Finding Creativity in Chaos: Andrew & Polly on ADHD and Collaboration

What happens when there are too many balls bouncing in your brain at once? Do you focus on one? Or do you find a way to keep all of them going? In this episode, Zak sits down with the incredibly creative musical duo Andrew Barkan and Polly Hall to explore the deep connection between neurodivergence and artistic expression. Together, they talk about ADHD, autism, hyperfocus, and parenting neurodivergent children, as well as how creative work can become both a coping mechanism and a manifestation of neurodivergent superpower. Andrew and Polly share honest reflections about discovering their own neurodiversity later in life while simultaneously navigating diagnoses and support for their children. They also dive into the realities of the creative process, from needing structure and deadlines to balance multiple projects at once, and how their brains help them create emotionally rich music, podcasts, and stories. This conversation is thoughtful, funny, deeply human, and full of insight into how neurodivergent minds experience the world differently.  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 ADHD and neurodivergence can fuel creativity and hyperfocus Why collaboration creates unexpected and powerful art The role structure, deadlines, and urgency play in the creative process How neurodivergent families navigate diagnosis, support, and communication Why movement, emotion, and physical sensation are central to songwriting The connection between identity, creativity, and feeling understood How parenting neurodivergent children can reshape self-understanding What You’ll Hear in This Episode: (01:19) Andrew and Polly share how navigating a beautifully neurodiverse family has shaped their lives, relationships, and creative work (06:27) The power of collaboration, songwriting, and why the best creative ideas often emerge from unexpected connections (12:39) Discovering ADHD, anxiety, and autism later in life, and how diagnosis can lead to greater understanding, community, and self-acceptance (20:34) How neurodivergence influences creativity, including hyperfocus, structure, productivity, and the unique strengths of the ADHD brain (30:19) A look inside their creative projects, including Ear Snacks, Disability Happy Hour, and their mission to create joyful, inclusive content for children and families Follow Andrew & Polly Website: http://andrewandpolly.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewandpolly/ 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/