Is It ADHD or Am I Just Bad at Adulting? Expert Dr. Ari Tuckman Explains the Difference

by | May 12, 2025 | ADHD Tips, Podcasts

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly messing up — forgetting things, zoning out, missing steps, or just trying to keep your head above water — you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve wondered if you have ADHD… or maybe you’re just chronically overwhelmed and tired of feeling like you’re failing at “being an adult.”

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ari Tuckman — psychologist, speaker, and leading expert on adult ADHD — to talk about what it really means to be productive when your brain works differently.

We dive deep into how ADHD affects not just your focus, but your self-esteem, your past experiences, and your ability to trust yourself. Ari shares science-backed, shame-free strategies from his new book The ADHD Productivity Manual — and gives us permission to stop striving for perfection and start creating a life that works for us.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or just want to finally feel a little less behind all the time… this episode is packed with validation, laughter, and practical advice that will leave you feeling seen and supported.

We chat about:

  • How ADHD shows up in adults (and why so many go undiagnosed)
  • Why your messy past doesn’t mean you’re broken — or doomed
  • The powerful link between clutter, distraction, and overwhelm
  • Medication myths (and why it’s just one helpful tool, not a cure-all)
  • Small shifts that make a big difference in productivity and self-worth
  • The importance of compassion — for yourself and others

🧠 Learn more from Dr. Tuckman:
Website: https://adultadhdbook.com
New book: The ADHD Productivity Manual — available everywhere books are sold

Listen Here

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