Unmasking the Hidden Superpower: Neurodivergence and Creativity in Music

In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland dives deep into how neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, manifests in the lives of artists and why it is often a hidden superpower. Becky shares her personal journey of navigating ADHD, from the initial chaotic symptoms to the profound sense of relief and empowerment upon getting a diagnosis. The episode explores the intersection of neurodivergence and creativity, illustrating how differences in brain wiring contribute to musical innovation and artistic inspiration. It also offers actionable advice on embracing these unique traits to enhance one's creative process. Tune in to learn about the role of neurodivergence in fostering a rich, creative life and discover valuable resources to support your journey.

FREE WORKSHEET: “YOUR CREATIVE MAP”

• https://secondversepod.com/?ff_landing=5&form=neurodivergent-artist

SPONSORS:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint
• Singing / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”)

REFERENCES:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent
2. https://www.additudemag.com/attention-deficit-disorder-vast/?srsltid=AfmBOoooK-0PzSTJ-SF5tJKIvFFoa13GEW0w2v8JzVIHPPDId8ZJ9jre
3. https://www.science.org/content/article/disorder-or-difference-autism-researchers-face-over-field-s-terminology
4. https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/adhd/9-surprising-facts-about-childhood-adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder#:~:text=1.%20ADHD%20was%20first%20recognized%20in%201902.%20The%20symptoms%20of%20attention-deficit%2Fhyperactivity%20disorder%20were%20first%20described%20in%201902%2C%20when%20clinicians%20noticed%20that%20some%20children%20were%20more%20inattentive%2C%20impulsive%20and%20hyperactive%20than%20others.
5. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/the-history-of-autism
6. https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/adhd/9-surprising-facts-about-childhood-adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder#:~:text=1.%20ADHD%20was%20first%20recognized%20in%201902.%20The%20symptoms%20of%20attention-deficit%2Fhyperactivity%20disorder%20were%20first%20described%20in%201902%2C%20when%20clinicians%20noticed%20that%20some%20children%20were%20more%20inattentive%2C%20impulsive%20and%20hyperactive%20than%20others.
7. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisafalco/2024/11/05/helping-women-navigate-adhd-autism-and-hormonal-health/
8. https://www.hunterinafarmersworld.com/about
9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12047549/
10. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html
11. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html

RESOURCES:

• Cleveland Clinic - Neurodivergent: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent
• ADDCA ADHD & Life Coach Training: https://addca.com
• Autism Research Institute: https://autism.org
• National Autistic Society: https://autism.org.uk
• ADHD Online: https://adhdonline.com
• How to ADHD: https://howtoadhd.com
• ADHD Women’s Wellbeing: https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk
• The Hallowell ADHD Centers: https://drhallowell.com
• Tracy Otsuka: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

FEATURED SONG:

• ”I Don’t Have Time” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland. Used with permission.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 Teaser Clip: Becky Boyland and ADHD
• 00:33 Welcome and My Neurodivergence Story
• 07:10 Defining the Neurodivergence Landscape
• 15:29 Sponsor: Attitude Creativity
• 16:50 Sponsor: Singing / Straw
• 17:47 The Artist's Brain
• 21:19 The Shame Spiral
• 25:56 Why This Matters to Neurodivergent Artists Now
• 28:52 Wrap-Up: Action & Encouragement
• 30:55 Featured Song: "I Don't Have Time" by Becky Boyland