isn’t all heavy. She also shares how she’s found joy and self-discovery through an unexpected source – makeup. It’s an inspiring account of finding self-care rituals that work for you. So, whether you’re a mum navigating ADHD or just curious about neurodivergence and pregnancy, there’s something for everyone in this conversation.

    TRIGGER WARNINGS: Post-natal depression, workplace bullying, birth and labour, self-harm, mental health.

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ep. 11: Motherhood in Motion: AuDHD, Hormones, Pregnancy and Parenting On The Road
    Oct 18 2023


    In our highs and lows of the week, we share our struggles with single parenting, co-parenting schedules, and changing households. We pre-empt our upcoming month's topic, by discussing candidness about disclosing ADHD to potential employers, and the ethical considerations around this. As always, we hope this section will entertain, and also offer a sense of acceptance in those listeners who can relate to the situations we are living through week by week.

    We discuss the interplay between hormones and ADHD, especially how Oestrogen, a key player in regulating dopamine pathways in the brain, can shape this journey. We consider the mental health implications of the hormonal changes related to pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the potential impact of ADHD medication.

    This episode we are joined by listener, Lucy, an ADHD mum who shares her experience of ADHD pregnancy in a van. She shares her journey into motherhood, and battling misdiagnosis as she came to terms with self-identifying as ADHD and Autistic.

    Lucy opens up about the distinct challenges of parenting with ADHD, seeking self-care, household organisation in a tiny house (on wheels), and the hurdles of sudden life changes. She also shares her advice and tips for managing life with ADHD, from setting reminders to embracing a minimalist lifestyle.

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ep. 10: Triumph Over Trials: Ellie's Challenge of ADHD Diagnosis During Pregnancy
    Oct 11 2023

    Imagine being diagnosed with ADHD during your pregnancy. Our guest Ellie lived it and she's here to share the raw and riveting aspects of her journey. Ellie's story isn't just about the struggle; it's about the victories, the support, and the open conversations that make her experiences relatable and inspiring. From Hyperemesis Gravidarium, to figuring out medications, Ellie's narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions, determination, and resilience. Ellie shares how simple strategies like setting timers on her phone turned into a lifeline in managing her ADHD, and shows the importance of pushing through, even when situations seem daunting.

    Ever wondered about the long-term effects of taking ADHD medication during pregnancy? We share news of a groundbreaking study released in 2023 that offers some hopeful outcomes. The study found no evidence of any change in the likelihood of developing a neurodevelopmental disorder for babies whose mums took ADHD stimulant medications during pregnancy. This is a step in the right direction amidst the pressing need for more research and awareness about pregnant individuals grappling with ADHD.

    TRIGGER WARNINGS:

    Suicide, Termination, Miscarriage, Hyperemesis Gravidarium, Vomiting, Prison, Abortion Law, Depression, Suicidal ideation, Racism in the healthcare system, Racially inequal maternal mortality rate, Risks of taking medications in pregnancy, VBAC, Tears, Emergency C Section, Drug abuse, Birth "defects"

    Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

    All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
    Artwork by Gen

    For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.

    To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our
    BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!

    PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
    Let's get
    ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!

    See you next Wednesday! xxx

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins