Lessons in Embracing Neurodiversity from Wicked

May 20, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

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