The ADHD Social Playbook
Caroline Maguire, M.Ed
Hosted by author, coach, and social skills expert Caroline Maguire, M.Ed, The ADHD Social Playbook is a heartfelt and practical podcast for neurodivergent adults who want real connection but often feel stuck, misunderstood, or overwhelmed.This show is for adults with ADHD and anxiety who struggle with making and keeping friends, managing emotional overwhelm, or constantly replaying social interactions. It’s for anyone who’s been told they’re “too much” or “too sensitive,” who feels behind socially, or who masks their true self just to fit in. Whether you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid or just uncovered it as an adult, this podcast will help you untangle the social knots and start building the connections you deserve.Each episode features honest conversations with experts, advocates, and real people who get what it’s like to feel out of sync. Together, we explore how to build relationships that feel safe, show up with confidence, and recover from the bumps along the way.If you'...
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 4, 2025 • 22min
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.
Oct 28, 2025 • 24min
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, 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.
Oct 14, 2025 • 23min
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.
Oct 7, 2025 • 25min
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."
Sep 23, 2025 • 20min
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.
Sep 16, 2025 • 22min
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, rumination, and emotional flooding so you can feel calmer and more in control.
Sep 9, 2025 • 28min
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.
Sep 2, 2025 • 24min
Breaking Free from the Mask: A Real Conversation with Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morgan [Part 1]
Emily Kircher-Morris, a clinical mental health counselor, focuses on neurodiversity-affirming education, while Amanda Morin, an education consultant, shares her insights as a parent of neurodivergent children. They dive into the pressures of masking and perfectionism in schools, explaining how these behaviors hide true needs and increase stress. Both share personal stories that reveal the profound impact of masking on anxiety and burnout, and advocate for empowering students with choices to foster authenticity in learning environments.
Aug 26, 2025 • 27min
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.
Aug 19, 2025 • 23min
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 coping cycles and building emotional resilience.
