

Heston Blumenthal: My Bipolar Diagnosis, Being Sectioned and Embracing Neurodiversity (E327)
55 snips Feb 10, 2025
Heston Blumenthal, the acclaimed chef behind The Fat Duck, candidly discusses his journey with bipolar disorder and ADHD. He shares how these conditions fuel his creative process and obsessive perfectionism in cooking. Heston humorously reflects on the challenges and emotional fluctuations he encounters, while emphasizing the importance of mental health conversations. He explores how cooking becomes a storytelling medium, revealing the sensory aspects of gastronomy and the role of creativity in recovery, all while advocating for a more inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.
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Heston's Hospitalization
- Heston Blumenthal recounts being hospitalized for two months due to bipolar disorder.
- He experienced hallucinations and extreme mania, requiring intervention from his wife.
Diagnosis and Masking
- Heston's bipolar diagnosis was surprising, as he only knew about his ADHD.
- Years of intense kickboxing and kitchen work might have initially masked his bipolar disorder.
Blowtorch Incident
- Heston shares an anecdote about trying to light a blowtorch with cold water during a period of delirium.
- He questions whether it was caused by lack of sleep, overwork, or ADHD.