The ADHD Social Playbook
Hosted by Caroline Maguire, a social skills expert, this podcast offers practical advice for neurodivergent adults with ADHD and anxiety who struggle with making and keeping friends, managing emotional overwhelm, and replaying social interactions. Each episode features honest conversations with experts and advocates about building relationships that feel safe, showing up with confidence, and recovering from social bumps. The show aims to help listeners untangle social knots and find genuine connection beyond typical social scripts.
Episodes
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in ADHD with Catherine Mutti-Driscoll
In this episode, Caroline is joined by Kathryn Mutti-Driscoll, executive function coach, therapy intern, and author of The Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook: Skills for ADHD, Autistic, and Neurodivergent Adults to Heal from Rejection, Build Resilience, and Thrive.
Coping Skills for Adults with Janine Halloran
In this interview, Janine explains why coping skills aren't one-size-fits-all and why you don't have to love breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling to become better at managing your emotions. From taking a mindful drink of cold water and moving your body to journaling, music, play, grounding, sensory strategies, and setting boundaries, there are countless ways to find what works for you.
Learning Self-Compassion & Self-Acceptance with Suzanna Sophos (Part 1)
For Suzanne Sophos, one of the biggest gifts of diagnosis was self-compassion. Before understanding her neurodivergence, struggles could feel like personal or character flaws. After diagnosis, she was able to understand those experiences through a different framework and extend herself the same grace she had always given her son. In this conversation, Suzanne and I explore what happens after an AD
Why Connection Can Feel So Exhausting with Suzanne Sophos (PART 1)
In this episode, I talk with Suzanne Sophos, a peer support specialist and coach, about her experience with ADHD and a later autism diagnosis. Suzanne shares how receiving her autism diagnosis helped the pieces of her history finally click into place—and how that new understanding changed the way she viewed friendships, social cues, sensory experiences, and her own body.
How to Thrive at Work With ADHD & Autism with Brett Whitmarsh
In this episode, I sit down with Brett Whitmarsh, also known as The ADHD Boss, to talk about ADHD, autism, neurodivergence, leadership, workplace burnout, and finding a career that actually fits your strengths.
The Wall of Awful (with Brendan Mahan)
In this episode, I talk with ADHD coach, executive function expert, and author Brendan Mahan about his powerful concept, the “Wall of Awful,” the emotional barrier that can build between us and the things we struggle to do. Brendan explains why procrastination, task paralysis, avoidance, and difficulty getting started are often about much more than motivation, discipline, or making a better to-do
The Most Misunderstood Part of Autism with Rachel Feldman {Part 2}
What does friendship really look like for autistic and AuDHD individuals? In this episode, Rachel Feldman, LCSW, shares her personal and professional insights on communication, social cues, boundaries, and the importance of finding people who truly understand you. We explore why direct communication matters, how neurodivergent friendships often differ from societal expectations, and why there is n
Why ADHD in Women Gets Missed for Years with Dr. Gilly Kahn [Part 2]
Why are so many women diagnosed with ADHD later in life? In this episode, psychologist and author Gilly Kahn opens up about the hidden realities of ADHD in women, from impulsivity and emotional dysregulation to trauma, masking, hormones, and late diagnosis.
The Hidden Signs of ADHD in Women with Dr. Gilly Kahn [Part 1]
In this episode, psychologist and author Dr. Gilly Kahn joins the podcast to discuss the hidden realities of ADHD in women, from emotional dysregulation and masking to late diagnosis, anxiety, and the stigma surrounding treatment.
What Autism in Women REALLY Looks Like with Rachel Feldman [Part 1]
What does autism actually look like in women and late-diagnosed adults? In this powerful conversation, psychotherapist Rachel Feldman shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and autism later in life and how that discovery changed everything.
Autism & ADHD in Adults: The Cost of Not Knowing Sooner with Patrick Casale [Part 2]
In this powerful conversation, Patrick Casale shares his experience of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life and the years of loneliness, confusion, and self-doubt that came with it. From feeling “broken” to struggling with identity, burnout, and belonging, this episode dives deep into the emotional reality of undiagnosed neurodivergence.
ADHD & Friendship: Why It Feels So Hard with Jessica McCabe [Part 2]
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack the emotional side of ADHD and friendships, including rejection sensitivity, people-pleasing, and the tendency to take on all the blame.
ADHD Truths No One Talks About with Jessica McCabe [Part 1]
Have you ever walked away from a friendship feeling like you’re the problem?
In this deeply honest conversation, Caroline Maguire sits down with Jessica McCabe (creator of How to ADHD) to talk about something that doesn’t get said out loud enough: what it actually feels like to struggle with friendship when you’re neurodivergent.
Jessica shares what it was like growing up believing she wasn’t a “g
Late-Diagnosed Autism & ADHD with Patrick Casale [Part 1]
What if the problem isn’t you, it’s the expectations you’ve been trying to meet?
Patrick Casale shares his journey of being late-diagnosed with autism and ADHD, and how years of masking and people pleasing led to burnout.
Why Kids With ADHD Struggle in School (with Cindy Goldrich)
In this episode, ADHD expert Cindy Goldrich joins us to unpack the real challenges behind executive function and how they impact kids with ADHD at home and in school. We discuss why even highly intelligent children can struggle with organization, motivation, and processing speed, and how anxiety often plays a hidden role in their behavior. Cindy shares practical insights for parents and teachers o
The Truth About ADHD, Motherhood, and Impossible Expectations with Patricia Sung
Motherhood is hard for everyone but for moms with ADHD, the pressure to meet impossible standards can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with Patricia Sung, certified ADHD coach and host of the Motherhood and ADHD Podcast, to talk about the realities ADHD moms face every day, from feeling like you’re always “too much,” to navigating expectations around parenting, friendships, and runni
Healing ADHD Trauma with Kristin Carder [Part 2]
In this powerful conversation, I dive deep with Kristin into the emotional side of ADHD that rarely gets talked about, trauma, rejection sensitivity, family dynamics, and healing. Many adults with ADHD are navigating more than just focus or productivity challenges. They're also unpacking childhood experiences, emotional flashbacks, people-pleasing, and relationships shaped by years of misunderstan
How to Raise Healthy Kids in a Screen-Saturated World with Dr. Michael Rich [Part 2]
Parents today aren’t just managing screen time, they’re navigating an entire digital ecosystem.
In this episode, Dr. Michael Rich shares a pragmatic, hopeful framework for helping kids build balance with screens, before problems start.
![ADHD & Relationships: Stop Making Everyone Else Comfortable with Kristin Carder [Part 1]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21462120/Podcast_Logo_Black_and_White_3_001175yxgl.jpg){kind=logo}
ADHD & Relationships: Stop Making Everyone Else Comfortable with Kristin Carder [Part 1]
What happens when you realize the people closest to you don’t actually celebrate you? In this ADHD conversation, Kristin Carder and I talk about the moment you wake up inside relationships that no longer fit. Some of us don’t need better communication skills. Some of us just need new people. If you’re in the middle of reframing your life after an ADHD diagnosis, this episode will feel like permiss
![The Screen Time Conversation Every Parent Needs with Dr. Michael Rich [Part 1]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21462120/Podcast_Logo_Black_and_White_3_00117avxy1.jpg){kind=logo}
The Screen Time Conversation Every Parent Needs with Dr. Michael Rich [Part 1]
In this conversation, Isit down with pediatrician and digital wellness expert Dr. Michael Rich to talk about one of the biggest parenting challenges today: screens.
From gaming and social media to YouTube and smartphones, screens are shaping childhood, especially for kids with ADHD. But is banning them the answer?
Dr. Rich shares a refreshing, research-backed approach that moves parents away from
![ADHD Adults & Bullying: Why It Doesn’t Stop After Childhood with Brooke Schnittman [Part 2]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21462120/Podcast_Logo_Black_and_White_3_0011761bl4.jpg){kind=logo}
ADHD Adults & Bullying: Why It Doesn’t Stop After Childhood with Brooke Schnittman [Part 2]
For many ADHD adults, bullying doesn’t end in childhood—it follows them into workplaces, relationships, and everyday life. Brooke Schnittman joins us to share groundbreaking survey findings and personal insight into why ADHD adults are uniquely vulnerable to mistreatment.
Stop Interrupting Me! with Lisa Rabinowitz
Struggling with blame, finger pointing, or constant friction in your relationship where ADHD is in the mix? In this candid conversation, ADHD coach Caroline Maguire sits down with couples counselor Lisa Rabinowitz to reframe ADHD and partnership as a team sport. Instead of “fixing” one person, Lisa shows how both partners bring history, habits, and hurt into the boat and how you can paddle togethe
Bullied With ADHD? The Hidden Adult Version No One Talks About (w/ Brooke Schnittman)
In this episode, Caroline Maguire sits down with executive function ADHD coach and bestselling author Brooke Schnittman to talk about a topic we don’t discuss enough: bullying across the lifespan for kids and adults with ADHD. Brooke shares what pushed her to run a survey after years of hearing the same painful story from clients and what she found was staggering: -47% of children with ADHD are bu
![Late Diagnosis, Fewer Cloudy Days & Choosing Agency With ADHD with IngerShaye Colzie [Part 2]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21462120/Podcast_Logo_Black_and_White_3_001179dwlq.jpg){kind=logo}
Late Diagnosis, Fewer Cloudy Days & Choosing Agency With ADHD with IngerShaye Colzie [Part 2]
What if you had known about your ADHD diagnosis sooner? In part two, Caroline and psychotherapist and ADHD coach IngerShaye Colzie talk about late diagnosis, grief, and why the goal is not a perfect past, it is a better tomorrow. We unpack masking by choice, how diagnosis helps you string together more good days, and practical steps to move from regret to agency. If you missed part one, watch that
Unmasking, Energy Pacing & the “Hurry” Habit with Dr. Megan Anna Neff {Part 2}
Caroline sits down with Dr. Megan Anna Neff for part two of their conversation to dig into energy, burnout, and unmasking for ADHD and autistic folks. They explore why many ADHD brains lean on urgency and “hurry” to get going, how that cortisol-driven push fuels boom and bust cycles, and what to try instead. Dr. Neff walks through her PINCH framework (passion, interest, novelty, challenge or compe
![Masking, Code Switching, and the Cost Paid with Inger Shaye Colziel [Part 1]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21462120/Podcast_Logo_Black_and_White_3_001178ltal.jpg){kind=logo}
Masking, Code Switching, and the Cost Paid with Inger Shaye Colziel [Part 1]
If you have ever felt like you could not show your full self at work or in friendships, this conversation is for you. Caroline and psychotherapist and ADHD coach Inger Shaye Colzie talk about masking and code switching, safety in professional spaces, the “glass cliff” many Black women face, and why domestic expectations like laundry can become a quiet source of shame. You will hear practical ways
![ADHD Identity, Values, and Belonging with Tracy Otsuka and Caroline Maguire [Part 2]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21462120/Podcast_Logo_Black_and_White_3_0011775qit.jpg){kind=logo}
ADHD Identity, Values, and Belonging with Tracy Otsuka and Caroline Maguire [Part 2]
What if your struggles are not about grit or hacks, but about identity. In this energizing part two, Tracy Otsuka and I talk about why so many ADHD women are told to be less, how that erodes confidence, and what changes when you know your values, strengths, and needs. We dig into finding your “sweet spot,” building confidence through action, and reshaping friendships so you have people who lift yo
![ADHD + Autism, Sensory Needs, and Burnout with Dr. Megan Anna Neff [Part 1]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21462120/Podcast_Logo_Black_and_White_3_001179a7ba.jpg){kind=logo}
ADHD + Autism, Sensory Needs, and Burnout with Dr. Megan Anna Neff [Part 1]
When you don’t have words for what’s going on, it’s easy to think “I’m lazy” or “I’m just too much.” Once you learn the language of ADHD and autism, including executive function, sensory needs, and real supports, everything starts to click. In this conversation, Caroline and clinical psychologist Dr. Megan Anna Neff unpack the push and pull of being AuDHD, why sensory needs matter in ADHD too, how
ADHD, Friendship & Finding Your People with Dr. Carolyn Parcells (Part 2)
In this uplifting video (part two) Caroline and Dr. Carolyn Parcels get real about ADHD, friendship, and parenting neurodivergent kids. You’ll hear how to find people who magnify your light, why friendship is a two-way street, and how to balance advocating for your child with helping them self-advocate. We also dig into the mental load many women carry, the shame that can follow late ADHD diagnose
Building Trust and Creativity in ADHD Friendships with Nikki & Pete [Part 2]
Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright join me for an inspiring chat on friendship, respect, and creative collaboration within the ADHD community. Discover how their partnership thrives through honesty, clarity, and compassion.
Why So Many ADHD Women Need To Feel Understood with Tracy Otsuka [Part 1]
Today I am joined by my friend and colleague Tracy Otsuka, JD, certified ADHD coach, attorney, host of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, and author of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. In today's podcast we're digging into into late diagnosis, interpersonal intuition, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, perfectionism, and how feeling misunderstood can strain our friendships. We also talk about dropping the mask, fin
ADHD, Friendship & Virtual Connection with Nikki & Pete [Part 1]
Caroline talks with Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer about their enduring friendship, creative collaboration, and how ADHD impacts the way we connect, both online and off. A candid and funny look at virtual connection, real-world friendship, and everything in between.
ADHD, Friendship & Resilience with Dr. Carolyn Parcells [Part 1]
Dr. Carolyn Parcells discusses her ADHD story, friendship, and the power of supportive communities. This episode highlights resilience, masking versus adapting, and the importance of having people who truly "get you."
Redefining the ”Real World” for Kids with Emily Kircher-Morris & Amanda Morin
This episode challenges the idea that schools truly prepare kids for the “real world” and explores how flexibility and self-advocacy empower neurodiverse learners. Emily and Amanda also discuss the dangers of shapeshifting to fit in and the importance of helping kids discover their authentic identities.
Triggers, Anxiety & Impulsivity: ADHD Emotional Tools with Dr. Russell Ramsay [Part 2]
In this episode of The ADHD Social Playbook Podcast, Caroline Maguire and Dr. Russell Ramsay dive into triggers, anxiety, and why self-talk plays such a huge role in how people with ADHD feel about themselves. Dr. Ramsay introduces distance self-talk, a practical tool that helps quiet negative inner chatter and makes emotional regulation easier. Discover strategies to manage impulsivity, ruminatio
Stop Doing What Others Want with Dr. Ari Tuckman [Part 2]
Dr. Ari Tuckman joins us to unpack the real challenges behind ADHD and productivity. Learn why motivation, boundaries, and realistic strategies matter more than quick fixes.
Breaking Free from the Mask: A Real Conversation with Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morgan [Part 1]
Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morgan discuss the pressures of masking, perfectionism, and the toll it takes on neurodivergent individuals. Learn why authentic environments matter and how we can better support neurodiverse communities.
Productivity Without Burnout with Dr. Ari Tuckman [Part 1]
Productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters. In this episode, Dr. Ari Tuckman joins us to explore how ADHD impacts productivity, why perfectionism and shame hold us back, and how small wins can create big change.
Breaking Free from Anxiety with Dr. Russell Ramsay
Caroline Maguire talks with Dr. Russell Ramsay, founder of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment Research Program, about the deep connection between ADHD and anxiety. They discuss emotional flooding, avoidance patterns, and why managing anxiety can feel so overwhelming for adults with ADHD. Dr. Ramsay offers cognitive behavioral therapy tools and hope for breaking maladaptive copin
Perfectionism Explained: Dr. Sharon Saline on ADHD & Imposter Syndrome
Perfectionism and imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming, especially for people with ADHD. In this episode, Caroline Maguire talks with Dr. Sharon Saline about the roots of perfectionism, its impact on friendships and self-esteem, and how masking keeps us from true connection. Hear Dr. Saline’s personal story of bullying and recovery and discover practical insights for breaking free from p
ADHD Tools You Can Use Anywhere: Calm Anxiety Fast with Dr. Kate Truitt
In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, Dr. Kate Truitt dives deeper into her CPR for the amygdala technique—a powerful tool for calming the nervous system in real time. She shares practical, portable strategies like mindful touch and cognitive distraction that help regulate emotional overwhelm, especially for those with ADHD. Together with host Caroline Maguire, they explore how these simple r
”The Hidden Cost of ’Being Professional’: Why Masking Leads to Burnout” with Dr. Jessica Ching [Part 2]
In Part Two of this conversation, Dr. Jessica Ching and host Caroline Maguire explore how professionalism can act as a mask—contributing to burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation. Dr. Ching breaks down new data showing the direct link between authenticity and mental health outcomes, revealing how even small shifts in self-alienation can dramatically impact well-being. They also discuss the urg
Burnout vs. Crashing with Dr. Raffael Boccamazzo
Burnout isn’t just feeling tired—it’s a deep, lasting reaction to chronic stress that rest alone can’t fix. In this episode of The ADHD Social Playbook, Caroline Maguire talks with psychologist Dr. Raffael Boccamazzo about the true nature of burnout, especially in ADHD and autistic communities. They explore the six root causes of burnout, the cost of masking, and why authenticity and connection ar
Mindful Tools to Calm Anxiety & ADHD with Dr. Kate Truitt [Part 1]
Join host Caroline Maguire in Part 1 of her powerful conversation with Dr. Kate Truitt—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and neurodivergent mental health expert. They explore how self-compassion, mindful touch, and understanding the amygdala can help us manage anxiety, shame, and emotional overwhelm. Dr. Truitt shares simple, science-backed techniques for calming the nervous system and re
Being Authentically You with Dr. Jessica Ching [Part 1]
In Part 1, join host Caroline Maguire on The ADHD Social Playbook Podcast as she speaks with Dr. Jessica Ching about her groundbreaking research on authenticity and burnout. Dr. Ching shares deeply personal insights into physician mental health, masking, and how compartmentalization impacts well-being. This episode explores the power of living authentically and why reintegration is key to preventi
ADHD Adaptation & Overcompensation with Brendan Mahan [Part 2]
In Part 2, Caroline Maguire, M.Ed and Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS challenge the idea that all people-pleasing is bad. They unpack the nuance between healthy adaptation and insecure overcompensation, explore how to forgive past social pain, and share how to show up with confidence as a host or friend. An honest and uplifting conversation for anyone navigating social life with ADHD.
Fighting the Anxiety Beast with Janine Halloran [Part 2]
In Part 2 of this conversation, Caroline Maguire, M.Ed and Janine Halloran, MA, LMHC explore how anxiety can hold us back and what it really takes to push through in manageable, sustainable ways. Janine shares techniques to build coping skills that help you talk back to anxiety, reset your system, and reclaim your life without shame. This is a deeply encouraging episode full of practical guidance.
Emotional Regulation with Dr. Ari Tuckman [Part 2]
Dr. Ari Tuckman returns for Part 2 of his powerful conversation with Caroline Maguire, M.Ed. Together, they discuss emotional regulation, the spotlight effect, and how people with ADHD can learn to tolerate discomfort without self-judgment. A thoughtful and empowering follow-up to Part 1.
ADHD & Friendships with Brendan Mahan [Part 1]
Caroline Maguire, M.Ed sits down with Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS to discuss how ADHD impacts friendship-building. They unpack the myths promoted by social media, why we take things too personally, and how to reframe rejection and disappointment. Brendan shares how he built his community through backyard movie nights and thoughtful invitations. Part 1 of 2.
Coping Strategies with Janine Halloran [Part 1]
In this episode, Caroline Maguire, M.Ed talks with Janine Halloran, MA, LMHC about how to build effective, ADHD-friendly coping strategies for managing anxiety. Janine offers practical tools for calming the nervous system and preparing for social challenges, with an emphasis on flexibility, movement, and learning what works for your body. Part 1 of 2.
Social Anxiety with Dr. Ari Tuckman [Part 1]
Dr. Ari Tuckman and Caroline Maguire, M.Ed unpack the deep connection between ADHD and anxiety. They explore why social anxiety is often misdiagnosed and how finding the right people can change everything. This is part one of their must-hear conversation.
