Recommended Books & Podcasts

The Catalyst Library is your cozy corner for growth, curiosity, and inspiration. Here you’ll find a carefully chosen mix of books, podcasts, and audiobooks that speak to the real journey of being a neurodivergent maker. These aren’t just “self-help” titles. They’re tools, stories, and ideas that help you feel seen, spark creative joy, and remind you that your way of living and making is valid.

Inside you’ll discover:
✨ Books that give language to your experiences and struggles
✨ Resources on creativity, psychology, and living authentically
✨ Crochet pattern books and design references (because yes, play counts too)
✨ Audiobooks and podcasts to keep you company while you stitch

How to use this library:

• Follow your curiosity: Pick the title that calls to you right now, whether it’s about creativity, self-understanding, or building a life that actually fits.

• Pair inspiration with reflection: Balance a book that challenges how you think with one that helps you feel more at home in yourself.

• Listen while you create: Many are available as audiobooks, perfect for long crochet sessions.

• Make it personal: Keep notes, doodle ideas, or let your thoughts wander while you stitch. There’s no “wrong” way to learn here.

• Join the conversation: Don’t see your favorite listed? Share your recommendation — this library grows with the community.

And remember: You don’t need to rush through it all. Growth isn’t a race, and joy isn’t found in “finishing” every book. Take what resonates, leave the rest, and trust that the right words will meet you where you are — one page, one stitch, one moment at a time.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you buy through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I truly use, love, or think will help fellow makers.

📚 Mindset & Personal Development

Essential Foundations

• Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo - The ultimate mindset shift for tackling any challenge (perfect for craft overwhelm!)

• Atomic Habits by James Clear - Small changes that create big results in your creative practice

• Mindset by Carol Dweck - Growth mindset principles that transform how you approach learning new techniques

• The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy - Stop measuring backward and start celebrating progress

• 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy - Why thinking bigger actually simplifies your path

For the Overwhelmed Creative

• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - Recovering creativity and overcoming blocks

• Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross – Neuroscience meets art therapy. This book explores how engaging with art can heal trauma, boost focus, and foster emotional resilience.

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - Living creatively beyond fear

• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - Overcoming resistance and procrastination

• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin – A beautifully non-linear meditation on creativity that honors intuitive, messy minds

For Building Confidence

• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero - Stop doubting and start living

• The Confidence Code by Kay & Shipman - The science and art of self-assurance

• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown - Vulnerability as the path to courage and engagement

• The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins - Simple tool to beat hesitation and self-doubt

Productivity & Focus (Neurodivergent-Friendly)

• Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin – A powerful reframe of wellness that prioritizes boundaries, agency, and internal calm over bubble baths and checklists

• Deep Work by Cal Newport - Creating focus in a distracted world (hello, social media!)

• How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis – Gentle, judgment-free strategies for getting through daily life with executive dysfunction

• The One Thing by Gary Keller - Focus strategies for overwhelmed makers juggling multiple projects

• Essentialism by Greg McKeown - The disciplined pursuit of less (perfect for WIP management!)

Self-Compassion & Emotional Wellness

• Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff - Essential for perfectionists and people-pleasers

• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown - Embracing vulnerability and creative courage

• Untamed by Glennon Doyle - Breaking free from expectations and living authentically

• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb - Mental health insights from both sides of the therapy couch

💰 Money & Financial Wellness

Personal Finance Foundations

• The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey - Debt freedom and financial peace for creative entrepreneurs

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - Money mindset shifts for building wealth

• The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach - Simple systems for financial security

• You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero - Mindset blocks around money and worthiness

Investing & Building Wealth

• The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins - Straightforward investing advice

• The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley - Real wealth-building habits

• I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi - Practical money management for young adults

🚀 Business & Entrepreneurship

Online Business Essentials

• Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson - Becoming the go-to authority in your niche

• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller - Clear messaging that converts browsers into buyers

• Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield - Your step-by-step guide to leaving the 9-to-5

• Predictable Profits by Stu McLaren - Building systems for sustainable business growth

• The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau - Starting a business with minimal investment

Marketing & Content Creation

• Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi - Building an audience before you build a product

• Platform by Michael Hyatt - Building your tribe and growing your influence

• Launch by Jeff Walker - Product launch strategies that actually work

• The Content Code by Mark Schaefer - Creating content that spreads organically

High Performance & Leadership

• High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard - Six habits of highly successful people

• Secrets of The Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker - Thinking patterns of wealthy people

• Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss - Tactics and routines of world-class performers

🧶 Crochet & Craft Business

Pattern & Design Books

• Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Sarah Hazell - Essential reference for any serious crocheter

• The Fleisher's Knitting & Crochet Manual - Vintage techniques and timeless patterns

• Granny Square Crochet by Catherine Hirst - Modern takes on classic squares

• Tunisian Crochet by Kim Guzman - Master this unique technique

• 1000 Japanese Knitting & Crochet Stitches: The Ultimate Bible for Needlecraft Enthusiasts by Nihon Vogue - Intricate patterns with clear diagrams

Craft Business & Marketing

• Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis - Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to stay small and sustainable

• The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin - Selling your crafts successfully

• Craft the Rainbow by Brittany Watson Jepsen - Photography and styling for makers

• Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath - Why some ideas survive and others die

🎧 Podcasts for Stitching Sessions

Business & Entrepreneurship

• The Amy Porterfield Show by Amy Porterfield - Online marketing strategies and course creation

• The Marie Forleo Podcast by Marie Forleo - Business advice with heart and humor

• Online Marketing Made Easy - by Amy Porterfield Simple strategies for growing your business

• Goal Digger by Jenna Kutcher - Authentic business building for women

• The Tim Ferriss Show by Tim Ferriss - Tactics and tools of world-class performers

Personal Development

• The Brendon Show by Brendon Burchard - High performance and personal development

• The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo - Thought work and mindset coaching

• Unlocking Us by Brené Brown - Conversations about courage, vulnerability, and shame

• The Mindset Mentor by Rob Dial - Daily motivation and mindset shifts

Creative & Maker-Focused

• Being Boss by Emily Thompson - Creative entrepreneurship and business building

• Creative Makers Podcast - A collaboration among makers from all over the United States and England, interviewing guests from all over the world furthering the diversity of the maker community

• Daily Creative by Todd Henry - Thriving in creative work

• Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza - Inspiration for creative professionals

Neurodivergent & Mental Health

• ADHD Experts Podcast - Strategies and insights for ADHD minds

• The Neurodivergent Woman - Supporting women with ADHD and autism

• Therapy for Black Girls by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford - Mental health conversations and resources

• Mental Illness Happy Hour - Interviews comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor. Explores mental illness, trauma, addiction and negative thinking

• Ask Kati Anything by Kati Morton - Licensed therapist answers real questions about mental health, anxiety, and emotional wellness

🧠 Neurodivergent & ADHD-Specific Resources

Understanding Your Brain

• ADHD 2.0 by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey - A modern follow-up to Driven to Distraction, this guide blends the latest neuroscience with accessible strategies for thriving with ADHD.

• A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers by Sari Solden, MS and Michelle Frank, PsyD - How to cultivate individual strengths, honor neurodiversity, and learn to communicate with confidence and clarity

• The ADHD Advantage by Dale Archer - Leveraging ADHD traits for success

• Your Brain's Not Broken by Tamara Rosier - Self-compassion for ADHD minds

• How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It) by Jessica McCabe – From the creator of the wildly popular YouTube channel, this book promises real-talk strategies, self-compassion, and ADHD-friendly life tools. If the channel helped you feel seen, this book will help you thrive.

Productivity & Organization

• Order from Chaos by Jaclyn Paul - Cleaning and organizing with ADHD

• The Queen of Distraction by Terry Matlen - Strategies for women with ADHD

• More Attention, Less Deficit by Ari Tuckman - Practical ADHD management

• Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell Barkley - Evidence-based strategies for overcoming challenges in specific areas

📖 Audiobooks for Long Projects

Perfect for Mindless Stitching

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - Eye-opening investigation into how smartphones and social media are affecting mental health and wellbeing

• Are You Okay? by Kati Morton - Practical, compassionate guide to understanding mental health with actionable strategies

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - Understanding trauma and healing

• Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari - Fascinating look at human history

Business Deep Dives

• Good to Great by Jim Collins - What makes companies (and people) excel

• Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup – A grounded, motivating approach to entrepreneurship for people who are held back by fear or perfectionism

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries - Building businesses that last

• Purple Cow by Seth Godin - Standing out in a crowded marketplace

• Start Finishing by Charlie Gilkey – A book for idea-rich, follow-through-challenged folks (hi, us). Learn to choose, prioritize, and finish the right creative projects without burnout.

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