Undo Podcast Summary: "What Sherlock Holmes Can Teach Us About Productivity and Our Brains"

Title: Undo – How history's outliers got stuff done
Episode: What Sherlock Holmes Can Teach Us About Productivity and Our Brains
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Host: Mark Steadman
Guest: Matthew Bellringer, Neurodiversity and Innovation Specialist

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Undo, host Mark Steadman explores the intersection of productivity and neurodiversity through the lens of one of literature’s most iconic characters: Sherlock Holmes. The discussion delves into how Holmes’ unique cognitive traits can offer valuable insights into optimizing personal productivity systems.

2. Sherlock Holmes as a Model of Neurodiversity

Mark introduces Sherlock Holmes as "the world's first and only consulting detective," whose exceptional mental prowess has captivated audiences for over 130 years. The episode questions, "What can Baker Street's most famous resident teach us about how we do our most important work?" and sets the stage for examining Holmes’ methods as a bridge to understanding neurodivergent productivity.

Mark Steadman [00:34]: "He’s the world’s first and only consulting detective and his mind has fascinated us for over 130 years."

3. Distinguishing Neurodiversity from Neurodivergence

Matthew Bellringer clarifies the distinction between neurodiversity and neurodivergence. He explains that while everyone is neurodiverse, some individuals are neurodivergent, meaning their neurological differences significantly diverge from cultural and social norms.

Matthew Bellringer [02:55]: "Everyone is neurodiverse in the sense that we all differ... some people lie quite significantly outside of the cultural social expectations... we tend to call those groups neurodivergent."

4. Traits of Holmes: ADHD and Autism

The conversation shifts to assessing Sherlock Holmes’ character traits, suggesting he exhibits signs of both ADHD and autism. Mark emphasizes understanding behaviors and needs without necessarily seeking a formal diagnosis.

Mark Steadman [04:49]: "Holmes... exhibits traits of both autism and ADHD. And I'm going to stick with the word traits here, because whether or not you're looking for a formal diagnosis of your own, understanding how you behave and what you need can be really helpful."

5. Productivity Systems and Individual Needs

Mark and Matthew discuss the pitfalls of adopting one-size-fits-all productivity systems. Using Holmes as an example, they highlight the importance of personalized systems that cater to individual strengths and weaknesses.

Matthew Bellringer [05:59]: "Having a magpie mind having a high novelty seeking need is a very common experience of ADHD."

Mark Steadman [06:34]: "A system that works well enough for now, even if it's not absolutely perfect, because chances are it won't be."

6. Experimentation with Productivity Methods

The duo advocates for experimenting with different productivity methods rather than committing wholly to a single system. They stress the importance of tiny experiments and assessing what works based on personal hypotheses.

Mark Steadman [09:50]: "The key is to start with tiny experiments, begin with a hypothesis, a reckon if you will, and test it out over a period of time."

Matthew Bellringer [10:19]: "Being really, really careful with your experiments, also being clear upfront as possible about what it is you're trying to find out."

7. The Importance of Support Structures

Drawing parallels to Holmes’ reliance on Watson, Mark emphasizes the necessity of having a support system to bolster productivity efforts. He suggests that while systems are crucial, human support can provide flexibility and resilience.

Mark Steadman [14:30]: "Whatever you're undertaking in life... make sure you've got someone to lean on."

8. Addressing Misconceptions and Societal Views

The episode addresses common misconceptions about neurodivergence, particularly in the context of recent controversial statements linking autism to environmental toxins. Mark debunks these myths, advocating for improved understanding and acceptance.

Mark Steadman [12:01]: "Autism isn't the result of some sort of magic gas... we've improved our diagnostic criteria, not because there's fluoride in the water."

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Mark reflects on the value of viewing productivity through the traits lens, inspired by Sherlock Holmes. He encourages listeners to recognize their unique cognitive profiles and adapt their productivity systems accordingly, fostering both efficiency and personal well-being.

Mark Steadman [16:34]: "Support for the show... if you can support me via Patreon, that'd be amazing."

Notable Quotes

• Matthew Bellringer [01:27]: "Holmes is almost unfunctional without Watson. He can't talk to people properly without offending them. He can't do half of the stuff he needs to do."

• Mark Steadman [04:49]: "Understanding how you behave and what you need can be really helpful."

• Sarah Pascoe [11:21]: "One of the main symptoms of ADHD is the ability to diagnose it in friends and family."

• RFK Jr. [12:01]: "These are kids who will never pay taxes, they'll never hold a job...". (Followed by Mark's refutation)

Final Notes

The episode eloquently intertwines the fictional brilliance of Sherlock Holmes with real-world applications of neurodiversity in productivity. By emphasizing personalized systems, support networks, and the validation of individual experiences, Undo empowers listeners to craft productivity methodologies that resonate with their unique cognitive landscapes.

For more insights and full interviews, listeners are encouraged to join the Undo community on Patreon.