Decluttering for Dopamine (and Why Traditional Systems Fail ADHD Brains)
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
Release Date: 01/31/2026
Decluttering for Dopamine (and Why Traditional Systems Fail ADHD Brains)
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
Clutter is often treated like a motivation problem but what if it’s really a systems problem? 🎙️ In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah sits down with ADHD and autistic decluttering specialist and podcast host Heather Tingle, founder of Untangled by Tingle, to explore how home organization, dopamine, and executive function are deeply connected for adults with ADHD. Heather shares how her own experience living in chaos led her to create decluttering methods that work with neurodivergent brains instead of against them. Together, they unpack why consistency can feel so hard with...
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How Nutrition Supports the Nervous System (and Why That Matters for ADHD)
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
Stress, trauma, and nutrition are often treated like separate issues but what if they’re all part of the same conversation? In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah sits down with licensed nutritionist and author Meg Bowman to explore how the nervous system and nutrition are deeply connected, especially for adults with ADHD. Meg shares how her own Crohn’s diagnosis led her into the world of mental health nutrition, and why supporting the nervous system is just as important as choosing the “right” foods. Together, they unpack how stress and trauma shape the body’s relationship...
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Jumping In Sloppy: Why Starting Imperfectly Is an ADHD Superpower
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
Getting started can feel harder than the work itself—especially when your brain insists on finding the perfect system before you begin. In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah sits down with Russ Jones, host of the ADHD Big Brother Podcast, to explore what happens when we stop waiting for certainty and start jumping in sloppy instead. Russ shares his late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and how burnout, depression, and the isolation of the pandemic led him to rethink productivity from the inside out. Together, Sarah and Russ unpack why ADHD brains get stuck in planning mode, how perfectionism...
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January Update - Happy New Year!
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
In this episode, I share a personal update, highlighting a shift in content based on audience feedback. I also tease a new resource set to debut in 2026 to meet listeners' needs more effectively.
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What’s Next.
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
Survey:
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Self-Compassion as an Advantage: Prioritizing and Setting Boundaries with Alexis Haselberger
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
In this episode, host Sarah is joined by Alexis Haselberger, a time management, productivity, and leadership coach. Alexis, who was diagnosed with ADHD through her work with clients, shares her journey from the high-pressure world of Silicon Valley startups to becoming a coach focused on sustainable success. The conversation explores crucial strategies for adults with ADHD, particularly in high-pressure environments, focusing on the power of self-compassion. Alexis discusses: Reframing Self-Criticism: Why kindness and celebrating small wins (even just putting on your shoes!) are essential...
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Understanding the Overlap Between ADHD and OCD with Natalia Aza
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
Natalia Aza, a licensed therapist and co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective, discusses the overlap between ADHD and OCD. Natalia shares her personal journey with ADHD and OCD, the importance of proper diagnosis, and the specific treatments for OCD. She highlights the challenges of misdiagnosis and discusses lesser-known OCD presentations that individuals with ADHD might overlook. Highlights Natalia's Journey with ADHD and OCD Understanding the Overlap Between ADHD and OCD Lesser-Known OCD Presentations in ADHD Steps to Take if You Suspect OCD Mentions kairoswellnesscollective.com...
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Let’s Build Something - Your Expertise Needed NOW!
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast is evolving, and I want your voice in shaping what comes next. Your input is about to directly impact the direction I go. Ready? Here's the link to the super simple form:
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Burnout and Self-Empowerment with ADHD Coach Christine Kotik
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
In this episode, ADHD coach Christine Kotik shares her journey to becoming an ADHD coach, discusses the impact of burnout on adults with ADHD and provides actionable steps for managing time, productivity and emotional regulation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments for neurodivergent employees and implementing strategies that benefit everyone in the workplace. Highlights Understanding burnout in adults with ADHD The concept of the 'Me Hat' Supporting neurodivergent employees Mentions 📣 If you enjoy the show, please leave a review...
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Navigating Burnout with ADHD Coach and Therapist Megan D'Angelo
The Adulting With ADHD Podcast
In this episode, ADHD coach and therapist Megan D'Angelo shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. She discusses practical strategies to manage ADHD, navigate burnout, and maintain household routines, especially in neurodivergent families. Highlights Megan's Personal ADHD Journey The Role of ADHD Coaches Understanding Burnout in ADHD Strategies to Combat Burnout Managing a Neurodivergent Household Final Thoughts and Contact Information Mentions - Megan's ADHD coaching and consulting practice - Affordable mental health assessments 📣 If you enjoy the show,...
info_outlineClutter is often treated like a motivation problem but what if it’s really a systems problem?
🎙️ In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah sits down with ADHD and autistic decluttering specialist and podcast host Heather Tingle, founder of Untangled by Tingle, to explore how home organization, dopamine, and executive function are deeply connected for adults with ADHD. Heather shares how her own experience living in chaos led her to create decluttering methods that work with neurodivergent brains instead of against them.
Together, they unpack why consistency can feel so hard with ADHD, how perfection based organizing systems create burnout, and how decluttering can become a source of safety rather than another area of pressure or shame.
💬 This conversation offers a compassionate reframe: instead of asking
“Why can’t I stay organized?”
we can start asking
“What makes my space easier to live in?”
🧩 In this episode, we talk about:
✨ Why traditional decluttering systems don’t work for ADHD and autistic brains
👀 How dopamine and visibility affect motivation and follow through
🏁 Why finishing matters more than starting
🧠 How executive dysfunction impacts home organization
🎶 How competition, music, and time limits can increase momentum
❤️ Why emotional attachment matters more than logical rules
🪜 How small, bite sized tasks make decluttering more achievable
🛠️ Heather also shares practical strategies, including:
⏱️ How to “beat the kettle” or a song with a tiny decluttering task
📦 Why gathering similar items into one visible place helps ADHD brains
🤝 How body doubling and shared accountability reduce overwhelm
🎮 How turning decluttering into a game builds motivation
🌱 Why starting with the smallest possible step creates success
🗺️ How treating decluttering as a “side quest” lowers resistance
🌈 If clutter feels overwhelming, emotionally loaded, or impossible to maintain, this episode offers a gentler way forward one that centers dopamine, ease, and self compassion instead of perfection.
📚 Resources mentioned:
🎧 Decluttering Untangled podcast by Heather Tingle
🏡 Untangled by Tingle (professional decluttering services)
👥 Untangled by Tingle Declutter Community (Facebook group)