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/