WARNING: This episode contains discussions of youth bullying and suicide.

What does it mean to transform heartbreak into hope? For Tony and Cassi Bellezza, the loss of their son Anthony was not the end of his story—it was the beginning of a mission. Anthony, a vibrant and compassionate child who lived with ADHD, inspired those around him with his unique ability to see the world through a lens of kindness. But his journey wasn’t without challenges: navigating school accommodations, transitioning between educational systems, facing bullying, and finding outlets for his passions.

In this episode of The ADHD Podcast, hosts Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright sit down with Tony and Cassi to explore the roots of Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness, the non-profit they founded to honor their son. They discuss how Anthony’s struggle—and his empathy—became the foundation for a program designed to help children and teens with ADHD not just survive, but thrive.

From the challenges of private school 504 plans to the life-changing impact of extracurricular activities, Tony and Cassi share personal stories of advocacy, resilience, and the profound importance of kindness. They also dive into the organization’s innovative Holistic Care Model, their Kindness Scholarship program, and the transformative power of community support.

This is a conversation about ADHD, yes—but it’s also about legacy. It’s about how one family took their pain and turned it into a movement. And it’s a reminder that kindness isn’t just a value—it’s a roadmap to something greater.

Links & Notes

• Learn more about Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness
• Sign up for the Road to Kindness Event
• Second Annual Walk for Kindness: February
• Support the organization
• Support the Show on Patreon
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:31) - Anthony's Way—The Road to Kindness

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Stuck. Not physically stuck, mind you, but mentally ensnared. Trapped in a linguistic labyrinth of our own making. For those of us navigating the intricate pathways of ADHD, this feeling of confinement can be particularly acute. It's a subtle trap, often disguised in the seemingly innocuous words we use – words like "just" and "only." These linguistic termites, seemingly insignificant on their own, can gnaw at the foundations of our self-worth, leaving us feeling perpetually inadequate.

Think about it. How often have you dismissed your accomplishments with a self-deprecating "Oh, it was just a small project"? Or downplayed your efforts with an apologetic "I only managed to get half of it done"? These seemingly harmless qualifiers, these verbal tics, are more potent than they appear. They're the building blocks of what Nikki and Pete call out as the "Language of Limitation."

In this episode of The ADHD Podcast, they explore the hidden architecture of this linguistic prison. They explore how these self-limiting phrases, often echoes of childhood pronouncements and internalized criticisms, shape our perceptions and perpetuate a cycle of negative self-talk. It's an exploration of the power of language – how the words we use, both internally and externally, can either liberate or confine us. The pull apart the mechanics of reframing with strategies to dismantle the limiting narratives we’ve constructed around ourselves. They explore the art of mindful communication, offering techniques to navigate the often-treacherous terrain of social interactions.

Language is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used to build or to destroy. Join Nikki and Pete as they illuminate the path toward linguistic liberation, one "just" and "only" at a time. It's a journey worth taking.

Links & Notes

• Support the Show on Patreon
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (02:21) - Join the Community!
• (03:25) - The Language of Limitation
• (22:01) - Structured Journaling

What if, instead of chasing perfection, we celebrated progress? What if the courage it takes to live with ADHD wasn’t just acknowledged but honored? This week on The ADHD Podcast, Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright (Nikki and Pete) challenge us to pause, reflect, and rewrite the stories we tell ourselves. This isn’t about doing more or trying harder—it’s about recognizing the monumental effort ADHDers put into simply existing in a world that often misunderstands them.

Here’s the truth: ADHD is not a character flaw. It’s not your fault. It’s real, complex, and challenging. Yet, too often, those with ADHD dismiss their victories, minimize their strengths, and shoulder blame that isn’t theirs. Nikki and Pete remind us that this cycle of self-criticism—those loud should statements and limiting beliefs—isn’t helping.

Living with ADHD takes courage, adaptability, and resilience. But ADHDers rarely give themselves credit for what they do accomplish. This episode is a rallying cry to celebrate just that—everything you’ve already done, no matter how small it seems.

Because:

• Progress, not perfection, is what matters.
• Resting counts.
• Lowering expectations isn’t giving up—it’s being realistic and kind.
• Asking for help shows wisdom, not weakness.

And above all, ADHD is something you have, not who you are.

This isn’t about celebrating accomplishments. It’s about rejecting perfectionism, reframing expectations, and creating a mindset that allows you to thrive. ADHD doesn’t define you, but it does shape how you live—and that’s something to honor.

So pause. Recognize your efforts. Celebrate what you do. You’ve got this.

Links & Notes

• Support the Show on Patreon
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (03:06) - Celebrating What We Do