S1 E9 ADHD Women and Imposter Syndrome: You Are Not the Imposter, The System Is

Imposter syndrome hits differently for ADHD women especially those diagnosed later in life. In this episode, Jess and Jeannine unpack how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and impossible standards leave us questioning our worth. They talk about masking, burnout, and what it means to finally believe: you’re not the imposter the system is.

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00:00 – Welcome & Disclaimer: ADHD, Imposter Feelings, and Real Talk
Jess and Jeannine open the episode, define imposter feelings, and remind listeners that this is a real-life ADHD conversation, not therapy.

00:36 – What Is Imposter Syndrome in Women with ADHD?
They unpack how self-doubt, fear of being “found out,” and difficulty accepting success often show up for ADHD women.

03:02 – Perfectionism, Negativity Bias, and ADHD Self-Doubt
A discussion on how ADHD brains fixate on mistakes and confuse perfectionism with worthiness.

06:21 – Late ADHD Diagnosis and the Cycle of Self-Doubt
Reflecting on the emotional mix of relief and doubt that comes with a late ADHD diagnosis.

08:27 – People-Pleasing, Overachievement, and ADHD Burnout
How overworking and people-pleasing become survival tools that eventually lead to burnout.

11:03 – Letting Go of Coping Strategies and Finding Your Voice
What happens when ADHD women stop people-pleasing and start speaking their truth aloud.

13:03 – Masking, Comparison, and Internalized Denial in ADHD
How masking traits and comparing struggles feed denial and reinforce imposter feelings.

16:31 – That’s Not Normal: Calling Out ADHD Imposter Thoughts
A lighthearted segment where Jess and Jeannine call out common ADHD imposter beliefs.

17:24 – Leaning Into ADHD: Diagnosis, Community & Acceptance
Using diagnosis as a tool for self-understanding and finding connection in the ADHD community.

21:09 – Rewriting the Narrative: Self-Compassion & ADHD Women
Closing reflections on journaling, acceptance, and reclaiming self-compassion for ADHD women.

23:32 – Kick Today in the Nuts: The Angry on the Inside Outro
Jess and Jeannine wrap up with laughter, honesty, and that signature AOI reminder — you’re not alone, and you’ve got this (nuts and all).