Dr. Mine Conkbayir MBE is a neuroscientist, early childhood education specialist, and ADHD advocate who has dedicated over 25 years to transforming how society understands child development and neurodiversity. Awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours 2025, she co-hosts the acclaimed podcast I’m ADHD! No You’re Not with her husband, comedian Paul Whitehouse, challenging misconceptions about ADHD through humor and honest conversation.
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Despite their unconventional living-apart-together arrangement, the couple has maintained a strong relationship for over two decades while raising their daughter and championing vulnerable children and young adults.
Who Is Dr. Mine Conkbayir?
Dr. Mine Conkbayir is a Turkish Cypriot neuroscientist, author, and early years consultant who bridges the gap between neuroscience research and practical early childhood education. With a Doctor of Philosophy degree specializing in early childhood education and neuroscience, she has become one of the UK’s most influential voices in understanding how trauma, ADHD, and adverse childhood experiences shape brain development. Her work spans academic research, professional training, bestselling books, and groundbreaking apps designed to support emotional regulation in children.
Born and raised in London, Conkbayir overcame a traumatic childhood marked by domestic abuse, neglect, and a drug-dealing father to become a champion for vulnerable youth. Her personal experiences fuel her advocacy work, particularly for children pushed out of the education system and young people in the criminal justice system.
Quick Bio Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Dr. Mine Conkbayir MBE |
| Age (2026) | 45 years old (born circa 1981) |
| Nationality | British (Turkish Cypriot heritage) |
| Education | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Early Childhood Education & Neuroscience |
| Profession | Neuroscientist, Author, Lecturer, Trainer, Podcast Host |
| Notable Recognition | MBE (New Year Honours 2025); Nursery Management Today Top 5 Most Inspirational People in Childcare Award |
| Spouse | Paul Whitehouse (comedian/actor, married 20+ years, 22-year age gap) |
| Children | One daughter (13 years old as of 2024) |
| Key Works | Early Childhood and Neuroscience (2nd ed.); Maya’s ACE Adventures!; Keep Your Cool Toolbox app |
What Is Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s Educational Background?
Dr. Conkbayir holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in early childhood education and neuroscience, making her uniquely qualified to translate complex brain science into actionable strategies for educators and parents. She studied childcare at City and Islington College in London before pursuing advanced degrees that positioned her at the intersection of neuroscience and pedagogy.
Her academic journey was shaped by her determination to understand why children from traumatic backgrounds like herself, struggle within traditional education systems. This personal connection drives her research into how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect long-term brain development and emotional regulation.
Academic Achievements & Qualifications
- PhD in Early Childhood Education & Neuroscience: Specialized research on infant brain development and trauma-informed care
- Designer of NCFE CACHE Neuroscience Qualifications: Created Level 2 and Level 4 courses, plus accompanying textbooks
- Cache Endorsed Learning Programme Founder: Developed award-winning “Applying Neuroscience to Early Intervention” program
- Over 25 Years Professional Experience: Working with children, young people, educators, and justice system professionals
Why Did Dr. Mine Conkbayir Receive an MBE?
Dr. Conkbayir was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours 2025 for her services to early years education. She received her Insignia from Prince William at Windsor Castle in March 2025, calling the recognition “a moral duty to continue to do all I can to make a positive difference to society.”
In her acceptance statement, Conkbayir revealed the childhood trauma that fuels her work: “Daily life was a toxic mix of physical, emotional and domestic abuse, with my ‘father’s’ drug misuse fuelling much of the abuse, neglect and trauma. School was my lifeline.”
What the MBE Means to Her Mission
According to Conkbayir, the honor carries profound responsibility:
- Advocacy Platform: “It motivates me to ensure all my actions cause ripple effects that can transform the lives of those in our society who experience struggle, hardship and discrimination”
- Voice for the Voiceless: Driven to advocate for children, young people, and those in prison who have been “written off by society”
- Legacy of Action: “I am determined that my MBE will not just be three letters after my name but will have a legacy of actions for many others to benefit from and follow”
What Books Has Dr. Mine Conkbayir Written?
Dr. Conkbayir has authored multiple influential books bridging neuroscience and early childhood practice, with her flagship title Early Childhood and Neuroscience now in its second edition. Her works are used in universities, training programs, and early years settings across the UK.
Published Books
| Title | Focus | Impact |
| Early Childhood and Neuroscience: Theory, Research and Implications for Practice (2nd Edition) | Comprehensive guide to applying neuroscience in early years settings | Gold-standard textbook for CACHE qualifications; praised for being evidence-based with zero pseudoscience |
| Maya’s ACE Adventures! (2023) | Therapeutic storybook for children with adverse childhood experiences | Includes adult guide; designed to help children process trauma through narrative |
| The Neuroscience of the Developing Child | Practical strategies for understanding brain development | Used in professional training programs |
| Nurturing Children’s Resilience | Building emotional strength in early years | Focus on trauma-informed approaches |
| Early Childhood Studies: Enhancing Employability and Professional Practice (Co-author) | Career development for early years professionals | Emphasizes inclusion and holistic therapies |
Apps & Digital Tools
- Keep Your Cool Toolbox: Two-time award-winning free self-regulation app helping children manage emotions
- Online Training Programs: “Self-regulation in Early Years” (award-winning); “Applying Neuroscience to Early Intervention” (Cache Endorsed)
Who Is Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s Husband?
Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s husband is Paul Whitehouse, the 67-year-old BAFTA award-winning comedian and actor known for The Fast Show, Harry Enfield and Chums, and Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. The couple met in the early 2000s when Mine was 23, working in a health food shop in Islington while studying for her degree. They have been together for over 20 years despite their 22-year age gap.
Their Unconventional Love Story
Mine was already a fan of Paul’s work before they met, she treasured an autograph her mother obtained when she bumped into him at a supermarket when Mine was 15. Their relationship began with “a bit of banter” when Paul became a regular customer at her shop.
“Paul used to come in regularly. I’d try to act unfazed but inside I was bursting,” Mine told the Daily Mail. “There was a bit of banter between us and then a few dates.”
Paul was initially hesitant due to their age difference and his celebrity status, but Mine’s authenticity won him over. She brought him to her college for a fundraising event and even convinced the reluctant comedian to visit an art gallery with her.
Why Do Dr. Mine Conkbayir and Paul Whitehouse Live Apart?
Dr. Conkbayir and Paul Whitehouse maintain separate homes in North London due to her ADHD-related sensory needs and their belief that it’s “the key to their happy marriage.” This living-apart-together (LAT) arrangement has sparked widespread interest and debate since they revealed it on ITV’s Lorraine in 2024.
The Sensory Needs Explanation
Mine has ADHD and requires constant sensory stimulation, while Paul prefers quiet and calm environments. She explained on Lorraine:
“With ADHD, my sensory needs to him are completely different, and to my daughter’s. I need lights on all the time. I need noise and I mean 24/7. It’s not enough to have the radio on. I’ve also got rave mixes, gospel anthems, but it’s all at once. And [Paul] walks in and he’s like ‘Blimey!'”
Paul’s response: “She’s a lot of fun. You only want a bit of peace and quiet.”
Why It Works for Them
| Benefit | Description |
| Respects Individual Needs | Each partner can control their environment without compromise |
| Maintains Romance | They choose to spend time together rather than cohabiting out of obligation |
| Reduces Conflict | Eliminates daily friction over noise, lighting, and sensory preferences |
| Provides Personal Space | Both can pursue work and hobbies without interruption |
Mine notes that many podcast guests approach her afterward saying, “Do you really live apart? I would love that!” She emphasizes: “There’s no blueprint (to marriage). A lot of people sort of prick up their ears and gasp when they find out about our living arrangements.”
Celebrity Couples Who Also Live Apart
- Helena Bonham Carter & Tim Burton (when married): Lived in adjoining houses
- Gwyneth Paltrow & Brad Falchuk: Spend four nights together weekly, maintain separate homes
- Dr. Mine Conkbayir & Paul Whitehouse: Live close together in North London
Does Dr. Mine Conkbayir Have Children?
Yes, Dr. Mine Conkbayir and Paul Whitehouse share a 13-year-old daughter (as of 2024). Her name is Delilah, and she appears to have inherited different sensory needs from both parents. Mine occasionally references parenting her neurodivergent daughter in her advocacy work, though she keeps Delilah’s life largely private.
Paul Whitehouse also has two daughters from his previous marriage to Fiona Wightman in the 1990s.
What Is the “I’m ADHD! No You’re Not” Podcast About?
“I’m ADHD! No You’re Not” is a groundbreaking podcast co-hosted by Dr. Mine Conkbayir and Paul Whitehouse that explores ADHD through humor, skepticism, and lived experience. Launched in September 2024, the show features celebrity guests, professors, and specialists discussing the realities of living with ADHD while Paul plays the “archetypal skeptic” challenging the very concept.
The Title’s Origin
Mine explained: “Simply because we often get into cheeky banter and debates, where I’ll say I’m ADHD, and he’ll say no you’re not. And that’s literally where the title came from.”
Notable Celebrity Guests
- Sir Stephen Fry
- Robbie Williams
- Katie Price
- Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays)
- Johnny Vegas
- Nadia Sawalha
- Rory Bremner
- Denise Welch
- Gemma Styles
- Dr. Alex George
- Shaparak Khorshandi
- Alison Moyet
- John Lydon (Johnny Rotten)
- Theo Paphitis
- Kevin Bishop
- Heston Blumenthal
Why Paul’s Skepticism Matters
“His viewpoint as a cynic comes in really handy, because it’s a good catalyst for actually unpacking ADHD wider,” Mine explains. “We have great discussions as a result of him mucking about and undermining the very notion of ADHD.”
The podcast challenges common myths:
- ADHD isn’t a disability in itself: “What is disordered and stigmatising is society’s views about it, and that’s what makes it disabling”
- Not about being “lazy and stupid”: “Our brains are wired differently, and that needs to be understood and respected”
- Children being pushed out of education: “My biggest beef is that they’re actually being proactively pushed out of the education system, and this needs to be stopped”
Live Shows & Impact
The podcast has hosted sold-out live shows at Leicester Square Theatre, featuring celebrity guests and raising awareness for ADHD AF Plus Charity’s free peer support groups. The show’s success demonstrates growing public hunger for honest, nuanced discussions about neurodiversity.
What Is Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s Net Worth in 2026?
Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between £500,000 and £1.5 million, derived from book sales, speaking engagements, online courses, consultancy work, and podcast revenue. While exact figures aren’t publicly disclosed, income estimates can be calculated based on her professional activities:
Income Sources Breakdown
| Revenue Stream | Estimated Annual Income | Notes |
| Book Royalties | £40,000–£80,000 | Multiple bestselling titles; academic textbooks command higher prices |
| Speaking Engagements | £60,000–£120,000 | Main stage keynotes; Ofsted events; sold-out Funzing lectures |
| Consultancy & Training | £80,000–£150,000 | Local authority contracts; fostering organizations; Early Years providers |
| Online Courses | £30,000–£60,000 | Cache Endorsed programmes; self-regulation training |
| Podcast Revenue | £20,000–£50,000 | Sponsorships; Patreon; live show ticket sales |
| Academic Posts | £50,000–£70,000 | Lecturer fees; university teaching |
Total Estimated Annual Income: £280,000–£530,000
Net Worth Methodology
Assuming Dr. Conkbayir has been earning at this level for 5–10 years (post-PhD completion and book publications), with modest living expenses and strategic savings:
- Conservative Estimate: £500,000 (accounting for reinvestment in research, app development)
- Upper Estimate: £1.5 million (including property assets, intellectual property value)
Comparison to Similar Experts
- Dr. Gabor Maté (trauma specialist): Estimated £3–5 million
- Dr. Tina Payne Bryson (child development): Estimated £1–2 million
- Mine Conkbayir: £500K–£1.5 million (mid-range for specialized academic entrepreneurs)
Important Note: These are educated estimates based on typical earnings in her field. Dr. Conkbayir’s true net worth may differ significantly. Her husband Paul Whitehouse has a separate estimated net worth of £5–8 million from his comedy career.
How Does Dr. Mine Conkbayir Support Children with ADHD?
Dr. Conkbayir advocates for understanding ADHD as a neurotype (brain difference) rather than a disorder, emphasizing trauma-informed approaches, sensory accommodations, and respect over punishment. Her evidence-based strategies help parents, educators, and policymakers support neurodivergent children effectively.
Core Principles for Parenting ADHD Children
- Learn About ADHD as a Neurotype
- “Nothing has gone wrong with the brain in ADHD… It’s a difference in that person’s brain, but it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with it”
- Embrace positive traits: creativity, risk-taking, hyperfocus
- Seek Early Diagnosis
- Critical for accessing educational support and understanding behavioral triggers
- “For children in this current climate, under this awful education system, I think it’s very important to get that diagnosis”
- Identify Individual Triggers
- Bright lights, prolonged sitting, tedious tasks, crowds, loud noises
- Share trigger information with teachers for accommodations
- Avoid Consequences & Punishments
- “If they don’t understand what to do, that’s just wrong on our part”
- Focus on problem-solving together rather than punitive measures
- Ask “Why” Instead of “What”
- Understand root causes: boredom, frustration, sensory overload
- Build coping toolkits collaboratively (fidget toys, classroom breaks)
- Show Respect
- Avoid power struggles (“Because I said so”)
- Apologize when wrong: “The way the child’s body language immediately changes and relaxes”
- Find Positive Outlets
- Sports harness hyperactivity productively
- Gaming supports emotional regulation and hyperfocus
- Manage Risks Collaboratively
- Walk through risky situations step-by-step
- Be a “critical friend” helping them assess dangers
Her Keep Your Cool Toolbox App
The two-time award-winning free app provides:
- Self-regulation strategies for children
- Visual and interactive emotional management tools
- Evidence-based techniques accessible to families and schools
What Controversies Has Dr. Mine Conkbayir Faced?
Dr. Conkbayir has faced minimal public controversy, though her strong anti-medication stance for ADHD has drawn criticism from some quarters. She advocates for alternative approaches like exercise, environmental modifications, and therapy over pharmaceutical interventions, which some experts view as potentially harmful to children who benefit from medication.
The Medication Debate
Some podcast listeners have noted: “Mine’s pathological fear and mistrust of any medication is concerning. It’s a conspiracy theory level of bias which I find troubling because they are in a position to influence people. The other ADHD podcasts manage to be balanced and weigh up the facts and evidence.”
However, supporters appreciate her holistic approach and emphasis on understanding individual needs before resorting to medication.
Living Arrangement Judgement
The couple’s decision to live separately initially sparked public debate, with some viewing it as unconventional or suggesting marital problems. However, the overwhelming response has been positive, with many couples expressing interest in similar arrangements.
What Makes Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s Work Unique?
Dr. Conkbayir uniquely combines rigorous neuroscience research with lived trauma experience and practical early years expertise, creating accessible bridges between academic theory and real-world application. Her work stands out for several reasons:
Distinctive Contributions
- Trauma-Informed Neuroscience: Translates complex brain science into actionable strategies for educators and parents
- Authentic Advocacy: Personal experience with ACEs informs every aspect of her work
- ADHD Normalization: Challenges deficit-based models, reframing ADHD as difference rather than disorder
- Cross-Sector Impact: Works with early years settings, schools, prisons, and fostering organizations
- Media Accessibility: Makes neuroscience entertaining and digestible through podcasting
Career Timeline & Turning Points
| Year | Milestone |
| Early 2000s | Met Paul Whitehouse while working in health food shop and studying childcare |
| 2010s | Completed PhD; began designing CACHE neuroscience qualifications |
| 2018–2020 | Published Early Childhood and Neuroscience (1st edition); won NMT Top 5 Award |
| 2023 | Maya’s ACE Adventures! therapeutic storybook and adult guide |
| September 2024 | I’m ADHD! No You’re Not podcast with Paul Whitehouse |
| December 2024 | Announced as MBE recipient in New Year Honours |
| March 2025 | Received Insignia from Prince William at Windsor Castle |
| 2025–2026 | Podcast achieves mainstream success with celebrity guests; live theatre shows sell out |
Frequently Asked Questions
What nationality is Paul Whitehouse’s wife?
Dr. Mine Conkbayir is British with Turkish Cypriot heritage. She was born and raised in London.
Is Paul Whitehouse’s wife a doctor?
Yes, she holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in early childhood education and neuroscience, making her Dr. Mine Conkbayir. She is not a medical doctor but an academic doctor.
How old is Dr. Mine Conkbayir?
As of 2026, Dr. Conkbayir is 45 years old (born circa 1981). Her husband Paul Whitehouse is 67, creating a 22-year age gap.
What is Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s annual income from podcasting?
Estimated at £20,000–£50,000 annually from sponsorships, Patreon subscriptions, and sold-out live show tickets at venues like Leicester Square Theatre.
How many children does Dr. Mine Conkbayir have?
She has one daughter, Delilah (13 years old as of 2024), with Paul Whitehouse. Paul has two additional daughters from his previous marriage.
Does Dr. Mine Conkbayir support ADHD medication?
She emphasizes non-pharmaceutical approaches first, including exercise, environmental modifications, and therapy, though this stance has drawn some criticism for potential bias against evidence-based medication benefits.
Where can I buy Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s books?
Her books are available through Amazon, educational suppliers, and directly from publishers. Early Childhood and Neuroscience is widely used in university courses.
Has Dr. Mine Conkbayir appeared on major TV shows?
Yes, she has appeared on BBC Breakfast, ITV’s Lorraine, Talk TV, and other programs discussing early years education and ADHD advocacy.
What qualifications did Dr. Mine Conkbayir design?
She created the NCFE CACHE Neuroscience in Early Years qualifications at Level 2 and Level 4, plus wrote accompanying textbooks and training materials.
How does Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s work impact the criminal justice system?
She delivers trauma-informed training to prisons and advocates for understanding how adverse childhood experiences contribute to criminal behavior, pushing for rehabilitation over punishment.
Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s Legacy and Future Impact
Dr. Mine Conkbayir’s enduring impact lies in transforming how society understands childhood trauma, neurodiversity, and brain development, advocating for systemic change that prioritizes understanding over punishment. Her MBE recognition in 2025 amplified her platform, allowing her to reach policymakers, educators, and families with evidence-based, compassionate approaches to supporting vulnerable children.
Lasting Contributions
- Bridged Neuroscience and Practice: Made complex brain science accessible to early years practitioners
- Normalized ADHD Conversations: Used humor and celebrity platforms to reduce stigma
- Trauma-Informed Advocacy: Championed understanding ACEs as medical issue, not moral failing
- Systemic Reform Push: Actively lobbying to stop neurodivergent children being “pushed out” of education
What’s Next for Dr. Conkbayir?
With her podcast’s growing success, MBE platform, and continued academic work, Dr. Conkbayir is positioned to influence national policy on early years education and neurodiversity support. Her stated mission, ensuring her MBE “will have a legacy of actions for many others to benefit from and follow”, suggests ongoing advocacy campaigns and research initiatives.
As she told the PA news agency: “I do what I do in order to give a platform for those that are vulnerable, particularly children and young adults disaffected, disengaged, who have been written off by society. So I like to think that I make a lot of noise on their behalf and get things done to make life better for them.”
