{"podcast":{"title":"The Hidden 20%","slug":"the-hidden-20-6751677","podcast_index_feed_id":6751677,"rss_url":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/657b32c48f98e20016664592","website_url":"https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20","image_url":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/657b32c48f98e20016664592/1727688431246-13a9e78d-6673-4702-95f5-bff12701363d.jpeg","author":"Ben Branson","episode_count":122,"summary":"Help us rewrite the future for every mind. Join the movement and donate at hidden20.org/donate The Hidden 20% is a UK-registered charity, podcast and movement rewriting the future for every mind Founded by autistic/ADHD entrepreneur Ben Branson, we find and share the truth about neurodiversity - catching society up and breaking the cycle of silence, shame and suffering. Through research, stories and science we share the truth - making the hidden visible. Each week, we speak with leading experts and lived experience voices to uncover the true scale and potential of neurodiversity - challenging myths, stereotypes and outdated systems. While others talk awareness, we demand recognition, representation and reform. Every month, more than 100,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to learn, connect and feel seen. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder and keep amplifying the truth. Great minds think differently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.","last_synced_at":null,"page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677"},"episode":{"title":"ADHD & Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: The Emotional Pain No One Explains","slug":"adhd-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-the-emotional-pain-no-one-explains","published_at":"2026-02-18T05:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677/adhd-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-the-emotional-pain-no-one-explains","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677","url":"https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20/episodes/adhd-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria","audio_url":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/657b32c48f98e20016664592/e/698f07467301331f1f699d12/media.mp3","summary":"In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Shyamal Mashru , Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, for a clear and compassionate deep dive into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Often misunderstood or dismissed as being “too sensitive,” RSD is explored here as a real, neurological experience - one that can hijack rational thought, flood the body with emotional pain, and quietly shape relationships, work, and self-worth. Dr Shyamal explains what RSD is (and isn’t), how it shows up differently across people, and why ADHD brains may be especially vulnerable. They unpack the science, the role of trauma and hormones, why RSD isn’t currently in the DSM, and what actually helps when rejection hits hard. If rejection feels overwhelming, confusing, or deeply personal - this conversation offers clarity, relief, and language for what you may have been carrying alone. Join us at  hidden20.org/donate . ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Dr Shyamal Mashru’s ADHD Background & Clinical Work 03:15 What Surprises Clinicians About ADHD Assessments 04:41 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Explained: What RSD Is & Why It Hurts 09:16 RSD Coping Mechanisms: Shutdown, People-Pleasing & Avoidance 11:44 Is It RSD or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference 15:05 The Neuroscience of RSD: Why Rational Thinking Switches Off 17:27 RSD in Romantic Relationships & Attachment 21:33 How to Support a Partner With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria 22:50 How Aware Is Society of RSD? 24:38 RSD, Hormones & ADHD: Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause & Menopause 26:33 Is There an Upside to RSD? Emotio…","meta_description":"In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Shyamal Mashru , Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, for a clear and compassionate deep dive i…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3564,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-hidden-20-6751677/episodes/adhd-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-the-emotional-pain-no-one-explains/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677/adhd-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-the-emotional-pain-no-one-explains.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}