What if every tiny criticism (real or imagined) felt like a full-body betrayal?In this validating and deeply personal episode, ADHD educator and author Jesse J. Anderson joins Alice to unpack what rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) really feels like, and how it’s shaped his relationships, self-perception, and emotional responses.Jesse shares how RSD used to hijack his nervous system, leading to blow-ups in conversations with his wife and shame spirals that lasted for days. But over time, he’s learned to pause, name what’s happening, and create space for a different response.You’ll hear:How RSD distorts emotional cues and triggers emotional overwhelmWhy Jesse used to “blow up” and what he does differently nowThe therapist phrase that helped him access logic in the middle of a spiralWhat happens when ADHDers interpret normal conflict as deep rejectionWhy emotional regulation looks different for ADHD brains, and why it mattersHow Jesse’s layoff pushed him to lean on community instead of hidingThis episode is a must-listen for anyone with ADHD—or anyone who loves someone with it.Chapters:00:50 Intro02:21 Jesse on being the “bad kid” with undiagnosed ADHD05:33 What rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) actually feels like10:10 The therapist phrase that changed everything13:55 ADHD and marriage: how Jesse nearly blew it17:42 Learning to pause before blowing up21:05 Jesse’s “hand over mouth” moment23:18 Getting laid off and going public26:50 The healing power of community31:45 Why ADHD friendships often fall apart35:22 Jesse’s app idea for remembering friends38:10 Grieving the ADHD kid you were41:03 How Jesse shows up differently now45:12 Where to find Jesse and his workResources & Links:Jesse's book, Extra Focus: https://www.amazon.com/Extra-Focus-Quick-Start-Guide/dp/B0CGKL5FGFFollow Jesse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdjesse/Follow Jesse's Substack: https://substack.com/@adhdjesse

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