In this milestone episode, Marcus and Esme celebrate a full year of podcasting—reflecting on their favorite moments, standout episodes, and the impact those conversations have had. They share key lessons learned, offer a candid look at what they hope to improve, and preview topics they’re excited to explore in the coming months. To close, they invite listeners to help shape the future of the show by sharing ideas and feedback.

The hosts of the Crazy Together podcast have a special message for their fellow Pennsylvanians about the upcoming election on November 4, 2025.

In this Halloween-themed Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus revisits the surprisingly polarizing costume choices of his youth. Then, he and Esme address the design and canonical flaws of the mass-produced smock and mask costumes of the 80s. Esme closes the show with a passionate defense of wearing Halloween costumes at work if for no other reason than to stick it to the man. Fight the power.

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Esme delve into the topic of phobias. They start by revealing their own personal phobias and then broaden the discussion to explore the nature of phobias, how they develop in the mind, and the various treatment options available for overcoming them. BUT FIRST! They have an important announcement and some heartfelt thanks to share with their listeners.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus shares some valuable lessons he learned about managing his ADHD and anxiety after an unnecessarily emotional trip to the x-ray technician. Later, Esme reveals the two activities that have been fueling her hyperfocus this week: seasonal throw pillows and genealogy.

Esme finds community among like-minded, freedom-loving Americans at a No Kings protest. She also dresses up as a raccoon. Meanwhile, Marcus is hepped up on antibiotics which contributes to the somewhat shorter duration of this week’s episode.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus and Esme dissect lyrics from the animated action musical K-Pop Demon Hunters. Wait, could a movie about a young woman with a difficult past who slays demons with the love and support of her two best friends be an allegory for something else?

No. Marcus and Esme have not started a professional development product line. In this episode, Marcus and Esme explore the unwritten rules that govern interactions with and between members of the upper or executive class.  Why? Because they’re the bosses (and the bosses’ bosses) and they have their own ways of thinking and talking. So, as a service to their neurodivergent friends, Marcus and Esme decided to spend some time decoding the norms and behaviors of the elites to better understand how to deal with them.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus and Esme review the new HBO miniseries Task - not so much from a content perspective, but through the hypercritical lens of two people who grew up in and around the magical area of Pennsylvania in which the show is set - Delaware County (more commonly known as Delco). Does the show hold up to the scrutiny of two hypercritical locals? Spoiler alert: Yeah, mostly.

Marcus and Esme revisit the topic of civil or involuntary commitment. They admit to a faulty conclusion in a previous episode and share some extremely important updates that everyone who has received or is receiving treatment for mental illness needs to know.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus and Esme pitch ideas to spice up ADHD awareness month. Then, Marcus identifies a plot hole in the 1990-something thriller The Fugitive, and Esme demands an end to the pumpkin spice- and apple cinnamon-bombardment of peoples’ olfactory senses during the fall season.

Marcus and Esme briefly argue about the framing of this week’s episode. Esme wants to build upon a previous discussion about the challenges of reintegrating into society after an extended period of isolation. Marcus wants to tell a story about Esme’s courage in the face of anxiety- and depression-induced isolation. Eventually, they come to an agreement that whoever uploads the episode gets to name it.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Esme shares some exciting and unexpected news about the Philadelphia accent. Marcus takes us on a circuitous tour of his ADHD brain by describing how a recent recollection of a quasi-Danish baked good led him to a much more poignant reflection of his mom’s impact on his life.

Living with ADHD means constantly adapting. Fortunately, there are a lot of coping strategies we can adopt to help us stay focused and centered amidst the constant swirl and change. In this episode, Marcus and Esme review a list of practical, research-backed coping strategies and discuss their experiences trying to use them in their own lives. From sensory regulation to executive function support, they explore what has worked for them and why it matters.

Sometimes you find magic in a calm and serene garden(ing show). Other times, you might find it in the trunk of a nun’s car outside a supermarket. In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Esme raves about a gardening show that really helps lower her blood pressure. Sometimes all you need is soft lighting, charming vistas, and English accents. Marcus, on the other hand, recounts strange tales of late-night supermarket encounters—from a man attempting to buy liverwurst with a button, to surprising run-ins with nuns (nun-ins?).

Marcus opens up about the ongoing challenges of living with ADHD—including moments of inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation that still catch him off guard, even after years of treatment. Case in point: this episode. What was originally going to be an episode about ADHD coping strategies (ironically) took a sharp detour when Marcus ambitiously tried to pivot topics late in the production process. Esme, ever the gracious co-host, offers empathy and even shares a bit of the blame—but let’s be real, it’s pretty clear who’s at fault here. It’s a vulnerable, funny, and deeply human conversation about expectations, self-compassion, and the messy reality of neurodivergent life.

Marcus and Esme have decided to do something a little different this week. In addition to releasing one full length episode, they decided to pull out a recurring segment—One Fun Thing—and give it its own spotlight as a bonus episode. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that hyperfocus is a recurring theme on Crazy Together. These moments of joy and curiosity often spring from the very topics Marcus and Esme find themselves obsessing over—whether it’s an unnecessarily detailed description of a music video, a design element they can’t stop thinking about, or a story that’s been living rent-free in their heads. This mini-episode is a glimpse into the kind of hyperfocus that fuels their creativity and interests. It’s short, it’s spirited, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the things people fixate on are the very things that bring them joy.

What happens when ADHD goes undiagnosed or untreated into adulthood? In this episode, Marcus and Esme explore the stark — and often preventable — path from impulsivity and emotional dysregulation to life‑altering legal consequences. Drawing on real‑world cases, expert insights, and clinical research, they unpack how untreated ADHD can fuel risky decisions, missed obligations, and repeated run‑ins with the law.

Marcus and Esme examine two recent ADHD studies: a Swedish study showing medication reduces risks like suicidal behavior, substance misuse, accidents, and criminality, and a Stanford analysis that explores why so many preschoolers are prescribed meds too quickly without recommended behavioral therapy. Marcus and Esme then discuss how both findings can be true: medication paired with therapy can be life-changing; while a broken healthcare system and sensational headlines can lead to premature prescribing and harm.

Marcus and Esme break down generic prescription drugs: what they are, how the FDA approves them, and why patients sometimes feel different effects when pharmacies switch manufacturers. Marcus shares his personal experience with generic prescription meds to explore manufacturing differences, inactive ingredients, the nocebo effect, and the limits of current testing. The episode also covers real-world impacts on neurodivergent people and a call-to-action resource about a federal executive order on involuntary commitment (5Calls).