Brendan Mahan with Caroline Maguire: Overcoming the Wall of Awful

• This event will take place at street level.
• If possible, events are livestreamed. Check out our store YouTube channel for livestream updates.
• ASL interpretation may be provided (based on the availability of interpreters) but must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.
• Please email us at [email protected] as soon as possible if you require ASL interpretation, guaranteed seating, or other accommodations. Seats are limited.We will do our best to serve your needs!

A groundbreaking, practical guide to accomplishing your goals and thriving in life, written for people with ADHD, autism, trauma and anxiety.

“Overcoming the Wall of Awful is not only endlessly validating, but epically empowering. This book needs to be in the hands of everyone who has ever failed at anything.” —Jessica McCabe, New York Times bestselling author of How to ADHD

We’re afraid to talk about it—that feeling we all get when we need to do something as simple as cleaning the kitchen or sending an email and we just … can’t. It’s not because we don’t want to, it’s because we feel paralyzed. We’re not aimless. We’re not lazy. Our brains are working against us! We have purpose, we just need guidance.

This is that guide. Just like bricks, negative emotions and experiences can build up until they feel like an impenetrable wall between us and our goals. Brendan Mahan, MEd., MS. calls this the Wall of Awful—and he’s lived it. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Mahan has made it his life’s work to help people overcome their own Walls of Awful and accomplish their biggest, scariest ambitions.

Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., M.S., grew up with undiagnosed ADHD. He has spent the last twenty-five years becoming the person he needed. Mahan draws on his experience as a former teacher, principal, and mental health clinician in his work as a highly esteemed ADHD coach, consultant, celebrated podcast host, and speaker. He has coached hundreds of clients with ADHD, autism, and anxiety through their most difficult challenges. Over that time, he has built a groundbreaking model that helps people understand and solve their challenges at a deeper level. That model is the subject of this book, “Overcoming the Wall of Awful.”

Caroline Maguire is an in-demand expert in social emotional learning, and a sought-after key-note speaker with more than 200 speaking engagements at organizations and schools each year, including the International Conference on ADHD, Learning Disabilities of America, and the Association of Speech Pathologists. As a Neurodivergent person with ADHD, dyslexia and learning disabilities, she’s also been a featured TEDx speaker and keynote presenter at the International Conference on ADHD. She lives in Massachusetts.

Calmer Con is a sensory-friendly comics and pop culture convention designed to accommodate the needs of autistic attendees and those with sensory processing and anxiety concerns. Like a traditional “comic con” there are artists, vendors, and cosplayers, as well as activities like Jedi training, superhero academy, block building, and an art area. We also offer access to professional service organizations to provide information and help special needs families. Calmer Con 2026 will take place on September 12 at Meadowbrook School in Weston, MA.

Brookline Booksmith, thriving in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Massachusetts, since 1961, is one of New England’s premier independent bookstores. We offer a vast selection of books, ranging from current bestsellers to the most eclectic titles. We are also known for our beautiful and inspired gifts. Customers buy and sell gently used books in our treasured Used Book Cellar and enjoy our bountiful bargain book selection. We host award-winning events series (including our groundbreaking Transnational Literature Series), offering more than 300 author talks, community conversations, and book clubs annually. Find more at brooklinebooksmith.com!