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
Aug 12, 2025 • 25min
Perfectionism Explained: Dr. Sharon Saline on ADHD & Imposter Syndrome
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.
Aug 5, 2025 • 20min
ADHD Tools You Can Use Anywhere: Calm Anxiety Fast with Dr. Kate Truitt
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.
Jul 29, 2025 • 19min
”The Hidden Cost of ’Being Professional’: Why Masking Leads to Burnout” with Dr. Jessica Ching [Part 2]
In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Jessica Ching, a clinical researcher focusing on authenticity and mental health in medicine, reveals the detrimental effects of masking professionalism. She highlights how authenticity directly reduces burnout, depression, and suicide risk. Dr. Ching emphasizes that even minor shifts in self-alienation can significantly impact well-being. The duo also talks about the urgent need for systemic changes in high-stakes professions to support emotional reintegration, fostering environments where authenticity can thrive.
Jul 23, 2025 • 20min
Burnout vs. Crashing with Dr. Raffael Boccamazzo
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.
Jul 15, 2025 • 18min
Mindful Tools to Calm Anxiety & ADHD with Dr. Kate Truitt [Part 1]
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!
Jul 8, 2025 • 22min
Being Authentically You with Dr. Jessica Ching [Part 1]
Dr. Jessica Ching, a researcher focused on physician mental health and authenticity, delves into how masking and compartmentalization can lead to burnout. She shares personal stories, including the impact of a colleague's suicide on her research. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic living and reintegration in preventing burnout. They also discuss the challenges of self-alienation among physicians and the parallels with neurodivergent experiences. Jessica emphasizes the need for psychological safety to foster authenticity in healthcare settings.
Jun 25, 2025 • 27min
ADHD Adaptation & Overcompensation with Brendan Mahan [Part 2]
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.
Jun 17, 2025 • 20min
Fighting the Anxiety Beast with Janine Halloran [Part 2]
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.
Jun 10, 2025 • 20min
Emotional Regulation with Dr. Ari Tuckman [Part 2]
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.
May 20, 2025 • 19min
Coping Strategies with Janine Halloran [Part 1]
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.
