ADHD Aha!
Rejection sensitivity and ADHD as an Emmy-winning comedy writer (Dan McCoy’s story)
Feb 4, 2025
Dan McCoy, an Emmy-winning comedy writer recognized for his work on The Daily Show, shares his journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis. He discusses how this diagnosis helped him understand his mood swings and fear of rejection. Comedy writing serves as a unique form of exposure therapy for him, merging humor with the emotional challenges of rejection sensitivity. Dan also reflects on the impact of ADHD on creativity and productivity, offering insight into the complex emotional landscape many creatives navigate.
25:35
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Quick takeaways
- Dan McCoy’s diagnosis of ADHD helped him understand his emotional complexities, including mood swings and rejection sensitivity, enhancing his comedic writing process.
- Comedy writing serves as a form of exposure therapy for Dan, allowing him to navigate feelings of inadequacy and use humor as a coping mechanism.
Deep dives
Reframing Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a common struggle for many, particularly those with ADHD, and it's essential to reframe how one perceives it. The episode discusses the impact of perfectionism, emphasizing that a single mistake does not define one’s worth as a person or a parent. This newfound perspective encourages individuals to affirm that they are inherently good people who may simply have moments of imperfection. By recognizing and reframing perfectionism, listeners can alleviate some of the emotional burdens it brings, allowing for a more compassionate self-view.
