ADHD Essentials

Brendan Mahan is an ADHD coach and educator who also has ADHD himself. That dual perspective -- professional expertise combined with personal lived experience -- shapes every episode of ADHD Essentials. He understands executive function challenges from the inside out, and it shows in how he talks about them. The show has been running since 2018 with nearly 290 episodes. After a brief hiatus, Brendan came back in late 2025 with renewed focus. Episodes feature interviews with ADHD researchers, therapists, coaches, and parents, alongside solo episodes where Brendan breaks down specific strategies. His Wall of Awful concept -- a framework for understanding why people with ADHD avoid tasks even when they want to do them -- has become widely referenced in the ADHD community. For parents, the show addresses school challenges, homework battles, motivation, and emotional regulation, but it also helps you understand ADHD from your child's perspective. Brendan is funny, self-deprecating, and genuinely insightful. He'll share his own struggles with procrastination or time blindness while explaining the neuroscience behind them. The 4.8-star rating from 280+ reviews reflects a loyal listener base that values both the practical advice and the authentic voice behind it. Episodes typically run 45 to 60 minutes, which gives topics room to breathe.