I was pretty disappointed with this sequel. I kept an open mind with episode 1 because you (PJ) said part 2 would cover the other side of this experience. I don't think you actually did that. I take Vyvanse not because I like the way I feel on it or because it helps me do boring things longer; I take it because when I don't, I simply cannot navigate a society that evolved to suit neurotypical brains successfully without it. I don't have the privilege to just "change my situation" so I won't have to take me meds anymore. I am a person who was born with ADHD (not misdiagnosed like you, or later diagnosed because of a brain surgery). Even though I was diagnosed in 5th grade, my father refused to let my doctor put me on medication. I could write a book on the struggles that caused (both practically and emotionally/psychologically). Once I was old enough to make the decision for myself everything changed. Sure there were times when I didn't need it as much (like when I was a stay at home mom - but even then that meant my (ex)husband had to pick up A LOT of the slack with finances and housework). But when I am fully responsible for myself and my career (a career mind you that I find very interesting, engaging and fulfilling - but time blindness is REAL!) I can't manage things without the medication that treats my disability. I've been reminded of this time and again for various reasons (when I had a job with no health insurance and low pay and couldn't afford my meds and very recently because the Vyvanse Shortage has left me without meds for weeks on end two different times). When I can't (or don't) take my meds my life slowly unravels. My finances fall apart (even though I make more money now than I ever imagined I would), my house because a disaster, I start missing meetings and deadlines at work. If I could realistically move to a society that was built around brains like mine, I'd stop taking my meds in a heartbeat, but as l have to participate, independently, in this society my meds are as necessary as a wheelchair is for a paraplegic.
I don't think this was done as clickbait, I think it's just how he feels about the medication after going off it. I went off it a year ago ended up with a pretty similar experience. You defend it to death when you're on it, and you shame it and sort of "fear" it (or fear the fact you miss it) once you're finally off it.
I’m disappointed to see “speed” in the title again, especially since this episode is about a different perspective and you even give an alternate title in the opener? Why not just use that one?
My impression is that the title is meant to be a little shocking/jarring and remind the listener that the prescription drugs given to so many people nowadays ARE speed. I also think the continuity in naming is important for the two part series. Of course this is only speculation, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the team internationally went with an ‘edgier’ title to pique people’s interest. I’m curious why you think it was disappointing to see the word ‘speed’ in the title? Clearly people have a LOT of feelings about these drugs, which I have been totally naive to in my life as I have no personal history with amphetamines.
Thanks for asking Molly! I'm sure you're right on the rationale, I think it's for the two part thing and I think it's intended to be shocking to grab attention.
In brief, I think referring to them by a name associated with drug use ("speed") promotes the idea that stimulant medications are inherently A) recreational and B) irresponsible. Plus, it feels like a bad-faith way to frame the discussion. As someone who delayed getting medication due to that kind of language ("it's basically meth" "it's basically cocaine," "it's just a way to get speed"), I wish PJ was not perpetuating that association.
I don't think that personally, but I believe the vast majority of the public does have a bias against drug use. My position is around impact, and that ultimately the generally held opinion is what determines what's considered socially acceptable. If the broader public opinion was positive towards drugs (and I agree with you, I wish it was less negative, many people find it helpful!), I wouldn't care about that association between recreational and medical usage.
Currently listening to the episode; I find it interesting the way you and Dr Bianca described the experience of taking the medications. I don't remember ever experiencing that feeling. For me, taking stimulants feels like it allows me to move at a medium pace instead of either being at a complete halt or literally running through my tasks. I honestly don't notice being more aware of things around me, I can actually tune extraneous stimuli out (like background noises) to allow me to focus on whatever is in front of me.
The first time I took adderall - after suffering undiagnosed until I was 41 - I took a two hour nap. I suffered from anxiety attacks for my whole life. Since starting medication, I have not had a single one. I’ll keep the “speed”.
Ooh, the question about did the drug help you learn to not take it. I *believe* there are some studies out there looking into whether or not stimulants can "normalize" brain structure for some people.
My personal favorite hypothesis is that what we call ADHD is multiple different conditions. Dr Bianca's disease *seems* to be the result of her brain injuries. There is some evidence that ADHD has genetic components, but there's also some possibility of environmental factors influencing the development of it (Think injury, exposure to environmental toxic chemicals such as lead, home life factors like trauma, etc).
Idk where I'm going with any of this to be honest. I'm grateful for meds in my toolbox, they've allowed me to implement other tools that I had learned prior to having the meds. They def have negative side effects, but I'm no longer experiencing imposter syndrome to the point of sucidality because I felt like I was stupider than I am.
I was in New York for a college friend's wedding last week and someone put your show on in the car - the "where did the 8 billion dollars go?" episode. I loved it. I'm a paid subscriber now, and starting to work my way through all the backlog! Mostly writing to say how much I've appreciated the episodes I've listened to so far. I'm excited to start the finale of this 2 episode arc.
The episode on public housing policy in the US was an especially tough listen. It's a frustrating story that I feel like I've heard a million times before. I'd be really interested to hear more about how other countries approach public housing if that were ever on the docket. I spent some time reading about it a few months ago when Seattle (where I live) voted on setting up our own new social housing agency and of course I found some other country's models particularly encouraging.
I'm also wondering if you'd ever consider a private RSS feed for subscribers to go ad-free! Truly not a big deal, but it's something another podcast I listen to has and it feels really nice.
I'd listen to a whole season about this topic. What's it like for people who can't function without it? What's it like in other countries? Why is TikTok obsessed with ADHD?
I shared these episodes with 3 friends of mine who have ADHD, but are at different stages of accepting it. We're in the UK where things are a bit more complicated prescriptions-wise, but it made us discuss this option and become more open to it (even after the first episode). I have an appointment later this week, after years of procrastination and doubts. Thank you.
Also there's a new Spider Man 2 game on PS5 that's doing very well at promoting New York right now, so a Brooklyn sandwich shop recommendation feels just right :)
I like the recommendations. Even if I never get one of those amazing-sounding sandwiches, hearing someone talk with specificity and enthusiasm about something they enjoy makes me happy.
Regarding a sandwich recommendation in Brooklyn for those of us who can’t just pop by: this particular recommendation described an incredible model for business ownership (employee owned) including a financial model (sliding scale) that takes account for the value of money being different for different people in a capitalist world that tries to pretend that is not true. Telling people that such models exist makes it worth alone. (But I suspect you knew that ☺️)
Liked the episode! But since you asked, as someone who doesn’t live in NYC and doesn’t visit there a lot, I subscribe to quite a few podcasts that make NYC recommendations and it’s nice for small businesses to get that recognition but it always feels a bit irrelevant to me. What would feel more fun is pairing an NYC rec with a listener rec for a totally different city. I’d love a quick plug for a restaurant from folks in Seattle, or Houston, or Toronto, etc etc… some small thing that a) represents the extent of your listenership and b) gives us something to save for when we have a conference in SF or a layover in DC. I at least know you have a listener in Glasgow… maybe he has a favorite pub or museum! It would be cool to hear about those briefly from a local at the end of an episode.
To preface, my kids have said for years that I start every conversation with, "I heard on a podcast..." These two episodes were just so very fascinating and my favorite podcast episodes ever. I was waiting for episode two.
Please keep giving NYC recommendations! I love hearing about places loved by locals, whether or not I'll ever travel there (and even more so since NYC is one of my favourite destinations).
I was pretty disappointed with this sequel. I kept an open mind with episode 1 because you (PJ) said part 2 would cover the other side of this experience. I don't think you actually did that. I take Vyvanse not because I like the way I feel on it or because it helps me do boring things longer; I take it because when I don't, I simply cannot navigate a society that evolved to suit neurotypical brains successfully without it. I don't have the privilege to just "change my situation" so I won't have to take me meds anymore. I am a person who was born with ADHD (not misdiagnosed like you, or later diagnosed because of a brain surgery). Even though I was diagnosed in 5th grade, my father refused to let my doctor put me on medication. I could write a book on the struggles that caused (both practically and emotionally/psychologically). Once I was old enough to make the decision for myself everything changed. Sure there were times when I didn't need it as much (like when I was a stay at home mom - but even then that meant my (ex)husband had to pick up A LOT of the slack with finances and housework). But when I am fully responsible for myself and my career (a career mind you that I find very interesting, engaging and fulfilling - but time blindness is REAL!) I can't manage things without the medication that treats my disability. I've been reminded of this time and again for various reasons (when I had a job with no health insurance and low pay and couldn't afford my meds and very recently because the Vyvanse Shortage has left me without meds for weeks on end two different times). When I can't (or don't) take my meds my life slowly unravels. My finances fall apart (even though I make more money now than I ever imagined I would), my house because a disaster, I start missing meetings and deadlines at work. If I could realistically move to a society that was built around brains like mine, I'd stop taking my meds in a heartbeat, but as l have to participate, independently, in this society my meds are as necessary as a wheelchair is for a paraplegic.
Calling ADHD drugs 'speed' is like calling opioid analgesics 'heroin'. Click-baiting headings demeans the article's message and intent.
I don't think this was done as clickbait, I think it's just how he feels about the medication after going off it. I went off it a year ago ended up with a pretty similar experience. You defend it to death when you're on it, and you shame it and sort of "fear" it (or fear the fact you miss it) once you're finally off it.
it’s not a general “you.” some people have that experience, including you.
Yeah you're right, didn't intend to generalize.
Forget these NYC recommendations. As an Ardmore resident, what are your favorite spots on the Philadelphia Main Line?
I cannot wait to get a small child’s take on cannibalism! Also, moving to Brooklyn in a few months so I’m saving these recs for later
Otway Bakery on Fulton has amazing bread and pastry if you haven’t been over yet! Thx for the rec. Cheers!
Search Engine's Garrott Graham keeps singing Otway's praises but I haven't been. Will have to go.
I also love the recommendations. I’ve been to Sea & Soil many times since they opened and it was a wonderful surprise to see you mention them!
I’m disappointed to see “speed” in the title again, especially since this episode is about a different perspective and you even give an alternate title in the opener? Why not just use that one?
My impression is that the title is meant to be a little shocking/jarring and remind the listener that the prescription drugs given to so many people nowadays ARE speed. I also think the continuity in naming is important for the two part series. Of course this is only speculation, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the team internationally went with an ‘edgier’ title to pique people’s interest. I’m curious why you think it was disappointing to see the word ‘speed’ in the title? Clearly people have a LOT of feelings about these drugs, which I have been totally naive to in my life as I have no personal history with amphetamines.
Thanks for asking Molly! I'm sure you're right on the rationale, I think it's for the two part thing and I think it's intended to be shocking to grab attention.
In brief, I think referring to them by a name associated with drug use ("speed") promotes the idea that stimulant medications are inherently A) recreational and B) irresponsible. Plus, it feels like a bad-faith way to frame the discussion. As someone who delayed getting medication due to that kind of language ("it's basically meth" "it's basically cocaine," "it's just a way to get speed"), I wish PJ was not perpetuating that association.
I think you are implying that recreational use is irresponsible and cannot be done in a healthy, mind boosting way.
Adderall is essentially speed they interact with people the same way, no noticeable differences at comparable doses.
I think you just have bias towards drug users
I don't think that personally, but I believe the vast majority of the public does have a bias against drug use. My position is around impact, and that ultimately the generally held opinion is what determines what's considered socially acceptable. If the broader public opinion was positive towards drugs (and I agree with you, I wish it was less negative, many people find it helpful!), I wouldn't care about that association between recreational and medical usage.
Currently listening to the episode; I find it interesting the way you and Dr Bianca described the experience of taking the medications. I don't remember ever experiencing that feeling. For me, taking stimulants feels like it allows me to move at a medium pace instead of either being at a complete halt or literally running through my tasks. I honestly don't notice being more aware of things around me, I can actually tune extraneous stimuli out (like background noises) to allow me to focus on whatever is in front of me.
The first time I took adderall - after suffering undiagnosed until I was 41 - I took a two hour nap. I suffered from anxiety attacks for my whole life. Since starting medication, I have not had a single one. I’ll keep the “speed”.
Same thing with me. It's like taking an anti-stimulant.
Ooh, the question about did the drug help you learn to not take it. I *believe* there are some studies out there looking into whether or not stimulants can "normalize" brain structure for some people.
My personal favorite hypothesis is that what we call ADHD is multiple different conditions. Dr Bianca's disease *seems* to be the result of her brain injuries. There is some evidence that ADHD has genetic components, but there's also some possibility of environmental factors influencing the development of it (Think injury, exposure to environmental toxic chemicals such as lead, home life factors like trauma, etc).
Idk where I'm going with any of this to be honest. I'm grateful for meds in my toolbox, they've allowed me to implement other tools that I had learned prior to having the meds. They def have negative side effects, but I'm no longer experiencing imposter syndrome to the point of sucidality because I felt like I was stupider than I am.
Hi PJ,
First time listener, first time caller :)
I was in New York for a college friend's wedding last week and someone put your show on in the car - the "where did the 8 billion dollars go?" episode. I loved it. I'm a paid subscriber now, and starting to work my way through all the backlog! Mostly writing to say how much I've appreciated the episodes I've listened to so far. I'm excited to start the finale of this 2 episode arc.
The episode on public housing policy in the US was an especially tough listen. It's a frustrating story that I feel like I've heard a million times before. I'd be really interested to hear more about how other countries approach public housing if that were ever on the docket. I spent some time reading about it a few months ago when Seattle (where I live) voted on setting up our own new social housing agency and of course I found some other country's models particularly encouraging.
I'm also wondering if you'd ever consider a private RSS feed for subscribers to go ad-free! Truly not a big deal, but it's something another podcast I listen to has and it feels really nice.
Thanks! Keep doing what you're doing :)
I'd listen to a whole season about this topic. What's it like for people who can't function without it? What's it like in other countries? Why is TikTok obsessed with ADHD?
I shared these episodes with 3 friends of mine who have ADHD, but are at different stages of accepting it. We're in the UK where things are a bit more complicated prescriptions-wise, but it made us discuss this option and become more open to it (even after the first episode). I have an appointment later this week, after years of procrastination and doubts. Thank you.
Also there's a new Spider Man 2 game on PS5 that's doing very well at promoting New York right now, so a Brooklyn sandwich shop recommendation feels just right :)
I like the recommendations. Even if I never get one of those amazing-sounding sandwiches, hearing someone talk with specificity and enthusiasm about something they enjoy makes me happy.
Have you been to Winner? Their bread is incredible! They have a flagship location in Park Slope, but are now in Crown Heights as well.
Regarding a sandwich recommendation in Brooklyn for those of us who can’t just pop by: this particular recommendation described an incredible model for business ownership (employee owned) including a financial model (sliding scale) that takes account for the value of money being different for different people in a capitalist world that tries to pretend that is not true. Telling people that such models exist makes it worth alone. (But I suspect you knew that ☺️)
Liked the episode! But since you asked, as someone who doesn’t live in NYC and doesn’t visit there a lot, I subscribe to quite a few podcasts that make NYC recommendations and it’s nice for small businesses to get that recognition but it always feels a bit irrelevant to me. What would feel more fun is pairing an NYC rec with a listener rec for a totally different city. I’d love a quick plug for a restaurant from folks in Seattle, or Houston, or Toronto, etc etc… some small thing that a) represents the extent of your listenership and b) gives us something to save for when we have a conference in SF or a layover in DC. I at least know you have a listener in Glasgow… maybe he has a favorite pub or museum! It would be cool to hear about those briefly from a local at the end of an episode.
To preface, my kids have said for years that I start every conversation with, "I heard on a podcast..." These two episodes were just so very fascinating and my favorite podcast episodes ever. I was waiting for episode two.
Please keep giving NYC recommendations! I love hearing about places loved by locals, whether or not I'll ever travel there (and even more so since NYC is one of my favourite destinations).