The Busy Brained Saint Podcast

Stop Shrinking Yourself: When Being Good started to Mean Being Small

When did being “good” start to mean being small?
So many women — especially moms with ADHD — learn to quiet themselves, over-accommodate, over-explain, and over-function in order to be seen as loving, responsible, and Christlike.
But what happens when “good” turns into disappearing?
In this episode, I’m talking about:
The subtle ways we shrink ourselves
How resentment builds when we don’t ask for what we need
Why managing everyone else’s emotions is exhausting
The difference between healthy sacrifice and self-neglect
And how honesty — not shrinking — is actually holiness
If you’ve felt like you’ve lost yourself inside motherhood…If you’re overwhelmed but telling yourself you should be fine…If asking for help feels harder than just doing it all…
This is your permission slip.
You are not too much.You are not selfish for having needs.You are a whole human.
And you don’t have to shrink to stay good.
00:00 Welcome Busy Brain
00:23 Free Scripts Guide
01:38 Episode Theme Being Small
02:50 Mission Confidence Story
04:19 Moms Need Support
05:33 Ask For Help Steps
07:05 Brandi Carlile Balance
12:04 Treat Yourself Humanely
14:24 Resentment And Needs
16:10 Mindful Group Coaching
17:52 Christ Big And Humble
20:36 Stop Managing Emotions
22:21 Laundry Conversation Example
25:52 Work Life Miscommunication
26:08 Solo Workload Reality
27:14 Rest Interrupted Misread
30:19 Feelings Versus Truth
32:04 Overexplaining Patterns
34:48 Stop Overfunctioning
38:37 Healthy Sacrifice Lessons
42:47 Find Yourself Again
47:02 Modesty As Stewardship
49:52 Motherhood Truth And Hope
52:19 Next Steps And Farewell
 
Download my free Communication Guide for Overextended Women with ADHD to get scripts that make asking for what you need easier.
Songs Mentioned:
So Myself 
My Body's My Buddy--------------------------------------We’re so glad your busy brain made it here. 💛 Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share this with another Latter-day Saint who has (or loves someone with) ADHD.
Also check out:
-Kamden's Website | https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/
-Kamden's Instagram | / kamden_adhd, /thebusybrainedsaint
-Subscribe to The Busy Brained Saint on Apple Podcasts or Spotify | https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/po...
-MiNDFUL ADHD Group Coaching https://mindful.kamdenadhdcoaching.co... For 10% off your first month use code: FOCUS10
 

Traveling Internationally with ADHD Families

International travel with ADHD isn’t just about passports, packing cubes, and flight times.
It’s about nervous system stewardship.It’s about turning question marks into periods.It’s about scaffolding discomfort instead of forcing toughness.
In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from traveling internationally — both as an ADHD adult and as a mom of four neurodivergent daughters. From Sweden and London to years of travel in Central and South America (and most recently El Salvador), I’ve discovered that travel can absolutely be brave and beautiful — if we approach it honestly.
We talk about:
• How flexible structure lowers anxiety• Why ADHD brains need anchors (not over-scheduling)• The “menu” method for planning without overwhelm• Familiarity as regulation (yes, bring the beef jerky)• How to tell the difference between discomfort and dysregulation• Why the first 48–72 hours matter• Creating a “What to Expect” booklet for kids• Managing reassurance-seeking and OCD tendencies• Screens as regulation (without shame)• Gradual cultural immersion vs. full immersion• Building margin so no one floods
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a neurodivergent family, this episode will help you prepare in a way that protects your capacity instead of draining it.
Because growth feels stretchy.Dysregulation feels panicked.And we’re aiming for stretchy.
You don’t have to prove toughness to be adventurous.You don’t have to flood your nervous system to build resilience.
With preparation, margin, and flexibility, ADHD brains can experience the world in ways that are grounded, joyful, and deeply meaningful.
 
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MiNDFUL  ADHD Small Group Coaching for Latter-Day Saints and Friends
kamdenadhdcoaching.com
 
Follow Kamden on Social Media
@kamden_adhd
@thebusybrainedsaint

ADHD within Marriage with Guest Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Welcome to The Busy Brained Saint podcast! In this episode, host Kamden Hainsworth invites Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, an LDS Relationship and Sexuality coach, to discuss ADHD within marriage. They explore the complexities of ADHD, its impact on relationships, and how it intertwines with faith and intimacy. Join us as we delve into the distinctions between neurological factors and relational issues, offering valuable insights and strategies for couples living with ADHD. They also touch on the importance of self-understanding, taking responsibility, and maintaining compassion in relationships. Join us for an enlightening conversation that blends faith, focus, and the divine design of our minds.
 
Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife
https://finlayson-fife.com/
 
00:00 Welcome to Busy Brained Saints
00:28 Introducing Dr. Jennifer Finlayson Fife
02:04 Understanding ADHD in Relationships
03:35 Navigating ADHD and Emotional Connection
06:50 The Role of Labels and Self-Responsibility
11:26 Finding the Right Environment for ADHD
18:11 ADHD, Anxiety, and Intimacy
22:04 Understanding Neurological vs. Relational Factors in Intimacy
23:44 Addressing Anxiety in Intimate Relationships
24:48 Introduction to ADHD Coaching
26:48 Rebuilding Hope in ADHD-Affected Marriages
29:05 Accepting Responsibility in Relationships
32:04 The Gift and Challenge of Loving Imperfections
36:51 Personal Reflections on ADHD and Learning
38:32 The Value of Love and Intimacy in Marriage
40:55 Resources and Final Thoughts
 
Also check out:
-Kamden's Website | https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/
-Kamden's Instagram |   / kamden_adhd, /thebusybrainedsaint
-Subscribe to The Busy Brained Saint on Apple Podcasts or Spotify | https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/po...
-MiNDFUL ADHD Group Coaching: https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/mi...
For 10% off your first month use code: FOCUS10

Focused Faith E3: Safety for the Soul by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Join Kamden Hainsworth and Melanie Stroud in this episode of Focused Faith as they delve into Elder Holland's impactful talk 'Safety for the Soul.' They discuss the profound truths in the Book of Mormon, its role as a stabilizing force for those with ADHD, and personal experiences that highlight its power to bring peace and faith. Learn why consistent engagement with the Book of Mormon is crucial for spiritual well-being and how it serves as a countermeasure against deception. Tune in for heartfelt testimonies, practical advice, and uplifting discussions aimed at enriching your spiritual journey.
 
MiNDFUL ADHD Group Coaching  
>>10% off ⬆️ your first month use code: FOCUS10
Also check out:
-Kamden's Website | https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/
-Kamden's Instagram | / kamden_adhd, /thebusybrainedsaint
-Subscribe on YouTube The Busy Brained Saint
 
 

God Made You All a-Flutter and Called It Good with Guest Aubrey Chavez

In this episode of The Busy Brained Saint, Kamden sits down with Aubrey Chavez, co-host of the Faith Matters podcast, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about late-diagnosed ADHD, faith, dopamine, rest, and the quiet work of self-acceptance. Aubrey shares the story of her diagnosis—received in the middle of a spiritual retreat—and the moment that shifted everything: a courtyard suddenly filled with fluttering birds, offering a lived metaphor for a brain once labeled “disordered,” now seen as intentional and good. Together, Kamden and Aubrey explore what happens when we stop moralizing productivity, stop confusing dopamine with spirituality, and begin trusting the rhythm God actually gave us. This episode touches on: Late ADHD diagnosis and internalized shame Reframing “disorder” through a faith lens Dopamine, rest, and why low-energy days aren’t spiritual failures Letting go of the need to fix yourself Parenting, partnership, and modeling self-trust for our children Why God may be far more comfortable with our flutter than we are This is a conversation for anyone who has ever felt like they were trying to become someone more “steady,” more “typical,” or more acceptable—only to discover that God was never asking for that in the first place. You are not broken. You are not behind. You were made divinely and purposefully a-flutter—
00:00 Welcome to Busy Brained Saints
00:29 Introducing Special Guest Avery Chavez
01:49 Aubrey's Late ADHD Diagnosis
03:19 Understanding ADHD in the Family
04:41 The Emotional Journey of Diagnosis
06:01 The Retreat and Diagnosis Confirmation
08:30 Embracing ADHD and Finding Peace
13:39 Reframing Productivity and Rest
20:30 Dopamine, Spirituality, and ADHD
28:53 ADHD at Home and Family Dynamics
31:27 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Parental Growth
33:56 The Power of Openness and Peace
35:38 Navigating ADHD Challenges in Daily Life
37:39 Insights from Hosting the Faith Matters Podcast
39:40 Leveraging ADHD for Success
50:05 The Joy of Creative Outlets
53:20 Final Thoughts and Community Support
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MiNDFUL  ADHD Small Group Coaching for Latter-Day Saints and Friends
kamdenadhdcoaching.com
 
Follow Kamden on Social Media
@kamden_adhd
@thebusybrainedsaint
 
 

Wake Up With Me: Lehi’s Dream Reflections

In this heartfelt podcast episode titled 'Wake Up With Me in Lehi's Dream,' the host takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to their early days of scripture study sessions on Instagram. Emphasizing the concept of 'body doubling' as a productivity tool for individuals with ADHD, the host delves into the transformative power of shared spiritual practices. The episode revolves around a deep exploration of Lehi's vision from the Book of Mormon, highlighting the significance of the rod of iron, the path to the tree of life, and the lessons of faith, fear, and divine love. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, the host encourages a personalized approach to the gospel and emphasizes the importance of individual experiences in strengthening one's testimony. The episode is a blend of spiritual reflection, personal growth, and a call to embrace the unique journey of faith.
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:45 The Power of Body Doubling for ADHD
01:53 Scripture Study and Lehi's Vision
07:52 Personal Reflections on Faith and Fear
11:48 Exploring Lehi's Vision in Detail
22:02 ADHD Coaching and Personal Growth
29:11 The Nature of Deception and Redemption
30:21 Lehi's Vision and Mortal Life
32:10 The Mist of Darkness and the Iron Rod
34:21 Struggles and Perseverance on the Covenant Path
40:37 Shame and the Great and Spacious Building
48:30 Concluding Thoughts on Faith and Safety
 
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MiNDFUL  ADHD Small Group Coaching for Latter-Day Saints and Friends
kamdenadhdcoaching.com
 
Follow Kamden on Social Media
@kamden_adhd
@thebusybrainedsaint
 
 

When You Forget Your Goals: Vision Boards and Goal Setting

In this episode of The Busy Brained Saint podcast, Kamden Hainsworth discusses the challenges of achieving goals when dealing with ADHD. Kamden shares her personal experiences with vision boarding, emphasizing the importance of visual reminders to keep her goals in focus. She talks about the evolution of her vision boards over the years, how they have helped her maintain a connection with her spiritual and personal intentions, and how they've empowered her to navigate life's challenges. Listeners are encouraged to find their own methods for staying focused and to embrace their ADHD as a uniquely wired brain that can still achieve divine purpose. 
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MiNDFUL  ADHD Small Group Coaching for Latter-Day Saints and Friends
kamdenadhdcoaching.com
 
Follow Kamden on Social Media
@kamden_adhd
@thebusybrainedsaint
 
 

Focused Faith | Go and Do Likewise by Elder James E. Evanson

In this episode of Focused Faith, Kamden Hainsworth and Melanie Stroud delve into the spiritual journey of service missions, particularly focusing on Elder James E. Evanson's talk 'Go and Do Likewise' from the Fall General Conference 2025. They share personal ADHD moments and insights on leveraging hyperfocus for good, and trusting in the Lord. The discussion highlights the importance of humility, surrender, and viewing all service—whether traditional or nontraditional missions—as valuable to God's work. Tune in to explore how serving others brings joy, peace, and spiritual growth, and how God uses our unique capacities to bless lives.
00:00 Welcome to Focused Faith
00:54 ADHD Moments and Personal Reflections
03:12 Leveraging Hyperfocus for Good
04:41 Service Missions and Mental Health
05:41 Celebrating All Missionary Calls
08:05 The Humility of Service
11:54 Miracles and Persistent Service
19:24 The Joy of Helping Others
20:53 The Joy of Service and Feeling the Spirit
21:37 Witnessing Service in Action
22:31 Teaching Service to the Next Generation
23:17 The Lord's Teachings on Service
24:20 The Impact of Having a Missionary at Home
25:48 Challenges and Blessings of Service Missions
27:03 The Humility and Sacrifice of Service Missionaries
34:31 Concluding Thoughts on Service and Sacrifice
37:12 Final Remarks and Podcast Outro We’re so glad your busy brain made it here.
💛 Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share this with another Latter-day Saint who has (or loves someone with) ADHD. 
Also check out: -Kamden's Website | https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/ -
 
MiNDFUL ADHD Group Coaching https://mindful.kamdenadhdcoaching.co...
For 50% off your first month use code: CHRISTMAS2025
 
Follow Kamden on Social Media
@kamden_adhd
@thebusybrainedsaint
 
 

Understanding Advent with Pastor Darin Arntson

In this episode of The Busy Brained Saint Podcast, host and ADHD coach Kamden Hainsworth dives into the Christmas season—focusing specifically on the rich and reflective tradition of Advent. She’s joined by one of her dearest childhood friends, Pastor Darin Arntson, a United Methodist minister in San Diego.
Together, they explore the significance of Advent far beyond the familiar chocolate-filled countdown calendars. Advent is a sacred four-week season of anticipation, patience, and longing for the coming of Christ.
Pastor Darin shares the history, traditions, and personal practices surrounding Advent, offering practical and heartfelt insights on how to observe this meaningful season both in church and at home. From lighting Advent candles to pondering prophetic texts, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, center their hearts, and deepen their relationship with Christ as they prepare for His arrival as a baby and look forward to His second coming.
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MiNDFUL  ADHD Small Group Coaching for Latter-Day Saints and Friends
kamdenadhdcoaching.com
 
Follow Kamden on Social Media
@kamden_adhd
@thebusybrainedsaint
 
 

Creativity, Grief and God with Guest Lisa Valentine Clark

In this heartfelt episode, we explore 'Creativity, Grief, and God' with special guest Lisa Valentine Clark.
Lisa is a multi-talented writer, actress, comedian, and host of The Lisa Show on BYUtv, also known for her work in 'Once I was a Beehive,' 'Random Acts,' and 'Show Offs.' She's the author of 'Real Moms: Making It Up as We Go' and has navigated profound grief after losing her husband to ALS. Join us as we discuss creativity, resilience, improv, mental wellness, neurodiversity (all her kids have ADHD, and they suspect she does too- haha), and spirituality.
Lisa shares her grounded perspective and how her creative upbringing, faith, and ability to adapt have shaped her journey. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with humor, vulnerability, and real talk about life's challenges and joys.
 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:12 Guest Introduction: Lisa Valentine Clark
01:05 The Journey to Creativity
02:43 Improv and Creativity as a Spiritual Gift
03:46 Growing Up in a Creative Home
06:31 The Reality of Pursuing Creativity
07:44 The Importance of Authenticity
08:38 Living a Creative Life
12:53 Mindful Coaching Program
16:16 Balancing Creativity and Life
27:18 Creating Your Own Opportunities
28:46 Embracing Imperfection and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
30:48 The Value of Mediocre Hobbies
35:02 Navigating Grief and Finding Joy
42:22 Faith and Creativity in the Face of Adversity
48:10 Pushing Through Discomfort to Create a Happy Life
 
We’re so glad your busy brain made it here. 💛
Hit Follow, and share this with another Latter-day Saint who has (or loves someone with) ADHD.
 
Also check out:
-Kamden's Website | https://www.kamdenadhdcoaching.com/
----------------------------
MiNDFUL  ADHD Small Group Coaching for Latter-Day Saints and Friends
For 10% off your first month use code: FOCUS10
kamdenadhdcoaching.com
Follow Kamden on Social Media
@kamden_adhd
@thebusybrainedsaint