The ADHD Social Playbook

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.

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.

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 “good friend,” always feeling like other people outranked her, and how that shaped the way she showed up in relationships. Together, Caroline and Jessica unpack the hidden gap between understanding ADHD and knowing how to connect with people. They also share how their friendship has impacted each other in both meaningful and critical ways. This video is one you don't want to miss. It’s a real conversation about self-worth, social blind spots, people-pleasing, and why friendship can feel confusing even when you’re doing your best. If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing something everyone else seems to just “get,” this episode will resonate. Get your copy of Caroline's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Skills-Neurodivergent-Adults-Distracted/dp/1538773082 Get your copy of Jessica's book How To ADHD here: https://www.amazon.com/How-ADHD-Insiders-Working-Against/dp/0593578945 Want more from Caroline? Listen to The ADHD Social Playbook Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2rm4vdyRflRoAmQvy5fqWw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adhd-social-playbook/id1810263678 And subscribe for more conversations about ADHD, friendship, and building real connection.

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.  

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 on building collaboration, understanding executive function gaps, and supporting kids with compassion instead of blame. This conversation offers powerful tools to help families create stronger connections and empower neurodivergent children to succeed.

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 running a household.

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 misunderstanding and gaslighting.

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.

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 permission.

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 fear and toward partnership, connection, and digital wellness.  

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.

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 together. You’ll learn practical tools to shift from criticism and defensiveness to collaboration, how to spot emotional flooding before the car crash, and simple language tweaks that lower conflict fast.

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 bullied -17% go on to become bullies (often as a trauma response) -In Brooke’s adult survey: 89% reported being bullied in childhood, 82% in adulthood, and 70% in both Together, Caroline and Brooke break down what “adult bullying” actually looks like (hint: it’s not always obvious), why so many people don’t label it as bullying, and what you can do to start protecting your nervous system, your self-trust, and your relationships.

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 first, then come back here.

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 competition, and hurry) and shares what changed when she stopped over-relying on hurry. 

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 to choose when to mask for safety, how to drop the performance that drains you, and how to set up a life that matches what you actually want.

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 you up.

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 naming needs lowers shame, and practical self-advocacy that protects your energy and your relationships.

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 diagnoses, and practical ways to ask for help because none of us does this alone.

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.

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, finding your people, and growing relationships that fit your real life. Tracy has been an incredible supporter of The ADHD Social Playbook and my work in general. She's a wealth of insight and is here today to explore what it's like to be a woman with ADHD and how unique that can be.

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.

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."

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.

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, rumination, and emotional flooding so you can feel calmer and more in control.

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.

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 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.

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 coping cycles and building emotional resilience. 

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 perfectionist patterns.  

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 rituals can empower us to shift from anxiety to calm, even in everyday situations. 

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 urgent need for systems that support emotional reintegration and authenticity in high-stakes professions like medicine.

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 are essential for recovery.

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 reclaiming control from fight-or-flight moments. Don’t forget to subscribe so you catch Part 2 of this insightful and empowering discussion!

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 preventing burnout. Trigger warning: this conversation includes discussions of suicide and depression.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.