ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

By: Tracy Otsuka
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here.

    *

    I have NEVER met an ADHD woman who wasn’t truly brilliant at something! This podcast, with nearly 7 million downloads, is for smart, high-ability ADD/ADHD (diagnosed or suspecting) women who see their symptoms as more positive than negative. If you want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and discover where your brilliance lies, this podcast is for you!
    *

    ADHD for Smart Ass Women is globally ranked in the top one-tenth of one percent of all podcasts in the world on any subject. It’s streamed in more than 160 countries and is downloaded by more than 150,000 listeners every month. My book of the same name, published by HarperCollins/William Morrow, was recently honored by Amazon Editors as a Top 20 Best Nonfiction Book of 2024.
    *

    I’m Tracy Otsuka, your host. I’m a lawyer, not a doctor, a lifelong learner, and a certified ADHD coach. I’m on a mission to change the conversation around ADHD because I believe it’s time to focus on the strengths that come with our unique brains. When I was diagnosed eight months after my son, my entire life finally made sense, yet all I read and heard about ADHD focused on what I should struggle with. What I discovered, though, was that my ADHD was responsible for some of my greatest strengths.
    *

    Another thing we constantly hear is all the success stories about ADHD men, but no one talks about the women. This podcast is here to change that. ADHD women are my people, and I’m here to acknowledge, support, and cheer them on. My experience as an adult living with ADHD, along with my expertise, is regularly sought out by top-tier media, including Bloomberg, Forbes, CBS Mornings, ABC News Live, Inc., Prevention Magazine, Verywell Mind, ADDitude magazine, and The Goal Digger Podcast, etc.
    *
    adhdforsmartwomen.com

    *
    The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of anything you have seen or heard from Tracy Otsuka, her guests or this podcast.

    © 2025 ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka
    Show more Show less
Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • EP. 318: Brittany Madrid Mogenson: The ADHD Brain Behind BZenTV

    EP. 318: Brittany Madrid Mogenson: The ADHD Brain Behind BZenTV
    Feb 5 2025

    Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here.

    ___

    Some people spend years trying to figure out what they want to do. Brit Madrid Mogensen does it all.

    From sports reporting and acting to hosting her own TV show, Brit built a career that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and adaptability—hallmarks of the ADHD brain. But before she found her rhythm in the fast-paced world of media, she struggled in school, particularly with math, where her dyscalculia made numbers feel impossible. Despite excelling in subjects like literature and philosophy, she often felt held back by traditional education’s narrow expectations. It wasn’t until college that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD, a realization that helped her understand why certain things came so easily while others felt impossible.

    Brit shares how she went from feeling like she wasn’t measuring up to carving her path in media, taking on opportunities without always knowing what she was doing—but trusting she’d figure it out along the way. She opens up about rejection in the entertainment industry, how she’s learned to bounce back, and why ADHD has been her greatest asset in a field that rewards quick thinking and adaptability. Whether she’s reporting from the sidelines, acting on the Dallas reboot, or creating TV that blends wellness and pop culture, Brit has found success by following her interests instead of forcing herself into a traditional mold.

    She also dives into her love of astrology—how it helps her understand herself and others, and why it might resonate with ADHD brains. If you’ve ever struggled to stick to one path or felt like your interests pull you in a million directions, Brit’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t about narrowing yourself down—it’s about finding the through line that makes it all work together.


    Resources:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britmadrid/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bzentv/
    Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/bzentv/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bzentv
    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cards-an

    Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

    Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

    Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

    Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

    Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

    Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

    Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class

    Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • EP. 317: ADHD, Addiction, and Advocacy: Jennifer’s Inspiring Story

    EP. 317: ADHD, Addiction, and Advocacy: Jennifer’s Inspiring Story
    Jan 29 2025

    Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here.


    How do generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction intertwine—and how can understanding them save lives?

    In this deeply personal episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Jennifer Nicole Schmitz, whose journey is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Jennifer candidly shares her experiences growing up in a home marked by trauma, her mother’s undiagnosed ADHD, and struggles with addiction, and how these shaped her own path. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jennifer reflects on her teenage years battling addiction and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety.

    Jennifer is now pursuing a psychology degree with the mission to help women and young girls navigate ADHD, trauma, and the impact of misdiagnosis. She discusses the tools and strategies that helped her manage her ADHD and build a healthier life, including creating space for emotions, self-awareness, and connecting with a supportive community.

    This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the critical links between ADHD, addiction, and mental health while offering insights on breaking free from shame, recognizing personal worth, and finding purpose amid life’s challenges.

    Resources:
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.n.schmitz

    Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

    Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

    Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

    Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

    Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

    Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

    Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class

    Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • EP. 316: Overthinking Much? Dr. Kathy Zhang Gets It

    EP. 316: Overthinking Much? Dr. Kathy Zhang Gets It
    Jan 22 2025

    Dr. Kathy Zhang has spent her career on the frontlines of life and death, supporting patients in their most vulnerable moments. A hospice and palliative care physician, TEDx speaker, and certified coach, Kathy transforms the wisdom of those nearing the end of life into lessons that inspire the living. Diagnosed with ADHD in her mid-30s, Kathy has used her neurodivergent brilliance to pioneer techniques that connect people to their inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and overcome emotional blocks.

    In this episode, Kathy shares her journey from a sensitive, introverted child to a medical doctor driven by connection and purpose. She reflects on the challenges she faced as a first-generation immigrant navigating cultural expectations and societal pressures, and how those experiences shaped her compassionate approach to caregiving. Through stories from her practice, she illustrates how understanding and addressing nervous system dysregulation can unlock resilience, clarity, and peace.

    Kathy also delves into the transformative power of hypnosis and meditation, explaining how these tools can help rewire the brain for positive change. Whether you’re seeking to calm your mind, address trauma, or embrace life with intention, Kathy offers practical strategies rooted in neuroscience and empathy. Her insights remind us to live fully while we can and to use the lessons of mortality as a catalyst for meaning and connection.


    Resources:

    Website: https://luyikathyzhang.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luyikathyzhang
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luyikathyzhang/

    Other Resources:
    To download a free video guide from Dr. Zhang to learn 3 techniques to help soothe and calm your nervous system, please visit this link: https://exciting-mover-6982.kit.com/bc79a6821a

    Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

    Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

    Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

    Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

    Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

    Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

    Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class

    Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 10 mins

What listeners say about ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    17
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    17
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    17
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Alisia Davis

So great! Highly recommend. There is hope!

This podcast was excellent. I have only listened to a few episodes in the series because I just found it, but so far, the ones I've listened to have been great! I was so happy to hear the interview with Kailin. I feel like my medication isn't working (or helping) the way it should be, but I've only been diagnosed and on meds for 2 years. It took SO long to try this dose to start and give it a few weeks, step up a tiny bit higher and try that for a while, step a bit higher again - over and over and over, I'm afraid to try something different because it is such a difficult process! She also made me question my diagnosis. I've been on various antidepressants for about 20 years now, which started in college. I have such similar traits to Kailin, I'm wondering if there isn't something more to my Neuro divergence. I knew that ADHDers have super powers and are amazing at some specific things, but I had never heard anything about ADHD in high achieving women. First I opened up Kailinjohnson.com so I didn't have to worry about remembering the url. Next up, a Google search for ADHD in high achieving women. Thank you!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Che

Getting to know myself.

This is so helpful. I love a lot of this episodes. the one about learned helplessness was very helpful. thank you so much. it is entertaining, informative and engaging.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Theresa Greer

Helpful information that is so validating!

I was nodding my head with every word. it's so validating to hear others' experiences as females with ADHD.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for SMSLee

thank you!!!

Great and helpful information!! I love listening to these podcasts everyday while driving to work.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for SzQ

Understanding

One, two, three, four, Five, six, Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Sandra R. McMillan

this is me!!

I'm 59 and just going through this. This episode was so very empowering and helpful

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Vanessa Gould

Love this podcast!

I have been on my own journey and slowly discovering that I have ADHD. I have not been officially diagnosed but my 5yo son is about to go through the process. Listening to the first few episodes confirmed in my soul he had something more going on with him than just behavior problems. It's also helped give me the confidence to be able to walk this journey with my son and be his advocate.

I have never felt so heard and understood in my life! Love listening to this podcast. Tracy is fun to listen to and love her perspective on the subject!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for G. Chercus

Really helpfull

All great points and good to not feel so alone in it but ... acknowledging medication and doing the work sometimes doesn't make life livable.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Jennifer Niemann

LOVE THIS PODCAST

As a woman with ADHD I so appreciate this! I feel so seen when listening but would LOVE to hear from more women diagnosed later in life (I was as diagnosed at 42-after my son was). I still struggle with imposter syndrome (despite proven success) and am terrified to be “out” in a professional capacity. Would love to hear more of a GenX perspective on these issues.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Robbi78

Thank you for doing these podcasts

I just found this podcast and have been listening non stop. For the longest time I felt like I was the only woman with ADHD. To hear others talking about their journey, so often it’s like I’m hearing myself. I don’t personally know any other woman struggling with ADHD. It gives me hope things can and will change for me, hearing others have been able to get control of their ADHD and thrive.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!