Drug Free ADHD

In this conversation I sit down with Ben Cook to talk about something that might ruffle a few feathers: What happens when you loosen your grip on the ADHD label? Ben and I are both speaking ADHD about it less and less. In my case, that’s basically not at all. Not because we’re denying struggle – but because we’re more interested in the human underneath the diagnosis: values, environment, habits, f...

In this insightful conversation, Michaela Thomas (Senior Clinical Psychologist & CBT Psychotherapist) joins me to explore how breath-work and nervous system regulation can be powerful tools for people with ADHD — and why you don’t need to subject yourself to ice baths if you don’t want to. We cover practical, gentle approaches to nervous-system work, the role of self-awareness and identity, and ho...

What if everything fell apart and I had to start over with ADHD? No systems, no routines, total overwhelm — just me and the knowledge I’ve built over the past nine years. In this episode, I share exactly where I’d begin: with The Resets. * Calm Reset → breathwork re-engineered for ADHD to settle the chaos. * Focus Reset → meditation redesigned for ADHD brains, short and structured so it works. * E...

Earlier this week I wrote a story about how my son was prescribed a dose of melatonin 20x the amount he really needed. Here’s the podcast version of that essay for those of you who prefer to here my voice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drugfreeadhd.substack.com

Hi everyone, Joseph Pack. Today’s episode is a little different. Because something happened recently that got under my skin. A comment. A public one. Made on a LinkedIn post I shared about my four-year-old son. Now normally, I ignore this kind of thing. I let it go. But not this time. Why? Because the comment wasn’t just personal. It wasn’t just wrong. It was dangerous. It was arrogant. And it rev...

Recently, I’ve been feeling a lot of shame about having ADHD. That surprised me – and probably many of you reading this. I’ve usually been good at blocking out what the media says, but lately, that hasn’t come so easily. I’ve also stayed quiet with some of my more misinformed family members, people who still believe ADHD is made up, a lazy boy’s excuse. I haven’t corrected them. Worse, I’ve someti...

Last week, The Guardian published a puff piece on ADHD medications, parroting claims from a questionable study — but without naming the study or linking to it, leaving readers in the dark. In this episode I dismantle that piece and explain how you can protect yourself from misleading scientific reporting. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acc...

4000 people read my weekly newsletter on ADHD skills (not pills). Join them: https://www.drugfreeadhd.org/ On today's episode I speak to Amanda Perry. We discuss: Men minting money off ADHD women Building brain 1st businesses Being the Benjamin Button of business Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drugfre...

In this solo-episode, I explain why I don't take ADHD meds. I've also just opened up more spaces for 1:1 ADHD coaching with me. So if you... Want to manage ADHD without meds Build an environment (work and personal) that suits your unique traits. Take control and reduce your reliance on anything other than yourself There's a great chance I'll be able to help you. ​ Click here to apply ​ I accept cl...

EPISODE OVERVIEW: Nature Doc founder Lucinda Miller reveals the powerful connection between nutrition and brain function, with special focus on ADHD management through diet. Learn which specific nutrients can transform focus and motivation, and understand why avoiding ultra-processed foods is crucial for cognitive health. KEY TOPICS: Essential brain-boosting nutrients Natural ADHD nutrition strate...

I interview ADHD coaching Christian Ehmen. We discuss: What ADHD coaching is supposed to do How to spot a s**t coach Why coaching isn't for everyone with ADHD And why psychiatry has too much to lose To learn more about ADHD coaching, go to drugfreeadhd.org and click 'coaching' This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit...

In this interview was ADHD coach Jolanta Eriksson, we discuss: Ice baths Surrender Regulating the nervous system and how to be a hunter in a farmers world Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drugfreeadhd.substack.com

This is a one-off podcast episode hosted by ADHD coach Carly Watson. Carly interviews the wonderful ADHD nutritionist Dana Chapman. In the episode they discuss: Nutrition for ADHD The gut microbiome Supplements for ADHD This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drugfreeadhd.substack.com

Is ADHD fixed? Or is it fluid? Does it change? Can it be severe and intense for a while? And then (almost) non-existent later? The answer is yes. I know this for certain because I experience it myself. And dozens of my 1:1 clients have experienced the same thing after learning the Drug Free ADHD method. In this solo episode I dig into the fluidity of ADHD. And explain why when we adopt an Antifrag...

In this episode, I interview ​Carly Brinkman​ . Carly is my client. But our coaching relationship isn't all one way. Carly is an extremely open soul, who has opened my mind up to In this episode we discuss: How to build a sustainable business (with ADHD) How to decide what is enough How to remain independent Not identifying as ADHD How to be controversial (with a clear conscience) We even talk...

An interview with Kerry Munro, an Occupational Therapist and outdoor enthusiast who runs the Instagram account @minds.first In this episode we discuss: The corruption of Big Pharma The downsides of psychiatry The benefits of clinical psychology Wild swimming And the benefits of living near nature Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acces...

There's a common fallacy in ADHD circles that we can't meditate. It's not true. We can, we've just been taught wrong. Meditation is simple. It's the repetitive process of focusing on an object of attention (a mantra). In this episode I explain the meditation technique I teach to all Drug Free ADHD clients. It's specifically designed for ADHD brains. Have a listen and have a...

This is a unique episode for the Drug Free ADHD podcast. I interview Carly Watson, a coaching client who, after perfectly executing the Drug Free ADHD toolkit, managed to kick the meds for good (in just 3 months). We talk about: Brutal ADHD meds side effects Using ice baths to boost dopamine How meditation settles the mind Breathwork to calm the mind and boost energy How ADHD meds feel like Class...

Procrastination. That word leaves me in a cold sweat. Endless hours staring at a blank piece of paper. Full workdays lost to YouTube. Anything at all to avoid doing the one thing I should do. I used to fear it. But I don't any longer. This week's podcast - a solo episode from me - explains my entire process for dealing with weapons grade procrastination. I go into detail on: The 3 categori...

My interview with Thom Hartmann, author of Hunter in a Farmers World. What an honour. Hunters in a Farmers World is my favourite book on ADHD. The only book on ADHD I’ve read multiple times. This book completely changed my perspective on ADHD. From that of a disorder, an illness, a problem. Into a benefit. It’s hard to put into words how much Thom’s view of ADHD has influenced how I do business, h...

Meditation is THE most effective (drug free) tool for managing ADHD. As Amy Polly rightly says it's not that you can't meditate. It's that you can't meditate, yet. But with the advice in this podcast you will. Meditation is much easier than you think. If you're struggling it's likely the teacher. Headspace and Calm weren't made for you. But Amy's teachings are. So,...

This is the first in a series of solo educational episodes. But before we get into the details, I wanted to explain how I came to create the Drug Free ADHD method. In this short episode I talk about why breathwork, meditation, and cold exposure are essential to managing ADHD without meds. — In this short (8 minute) episode I talk about: Getting diagnosed 8 years ago Avoiding meds Going vegan Going...

This week’s episode is with Nat Pearce. Co-founder of The Future Kind. A culture consultancy creating better employee experiences. Nat also has ADHD. Making her the perfect person to design ADHD-friendly workplaces. — In this episode, Nat and I discuss: Being a quick start founder Having a co-founder Going solo Building wonderful working culture Transcendental meditation Idea generation Productivi...

This week’s episode is with Meg Holloway, AKA The Joy Project Coach. Meg coaches badass millenials to get out of their own way and unlock the next level of life. Change mindset. Find joy. — In this episode, Meg and I discuss: Avoiding the smarties (ADHD drugs) Surrender Finding joy in daily life Ancient wisdom over modern science The happiness baseline Working with your ADHD, not against it The re...

Craig Watkins is CEO of Verian UK. He has over thirty years’ experience of working for, and with the public sector, giving him a deep understanding of public policy and the challenges facing the sector in the UK. He also has ADHD. And manages it with skills (not pills). We discuss: How Craig manages his ADHD drug free How people reacted to his diagnosis Why it’s important to remain optimistic That...