Beyond Distracted

Beyond Distracted A neuroaffirming community for people living with ADHD - and those supporting them. For more information: https://www.beyond-distracted.com/

As psychologists with ADHD, we’re passionate about bridging the gap between diagnosis and support. We often hear well-meaning advice from neurotypical voices about how neurodiverse people can live happy and successful lives. As psychologists with lived experience of neurodiversity we often wonder: would the advice be different if it came from neurodiverse people? In Beyond Distracted, psychologists Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke interview neurodiverse people who have found success in their fields not by masking who they are, but by embracing their unique ways of thinking, working, and being. We explore how they navigate their life and work, manage ADHD and what advice they offer to others hoping to do the same. Our goal is to challenge the stigma that still surrounds neurodiversity and demonstrate that with the right understanding and support, neurodiverse people can lead interesting, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. For those newly diagnosed, their families, and the wider community, these stories offer hope, validation, and real-world insight from people who truly understand.

In an industry that rewards hyperfocus, passion and creativity, it can be hard to recognise when your brain works differ...
08/04/2026

In an industry that rewards hyperfocus, passion and creativity, it can be hard to recognise when your brain works differently.

Pianist and composer 𝐍𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐜𝐑 has built a career spanning classical, jazz and ambient music – performing internationally, releasing multiple albums, and working across both artistic and commercial projects.

Following a late AuDHD diagnosis, she began to better understand how her brain works – and what she actually needs to sustain that kind of creative life.

In the latest episode of 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 πƒπ’π¬π­π«πšπœπ­πžπ, Nat shares what it’s like to work in an industry that often rewards neurodivergent traits, but doesn’t always support them.

We talk about masking in creative environments, the realities of running a small business without formal training, and the practical ways she manages her energy, health and workload.

Listen to the full episode of 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 πƒπ’π¬π­π«πšπœπ­πžπ, out now wherever you get your podcasts.
🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/0YCD8o
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/Tx2y

06/04/2026

ADHD coach Caroline Beresford is reframing how we think about neurodiversity.

In this episode of Beyond Distracted, she shares why she encourages the clients she works with to ignore their inner critic, focus on what sparks their curiosity, and embrace the strengths that come with thinking differently – in order to build a meaningful life and career.

Listen to her full story in the latest episode of Beyond Distracted:

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/9lPBtC
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/ZVDFI

02/04/2026

π‚πšπ«π¨π₯𝐒𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 had always appeared to be organised, proactive and high-functioning – but that wasn’t how she felt on the inside.

After a lifetime of masking, the fluctuating hormones around perimenopause led to her diagnosis at the age of 47, and the start of a whole new chapter.

Listen to her full story in the latest episode of 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 πƒπ’π¬π­π«πšπœπ­πžπ:

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/9lPBtC
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/ZVDFI

29/03/2026

Caroline Beresford was doing a deep dive into the ADHD research to help support a family member when one particular statistic stopped her in her tracks.

From that moment on, she realised that she too could be neurodiverse – a journey that’s seen her transform her career to find her true calling: ADHD coaching and advocacy.

Listen to her full story in the latest episode of Beyond Distracted:

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/9lPBtC
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/ZVDFI

β€œI really believe if an ADHDer can find what they love early on, the world’s their oyster.”In the latest episode of Beyo...
25/03/2026

β€œI really believe if an ADHDer can find what they love early on, the world’s their oyster.”

In the latest episode of Beyond Distracted, ADHD coach Caroline Beresford shares the story of her diagnosis at 47 – and how it helped her reframe ADHD as a brain that’s wired for interest.

We discuss late diagnosis, how ADHD contributed to her varied career, the impact of perimenopause, and the smart systems she uses to help bring calm to a busy mind.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 πƒπ’π¬π­π«πšπœπ­πžπ, out now wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/9lPBtC
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/ZVDFI

Award-winning comedian π‘π¨π¬πž π‚πšπ₯π₯𝐚𝐠𝐑𝐚𝐧 was diagnosed with ADHD at 32 – and used her experience to create a sold-out comed...
11/03/2026

Award-winning comedian π‘π¨π¬πž π‚πšπ₯π₯𝐚𝐠𝐑𝐚𝐧 was diagnosed with ADHD at 32 – and used her experience to create a sold-out comedy show that won Best Comedy at the Sydney Fringe.

In this new episode of π‘©π’†π’šπ’π’π’… π‘«π’Šπ’”π’•π’“π’‚π’„π’•π’†π’…, Rose reflects on struggling at school, the frustrating process of accessing an ADHD assessment, and how her neurodivergent brain has helped her excel in the creative fields of comedy and writing.

Now a leading ADHD advocate working with organisations including ADHD Australia, she brings honesty and humour to the conversation.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of π‘©π’†π’šπ’π’π’… π‘«π’Šπ’”π’•π’“π’‚π’„π’•π’†π’…, out now wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/zjl2
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/MrxzE

09/03/2026

Accommodating one neurodiverse person doesn’t make things worse for everyone else – it actually makes systems better.

Astrophysicist 𝐃𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐬 challenges the myth that accessibility is about β€œspecial treatment” and shows how a philosophy of inclusiveness benefits everyone.

🎧 Hear the full conversation on π΅π‘’π‘¦π‘œπ‘›π‘‘ π·π‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘π‘‘π‘’π‘‘, available wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/ToBdA
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/evKcE

05/03/2026

Why does watching Netflix help some people answer emails?

Astrophysicist 𝐃𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐬 breaks down her β€œdopamine threshold for learning” – from hyperfocus and zero tolerance for distraction, to deliberately adding stimulation so boring tasks finally get done.

🎧 Hear the full conversation on π΅π‘’π‘¦π‘œπ‘›π‘‘ π·π‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘π‘‘π‘’π‘‘, available wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/ToBdA
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/evKcE

01/03/2026

When the system isn’t set up to include everyone, it’s not working.

Astrophysicist 𝐃𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐬 reflects on being missed despite fitting the ADHD stereotype, the grief of what might have been, and the anger that followed when she realised how many people are let down by the same narrow definitions.

🎧 Hear the full conversation by listening to the latest episode of π΅π‘’π‘¦π‘œπ‘›π‘‘ π·π‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘π‘‘π‘’π‘‘.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/ToBdA
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/evKcE

Astrophysicist 𝐃𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐬 loved physics – but during her studies, she struggled with deadlines, assignments, and the be...
25/02/2026

Astrophysicist 𝐃𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐬 loved physics – but during her studies, she struggled with deadlines, assignments, and the belief that she just wasn’t trying hard enough.

An adult ADHD diagnosis helped Kat make sense of those experiences, and sparked questions about who our academic systems are built for, why women are so often missed, and how much potential is lost along the way.

In this episode of Beyond Distracted, Kat shares how her big-picture thinking became a strength in astrophysics, her β€œdopamine threshold for learning”, and why founding IncludeHer became a way to challenge narrow ideas of who belongs in STEM.

Hear the full conversation on π΅π‘’π‘¦π‘œπ‘›π‘‘ π·π‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘π‘‘π‘’π‘‘, available wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/ToBdA
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/evKcE

23/02/2026

For Connor M. Greene – ADHD coach, psychosis support specialist and author of ADHD Explained – the struggles that once felt unfair are now the very things that allow him to connect with the people he supports.

Through lived experience, he’s gained understanding, empathy and a sense of peace with his journey – even the hard parts.

🎧 Hear the full conversation on Beyond Distracted, available wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/Z4y9
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/BiC13Y

19/02/2026

Sometimes it’s the small moments that hit the hardest.

For Connor M. Greene, it was the first day on ADHD medication – realising he could listen to an entire song all the way through for the first time.

What followed was relief, grief and anger for all the years he was told: β€œIt’s easy, just do it”.

🎧 Hear the full conversation on Beyond Distracted, available wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 π’π©π¨π­π’πŸπ²: https://linke.to/Z4y9
🍏 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐞: https://linke.to/BiC13Y

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