Welcome to Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson

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 podcasts.

Episode transcript

Rae: Hey, my name is Rae Jacobson and I'm a mental health journalist. It's my job to research and write about learning differences like ADHD. But it's personal, too. After struggling for years, I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 21, and as anyone who knows me will tell you, I have a lot of questions about ADHD and mental health in general. And on this new podcast, I get to search for answers. 

Welcome to "Hyperfocus" with me, Rae Jacobson. Hyperfocus is a show that zeroes in on the things that fascinate us about ADHD and learning. We'll tackle big questions like "Why can't I get my ADHD meds? What exactly gets to define a diagnosis? Can ADHD make postpartum depression worse?" 

Dr. Catherine Birndorf: There is this recent study about women who have ADHD are five times more likely to have postpartum depression. 

Rae: I'm going to talk with all kinds of people. They'll be personal conversations with my friends, in-depth interviews with leading researchers. Even my old boss agreed to come on. 

Caroline Miller: Rae had a desk. 

Rae: I did have one. 

Caroline Miller: But she was never in it. 

Rae: And yes, I know hyperfocus isn't technically a symptom of ADHD, but I don't know anybody with ADHD who doesn't do it. So, we're just going to let that slide for the sake of a good title. 

"Hyperfocus" has always been something I do instead of something else. Like instead of working, I really need to understand the history of storm chasing or the pyramids or like how cheese gets made. But on this show, hyperfocus isn't the distraction, it's the assignment. Follow "Hyperfocus" now wherever you get your podcasts.