Grandma Has ADHD

Welcome to “Grandma Has ADHD,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and experiences of seniors living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and referred by some as ADD. We’ll provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories to help older adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the journey of managing ADHD in later life mixed with a little humor and real life, unedited examples of navigating life with ADHD. Whether you are a senior who suspects you may have ADHD or love an ADHD Senior, “Grandma Has ADHD” embraces the saying “Making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life” and is here to provide you with the information, support, and resources you need to thrive.

Grandma Has ADHD is a health podcast hosted by Jami Shapiro, with 102 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jami Shapiro hosts Grandma Has ADHD, a health show with 102 episodes published.

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  Episode #101

  Episode 101 – ADHD, Narcissism & Generational Trauma

  Aug 18, 202645 min

  What happens when ADHD, trauma, and the patterns we inherit from our families overlap? Jami Shapiro sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Virginia Wilcsek, founder of The Transcending Pathway, for an honest conversation about ADHD, narcissism, generational trauma, and the nervous system. Virginia shares her experience growing up with a narcissistic parent and how that eventually shaped her work helping people heal from trauma and difficult relationships. Together, she and Jami explore how growing up around emotional dysregulation, chaos, neglect, or caregivers who weren't attuned to us can affect the way we learn to regulate ourselves. They also unpack an important and complicated question: where does ADHD end and trauma begin? While ADHD and trauma are not the same thing, they can share characteristics such as emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and executive functioning challenges. Virginia explains why biology, development, environment, and our family experiences can all be pieces of the larger story. What You'll Learn Why ADHD and trauma can sometimes look similar How generational trauma can affect nervous-system regulation The impact of growing up with narcissistic or emotionally immature parents Why an unsafe or chaotic environment can keep the body scanning for danger How emotional dysregulation and executive functioning are connected Why regulating the nervous system may need to come before problem-solving What somatic practices are and how they can support regulation How imposter syndrome and negative self-talk can show up with ADHD Simple breathing and grounding techniques for moments of overwhelm Why This Matters For many adults discovering ADHD later in life, understanding their brain can also bring up questions about their childhood and family history. Maybe a parent struggled with emotional regulation. Maybe home never felt completely predictable or safe. Maybe behaviors you once thought were simply part of your personality make more sense when you consider both ADHD and the experiences that shaped you. As Virginia explains, the relationship between ADHD and trauma isn't an either/or question. ADHD has neurological and biological components, while our developmental experiences and environment also shape how we learn to respond to the world. A Tool to Try Virginia shares a simple four-part breathing exercise for moments when you feel overwhelmed or dysregulated: Take a breath and release your throat. Take another and release your chest. Take a third and release your stomach and pelvic muscles. On the fourth breath, release everything. Then notice: Were you holding your breath? Were you bracing? Did anything shift when you gave your nervous system a moment to regroup? The ADHD Button Question Jami asks Virginia: If you could press a button and no longer have ADHD, would you press it? Virginia's answer is an emphatic no. She shares that one of her favorite parts of ADHD is having many different interests, projects, and passions. What might feel "scattered" to someone else allows her to explore different ideas, support people in different ways, and continually discover something new. About the Guest Virginia Wilcsek is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of The Transcending Pathway, a California-based group practice specializing in trauma, complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, loss of identity, and healing from pathological relationships. Virginia is also a certified breathwork trauma facilitator and incorporates somatic approaches into her work, helping clients understand not only their thoughts and emotions but how their experiences can show up in the body and nervous system. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD , she helps adults, especially women discovering ADHD later in life, better understand their brains, let go of shame, and find tools that work for the way they're wired. Resources The Transcending Pathway The Transcending Pathway workshops Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson Scattered Minds by Dr. Gabor Maté This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Connect with Virginia Website: The Transcending Pathway Instagram: @thetranscendingpathway Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.me Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro If something in this conversation sounds familiar, Virginia leaves listeners with a simple reminder for those moments of overwhelm, self-doubt, or dysregulation: “It is not a you problem, it is a nervous system that never learned to feel safe.” Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

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  Episode #100

  Episode 100 - Unwrapping the Gifts of ADHD with Dr. Ned Hallowell

  Aug 11, 202659 min

  For the 100th episode of Grandma Has ADHD , Jami Shapiro welcomes one of the most influential voices in the ADHD world: Dr. Edward "Ned" Hallowell. Psychiatrist, bestselling author of Driven to Distraction and ADHD 2.0 , and someone who has spent more than four decades helping people understand that ADHD is far more than a disorder—it's a different way of experiencing the world. Together, Jami and Dr. Hallowell explore his remarkable personal story, from a chaotic childhood to becoming one of the world's leading ADHD experts. They discuss why so many people with ADHD grow up believing they're "not enough," how discovering your strengths can transform your life at any age, and why connection, not perfection, is one of the most powerful tools for thriving. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hallowell challenges the traditional deficit-based view of ADHD, encouraging listeners to see it as a collection of gifts that, when understood and supported, can become extraordinary strengths. What You'll Learn Why Dr. Hallowell believes ADHD is a trait—not simply a disorder The hidden strengths behind distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity How curiosity, creativity, and imagination become ADHD superpowers Why self-esteem is one of the biggest challenges for people with ADHD The importance of finding mentors who recognize your gifts Why it's never too late to discover your purpose Dr. Hallowell's concept of "Vitamin C"—the healing power of connection Why "Never worry alone" may be one of the best pieces of ADHD advice you'll ever hear Why This Matters For many adults diagnosed later in life, ADHD has long been associated with shame, frustration, and feeling like they never measured up. Dr. Hallowell offers a different perspective. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with me?" he encourages us to ask, "What am I uniquely wired to contribute?" When we stop trying to become someone else and begin embracing our own strengths, ADHD becomes something to understand—not something to fear. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest the same question: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? Dr. Hallowell's answer is an immediate no. He believes ADHD is inseparable from his creativity, imagination, energy, and ability to contribute to the world. While it has brought challenges, it's also shaped the life and career he wouldn't trade for anything. About the Guest Dr. Edward "Ned" Hallowell is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. He is the co-author of Driven to Distraction and the author of more than 20 books, including ADHD 2.0 . Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia himself, Dr. Hallowell has dedicated his career to helping children and adults discover the strengths that often accompany neurodivergence. He is the founder of the Hallowell ADHD Centers and continues to advocate for a strength-based approach to ADHD. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD , she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, understand their ADHD, reduce shame, and discover the gifts hidden beneath years of misunderstanding. Resources Driven to Distraction by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John Ratey ADHD 2.0 by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John Ratey Hallowell ADHD Centers Hallowell Hub This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

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  Episode #99

  Episode 99 - Hacking Your ADHD with William Curb

  Aug 4, 202653 min

  In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD , Jami Shapiro sits down with fellow ADHD podcaster William Curb, host of Hacking Your ADHD , for a practical conversation about what it really looks like to work with an ADHD brain instead of constantly fighting against it. William shares his experience of being diagnosed as an adult after all three of his siblings had already been identified with ADHD, and reflects on how understanding his brain changed the way he approached everyday challenges. Together, he and Jami discuss everything from clutter and decision fatigue to forgetting meals, travel mishaps, and why the right systems can make life dramatically easier. Filled with relatable stories, actionable strategies, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a reminder that ADHD isn't about trying harder - it's about finding hacks that work for your brain. What You'll Learn Why understanding your ADHD is the first step toward lasting change Practical strategies for managing clutter and organization How AI can be a helpful tool for tackling overwhelming tasks Why decision fatigue keeps so many people stuck Simple ways to build systems that reduce executive dysfunction The importance of sequencing tasks to prevent forgetfulness Why many adults with ADHD forget to eat and what to do about it How self-compassion leads to better outcomes than self-criticism Why acceptance is one of the most powerful ADHD tools Why This Matters Many adults with ADHD spend years trying to force themselves into systems that weren't designed for how their brains work. This episode offers a different approach: instead of asking, "Why can't I do this?" ask, "What system would make this easier?" Small adjustments can remove unnecessary obstacles and make everyday life feel far more manageable. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? William's answer is thoughtful: it depends on what pressing the button would change. While ADHD has created real challenges, it has also shaped the person he has become. Rather than viewing ADHD as purely a blessing or a curse, he reflects on the importance of accepting how his brain works and building a life around it. About the Guest William Curb is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Hacking Your ADHD , where he shares practical, research-informed strategies to help adults better understand and manage ADHD. Diagnosed as an adult in 2011, William combines personal experience with evidence-based tools to help listeners work with their brains instead of against them. He lives in Washington State with his wife and two children. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD , she helps adults - especially women diagnosed later in life - better understand their brains, reduce shame, and build systems that make everyday life easier. Resources Hacking Your ADHD podcast Hacking Your ADHD website This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM): https://www.nasmm.org Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

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  Grandma Has ADHD

  Episode 98 - Why Rejection Hurts So Much with ADHD

  Jul 28, 20261h 4m

  Why does one small criticism stick with us for days? Why do our emotions sometimes feel so much bigger than everyone else's? And what does ADHD have to do with it? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD , Jami Shapiro sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Emma McAdam, founder of Therapy in a Nutshell, to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD: emotional dysregulation. Emma shares her own journey to recognizing ADHD in herself while raising four daughters, including navigating ADHD within her own family. Together, she and Jami explore why rejection sensitivity can feel so overwhelming, how executive function affects emotional regulation, and why anxiety and ADHD are so often intertwined. Most importantly, Emma offers practical, research-backed strategies that can help you better understand and work with your emotions instead of feeling controlled by them. What You'll Learn Why rejection can feel so much more painful for people with ADHD The connection between ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation How executive function affects your ability to process emotions Why emotions often feel bigger, louder, and last longer with ADHD The role masking and shame can play in rejection sensitivity Why so many women are first diagnosed after their children Practical tools for calming your nervous system and managing overwhelming emotions How small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements over time Why This Matters Many adults with ADHD spend years believing they're "too sensitive," overly emotional, or simply not resilient enough. The truth is that emotional regulation is part of executive functioning. Understanding how your ADHD brain processes emotions can replace shame with self-compassion—and give you practical tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and calm. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest the same question: If there were a button that could take away your ADHD forever, would you press it? Emma's answer is a thoughtful no. While ADHD has brought real challenges, especially in relationships and parenting. She also credits it with her creativity, curiosity, and the hyperfocus that helped build Therapy in a Nutshell into a resource that has reached millions of people. About the Guest Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Therapy in a Nutshell, a popular YouTube channel and online learning platform dedicated to making quality mental health education accessible to everyone. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience, Emma specializes in teaching practical, evidence-based skills for managing anxiety, emotional regulation, and overall mental wellness. Her videos have helped millions of people better understand their minds and build healthier emotional habits. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD , she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, understand their ADHD, reduce shame, and build lives that work with their brains instead of against them. Resources Therapy in a Nutshell YouTube Channel Free courses: How to Process Your Emotions How to Break the Anxiety Cycle This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me Book: This Explains So Much: Understanding Undiagnosed ADHD Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

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  Grandma Has ADHD

  Episode 97 - Finding Peace After a Late ADHD Diagnosis

  Jul 21, 202658 min

  Jami Shapiro sits down with executive communication coach and public speaking expert Dr. Reesa Woolf for a conversation that goes far beyond speaking in front of a crowd. After decades of believing she simply wasn't good at certain things, Reesa shares how discovering she had ADHD later in life brought an overwhelming sense of relief and self-compassion. Instead of seeing herself as "bad at life," she finally understood that her brain simply worked differently. Together, Jami and Reesa explore the emotional impact of a late ADHD diagnosis, the freedom that comes from letting go of self-criticism, and why understanding your brain can help you make peace with your past while creating a better future. They also discuss rejection sensitivity, public speaking anxiety, addiction, and the importance of building systems that support the way your brain naturally works. What You'll Learn Why a late ADHD diagnosis can bring relief instead of regret How to replace years of self-criticism with self-compassion The connection between ADHD and public speaking anxiety Why rejection sensitivity can make criticism feel so overwhelming How structure and routines can create more peace in everyday life The relationship between ADHD and addictive behaviors Simple ways to work with your brain instead of against it Why focusing on one small change at a time leads to lasting progress Why This Matters Many adults spend years believing they're lazy, disorganized, or simply "not good enough." A late ADHD diagnosis doesn't change the past, but it can completely change the way you understand yourself. This conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to replace shame with understanding and begin building a life that works for your brain. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? Reesa says she wouldn't. While ADHD has certainly brought challenges, she believes it's also shaped her creativity, compassion, curiosity, and the adventurous life she's built. For her, understanding her ADHD brought peace—not a desire to erase it. About the Guest Dr. Reesa Woolf is an executive communication coach, TED Talk trainer, and public speaking expert with more than 30 years of experience helping executives, business owners, and professionals become confident, authentic communicators. She is the author of Mr. Bear Speaks Without Fear and specializes in helping people overcome public speaking anxiety through practical, lasting strategies. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD , she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, better understand their brains and navigate life with greater clarity and compassion. Resources Mr. Bear Speaks Without Fear by Dr. Reesa Woolf Public Speaking Austin This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

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