PODCAST. Space, Scent, and Systems for ADHD with Stephanie Scheller.

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How to use neuroscience and smart environment cues to help an ADHD brain focus, work, and thrive.

Stephanie Scheller is a self-described nerd who studies the brain and designs business events around what helps ADHD brains learn and remember. In this conversation, we dig into practical ways to shape your space, your routines, and even your senses so work feels lighter and focus lasts longer.

ADHD by Design

From personal need to professional craft
Stephanie fell into ADHD research to manage her own brain. She then rebuilt her events company, Grow Disrupt, around the science. Lighting, food, scent, room layout, and agendas are all chosen to reduce friction and increase retention.

Networking without the icky
We compare notes on relationship-first networking (read New Business Networking), LinkedIn’s shifting rules, and why you should not build your whole network on platforms you do not own. Export your contacts, keep notes, and back up your lists regularly.

Habit stacking that actually sticks
Tie a new behavior to something you already do with similar effort. Visual cues matter. Moving sticky notes, a cup placed in your path, or a printout you must physically handle can turn intentions into actions. More about habits with Rob Hatch.

Gamifying movement
Tiny rewards help. Stephanie loves The Conqueror challenge medals for walking. Dave shares why an old-school Time Timer and our free Pomodoro web tool can be enough to re-spark urgency.

Designing a brain-friendly workspace
Start with ergonomics. Bad chairs, screens at the wrong height, and awkward mice burn cognitive fuel. Clear the visual noise with a weekly “clutter basket.” Then adjust lighting to be indirect and warm, and diffuse harsh shadows so your brain stops flinching at every contrast shift.

The secret lever: scent
Citrus and herb notes, like orange and rosemary, can cue focus when used consistently. One scent for work, another for shutdown, trains your brain to shift modes faster. At events, Grow Disrupt even sends attendees home with the “work” scent to recall learning.

When novelty fades
ADHD loves new. When a system stops working, celebrate that it worked, then swap one element. Change pen color, move the reminder, pick a new walking route, or ask AI or a friend for variations that bring back interest.

Practical takeaways

  • Do a quick ergonomics audit. Raise screens to eye level, try a vertical mouse, and give your feet and hips better support.

  • Create a weekly reset. Toss desk clutter into one bin you sort later, so today’s brain has more RAM.

  • Diffuse your light. Aim lamps at walls, avoid intense overheads, and reduce flicker and buzz.

  • Pick one “work scent. Use it only during focus blocks to condition your brain.

  • Stack small with small. Pair five squats with walking upstairs, or refilling your water with any trip to the kitchen.

  • Back up what you do not own. Export LinkedIn contacts and your newsletter list on a regular cadence.

  • Make urgency visible. A physical timer or a simple Pomodoro can keep you out of rabbit holes.

Links and shout-outs

Join the conversation

If this resonates, listen to the full episode for stories, study-backed tips, and a deeper dive into scent, lighting, and layout choices that help you focus. Then tell us what you try and what changes for you.

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Dave

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