What if your greatest creative strength is the part of you that never quite fit in?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, psychology professor at Columbia University and host of The Psychology Podcast, to explore why creativity isn’t a rare talent but a way of being—one that thrives when we embrace what makes us different. We discuss how to reframe “disabilities” as strengths and how owning your uniqueness can unlock your creative superpowers. If you’ve struggled to share your work or felt like you don’t belong, this conversation might shift how you see yourself—and your creative potential.

Key Takeaways

Boost creativity with boredom: Boredom activates the default mode network that helps with creativity.
Embrace laughter: Most creative ideas often sound ridiculous at first. Fear of failure blocks creativity.
Hope is a skill you can learn: You can’t choose your struggles, but you can always choose your response.

Episode Highlights

Scott’s origin story
Difference between doing creative work and being a creative
Brain networks (and how it leads to creativity): Imagination, Executive and Salience
Scheduling boredom and incubation
Relationship between creativity and mental health
Importance of flow state on your well being
Balancing high sensitivity with creativity
Correlation between creativity and neurodivergence
How to overcome the victim mindset and empower yourself
Changing your default response from helplessness to hopefulness
Strength-based approach to disabilities
Redefining what it means to be intelligent
The language that we use in our own minds

Recommended Next Episode

Ethan Kross: If you’re curious to keep exploring the inner workings of the mind—and the inner critic that so often holds you back.

Useful Resources

Scott’s Book: Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind

Scott’s Book: Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization

Scott’s Book: Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential

Scott’ Beautiful Minds Newsletter

The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman

The Amazing Dr. Scott

It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People

Marc Brackett Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

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Guest Bio

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world.

Dr. Scott's Website, Podcast, Substack, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Shownotes and published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

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How We are “Wired to Create”, What It Means to Be a “Creative”, and How We Can Leverage Our Unique Gifts | with Scott Barry Kaufman

The Zack Arnold Podcast