S2 EP7: Challenges and successes as an AuDHD musician | Joanna Sternberg

Talented musician and illustrator Joanna Sternberg speaks with me about the themes in their music, the dangers of people pleasing, inspirations, navigating the industry, and the empowering impact of trusted friends. We also speak about the benefits and challenges that come from neurodivergent diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Joanna offers suggestions for how aspiring musicians can move from having their music as a private practice to one they can share with friends and beyond. Timestamps: 00:00 Coming up in this episode 03:16 Jo's introduction 05:33 Themes in 'I've Got Me' 09:58 Themes in 'People Are Toys To You' 11:41 What sobriety offered Jo 12:38 What neurodivergent diagnosis offered Jo 13:30 The impacts of people pleasing 16:11 What Jo's music offers them and others 20:36 Elliott Smith and other inspirations 23:45 Social anxiety challenges 28:18 Jo's journey in the music industry 32:00 Difficultly knowing who to trust 34:48 Suggestions for developing music practice 36:32 Trusted friends help building confidence 37:30 Jo's voice, it's evolution, and vocal trends 45:57 Jo's advice for using social media 48:00 Band names vs one's own name 50:40 Jo asks about Sam's 'Kalou' music 52:45 Balancing self-hatred and self-awareness 54:15 Relating to autism 55:50 Jo's self-support strategies 58:00 Sam's outro Joanna's music: https://joannasternberg.bandcamp.com/ Joanna's website: https://www.joannasternberg.com Working to Work website: https://kalou.co.uk/w2w.html Sam's music: https://kalou.bandcamp.com/