Listen "S.1 Ep.8 - Balancing ADHD Authenticity & Societal Expectations: Who Are You Underneath?"
Episode Synopsis
What happens when the world rewards the mask instead of the truth?In this episode, We explore how ADHDers learn to trade authenticity for approval—and how to rebuild a life that finally fits who you are, not who you’ve been told to be.If you’ve ever felt torn between what’s expected and what’s true, this episode of Humanifesto will hit home. Together, we'll unpack the invisible social scripts that shape ADHDers from childhood—be polite, be productive, be normal—and how they lead so many of us to trade authenticity for approval.This isn’t about rebellion; it’s about repair. Repairing the self-trust that criticism eroded. Repairing the connection between your body, brain, and truth.In this powerful conversation, Matt unpacks how early conditioning, dopamine dynamics, and rejection sensitivity (RSD) create the lifelong urge to mask—and how to finally break that cycle. You’ll learn why “belonging” often comes at the cost of self-expression, how to rebuild internal motivation, and how to set compassionate boundaries without guilt or fear.✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:Why ADHDers are conditioned to crave approval—and how to unlearn itThe neuroscience of conformity and why fitting in feels safer than freedomHow to tell when you’re living by “should” instead of “want”The role of dopamine, shame, and reward in shaping your sense of selfThe daily 3R Framework to realign your choices with your authentic values💬 For Allies:You’ll learn how to support authenticity instead of performance—with small but powerful shifts in language, validation, and emotional safety that transform connection.🎧 Whether you’re living with ADHD or love someone who is, this episode will help you stop performing for approval and start living in alignment with who you really are.Instagram Facebook LinkedIn
More episodes of the podcast Human-ifesto
S.1 Ep.6 - What Is Normal Anyway? - Redefining “Normal”: Embracing Your Neurodiverse Self
26/09/2025
S1. Ep4. Why is Life So Confusing?: ADHD in a Neurotypical World – The Struggle to Be Authentic
29/08/2025
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