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
Jan 6, 2026 • 27min
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 first, then come back here.
Dec 16, 2025 • 23min
Unmasking, Energy Pacing & the “Hurry” Habit with Dr. Megan Anna Neff {Part 2}
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical researcher and author specializing in neurodivergence, explores the intricate dynamics of energy, burnout, and unmasking. She discusses her innovative PINCH framework, shedding light on how ADHD brains often thrive on urgency. The duo elaborates on the importance of protected downtime and the impact of sensory stimulation for energy regulation. They also tackle the stigma surrounding stimming and the crucial process of gentle unmasking for self-discovery, emphasizing that it looks different for everyone.
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]
Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, shares her journey of discovering her autism and ADHD at 37. She discusses the internal conflict between the routines sought by autism and the novelty craved by ADHD. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding sensory needs and how naming these needs can alleviate shame. Megan also highlights practical self-advocacy techniques to prevent burnout and improve relationships, emphasizing the value of selective socializing for energy management.
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."
