Best R A Jacobson Podcasts (2025)

1
The uncertain future of special education in the United States 37:15

Play Pause

12d ago37:15

37:15

Last month, the Trump administration laid off over 460 people in the U.S. Department of Education. It included nearly everyone in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which enforces federal special education laws. A federal judge has temporarily halted the layoffs, but it’s unclear what will happen next. For people who work in or rely o…

1
Live Q&A: Is Tylenol really dangerous? An ADHD news roundup 45:00

25d ago45:00

45:00

ADHD just keeps finding itself in the news. It can feel like a lot for those of us who have it or care for someone who does. Recently, Hyperfocus host Rae Jacobson sat down with a couple colleagues at Understood.org for a livestream to discuss the news and take community questions. Her guests were Dr. Andy Kahn, a licensed psychologist, and Dr. Keo…

1
Suicidal ideation, masking, and overlooked ADHD: A Coast Guard veteran’s story 25:10

1M ago25:10

25:10

Inattentive ADHD often goes unnoticed. It’s an easier type of ADHD to miss because it’s more internal and less outwardly visible than its hyperactive, impulsive counterpart. But left unaddressed, inattentive ADHD can be just as disruptive. Boys with the inattentive type are especially overlooked — they don’t match the stereotype of what an “ADHD bo…

1
What could the AI boom mean for neurodivergent people? 31:47

2M ago31:47

31:47

Artificial intelligence has cemented itself as the latest world-altering technology. It follows the same lineage as electricity, the television, the internet — the list goes on. Depending on who you talk to, AI is the greatest thing ever or the thing that will destroy the world, with lots of room in the middle for discussion and experimentation. Bu…

1
“How I Met Your Mother” co-creator on parenting, disability, and language 53:46

2M ago53:46

53:46

Craig Thomas is best known for his work on TV. He co-created the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” and has written for “American Dad” and more. He’s penned songs for “Sesame Street” and essays for “The New Yorker.” He’s less known for being a dad. For now, at least. He has a daughter, Celia, and a son, Elliot, who was born with Jacobsen syndrome, a ge…

1
Revisiting the groundbreaking Berkeley Girls study 28:09

3M ago28:09

28:09

To celebrate this holiday weekend, we’re reposting one of our early favorites. It’s a fascinating — and heartbreaking — deep dive into one of the most important studies ever done on girls with ADHD. Check out Rae’s interview with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw, leader of the famous Berkeley Girls study, and learn why Dr. Hinshaw himself calls the findings “de…

1
“So, when are you having kids?” ADHD and deciding on parenthood 34:25

3M ago34:25

34:25

One of the most inevitable questions that comes with early adulthood is also one of the most fraught: “When are you having kids?” The question is loaded with assumptions and pressure. It also seems to ignore the fact that having kids is supposed to be a choice, not a requirement. For neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD, deciding wheth…

1
The R-word is back, and it’s definitely not funny | Part 2 27:42

4M ago27:42

27:42

We’re picking up where we left off last time on Hyperfocus for the conclusion of our two-part series on the R-word’s resurgence. Today, we meet a comedy writer who shares his personal evolution with the word and hear from a disability advocate. We’ll also learn more from our research correspondent, Dr. KJ Wynne, and have producer Cody Nelson back o…

1
The R-word is back: How do you get people to care? | Part 1 23:51

4M ago23:51

23:51

Last year, Rae and Cody at Team Hyperfocus noticed something unnerving: The R-word was coming back into public discourse. People, especially people in power, seemed to be using it more often, and more freely. We weren’t the only ones who’d spotted this upsetting trend. Researchers, disability advocates, and other journalists were also concerned. If…

1
Best of: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression? 30:26

5M ago30:26

30:26

Happy summer, everyone! Because of the holiday weekend, we’re re-airing one of our favorite Hyperfocus episodes yet, which happens to be our very first one. We’ll be back in your feeds with a fresh show in two weeks. After her daughter was born, Rae Jacobson was hit by a bout of severe postpartum depression. Back then, there wasn’t much out there a…

1
Is microdosing the next frontier in ADHD treatment? 38:57

5M ago38:57

38:57

When you think about someone taking a psychedelic drug like magic mushrooms, the first images that come to mind probably don’t involve a medical professional in a white coat or any sort of clinical setting. However, the perception of these drugs is changing as researchers and health professionals continue to learn new ways these drugs can treat a v…

1
What parents should know about the MAHA report 33:38

5M ago33:38

33:38

ADHD gets mentioned a lot in the new report from the Make America Healthy Again commission. It’s pitched as part of the “childhood chronic disease crisis,” and the authors make a lot of big claims: Food additives cause behavioral disorders Time outside can help treat ADHD ADHD is overdiagnosed and overtreated But are any of these claims legit? We a…

1
The MAHA report on ADHD is misleading — a researcher explains why 32:29

5M ago32:29

32:29

On this bonus episode of Hyperfocus, we dive into the controversial new “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report, released by a commission led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The 73-page document claims to explain what it calls a rise in “childhood chronic diseases” like ADHD, by pointing fingers at antibiotics, food dyes, and even a lack of outdoor pla…

1
Money problems and ADHD? Here’s a financial therapist’s advice 30:11

6M ago30:11

30:11

If you haven’t heard of financial therapy before reading this, don’t worry. It’s new for us, too. But when a past Hyperfocus guest told us to look up Dr. Christine Hargrove, we listened, and were so curious we had to get her on the show. Fortunately, she was game to share her expertise with us and our listeners. She kindly answered our basic questi…

1
Ignored to icons: These trailblazers changed the game for women with ADHD 40:23

6M ago40:23

40:23

On this very special episode of Hyperfocus, host Rae Jacobson interviews three of these women — Sari Solden, Terry Matlen, and Dr. Ellen Littman — along with Dr. Michelle Frank, a psychologist taking up the torch for a new generation. Together, they discuss how they met, their journey to legitimize ADHD in women, and what they hope for the future. …

1
Mother’s Day special: Rae on ADHD Aha! 36:50

6M ago36:50

36:50

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, we’re sharing an episode of our sibling podcast from Understood.org, ADHD Aha! The episode features our very own Rae Jacobson and, appropriately, it’s a conversati…

1
What does it actually mean to “thrive” with ADHD? 35:37

7M ago35:37

35:37

“Thriving” is often held up as something to work toward in life, the gold standard for existence. If you have a learning difference or you’ve experienced mental health issues or even just went through a tough time, you’ve probably gotten some advice on what it takes to thrive. But for me, it’s never been clear what it means to thrive. It’s an abstr…

1
Introducing “Climbing the Walls,” an investigative ADHD podcast 30:51

7M ago30:51

30:51

We have a special treat for you this week on the usual off-week in our feed. It’s an episode of a brand new, investigative podcast called Climbing the Walls. If you caught our last episode, you heard from the podcast’s host, Danielle Elliot. She’s been working with a team of us at Understood.org to put together the limited series, which just launch…

1
Meet the reporter who threw herself into the ADHD universe 27:37

7M ago27:37

27:37

If you follow ADHD news, you might’ve heard that diagnosis rates in women nearly doubled during the pandemic. Danielle Elliot was one of them, receiving her diagnosis just before she turned 37. Danielle is also a science and health journalist. So, she did the thing that many reporters are inclined to do — she began investigating this big, new thing…

1
Can you really “hack” your dopamine? 29:40

8M ago29:40

29:40

It often seems that the more complex a subject is, the more people tend to oversimplify it. If your social media feeds are anything like mine, that’s definitely the case. Especially when it comes to science. One of those often-oversimplified things is dopamine. This neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, has become a target for catchy headlines promi…

1
Is ADHD genetic? We asked a Harvard scientist 25:00

8M ago25:00

25:00

We’re back with another episode from our Hyperfocus field trip to San Diego. While we were at the APSARD (American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders) conference, one of the talks that really piqued our interest was on genetics and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD. Genetic science is tough to understand. And, as you’ll h…

1
Head, heart, hormones: Why women’s ADHD care should treat the whole person 26:12

9M ago26:12

26:12

Earlier this year, Hyperfocus took a field trip to San Diego for an ADHD conference called APSARD, which stands for the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (quite a mouthful). A conference of ADHD professionals might not sound fascinating, but it was — and we learned a ton. But there was one person and one talk I really want…

1
ADHD meds at risk? Unpacking the new executive order, DEA proposal 16:53

9M ago16:53

16:53

ADHD medications have been in the news a lot lately, especially stimulants. In this bonus episode of Hyperfocus, host and mental health journalist Rae Jacobson talks about two U.S. policy items that could affect people with ADHD. First, an executive order from February 13 established the “Make America Healthy Again Commission.” The executive order …

1
“Who are we missing?” One doctor’s lifelong fight for women with ADHD 27:59

9M ago27:59

27:59

Dr. Kathleen Nadeau is someone who I’d call one of the godmothers of ADHD in women. She was one of the first people to stand up to the medical establishment and say, “Yes, ADHD affects women and girls, and we need to do something about it.” She persisted against the gatekeepers who’d call her and her peers “ADHD wannabes,” responding to their dismi…

1
In on the joke with Emma Willmann 22:40

10M ago22:40

22:40

This week on the show, I’m hyperfocusing not on a topic or a question, but a person: the neurodivergent comedian and actor Emma Willmann. You might know Emma from her comedy (she’s done stand-up on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) or her acting (she played “Beth” on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). But I didn’t want to know about any of that. I wanted to s…

1
How to climb out of mental rabbit holes 26:28

10M ago26:28

26:28

Sometimes, our brains spiral and it seems like there’s nothing we can do about it. This can happen to anyone. Maybe you have an awkward social interaction and can’t stop thinking about it — then your mind jumps to worse and worse scenarios, far from what actually happened. And for those of us with ADHD, it can be extra difficult to exit that spiral…

1
ADHD Aha: Jessica McCabe (!!) on motherhood, social anxiety, and ADHD medication 35:25

10M ago35:25

35:25

This week, Host Rae Jacobson shares an episode from ADHD Aha, another Understood Podcast, where YouTuber Jessica McCabe shares her experience being a new mom with ADHD. How to ADHD creator Jessica McCabe has been the source of many ADHD “aha” moments — so what were her ADHD “aha” moments? Jessica was diagnosed when she was 12 years old but didn’t s…

1
ADHD, addiction, recovery: A yogi’s story 23:03

11M ago23:03

23:03

If you have ADHD, the science says you’re much more likely to have a substance use disorder in your life than someone who’s neurotypical. ADHD brains often lack dopamine. Drugs and alcohol can provide a hit of dopamine, albeit a temporary one. That’s why it’s so common for people with untreated ADHD to self-medicate. Elaine O’Brien used to fit that…

1
The “devastating” findings of a decades-long ADHD study 26:21

12M ago26:21

26:21

*Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and self-harm. Please take care when listening and skip this one if you need to.* Dr. Stephen Hinshaw is one of the leading voices when it comes to ADHD in women and girls. That’s in large part due to his work on The Berkeley Girls study. (Its full name is The Berkeley Girls with ADHD Longitudinal …

1
Neurodiversity initiatives: Branded lip service or real progress? 25:44

12M ago25:44

25:44

At work, neurodivergent people face a bunch of different hurdles — stigma, burnout, firings, higher unemployment rates, and more. In recent years, all kinds of businesses have begun various types of neurodiversity initiatives. On the surface, these initiatives are supposed to foster inclusion and make working better for everyone. But host Rae Jacob…

1
“Hope is not a plan:” How to manage ADHD at work 24:26

1y ago24:26

24:26

ADHD can create all kinds of challenges in the workplace. Like a list of infinite things to do and to remember. A busy, ever-changing schedule. And co-workers who don’t always know what’s going on in your mind. There’s a lot to figure out. But recently, Rae Jacobson found herself wondering what it's like on the other side — to manage someone who’s …

1
Two lifelong friends, two very different ADHD stories 21:04

1y ago21:04

21:04

Rae Jacobson has been friends with Katherine Martinelli since they were 6. In the classroom, they were polar opposites: Katherine, a star student; Rae, scrambling and struggling with then-undiagnosed ADHD and dyscalculia. As they grew older, they both became mothers and professional writers and editors. Rae got diagnosed and found the support and s…

1
Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression? 29:41

1y ago29:41

29:41

Rae had heard that there was a link between ADHD and postpartum depression. But with a tiny baby to care for and a life to navigate, she had more pressing things to deal with. But the question kept bugging her: Does ADHD make you more likely to have postpartum depression? This week on Hyperfocus, Rae finally gets some answers to questions she has h…

1
Welcome to Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson 1:44

1y ago1:44

1:44

Hyperfocus is a show that zeroes in on what fascinates us about ADHD, learning, and mental health. Join journalist Rae Jacobson as she tackles big questions like, “Why can’t I get my ADHD meds? Who exactly gets to define a diagnosis? And can ADHD make postpartum depression worse?” New episodes launch every other Thursday wherever you get your podca…

1
Chapters 76 and 77 Season 3 20:55

3y ago20:55

20:55

“You can’t beat me. You can’t win. You don’t have what it takes,” The Judge said as he looked down at Jacob.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapters 72, 73, 74 and 75 Season 3 23:58

3y ago23:58

23:58

An hour past the Ol’ Scratch tavern on 11, Jacob, Brian and Clyde turned off the main road onto a two-wheel trail that threaded itself through the trees opening onto a farmyard.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapters 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 and 71 Season 3 25:36

3y ago25:36

25:36

It was quiet but filled with hope.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapters 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65 Season 3 26:03

3+ y ago26:03

26:03

By 6 p.m. John had worked himself into a frantic state. He was shaking and sweating.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapters 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 Season 3 24:36

3+ y ago24:36

24:36

Mary Lou watched as she shook The Judge’s hand.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapter 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54 Season 3 26:11

3+ y ago26:11

26:11

Wincing again, he thought of the song that had forced its way out of him yesterday. He tried to play it, but it would not come.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapter 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49 Season 3 21:27

3+ y ago21:27

21:27

He kicked the heap of useless timber, then picked it up and flung it across the room. It slammed into the framed photo of his icon, Robert Johnson. It crashed to the floor—bits of glass and wood scattering everywhere.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapters 41, 42, and 43 Season 3 19:32

3+ y ago19:32

19:32

Once, the lonely house had been painted light green and white, but now much of the paint was peeled, flaked off, revealing weathered grey boards. Some windows still held glass, reflecting a washed-out and colourless sky.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapter 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 Season 3 17:15

3+ y ago17:15

17:15

He walked alone down a dirt road on a quiet, moonless night. He came to a sign he could not read. It pointed back to the way he had come.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapter 33, 34 and 35 Season 3 22:57

3+ y ago22:57

22:57

He sighed. It had been a long day, and there was always more to do. His mind wasn’t on the farm, though. The past few days, he had thought about Billy a lot. It wasn’t fair.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 Season 3 18:27

3+ y ago18:27

18:27

He held it up in both hands and looked it over. Was it smoking? It seemed blackened, as if it had recently been in a fire. There was a faint smell of burnt wood in the apartment, though he couldn’t be sure.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapter 22 , 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 Season 3 26:40

3+ y ago26:40

26:40

He had had a dream and had let it go. And the dog knew it.By R A Jacobson

1
Chapter 19, 20 and 21 Season 3 20:21

3+ y ago20:21

20:21

Matt walked across the crisp marble, each footfall echoing loudly around him. Behind a long counter that looked as if it had been carved from a single block of white stone, a young, clean-shaven man stood expectantly.By R A Jacobson