Embracing My Neurodivergence—And My Love for Pop Culture

For the past few months, my writing has taken a detour. Instead of my usual deep dives into movies and television, I’ve been exploring something much more personal—my neurodivergence. 

Understanding how my brain works, how it has shaped my life, and how it influences everything from my creative process to my daily struggles has been a necessary, often emotional journey. But as much as this self-discovery has been essential, I’ve missed writing about the stories that have shaped me. 

Pop culture has always been my anchor, my escape, and my way of making sense of the world. And now, I see more clearly than ever how my love for storytelling—the obsessive deep dives, the hyper-fixations, the need to analyze every detail—has always been tied to my neurodivergence. 

For years, I tried to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for me. I masked my differences, pushed myself to conform, and worried about whether I was engaging with pop culture the “right” way. But if I’ve learned anything from this journey, it’s that honesty—about who I am, how I think, and how I experience stories—is not just important; it’s vital. 

So, as I return to writing about movies, television, and all things pop culture, I’m bringing that honesty with me. No more trying to separate my passion from the way my brain works. No more writing the way I think I “should” to be taken seriously. 

The best writing—the best stories—comes from a place of truth. And that’s where Beyond the Balcony is heading. I hope you’ll join me.