Jeremy Nagel (he/him)

Jeremy joined Momma on March 4, 2024 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about ADHD,  ASD & Habit Stacking

About Jeremy

Jeremy is a neurospicy software developer turned startup founder who is slightly obsessed with habits. He likes to start each day with a 2hr morning routine and sometimes surprises colleagues by riding his elliptical trainer during meetings to keep the energy high. He sold his startup Smooth Messenger to MessageMedia in 2022 and now works at MessageMedia as a product manager. His new startup, Focus Bear, is a productivity and work-life balance app for people with ADHD. When he's not working on startups, he enjoys cross-country skiing, trail running and cycling with his wife.

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Website - https://focusbear.io

• Jeremy’s LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy

• Focus Bear LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/

• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp

• Twitter - https://twitter.com/focusbear1

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/

• Email - jeremy@focusbear.io

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/

• Podcast - https://podcast.focusbear.io

• Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• focus bear

• Book Recommendation: The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson 

• FocusMate App 

• The Conversation

• The Eisenhower Matrix

• Goblin Tools - Magic ToDo

• Trello

• todoist

• The Stair Step Method of Bootstrapping

• Insights Discovery

• Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear 

• Book Recommendation: Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by B.J. Fogg 

• ffreedom App

• Cold Turkey App

• ClickUp App

Episode Summary

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating ADHD, ASD, or just looking for practical, real-life strategies to build better habits and make life a little easier every day.

Key Takeaways

• Finding something you're passionate about can make learning new skills, like coding, easier and more enjoyable.

• Habit stacking, or combining new habits with existing ones, can be an effective strategy for building and maintaining routines.

• Remote work can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD and ASD, as it provides a more comfortable and less overstimulating environment.

• Communication preferences vary among individuals, and it's important to respect and accommodate different styles.

• Misconceptions about ADHD and ASD, such as viewing them as a death sentence or as superpowers, can be harmful and oversimplified.

• Increased awareness and understanding of neurodiversity can lead to more inclusive and supportive environments. Neurodiverse individuals often face challenges in society, such as stigma and misconceptions. It is important to understand and accommodate their unique needs.

• Communication is key in supporting neurodiverse individuals. Being open, honest, and respectful can help build strong relationships and foster understanding.

• Habit stacking is a powerful strategy for building positive routines. Starting small and making activities enjoyable can increase consistency and success.

• Overwhelm and burnout can be managed by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support when needed.

• Focus Bear is an app designed to help individuals stay focused and manage distractions. It combines habit stacking and distraction blocking to improve productivity and well-being.

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews Jeremy Nagel, a software developer and entrepreneur who has been diagnosed with both ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The conversation dives into Jeremy's experiences navigating life with these neurodiverse conditions and the strategies he has developed to manage the challenges they present.

Jeremy begins by discussing his journey toward understanding his neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD in his late twenties and ASD later on, Jeremy reflects on how these diagnoses provided clarity about many of his life experiences, particularly his struggles with focus, social interactions, and managing daily tasks. He emphasizes that while both conditions come with challenges, they also bring unique strengths, such as his ability to hyper-focus and his deep interest in niche topics.

A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the concept of habit stacking, a technique Jeremy uses to create and maintain productive routines. Habit stacking involves linking new habits to existing ones, making it easier to establish and sustain them. For example, Jeremy explains how he pairs his morning coffee ritual with reviewing his daily to-do list, helping him set a clear intention for the day. He notes that habit stacking has been particularly effective for him because it reduces the cognitive load required to build new habits—a crucial benefit for someone with ADHD.

Jeremy also shares his insights on the importance of self-compassion and understanding in managing ADHD and ASD. He talks about the tendency for folks with ADHD to be hard on themselves when they struggle with tasks that seem easy for others, like maintaining focus or staying organized. He stresses that recognizing these difficulties as part of the condition, rather than personal failings, is key to developing effective coping strategies.

The conversation touches on the overlap between ADHD and ASD, particularly in how both conditions can impact social interactions. Jeremy recounts experiences where his ASD made it challenging to pick up on social cues, leading to misunderstandings or feelings of isolation. However, he also highlights how understanding his neurodiversity has allowed him to navigate these situations with more confidence and less self-criticism.

Towards the end of the interview, Jeremy discusses the role of technology in managing ADHD and ASD. He shares how tools like task management apps and time-blocking software have helped him stay on track and manage his workload more effectively. However, he cautions against over-reliance on technology, emphasizing the importance of balancing digital tools with offline strategies, such as mindfulness and physical exercise.

Jeremy offers this advice for others living with ADHD and ASD: embrace your neurodiversity, experiment with different strategies until you find what works for you, and most importantly, be kind to yourself in the process. This conversation leaves listeners with a message of hope, reminding them that while neurodiversity can present challenges, it also comes with unique strengths that can be harnessed to lead a fulfilling and successful life.