Neurospicy Monsters, Volume One: the ADHD journal’s collectors’ LP

Track 01: Inbox Monster

A.K.A. Overwhelm Gremlin

Theme tune: One Way or Another (Blondie, 1979)

Neurospicy remix: Messages. Demands. Expectations. All at once. The remix slows the chaos, clears the static and helps us choose our direction instead of being pulled in every one. Inbox Monster still shows up. But you get to choose how you respond.

Pinned note: “You are allowed to do one thing at a time.”

Taming bonus track: Connection (Elastica, 2001)

Why it helps: Connection is more than people — it’s also spotting patterns, linking ideas and making sense of the information in front of us. The remix helps us quiet the noise so we can see what matters and make real connections in our brains and our work.

Remix mantra: “I choose my direction. I don’t react to every notification.”

Collector’s note: This is where every quest begins. Taming Inbox Monster opens the door to clarity, focus and real progress. You are in charge.

Track 02: Time Monster

A.K.A. Time-Warp Trickster

Theme tune: Time Is Running Out (Muse, 2003)

Neurospicy remix: The pressure isn’t the passage of time – it’s the uncertainty, the fog and the moving goalposts. This remix grounds us in what we can see, what we can do and what actually matters right now. Structure calms the chaos. Clarity beats panic every time.

Pinned note: “You don’t need more time. You need clear time.”

Taming bonus track: Time Is On My Side (The Rolling Stones, 1964)

Why it helps: A reminder that we can’t stop time, but we can use it. Patience, planning and perspective turn time from an enemy into an ally.

Remix mantra: “I can’t stop time. But I can use it with intention.”

Collector’s note: Taming Time Monster opens the door to real progress, better decisions and escaping the last-minute trap. Clarity, structure, focus.

Track 03: Transitions Monster

A.K.A. Switch-o-Saurus

Theme tune: Changes (David Bowie, 1971)

Neurospicy remix: Change throws me off. Unexpected shifts flood my system and make it hard to think, plan or cope. This remix builds a bridge. It helps me see what’s coming, size it, prepare and move at a pace my brain can handle. Less panic. More permission. More control.

Pinned note: “Change takes time. You are doing it.”

Taming bonus track: I Can See Clearly Now (Johnny Nash, 1972)

Why it helps: This song is a reminder that clarity arrives. The remix steadies my system so I can see the path, take one step at a time and trust I can handle what’s ahead.

Remix mantra: “I don’t need to love change. I just need a plan for it.”

Collector’s note: Taming Transitions Monster opens the door to flow. You save energy, reduce avoidance and move with intention. Bridges, not leaps.

Track 04: Side Quest Monster

A.K.A. Distractor Extraordinaire

Theme tune: Road to Nowhere (Talking Heads, 1985)

Neurospicy remix: The road twists, turns and offers a thousand distractions. This remix rides the detours, parks the “shoulds” and follows curiosity instead of pressure. It’s not about arriving anywhere – it’s about enjoying the explore. Curiosity is power when you steer it.

Pinned note: “Follow the spark. Share the magic. Then get back to the quest!”

Taming bonus track: You Get What You Give (New Radicals)

Remix mantra: “Curiosity is my superpower. Focus is my choice.”

Collector’s note: Side Quest Monster reminds you that wonder and excitement are gifts. Use them. Share them. Then park them and return to your quest. Wonder. Share. Return. Quest on.

Track 05: Overwhelm Monster

Too much. Too many. Can’t filter. Can’t stop.

Theme tune: Basket Case (Green Day, 1994)

Neurospicy remix: This remix helps you step out of the overwhelm spiral. It creates space between you and the chaos so you can breathe, choose and focus on what actually matters. You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do the next right thing.

Pinned note: “Pause. Take a breath. Pick one thing. Then another. You’ve got this.”

Taming bonus track: The Middle (Jimmy Eat World, 2001)

Why it helps: This song reminds you that you don’t have to get it all perfect. You just have to keep finding your way through the middle – one step at a time.

Remix mantra: “I don’t need to do everything. I need to do what matters most right now.”

Collector’s note: Overwhelm is a signal, not a failure. Use the tools. Trust the process. Small steps. Clear choices. Calmer brain. Better outcomes. Notice. Choose. Focus. Progress.

Track 06: Sensory Overload Monster

Too much in. Too fast. My system can’t keep up.

Theme tune: Firestarter (The Prodigy, 1996)

Neurospicy remix: This track captures the intensity of sensory overload – the way everything hits at once and your system can’t keep up. It’s not about powering through. It’s about recognising overload, stepping back and protecting yourself so you can reset. Your limit is real. Respect it.

Pinned note: “Protect your peace. Reduce input. Regulate. Reset. You’ve got this.”

Taming bonus track: Easy (Faith No More, 1992)

Why it helps: This track reminds you to slow down and let things be easy. It helps your body and mind find calm, space and safety after too much.

Remix mantra: “I choose my input. I protect my energy. I come back to calm.”

Collector’s note: Overload isn’t a weakness. It’s information. The more you understand it, the more power you have. Boundaries. Space. Choice.

Track 07: Misunderstanding Monster

Twists words. Misreads tones. Builds walls out of mistakes.

Theme tune: Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (The Animals, 1965)

Neurospicy remix: This track speaks the truth about feeling misread and misjudged. It gives voice to the frustration of being misunderstood – and the hope that someone will finally try to really hear you. Clarity is connection. Say it. Hear it. Mean it.

Pinned note: “Check in. Listen closely. Ask again. Explain gently. Build bridges, not walls.”

Taming bonus track: We Can Work It Out (The Beatles, 1965)

Why it helps: This classic is a reminder that even when things get misunderstood, we can talk it out, figure it out and come back to connection.

Remix mantra: “I won’t assume. I will ask. I will listen. I will understand.”

Collector’s note: Misunderstanding isn’t always malice. It’s often fear, ego or habit. The more we practice clear communication, the more we build trust, safety and real connection. Clarity. Curiosity. Compassion.

Track 08: Rejection Monster

Small signs. Huge meanings. Rejection hurts more than it should.

Theme tune: Everybody Hurts (R.E.M., 1992)

Neurospicy remix: A gentle reminder that you’re not alone in the hard feelings. This track creates space to feel, release and reconnect with what really matters. It’s okay to feel the hurt – just don’t let it write the whole story. You matter. Even when it feels like you don’t.

Pinned note: “You’re not too much. You’re not unwanted. You are human.”

Taming bonus track: Dog Days Are Over (Florence + The Machine, 2008)

Why it helps: This song brings movement and momentum. It lifts the weight, shakes off the past and reminds you that brighter days break through.

Remix mantra: “I choose connection over assumption. I am enough. I belong.”

Collector’s note: Rejection is real. But so is resilience. You are not defined by how others respond. You matter. Always.

Track 09: Rumination Monster

Replay. Reanalyse. Rewind. My brain won’t let it go.

Theme tune: Insomnia (Faithless, 1995)

Remix version: A hypnotic loop of restless thoughts that won’t switch off. When the world is quiet, the mind gets loud. It’s the soundtrack of 2am – when overthinking takes over and sleep feels impossible. Rest feels impossible, because the loop never ends.

Pinned note: “You can’t switch it off. You can only learn to rest anyway.”

Taming bonus track: The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel, 1964)

Why it helps: This song creates space. It’s a reminder that silence isn’t empty — it can be comforting, grounding and full of peace.

Remix mantra: “I notice the thought. I choose the pause. I return to now. I am enough.”

Collector’s note: Rumination feels like thinking. But it’s actually repeating. The goal isn’t to stop thinking — it’s to stop looping. The present is where life lives.

Track 10: People Pleasing Monster

Says yes when you want to say no. Loses you in the process.

Theme tune: Please Please Me (The Beatles, 1963)

Why it fits: The need for approval is at the heart of people pleasing. It’s the soundtrack to saying yes, even when you’re screaming no inside. You smile, you nod, you disappear a little more.

Pinned note: “I just want them to be happy. Is that too much to ask?”

Taming bonus track: Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac, 1977)

Why it helps: A powerful reminder that your path is yours. Letting go of guilt is the first step to finding your freedom.

Remix mantra: “I can’t pour from an empty cup. My needs matter. My voice matters. I matter.”

Collector’s note: Approval fades. Self-respect stays. When you stop performing for love, you start living in your truth. You are enough.

Track 11: Responsibility Monster

Takes on everything. Can’t let go. Carries the weight of all of it.

Theme tune: Holding Out for a Hero (Bonnie Tyler, 1984)

Why it fits: You’re holding out for someone to save the day. But deep down, you’re the one expecting to be that hero for everyone else. You keep going… waiting for a break that never seems to come. You’re strong. You’re tireless. You’re carrying too much.

Pinned note: “You are not superhuman. You are human. You need time too.”

Taming bonus track: We Don’t Need Another Hero (Tina Turner, 1985)

Why it helps: This anthem reminds you that the world doesn’t need you to be a superhero. It needs you to be real. Let go of the cape. You’re allowed to be enough.

Remix mantra: “I release what isn’t mine. I do my part. I rest. I am enough.”

Collector’s note: You can care deeply without carrying everything. The world won’t fall apart if you stop holding it. You matter. You’re enough.

Track 12: The Shame Spiral

Theme tune: Creep (Radiohead, 1993)

Why it hits: It says the things shame whispers when the lights are out. A raw look at feeling like you don’t belong anywhere, like you’re not enough and never will be. You’re not as special as you thought. You don’t belong here.

Taming bonus track: Shake It Out (Florence + The Machine, 2011)

Why it helps: It’s a release. A reminder that you can let the weight go. You can start again.

Remix mantra: “I am more than this thought. I am not my shame. I can choose again.”

Collector’s note: Shame wants you alone. Connection breaks the spell. You are not broken. You are becoming. Keep going.

Track 13: Blank Page Monster

Stares at potential. Forgets how to begin.

Theme tune: Stuck in the Middle with You (Stealers Wheel, 1972)

Why it hits: Being stuck feels lonely. You want to move forward, but everything feels up in the air. This song says: you’re not the only one stuck. Keep going. You’ll find your way through. It’s okay to be stuck. It’s not okay to stay there.

Pinned note: “You don’t have to see the whole path to take the next step.”

Taming bonus track: Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones, 1981)

Why it helps: This song is a jolt. It shakes off hesitation and gets you moving. No more waiting. It’s time to start.

Remix mantra: “I don’t need perfect. I need progress. First step. Right now. That’s enough.”

Collector’s note: A blank page isn’t empty—it’s an invitation. You don’t have to write the whole story today. Just the next line. Begin. It exists.

Track 14: Decision Paralysis Monster

Too many options. Too many outcomes. No decision feels safe.

Theme tune: Should I Stay or Should I Go (The Clash, 1982)

Pinned note: “One foot out the door. One foot in. Spinning in circles again.”

Taming bonus track: Whatever (Oasis, 1994)

Why it helps: You can stop overthinking and just be you.

Remix mantra: “Decide. Adapt. Move. Good enough is enough. Motion creates clarity. Done beats perfect. Next step. Always next step.”

Collector’s note: Indecision isn’t intelligence. It’s a defense mechanism. Courage isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s deciding anyway. Decide. Adapt. Move.

Track 15: Hyperfocus Monster

A.K.A. Tunnel Vision

Theme tune: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (Daft Punk, 2001)

Pinned note: “Focus is a superpower. So is knowing when to pause.”

Taming bonus track: Take It Easy (Eagles, 1972)

Why it helps: This track reminds me that it’s brilliant to go all in and do my best, but I also need to look after my energy, balance my time and pace myself. I can achieve amazing things and still take care of me.

Remix mantra: “I can focus. I can pause. I can choose. I can make me stronger.”

Collector’s note: Hyperfocus Monster reminds us that intense focus can lead to incredible learning, creativity and achievement. With awareness, structure and self-kindness, it’s possible to use hyperfocus to your advantage while staying balanced and well.

Track 16: Comparison Chameleon

A.K.A. Side-by-Side Saurus

Theme tune: Loser (Beck, 1993)

Pinned note: “Your path is not the same as theirs – and that’s a good thing.”

Taming bonus track: My Life (Billy Joel, 1978)

Why it helps: This track reminds me to be kinder to myself, to quiet self-criticism and to focus on my own journey. It helps me step out of comparison, trust my timing and remember that I am enough, exactly as I am.

Remix mantra: “My path. My pace. Different, not less. I am enough.”

Collector’s note: Comparison Chameleon reminds us that everyone’s path looks different. With self-compassion, perspective and curiosity, we can turn comparison into learning and celebrate our own unique journey. Different paths lead to brilliant places.

Track 17: The Imposter

A.K.A. Not-as-good-as-you-think

Theme tune: The Pretender (Foo Fighters, 2007)

Pinned note: “You are not a fraud. You have earned your place. You bring real value.”

Taming bonus track: I’m Still Standing (Elton John, 1983)

Why it helps: This track reminds me to push through self-doubt and keep going. It gives me the energy to stand tall, trust in my abilities and remember that I’ve overcome challenges before. I am here, I am valid and I can keep moving forward.

Remix mantra: “It’s not luck. It’s not a lie. I’ve done the work. I am enough.”

Collector’s note: The Imposter reminds us that self-doubt is common, especially in neurodivergent brains. With awareness, evidence and support, we can challenge its voice and replace it with self-trust, kindness and confidence. Same brain. Same value. Real impact.

Track 18: Masking Monster

Theme tune: Who Are You (The Who, 1978)

Taming bonus track: Born This Way (Lady Gaga, 2011)

Why it helps: This track reminds me to keep going, even when I feel exhausted. It helps me find the strength to show up for myself and keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Track 19: Burnout Monster

Theme tune: The Show Must Go On (Queen, 1991)

Taming bonus track: Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles, 1969)

Collector’s note: Burnout Monster reminds us that it’s okay to rest, even when the world keeps going. With boundaries, self-compassion and support, we can recharge and return with more energy, clarity and joy.

Track 20: Should Monster

A.K.A. Guilt Generator

Theme tune: Perfect (P!nk, 2010)

Taming bonus track: My Way (Sid Vicious, 1979)

Track 21: Impulse Control Imps

Act first. Think never. Regret always.

Theme tune: Oops!… I Did It Again (Jack Black, 2000)

Taming bonus track: Patience (Guns N’ Roses, 1988)

Why it helps: This track reminds me to slow down, even when I feel excited. It helps me pause before I act, think ahead and choose what really matters. With practice and support, I can build routines that give me the freedom to enjoy life without creating extra problems for myself.

Collector’s note: Impulse Control Imps remind us that it’s okay to be excited and seek joy. With awareness, evidence and support, we can learn to pause, think ahead and make choices that match our values, goals and wellbeing.

Track 22: Disinhibition Demon

A.K.A. Impulse Detonator

Theme tune: You Oughta Know (Alanis Morissette, 1995)

Taming bonus track: Think (Aretha Franklin, 1968)