In this episode, join us as we view the extraordinary life of Dave Farrow, a man who defied the odds to become a Guinness World Record holder despite being diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and labelled a "slow learner" in his childhood.

Dave's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovative thinking, and the ability to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.

This isn't just another story of success; it's a deep dive into the strategies Dave developed to hack his own brain, overcoming the daily challenges of ADHD and learning difficulties. You'll discover how he gamified studying, developed unique focus techniques, and harnessed the power of hyperfocus to not only learn but to excel. You'll also hear about his unique approach to learning and memory, including the development of five different memory techniques, one of which has been tested in a double-blind neuroscience study and shown to produce three times the results.

Dave shares how he went from the bottom of his classes to achieving a Guinness World Record for memorizing 59 decks of cards with only one mistake, which still stands to this day.

He also delves into the challenges he faced while working towards this amazing achievement, as well as family members betting that he would fail.

More than just memory, this is a story of personal growth and the "Kaizen" approach of continuous daily improvement. Dave emphasises the importance of comparing yourself to your past self, not to others and he discusses how he found the gift of optimism that allowed him to stay motivated.

He emphasizes the value of courage, vulnerability and intellectual humility, sharing that he was ashamed of his ADHD at first, until he discovered that being vulnerable about it actually helped people connect with him.

You will gain valuable insights into:

* Practical memory and focus techniques that can be applied to everyday life and learning.

* How to turn the challenges of ADHD into an advantage by harnessing hyperfocus and creating personalised systems.

* The importance of perseverance and continuous improvement in the face of setbacks.

* The power of courage, optimism, and self-belief in achieving extraordinary goals.

* How early childhood experiences with illness and pain contributed to his drive to succeed.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone struggling with learning difficulties, seeking to improve their focus and memory, or simply looking for an inspiring story of how to overcome any challenges to achieve greatness.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Join us as we delve into the powerful and inspiring journey of Maureen Scanlon, a master life coach, best-selling author, and human amplifier, as she shares her story of navigating life with undiagnosed ADHD and the deep scars of domestic abuse.

In this episode, we explore the complex ways in which Maureen's ADHD traits intersected with her experiences of domestic abuse, leading to a cycle of codependency and low self-esteem.

We will uncover how a late diagnosis of ADHD provided a crucial lens through which she could understand her past and begin to heal.

●Maureen candidly discusses the challenges she faced, from being a child labelled as a "pain" to enduring multiple abusive relationships, and how her neurodivergence affected her perceptions and choices.

●Learn how the unique characteristics of ADHD, such as her high sensitivity and ability to multitask, became both a challenge and, ultimately, a strength in her journey to self-discovery.

●Discover the pivotal moment when Maureen realised the need to prioritise self-love, and how this decision transformed her approach to relationships and life in general.

●We explore the significance of recognising personal patterns and taking ownership of choices in order to break free from toxic cycles.

●Maureen shares her journey of moving from a "survivor mindset" to a "solution-focused" approach to life, developing tools and coping mechanisms to live a fulfilling life despite her history.

●We also touch upon the power of recognising the value of neurodiversity, and how understanding these differences can empower others to embrace their unique strengths.

This episode is a powerful testament to resilience and self-empowerment. It offers hope and practical insights for anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, is navigating the complexities of ADHD, or is on their own path to self-love and acceptance. Tune in to hear how Maureen transformed her pain into purpose and became the voice her younger self needed. Discover how understanding and embracing our unique experiences can help us all to thrive.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.