Feb 16
In my 200th episode I made a callout for someone to come on the podcast who’s been listening for a while, but who doesn’t think they’re accomplished or successful enough to measure up to my other guests. I personally know having interviewed hundreds of ADHD women at this point, that regardless of how much we've done in our life, we still think we haven't done anything. So I challenged our listeners to raise their hand, because every listener resonates differently with every guest and we can learn so much from each other regardless of our age or where we happen to be in life.
Well, listener Amanda Feliciano took a giant leap out of her comfort zone and volunteered for the challenge despite her fears, and I’m so glad she did. Amanda, who’s a customer service representative by day and the co-founder and president of Full Circle Theatre Collective by night, has seen huge changes in her confidence, anxiety, and self-talk since receiving her ADHD diagnosis at 32.
Her story is a great example of what we can accomplish when we get out of our ruminating brains and into action, and I hope Amanda’s leap of bravery inspires you to take even the littlest step out of your own comfort zone–I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with just how much you’re capable of.
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"I think ADHD is what gave me my interest in acting and in theater, because I already had that empathy and I just found a place where it was acceptable for me to apply it."
- Amanda Feliciano
"I think I'm a little bit kinder to myself [since getting diagnosed]. Where I used to get really frustrated and annoyed at like, ‘why did I do it this way?’ or, ‘why did that come out of my mouth?’ I'm a little more forgiving and I also try to keep in my head that that person has probably already forgotten whatever ridiculous thing I just said, and it's just me that's playing it over and over."
- Amanda Feliciano
"I am a lot less down on myself and I try to be a little more forgiving of what I do, say, think, feel, and also not just try to be forgiving of it, but try to be a little more mindful as to why I am thinking that way or why I am feeling that way."
- Amanda Feliciano
- Amanda introduces herself as co-founder of Full Circle Theatre collective.
- Amanda shares her experience with ADHD and PMDD, and how her gynecologist's diagnosis and birth control helped manage symptoms.
- Amanda discovered her talent for theater in high school and found a sense of belonging, but still struggled with self-doubt and feeling like she didn't fit in.
[21:06 - 35:13] ADHD, empathy, and acting
- Amanda shares her experience of struggling to stay focused in conversations, especially when talking to younger kids or people with ADHD.
- Amanda discusses empathy in acting, relating to characters despite differences in experiences.
- Amanda discusses challenges of organizing a cabaret fundraiser during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Amanda shares her journey of overcoming fear and pursuing her passion for teaching, feeling proud and confident after the podcast.
- Amanda shares her experience with ADHD, including the negative self-talk she used to engage in and how she's learned to recognize and manage it.
- Amanda emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and finding workarounds for weaknesses to live successfully with ADHD.
Instagram: @amanda_eff; @thefullcircletheatrecollective
Email: fullcircletheatercollective@gmail.com
