
The Neurodivergent Musician
By Jon Hart

The Neurodivergent MusicianSep 22, 2023

#43 Anxiety (Highlight)
As a neurodivergent musician, I've experienced firsthand how anxiety can interfere with our ability to perform, write music, and communicate with others in the industry. Today, I'm opening up about my own struggles and sharing valuable tips on managing anxiety, such as identifying triggers, practising mindfulness, reaching out for support, and creating a self-care plan. Navigating the challenges of staying true to our identity while making a living in the music world can be tough, and finding a balance between planning and taking action can cause even more anxiety. We'll also explore the impact of external events on our mental health and discuss how white noise and nature sound apps like Tide can help alleviate stress. Join me in this honest conversation about the unique difficulties neurodivergent musicians face and the strategies we can use to manage anxiety. Thanks so much for listening. Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates. If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc, head to jonhartmusic.com. I'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around.

#42 Performing
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#41 RSD (Highlight)
Do you ever feel like rejection and criticism hit you harder than others? You're not alone. Today, we tackle the often-overlooked issue of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on neurodivergent musicians. Together, we'll uncover strategies for managing RSD, such as surrounding ourselves with a supportive network and engaging in positive self-talk, allowing you to continue creating and thriving despite adversity. Being an independent musician is challenging enough, but add neurodivergence and RSD to the mix, and the music industry can seem like a minefield. We'll discuss the difficulties in navigating ticketed gigs, coping with criticism, and the importance of having a strong support system in place. Our guest shares valuable insights into creating a safe space while performing and the power of connecting with others who understand neurodivergence to help mitigate the impact of RSD.Lastly, let's embark on a journey exploring the connection between neurodivergence and music. From undiagnosed to diagnosed, untreated to treated, we'll delve into the challenges of living with a neurodivergent brain and the self-doubt it can breed. By understanding and embracing our neurodivergence, we can empower ourselves and others, building a supportive community that validates our experiences and helps us navigate the challenges presented by RSD. So tune in, and let's grow stronger together!
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#40 Recording
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#39 Supporting Neurodivergent Musicians (Highlight)
Imagine unlocking your true potential as a neurodivergent musician through support, resources, and a deep understanding of your unique strengths and challenges. On this inspiring episode, we chat with John Shortell, Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Musicians Union, who sheds light on the vital importance of not only supporting neurodivergent musicians but also making the music industry more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Together, we discuss our personal journeys of self-acceptance and growth as neurodivergent individuals, touching on the power of the social model of disability thinking and the barriers we face in our daily lives. We also tackle the Musicians Union's ambitious efforts to create a central hub for advice on neurodiversity, providing valuable resources and a safe space for neurodivergent musicians to share their experiences and challenges. As we delve into the complexities of navigating forms and paperwork as a neurodivergent person, we explore innovative approaches like gamification and visual elements to make these processes more engaging and accessible. Don't miss out on this heartfelt and insightful conversation that highlights the power of collective action in making the music industry an inclusive and supportive space for all. Support the show. Thanks so much for listening. Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates. If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc. head to jonhartmusic.com. I'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around.

#38 Songwriting
Moving forward, we delve into the science of inspiration, taking a deep dive into the intricacies of our neurodivergent brains. Neuroscience has unveiled that our exceptional minds excel in recognizing patterns and forming connections. These innate abilities become the wellspring of captivating melodies and harmonies that enthrall our audiences.
Crafting a distinct sound palette is our next destination. Here, we draw from psychology and explore the fascinating world of synesthesia, where sensory sensitivities manifest in the exquisite layering of emotions within our compositions. As neurodivergent musicians, our unique perspectives give rise to music that transcends traditional boundaries, resonating deeply with both ourselves and our listeners.
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#37 Neurodivergent Musician Life (Highlight)
In this captivating highlight, the incredibly talented Jon Gomm joins me for an enlightening conversation focused on the experiences of neurodivergent musicians. Together, we explore a multitude of aspects related to living as neurodivergent artists. The conversation flows freely, touching upon various intriguing topics. It's truly awesome to engage in this dynamic and thought-provoking exchange with Jon!

#36 Procrastination
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In this episode, we dissect the art of postponing tasks and the impact it can have on our creative growth. We'll uncover the unique challenges that neurodivergent individuals might face when battling procrastination, from seeking novelty to grappling with perfectionism.
But fear not, for this episode isn't just about identifying the problem; it's about equipping ourselves with practical strategies to combat procrastination. From breaking tasks into manageable steps to creating structured schedules that accommodate both focus and spontaneity, we'll discover ways to harmonize our creative processes with our unique neurodivergent traits.
Accountability becomes our guiding light, as we explore how sharing our goals and progress with others can provide the external motivation we need to stay on track. And as we embrace the balance between enthusiasm and thoughtful planning, we'll find a path that allows us to navigate procrastination with grace and understanding.
Tune in to gain insights into your own creative journey and to discover how to cultivate mindful progress amid the ebb and flow of procrastination. As always, this episode is a reflection of our shared experiences as neurodivergent musicians, crafted with the intention to empower, uplift, and inspire. So, join us on this exploration, and let's create a symphony of growth together.

#35 Burnout (Highlight)
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(Bonus) Song Idea #2

#34 Impulsivity
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#33 Online Music Business (Highlight)
(Bonus) Song Idea #1
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the creative process of songwriting? Brace yourself for a captivating journey as I, Jon Hart, guide you through an impromptu songwriting session on Neurodivergent Musician podcast’s special bonus edition. Tuning my guitar to my favorite 'Jon Hart-isms,' I embark on crafting a unique piece revolving around the theme of ‘awareness.’ Get a taste of how I blend distinct sounds with words, resulting in a lyrical composition that emphasizes the importance of being aware, grounded, and awake.Imagine a song being created right before your ears! As you listen, you'll witness how I play with the guitar tuning and experiment with various sounds and ideas, eventually matching these sonic explorations with thoughtfully crafted lyrics. The cherry on the cake? You'll hear the birth of the lines: "more aware you are, more grounded you'll be; more awake you are, more that you see." Isn't that something you'd want to be a part of? Your thoughts and feedback fuel my creativity, so don't hesitate to share them. Join me, and together, let's keep the music alive and the inspiration flowing.
Thanks so much for listening. Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates. If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc head to jonhartmusic.comI'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around.

#32 Emotional Dysregulation

#31 Music Career (Highlight)

#30 Executive Function

#29 Music Education (Highlight)

#28 Social Cues

#27 Stress (Highlight)

#26 Sensory Overload

#25 Managing Mental Health (Highlight)

#24 Solo Musician Life (with Tommy Loose)

#23 Working Musician Struggles (Highlight)

#22 Hyperfocus

#21 Honing Your Craft (Highlight)

#20 Mental Health Crisis

#19 Learning an Instrument (Highlight)

#18 Depression
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities of managing depression as a neurodivergent musician? Join us for a heartfelt discussion with Luna Micatar as we navigate the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals dealing with depression. Together, we explore the symptoms of this often misunderstood condition and shed light on effective ways to seek support, implement self-care strategies, and connect with a community to help you manage depression. But that's not all. Discover the transformative power of guitar therapy and the benefits of using open tunings and alternate tunings versus traditional standard tuning – a fresh approach to healing and recovery that might just change your life. We even touch on the idea of taking your instrument outdoors, connecting with nature, and savouring a therapeutic experience unlike any other. So, tune in and let the healing power of music guide you through the complexities of depression and neurodiversity. Thanks so much for listening. Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates. If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc, head to jonhartmusic.com. I'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around.

#17 Identity (Highlight)

#16 Anxiety
As a neurodivergent musician, I've experienced firsthand how anxiety can interfere with our ability to perform, write music, and communicate with others in the industry. Today, I'm opening up about my own struggles and sharing valuable tips on managing anxiety, such as identifying triggers, practising mindfulness, reaching out for support, and creating a self-care plan. Navigating the challenges of staying true to our identity while making a living in the music world can be tough, and finding a balance between planning and taking action can cause even more anxiety. We'll also explore the impact of external events on our mental health and discuss how white noise and nature sound apps like Tide can help alleviate stress. Join me in this honest conversation about the unique difficulties neurodivergent musicians face and the strategies we can use to manage anxiety. Thanks so much for listening. Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates. If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc, head to jonhartmusic.com. I'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around.

#15 Awareness (Highlight)

#14 RSD

#13 Supporting Neurodivergent Musicians (with John Shortell)

#12 Neurodivergent Musician Life (with Jon Gomm)
Join the Facebook community here. When Jon met Jon! In this captivating episode, the incredibly talented Jon Gomm joins me for an enlightening conversation focused on the experiences of neurodivergent musicians. Together, we explore a multitude of aspects related to living as neurodivergent artists. The conversation flows freely, touching upon various intriguing topics. It's truly awesome to engage in this dynamic and thought-provoking exchange with Jon! Red Section = Insights. Amber Section = Improvised. Green Section = Recommendation🎵 December (Transition) from Jon's Annual album, which you can listen to on all streaming platforms or jonhartmusic.com👇🏻 3 options you can do to keep the podcast running 👇🏻Support the show. Thanks so much for listening.Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates.If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc head to jonhartmusic.com. I'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around. Support the show. Thanks so much for listening. Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates. If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc head to jonhartmusic.com. I'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around.

#11 Burnout

#10 Online Music Business (with Andy Baker)

#9 Music Career

#8 Music Education

#7 Stress

#6 Managing Mental Health

#5 Working Musician Struggles (with Andy Booth)

#4 Honing Your Craft

#3 Learning an Instrument

#2 Identity
