In this episode, we sit with James Snelling, a neurodivergent singer-songwriter whose journey into music began not in youth but in midlife, after losing his job and facing the kind of life upheaval that forces you to reconsider everything you thought you knew about yourself.

James's story challenges conventional narratives about when and how artistic careers begin. His path to sharing his music publicly came through loss and transformation, proving that creativity doesn't follow standard timelines and that some of the most authentic art emerges from life's disruptions rather than its certainties.

We explore how neurodivergence shapes his songwriting, the unique perspective that comes from feeling like an outsider, and the courage required to share vulnerable art when the world has already signaled that you don't quite fit its expectations.

What We Talk About:

• Finding music as a voice for neurodivergent experience and feeling different
• Beginning an artistic practice in midlife after career upheaval
• Writing about mental health, addiction, and social justice from lived experience
• The relationship between neurodivergence and creativity
• Creating art that refuses to be palatable or easily categorized
• The courage required to share vulnerable, honest songwriting
• How difference can become artistic strength rather than limitation

Resources:

• Listen to James Snelling's music
• Support the show: Not Today Media

A Note from J.D.: James's conversation reminded me that some of the most necessary voices in music are those that have been waiting the longest to be heard. His willingness to begin sharing his art in midlife, after experiencing significant life disruption, speaks to something beautiful about human resilience and the way creativity can emerge from unexpected places.

If you've ever felt like you don't fit the traditional mold of what an artist should be — too old, too different, too late to the game — I hope James's story offers you permission to begin anyway. The world needs the songs that only you can write, the perspective that only you can offer.

Come Back To Earth exists to celebrate these kinds of unconventional artistic journeys and the profound humanity they reveal. If these conversations resonate with you, consider supporting the show.

Your difference is not a deficit. Your timing is your own. Your voice matters.

Theme music by: Lincoln Parish