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Brendan Mahan

@adhdessentials.bsky.social
1.5K followers 189 following 289 posts

ADHD Coach/Consultant/Speaker/Podcaster Husband, Dad, Son, Friend Trying to make the world a kinder place He/Him

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Reposted by Brendan Mahan
macsmom.bsky.social @macsmom.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Listening in on a book release party for the brilliant @adhdessentials.bsky.social for his new book: brendanmahan.com/the-wall-of-... This guy is way cool and I can’t wait to dive in to the book .
brendanmahan.com
Overcoming the Wall of Awful Book by Brendan Mahan
A groundbreaking, practical guide to accomplishing your goals and thriving in life, written for people with ADHD, autism, trauma and anxiety.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A few shots from the Author Talk I did at Brookline Booksmith on Wednesday night. (My friend, and fellow author, Caroline Maguire moderated.)
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I’m deeply grateful for everyone who turned out to support me and my book launch last night. 43 people registered, 57 people showed up. I have it on good authority it was the biggest new author event to take place at the library. 🤯 Thank you to everyone who attended. I hope you enjoyed the evening.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Here’s a look at the structure of the book, in case you’re on the fence about buying: PART ONE: THE WALL Provides an overview of the Wall of Awful™ Model, the role anxiety plays in the problems and challenges we face, and then shares a framework for addressing those problems and challenges.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
That book I talk about writing to get myself out of burnout? It's called "Overcoming the Wall of Awful". It’ll be in bookstores this Tuesday! If you preorder it now, and your proof of purchase, I’ll send you the link to the Virtual Launch Party this Friday!
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Reposted by Brendan Mahan
Calmer Con Boston @calmerconboston.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
The Calmer Con schedule is now live! Here's just a few of the day's activities. Plus comics workshops with @juddwinick.bsky.social and Ellen T. Crenshaw, miniature painting with @glacialgeek.bsky.social, and keynote from @adhdessentials.bsky.social. Full schedule: www.calmercon.org/schedule-2026
What's on the schedule? Here's a sample...

(Calmer Con is Saturday, September 12, 10 am - 4 pm at the Meadowbrook School in Weston, MA)1:30 pm: Procreate Workshop with Sketchy Go Ichie
2:00 pm: Family Trivia
2:30 pm: Text-based Brick Building with Bricks for the Blind11:00 and 3:00: Goblin Errands RPG with Side Quest Books & Games
2:00 pm: Cubing Meetup
10:00 am - 3:30 pm: Miniatures Paint and TakeView the full schedule at calmercon.org

Join us September 12th! Free admission with registration
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Reposted by Brendan Mahan
Doctor B @theedoctorb.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Thrilled to hold my copy of @adhdessentials.bsky.social and @alexhughescapell.bsky.social's book "Overcoming the Wall of Awful!" This book presents such an intuitive metaphor for when we drag our feet because of... well... lots of reasons! Available on Sept. 1st, and for pre-order now!
Close up of a smiling Dr. B in his office looking straight into the camera, and holding a frame-left copy of the book "Overcoming the Wall of Awful." It has a blue cover, its title in centered, yellow letters, with the exception of the black font for "wall" which is stylized on the foreground of a brick wall in the center of the cover.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Real talk, the anticipation of this book launch is worse than vacation and Christmas anticipation combined!
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Did you preorder "Overcoming the Wall of Awful"? Send me a screenshot of your receipt and I'll send you an innovation to the virtual book release Q&A on September 4th at 8pm EST. (It's exclusive to people who preorder!)
“Noticing when we encounter a Wall of Awful is critical to getting past it, but it's not always easy. I literally created the concept, and there are still times I don't recognize that I'm facing a Wall. But you can become better at noticing and navigating your personal Walls. Awareness is always the first step. And that's what this book is for.”
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
ADHD Thought of the Day: Does anyone buy concert tickets just to get rid of old underwear?
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I'm grateful for this endorsement from my friend and colleague Dr. Sharon Saline. I'm glad she's in my corner.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
TEFOS (The Executive Function Online Summit) starts in 3 days! It's an outstanding resource for ADHD parents. And it's FREE! Check it out here: adhdessentials--sethperler.thrivecart.com/tefos26/
adhdessentials--sethperler.thrivecart.com
Join TEFOS 2026 Free | Aug 14–17
Join the free online Executive Function Summit for parents, teachers, and professionals. Get practical strategies to help struggling students thrive.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
As @alexhughescapell.bsky.social and I worked together on this book, she recorded our conversations. It led to us realizing that we basically had "behind the scenes" video of the writing of the book. Which is pretty cool!
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
IT'S HERE! Hardcover copies of "Overcoming the Wall of Awful"! I've got a few early copies. First one goes to @blackgirllostkeys.bsky.social because she's awesome and deserves it. Releases on 9/1/26. But preorder at WallofAwful(dot)com.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
“We tend to do the things we're in the habit of doing. A big part of our lives operates on autopilot, and there's a reason for this. Humans evolved to conserve energy to survive. New, intentional actions are energy intensive, so our brains and bodies try to avoid them as much as possible.”

Overcoming the Wall of Awful
Chapter 9 - Systems, Habits, and What Gets in the Way
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Split up due to character limit. “If you’ve tried all the strategies that should work but don’t, then ‘Overcoming the Wall of Awful’ is the book for you.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
“Good systems and habits get us past the Wall of Awful with much less effort. But be careful — neurodivergent people need to establish systems and habits differently. That's what this book will help you discover.” "Overcoming the Wall of Awful" Out September 1st!
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
"When we can point to the stages of change and understand where we are, the uncertainty gets smaller. When we can name what's happening, we feel more in control." Chapter 8 - How Change Works Overcoming the Wall of Awful Available everywhere September 1st.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
NOTE: Image text broken into three parts due to BlueSky's character limit. "This book brilliantly and compassionately breaks down how every one of us can develop our own Walls of Awful, irrespective of any one diagnosis.
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Reposted by Brendan Mahan
Satadru Pramanik @satmandu.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
This is insane. Stimulants are the first-line drugs for ADHD because they are the drugs that have been shown to work the best for ADHD.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
"Our brains are set up to resist change and keep us in the status quo. Fortunately, while our brains and bodies push us to the easy path, we can teach ourselves to do the hard thing instead." Chapter 8 - How Change Works from "Overcoming the Wall of Awful". In bookstores everywhere September 1st!
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Mission: Graduation takes place July 19 - August 2 I am beyond excited to join Jessyka Coulter as she guides us to support your teen through this back-to-school season earning the ultimate prize: a high school diploma and/or college degree! l3arn.click/Brendan
l3arn.click
Sign Up For Love to Learn 5!
Get the resources you need to help your teen love to learn!
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
"They call it 'writer's block' for a reason... almost every writer I know has experienced it, and has struggled with finding a way to address it. The Wall of Awful is a perfect metaphor and a simple, clear, even fun solution for addressing it. l'd share this with all my clients."
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Dani Donovan 👩🏻‍🎨 ADHD Comics @danidonovan.com · 20/07/2026
✨ ADHD FRIENDS ✨ I'm hosting my first-ever masterclass + workshop on Tues. July 28! LEARN HOW TO ⚡️ Get unstuck fast 💩 Make boring shit suck less 🧪 Run self-experiments 🛠️ Build a life hack toolkit 🐎 Get back on the horse faster
struggle-busters.circle.so
"How to Get Sh*t Done" 2-Hour Live Masterclass + Workshop (with Dani Donovan) | Struggle Busters
Get unstuck at this live 2-hour masterclass from Anti-Planner creator Dani Donovan, 27 activity PDFs, and the full framework for tricking your brain into doing stuff.
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Reposted by Brendan Mahan
Massachusetts Pirate Party @masspirates.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
"But it is opt-in" they say. Here is how it will work. Good drivers will opt-in and get their rates cut. Insurers still need to make money, so they will raise rates on everyone else. That will cause more drivers to opt-in. Rise, repeat, all while we get spied on more and risk sharing disappears.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
"Climbing is the best way to get to the other side of the Wall of Awful over the long term. It requires skill and resilience, but you will feel lighter and more accomplished afterward." Chapter 7 - Climbing the Wall Preorder "Overcoming the Wall of Awful at the link below.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
I really enjoyed this conversation with the guys from Attention Different. We discuss the benefits of diagnosis, why I don't believe in lazy, and the Wall of Awful. youtu.be/PeCvJylGf80?...
youtu.be
The "Wall of Awful" That Affects ADHD Brains w/ Brendan Mahan
YouTube video by Attention Different
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
"Instead of using anger, anxiety, or shame to push through the Wall with negative emotions, putting a Door in the Wall works with the brain, using positive emotions to make the starting cost cheaper. And walking through a door often is much gentler than smashing through it."
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
"I've read plenty of books that explain why your brain won't cooperate; this one really helps you get unstuck. The Wall of Awful finally gave me language for something I have been struggling with for years, and it gave me a way to finally deal with it." -Laura Klein, author "Build Better Products"
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Play is a great way to move our emotional state to feeling safer and more engaged. Music and movement work, too! #WallofAwful #Emotions #Play #Music #Movement #Safe #Engaged
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Smashing is the least skilled option that gets us past the Wall of Awful. It works, but it isn't sustainable. And relying on anger or anxiety to activate typically leads to damaged relationships, either with others or ourselves.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
If you still haven't pre-ordered "Overcoming the Wall of Awful" because you were waiting to be able to get your copy signed, I have news! I will be signing all of the copies pre-ordered through Brookline Booksmith. Link in the comments.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
To me, the best part of this review by Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells comes at the end. Alex and I worked really hard to make sure this book was "totally accessible". I'm glad to see we succeeded.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I’m incredibly honored to be a part of Calmer Con again this year, this time a the event’s keynote.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
We've needed a conference for ADHD coaches to connect with each other and improve their skills for a while now. That's why I'm honored to be speaking at the ADDvance ADHD Coaching Conference!
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
"Smashing uses strong negative emotions, most often anger or anxiety, to punch a temporary hole in the Wall. Smashing requires less skill than other options so people often find and use this strategy instinctively." from Chapter 5 of "Overcoming the Wall of Awful". #Emotions #Anxiety #Anger
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
We can do the thing even when we don't feel like it. Believing otherwise is a trap. #WallofAwful #Anxiety #DoTheThing
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
It’s an honor that Publishers Weekly mentioned “Overcoming the Wall of Awful” in their picks for the Fall. Seems Alex Hughes Capell and I have written a pretty good book! Preorder wherever you get books!
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
“What’s it like to be time blind,” asks my imaginary neurotypical friend. “Let me tell you about Venus,” I reply.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Caroline has been an incredible friend and champion of mine throughout this journey! I doubt I'd have gotten the book deal I did without her. I'm forever grateful.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Uncertainty is a straight line to anxiety. So skill building, and the certainty that comes with it, is a path to getting past the Wall of Awful. #Skills #WallofAwful #Learning
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
If you are encountering the Wall of Awful™ you are, at least partially, emotionally dysregulated.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Today's Awesome: Barnes & Noble is having a preorder sale, and "Overcoming the Wall of Awful" is a part of it! Use promo code PREORDER25 at checkout! Additional details: - Ends tomorrow! - Promo is online & members only - Premium Members get another 10% off at checkout - Signed editions excluded
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Today's Awesome: Alex and I turned in the rough draft for workbook that will accompany "Overcoming the Wall of Awful". (Did you know there was going to be a workbook, too? Pretty exciting! It'll drop in February of next year.) www.TheWallofAwful.com
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I had a great time talking about ADHD (and the Wall of Awful) with Sheila Hamilton on the Beyond Well podcast. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com
Ep. 419/ Brendan Mahan. ADHD. Overcoming the Wall of Awful. Part One.
Podcast Episode · Beyond Well with Sheila Hamilton · June 22 · 11m
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I don't believe in lazy. Often, the people we call lazy are working harder than anyone realizes because it's all internal, emotional effort. They're Climbing the Wall of Awful.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
A little more from Chapter 2 of "Overcoming the Wall of Awful". #TheWallofAwful #Anxiety #StressResponse #TheBrain
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Day 4 of recording the audiobook for “Overcoming the Wall of Awful” is done and the audio is in the bag! All that’s left is pick ups once it’s edited.
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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
I'm honored by Dr. Neff's words. I'm glad @alexhughescapell.bsky.social and I were able to strike the intended tone, and craft a book that will serve the neurodiverse community well. #WallofAwful #neurodivergent #auDHD #ADHD
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