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
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.
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.
