There’s something quietly defiant about starting over in your late 30s. Picking up the sticks, joining a band, going on tour — when you thought maybe those days were behind you.
But sometimes, reinvention is exactly what saves us.
This week, I talk with drummer and podcast host John Huff, who started pursuing music seriously at 40. What followed was a wild ride — performing, recording, even touring — but also a heavy reckoning with ego, identity, and what it means to belong in a space you once watched from the sidelines.
Before we dive into John’s story, I reflect on “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World — a song I once thought was for teenagers, but now feels like an anthem for anyone still becoming.
This episode explores:
* The complicated psychology of late bloomers
* Why ego flares when you try something bold and vulnerable
* What no one tells you about the “tour comedown” and the emotional crash after success
* How spirituality and self-awareness helped John reframe his career
* And why the middle might actually be the most honest part of the journey
This one is for the artists, the pivoters, the ones who started late and stayed anyway.
About John:John Huff is a drummer, writer, podcast host, and creative human who believes in staying curious and honest no matter where you are in the process. His show, The John Huff Podcast, is a reflection of his journey through music, mental health, and personal growth. You can find him on Instagram at @johnwhuff.
If this episode stirred something in you:Send it to someone who’s been thinking it’s too late.Or better yet — send them a song.
Mentions & Links:
* “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
* Theme music by: Lincoln Parish
* Subscribe to the show: comebacktoearth.substack.com