What if the way we describe ADHD and neurodivergence as a whole is already out of date?

In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton & John Reynolds explore a radical and deeply human reframe: that being “wired differently” isn’t a deficit to be managed, but a vital part of creativity, resilience, and even our survival as a species.

Joined by clinician, trauma specialist, and mindset coach Emmy Brunner, they question the very idea of “normal,” challenge the language of disorder, and unpack why creativity is so often overlooked as a core human need, not just a talent or a hobby.

Drawing on decades of clinical work, Emmy shares insights from working with high-performing artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs, many of whom live with ADHD traits and highly sensitive nervous systems.

This episode explores:

- Why labels can limit more than they help

- How creativity, vulnerability, and intimacy form a powerful internal compass

- The hidden cost of tethering self-worth to external validation

- Why slowing down physically can help fast minds thrive

- How fear, rejection sensitivity, and masking shape ADHD lives

- Why surrender, not control, is often where growth begins

At the heart of the conversation is Emmy’s concept of “vintivity”, the integration of creativity, intimacy, and vulnerability and why reconnecting with these qualities can transform how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.

This is a calm, expansive, and quietly radical conversation about bravery, self-acceptance, and letting go of the idea that you are a problem to be fixed.

Because bravery doesn’t mean being fearless. It means choosing to grow, even when you’re scared.

Join hosts Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds as they sit down with entrepreneur, philanthropist and podcast host, Brogan Garrit-Smith for a candid conversation about life with ADHD beyond the stereotypes.

In this powerful episode, Brogan reflects on her personal journey, the resilience she’s developed through life’s challenges, and how embracing neurodiversity has reshaped her sense of purpose and success. Together, they unpack the myths that still surround ADHD and explore how understanding your wiring can be the key to unlocking your potential.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, know someone who has, or just want a fresh perspective on what it really means to thrive with a neurodivergent mind, this conversation will leave you inspired and empowered.

In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton & John Reynolds talk with James Hansen.

James offers a vision of hope to those he works with. He has over 13 years of experience in the addictions counselling field and studied Addictions Counselling for six years at the University of Bath.He is in recovery himself, with over 20 years free from substances and alcohol. His journey with ADHD began through his son, who was diagnosed at a young age.

Observing his experiences, James recognised many similarities in himself and, at 37, was diagnosed with ADHD. This led him to embark on a journey of coaching others with ADHD, combining personal experience with extensive education.

Do you dream of flying?

Of becoming an aviator?

If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, that dream could be effectively over. The door is probably firmly closed.

And if you’re a young person with that ambition and later receive a diagnosis, it’s closed before you even get a chance to try. It’s far too difficult to overcome the stigma.

ADHD is classed as a disability in this context, and the system still appears to treat it as an automatic disqualifier.

Which raises a bigger question. How many incredible aviators are already flying with ADHD, undiagnosed or unsupported, because seeking a diagnosis would end their careers?

How many feel they can’t be honest about their own neurodiversity?

That feels archaic given what we now understand about ADHD, focus, performance, and capability.

On the next episode of ADHD: Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton PhD and John Reynolds are joined by Beth Long and Squadron Leader Mark “Suggs” Sugden from the Mark Long Trust.

After BBMF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long tragically lost his life in the crash of Spitfire Mk356 on 25th May 2024, his widow Beth and family established the Mark Long Trust.

His legacy now lives on through flying scholarships and access to aviation delivered in partnership with organisations like Flying Scholarship for Disabled People, opening doors that were previously closed.

This episode isn’t just about aviation. It’s about fairness. About outdated systems and dated thinking. And about whether we are brave enough to rethink what “capable” really means.

Some doors shouldn’t be closed by a label.

In this powerful and insightful episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, hosts Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds sit down with the remarkable Dr Carly Jones MBE FRSA—an internationally respected autistic advocate, policy leader, author, and advisor who has spent nearly two decades driving meaningful change for autistic people across education, healthcare, government, justice, aviation, business, and beyond.

Across this conversation, we explore:

• The intersection of ADHD and Autism and why understanding both matters

• Gendered experiences in Autism and why diagnosis is often missed in women and girls

• Safety, safeguarding, and the realities autistic people face in education, healthcare, and society

• Carly’s landmark advocacy work—from addressing the United Nations to influencing UK and international policy

• Hope, resilience, and what real inclusion should look like

With honesty, warmth, expertise, and passion, Carly offers an unmissable blend of professional insight and lived experience, inviting us to look far beyond labels and towards genuine understanding and change.

In this episode of ADHD Beyond The Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds talk to Lou Woods.

In this insightful interview the trio discuss personal experiences with ADHD, exploring professional challenges, career journeys from DJing to high-profile events, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity in workplace settings. We challenge stereotypical gender perceptions of ADHD symptoms and advocate for supportive work environments.

In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds talk to AuDHDer, scientist, storyteller, and founder of ADHD Girls, Dr. Samantha Hiew.

After achieving a doctorate in cancer research, Samantha was diagnosed with ADHD at 40, after years of feeling lost in a world that didn’t quite fit.

In this episode we discuss a personal journey through scientific research, exploring how understanding genetics and neurodiversity can provide insights into human experiences, particularly focusing on ADHD, autism, and the challenges women face in professional and personal contexts.

In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds talk with radio presenter, DJ and BBC Make a Difference Award recipient Ryan Swain.

"ADHD is a tornado - and you can get lost in the middle of it" is how Ryan explains ADHD when he speaks to kids in schools today. What makes this so powerful is that no one was talking like this when Ryan was a pupil.

Instead of understanding, he experienced exclusion.

Instead of support, he was labelled.

Now, Ryan pours his energy into giving young people what he never had - language, understanding, and permission to learn differently.

ADHD isn't bad behaviour. It isn't a choice. It's a neurobiological condition - and when it goes unrecognised, the damage can last far beyond the classroom.

This conversation reflects not just lived experience, but the impact of turning adversity into purpose - becoming what was missing for others.