I decided to do something special for this episode, because this week is our 5th podcast anniversary (and it's also Mental Health Awareness Month.)
One of the most challenging things about being neurodivergent is learning to accept ourselves in a world where being different often marks you as an outsider.
Using my obsession with Wicked and exploring four of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic songs —from the hopeful longing of "The Wizard and I" to the defiant liberation of "Defying Gravity"—my goal in this episode is to connect them to the distinct stages of our ADHD journey in learning to embrace our differentness.
So, grab your broomstick and let’s go on an adventure to Oz.
Episode Highlights:
Let's take a trip through four major songs from “Wicked” that map out the ADHD journey to self-acceptance:
- “The Wizard and I”: The bittersweet hope that someone or something outside of us will finally fix what feels broken.
- “Popular”: The pressure to fit into neurotypical molds, no matter how unnatural it feels, and why those “helpful tips” so rarely work.
- “Defying Gravity”: The exhilarating breakthrough of embracing your true self and rejecting systems that were never built for your brain.
- “For Good”: Honoring everyone who contributed to your journey, finding peace with imperfection, and stepping into deeper self-acceptance.
Whether you’re still searching for that magic fix, trying to fit into neurotypical norms, or learning to soar with your own brand of brilliance, this episode is an invitation to recognize the real magic within yourself.
Join me as I encourage us all to “keep defying gravity together”—and celebrate just how far we’ve come, thanks to a little help from our friends in Oz.
Inspired by this episode? Click this link to share it with a friend.
Complete song lyrics for “The Wizard and I”, “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “For Good” can be accessed here for reference. Used with permission by Scribd.
All songs from “Wicked” were written by Stephen Schwartz and the clips used in this podcast recording were performed by various artists from The Studio Allstars
Used with permission from One Media Publishing
Digital distribution label based in Pinewood Studios, UK ©2008
© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.