ADHD, Autism, Parenting and Entrepreneurship with Author & Artist Rachel Watts
Faster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Release Date: 09/10/2025
Faster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Today we welcome Matt Canning! A Philadelphia-based technologist, entrepreneur, ex-Fortune 50 executive, and author who founded NoPlex, which empowers individuals struggling with ADHD and anxiety to thrive in a neurotypical world. Matt has a 12-year-old daughter who struggles with ADHD, and her challenges (and the clear gaps in everyday tools for people with ADHD) are what drove him to develop NoPlex. turned out to be huge for individuals who struggle with anxiety as well as neurotypical folks, leading to the conclusion that the pace and complexity of life in general have made it such...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Our guest today, Simon Blair, is an ultra-endurance athlete and entrepreneur; who is also the founder of the successful London-based property company He is a husband, and father of three. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Simon has turned his diagnosis into a source of strength, using ultra-endurance sport as a tool for personal growth and mental maintenance. Today we discuss the intersection of ADHD, mental health, and extreme sports. Simon shares his journey from being diagnosed with ADHD later in life to using ultra-endurance sports as a tool for personal growth, brain management...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Our guest today, Praxie Osong is the founder of Divergent by Design Co, where she offers neurodivergent-affirming natal chart readings for late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic adults. With astrology as her lifelong passion and a lived experience of neurodivergence, Praxie’s approach centers on self-acceptance, strengths, and “cosmic confidence,” helping clients reframe their stories and embrace their authentic selves. Her sessions are collaborative, empowering, and rooted in the belief that being “” is something to celebrate, not fix. Praxie’s mission: to create an affirming space...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today, Nicole Groman is a registered dietitian who helps people heal their relationship with food and their bodies. She empowers her clients to let go of dieting and find peace enjoying all foods without...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Our guest today, Clifford Myers is a 16-year stand-up comedy veteran, Founder of The Other Comedy Company, and President of The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch and Improv Comedians (CASC).Clifford uses his unique position at the intersection of comedy, education and advocacy to speak on ADHD, humor and creativity as complex human traits, the importance of communal learning, emotional-drivers, adversity, authenticity and self-acceptance. Today we learn about how he harneses his ADHD to propel his comedic career- Enjoy! Introducing and welcome Clifford Myers So, were you diagnosed at...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Join host Peter Shankman as he kicks off the ninth season of the Faster Than Normal podcast with Rachel Watts, the owner of Doodles and Sketches. Rachel shares her journey of managing mental health, entrepreneurship, and raising a neurodiverse child. Discover how she built a powerful online community and the challenges she faced along the way. Our guest today, Rachel Watts, founder of *Doodles and Sketches*, is a neurodiverse entrepreneur who creates fandom-inspired merchandise. Living with autism, ADHD, and chronic illness, she candidly shares her journey of balancing mental...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Our Guest today is Rosie Elvin, an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator who champions neurodiversity and inclusive design. Rosie, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, as she teaches architecture. Our discussion centers on the importance of Inclusive design, and naturally working with, rather than against neurodivergent brains. A little more about Rosie: Rosie Elvin is an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator passionate about helping individuals and workplaces embrace neurodiversity. Following her own late ADHD diagnosis at 43, Rosie founded ADHD Focus, where she provides coaching for adults with ADHD...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with clinical expertise in treating anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD. She is the founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services,...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Today we are so happy to have Cynthia Murray join us! She’s the Founder + Recipe Developer of 4Legz Dog Treats! So, she was born deaf. From an early age she found deep connection and comfort with animals,...
info_outlineFaster Than Normal - The ADHD Podcast
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Today we are lucky to share a few minutes with Steph Sprenger. She is a writer, producer, stand-up comic, and single Mom to two teenage girls. She produces , a live storytelling show, and facilitates creative...
info_outlineJoin host Peter Shankman as he kicks off the ninth season of the Faster Than Normal podcast with Rachel Watts, the owner of Doodles and Sketches. Rachel shares her journey of managing mental health, entrepreneurship, and raising a neurodiverse child. Discover how she built a powerful online community and the challenges she faced along the way.
Our guest today, Rachel Watts, founder of *Doodles and Sketches*, is a neurodiverse entrepreneur who creates fandom-inspired merchandise. Living with autism, ADHD, and chronic illness, she candidly shares her journey of balancing mental health, parenting a neurodiverse child, and running a business. Following a mental health hospitalization, Rachel shifted her focus from business promotion to authentic self-expression on social media. Her openness has cultivated a deeply engaged online community, echoing the influence of early parenting bloggers. Her story underscores both the struggles and triumphs of neurodiverse entrepreneurship and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection online. We are grateful you are here- Enjoy!
- 01:45 - Introducing and welcome Rachel Watts!
- 03:30 - Threads versus ‘the old days’
- 04:00 - On mental recovery, socials, community building and authenticity.
- 05:20 - How to find a topic and learn from trusting your community
- 06:00 - A little about talking representation and politics
- 06:38 - Dealing with criticism and opinions with positivity as a neurodiverse person
- 07:31- Rachel was not diagnosed with Autism until she was 28.
- 07:40 - About dealing with pushback in verbal confrontations
- 08:50 - A note about representation, curiosity, caring patience and compassion
- 10:30 - ON ADHD and Social media ‘self-controls’ and choices in 2025
- 11:15 - Why did you get diagnosed; what made you pursue testing? Ref: Dialectable Behavioral Therapy DBT
- 13:50 - On finding a provider and the ideal mental healthcare team members Ref: EMDR
- 15:50 - On how women and men present differently with behaviours and symptoms of being neurodivergent
- 17:60 - On finding the best team, advocating for your children.. and why you must learn to trust your gut.
- 18:15 - On how good mental health is a Practice!
- 19:00 - How can we find your awesome work!? www.doodlesandsketches.com
- 19:42 - This is Peter’s Sweatshirt Era (SB’s too btw -Ed)
- 20:40 - Protect Queer Kids - cheers!
- 21:00 - Thank you for being here!! Give us a shout anytime!
- https://linktr.ee/petershankman
- Email: peter@shankman.com
- Podcast: Faster Than Normal
Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?
We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman