Ever wondered if you could turn the challenges of a mental health condition into a unique strength in your life and career?

In "Bipolar & Business with Rosie Burrows," that's exactly the question we're tackling head-on.

Rosie, a successful entrepreneur who navigates the highs and lows of bipolar disorder every single day, knows firsthand that the journey isn't easy. But she also believes that with the right tools and mindset, it's possible to not just manage your mental health, but to harness it as a catalyst for a fulfilling and successful life.

This isn't your typical self-help podcast. Rosie's not about sugarcoating the realities of bipolar disorder. She's lived through the dark nights and the dizzying highs, and she brings that raw honesty to every episode.

Join Rosie as she shares her personal story of building a thriving business while managing bipolar, offering practical strategies she's learned along the way.

She'll be sharing…

Conversations with fellow entrepreneurs: Hear from business owners who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of managing mental health in the entrepreneurial world.

* Insights from Rosie: Gain practical advice and strategies from professionals specializing in mental health and well-being.

* Discover how she has successfully reframed their mental health challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

* Focus on turning challenges into opportunities: Learn how to view mental health struggles not as limitations, but as potential sources of strength and innovation.

We are going to talk about leveraging the creative bursts that can come with bipolar's manic phases, building resilience to weather the storms, and creating a support system that truly understands your journey.

"Bipolar & Business with Rosie Burrows" is a space for honest conversations, practical advice, and a reminder that you're not alone.

It's about embracing your whole self, challenges and all, and using it as fuel to build the life and career you've always dreamed of.

This podcast will help guide you through reframing mental health into a super power and will remind you that your unique perspective is valuable and that success is not only possible but within reach.

Tune in and discover how to navigate the world of business and entrepreneurship, not in spite of bipolar disorder, but empowered by it. Let's redefine what's possible and build a brighter future, together.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Imagine a system designed to teach everyone the same way, with a focus on reading, writing, and memorization. Now, picture individuals like Jamie Waller, who naturally think differently.

Jamie is a dyslexic entrepreneur, who is also color blind and has ADHD. He is someone who might see the bigger picture, be great at problem-solving, or have a unique creative spark, but struggles with those traditional academic skills.

This is where the traditional education system often fails those with dyslexia, as Jamie himself experienced.

Here's what that looks like for individuals like Jamie Waller:

* The Misfit: A child, like the young Jamie, might be brimming with ideas and enthusiasm but starts to feel like an outsider when they struggle to keep up with their peers in reading and writing. Jamie recalls being told he was "thick" or "stupid" in an environment where dyslexia was not understood.

* The Withdrawal: Feeling misunderstood and constantly behind, a child, like Jamie, begins to withdraw from school. He "bunked" off for 16-18 months because he couldn't catch up. This led to a cycle where he fell further behind, losing confidence in his abilities.

* The Missed Potential: The system, as Jamie explains, is focused on measuring achievement through tests, levels and attainment. It does not recognise the unique strengths and talents that a dyslexic person might possess. Jamie believes that dyslexia has been the source of most, if not all, of his success. However, these skills may not be measured in the traditional education system.

* The Badge: Instead of fixing the system, it may label or "badge" individuals with dyslexia, providing some funding but not necessarily addressing the core issue of making education more inclusive for all learning styles. Jamie argues that the government is "giving dyslexia a badge rather than fixing the system".

But what if, instead of seeing dyslexia as a deficit, as the education system often does, we recognised it as a different way of thinking, as Jamie Waller suggests? What if we focused on unlocking the potential of these individuals, understanding that their brains are wired for exploration, innovation and problem-solving?.

* The Explorer: This different way of thinking might be what makes some dyslexic people successful in entrepreneurship. Jamie believes he and others with dyslexia are "explorers of society". He points out that dyslexic thinkers often display the traits of an entrepreneur.

* The Adaptor: Jamie Waller, for example, learned to compensate for his color blindness, which was not diagnosed until he was 24. Dyslexic individuals often learn to develop their own methods for navigating the world, and they often find creative ways to overcome challenges.

* The Innovator: They bring fresh perspectives and new solutions. As Jamie describes, he sees opportunities everywhere, and this has led to his success as an entrepreneur. What some call "weaknesses" are often the source of some of their greatest strengths.

The idea of "The Dyslexic Edge", as Jamie Waller suggests in his book, isn't about pretending that dyslexia is easy. It's not about promoting the idea that dyslexia is simply a superpower.

Instead, it's about highlighting that when the education system fails to see the unique potential of dyslexic individuals, it is society that is at a loss. It suggests a need to adapt the system to accommodate everyone's needs and allow each individual to thrive.

As Jamie says, "it's terrible that 15% of the population have dyslexia and to put us in a box simply has to stop".

So, "The Dyslexic Edge: Unlocking Potential" urges us to rethink how we approach education and embrace neurodiversity, drawing on the experiences of Jamie Waller and others.

By understanding why the traditional system fails dyslexic individuals, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, just as Jamie has done in his life.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Have you ever felt like your mind is a whirlwind, constantly buzzing with thoughts and ideas? If you have ADHD, you might know this feeling all too well. In this episode, we chat with Cynthia Hauk, an ADHD strategist, who has discovered a powerful way to navigate the chaos and find calm: through mindful art.

Cynthia's journey with art started in her late teens and early twenties when she experienced anxiety and panic attacks. Instead of traditional meditation, she found solace in creating, drawing inspiration from the mindful approach of artist Bob Ross.

This wasn't about becoming the next Van Gogh, but rather about using the creative process as an "anchor point" to bring herself back to the present moment. She explains that this process is like meditation but using art as the focus, not breath.

Cynthia's experiences weren't just limited to anxiety; she also used art as a way to heal and cope during her cancer treatment in her late 20s. She discovered the power of intuitive collage, where she allowed images to “choose” her instead of actively searching for them.

This helped her connect with feelings for which she didn’t have words. She later trained in the practice and went on to teach others.

Over the years, Cynthia has seen how mindful art practices can help people of all ages and abilities, particularly those who struggle with verbal expression and/ or have challenges related to neurodiversity.

She shares stories of working with children, adults and those on the autistic spectrum, and how she adapts her approach to meet their individual needs, such as through alternative materials, and setting expectations. She gives the example of how she tailors the process for people with sensory sensitivities, like her nephew who finds the sound of pencils unbearable.

This podcast is not just for artists, it's about discovering how simple creative activities like drawing, painting, or collage can be used as a tool for self-care, emotional regulation, and stress reduction.

Cynthia provides a range of guided practices and prompts that use the art process, such as breath doodles which link breathing to drawing to create a meditative state. You'll also learn how adding music into the art making process can affect the creative process by offering a different medium for self-expression and focus.

Tune in to hear how Cynthia transformed her own life with mindful art and how you can start your own journey to find calm, creativity and focus, especially if you're dealing with the daily challenges of ADHD.

You will learn that mindful art isn't about perfection; it's about the process. It is about being curious, and present in the moment, and allowing yourself to create without pressure. Cynthia shares her own personal experiences, how her creative practice has evolved and become a daily habit and a means of supporting her own well-being.

This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories and a wealth of knowledge, and explores how art can be used as a powerful tool to find focus, manage stress, and embrace your creative side.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

We delve into the fascinating journey of Nicole Christian, a high-performance coach who has a unique and deeply empathetic approach to helping others.

In this episode, we explore Nicole's path from a childhood marked by strict religious control to becoming a powerful advocate for personal freedom and authenticity.

We uncover how she navigated a restrictive upbringing where self-expression was seen as "threatening," and how she developed unique coping mechanisms to keep her true self safe.

This is not your typical "life coach" story; Nicole's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery and growth. We unpack her early life in a very religious evangelical Christian household with a controlling father, including a strong "purity culture", which meant any form of self-expression was often seen as "threatening and very bad".

We discuss how this led to a lot of "walking on eggshells," and performing as the "perfect Christian girl". This is where she developed her "secret cookie" metaphor, a concept that represents small, hidden joys and acts of self-preservation, which she now uses to understand her client's motivations.

A key part of Nicole's journey is her more recent understanding of her neurodivergence. Initially, she felt her traits might point to ADHD, but she now identifies more with autism. This autistic awakening has helped her understand her unique gifts, including her musical ability, her echolalia, her mirroring of others, and her direct communication style.

She explains that finding out that "her gifts were just autism" has been truly insightful. We explore how her ability to repeat back what someone says, and mirror their actions, made her a natural musician and dancer. We also discuss her direct way of communicating which she has had since a very young age.

Discover how Nicole's experience of masking and adapting to fit in during childhood, a common trait for autistic people, has given her a profound understanding of how to help others. Learn how she uses her personal journey to inform her professional practice, emphasizing mindfulness, self-compassion, and taking actionable steps to create a more fulfilling life for her clients.

This episode delves into:

* Nicole's background in classical music and how it informs her coaching.

* The impact of purity culture on her teenage years and the development of her "secret cookie" coping mechanism.

* How she moved from a potential ADHD misdiagnosis, to embracing her autistic identity and her unique gifts.

* Her experiences of masking, and the importance of authenticity in her life and coaching.

* Her approach to coaching, which focuses on helping others thrive, find their own "cookie", and make decisions under pressure.

This is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of embracing one's true self. Join us to be inspired by Nicole's wisdom and learn how you too can create a life that is truly your own.

This description is designed to highlight Nicole's personal journey, her unique approach to coaching, and her understanding of her neurodivergence, always with the inclusion of the key words "ADHD" and "autistic", as requested.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, join us as we view the extraordinary life of Dave Farrow, a man who defied the odds to become a Guinness World Record holder despite being diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and labelled a "slow learner" in his childhood.

Dave's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovative thinking, and the ability to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.

This isn't just another story of success; it's a deep dive into the strategies Dave developed to hack his own brain, overcoming the daily challenges of ADHD and learning difficulties. You'll discover how he gamified studying, developed unique focus techniques, and harnessed the power of hyperfocus to not only learn but to excel. You'll also hear about his unique approach to learning and memory, including the development of five different memory techniques, one of which has been tested in a double-blind neuroscience study and shown to produce three times the results.

Dave shares how he went from the bottom of his classes to achieving a Guinness World Record for memorizing 59 decks of cards with only one mistake, which still stands to this day.

He also delves into the challenges he faced while working towards this amazing achievement, as well as family members betting that he would fail.

More than just memory, this is a story of personal growth and the "Kaizen" approach of continuous daily improvement. Dave emphasises the importance of comparing yourself to your past self, not to others and he discusses how he found the gift of optimism that allowed him to stay motivated.

He emphasizes the value of courage, vulnerability and intellectual humility, sharing that he was ashamed of his ADHD at first, until he discovered that being vulnerable about it actually helped people connect with him.

You will gain valuable insights into:

* Practical memory and focus techniques that can be applied to everyday life and learning.

* How to turn the challenges of ADHD into an advantage by harnessing hyperfocus and creating personalised systems.

* The importance of perseverance and continuous improvement in the face of setbacks.

* The power of courage, optimism, and self-belief in achieving extraordinary goals.

* How early childhood experiences with illness and pain contributed to his drive to succeed.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone struggling with learning difficulties, seeking to improve their focus and memory, or simply looking for an inspiring story of how to overcome any challenges to achieve greatness.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Join us as we delve into the powerful and inspiring journey of Maureen Scanlon, a master life coach, best-selling author, and human amplifier, as she shares her story of navigating life with undiagnosed ADHD and the deep scars of domestic abuse.

In this episode, we explore the complex ways in which Maureen's ADHD traits intersected with her experiences of domestic abuse, leading to a cycle of codependency and low self-esteem.

We will uncover how a late diagnosis of ADHD provided a crucial lens through which she could understand her past and begin to heal.

●Maureen candidly discusses the challenges she faced, from being a child labelled as a "pain" to enduring multiple abusive relationships, and how her neurodivergence affected her perceptions and choices.

●Learn how the unique characteristics of ADHD, such as her high sensitivity and ability to multitask, became both a challenge and, ultimately, a strength in her journey to self-discovery.

●Discover the pivotal moment when Maureen realised the need to prioritise self-love, and how this decision transformed her approach to relationships and life in general.

●We explore the significance of recognising personal patterns and taking ownership of choices in order to break free from toxic cycles.

●Maureen shares her journey of moving from a "survivor mindset" to a "solution-focused" approach to life, developing tools and coping mechanisms to live a fulfilling life despite her history.

●We also touch upon the power of recognising the value of neurodiversity, and how understanding these differences can empower others to embrace their unique strengths.

This episode is a powerful testament to resilience and self-empowerment. It offers hope and practical insights for anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, is navigating the complexities of ADHD, or is on their own path to self-love and acceptance. Tune in to hear how Maureen transformed her pain into purpose and became the voice her younger self needed. Discover how understanding and embracing our unique experiences can help us all to thrive.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr Laura Gabayan, a physician, scientist, and author who shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and wisdom while navigating the challenges of dyslexia and chronic Lyme disease.

In this episode, Dr Gabayan reveals how she transitioned from a fast-paced career in emergency medicine to a life dedicated to exploring the depths of human wisdom. She discusses her personal experiences with chronic Lyme disease, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it has taken on her life, and her determination to find effective treatment.

Dr Gabayan also delves into the eight elements of wisdom that she identified through her extensive research, emphasising the importance of resilience, positivity, and gratitude in overcoming adversity.

Discover how Dr Gabayan’s unique perspective, shaped by both dyslexia and chronic Lyme disease, has empowered her to embrace challenges, reframe narratives, and live a life filled with purpose and meaning.

Tune in to hear Dr. Gabayan's inspiring story and learn how:

* Chronic Lyme disease can impact various aspects of a person's life.

* A positive mindset and resilience can be powerful tools for navigating difficult circumstances.

* The eight elements of wisdom can serve as a roadmap for personal growth and fulfilment.

This episode offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement for anyone facing challenges in their own lives. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of adopting a positive and resilient mindset.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.