Inside ADHD: the perfectionism and dysregulation connection with Sarah Kesty
On today’s episode, we chat with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. Sarah dives into her journey and how ADHD, burnout, and invisible illnesses have shaped her work with clients. We discuss the connection between perfectionism and executive function, and how dysregulation makes ADHD and eating behaviors a lot more difficult to manage. Sarah also shares brain-friendly strategies for task paralysis and self-compassion for ADHD’ers. Resources mentioned: The Executive Function Podcast with Sarah Kesty Episode: Strategies for eating enough, on time, and “healthy-ish” with Dana Monsees Brain Tools School Mighty Community: NURA for CFS/long covid Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/ Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition More about our guest: Sarah Kesty helps amazing neurodivergent people create strategies to thrive! She is an executive function, autism, and ADHD coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. A 4-time teacher of the year, Sarah’s Brain Tools School coaching and learning programs support high schoolers, college students, adults, and coaches in developing executive function skills to smooth out life. Sarah specializes in translating research into real-life, actionable strategies. She regularly writes and presents for international groups and publications, including Psychology Today, KQED, and Edutopia. Her mission is to make the world brain-friendly, inclusive, and a little more fun. An avid gardener and local Trail Guide, she and her family live in San Diego, surrounded by birds and nature. Her book for teachers, Growing Executive Function, will be released August 2025 (Solution Tree).
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37:38
Burnout is wrecking your body image. (Here's why)
A lot of people are feeling burned out and dysregulated right now - but let’s talk about what it’s doing to your body image! If you’re in the camp of “everything hurts and I’m dying”, this episode is for you. On today's episode, we delve into the rampant issue of nervous system dysregulation and how it exacerbates body image issues and body checking tendencies. Plus, what can you do about it? How can you recognize signs of dysregulation, what can you do about body checking during this time, and how can we feel a little better? Tune in to find out! Resources mentioned: Episode: Help! I’m failing at intuitive eating Book: Rest is Resistance, by Tricia Hersey Book: Burnout, by Emily and Amelia Nagoski Book: Laziness Does Not Exist, by Dr. Devon Price Episode: Cycle syncing and navigating your menstrual cycle Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
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39:30
How much influence does your influencer have on your body image and wallet?
Let’s talk about influencer shenanigans, and how they influence your body image, self-esteem, and wallet. From the subtle ways influencers shape our perceptions to the more overt manipulations of influencer marketing, we lift the veil on how much power we unwittingly give them. Because, come on - renting a house to film your content in, and then pretending it’s where you live? Returning all their hauls, but still making commissions on your LTK? Let’s talk about it. Grab your free influencer audit guide here! -https://www.patreon.com/posts/influencer-audit-127441316 Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Episodes mentioned: Episode: How much protein do you actually need? Episode: Decoding perimenopause and body image Episode: Is it perimenopause, stress, or your thyroid?
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28:54
Why is everyone so obsessed with protein right now??
Everyone is freaking out about protein - so let’s dive into the hype to talk fact vs. fiction and fearmongering. Check out part 2 HERE: How much protein do you actually need? If you’re a millennial woman, you’re probably hearing all about protein right now - whether you’re perimenopausal (or wondering!), have hormonal imbalances, or are just trying to figure out how to eat to support your body. Join us for protein, protein, protein (part 1!) as we navigate through the conflicting information and provide guidance on finding a balance without falling for marketing gimmicks. This is part 1 of a 2-part series discussing protein! In this part one, there is no discussion at all of numbers, so if that’s triggering for you - not to worry. What craziness have you been seeing around protein lately? What questions do you have about protein? Let us know! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
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15:58
Are you looking for permission to restrict?
Many of us constantly outsource information about our own bodies because we’ve been taught not to trust them our whole lives. Whether you know it or not, this may lead you to look for permission to restrict your food in many sneaky places. From 'What I Eat in a Day' posts to therapeutically designed protocols for specific health conditions, this episode explores the thin line between health-promoting behaviors and restrictive diets. We’ll also touch on the mental and physical implications of these kinds of restrictions. Reflection questions for this week's episode linked here! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Recent patreon-exclusive episodes: How much protein do you actually need? 5-minute Friday: Wellness without rigidity Breaking the cycle of ADHD and disordered eating Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
Raise your hand if your body image has been personally victimized by almond moms, wellness culture, or the rise of ozempic. You’re not alone - it’s in our DNA as millennials; we’re here to flip the script. Welcome to the Millennial Body Image Project, where we empower you with the tools to dismantle wellness culture, challenge weight stigma, and discuss the intersectional systems shaping the way we view our bodies. Because your body is not a problem to be fixed. Cristina Hoyt, MS CNS LDN and Dana Monsees, MS CNS LDN are on a mission to call out harmful messaging, discern fact from fiction, and ultimately guide you through the messiness of body image, how it impacts your health and your relationship with food.
South Africa