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In this episode of Beyond Distracted, Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke chat with former AFL player Heath Shaw about life with ADHD – from being labelled the "naughty kid" at school to finding structure, purpose and success in elite sport.     Heath reflects on being diagnosed in Year 8, long before ADHD was widely understood, and shares how routines, exercise, football and self-awareness have shaped the way he manages his brain both during and after his AFL career.     The conversation explores the "light and dark" sides of ADHD – how traits like impulsivity, quick decision-making and hyperfocus can create challenges in some environments, while becoming major strengths in others.     In this episode, we explore:   How structure and routine helped Heath thrive in professional sport The role exercise, sleep and diet can play in managing ADHD Why medication can help – but isn't the only support people need How impulsivity can be both a challenge and a strength What life after professional sport looks like when your routine suddenly disappears The importance of understanding your own brain instead of just following what works for everyone else This is an honest conversation about identity, performance and self-awareness.     As Heath says: "Once you figure out what you like, and then you focus in on that, you're going to be really, really good at it."

In this episode of Beyond Distracted, Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke chat with neurodivergent creator Jo Dunham (better known online as MyFavouriteJo), whose funny, sharply observant content about ADHD and autism has built a community of hundreds of thousands of followers.   Jo shares her own experience of knowing she was different from a young age, despite being seen as a "gifted" student. The conversation explores what happens when we stop viewing neurodivergence through a deficit-based lens – and start making room for strengths, self-knowledge and compassion.     In this episode, we explore: Why ADHD is so often missed in clever, engaged kids How the "deficit model" of neurodivergence can be a harmful way to look at things The important role sport and movement can play in calming an ADHD brain How Jo uses humour to help neurotypical people see things from a different perspective Why understanding your own energy patterns can be a game-changer Why finding your community feels like you can finally exhale This is a funny and validating conversation about what it means to understand yourself better – and how life often gets easier when you embrace the beauty and chaos of your own brain.     As Jo says: "We're the entrepreneurs, the inventors, the creatives, the musicians, the artists and all those things."

Money is one of those areas where we're expected to just "have it together" as adults – but for many people with ADHD, it's not that simple.     In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke sit down with Tina Mathams – money educator and author of ADHD Money – to explore what actually works when it comes to managing your finances as a person with ADHD.     Through her work, Tina helps people move out of shame and into clarity, confidence and self-trust, using strategies that work with the neurodiverse brain, not against it.     In this episode, we explore:     Why traditional money advice doesn't work for ADHD brains The role of shame, avoidance and impulsivity in financial habits Why awareness is more powerful than any budgeting tool Why flexibility (not restriction) is key to sustainable systems How small shifts can help you feel safer and more in control of your finances     If you've ever wondered why money feels harder for you than it seems to for other people, this one's worth a listen.     As Tina says, awareness is key: "Financial tips and strategies are great, but once you have an awareness of why you behave the way you do, you can start to make changes."

In high-performing environments, there's a huge focus on performance, productivity and leadership – but far less on how we accommodate and support people whose brains work differently.     In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke sit down with Ani Møller – a former executive director turned ADHD and leadership coach – for a conversation that reframes what high performance can look like when it's built to work with the neurodivergent brain.     Before discovering they were autistic and ADHD (AuDHD), Ani spent years leading large teams and managing complex projects in a digital agency – while burning out, overcompensating and wondering why it all felt so hard.     They now work with neurodivergent professionals and executives to help them move from overwhelm to action and create real, sustainable change.     From recognising patterns others might miss and building strong teams to creating systems that support focus, energy and communication, Ani shares the insights they've gleaned throughout their career – plus the systems and support they've put in place to help them work and live in a way that's aligned with their needs.      In this episode, we explore:   The unique strengths neurodivergent leaders bring – from pattern recognition to logical thinking Why "easy things can feel hard and hard things can feel easy"   How creating psychological safety can lift the performance of an entire team Practical leadership tools like radical candour, empathy mapping and clear communication structures How to stop overextending and start working within your capacity Why not everyone will like you at work – and how letting go of that can be freeing The importance of energy management, personalised systems and sustainable ways of working How small, intentional adjustments can make a big difference over time This is a thoughtful conversation that offers a realistic and empowering way to think about leadership, productivity and success.     As Ani says: "I'm grateful to have a life that suits my brain, rather than trying to fit my brain into the life I think I should have."

In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke sit down with Nat Bartsch – a triple ARIA-nominated pianist, composer and neurodiversity advocate whose work spans classical, jazz and ambient music.   Nat often felt different, but it wasn't until her late 30s, during the pandemic, that she discovered she is both ADHD and autistic. Rather than being a confronting moment, the diagnosis brought reassurance and clarity – helping her better understand her needs, improve the support around her, and design a career that works with her brain.   Nat discusses what it means to be neurodivergent in the music industry – a space that often attracts and even rewards these traits, but doesn't always provide the structure needed to support them.   In this episode, we explore: Nat's late discovery of her AuDHD identity – and how it positively reframed her life and career The music industry as a "hotbed" of neurodivergent traits – and where it falls short on support Why masking is so common in creative industries – and how it can delay recognition The realities of running a small business as a neurodivergent person without formal business training Practical ways Nat manages her energy, health and creative work   If you're a creative person curious about how to better support your own brain, someone diagnosed later in life, or simply want to better understand AuDHD, this episode offers a hopeful, practical perspective.   As Nat says of being diagnosed: "My sense of who I am in the world was better – and for me, that was just such a wonderful thing."     Want to see Nat live? She'll be performing her neuro-affirming album, Forever Changed, live over the coming weeks: Sat 18 April at The Round, Nunawading, Melbourne: https://www.theround.com.au/natbartsch 12 to 16 July, a regional tour of NSW for Musica Viva, heading to Gunnedah, Taree and Gosford: https://musicaviva.com.au/concert-season/2026/forever-changed/

Today's guest has reframed ADHD as being 'wired for interest" – and is on a mission to help others understand their unique brains. In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke chat to ADHD coach, speaker and mother Caroline Beresford about her late diagnosis, how ADHD contributed to her varied career, and how she's turned her diagnosis into a positive by helping others. Caroline shares her experience of being diagnosed at 47, while researching ADHD for a family member. She travelled to New York to train as an ADHD coach – leaning into her curiosity and her core value of kindness to build a community and help others find a sense of belonging. In this episode, we explore: How ADHD contributed to a varied career spanning the pharmaceutical industry to interior design Why environment and surroundings are especially important for neurodiverse people How her daily post-it note approach helps her organise tasks (and calm her mind) Her mindful journaling habit based on research How perimenopause impacts dopamine (and ADHD) And why the concept of ADHD over-diagnosis is her pet peeve   If you're looking for inspiration, coping strategies or ideas for supporting a family member, this episode could reframe how you think about neurodiversity. As Caroline says:  "I really believe if an ADHDer can find what they love early on, the world's their oyster."

What if your brain was wired for a different kind of orbit?   In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke sit down with astrophysicist, science communicator and IncludeHer founder Dr Kat Ross to explore neurodiversity, adult diagnosis, and learning in ways that support an ADHD brain.   Kat shares her experience of receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis and her anger at the systems that continue to miss ADHD presentations in women and gender-diverse people. She reflects on navigating academia, not fitting the mould of a scientist, and how her unique thinking became a key strength during her astrophysics PhD.   She also discusses starting IncludeHer, an organisation challenging gender imbalance and stereotypes in STEM through visibility, representation and accessibility.   In this episode, we explore: Adult ADHD diagnosis and the grief that can follow   Why ADHD often goes unnoticed in women and gender-diverse people   The dopamine threshold for learning and rethinking focus   ADHD in science and the value of big-picture thinking   Practical habits that make daily life more manageable   Whether you're newly diagnosed, questioning the academic system, or curious about how neurodiversity can open up a universe of possibilities, this episode offers a fresh perspective.

What if the thing you've been calling self-sabotage was never that at all?   In this episode of Beyond Distracted, psychologists Anthony Brown and  Meagan Cooke are joined by Connor M. Greene – ADHD coach, psychosis support specialist and the author of ADHD Explained – to talk about adult diagnosis, self-blame, and what changes when you finally understand your brain.   Connor shares his journey through diagnoses of autism and ADHD, including the long road to assessment and the life-changing impact of small, everyday shifts once he started medication. Together, they explore the grief and relief that can follow a late diagnosis, the stigma that still surrounds ADHD, and why so many neurodivergent people find safety and understanding in one another.   We also dive into practical accommodations and innovative systems – from calendars and smart lights to rejecting conventional productivity advice altogether – and why finding what works for you matters more than doing things the "right" way.   It's an important conversation about letting go of negative self-beliefs and building a life that works with your brain, not against it.   Key takeaway from this episode: "You are not self-sabotaging."   Whether you were diagnosed later in life, are questioning your own experiences, or support neurodivergent people in your work or family, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and permission to find your own way of functioning.

In this conversation, Joanne Seymon from Kaiko Fidgets opens up about the messy and beautiful reality of living and working with ADHD. From the early days of creating sensory tools for her son Kai to running a business that supports thousands of neurodivergent people, Jo shares what it's like to balance creativity, chaos and compassion. We talk about imposter syndrome, the freedom that comes from dropping the mask, and why understanding the brain's "bus driver" can completely change how we see focus and regulation. Jo also dives into topics rarely discussed, including ADHD in women, menopause, and the complex relationship between pain, sensory seeking and self-soothing. It's a raw and generous conversation about what happens when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start getting curious instead. *Trigger warning: This episode does mention self-harm. We encourage you to prioritise your well-being and skip this episode if you are in a vulnerable place. Please reach out to a professional or a support hotline if you need help. * Listen if: You've ever felt like your brain doesn't play by the same rules You're raising, teaching or supporting someone who's neurodivergent You need a reminder that movement, chaos and compassion can co-exist

What if being completely alone in the wilderness was not terrifying… but restorative? In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke sit down with Krzysztof Wojtkowski, winner of Alone Australia Season 2, to explore what 64 days in the remote wilderness of Aotearoa New Zealand revealed about ADHD, masking, hyperfocus, and what it really means to feel at home in your own mind. For Krzysztof, the experience was not about survival at all costs. It was about calm. Quiet. And finally being able to take the mask off. Together, they unpack how neurodivergence shaped his time on Alone, why nature can feel more regulating than everyday life, and how ADHD can be both a powerful strength and a daily challenge. From hyperfocus and time blindness, to sleep struggles, productivity myths, and learning to accept yourself without apology, this is a deeply human conversation about living well with an ADHD brain. In this episode, we explore: Why 64 days alone felt like a recharge rather than a battle ADHD, masking, and the relief of being able to just be yourself Hyperfocus as both a superpower and a double-edged sword Time blindness, routines, alarms, and finishing what you start The role of nature and green space in regulating the ADHD nervous system Sleep, sensory input, and why background noise can actually help Coming out as neurodivergent on national television and what happened next Supporting neurodivergent children with patience, understanding, and acceptance Busting the myth that ADHD is an attention deficit (spoiler - it's not) Key takeaway from this episode: "It's okay to be me." Krzysztof's story is a reminder that ADHD is not something to fix or hide. It is something to understand, work with, and in many ways, celebrate. Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting someone who is neurodivergent, or simply curious about how different brains experience the world, this episode offers insight, compassion, and permission to stop trying to be a round peg in a square hole.

What happens when you finally have language for your life? In this episode of Beyond Distracted, psychologists Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke are joined by Dr Oli Meredith – an AuDHD academic, public health researcher, and mindfulness practitioner – for a deeply human conversation about late diagnosis, grief, validation, and what it means to stop hiding. Oli shares her journey to an ADHD diagnosis in their 40s, following years of chronic fatigue, burnout, and misdiagnosis. Together, they explore how diagnosis can be profoundly validating even when the assessment process itself falls short, and why "trying harder" was never the answer. The conversation also dives into the often-overlooked intersection of ADHD and autism, particularly for women and gender-diverse people, and how masking, burnout, and internalised shame can shape careers, relationships, and self-worth. Drawing on Oli's research Hiding or Thriving, this episode looks at what truly helps neurodivergent people thrive – from meaningful work and flexible environments to community, honesty, and small but powerful accommodations. This is an episode about permission – to work differently, to rest, to follow curiosity, and to be fully yourself. In this episode, we cover: Late ADHD diagnosis and why it can be so validating ADHD, autism, and internalised hyperactivity Burnout, chronic fatigue, and misdiagnosis in women Grief, relief, and reinterpreting your life story Neurodivergence in academia and the workplace Why "exceptional organisational skills" exclude brilliant people The role of community, language, and lived experience Small accommodations that make a big difference Perfect for anyone navigating ADHD, autism, burnout, or questioning why life feels harder than it should – and for professionals wanting to build more inclusive systems. Key takeaway from this episode: "Diagnosis doesn't change who you are – it gives you language, permission, and compassion for who you've always been.

We often hear well-meaning advice from neurotypical voices about how neurodiverse people can live happy and successful lives. As psychologists with lived experience of neurodiversity we often wonder: would the advice be different if it came from neurodiverse people? In Beyond Distracted, we interview neurodiverse people who have found success in their fields not by masking who they are, but by embracing their unique ways of thinking, working, and being. We explore how they navigate their life and work, manage ADHD and what advice they offer to others hoping to do the same. Our goal is to challenge the stigma that still surrounds neurodiversity and demonstrate that with the right understanding and support, neurodiverse people can lead interesting, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. For those newly diagnosed, their families, and the wider community, these stories offer hope, validation, and real-world insight from people who truly understand. We hope that you enjoy this podcast. Your hosts, Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke https://www.beyond-distracted.com/