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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 · 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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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 · 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 · 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 · 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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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 · 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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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

"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 · 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

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 · 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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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

A preview of Chapter 2 of "Overcoming the Wall of Awful". This book is my life's work. I'm incredibly proud of it. #WallofAwful #Anxiety #Reslience

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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

This is how I try to approach the world. (I mostly succeed.) It may seem naive to some, but it's worked out pretty well for me so far! #WallofAwful #Neurodivergence #SelfCare #GoodIntentions #emotionalintelligence

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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Chapters 7-9 of “Overcoming the Wall of Awful” are in the bag! Wednesday I record chapter 10, the conclusion, the acknowledgements, and the indexes.

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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Today’s Awesome: Recording the audiobook for “Overcoming the Wall of Awful”.

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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Post an album you’ve listened to 100 times.

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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

My first book: “Overcoming the Wall of Awful” comes out September 1st from Balance Books. Get it wherever you get books! (Or order if at the link below.)

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Brendan Mahan @adhdessentials.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

It was my absolute honor to moderate a panel on authorship at ADHD Con 2025 with my friends Alan Brown, Caroline Maguire, @adhdjesse.com, and @howtoadhd.bsky.social.

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