Jeff Martin on Bipolar Disorder, Creativity, and Finding Your Way Forward

Episode 178 of **heCast** features Jeff Martin in a candid conversation about bipolar disorder, ADHD, creativity, skateboarding, music, community, and finding a way forward when life suddenly changes direction. Jeff's story has taken him from semi-professional skateboarding to touring, drumming, production management, A&R, music production, television and film. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 22, his skateboarding career came to an end and he began rebuilding his life in a different direction. Music became an important part of that next chapter, beginning with drums and eventually leading to decades of work throughout the music industry. Mike Chisholm and Jeff talk openly about the depression that preceded his diagnosis, a three-week hospital stay, being picked on as a kid, and the sense of belonging he found through skate culture. Jeff shares why empty time can be particularly difficult for him while living with bipolar disorder and ADHD, and how routine, movement, creativity, community, and asking for help have helped him keep moving forward. They also explore Jeff's lifelong creative instinct, his relationship with music, and a career that has repeatedly evolved through curiosity, collaboration, and being willing to put himself in the right room. Jeff talks about working in touring and production, his current work with Visors, and collaborations involving artists including Chad Hugo of The Neptunes/N.E.R.D., Wale, Bam Margera, and many others. This episode is for anyone who has felt stuck, scattered, creatively blocked, or uncertain about where they belong. It's a conversation about treating struggle as information rather than a verdict—and how progress can sometimes begin with one small step. **About Jeff Martin:** Jeff Martin is a musician, producer, A&R professional, and longtime music-industry veteran whose career began in skateboarding before moving into drums, touring, production, venue management, and artist development. His career has included work with Cranes, Placebo, Stabbing Westward, Elbow, Live Nation, and numerous other artists and organizations. In 2021, he co-founded Visors with DJ Dan Biltmore, with Chad Hugo of The Neptunes/N.E.R.D. involved as St. Charles. Today, Jeff continues working across music, television and film while cycling, teaching Muay Thai, running the NoHo Composers Breakfast Club and a seniors mobility class, and advocating for artists' rights and bipolar awareness. **Learn more about Jeff Martin:** Instagram Listen to **heCast**, the official podcast of **HeChangedIt**. Download the HeChangedIt app for more tools, content, and support on your mental wellness journey.