The Podcast

We don’t outgrow ADHD, we simply change with it. Join hosts Jami and Justin as we explore the intersection of ADHD and seniors.

Episode 52 – This Grandma is on a Mission to Provide Comfort for Travelers and Show Young Women Anything is Possible

Have you ever wondered if ADHD could actually be the reason behind your resilience, creativity, or even your perfectionism? In this powerful episode of Grandma Has ADHD, host Jami Shapiro sits down with inventor, entrepreneur, and grandmother Betty Landin to explore how ADHD shows up in unexpected ways—especially for women over 50.

Betty opens up about her difficult childhood, surviving trauma, and how discovering her ADHD later in life finally helped everything make sense. She shares how ADHD drives her to compete, create, and never settle for “average”—from bodybuilding competitions to inventing the award-winning Wander Pillow, a travel pillow with a built-in blanket that’s now sold nationwide.

Together, Jami and Betty talk about the hidden struggles of ADHD—decision fatigue, impulsivity, perfectionism, and negative self-talk—while also celebrating the resilience, innovation, and passion that make ADHD a true superpower.

If you’ve ever felt “different,” overwhelmed by choices, or like you can’t stop chasing big ideas, this episode will remind you that you’re not broken—you’re wired for something unique. ADHD isn’t just a challenge. For many, it’s the spark that fuels creativity, drive, and the courage to dream bigger.

ADHD and Resilience: From Struggles to Superpowers

ADHD isn’t just about distraction or forgetfulness—it’s about resilience, creativity, and the unique ways our brains push us to survive and thrive. For many adults over 50, a late ADHD discovery brings a flood of “aha” moments, helping them finally make sense of decades of struggles and strengths.

In this inspiring episode of Grandma Has ADHD, host Jami Shapiro welcomes entrepreneur, inventor, and grandmother Betty Landin, who shares her powerful journey from a difficult childhood to building a life of resilience, innovation, and success. Betty’s story highlights how ADHD traits like competitiveness, perfectionism, and restlessness can be both challenging and transformative.

How ADHD Builds Resilience After Trauma

For Betty, an unsafe childhood could have led to hopelessness. Instead, ADHD fueled her resilience and determination to carve her own path. From rebelling against expectations to surviving domestic violence, she used her creativity and drive to rewrite her story.
 Key takeaways include:

  • Why resilience is often a hidden ADHD superpower
  • The link between trauma, survival, and ADHD traits
  • How reframing ADHD shifts the narrative from “broken” to “brilliant”

ADHD, Perfectionism, and the Drive to Compete

Betty’s ADHD doesn’t let her settle for average. Whether training as a bodybuilder or creating a new product, she channels hyperfocus and competitiveness into success.
 What you’ll learn:

  • Why ADHD brains go “all in” or “all out”
  • How perfectionism can be both a challenge and a motivator
  • Real stories of turning ADHD energy into achievement

The Invention of the Wander Pillow

Frustrated by cold flights and bulky travel gear, Betty invented the Wander Pillow—a travel pillow with a built-in blanket that’s now sold nationwide. Her ADHD-fueled creativity turned an everyday frustration into a solution that’s helping thousands.
 Insights include:

  • How ADHD brains constantly see “what’s missing” in the world
  • Why people with ADHD are natural inventors and problem-solvers
  • Turning ideas into impact, even when the odds feel stacked against you

Why This Episode Matters

If you’ve ever felt “different,” struggled with decision fatigue, or wondered why you can’t settle for average, this episode will resonate. Betty’s story proves that ADHD doesn’t just create challenges—it also fuels the resilience, creativity, and determination that can change lives.

👉 Whether you’re over 50 and just discovering ADHD, parenting or grandparenting someone with it, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will remind you: your ADHD is not a flaw—it’s a superpower.

Resources & Key Terms Mentioned:

Betty Landin, Founder of Wander Pillow, Inventor and Body Builder Competitor

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