“You kind of live in an oxymoron when you’ve got ADHD.”

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of ADHD: Beyond The Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds sit down with Emily, hospitality leader and founder of the sober-curious community Sober & Social to explore the addictive patterns that can quietly shape an ADHD life.

From drinking at 12 to thriving in nightlife culture, Emily shares how alcohol and drugs became a way to quiet a noisy brain. What started as curiosity evolved into self-medication, a common but rarely unpacked ADHD trajectory.

But this isn’t just a story about addiction. It’s about awareness. It’s about hyperfocus turning into burnout. It’s about swapping substances for work obsession. It’s about dopamine, community, caffeine, kettle chips… and mushroom coffee. It’s about learning that the ADHD brain doesn’t stop being “addictive”, it just learns where to place its energy.

In a candid conversation, the trio explore:

- Why ADHD and addictive behaviours are so closely linked

- The progression from alcohol to drugs — and the rarely discussed reversal

- Hyperfocus, burnout and “productive addiction”

- The power of community in recovery

- Choosing healthier dopamine sources

- And why taking a conscious pause might be the bravest move of all

Emily’s journey isn’t about erasing her addictive side, it’s about understanding it, befriending it, and directing it with intention.

This episode is honest, hopeful and incredibly relatable for anyone who’s ever swung between extremes. Because sometimes growth isn’t about doing more. Sometimes it’s about pressing pause.

In this powerful episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds sit down with Jess Rad, to explore what happens when neurodiversity is no longer hidden, but celebrated.Jess shares the deeply personal journey that began with her daughter’s late neurodivergent identification and led to her own exploration of ADHD. What started as navigating EHCPs and education systems became a catalyst for profound self-understanding, validation, and purpose.Together, they unpack:- Why so many adults discover their ADHD only after their children are diagnosed- The emotional journey from denial and anger to acceptance and empowerment- How shame around “not conforming” can be more damaging than any label- The overlooked sensory experiences that shape daily life — from haircuts to school environments- Why curiosity may be the most powerful starting point for changeJess speaks passionately about creating safe and brave spaces in businesses and communities — environments where people can unmask without fear of judgment. Through her Neurocurious events, she’s working to normalize and mainstream conversations around ADHD, autism, and intersectional identity, reframing neurodivergence as a competitive advantage rather than a weakness.Drawing on Stoic philosophy and Elizabeth Gilbert’s metaphor of fear as a passenger (not the driver), this episode challenges listeners to rethink how they view ADHD. You may not be able to change your neurotype, but you can change how you think about it.At its heart, this conversation is about removing shame, changing the narrative, and building a world where someone can say, “Hi, I’m ADHD,” as casually as ordering a coffee and be met with understanding.

What if the way we describe ADHD and neurodivergence as a whole is already out of date?

In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton & John Reynolds explore a radical and deeply human reframe: that being “wired differently” isn’t a deficit to be managed, but a vital part of creativity, resilience, and even our survival as a species.

Joined by clinician, trauma specialist, and mindset coach Emmy Brunner, they question the very idea of “normal,” challenge the language of disorder, and unpack why creativity is so often overlooked as a core human need, not just a talent or a hobby.

Drawing on decades of clinical work, Emmy shares insights from working with high-performing artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs, many of whom live with ADHD traits and highly sensitive nervous systems.

This episode explores:

- Why labels can limit more than they help

- How creativity, vulnerability, and intimacy form a powerful internal compass

- The hidden cost of tethering self-worth to external validation

- Why slowing down physically can help fast minds thrive

- How fear, rejection sensitivity, and masking shape ADHD lives

- Why surrender, not control, is often where growth begins

At the heart of the conversation is Emmy’s concept of “vintivity”, the integration of creativity, intimacy, and vulnerability and why reconnecting with these qualities can transform how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.

This is a calm, expansive, and quietly radical conversation about bravery, self-acceptance, and letting go of the idea that you are a problem to be fixed.

Because bravery doesn’t mean being fearless. It means choosing to grow, even when you’re scared.

Join hosts Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds as they sit down with entrepreneur, philanthropist and podcast host, Brogan Garrit-Smith for a candid conversation about life with ADHD beyond the stereotypes.

In this powerful episode, Brogan reflects on her personal journey, the resilience she’s developed through life’s challenges, and how embracing neurodiversity has reshaped her sense of purpose and success. Together, they unpack the myths that still surround ADHD and explore how understanding your wiring can be the key to unlocking your potential.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, know someone who has, or just want a fresh perspective on what it really means to thrive with a neurodivergent mind, this conversation will leave you inspired and empowered.

In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton & John Reynolds talk with James Hansen.

James offers a vision of hope to those he works with. He has over 13 years of experience in the addictions counselling field and studied Addictions Counselling for six years at the University of Bath.He is in recovery himself, with over 20 years free from substances and alcohol. His journey with ADHD began through his son, who was diagnosed at a young age.

Observing his experiences, James recognised many similarities in himself and, at 37, was diagnosed with ADHD. This led him to embark on a journey of coaching others with ADHD, combining personal experience with extensive education.

Do you dream of flying?

Of becoming an aviator?

If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, that dream could be effectively over. The door is probably firmly closed.

And if you’re a young person with that ambition and later receive a diagnosis, it’s closed before you even get a chance to try. It’s far too difficult to overcome the stigma.

ADHD is classed as a disability in this context, and the system still appears to treat it as an automatic disqualifier.

Which raises a bigger question. How many incredible aviators are already flying with ADHD, undiagnosed or unsupported, because seeking a diagnosis would end their careers?

How many feel they can’t be honest about their own neurodiversity?

That feels archaic given what we now understand about ADHD, focus, performance, and capability.

On the next episode of ADHD: Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton PhD and John Reynolds are joined by Beth Long and Squadron Leader Mark “Suggs” Sugden from the Mark Long Trust.

After BBMF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long tragically lost his life in the crash of Spitfire Mk356 on 25th May 2024, his widow Beth and family established the Mark Long Trust.

His legacy now lives on through flying scholarships and access to aviation delivered in partnership with organisations like Flying Scholarship for Disabled People, opening doors that were previously closed.

This episode isn’t just about aviation. It’s about fairness. About outdated systems and dated thinking. And about whether we are brave enough to rethink what “capable” really means.

Some doors shouldn’t be closed by a label.

In this powerful and insightful episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, hosts Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds sit down with the remarkable Dr Carly Jones MBE FRSA—an internationally respected autistic advocate, policy leader, author, and advisor who has spent nearly two decades driving meaningful change for autistic people across education, healthcare, government, justice, aviation, business, and beyond.

Across this conversation, we explore:

• The intersection of ADHD and Autism and why understanding both matters

• Gendered experiences in Autism and why diagnosis is often missed in women and girls

• Safety, safeguarding, and the realities autistic people face in education, healthcare, and society

• Carly’s landmark advocacy work—from addressing the United Nations to influencing UK and international policy

• Hope, resilience, and what real inclusion should look like

With honesty, warmth, expertise, and passion, Carly offers an unmissable blend of professional insight and lived experience, inviting us to look far beyond labels and towards genuine understanding and change.

In this episode of ADHD Beyond The Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds talk to Lou Woods.

In this insightful interview the trio discuss personal experiences with ADHD, exploring professional challenges, career journeys from DJing to high-profile events, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity in workplace settings. We challenge stereotypical gender perceptions of ADHD symptoms and advocate for supportive work environments.