The ONE Thing Podcast

If youve ever struggled to get started, finish what you begin, or felt like your brain just doesnt operate like everyone elsesyoure not alone. Jay sits down with ADHD coach and entrepreneur Tyler Elstrom to unpack whats really going on in the ADHD brain, from dopamine regulation to executive function to emotional overwhelm.

Tyler introduces the INCUP frameworkfive triggers that can help neurodivergent people enter flow, stay productive, and feel fulfilled: Interesting, New, Challenging, Urgent, and Passionate. When these five levers are present, the ADHD brain actually produces more dopamine than a neurotypical brainand thats where the superpower lies.

This episode is packed with practical strategies for tapping into motivation without relying on shame or stress. Tyler and Jay talk about everything from time blindness to body doubling to why a $7 coffee might just be the best investment you can make in your focus. Whether you have ADHD or love someone who does, this episode is a compassionate, empowering deep dive into a better way of working.

Challenge of the Week:

When you fall shortmiss a deadline, forget something, or show up latesay Oops and move on. Practice offering yourself grace instead of shame. This one small habit can completely change your relationship with productivity and self-worth.

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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why ADHD brains dont respond to rewards the same wayand how to work around it



The five productivity triggers that flood the ADHD brain with dopamine



Why harshness and shame are counterproductive (and what to do instead)



Links & Tools from This Episode:

Tyler Elstroms website: ADHDTyler.com



Follow Tyler on Instagram: @tylerelstrom_



Read Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi



Free Resources



Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.



Produced by NOVA

Are you succeeding so slowly you think you're failing—or failing so slowly you think you're succeeding?”



In this solo episode, Jay Papasan introduces the concept of quality inflation: the idea that the standards for average—and especially extraordinary—performance keep rising every year. Drawing inspiration from the Red Queen Hypothesis and his experience coaching high achievers, Jay breaks down what it takes to stay competitive in a world where standing still means falling behind.



We walk through five powerful strategies to help you not just survive but thrive in a high-growth environment: from “reading for what you need,” to modeling excellence, to building accountability into your life. Whether you’re early in your journey or already well into your career, these practical tools can help you identify your biggest opportunity for growth and take the first step toward it.



Challenge of the Week:

What’s your biggest opportunity for growth—the one you’ve been avoiding because it’s painful, uncomfortable, or ego-bruising? Choose one strategy from the episode (books, courses, mentor, group, coach) and take the first step toward improving it this week.



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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.



We talk about:

Why “change is a strategy, not a threat”



What the Red Queen Hypothesis can teach us about professional growth



Five ways to beat quality inflation in your industry



Links & Tools from This Episode:

Free Resources



Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.



Produced by NOVA 

What if the very traits you’ve been told to hide are actually your greatest assets? This week, I’m joined by Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, to explore nine provocative traits—like being weird, selfish, nosy, shameless, or even brutal—and how to use them as superpowers.

Jenny shares how embracing qualities like “shameless” self-advocacy and “nosy” curiosity can help you push past imposter syndrome and open doors you didn’t know existed. We break down practical frameworks like defining your “power assets,” sending a “shameless Monday email,” and practicing “woo with you”—flipping “I” statements to “you” statements to build stronger relationships and influence outcomes.

Jenny’s journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur is a masterclass in acting despite fear and reframing discomfort as a signal to move forward. If you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or fear of standing out, this episode will help you see those challenges as opportunities. Opportunity lives just outside your comfort zone—and Jenny’s stories and tools show you how to step into it.

Challenge of the Week:

Practice one small act of wild courage—ask for something that feels uncomfortable, whether it’s at work, at home, or even sending back your order at a restaurant. Notice what happens when you advocate for yourself and step out of your comfort zone.

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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

How to flip traits like “selfish” and “nosy” into career strengths



The Monday “shameless” email and other simple frameworks to stand out



Why learning to say “no” (and being a little “brutal”) leads to more success



Links & Tools from This Episode:

Learn more at itsjennywood.com



Read Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It by Jenny Wood



Take Jenny’s “Wild Courage” Quiz



Follow Jenny on Instagram: @itsjennywood



Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn



Free Resources



Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.



Produced by NOVA 

This episode wraps up our two-part series on what leadership lessons we can learn from parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy, author of Good Inside. If you caught part one, you know these lessons aren't just for parents—they’re tools for anyone who wants to show up better in their relationships and at work.



We dive into the last three lessons Jay took from Dr. Becky’s work: The Power of Repair, Resilience Over Happiness, and Playing the Long Game.



We start with the power of repair—the idea that it's never too late to take ownership and mend trust, whether it's with your child or your team. Then we explore why great leaders prioritize resilience over happiness and learn to tolerate discomfort so that growth can happen. Finally, Jay shares how Dr. Becky’s philosophy of always choosing the long game can change not only your parenting, but your leadership legacy.



Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about reflection, accountability, and choosing growth over ease. Let’s model what we want to see, in our kids and in our teams.



Challenge of the Week:

Look for a moment where you can recognize that two things can be true at the same time. Maybe you’re a strong leader who’s struggling right now. Maybe a team member is usually dependable but underperforming. Acknowledge both sides. It will change how you approach the challenge.



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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.



We talk about:

Why self-awareness around triggers is key to great leadership



How repair builds trust after mistakes



What it means to lead for the long game, not the quick win



Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy





Free Resources



Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.



Produced by NOVA

This episode started as a parenting read and turned into a masterclass in leadership.

After picking up Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy, Jay found himself repeatedly thinking, "This is leadership." In the first of a two-part series, he explores the surprising—and incredibly useful—ways that parenting advice maps directly onto leadership. If you're mission-driven, leading a team, or simply trying to show up better in your relationships, these four lessons will stick with you: Two Things Can Be True, Know Your Job, Behavior Is a Window, and Connection Before Correction.

Jay shares practical tools and reflective questions to help you take each of these ideas into your work life. And yes, if you're a parent too, you’ll walk away with some insights there as well.

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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why “two things can be true” might be the most powerful mindset for handling conflict



How knowing your job (and your people knowing theirs) clears the fog in the workplace



Why behavior is a window, and what curiosity can teach you about your team



Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy



Free Resources



Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.



Produced by NOVA