Edward M. Hallowell
Edward M. Hallowell is an American psychiatrist and author specializing in ADHD, mental health, and human potential. Best known for co-authoring Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction with John J. Ratey, he helped popularize modern understanding of ADHD in adults and children through widely read books, clinical practice, and public speaking.
Biography & Author's Journey
Edward M. Hallowell built his career at the intersection of psychiatry, narrative, and public education. Raised in a family marked by mental illness, alcoholism, and instability in Massachusetts, he later described those early experiences as central to his decision to become a psychiatrist. He studied English at Harvard College, earned his medical degree at Tulane, trained in psychiatry at Harvard, and went on to serve on the Harvard Medical School faculty for 21 years. His own experience with ADHD and dyslexia also shaped the way he came to think about diagnosis: not simply as a catalog of deficits, but as a search for hidden strengths. ((https://drhallowell.com/meet-dr-hallowell/biography/))
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Community Voices
"Ned Hallowell possesses the most inspiring and optimistic voice emerging from the American medical community today"
— Michael Thompson
"Drs. Hallowell and Ratey have written a book that draws on the latest scientific advances and their decades of clinical experience"
— Harold S. Koplewicz
"Hallowell is a generous and lively storyteller, and he shares inspiring insights into his family and the patients he has treated"
— Kirkus Reviews
"Dr. Hallowell writes not only with wisdom and experience, but also with heart"
— Harriet Lerner
"Drs. Hallowell and Ratey combine evidence-based practice and research to help those with ADHD live a fulfilled and happy life"
— Kristin Seymour
"Hallowell's style is easy and will be especially appealing to baby boomers searching for meaning and balance"
— Publishers Weekly
"Once again, Dr. Ned Hallowell, in collaboration here with Dr. John Ratey, has hit the proverbial ball out of the park"
— Lloyd Sederer
"In a voice both authoritative and compassionate, Hallowell thoroughly explores a topic that touches nearly everyone"
— Publishers Weekly
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
