I’m joined by Chris Wang—co-founder and CEO of Shimmer and creator of the Indie ADHD support app—to explore the fast-moving world of AI and what it actually means for ADHD brains. We get real about the tension so many of us feel: can technology truly support executive function, decision-making, and organization, or is it just adding more overwhelm?

Chris shares how her late ADHD diagnosis completely shifted her perspective on productivity, and we dig into how to navigate tools, goals, and AI in a way that actually works for your brain. If you’ve ever felt stuck in analysis paralysis with too many options—or unsure how to use AI without spiraling—this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and move forward with more intention.

Episode Highlights

[00:20] - Why AI feels both exciting and overwhelming for ADHD brains

[01:51] - Chris’s late ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped her view of productivity

[04:14] - The real reason technology can increase overwhelm (and how to avoid it)

[05:56] - “Start with the end in mind” and why direction matters more than perfection

[07:31] - Odyssey planning: designing multiple futures instead of one rigid path

[10:23] - Letting go of all-or-nothing thinking and embracing flexible goals

[13:43] - Where AI actually helps ADHD (and where it adds noise)

[15:14] - Why “done is better than perfect” when choosing productivity tools

[19:20] - How Indie helps you prioritize what actually matters

[22:47] - Energy accounting: managing tasks based on your mental bandwidth

[24:10] - Guardrails to prevent AI from becoming a hyperfocus trap

[26:15] - When AI supports growth vs. when it replaces critical thinking

[30:21] - The future of ADHD + AI: leveling the playing field

[35:43] - The one mindset shift to reduce overwhelm with tech and tools

Links & Resources

Chris Wang is the co-founder and CEO of Shimmer, the leading coaching platform for teens and adults with ADHD, which has supported over 80,000 coaching sessions to date. She also leads Indy by Shimmer, a free ADHD support app that launched this January. After being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Chris founded Shimmer to help build a more neuro-inclusive world. She has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for her work transforming ADHD support.

IG: @adhd.christal

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

Adult loneliness in ADHD isn’t about not caring—it’s about how hard connection can actually feel. In this conversation, I sit down with Rebecca Matchett, Jamie Pastrano, and Brittany Moser, the team behind the Synchrony app, to unpack why so many neurodivergent adults feel socially exhausted despite genuinely wanting meaningful relationships.

We explore rejection sensitivity, social anxiety, and the invisible “rules” of interaction that can leave ADHD adults feeling stuck or behind. We also dig into what happens when technology is designed for neurodivergent brains instead of against them—and how that shift could change the way we build friendships, confidence, and community.

Episode Highlights

[0:34] - Why adult loneliness in ADHD isn’t talked about enough

[2:01] - Social exhaustion: wanting connection but feeling overwhelmed

[3:03] - The hidden need for structure in social interactions

[6:36] - Why adult friendships feel harder (and the role of “baggage”)

[8:40] - How rejection sensitivity distorts neutral interactions

[10:23] - Slowing down communication and reducing pressure

[12:27] - The paradox of texting back vs. forgetting to respond

[15:16] - What makes Synchrony different from typical social apps

[18:26] - Inside the AI social coach “Jesse” and how it supports users

[21:05] - Neurodivergent vs. neurotypical communication dynamics

[23:11] - How structure and support reduce social anxiety

[24:23] - The fine line between support and dependence

[29:19] - Social media, dopamine myths, and emotional crashes

[30:45] - Why we replay conversations (hello, rumination)

[34:02] - Are we shifting away from engagement-driven platforms?

[35:59] - What real social progress looks like for ADHD adults

[37:19] - Replacing negative social experiences with positive ones

[38:31] - The bigger mission: building true community and belonging

Links & Resources

Rebecca Matchett – Serial Entrepreneur & Innovator | Co-Founder & COO, Synchrony

Jamie Pastrano, LMSW – Corporate Business & Executive Sales Director (20+ years) & autism parent | Co-Founder & Chief Sales & Business Development, Synchrony

Brittany Moser – Educator & Autism Specialist | Co-Founder, Synchrony

Follow: @joinsynchrony

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love your support—take a moment to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. It helps more people find the show and feel a little less alone in their ADHD journey.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Jeff Copper, a cognitive engineer, ADHD coach, and host of Attention Talk Radio. Jeff has been a long-time voice in the ADHD community, and today we dive into a fascinating conversation about motivation, emotion, and executive function in ADHD.

Together, we explore a completely different way to think about motivation. Instead of seeing ADHD as a lack of motivation, Jeff introduces a powerful framework that explains why motivation can feel so difficult—and how the right accommodations can completely change the game. We also discuss the emotional cost of executive functioning, why “lazy” isn’t a useful label, and how collaboration and conversation can unlock productivity for ADHD brains. If you’ve ever wondered why some tasks feel impossible while others feel effortless, this episode will give you a fresh lens to understand it.

Episode Highlights

[0:42] - Introducing returning guest Jeff Copper and his work in cognitive ergonomics

[2:41] - What motivation really is and why it’s deeply tied to emotion

[4:39] - Situational variability: why ADHD brains may choose TikTok over taxes

[7:32] - Why the word “lazy” doesn’t belong in conversations about ADHD

[9:00] - The two-force model of motivation: automatic brain vs. executive functioning brain

[15:02] - How executive function impairment changes the effort required for motivation

[17:05] - Why willpower and rewards often fail as long-term ADHD strategies

[18:49] - The problem with “extra time” accommodations and what might work better

[20:30] - Why direct oral conversation can be a powerful ADHD accommodation

[24:30] - The hidden role of collaboration in productivity and problem solving

[30:11] - A real example: using conversation to get started on something like taxes

[36:46] - How talking through problems strengthens executive function

[42:15] - Are people with ADHD verbal processors?

[45:01] - The big takeaway: ADHDers aren’t unmotivated—they just need the right accommodations

[47:25] - Thinking partners vs. accountability partners

Links & Resources

Jeff Copper, cognitive engineer and ADHD coach, is founder of DIG Coaching Practice and host of Attention Talk Radio and Video. He developed Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out ® , a new ADHD intervention using an engineering approach to address executive function challenges. Jeff holds an MBA from the University of Tampa and credentials from ICF, PAAC, ADDCA, and CTI. A member of ADDA, ACO, CHADD, PAAC, and ICF, he received ACO's 2022 Professional Excellence Award. His work continues to innovate and redefine ADHD coaching through practical insights and a focus on how minds truly work.

Jeff Copper – DIG Coaching - digcoaching.com

Attention Talk Radio - attentiontalkradio.com

Attention Talk Video - attentiontalkvideo.com

Attention Talk News - attentiontalknews.com

Connect with Jeff Cooper:

DIG Coaching -- Learn more about Jeff Copper's work and the Attention Scope tool.

🚨Calling all aspiring ADHD coaches ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training

Help your clients break free from paralysis and better manage their life with 3C Activation® coach training!

💥Gain a proven process for ADHD coaching

💥Earn 38 ICF Credits and 25.5 PAAC CCE’s

💥Learn the latest neuroscience to boost your practice

💥Qualify to be listed under ACO Directory

Learn more ▶️ https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/coach-certification-and-training