ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

How do ADHD, trauma, and addiction intersect, and what strategies can help break this harmful cycle? In this episode, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Andrea Epting, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, addiction, and neurodivergence. As a professional with ADHD and OCD, and a mother to two neurodivergent young adults, Andrea brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation.Andrea delves into the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and addiction, explaining how trauma, emotional dysregulation, and a search for dopamine can create vulnerabilities. She shares her therapeutic approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of abstinence, community, and replacing unhealthy habits with meaningful alternatives. Andrea also highlights the unique challenges ADHD women face in emotional regulation and how breaking harmful cycles can lead to resilience and healing.This episode provides strategies for navigating the intersections of ADHD, trauma, and recovery. Andrea offers insights into the role of mindfulness, self-compassion, and creating structure in building healthier habits. She also discusses her work through her nonprofit, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS), to make mental health resources more accessible.ResourcesWebsite: lightninginabottle.bizheadsupsavannah.org/PlannerSocial Media:instagram.com/liab_lightninginabottle pinterest.com/liablightninginabottle youtube.com/@directimpactimpactae  Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaJoin What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blendsSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

ADHD brains are creative powerhouses, built for innovation, connection, and resilience. In this episode, Tracy Otsuka sits down with Izzie Chea—a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and neurodivergence advocate—whose ADHD diagnosis unlocked a world of possibilities. From building a viral virtual piano studio during the pandemic to creating impactful initiatives like La Neuropicante and the Accountable Otters Club, Izzie shares how she turned challenges into opportunities to uplift herself and others.Izzie opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, the burnout that led to it, and the transformative impact of understanding her brain’s unique wiring. She recounts how growing up in a culturally traditional environment shaped her experiences and how she now advocates for neurodivergent voices, particularly in the Latinx community.As the head of social media and customer experience for the Hiki app and founder of a successful social media agency, Izzie talks about balancing her many passions while prioritizing mental health. She shares practical strategies for managing time and staying productive, including tools like Llama Life and time-boxing techniques.Resoures:https://www.laneuropicante.com https://accotters.comYoutube: https://m.youtube.com/@IzzieCheaMusicStudio Hiki AppLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaJoin What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blendsSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

ADHD brains are built for brilliance.In this special Thanksgiving episode, Tracy reflects on the unique strengths of ADHD women and how they navigate a chaotic world. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of ADHD women, she explores why their minds excel at creativity, connection, and meaningful work.Tracy talks about the real challenges ADHD women face—overwhelm, juggling too many responsibilities, and feeling misunderstood—and offers practical strategies to create more focus and clarity. She explains how breaking tasks into micro-goals and aligning with your values can make life feel more manageable and purposeful.Through her A-OK system, Tracy has seen how ADHD women can take small steps that lead to big changes. She shares how understanding your brain’s unique wiring can help you stop feeling stuck and start building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.This episode is a reminder of the incredible things ADHD women can achieve when they embrace their strengths. With personal stories and practical insights, Tracy encourages listeners to see their ADHD traits in a new light and use them to create a life that truly works for them.Resources:spyhappy.me/blackfriday Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaJoin What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blendsSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Hot take: ADHD behavior is a normal variant, not a disorder. This is what our guest, Dr. Idit Hazan believes.Dr. Idit Hazan, a pediatrician turned entrepreneur and professor, redefines what it means to embrace neurodivergence in medicine and beyond. Through her journey as a parent and professional, Dr. Hazan recognized traits in herself that align with ADHD, helping her reframe her challenges as strengths and fueling her creativity and problem-solving skills. Her insights have led to groundbreaking innovations in pediatric care.In this episode, Dr. Hazan shares how her experiences as a parent and professor helped her uncover the hidden strengths of an ADHD brain. She reflects on how embracing outside-the-box thinking has shaped her approach to problem-solving and innovation. As a professor of Biology at Grand View University and a trailblazer in pediatric healthcare, she demonstrates how leaning into neurodivergence can transform industries.Dr. Hazan discusses the development of her pioneering platform, designed to make clinical environments more engaging and empowering for children. She also offers insights on balancing life as a parent of three college-aged kids, a professor, and an innovator. Her story challenges the narrative of ADHD as a deficit and highlights the potential of neurodivergence to unlock creativity and drive meaningful change.Resources:X: https://x.com/genetics_prof/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idit-hazan/ Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaJoin What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blendsSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message