the ADHD Queens: Read the World
TheADHDQueens
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A podcast where a trio of queer friends with ADHD read and discuss books set in countries around the world, all while living in Nebraska. The hosts humorously describe themselves as people-pleasing weirdos who started the show to stay connected, since they struggle with object permanence. Each episode blends literary discussion with personal anecdotes and playful tangents, celebrating their love of reading and friendship.
Episoade
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35. How to Say Babylon: she's a poet 28.07.2026 45minThis month we visited Jamaica. We didn’t need to escape to an island to experience the heat this month, but the ocean would have been nice. regardless, it’s all in our heads. the heat…is not.no more small talk about the weather.This month we learned a great deal about a religion that we had very little experience in. Safiya Sinclair’s memoir dives into her life experience with a strict Rastafarian upbringing. The story was beautifully told, genuine, and very informative. Truely, it was a wonderfully written memoir with a very intense story to share.In case you couldn’t tell: we recommend! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
34. The True True Story of Raja the Gullible: f*ck your mother! 30.06.2026 52minWe loved this story. We loved Raja and we loved his mother. We visited Lebanon to get acquainted with them and, boy, did we learn a whole lot.10/10 a fun time.but also a serious time. if you read it you’d see exactly what we mean. This one fits in our vibe. Think of A Man Called Ove and The Emperor of Gladness. (Jaimie and I have definitely read more like this, most likely.)Also shout out to Lydia Kang for the recommendation! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
33. The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: yall are coming in here being crazy. 26.05.2026 57minSorry we're late today~ but it's still Tuesday. So that's a win for us. We definitely got lost in geography at the beginning of the episode and then proceeded to explain how we know about Timbuktu and Mali. Very different stories for both of us.Either way we eventually got to the book. Different levels of satisfaction, but you can tell there was still a great appreciation for the content shared with us by Joshua Hammer. This nonfiction book did receive New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, but, of course, that does not mean it is for every reader.We do hope you are able to enjoy the ancient knowledge discussed within the pages. That we can agree is quite valuable.~as always, spoilers!Items discussed in this episode:in order of mention in episodeJaimie’s reference: Cabin Pressure: Series 4 Episode 1 TimbuktuTiah’s reference:International Museum of Muslim Cultures: Legacy of TimbuktuMali Magic: the Great Legacy of Mali1000Libraries: Meet the Librarian Who Risked His Life to Save Timbuktu's Ancient BooksRead The Storied City by Charlie English This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
32. How Beautiful We Were: i don't think i can say anymore sad things. 28.04.2026 53minThis book was real. so very real. Like might cause you to have an existential crisis type real. What can we say? This is the type of story we tend to draw the most empathy and knowledge from. Therefore, this is the type of story we are drawn towards.The struggles survived by this village are numerous by the end of the telling. If we didn’t know this type of survival to be real, we would doubt it’s feasibility easily.How can you keep going after everything experienced? For some, you just do. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
31. the Emperor of Gladness: at one point he says something, something, something, emperor 31.03.2026 1h 3minEmperor of Gladness reveals itself to be way different than initially expected, regardless it ends up being quite an interesting read.Come with us to visit East Gladness, CT and hang out with our special guest and friend, Marry Tran. Our goal is not to visit the USofA typically, but we are wanting to understand the perspective of those who experience life differently than us. Who best to explore that with than a 2nd generation Vietnamese American born on the east coast.Can you count the amount of books that are mentioned in this one episode? and then count how many are mentioned by Tiah alone… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
30. the Last Gate of the Emperor: Everyone else in the room is like, oh my God, why are you not putting this together? 24.02.2026 44minEthiopia is the next stop on our journey. This month we take a moment to breathe and listen to a less demanding read. I know, I know, this is not our norm, but sometimes that is necessary. honestly, we should do this more often.All of that being said, we jump into a sci-fi with ancient space wars, augmented tournaments, secret princes and robot lions. I hope you were able to enjoy this story as we did or will take a peak when you have a chance.~as always, spoilers! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
29. the Queue: this is where we all lie morally 27.01.2026 45minTo Egypt we went, knowing we were exploring content that we were already familiar with. However, the story shared by Basma Abdel Aziz took us much closer to home than any of us would have originally thought. We had to come to terms with how easily the normalization of extremism can create a reality that was once unfathomable.Do not be fooled by this mere 6 hour audiobook. Much like other shorter novels such as Animal Farm, the Lord of the Flies and even one of our more recent reads Tender is the Flesh, this shortie was not easily digestible. Instead, we were forced to witness very uncomfortable situations arise amid the most routine of interactions. Was it just us or did you also cringe at the mention of "the Certificate of True Citizenship?" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
28. If You Could Be Mine: i can't even cope with my regular cisgendered body 30.12.2025 51minthis month Jaimie and Tiah review a book that touches on an already complex topic with new understandings that reveal even more complexity. genuinely, could it get any more…complex? alas, this is how life is. this book was one that reminded us exactly why we choose to read books from different countries. the perspective and experience reflected in Sara Farizan’s book is one we could have never known otherwise.have further insights? we encourage you to reach out. we’d love to hear from you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
27. The Farming of Bones: that's a shibboleth 25.11.2025 55minalrighty, so a shibboleth. [defined in this episode, but in case you’re feeling anxious and don’t wish to search it up]as defined by Merriam-Webster:1 a: a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaningb: a widely held beliefc: truism, platitude2 a: a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular groupb: a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from othersin the context of The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat, we’re looking at definition two more than one. arguably, it could be said that both are applicable. either way, we were struck by the narrator choice and the laissez-faire attitude that she seemed to hold at the intial discussions of confrontation.if this is different to how you see it, please, please, share away. we’d love to hear other perspectives.regardless, we were able to discuss some insights on the current world ,the nature of history and the passage of time. —— This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
26. Tender is the Flesh: surprise pikachu 28.10.2025 59minwellllllll, we feel pretty confident that we won't be able to beat this book in regard to tough reads. for once, we can agree with the general internet, this book is not for everyone. was it tough to get through? yes. was it bad? absolutley not. content was challenging, but thought provoking. and extremely well handled. maybe a little too close to reality, but what dystopian literature isn't? ~as always spoilers!——this being the end of year number two, we are starting a second season. is this mentioned anywhere else? of course not, but it is nevertheless still fact. lol cause we said so. thanks for continuing to listen, thanks for your patience as we evolve and thanks for just being here. it helps us feel like we're not just shouting into the void.——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gay -- listen to us live on our radio show featured on KZUM 89.3 FM just look up ADHD Queens: Disorderly Detours or check us out on Thursdays at 6-630pm CST -- Music thanks to:***VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/***Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)***https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US*** This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
25. The Bookshop on the Corner: there is NO CORNER! 30.09.2025 1h 2minso this may be the most intense conversation over the chillest book we’ve ever read. it might be easier to have opinions when the stakes are so much lower.did we learn something? i don’t know. however, we might move to Scotland now. so there was definitely value in this book in our opinion. Thanks Jenny Colgan!~as always spoilers!——this being the end of year number two, we are starting a second season. is this mentioned anywhere else? of course not, but it is nevertheless still fact. lol cause we said so. thanks for continuing to listen, thanks for your patience as we evolve and thanks for just being here. it helps us feel like we're not just shouting into the void.——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gay Music thanks to:***VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/***Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)***https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US*** This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
24. Above Us the Milky Way: dark terrible vibes, but vibes 26.08.2025 50minwith our friend sanaa, we adventure through the alphabet and Afghanistan. And even with the challenges faced by Ryan and Tiah, we reflect on much, just as Fowzia Karimi does in her storytelling.as always, spoilers!——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:***VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/***Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)***https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US*** This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
23. Bitter Orange Tree: if you want to have the thinky thoughts 29.07.2025 49minto oman we went and confused we became. Jokha Alharti has a beautiful writing style and Bitter Orange Tree could be a great piece of literature to study. That being said our little adhd brains could not entirely commit ourselves to the story through our standard audiobook format. We did our best. However, with our thoughts being encouraged to float and reflect, we definitely drifted off.as always, spoilers!——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
22. the Shadow of the Wind: 20:30:05 24.06.2025 1h 11minso pride month is a busy time and this year proved no different, buuuuut we still made time to travel with Carlos Ruiz Zafon to 1936 Spain in the throws of the Spanish Civil War.we were not prepared~ be sure to check out the time stamp that's being used as the title right now. (it would be such a long title if we used the direct quote instead) as always, spoilers!——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
21. the Volcano Daughters: also Maria is gay 28.05.2025 53minwe made it through May and ryan has returned. we traveled to el salvador for another historical fiction piece. we are learning quickly how little we know. Gina Maria Balibrera takes us on a journey of two sisters narrated by the friends who were there when alive and dead. although physically separated, they were never far.as always, spoilers!——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
20. When the Ground is Hard: of course you’re friends, you little d*****s 29.04.2025 52minMalla Nunn introduces us to two young women who are learning about the lies and truths of the world and how they apply to them. Taking place in Eswatini back when it was known as Swaziland, the colorism, racism and classism are rampant and truly impact every move they make. Adele has far more to learn than Lottie, but Lottie is patient as their friendship grows. Join us as we discuss the details!as always, spoilers!——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
19. the Final Strife: thank god it didn’t go that route 25.03.2025 57minFeels like it has been forever! We have had the pleasure to visit a High Fantasy* exploration of an empire through the lense of the struggles of it's citizens. With Ghanan influence, we were able to view cultural aspects that we wouldn't see in other fantasy novels. as always, spoilers!*high fantasy as defined by us, obviously——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueenstheadhdqueens.bsky.socialor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
18. the Ghost Bride: a lovely little Miyazaki protagonist 25.02.2025 50minNumber 18! We enter the spirit realm in Yangsze Choo's the Ghost Bride and honestly, we get a beautifully built world. Much lighter than many of our recent picks and you don't have to worry about reading this with the lights on! it's less scary and definitely more enticing.And of course, spoilers~——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueensor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US—— This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
17. Belonging & Oksi: a heavy sigh & a pretty rainbow bear 28.01.2025 56minHere we are in the new year with episode 17 and not one, but two graphic novels. Yes, two. Together we are amazed by two very different art styles and very different explorations of one's culture. Our visit to Germany and Finland left us reflecting on the current state of the world, but knowing that there is ways to explore difficult topics is comforting.And of course, spoilers~——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueensfacebook.com/theadhdqueensor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US—— This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com -
16. The Unbearable Lightness of Being: Zendaya is Nietzsche! 17.12.2024 55minWelcome to episode 16, where we struggle the most we have ever struggled with a book. (At least on this podcast.) And this one probably has the most explicit language we've ever used. We don’t know what that tells you about the book, but Milan Kundera really took the three of us through the wringer.Of course, spoilers~——Find us on our social media:instagam.com/theadhdqueenstiktok.com/theadhdqsfacebook.com/theadhdqueensor our website:theadhdqs.gayMusic thanks to:VLOG by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US—— This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theadhdqueens.substack.com
