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The Drummer and the Great Mountain - A Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD/ADHD
The most comprehensive holistic guide to transforming adult ADD / ADHD.
"The Drummer and the Great Mountain - A Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD/ADHD" starts with the premise that ADD/ADHD is a neurological type, not a disorder -- shared by countless artists and great minds throughout history.
It offers a soulful, comprehensive, and holistic support system for creative individuals looking to maximize their potential and minimize their challenges with focus and consistency.
Topics covered: Nutrition, Exercise, Emotional Support Tools, Time Management, Life Visioning, Creating Effective Support Systems, ADD / ADHD and Addiction, Meditation and Mindfulness Practices, and much more.
Who Can Benefit:
1. Anyone diagnosed (or self-diagnosed) with ADD / ADHD.
2. Artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and creative-types who struggle with consistency, structure, self-motivation, and possibly addictive tendencies.
3. People taking ADD / ADHD medication who are looking for effective, natural alternatives.
4. Social Workers, therapists, and wellness professionals seeking a comprehensive support plan for their clients.
5. Spouses, partners, and parents looking for ways to effectively support their loved ones.
6. Teachers, life coaches and support professionals wanting to discover more in-depth tools of support.
What People Are Saying:
"The Drummer and the Great Mountain is an informative, practical guidebook for those of us with the artistic or entrepreneurial temperament, offering a treasure trove of survival tools, personal growth techniques and coping mechanisms for a personality type that can often be at odds with our linear, rational society."
~ Warren Goldie, Author
"Michael has taken a deeper look at how the foods we eat affect our brain chemistry. He has done a beautiful job explaining this phenomenon in clear and understandable terms; offering a realistic roadmap on how to recognize and take control of detrimental dietary patterns."
~ Jennifer Copyak, Nutritionist
"The Drummer and the Great Mountain - A Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD/ADHD" starts with the premise that ADD/ADHD is a neurological type, not a disorder -- shared by countless artists and great minds throughout history.
It offers a soulful, comprehensive, and holistic support system for creative individuals looking to maximize their potential and minimize their challenges with focus and consistency.
Topics covered: Nutrition, Exercise, Emotional Support Tools, Time Management, Life Visioning, Creating Effective Support Systems, ADD / ADHD and Addiction, Meditation and Mindfulness Practices, and much more.
Who Can Benefit:
1. Anyone diagnosed (or self-diagnosed) with ADD / ADHD.
2. Artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and creative-types who struggle with consistency, structure, self-motivation, and possibly addictive tendencies.
3. People taking ADD / ADHD medication who are looking for effective, natural alternatives.
4. Social Workers, therapists, and wellness professionals seeking a comprehensive support plan for their clients.
5. Spouses, partners, and parents looking for ways to effectively support their loved ones.
6. Teachers, life coaches and support professionals wanting to discover more in-depth tools of support.
What People Are Saying:
"The Drummer and the Great Mountain is an informative, practical guidebook for those of us with the artistic or entrepreneurial temperament, offering a treasure trove of survival tools, personal growth techniques and coping mechanisms for a personality type that can often be at odds with our linear, rational society."
~ Warren Goldie, Author
"Michael has taken a deeper look at how the foods we eat affect our brain chemistry. He has done a beautiful job explaining this phenomenon in clear and understandable terms; offering a realistic roadmap on how to recognize and take control of detrimental dietary patterns."
~ Jennifer Copyak, Nutritionist
521 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2014
254 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Michael Joseph Ferguson
3 books31 followersMichael Joseph Ferguson is an author, ADHD life coach, public speaker, workshop facilitator, and host of the popular ADHD podcast “Adult ADHD ADD Tips and Support,” which has reached over 1.7 million downloads and serves a community of 40,000 subscribers.
Author of the bestselling books "The Drummer and the Great Mountain – a Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD/ADHD" and "ADHD Time Management," Michael is a leading voice in reframing ADHD as a “neurological type” and not a disorder. He has coined the term "hunter-type" as an alternate label for ADHD, combining Thom Hartmann’s hunter-farmer hypothesis with the expression “neurological type.”
Through podcasts, online workshops, and one-on-one coaching, Michael and his partner Questa Li have built a global community based on their holistic approach to Adult ADHD.
He currently resides in Encinitas, CA.
Author of the bestselling books "The Drummer and the Great Mountain – a Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD/ADHD" and "ADHD Time Management," Michael is a leading voice in reframing ADHD as a “neurological type” and not a disorder. He has coined the term "hunter-type" as an alternate label for ADHD, combining Thom Hartmann’s hunter-farmer hypothesis with the expression “neurological type.”
Through podcasts, online workshops, and one-on-one coaching, Michael and his partner Questa Li have built a global community based on their holistic approach to Adult ADHD.
He currently resides in Encinitas, CA.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 28, 2015
Pragmatic and inspiring all at once. Even without the full ADD / ADHD diagnosis, I found worlds of validation and support in this book, ranging from diet and exercise to daily routine timing, to tools for the emotional body, inspiring quotes and stories, and more. I especially appreciate the Non-Violent Communication learning, for self-awareness and self-care. As the title and cover indicate, there is more to this book than you would think. You won't be disappointed.
September 14, 2016
Finally, some information for those of us who were the "wild" kids.....
I always knew I was a bit different from everyone around me, but that was just me. I have always been alright with my "norm", I am who I am and my little "koinkydinks" have always worked for me. All except the time management thing.
I suspected I had this, now labeled, ADD/ADHD thing going on. Went to the doc once for something to calm the mind so I could focus and wound up feeling like a chameleon fighting my way out of a bag of skittles. Forget it, I will figure out how to manage the time thing in my life.
Yeah right!!! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, has worked for me so I continue to struggle with this issue daily. Then the problem became a comprimising issue in my daily life, in my chosen career and I was faced with finding a solution or losing a career choice that I want more than anything.
Than's when I came upon the podcasts of this gem. As I listened I was actually bouncing in my seat saying, "OMG!! That's me! That's me"!
Anyway, this is work in progress, but so far I have discovered so many things about this ADD/ADHD business and how, as adults, it can be managed without medication.
I'll keep you updated on progress.....I have taken the "are you this type" tests already and I am 96% in the "we have some issues" catagory....LOL!
On a side note, did you know that as an adult it is possibly the toughest thing to get your doc to take you seriously on? I have heard, "adults don't get ADD/ADHD as there is no such thing as adult onset". Well DUH!!! That is the problem, we have always had this brain thing with too little dopamine going on but the medical community has only, fairly recently, diagnosed and labeled it. It's not as if a portion of an entire generation suddenly began bouncing off the walls one sunny Sunday afternoon! Scary to think that we put our trust in some of these so called professionals. Jeesh!
I don't see myself as having a "condition" that has deprived me in any way in my life. I quite enjoy who I am and I wouldn't change a single thing about my life. I do, however, realize that the time has come to conform and mold some aspects of myself so that I can move forward in the direction I have chosen in the best possible manner that I can and if in the end I can become better at what I love to do, then it's a win/sin situation.
I highly recommend this book, website and podcast series to anyone with or dealing with an adult whom bounces better than the Energizer. Full of tips, tricks and explanations.
Meanwhile back in my racing mind.....I'm trying to focus so Ta-ta for now....LOL
I always knew I was a bit different from everyone around me, but that was just me. I have always been alright with my "norm", I am who I am and my little "koinkydinks" have always worked for me. All except the time management thing.
I suspected I had this, now labeled, ADD/ADHD thing going on. Went to the doc once for something to calm the mind so I could focus and wound up feeling like a chameleon fighting my way out of a bag of skittles. Forget it, I will figure out how to manage the time thing in my life.
Yeah right!!! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, has worked for me so I continue to struggle with this issue daily. Then the problem became a comprimising issue in my daily life, in my chosen career and I was faced with finding a solution or losing a career choice that I want more than anything.
Than's when I came upon the podcasts of this gem. As I listened I was actually bouncing in my seat saying, "OMG!! That's me! That's me"!
Anyway, this is work in progress, but so far I have discovered so many things about this ADD/ADHD business and how, as adults, it can be managed without medication.
I'll keep you updated on progress.....I have taken the "are you this type" tests already and I am 96% in the "we have some issues" catagory....LOL!
On a side note, did you know that as an adult it is possibly the toughest thing to get your doc to take you seriously on? I have heard, "adults don't get ADD/ADHD as there is no such thing as adult onset". Well DUH!!! That is the problem, we have always had this brain thing with too little dopamine going on but the medical community has only, fairly recently, diagnosed and labeled it. It's not as if a portion of an entire generation suddenly began bouncing off the walls one sunny Sunday afternoon! Scary to think that we put our trust in some of these so called professionals. Jeesh!
I don't see myself as having a "condition" that has deprived me in any way in my life. I quite enjoy who I am and I wouldn't change a single thing about my life. I do, however, realize that the time has come to conform and mold some aspects of myself so that I can move forward in the direction I have chosen in the best possible manner that I can and if in the end I can become better at what I love to do, then it's a win/sin situation.
I highly recommend this book, website and podcast series to anyone with or dealing with an adult whom bounces better than the Energizer. Full of tips, tricks and explanations.
Meanwhile back in my racing mind.....I'm trying to focus so Ta-ta for now....LOL
March 15, 2017
Excellent resource. Directed at "millennials", in my opinion, but very helpful for all! Drummer uses a test, assigns a category and offers usable advice for your "type". Ideas for business and personal use, Ferguson does an excellent job explaining why people with ADD & ADHD get stuck.
Drummer reads well, not too confusing if you have attention issues. It's a large book and worth the money. Also, Ferguson backs up his work with free podcasts that go through each chapter and life experiences. Great for anyone that suffers from lack of follow-thru, therapists and the curious.
Drummer reads well, not too confusing if you have attention issues. It's a large book and worth the money. Also, Ferguson backs up his work with free podcasts that go through each chapter and life experiences. Great for anyone that suffers from lack of follow-thru, therapists and the curious.
July 29, 2019
I can’t rate this book high enough. It’s been a great help to me as it doesn’t focus on diagnosis or medications but true help, life help. This book focuses on ways to modify and transform our lives. This book shows us suggestions to optimise our lives ultimately make them more fulfilling. Whilst I’m not transformed yet myself. The journey I’m on with this wiring is a lot easier in the day to day because of this book. The relationships with everyone in my life and my work life are better and more organised for it.
April 7, 2024
Al leer la historia del primer capítulo creí que sería EL libro que necesitaba leer sobre TDA/TDAH. Sin embargo, con el pasar de las páginas me fui decepcionando poco a poco.
Entre otras razones, pretende enseñar neurociencia sin tener absoluta idea de lo que habla. Confunde la sinapsis química con la sinapsis eléctrica señalando que los neurotransmisores son como cables que transmiten señales eléctricas en el sistema nervioso, cuando en realidad estas sustancias se asocian a la sinapsis química.
Además, se nota su completo desconocimiento de temas básicos de biología al señalar que el consumo de antibióticos puede traducirse en el desarrollo de "super virus" resistentes a estos, confundiendo así partículas infecciosas inertes con seres vivos (bacterias).
Finalmente, propone considerar el TDAH como un superpoder en lugar de un trastorno psiquiátrico. Aunque esto puede ser útil en cierta medida, la verdad es que un cerebro con déficit atencional debidamente diagnosticado bajo el respaldo de imagenología (vía SPECT, por ejemplo), se ve y funciona diferente que uno que no lo padece. Las alteraciones funcionales son reales, no algo que el individuo pueda controlar con simple intención.
Este es de aquellos libros que, en la verborrea del autor, tiene pequeñas ideas que pueden ser útiles, pero que en términos generales representa el trabajo de un vendedor de aceite de serpiente.
Entre otras razones, pretende enseñar neurociencia sin tener absoluta idea de lo que habla. Confunde la sinapsis química con la sinapsis eléctrica señalando que los neurotransmisores son como cables que transmiten señales eléctricas en el sistema nervioso, cuando en realidad estas sustancias se asocian a la sinapsis química.
Además, se nota su completo desconocimiento de temas básicos de biología al señalar que el consumo de antibióticos puede traducirse en el desarrollo de "super virus" resistentes a estos, confundiendo así partículas infecciosas inertes con seres vivos (bacterias).
Finalmente, propone considerar el TDAH como un superpoder en lugar de un trastorno psiquiátrico. Aunque esto puede ser útil en cierta medida, la verdad es que un cerebro con déficit atencional debidamente diagnosticado bajo el respaldo de imagenología (vía SPECT, por ejemplo), se ve y funciona diferente que uno que no lo padece. Las alteraciones funcionales son reales, no algo que el individuo pueda controlar con simple intención.
Este es de aquellos libros que, en la verborrea del autor, tiene pequeñas ideas que pueden ser útiles, pero que en términos generales representa el trabajo de un vendedor de aceite de serpiente.
November 17, 2024
Well finally I was fortunate enough to cross paths with a man who pointed me in the direction of this fine book. I have struggled with my ADHD traits on and off through my life. At different stages of my life there wasn’t an apparent struggle because I wasn’t in a relationship or committed to a course of study. As a single man I was not aware of my ADHD, I just thought I was a free spirit and liked the wandering off course attitude. In relationship I didn’t accept the diagnosis, for myself. This book explains my strengths and weaknesses and how to work with them. The author is a man with great love and care for his fellow Hunter Gatherer brothers and sisters. I have so much gratitude to both the author and the man who pointed me in the right direction. It is changing my outlook and aspirations. I dare to dream of success. I am a proud member of the hunter gatherer community and lineage.
I hope you find your way into its pages and get to engage more harmoniously with your birthright. I am 63 and a half and feel in a lot of ways like my life is only taking off except now it’s with the hand brake off and a steering wheel.
Chris da wayward postman, west of Ireland 💚
I hope you find your way into its pages and get to engage more harmoniously with your birthright. I am 63 and a half and feel in a lot of ways like my life is only taking off except now it’s with the hand brake off and a steering wheel.
Chris da wayward postman, west of Ireland 💚
June 5, 2017
Excellent guidance for anyone. This 54 year old female hunter type heard about the book from her 30 year old phd hunter type daughter. Best gift ever. Life changing. It is common sense mixed with science and the cherry on top is life experience. Now there is an audible version, even better.
March 3, 2020
Contains a lot of life changing information. Wish I would have found it sooner but nonetheless it has helped me in ways I couldn't imagine.
April 3, 2022
Literally changed my life. Thanks Tones for the rec
December 30, 2024
Highly practical information and immediately actionable tips across various dimensions of life (time management, diet, exercise, life visioning). I appreciated the blend of background information and writing/thinking prompts. Very approachable and digestible.
April 13, 2021
Good read though a lot of it seems like general life coaching that applies to all. It's 100% worth it if it helps you reframe your brain chemistry in a more positive light though
January 5, 2023
Major personal takeaways to improvise and execute! Still imbibing them everyday!
April 7, 2023
I bought this in 2020 after listening to the related podcast over lockdown, and it took me 3 years to get around to reading it. No, my TBR pile is not out of control: why do you ask?
This is a good book about managing adult ADHD and structuring your life to make the most of it. I do still prefer The Adult ADHD Tool Kit: Using CBT to Facilitate Coping Inside and Out for the everyday basics, but this book has more on managing a creative practice with ADHD, and especially using either a professional life/ADHD coach, or swapping coaching with another person. There's also more on exercise and diet, which didn't resonate for me.
Recommended.
This is a good book about managing adult ADHD and structuring your life to make the most of it. I do still prefer The Adult ADHD Tool Kit: Using CBT to Facilitate Coping Inside and Out for the everyday basics, but this book has more on managing a creative practice with ADHD, and especially using either a professional life/ADHD coach, or swapping coaching with another person. There's also more on exercise and diet, which didn't resonate for me.
Recommended.
March 8, 2025
Helpful and insightful, with good guidance on inner work that can be done and systems that can be utilized to improve day-to-day life for adults with a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
That being said, the book could be improved with professional editing. (I believe it was self-published, as I could find no publisher information in the book.) There were numerous grammatical errors, fragmented sentences, typos, and incorrect word usage. As an academic/creative with ADHD this was a huge distraction from his message. I would also have liked to see more resources and have them separated out into a separate section. Mr. Ferguson's Bibliography & Resource section is largely bibliographic. The inclusion of more websites, videos, podcasts, software, products, and organizations that could be of further help to adults with ADD/ADHD would strengthen reader outcomes.
That being said, the book could be improved with professional editing. (I believe it was self-published, as I could find no publisher information in the book.) There were numerous grammatical errors, fragmented sentences, typos, and incorrect word usage. As an academic/creative with ADHD this was a huge distraction from his message. I would also have liked to see more resources and have them separated out into a separate section. Mr. Ferguson's Bibliography & Resource section is largely bibliographic. The inclusion of more websites, videos, podcasts, software, products, and organizations that could be of further help to adults with ADD/ADHD would strengthen reader outcomes.
February 22, 2023
For anyone seeking insight of how one can thrive with ADHD, this book provides a manual, but also an example: the author overcame distraction to complete the book, which, if you have ADHD, is no small feat. Michael practices what he preaches and inspires through his humble sincerity and empathy. The book is best used in combination with the podcast of the same name.
July 6, 2025
This book is essentially a collection of general life advice from one particular person. This means that there definitely are some helpful tips, but the generalisations that the author makes are often overstated. Read this for some inspiration and ideas, not for definitive answers.
December 5, 2023
Best Book on ADD I have ever read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews