Rejection sensitivity and ADHD as an Emmy-winning comedy writer (Dan McCoy’s story)

Dan McCoy understood better his mood swings, fear of rejection, and hyperfocus when he was diagnosed with ADHD last year. He got an ADHD evaluation after reading an article his brother wrote about being on the autism spectrum. 

Dan is a comedy writer who’s won two Emmy awards for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He also co-hosts the movie podcast, The Flop House. Dan explains how comedy writing can be exposure therapy for rejection, and how he’s coping with managing emotions. 

Related resources

• ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)
• ADHD and mood swings
• Dan’s podcast, The Flop House

Timestamps

(01:24) Dan’s recent ADHD diagnosis

(03:55) Recognizing emotions and burnout from masking

(06:40) The “Boom Bust” ADHD energy cycle

(08:05) Would it have been helpful to have an ADHD diagnosis as a child?

(11:26) Rejection sensitivity and comedy writing

(15:32) Does ADHD make you funny?

(19:34) Are people considerate of ADHD characteristics?

(22:34) What is Dan working on?

For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood

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