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
Dec 16, 2025 • 23min
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 competition, and hurry) and shares what changed when she stopped over-relying on hurry.
Dec 9, 2025 • 33min
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 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.
Dec 2, 2025 • 34min
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 you up.
Nov 18, 2025 • 29min
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 naming needs lowers shame, and practical self-advocacy that protects your energy and your relationships.
Nov 11, 2025 • 16min
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 diagnoses, and practical ways to ask for help because none of us does this alone.
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.
