ADHD isn’t a weakness, it’s power when aligned with purpose. For Robert Allen, that power looked like chaos before it became controlled. 3 a.m. runs, survival drills in the woods, and a dad who believed discipline was the only cure shaped his childhood. By 17, he was defending his brother from a real gang and breaking his hands more times than he can count. Restless, fearless, and wired for risk, ADHD made him impulsive, but it also gave him the drive to survive. Fatherhood became the turning point, when responsibility turned fire into focus and discipline.
In this episode, we explore how ADHD’s intensity can become strength when it’s understood, not fought. Robert shares how hyperfocus fuels problem-solving, how defiance becomes drive, and how structure creates freedom. From burnout to balance, he shows how purpose and movement can turn an “unmanageable brain” into a tool for mastery.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(02:37) Strict Rules, Structure, and a Survival Mindset
(07:53) On the Run, Broken Bones, and Living Without Fear
(18:13) Fatherhood Reset Everything
(22:30) 100+ Hour Weeks: Box Factory and HVAC School
(30:10) Beating Social Anxiety: Fake It Till It’s Skill
(44:45) Channeling Hyperfocus to Make It Work for You
FREE RESOURCES ✨
ADHD Quiz: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-quiz
RSD Webinar: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-emotions-webinar-opt-in
More resources at: https://jherisouth.com
GET SUPPORT ✨
ADHD Simplified Course (just $97!): https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-simplifed
FREE consult for ADHD coaching: https://jherisouth.as.me/schedule/f39adc54
FOLLOW ME ✨
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjherisouth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jherisouth
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jherisouth8
Have you ever been called lazy, too sensitive, or “just anxious”? Erin Seematter joins me on South of Normal to talk about what it’s like living for decades thinking you’re broken, only to realize it was ADHD all along. We get real about masking, rejection, sensitive dysphoria, anxiety, depression, and how easy it is for women to be misdiagnosed or dismissed when they’re simply wired differently.
Erin shares the moment everything crashed, the mislabels that kept her stuck, and the relief of finally seeing ADHD for what it is. We talk about self-advocacy, small wins that rebuild confidence, and how to spot the myths that hide real answers. If her story sounds like yours,cYou’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. You’re part of this community learning to make sense of the chaos together.
Erin shares the moment everything crashed, the mislabels that kept her stuck, and the relief of finally seeing ADHD for what it is. We talk about self-advocacy, small wins that rebuild confidence, and how to spot the myths that hide real answers. If her story sounds like yours, you are not alone. Subscribe, join the comments, and keep learning with us.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) Meet Erin and the real question behind the nerves
(02:40) Early mental health and trichotillomania
(06:15) Years of mislabels, meds, and no clear answers
(07:50) The lowest moment and choosing to self-advocate
(11:10) Late ADHD realization and the first hope
(16:05) Masking, inattentive traits, and school perfectionism.
(20:40) RSD and why confidence takes the biggest hit
(32:10) Hormones, perimenopause, and treatment gaps
(44:20) Grace for your younger self and parenting with ADHD
(55:40) Business burnout, paralysis, and rebuilding goals
(01:06:40) What she wants other women to know and closing
Connect with Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertinkcompany/
FREE RESOURCES ✨
ADHD Quiz: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-quiz
RSD Webinar: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-emotions-webinar-opt-in
More resources at: https://jherisouth.com
GET SUPPORT ✨
ADHD Simplified Course (just $97!): https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-simplifed
FREE consult for ADHD coaching: https://jherisouth.as.me/schedule/f39adc54
FOLLOW ME ✨
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjherisouth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jherisouth
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jherisouth8
Do you ever wonder if you have ADHD or ADD? Spoiler alert: ADD isn’t even a thing anymore. In this episode, I’m breaking down what ADHD really is, the inconsistent focus, the emotional rollercoaster (hello rejection sensitive dysphoria), and why it looks so different for everyone.
I share what it actually feels like to live with ADHD, why so many of us get misdiagnosed for years, and one small habit that can start rebuilding your self-confidence today. If you’ve ever felt inconsistent, scattered, or like you’re “too much,” you’re exactly who this episode is for.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(00:13) ADD isn’t real, here’s what it actually is
(00:38) Hyperarousal, hyperactivity, and why it feels so different inside
(01:00) The truth about attention: inconsistent, not deficit
(01:29) Emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity (RSD)
(02:40) ADHD in adults
(04:08) Why people pleasing and giving up aren’t personality flaws
(06:41) Building confidence again with small daily wins
FREE RESOURCES ✨
ADHD Quiz: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-quiz
RSD Webinar: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-emotions-webinar-opt-in
More resources at https://jherisouth.com
GET SUPPORT ✨
ADHD Simplified Course (just $97!): https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-simplifed
FREE consult for ADHD coaching: https://jherisouth.as.me/schedule/f39adc54
FOLLOW ME ✨
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjherisouth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jherisouth
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jherisouth8
ADHD, neurodivergent, neurodiversity, you hear those words everywhere, right? But nobody really explains them in a way that actually helps. In my very first episode of South of Normal, I’m setting the stage for what’s to come, breaking down what being neurodivergent really means and why so many of us are only now realizing it.
I’ll be diving deeper into ADHD myths, diagnosis, anxiety, autism, depression, and so much more in future episodes, sharing the real stories, humor, and lessons I’ve learned as a mom of seven who’s lived it all. If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or just searching for real answers, you’re in the right place. Let’s make sense of it together.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(00:36) How Common Is Neurodivergence Really?
(01:03) Cutting through misinformation (yes, even AI)
(01:37) ADHD isn’t just for kids: adult diagnosis and timing
(02:05) Real client stories and what actually helps
(03:18) Mental Health Concerns We Will Cover
What’s the most confusing thing you’ve heard about ADHD or being “neurodivergent” that you want cleared up? Let me hear your questions in the comments.
FREE RESOURCES ✨
ADHD Quiz: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-quiz
RSD Webinar: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-emotions-webinar-opt-in
More resources at https://jherisouth.com
GET SUPPORT ✨
ADHD Simplified Course (just $97!): https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-simplifed
FREE consult for ADHD coaching: https://jherisouth.as.me/schedule/f39adc54
FOLLOW ME ✨
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjherisouth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jherisouth
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jherisouth8
If you've ever felt south of normal, you're exactly where you belong.