Insanely Talented Podcast with Zak Sandler

zaksandler
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Mental Health

Insanely Talented is a podcast that explores the link between neurodivergence and creativity. On each episode, Broadway musician and TEDx speaker Zak Sandler interviews a guest with a mental health condition, focusing on how their mental health condition has helped with their creative output. The show focuses on musicians, actors, directors, visual artists, and more.

Episodes

  1. Aug 27

    Sarah Elizabeth Crimmins on Bipolar Disorder, Mixed Mania, Poetry, and Finding Her Voice

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with poet, public speaker, and mental health advocate Sarah Elizabeth Crimmins to explore bipolar disorder, mixed mania, trauma, faith, and the healing power of writing. Sarah shares how many of the poems in her book The Other Side of Normal emerged during manic and mixed manic episodes, and explains what it feels like to experience the energy of mania and the darkness of depression at the same time. Sarah also opens up about surviving sexual assault, the self-blame she carried for years, and how returning to therapy and revisiting her poetry helped her process what happened from a new perspective. She reads from “The Day She Lost Her Words,” a deeply personal poem about moving from victim to survivor, and reflects on forgiveness, faith, and reclaiming the parts of her life that trauma once occupied. The conversation also explores the importance of support systems, finding the right mental health care, and Sarah’s work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help others feel less alone. This conversation is vulnerable, hopeful, and deeply human, offering a powerful reminder that creativity can give us language for experiences that once felt impossible to express and help us reclaim our stories on our own terms. Become a Patreon subscriber and get early access, bonus content, and a chance to support the future of Insanely Talented. Click here to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What mixed mania can feel like and how it differs from euphoric mania How bipolar disorder has influenced Sarah’s poetry and creative process Why writing can provide a way to process trauma and reclaim your story The role faith, therapy, family, and community can play in healing Why a strong support system can make a meaningful difference during difficult periods How Sarah transformed her experience as an educator into mental health advocacy Why the language we use around mental health conditions matters What You’ll Hear in This Episode (02:15) Sarah introduces The Other Side of Normal and shares how mania and mixed mania fueled much of the poetry behind the book (05:14) What mixed mania feels like, including agitation, sleeplessness, depression, and the importance of recognizing when additional support is needed (09:14) Sarah traces her journey as a writer, from her bipolar diagnosis in college to using poetry to make sense of difficult periods in her life (13:50) Sarah opens up about surviving sexual assault, releasing years of self-blame, returning to therapy, and rewriting her story from a survivor’s perspective (19:14) A reading from “The Day She Lost Her Words” and a conversation about forgiveness, healing, and refusing to let trauma occupy more of her life (26:14) The power of friends, family, faith, mental health care, and NAMI in building a lasting support system and giving back to others Follow Sarah Elizabeth Crimmins Book: The Other Side of Normal by Sarah Elizabeth Follow Zak Sandler Zak’s Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler

  2. Aug 20

    Kevin Lynch on ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, and the Creative Chaos of Musical Theater

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with award-winning producer, composer, film scorer, songwriter, and music director Kevin Lynch to explore how ADHD, OCD, and anxiety intersect with a life in music. Kevin traces his journey from discovering the piano as a child to working at Juilliard, music directing theater productions, studying at Berklee College of Music, and building a creative career centered around collaboration and project based work. Kevin opens up about experiencing ADHD from an early age, describing his mind as having "15 televisions" playing at once, and the long process of finding mental health care that actually worked for him. He and Zak discuss medication, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, hypervigilance, and the importance of finding providers who listen. Kevin also explains why the multidimensional demands of musical theater work so naturally with his ADHD brain, while the solitude and sustained focus required for composing can present a very different challenge. This conversation is candid, funny, and refreshingly practical, offering an honest look at how understanding the way your mind works can help you build a creative process that works with your brain rather than against it. Become a Patreon subscriber and get early access, bonus content, and a chance to support the future of Insanely Talented. Click here to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How ADHD can become an asset in the fast moving world of musical theater Why Kevin describes his ADHD brain as having multiple televisions playing at once The connection between anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors Why finding the right mental health treatment can require patience and experimentation How Kevin moves from simple ideas on paper and piano into fully developed compositions Why structure, deadlines, and time blocking help Kevin stay creatively focused How understanding your own patterns can help you work with your brain instead of against it What You’ll Hear in This Episode (03:13) Kevin traces his path from childhood piano lessons to musical theater, Juilliard, freelance music direction, and studying at Berklee (12:16) Growing up with ADHD, struggling to focus in school, and learning how differently his brain processes information (20:57) Kevin shares his journey through different medications and providers and how treating his anxiety changed his approach to ADHD care (27:14) Why ADHD can be a creative advantage in musical theater and how Kevin manages distraction when writing his own music (42:43) Understanding Kevin’s experience with OCD, including counting, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, anxiety, and the strategies that help him interrupt those patterns (53:12) Kevin introduces Busted Broadway and shares what he’s creating next as he expands beyond traditional musical theater Follow Kevin Lynch Kevin’s Website: https://www.kevinlynchmusic.com/ Follow Zak Sandler Zak’s Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler

  3. Aug 13

    Lenna Jawdat on ADHD, Depression, Poetry, and Making Beauty from Pain

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with poet and writer Lenna Jawdat to explore the relationship between ADHD, depression, trauma, and creativity. Lenna shares the story behind her book length hybrid project combining memoir, documentary poetics, history, and visual elements, which began as a response to learning about the loss of Palestinian books and private libraries after 1948. What started with the simple act of writing numbers by hand evolved into an expansive creative practice for processing history, memory, grief, and the body's response to trauma. Lenna also opens up about experiencing depression from an early age, growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, and the lasting impact of feeling that something was wrong with her before she had language to understand how her brain worked. She and Zak discuss hyperfocus, creative flow, motivation, and the complicated ways ADHD and depression can both fuel and interrupt the artistic process. Lenna also reflects on therapy, medication, coping strategies, and learning when to engage with painful material and when to give herself permission to step away. This conversation is intimate, thoughtful, and deeply reflective, offering an honest look at how creativity can give shape to experiences that are difficult to express and how understanding our minds can change the stories we tell about ourselves. Become a Patreon subscriber and get early access, bonus content, and a chance to support the future of Insanely Talented. Click here to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How ADHD hyperfocus can fuel creative flow The connection between undiagnosed ADHD and negative beliefs about yourself How depression can both inspire and interrupt creative work Why Lenna uses poetry, memoir, history, and visual art to process difficult experiences The difference between losing motivation from ADHD and withdrawing because of depression How therapy and other coping strategies can change the way we respond to difficult emotions Why knowing when to engage with painful material and when to step away matters What You’ll Hear in This Episode (01:23) Lenna introduces her hybrid book project and explains how writing thousands of numbers became a way to explore history, memory, trauma, and loss (06:15) Growing up with depression and undiagnosed ADHD, from early emotional struggles to finally understanding why her brain worked differently (16:29) How ADHD hyperfocus fuels Lenna’s writing while also creating challenges with motivation, focus, and finishing long term projects (20:59) Lenna explores the different ways ADHD and depression affect creativity and why depression can sometimes serve as protection from overwhelming emotions (24:32) Therapy, medication, coping strategies, relationships, and the practices that have helped Lenna care for her mental health over time Follow Lenna Jawdat Website: https://lennajawdat.wordpress.com/   Follow Zak Sandler Zak’s Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler

  4. Aug 7

    Paul Dalio on Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, and the Creative Mind

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with writer, director, composer, and author Paul Dalio to explore the profound relationship between bipolar disorder, psychosis, and creativity. Best known for writing, directing, and scoring the acclaimed film Touched with Fire, Paul shares the deeply personal experiences that inspired his work and how living with bipolar I disorder transformed both his life and his artistic voice. Paul reflects on experiencing psychosis while attending NYU, the intense creative energy that accompanied mania, and the long journey of learning to separate meaningful insight from delusion. Together, he and Zak discuss the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder, the importance of finding purpose after diagnosis, and why storytelling can help reshape the way we understand mental illness. Paul also shares his perspective on psychedelics, creativity, and the projects that continue to grow from his lived experience. This conversation is thoughtful, courageous, and deeply illuminating, offering a compassionate look at the complex relationship between mental illness and creativity while reminding us that healing begins with honesty, acceptance, and meaningful connection. Become a Patreon subscriber and get early access, bonus content, and a chance to support the future of Insanely Talented. Click here to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Paul's first manic episode and psychosis changed the course of his life The relationship between bipolar disorder, creativity, and artistic expression Why distinguishing insight from delusion is one of the greatest challenges of psychosis How Touched with Fire grew directly from Paul's lived experience Paul's perspective on psychedelics, mental illness, and creative breakthroughs Why sharing personal stories can reduce stigma and deepen understanding of bipolar disorder How purpose and creativity can emerge from even the darkest experiences What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (02:09) Paul reflects on his first manic episode, experiencing psychosis while studying at NYU, and how it reshaped both his life and his creative ambitions (13:35) The inspiration behind Touched with Fire, writing from lived experience, and changing the conversation around bipolar disorder through film (27:10) Paul and Zak explore the complex relationship between bipolar disorder, creativity, insight, and the search for meaning during psychosis (39:15) An honest discussion about psychedelics, mental illness, and the importance of approaching healing with caution and intention (48:58) Paul shares his upcoming memoir, films, and musical projects inspired by his experiences with bipolar disorder and creativity Follow Paul Dalio Website: https://pauldalio.com/ Film: Touched with Fire Follow Zak Sandler Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler

  5. Jul 31

    Elise Arsenault on Anxiety, ADHD Traits, and Building a Creative Life with Intention

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with actor, singer, musician, and coach Elise Arsenault to explore how anxiety, ADHD traits, and creativity have shaped her personal and professional journey. From performing at a young age to building a career in acting, Elise shares how she's learned to navigate self-doubt, embrace her strengths, and create sustainable systems that support both her mental health and her creative work. Together, Zak and Elise discuss the realities of creative burnout, perfectionism, physical clutter, productivity, and learning to focus on what matters most. Elise also opens up about the mindset shifts, therapy, and coaching that helped her move past limiting beliefs, along with the importance of defining success on your own terms rather than chasing external validation. This conversation is thoughtful, encouraging, and deeply relatable, offering an honest look at what it takes to build a creative career while caring for your mental health and trusting your own path. Become a Patreon subscriber and get early access and interview suggestions. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You'll Learn in This Episode How anxiety and ADHD traits influence Elise's creative process Why physical environment can have a major impact on productivity The role therapy and coaching played in overcoming creative roadblocks How to balance multiple creative passions without burning out Why redefining success can create greater confidence and fulfillment The importance of building systems that support long-term creativity How embracing curiosity leads to more meaningful artistic work What You'll Hear in This Episode (00:00) Elise shares her journey into acting, music, and performance, along with the mental health challenges that have accompanied her creative career. (05:30) A conversation about anxiety, ADHD traits, clutter, organization, and the practical systems Elise uses to support her creativity. (18:30) Elise reflects on therapy, coaching, limiting beliefs, and the inner work that helped her pursue bigger creative goals with confidence. (28:00) The importance of focusing on one opportunity at a time, avoiding burnout, and creating a sustainable creative career. (34:00) Zak and Elise wrap up by discussing purpose, personal growth, and what it means to define success on your own terms. Follow Elise Arsenault Website: https://www.theglobalactor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisearsenault.actor/ Follow Zak Sandler Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/

  6. Jul 23

    Lachi on Blindness, Neurodivergence, and Turning Difference into Power

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with recording artist, author, music executive, and disability inclusion advocate Lachi to explore the relationship between blindness, ADHD, OCD, maladaptive daydreaming, and creativity. Lachi reflects on growing up as the legally blind daughter of Nigerian immigrants, struggling to ask for help, and finding a place of belonging and self-expression at the piano. Lachi shares how learning that she was gradually losing her remaining vision inspired her to embrace life more fully, take risks, and pursue experiences she had once considered out of reach. She also explains how music helped transform a shy and isolated child into a touring artist, industry leader, and advocate working to make creative spaces more accessible. The conversation explores the accommodations that allow neurodivergent artists to thrive, the complexities of diagnosis, and how maladaptive daydreaming became the foundation for an entire fictional world. This conversation is funny, candid, and deeply empowering, offering a powerful reminder that accepting the parts of ourselves society tells us to hide can unlock greater creativity, confidence, and purpose. Become a Patreon subscriber and get early access, bonus content, and a chance to support the future of Insanely Talented. Click here to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How blindness, ADHD, and OCD became interconnected in Lachi’s life Why accommodations are essential for accessing neurodivergent strengths How music can create confidence, belonging, and self-expression The relationship between disability acceptance and creative authenticity How maladaptive daydreaming became the foundation for a novel Why community matters when exploring diagnosis and identity How accessible tools and systems support Lachi’s creative process What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (05:00) Lachi reflects on growing up blind with ADHD and OCD, feeling caught between different communities, and turning to the piano for belonging (10:47) Learning that she was losing her remaining vision and deciding to experience life more fully instead of living in fear (14:13) How college piano nights led Lachi to New York, a professional music career, disability advocacy, and greater confidence in her identity (18:19) The creative strengths of ADHD and OCD, the importance of accommodations, and how maladaptive daydreaming became a book (24:05) Inside Lachi’s songwriting process, accessible production tools, collaboration, and the systems that help her capture ideas (33:18) Lachi introduces I Identify as Blind, The Colors in My Mind, and a children’s music project celebrating disability and neurodivergence Follow Lachi Lachi’s Website: https://lachimusic.com/ Books: https://lachimusic.com/books.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lachimusic Follow Zak Sandler Zak’s Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler Production Credits Produced by: Justin Marra Additional editing by: Podcast Engineers

  7. Jul 9

    Wyatt Unger on Anxiety, Dyslexia, Improv, and the Power of Creative Empathy

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with award-winning actor, acting coach, improviser, and filmmaker Wyatt Unger to explore the connection between anxiety, dyslexia, creativity, and performance. As a founding member of Shrug Productions and a mentor to young performers, Wyatt shares how neurodivergence has shaped both his artistic career and the way he helps others discover confidence on stage and screen. Wyatt opens up about growing up with dyslexia, navigating anxiety throughout his life, and finding a creative home in acting and improvisation. Together, he and Zak discuss the unique strengths that neurodivergent artists bring to their work, the challenges of self-criticism and perfectionism, and how creative expression can transform even life's most difficult experiences into something meaningful. The conversation also explores empathy, storytelling, and why some of the most powerful art comes from learning to embrace vulnerability rather than avoid it. This conversation is funny, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring, offering a powerful reminder that our struggles don't have to define us. Instead, they can become some of the most valuable tools we bring to our creative work, our relationships, and our understanding of ourselves. Become a Patreon subscriber and get early access, bonus content, and a chance to support the future of Insanely Talented. Click here to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How anxiety and dyslexia can influence creativity and performance Why improvisation can be a powerful tool for building confidence The relationship between perfectionism, self-criticism, and anxiety How empathy helps actors connect more deeply with their work Why neurodivergent artists often develop unique creative strengths How storytelling can transform pain, grief, and adversity into connection What it means to create art for impact rather than achievement What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (01:20) Wyatt shares his work as an actor, acting coach, filmmaker, and mentor, and explains how creativity became the foundation of his career (10:30) Growing up with dyslexia and anxiety, discovering theater, and finding a place where his differences became strengths (27:45) The realities of perfectionism, self-criticism, and learning how anxiety can both help and hinder the creative process (46:00) Why empathy is one of the most important skills an artist can develop and how storytelling allows us to experience lives beyond our own (01:04:32) Wyatt reflects on grief, resilience, and the lesson that every experience, even painful ones, can be transformed into meaningful art Follow Wyatt Unger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shrugproductions/   Follow Zak Sandler Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler

  8. Jun 24

    Joe Cahill on ADHD, Creativity, and Learning to Slow Down

    In this episode of Insanely Talented, Zak sits down with composer, pianist, performer, and multimedia artist Joe Cahill to explore the relationship between ADHD, creativity, anxiety, and depression. Joe shares the story behind Neurodivergent, a jazz-inspired piano piece he wrote shortly after being diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and anxiety in his mid-twenties. By intentionally changing time signatures throughout the piece, Joe transformed his experience with ADHD into music that reflects both its chaos and its beauty. Joe also opens up about graduating from NYU, facing an unexpected mental health crisis after losing the structure that had defined much of his life, and learning how to navigate feelings of shame, productivity, and self-worth. Together, Zak and Joe explore how creativity can become a source of healing, why slowing down can sometimes lead to greater success, and the challenge of balancing artistic ambition with mental well-being. This conversation is thoughtful, vulnerable, and deeply relatable, offering an encouraging reminder that neurodivergence isn't something to overcome, but something we can learn to understand, embrace, and channel into meaningful creative work. If you believe in this show and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Click the Patreon link below to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How ADHD can become a source of creative inspiration Why structure and routine are essential for neurodivergent minds How losing structure after graduation contributed to anxiety and depression The relationship between productivity, shame, and self-worth Why movement and exercise can be powerful tools for regulating ADHD How to balance ambition with long-term mental well-being The challenges and opportunities of creating art in the age of social media What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (02:03) Joe shares the inspiration behind Neurodivergent and how his ADHD diagnosis became the foundation for a new creative direction (09:14) How ADHD shapes his daily life, from hyperfixation and routines to using running as a powerful outlet for his energy (19:30) Graduating from NYU, losing structure, and navigating a difficult period of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty (27:26) An honest conversation about shame, productivity, and learning to separate self-worth from achievement (38:28) Joe reflects on social media, creative burnout, and finding sustainable ways to create without losing himself in the process Follow Joe Cahill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joecahill_productions/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7fPOfihVDgU9CjipvVpfMa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9c-1q2OnmoCitcsg9Q9IEQ   Follow Zak Sandler Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler

  9. Jun 17

    Truth Over Image: Benjamin Lerner on Addiction, Autism, and Finding Your Real Voice

    What does it take to find your real voice after years of trying to fit in? This episode features Benjamin Lerner, a rapper, pianist, composer, and recovery advocate who is on the autism spectrum and has experienced addiction and recovery firsthand. In this conversation, Benjamin explores the connection between neurodivergence and creativity, how his struggle to fit in shaped his identity, and how getting sober transformed both his life and his music into something more honest, grounded, and deeply personal. This episode is about what happens when everything falls apart and how you begin to rebuild from truth instead of illusion. It’s a reflection on identity, addiction, and neurodivergence, and what it really takes to find your real voice. This conversation is honest, insightful, and deeply moving, offering a powerful look at how recovery, self-acceptance, and creativity can work together to help us become more fully ourselves. If you believe in this show and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Click the Patreon link below to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The connection between autism and creative expression How addiction can become a way to cope with not feeling understood What it really means to “find your voice” Why honesty creates deeper, more meaningful art How sobriety can transform not just your life, but your identity What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (00:00) Benjamin shares his journey with autism, creativity, and the search for identity (09:30) The realities of addiction, hitting rock bottom, and choosing recovery (17:00) How the pressure to fit in shaped his sense of self and artistic voice (23:20) Discovering music as a tool for expression, healing, and connection (35:00) Final reflections on fatherhood, presence, recovery, and living authentically Follow Benjamin Lerner Benjamin’s Website: https://benjaminlerner.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamin.lerner/   Follow Zak Sandler for tools, resources, and support on your journey: Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/

  10. May 28

    Finding Creativity in Chaos: Andrew & Polly on ADHD and Collaboration

    What happens when there are too many balls bouncing in your brain at once? Do you focus on one? Or do you find a way to keep all of them going? In this episode, Zak sits down with the incredibly creative musical duo Andrew Barkan and Polly Hall to explore the deep connection between neurodivergence and artistic expression. Together, they talk about ADHD, autism, hyperfocus, and parenting neurodivergent children, as well as how creative work can become both a coping mechanism and a manifestation of neurodivergent superpower. Andrew and Polly share honest reflections about discovering their own neurodiversity later in life while simultaneously navigating diagnoses and support for their children. They also dive into the realities of the creative process, from needing structure and deadlines to balance multiple projects at once, and how their brains help them create emotionally rich music, podcasts, and stories. This conversation is thoughtful, funny, deeply human, and full of insight into how neurodivergent minds experience the world differently.  If you believe in this show and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Click the Patreon link below to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How ADHD and neurodivergence can fuel creativity and hyperfocus Why collaboration creates unexpected and powerful art The role structure, deadlines, and urgency play in the creative process How neurodivergent families navigate diagnosis, support, and communication Why movement, emotion, and physical sensation are central to songwriting The connection between identity, creativity, and feeling understood How parenting neurodivergent children can reshape self-understanding What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (01:19) Andrew and Polly share how navigating a beautifully neurodiverse family has shaped their lives, relationships, and creative work (06:27) The power of collaboration, songwriting, and why the best creative ideas often emerge from unexpected connections (12:39) Discovering ADHD, anxiety, and autism later in life, and how diagnosis can lead to greater understanding, community, and self-acceptance (20:34) How neurodivergence influences creativity, including hyperfocus, structure, productivity, and the unique strengths of the ADHD brain (30:19) A look inside their creative projects, including Ear Snacks, Disability Happy Hour, and their mission to create joyful, inclusive content for children and families Follow Andrew & Polly Website: http://andrewandpolly.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewandpolly/ Follow Zak Sandler for tools, resources, and support on your journey: Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/

  11. May 28

    Aaron Maloney on ADHD, Depression, and the Album That Saved His Life

    In this episode, Zak sits down with songwriter and frontman Aaron Maloney to explore the relationship between neurodivergence, ADHD, depression, and creativity. Aaron shares the deeply personal story behind Internal Pictures, an ambitious musical project born during one of the darkest periods of his life. Following a series of life-altering events, including the pandemic, serious medical challenges, the birth of his daughter, and a profound mental health crisis, Aaron retreated to a tiny home for seven days and created an album that ultimately became a lifeline. This is a heartfelt episode with a very open, vulnerable guest, who talks about how he gets through depression and onstage panic attacks, as well as the fascinating ways this musical genius sees and perceives music.  If you believe in this show and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Click the Patreon link below to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Aaron's ADHD influences his creativity and songwriting The story behind Internal Pictures and its life-saving impact Why music can serve as a powerful form of emotional release How depression, anxiety, and chronic illness affected Aaron's life and career The connection between creativity, hyperfocus, and neurodivergence Practical strategies Aaron uses to manage depression and anxiety Why connection, gratitude, and presence are essential for mental health What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (00:49) Aaron shares the inspiration behind Internal Pictures and how a profound mental health crisis led to the creation of the album (10:44) Growing up with ADHD, navigating medication, and discovering the creative strengths that shaped his musical identity (18:35) Aaron opens up about depression, anxiety, chronic health challenges, and reaching a breaking point during one of the darkest periods of his life (24:34) The realities of performing while struggling with mental health, and how music, connection, and community became part of his healing process (29:12) Practical tools for managing depression and anxiety, finding perspective, and staying present both on and off the stage Follow Aaron Maloney Website: https://www.itsallgoodmusic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsallgoodmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsAllGoodMusic Album: Internal Pictures Follow Zak Sandler for tools, resources, and support on your journey: Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/

  12. May 27

    Zak Sandler on Bipolar, Creativity, and the Birth of Insanely Talented

    In this opening episode of Insanely Talented, Zak shares the deeply personal story behind his bipolar diagnosis, his experiences with mania and hospitalization, and how those moments ultimately led him to create this podcast. From growing up as a high-achieving student and actor/musician, to writing manifestos during manic episodes and later transforming those experiences into musicals and a TEDx Talk, this is an inspiring and uplifting episode about how good can come from the toughest of challenges. Zak also talks about the stigma surrounding bipolar, the fear of being misunderstood, and how learning to accept his diagnosis changed both his life and his art. Most importantly, he shares the mission behind Insanely Talented: creating a space where artists, creatives, and neurodivergent people can speak openly about their experiences and the strengths that can emerge from them. If you believe in this show and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Click the Patreon link below to subscribe. Your support helps cover editing, design, recording tools, and the work that goes into bringing these conversations to life. If supporting financially isn’t possible right now, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the show with your friends and family. This show runs on real stories and real listeners like you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The difference between neurodivergence and mental health conditions What mania and bipolar can actually feel like The creativity that can come during mania The emotional impact of hospitalization and diagnosis Why accepting a bipolar diagnosis can change someone’s life How music and storytelling became tools for healing The inspiration and vision behind creating Insanely Talented What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (00:00) Zak introduces Insanely Talented and explores the relationship between neurodivergence, mental health, and creativity (02:02) Growing up as a high-achieving student before experiencing his first depressive and manic episodes in college (04:15) Being hospitalized, receiving a bipolar diagnosis, and struggling to accept what it meant for his future (06:54) A second major manic episode years later that ultimately led to acceptance, healing, and creative transformation (08:31) Turning his bipolar experiences into musicals and discovering the power of storytelling through art (09:49) The origins of Insanely Talented and Zak’s vision for reducing stigma through open conversations about mental health and creativity Follow Zak Sandler and Insanely Talented for tools, resources, and support on your journey: Zak's Website: https://zaksandler.com/ Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/zaksandler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolar_broadway/

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Insanely Talented is a podcast that explores the link between neurodivergence and creativity. On each episode, Broadway musician and TEDx speaker Zak Sandler interviews a guest with a mental health condition, focusing on how their mental health condition has helped with their creative output. The show focuses on musicians, actors, directors, visual artists, and more.

Information