Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown

Discover the SECRET part of your BRAIN that controls MOTIVATION and what you might be doing to unknowingly sabotage your success.

MOTIVATION EXPERT, Dr. Kyra Bobinet (physician, public health leader, behavior change designer) breaks down the mysterious habenula and explains how to achieve your goals.

Discover why your To-Do Lists & New Year’s resolutions are secretly hurting you. Learn how to truly LOSE WEIGHT, succeed in RELATIONSHIPS, and why faking ORGASMS might lead to addiction!!

Stop everyday habits that may be DESTROYING your motivation.

We're unveiling the SHOCKING secrets of failure and imposter syndrome that are holding you back from true greatness - Are YOU unknowingly setting yourself up to fail?

Dr. Bobinet also explains:

- Benefits of dopamine fasting

- Different types of failure

- Dangers of doom-scrolling

- Ties between addiction, depression, and failure

- How to regulate your environment to reduce your chances of failure

- Best sources of motivation for short term goals vs long term goals

- Ketamine effects on the habenula in treating depression

- Why porn can be so addictive to some

- Why we're more likely to focus on losses vs wins

- What triggers imposter syndrome and who is most susceptible to it

- Positive & negative effects of the latest GLP-1 weight loss drugs on the brain

- Process of deep brain stimulation

- How to hack your way out of avoidant attachment

- Effects of inauthenticity in sexual relationships

- Downside of institutions overusing performance-based tools

- Difference between "performing" vs authentically being

Learn practical ways to form healthy habits and LITERALLY change your brain to avoid & move through FAILURE! 

Dr. Kyra Bobinet's book, Unstoppable Brain: The New Neuroscience That Frees Us From Failure, Eases Our Stress, and Creates Lasting Change: https://drkyrabobinet.com/unstoppable-brain-book/

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Holly Madison, former world FAMOUS PLAYMATE, reveals SHOCKING truths about her life in the Playboy Mansion....from her relationship with Hugh Hefner (who was 54 years her senior) to LOVE BOMBING, the dark side of STOCKHOLM SYNDROME, and BREAKING FREE and discovering herself.

Holly (bestselling author, podcaster, THE PLAYBOY MURDERS host & EP) opens up about how being diagnosed with autism recently affected her entire outlook on life and shares important signs that you might be in a manipulative relationship. 

She discusses everything you've ever wondered about Playboy life, including:

- What enticed her about the Playboy mansion experience, how she came to live there, and how she became Hugh Hefner’s “Main girlfriend”

- Why she thinks she was an easy target for Hefner

- Tactics Hefner employed to keep women from leaving the mansion

- How she numbed herself through substance use to get through day-to-day life

- How interpersonal dynamics & intense sense of competition within the playboy mansion contributed to her body dysmorphia

- HEALING & EMPOWERMENT: What was Hefner really like behind closed doors? And how did she FINALLY break free from his grip?

- What led her to break her silence on the trauma she suffered during her time at the mansion

We're unpacking her fascinating autism diagnosis, from the benefits of finally being diagnoses and how it negatively influenced her decision-making process, to how it informed her parenting style.

Holly breaks down:

- The real cost of giving up yourself in a harmful relationship

- Why people stay in harmful relationships, from fear of judgment to lack of financial stability

- Finding spirituality in storytelling & the places she lets her intuition guide her

- Her new mission as a free speech advocate!

- What she does to maintain positive mental health, including her superstitious vision board process

Mayim and Holly also bond over their love of true crime as Holly explains “The Playboy Curse”! 

Ready to be INSPIRED? TUNE IN to MBB today!

LETHALLY BLONDE & Season 2 of THE PLAYBOY MURDERS are available now on Investigation Discovery.

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Johann Hari Exposes SHOCKING Secrets About "Magic" Weight Loss Drugs. Discover What They DON’T Tell You About Ozempic.

Johann Hari (bestselling author, author of MAGIC PILL: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs) reveals how his childhood trauma led him to uncover the DARK SIDE of society's obesity epidemic and exposes the 12 RISKS of GLP-1 drugs, from depression and suicidal thoughts, to malnutrition and the startling impact on those with disordered eating. He discusses why he had contradictory feelings when he first learned about the potential benefits of these drugs as he opens up about his prior struggle with obesity and his own experience taking GLP-1 drugs, including why he started feeling worse emotionally and how his relationship with food has changed.

Uncover the hidden agenda behind these drugs—they might save lives, but at what cost? And what impact will this have on the body positivity movement? Johann dives deep into the biological, psychological, and social factors fueling this crisis. It's a wake-up call for society—can we REVERSE the damage before it's too late?

PLUS, find out the surprising impact of these drugs on addiction recovery and the economic fallout of challenging the obesity industrial complex!

Johann Hari explains the cruel reality that it's NOT YOUR FAULT you can't lose weight! Don't miss out on understanding the real causes of obesity and why willpower alone isn't enough. TUNE IN to MBB today!

Johann Hari's latest book, Magic Pill: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743989/magic-pill-by-johann-hari/

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Talk with Deceased Loved Ones & Embrace Intuitive Gifts, with "Long Island Medium" Theresa Caputo!

The LEGENDARY Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo, answers all of your questions about the afterlife - PLUS she gives Mayim and Jonathan a reading from the BEYOND!! 

We're diving into spiritual connections, intuitive powers, and Theresa’s extraordinary journey from an empathic, spirit-sensitive child to world-renowned medium.

Theresa opens up about her understanding of people's skepticism about her abilities, what finally allowed her to embrace her gift in order to help others, what she's been shown happens when we die, and why she thinks we can all have the ability to connect with our deceased loved ones!

She reflects on what it was like to grow up feeling and sensing things others didn’t (including seeing people that weren't there), the anxiety and spiritual crisis she endured before she learned to embrace and hone her gift, how she decides when to deliver a message from beyond or not, the concept of "soul transfer", and her thoughts on past life regressions.

Theresa also breaks down:

- What happens when she comes across dark energies

- Importance of grounding techniques

- Her role as a partner in helping people process their grief

- Her other abilities as an empath

- Reasons why we may not be connecting with the soul of a departed loved one despite our best efforts

- Her experiences connecting with people in comas & her take on NDE’s

- Results of the brain scan Dr. Daniel Amen performed on her and what it confirms about her abilities

And STAY TUNED to the end for Theresa's reading of Jonathan and his abilities! 

See THERESA CAPUTO LIVE: THE EXPERIENCE: https://theresacaputo.com/pages/live-events

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The Narcissism Doctor: “1 in 6 People Are Narcissists!” How to Spot Them & Can They Change?

Life-Saving Tips: Revealing Narcissists & Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a clinical psychologist & Professor Emerita of Psychology at California State University, and the Founder & CEO of LUNA Education, Training & Consulting. She is also the author of books such as "It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People."

Dive deep into the dangerous world of narcissism and discover how to spot narcissistic behavior, protect yourself from emotional trauma, identify the 6 types of narcissists, and learn about their covert tactics, like gaslighting and deprivation.

We’re breaking down the alarming rise in narcissism, its connection with addiction, the risks in online dating and why we often miss red flags in harmful relationships.

Dr. Durvasula explains the true definition of narcissism and gaslighting, the negative impact of being raised by narcissistic caregivers, how trauma bonding can evolve from a parent-child relationship to an adult romantic relationship, and the most disturbing aspects of being in a romantic relationship with a narcissist.

She also covers:

- Her top tips for being GASLIGHT-PROOF

- What grandiosity and lack of empathy really looks like in a relationship

- Who is most at risk for attracting narcissists?

- Why online dating is the perfect preying ground for narcissists

- The biggest challenges narcissists face in therapy

- Once you’re diagnosed as a narcissist, is that the nail in the coffin?

- How to have compassion for the narcissist in your life and find a way to engage while sticking to your boundaries

- Post-separation abuse and why some people may stay with a narcissist

- Harmful institutions that are contributing to the narcissism problem

- Why chemistry isn’t the most important thing in a relationship

- Why she thinks so many people are interested in narcissism now

Dr. Durvasula wants you to know that YOU are not the problem.

Don’t miss these critical life-saving insights - TUNE IN to MBB today!

Dr. Ramani Durvasula's Healing Program, Taking Yourself Back: Healing from Narcissistic & Antagonistic Relationships: https://doctor-ramani.teachable.com/p/taking-yourself-back-healing-from-narcissistic-antagonistic-relationships

Dr. Ramani Durvasula's latest book, It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710202/its-not-you-by-ramani-durvasula-phd/

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What does it mean to seek out a life of meaning, a sense of wonder and connection, to something greater than ourselves in a way that increases our overall WELLNESS? 

Does the body need a transcendental connection in order to be whole?

Mayim & Jonathan are LIVE from SXSW 2024 to break down the intersection of SCIENCE & SPIRITUALITY!!!

We're unpacking all things mind, body, & spirit, including:

- Physiological impacts of our minds being shaped by past experiences, perceptions, and thoughts

- How mind-body stress can impact the autonomic nervous system and lead to psychosomatic illness & chronic pain

- Positive physical & emotional effects of connecting with something greater than ourselves through altered states of consciousness (either with the use of psychedelic drugs or holistic mindfulness practices)

Mayim and Jonathan reflect on scientific evidence of mind-body connection, intergenerational trauma, the body’s system of interconnectedness, auras & energy, and other concepts that were previously dismissed as pseudoscience.

They explain:

- Science behind power of prayer & meditation and their ties to gratitude & resilience

- Why transcendental experiences could hold the potential to cure society's deepest suffering

- What is actually happening to the brain when we are in an altered state?

- How we can access these states without the use of drugs

- Correlation between near death experiences & DMT

- Interstitiums, microbiomes, fascia work, memory retrieval, the Akashic records & collective consciousness

Mayim and Jonathan also discuss the Default Mode Network, from its regulation with drugs like psilocybin and why it can cause some to struggle with maintaining feelings of connection when they return from an altered state, to its role in planning, decision-making, goal-directed behaviors, connecting the brain and spirit, and processing memory and emotion.

PLUS, they explore where they think the intersection of science and spirituality is headed next!

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Paul Sheer (hilarious actor, filmmaker, and podcaster) is here to break down the pitfalls of self-diagnosis, the therapeutic power of acknowledging anger, and the significance of agency.

He opens up like NEVER BEFORE about his abusive childhood, from how his parents managed to secretly get divorced while he was a kid and how his family secrets impacted his ability to trust into adulthood, to what it means to speak your truth even if it betrays the narratives of others and how he was able to release his anger in order to move forward.

He also answers the important question: Does therapy dampen your creativity??

We also discuss:

- His late ADHD diagnosis, including his experience with medication and what triggers his spirals

- Silver lining of his childhood trauma: Using it to connect with others & how it allowed him to be a better husband and father

- How his family’s need to “control the narrative” led to emotional struggle and passivity

- Origins of his long-running and widely popular podcast, How Did This Get Made?, and its unexpected impact on the Fast & The Furious franchise

- His collections and how they help him connect with his past

- Importance of surrounding yourself with creatively challenging people

- Healing Nature of Black-and-White Thinking

PLUS Mayim opens up about her love for Nicolas Cage!

TUNE IN to this hilarious, heartfelt episode today!

Paul Scheer's new memoir, Joyful Recollections of Trauma: https://www.paulscheer.com/my-book

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Achieve Economic Security. Financial EXPERT, Scott Galloway, Explains How Anyone Can GROW WEALTH at Any Age. ACT NOW.

Simple Steps to Get Rich.

Scott Galloway (bestselling author, NYU professor, serial entrepreneur) reveals the UGLY TRUTH about Chasing Your Passion and shares steps we can all take to GET RICH!

In this MUST-WATCH episode for anyone looking to improve their financial stability, Scott exposes shocking truths about economic disparities in the U.S.

He shares how growing up poor shaped his beliefs, why passion shouldn't drive your career choices, the economic implications of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, and the sneaky tactics the wealthy use to maintain their status.

Scott Galloway also breaks down:

- Dangers of excessive consumerism and possible solutions

- Necessity to prioritize relationships over chasing wealth

- The true definition of being "rich"

- Societal pressure for excessive spending over social media

- Value of financial discipline and identifying specific economic goals

- Why we are obligated to plan for financial security

- His personal struggles with depression, anger, economic fear, and the trappings of a materialistic world

- Importance of talking about money without fear

Scott's practical advice on achieving financial security, untying your identity from your economic status, aligning goals with realistic expectations, and practical saving and investing tips demonstrate why IT'S NEVER TOO LATE to reduce economic stress.

Scott Galloway's latest book, THE ALGEBRA OF WEALTH: A Simple Formula for Financial Security: https://a.co/d/dTiNx66

Betterment Disclosure:

As of 4/19/24 for the aggressive Target Income Portfolio. Blended 30-day SEC yield is the weighted average of 30-Day SEC yields (standardized calculation) for each ETF in the portfolio, net of fees (0.25%). Yield is not performance; investment returns may vary; investing involves risk including loss of principal. Betterment, not BlackRock is responsible for its advisory relationships with clients.

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Taylor & Tay Lautner on BODY SHAMING, Pressures of Global SUPERSTARDOM, & Finding LOVE!

What’s it like to be married to someone with your exact name?? Taylor Lautner and his wife, Tay Lautner, open up in this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of MBB!

From Taylor’s whirlwind journey as a global superstar in the Twilight series where he experienced an unprecedented level of stardom, to Tay’s relentless dedication as a nurse during the pandemic, this couple shares their unique experiences with fame, body image, mental health, and love.

Taylor Lautner gets candid about the negative effects of fame that made it difficult for him to leave his house, why he took a pause from the entertainment industry, dating Taylor Swift, the pressures of being a teenage sex symbol, and overcoming body image issues that haunted him for years. He also opens up about being bullied in school for being an actor, his struggles with people-pleasing and perfectionism, the origins of his optimistic nature and sense of discernment, and his insecurities with fame now.

Tay speaks to the life-and-death pressures of nursing and the obsessive compulsive tendencies she thinks it has instilled in her. She also details her struggles with burnout and boundary-setting and pinpointing her actual wants and needs, and the emotional toll of her loved ones' battles with addiction and bipolar disorder.

Together, they explore the dangers of over-compartmentalizing and not allowing yourself to feel full range of emotions, how they balance their relationship despite having different love languages, and what it means to grow and heal together.

Join the Lautner power couple as we break down their mental health journey, their favorite tools for mental wellness, and the most valuable things they’ve learned doing their own successful mental health podcast, The Squeeze!

Taylor & Tay Lautner's podcast, The Squeeze: https://www.lemonsbytay.com/the-squeeze-podcast

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Fulfill Your DESTINY: Renowned PSYCHIC Medium, Mystic Michaela, Shares How!

Mayim & Jonathan Get Their AURAS Read, on an all new episode of MBB! 

By popular LISTENER DEMAND, Psychic Medium & Aura Reader Mystic Michaela reveals the link between personality and auras, the dangers of betraying your aura, and why many people are so skeptical about the concept.

She reads Mayim and Jonathan’s auras, revealing surprising insights about their energies and how they complement each other, and even reads THE AURAS OF THE MBB AUDIENCE! 

Michaela also explains the role of déjà vu, synchronicity, & anxiety in our spiritual journeys, whether your aura can change over time, and how to live authentically according to your true aura color.

We're breaking down everything you need to know about auras:

- What indigo children really are and why the MBB audience has so many! 

- How societal gender norms influence aura colors

- The concept of "Soul Recognition" & what it feels like in your body

- How your aura affects your parenting

- The empathetic nature of certain aura colors and which careers they're best suited for

- The dark side of empathy & why it's crucial for empathic individuals to set boundaries to avoid burnout

- Why we should always listen to our intuition even when it can feel silly

- Michaela's thoughts on the non-linear nature of time 

Plus, Michaela shares her personal journey, including her other extrasensory perceptions as an empathic medium, what she does when she feels the burden of her gifts, and the challenges she faced when coming out with her abilities.

You asked and we listened....TUNE IN to this exciting new episode of MBB today!

Mystic Michaela's Latest Book, What's My Aura?: Learn Your Color, What It Means, and How You Can Embrace Your Unique Energy Signature: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Whats-My-Aura/Mystic-Michaela/9781507221310

Mystic Michaela's Podcast, Know Your Aura: https://knowyouraura.com/

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INCREASE LIFESPAN by Recalling Positive Memories - A Simple Technique to Improve Health! 

Mayim breaks down famous relationship expert, Dr. David Richo’s ,“5 A’s” (Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, Allowing, Affection) and their crucial role in fostering healthy connections in this BRAND NEW Thursday episode of MBB. (This is what happens when one AMA submission turns into an entire full episode!)

Discover how missing these elements in childhood can impact adulthood and adult relationships, why social connection is vital for our mental and physical health, and what is actually going on in the brain when we connect or don't connect with others.

Explore how the brain's stress pathways either play into social deprivation or a desire for social connection through our default mode network, how the brain's reward system of positive memory recall can increase your social battery and even your lifespan, and learn why social media can't replace real human interaction.

We also dive into: 

- The detrimental effects of isolation on physical and mental health

- How shared experiences create lasting bonds

- The benefits of parallel play in children and adults

- Which age group social interaction is most critical for

- The importance of memory coding around

- How the brain is wired to give in to peer pressure

- Why loneliness is hard to escape without proper motivation

- What leads us to crave alone time and how do we know when isolation has become unhealthy for us?

DON'T MISS this crucial episode on the dangers of withholding from your relationships, and the positive behaviors that can get us back on track!

Check out our full episode with Dr. David Richo: https://youtu.be/qa9IX9ko8sQ

The Neuron Journal - Characterizing the Mechanisms of Social Connection: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627323006992

USA Today article on the impact of loneliness: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/12/24/loneliness-epidemic-u-s-surgeon-general-solution/71971896007/

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"You Don’t Need to Climb a Mountain to Reach Enlightenment” - KUNAL NAYYAR, one of our most popular guests of ALL TIME, is back!

Feeling Fatigued? KUNAL is Here to Deal Out Some HOPE! 

Kunal helps us unravel the secrets to attaining inner peace and catalyzing global change in this transformative episode.

 

From the power of ego surrender and "self-sacrifice" to his enlightening perspective on the purpose of pain, Kunal's journey through the Myth of Enlightenment and navigating feelings of aimlessness offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking a more fulfilling and peaceful life.

 

Kunal shares practical meditation tips with Mayim, his thoughts on finding love and compassion in altered states, his perspective on ancestral trauma, practical ways to detach from our thoughts and ego in order to live in harmony with others, and how we should decide which of our personal obstacles to tackle and which to find a way to live with.

 

He also breaks down:
- His struggle with being pigeon-holed into his TBBT character, Raj Koothrappali
- Fatigue we feel from hyper-focusing on self-work
- Why we should stop holding our stories so tightly
- How workaholism can actually be a crutch
- Why we should stop trying to live someone else's life
- The Elusive Nature of Thought
- Ways we can release "the Illusion of ourselves"
- His spiritual connection to and the meditative process of acting

PLUS @jonathancohenofficial opens up about his first experience with reiki.

Kunal wants you to know that you are not a problem that needs solving and that world peace starts within! 

Check out our first episode with Kunal Nayyar: https://youtu.be/9fY2L0E2S20

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You’ve heard her voice! FAMOUS voice actor Tara Strong opens up about her struggles with body image, why she believes magic is real, her manifestation process for attracting positivity, her connection to non-human beings and star planets, and what she thinks we can all learn from cartoons.

In this magical episode, Tara also reveals the secrets behind creating some of the most iconic characters in animation! (POWER PUFF GIRLS’ "Bubbles", THE FAIRLY ODD PARENTS’ "Timmy Turner", "Harley Quinn"....and MANY more!)

From discovering her voice acting gift at an early age to discussing her favorite roles, we explore Tara’s unique connection with "the characters that live in her head", her advice for aspiring voice actors, and her insights into the power of positivity and resilience.

PLUS Mayim discusses her own animated voiceover acting career, the "emotional freedom" technique, and how tapping acupressure points can help you through stressful situations.

Discover the science behind manifestation, self-fulfilling prophecies, the laws of attraction, and the ties between resilience and positive thinking.

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HIGH on GOD. The SHOCKING LINK between Stoned Greek witches, Christianity, early Civilization & Shrooms.

Best-selling Author, Brian C. Muraresku, (The Immortality Key) explores if Jesus might actually be the Greek God Dionysus.

He explains how ancient Greeks believed that experiencing your death “before you die” actually provides you the chance for immortality.

We go deep and learn about links between early Christianity and Ancient Greek mystical practices, including altered states as a way to be in touch with the spiritual realm, the true origins of Catholicism’s body and blood of Christ, and the pivotal role Greek witches played in shaping early Christianity.

Brian also breaks down: 

- How the wine used today in church differs from the psychedelic-infused wine of Ancient Greece 

- More than metaphor: What it actually means to ingest the body and blood of Christ

- Sorcery vs Scripture 

- Lay down and die: “Incubation” as a path to enlightenment

- The dangers of psychedelic use without prep work and appropriate processing

- Why he chooses not to use psychedelics himself

Join us as we explore these questions, backed by compelling historical evidence and expert insights that will challenge everything you thought you knew about religious history and Western Civilization as we understand it. 

Brian C. Muraresku's book, THE IMMORTALITY KEY: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250207142

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Could Cheryl Hines become America's next FIRST LADY? 

On this BRAND NEW episode of MBB, we break down her journey from Comedian to possible political royalty.

Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) joins us in the MBB studio this week to say goodbye to her long-running character in the final season of CURB, and to discuss how she still manages to find the comedy and fun in the midst of her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s campaign for president! 

They chat about Mayim’s guest role on CURB and her out-of-the-box audition process, whether Cheryl ever wishes her own character had the opportunity to evolve, and the huge loss of Cheryl’s close friend and longtime co-star Richard Lewis.

Cheryl also opens up about:

- The hilarious way Larry David introduced her to her now husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

- Why Larry didn’t think her relationship with Robert would last

- What it was like marrying into the Kennedy dynasty, especially as someone who didn’t grow up with politics

- How Robert Kennedy’s bid for the presidency has changed their relationship + how Cheryl is fitting into the world of politics now

- What it feels like to know there’s a chance she could be the First Lady?!

- The struggle to reel in her comedy instincts while she’s on the campaign trails

- Navigating security threats & ways she manages the stress of her new life in the political realm

PLUS Cheryl reflects on the ways her improv background translates to other areas of her life, her humble beginnings growing up in Florida, and she and Mayim share their O.J. Simpson bar stories!

Check out Cheryl Hines' body care line, Hines+Young, and use code "Breakdown20" at checkout for 20% off your order: https://shophinesyoung.com/

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Will you take the red pill with us?

Join Mayim and Jonathan as they reflect on our widely popular episode, "She Met God & Saw the Future", where Elizabeth G. Krohn details her near-death experience after being struck by lightning, her 2-week experience in heaven, and the newfound knowledge and abilities she returned with.

Mayim and Jonathan discuss transformative experiences that challenge our scientific understanding and open doors to new realms of consciousness, from aura reading and near-death experiences, to the non-linear nature of time and the curious phenomenon of déjà vu.

Discover powerful reflections on interconnectivity and expanded consciousness on this special Thursday Edition of MBB!

Check out our fascinating full episode with Elizebeth G. Krohn & Jeffrey J. Kripal: https://youtu.be/HQhOb63E_do

Check out our full episode with Corey Taylor: https://youtu.be/FlJCr1-xCfc

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EXCLUSIVE REACTIONS: Mayim, Jenna von Oy, and Christy Carlson Romano dive deep into the explosive QUIET ON SET documentary, from the heartbreaking abuse exposed by some of their peers, to their own firsthand accounts of the pressures they faced as child actors.

Mayim, Christy, and Jenna reflect on how the model for kids’ tv made child actors particularly vulnerable, the dangers of children working in the high pressure entertainment industry, the trauma-bonding nature watching the doc has had for their peer community, whether the system can truly be reformed, and ways to effectively pivot the conversation from sensationalistic gossip to promoting real change in the industry.

Christy reveals why she has currently chosen NOT to watch the documentary, breaks down her reservations about the exploitative nature of "trauma tourists," and explains more about the important advocacy work organizations like the Looking Ahead program (@alifeinthearts) are doing to connect child actors and their families with essential resources.

THEY ALSO DISCUSS: 

- The dangers of dangling fame in front of child actors

- The role parents have to play, even if a studio tries to remove them

- The importance of teaching children to use their voices

- The crucial need for female representation and trauma-informed care in the entertainment industry

This episode is a must-listen, from revealing the dark side of how the entertainment millions love was actually made, to the exploration of what we can all do to ensure the safety of children everywhere. 

Learn more about the Looking Ahead program: http://give.actorsfund.org/site/Calendar?id=101701&view=Detail

Learn more about the Coogan Law: https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/young-performers/coogan-law

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What are the effects of love on the brain?

Can ADHD worsen as we age?

Why do we crave certain foods at certain times?

How do I know when I've outgrown my relationship with my therapist?

Mayim answers these questions and MORE on another episode of Ask Mayim Anything!

SHE BREAKS DOWN:

- "Stuck Song" Syndrome, AKA "Earworms"

- The correlation between head injuries and mental illness (including treatments to help!)

- Sensory Processing Disorder and when to seek support for it

- The differences between hyper- and hyposensitivity

- Why oxytocin can lead to attachment

- The effects of low levels of serotonin

PLUS we have a SPECIAL GUEST this episode.....

Nurture Neuroscientist, Infant Sleep Educator, & Doula Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum joins us to explain how breastfeeding promotes the bond between parent and child, and her TOP 5 REASONS your baby isn’t sleeping!

Mayim also tackles your ADHD questions, from why more women are being diagnosed with ADHD to the causes of exacerbated ADHD symptoms.

She also reflects on her animated voiceover roles and the risks of being friends with your therapist.

TUNE IN to see if your question was answered this episode!!!

Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum's book, The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby’s Brain and Transform Their Mental Health through the Art of Nurtured Parenting: https://a.co/d/fKZbXex

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Dive deep into the world of Somatic Experiencing with Dr. Peter A. Levine, the revolutionary developer of this transformative approach designed to help us access the body's stored memories in order to heal trauma.

Dr. Levine explains why release trauma is so IMPORTANT to our overall health, wealth, and ability to connect with others. He shares how traditional doctors initially didn't understand somatic experiencing and how the alarming prevalence of sexual trauma in our society impacts the way we communicate with one another.

DR. LEVINE ALSO BREAKS DOWN: 

- How the brain compartmentalizes trauma as a survival mechanism

- The use of hallucinogens to process death

- The dangers of exposure therapy

- How the mechanism of dissociation can protect our mind-body from overwhlem

- What sexual trauma looks like emotionally & spiritually

- The role of creative imagination in determining our true selves

- Collective consciousness and his posthumous conversations with Albert Einstein

- How the mind-body holds memory of preverbal trauma, such as abandonment

- Dissipative & Catastrophe Theories and Premature Cognition

- What prevents us from returning to equilibrium after a traumatic event

- How play opens creativity

- Why we should have compassion for the child within us

This episode will change how you view your body's memories and the hidden power they hold in healing. From exploring the brain's survival mechanisms to unlocking the secrets of sexual trauma healing, don't miss this chance to discover the key to healing trauma!

*CONTENT WARNING*: This episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse.

Dr. Peter A. Levine's newest book, An Autobiography of Trauma: https://books.innertraditions.com/autobiography-of-trauma/

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This week we're sitting down with the fearless, hilarious, and thoughtful Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, Fleabag) as he opens up about the challenges that have shaped him, from his early battles with OCD and questioning his identity, to intense enmeshment with his mother and overcoming those tendencies as he navigates adult relationships.

Brett opens up about:

- The ways he felt different growing up

- His early experiences with drug use

- His OCD around numbers and fear of the future

- Why questioning his sexuality as a kid led him to have a breakdown

He also shares insights on method acting, the importance of creating space for men to challenge toxic masculinity, and the importance of infusing all of your endeavors with a little bit of yourself.

PLUS Mayim explains why self-centeredness may actually be at the root of our attempts at caring for others!

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dance between our past experiences and our present selves.

TUNE IN to find out how facing your past can dramatically reshape your future!

Brett Gelman's new book, The Terrifying Realm of the Possible: Nearly True Stories: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-terrifying-realm-of-the-possible-brett-gelman?variant=41073650204706

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Vagus Nerve Secrets REVEALED: Discover how to feel safe with the groundbreaking creator of the Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stephen Porges!

Dr. Porges helps us answer all of the important questions, like:

- Why are we attracted to "BAD" people?

- How can trauma prevent us from accessing the body’s healing resources, AND what is the link between TRAUMA & OBESITY?

- Why do certain sounds instantly calm us down?

- Why might neurodivergent individuals have a hard time connecting with others?

- How can vagus findings be used to improve institutions like prisons, hospitals, and schools?

PLUS find out what signals you're sending without even realizing it and how to create a safer, more connected world around us.

WE ALSO BREAK DOWN:

- Dr. Porges' journey of discovering the vagus nerve and polyvagal theory

- Scientific evidence for why the dating process should be slowed

- Good vs Bad stress

- Why dissociation is an adaptation

- How speech patterns can affect our anxiety levels

- How Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is connected to our mindset and well-being

- "Freezing" as an alternative to "Fight" & "Flight"

- The importance of creating a safe space for others

- The traits of a well-attuned therapist

- Why hypersensitivity (especially auditory) affects everything

- The dangers of labels without accounting for individual history

Whether you're a neuroscience enthusiast, seeking self-improvement tips, or just curious about the hidden powers within us, this episode is packed with intriguing insights and practical advice. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the wonders of the human body and mind.

TUNE IN to discover the SECRET to EMOTIONAL SAFETY!

Dr. Stephen Porges' book, Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us: https://a.co/d/iO7BMqh

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Psychedelics, Making a Deal with God, the Unity of Music, Wilderness Therapy, Untying Identity from Physical Appearance....this episode has it all!

Dive deep into the soul-stirring journey of renowned musician Matisyahu, where music and mysticism collide in an unforgettable revelation.

We explore Matisyahu's self-diagnosed learning disabilities, his life as "the last hippie", and the spiritual awakening that led him from dropping out of high school to become a Dead Head and follow Phish on tour, to a stint in rehab and an empowering experience in a wilderness therapeutic program.

This is a RAW & REVEALING account of how psychedelic experiences, spirituality, and music have intertwined to shape his path from a troubled youth to a reggae music sensation!

Matisyahu also opens up about his move toward becoming very religious in his Jewish faith - including growing an extremely recognizable beard and studying at the yeshiva - the intersectionality between reggae and Judaism, the underground healer who saved his life, and the ebbs and flows of his relationship with religion....PLUS where he’s currently at with it now.

From pairing psychedelic drugs with spirituality and music at an early age - leading to a deep calling to dedicate his life to God and his music career - to the pressures of fame driving him to shave his iconic beard, this episode is a very personal examination of the ties between loneliness and spirituality.

Don't miss this powerful episode that challenges us to question: Does God feel pestered by humanity? 

Matisyahu’s new EP, Hold The Fire: https://open.spotify.com/album/4F9mJZpV1TLqBEQefHe2Bt

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An adrenaline-fueled war reporter, self-medicated with cocaine. The panic attack on live TV that brought him to meditation.

This is a RAW & REVEALING look into how Dan Harris (10% Happier author & podcaster) struggled behind his polished on-screen persona.

What's a better way to celebrate MBB's 200TH EPISODE?!!!

Dan reveals how his reporting from the frontlines of Iraq led to self-medicating his depression with recreational drugs, and how meditation was the ultimate game-changer.

THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION FOR ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY CAN'T MEDITATE!

Learn the practical skills to happiness, how to detach from your narrative through metacognition, and create a buffer between stimulus and reaction.

Mayim shares her personal struggles with meditation and gets practical tips from Dan that could change your perception of meditation forever. Plus, dive into different forms of meditation that enhance concentration, gratitude, and how a lovingkindness meditation practice can reshape your day-to-day life.

Dan also explains how meditation caused him to shift his perception of himself and in relation to others, what our goals with meditation should be, and what his lovingkindness meditation practice looks like today.

Curious about MDMA's therapeutic potential for emotional awareness, adrenaline addiction, or what a coke-fueled panic looks like from the inside? This episode is your front-row seat to a MIND-BLOWING conversation that could very well be the nudge you need to start your own meditation journey.

TUNE IN to help us celebrate 200 episodes of MBB with Dan Harris! 

The 10th anniversary edition of  Dan Harris' book, 10% HAPPIER: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/10-happier-10th-anniversary-dan-harris?variant=41074377523234

Dan Harris' Podcast, TEN PERCENT HAPPIER: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast

Dan Harris' TEN PERCENT HAPPIER App: https://app.tenpercent.com/link/download

Mayim guests on Dan Harris' Podcast, TEN PERCENT HAPPIER: https://www.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/mayim-bialik-600 

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Rediscover the band that CHANGED MUSIC FOREVER.

RUN D.M.C. were the Beatles of Hip-Hop. Darryl "DMC" McDaniels was a comic book nerd who pretended his way into hip-hop stardom and changed the world forever.

We dive into Darryl’s journey from a shy Catholic school boy, being bullied to becoming an icon in the music industry. Darryl shares his struggles with the dark side of stardom, which lead to alcohol abuse and drinking a case of 40-oz bottles per day.

Darryl opens up about confronting the realities of adoption trauma after discovering he was adopted at the age of 35, the pressures that lead him to suicidal ideation, and his diagnoses of suppressed emotions & OCD.

He also REVEALS the origins of Run D.M.C.'s famous remake of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," their signature fashion style ("Adidas with no laces!"), their close relationship with the Beastie Boys, his rock 'n' roll inspirations, what it was like to be the first rap group on MTV, and grief over losing Jam Master Jay to homicide.

PLUS Darryl discusses practicing meditation through his creativity, his exciting upcoming music with Travis Barker, what music he’s listening to these days and what he thinks of hip hop and rap today, and the surprising story of how Sarah McLachlan saved his life!

Whether you're a long-time Run D.M.C. fan or new to the hip hop scene, you'll discover something new and inspiring.

This episode will leave you feeling like a fly on the wall as you witness MUSIC HISTORY - TUNE IN to MBB! 

Peacock’s docuseries Kings From Queens: The Run DMC Story: https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/kings-from-queens-the-run-dmc-story

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels' memoir, Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062368788?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VESZMBJ6FQ8Q4VVM656K

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels' Children's Book, Darryl's Dream: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704151/darryls-dream-by-darryl-dmc-mcdaniels-shawnee-warfield-johnny-warfield-and-adam-padilla-illustrated-by-tristan-tait/

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels' foster care nonprofit, The Felix Organization: https://www.thefelixorganization.org/about1-c8e1

Darryl Makes Cookies: https://www.dmc-cookies.com/

Darryl Makes Comics: https://www.instagram.com/dmcmakescomics/

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The Ultimate Guide to Living Longer and Happier – with World Famous Longevity MD, Peter Attia!

Dr. Peter Attia’s MOST personal interview yet.

Best-selling author of Outlive & host of The Drive podcast Dr. Peter Attia reveals why the current medical model is failing us and how a focus on combating the erosion of healthspan could be the secret to a fuller, richer life.

We can PREVENT chronic diseases - Dr. Attia's insights will change the way you think about your health forever!

He helps us break down everything from the real reasons we should avoid certain foods and the impact of mental health on our physical well-being, to the role of spirituality as a healing component to terminal illness and trauma. We also cover:

- Why most people today are dying from chronic diseases

- Impediments our doctors are currently facing

- Certain foods to avoid

- How to best make use of the time we have to dedicate to our health each week

- The benefits of young people spending time with the elderly population

- How to prioritize and implement new health information in the ever-changing medical landscape

- What is parasuicide and how do we tackle it?

- How to detach your behaviors from your urges

Dr. Attia GETS PERSONAL in a way you've never seen him before. He opens up about:

- Being addicted to workaholism, perfectionism, anger, and even oxycontin

- The physiological ramifications he experienced from going cold turkey off of oxytocin

- His psychedelic experiences

- What numbing the pain looks like for him now

- Why the underlying emotion under his anger is helplessness

Are you ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about health and longevity?

TUNE IN to MBB for this life-altering perspective on making the most out of our time on this earth!

Dr. Peter Attia's book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity: https://peterattiamd.com/outlive/ 

Dr. Peter Attia's Podcast, The Drive: https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/ 

Learn more about Early Medical: https://www.earlymedical.com/ 

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Comedian Jeff Foxworthy Wants You to Know....Laughter Can Heal the Conflict!

Jeff Foxworthy (Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?) REVEALS the origins of his famous \"You might be a redneck if...\" jokes, the shame he felt from his parents being the first divorced couple he knew, and his decision to stay away from political and religious humor where the divide is already great.

He opens up about his reservations about being asked to guest on MBB, his tech beginnings working for IBM, and why it’s more difficult to be a clean comic than dirty.

Jeff highlights the importance of living a balanced life, realizing that everyone is dealing with their own personal struggles, and why we could all stand to laugh at ourselves a little bit more.

PLUS Jeff shows off his impressive illustrating skills that most of the world doesn’t know him for.

TUNE IN to MBB to hear the full hilarious, heartfelt conversation!

Check out Jeff Foxworthy's games including Relative Insanity, Relative Insanity 2, and See What I Mean! 

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I Felt Pressure to Be Sexy: Boy Meets World Star on Growing & Sexploitation in Hollywood.

Danielle Fishel aka "Topanga Lawrence" REVEALS the real reason she nearly quit BOY MEETS WORLD!

She opens up in the MBB studio about facing body image issues and the pressures of objectification while she was underage, what it was like to have global pop star Lance Bass from NSYNC as her first serious boyfriend, and how chasing validation led her to perfectionism.

Danielle discusses why BOY MEETS WORLD holds such a nostalgic feeling for all of us (& did you know she didn’t originally get the role of "Topanga"?!?!), how fame affected her friendships in school, her divorce, and getting into therapy after her first marriage ended.

She also shares how her background in psychology led her to realize the importance of being established in who you are before you begin a healthy adult relationship.

TUNE IN to MBB today to hear the full convo!

Danielle Fishel's podcast, Pod Meets World: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pod-meets-world/id1629908611

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Killed by LIGHTNING, meeting GOD, the afterlife, psychic-visions, and becoming a medical medium - Elizebeth G. Krohn's journey back from the afterlife is a TRUE STORY too unbelievable to make up.

In this jaw-dropping new interview, Elizabeth G. Krohn (author, Changed in a Flash and Eyewitness to the Afterlife) details her near-death experience after being struck by lightning, her 2-week experience in heaven, and the newfound knowledge and abilities she returned with.

A prior spiritual skeptic, Elizabeth provides visceral descriptions of the sights and sounds of the afterlife and its nonlinear nature, and discusses making the difficult decision to leave her “home” in heaven and return to the cloudiness and uncertainty of earth.

She explains why she thinks everyone’s experience of heaven is different, what changed about how she saw the world after her experience, how she revealed the unexplainable occurrence to her friends and family, and even how it changed the way she parented her children.

We learn about the pre-cognitive nightmares she experienced predicting natural and manmade disasters, the synesthesia and aura-reading abilities she acquired, why she is hesitant to utilize her psychic abilities with others, and how she handles responsibility of knowing what’s going to happen.

Jeffrey J. Kripal (Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, co-author of Changed in a Flash) helps us make sense of near-death experiences as he considers the patterns he sees throughout people’s experiences and attempts to apply scientific models to explain them.

Elizabeth answers ALL of our burning questions - why did this near-death experience happened to her? Is reincarnation real? Do we pick our parents before we are born?

See how Elizabeth's near-death experience can empower us all!

Changed in a Flash, by Elizabeth G. Krohn & Jeffrey J. Kripal: https://a.co/d/26AiNNE

Elizabeth G. Krohn's latest book, Eyewitness to the Afterlife: My Two Weeks in Heaven: https://a.co/d/dkOgg7B

Find out more about Elizabeth G. Krohn: https://elizabethkrohn.com/

Find out more about Jeffrey J. Kripal: https://jeffreyjkripal.com/

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Tom Papa (stand-up comedian, author of We’re All In This Together…..So Make Some Room) is in the MBB studio to chat about channeling his artist sensitivity into comedy and hilarious emotional processing with his wife before bed that leaves him unable to sleep! He opens up about what it’s like being known as “the nice guy” in comedy, how to parent kids who struggle with something you’ve never struggled with, and why he’s never gone to therapy. Tom considers genetic makeup vs modeled affirmations in coping with life’s struggles, the empathy he feels for those struggling with genetic predispositions, and why it became easier to take care of himself after he had kids. He explains how psychedelics gave him new perspective but got in the way of his humor, the effect the “cathartic experience” of comedy can have on loneliness, and how allowing yourself to feel emotions can remove fear associated with the situation. Mayim and Jonathan discuss how mantras can rewire your brain and how they’ve evolved personally and together in the 3rd year of the podcast!

See Tom Papa live on tour: TomPapa.com/tour

Tom Papa's latest book, We’re All In This Together.....So Make Some Room: https://a.co/d/2CKTxfz

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Dr. David Spiegel (Stanford University School of Medicine, Center on Stress and Health and the Center for Integrative Medicine, Co-founder of Reveri self-hypnosis app) breaks down how hypnosis can ease your chronic pain, addictions, and help manage stress! He explains hypnotizability - who has it, who doesn’t, and can we increase it? - and clarifies whether or not the practice can actually be dangerous, PLUS he hypnotizes Jonathan who shares what it feels like in the body and mind! Dr. Spiegel reveals how stage hypnotism works and why it can be harmful, why dissociation is more valuable than we realize, and the benefits of seeing our stressors from another point of view through hypnosis. He also explains guilt as a trauma response, when he does and doesn’t turn to hypnosis as a healing modality, how we can surprise ourselves with our capacities for change, why social support is necessary to combat chronic illness, and the physiological description of acceptance. Dr. Spiegel demonstrates a breathwork session and explains why it works and Mayim considers the link between maternal stress and a child’s asthma.

For 2 weeks of Reveri for free, just tap this link from your mobile: https://reverihealth.app.link/mbb

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Rob Thomas (lead singer of Matchbox 20) makes a rare podcast appearance to discuss how he went from stealing cars to being one of the most notable voices in alternative rock! He opens up about his tumultuous childhood growing up with an absent father and his mom’s Hodgkins diagnosis, the life lessons he learned from his liquor-bootlegging grandma, and his skepticism of genuine connections after dealing with “transactional” relationships for so long. Rob shares fascinating insights into the deep meanings behind so many of Matchbox 20’s hits, from which of their most famous songs is actually about mental health to his feelings on their hit song “Push’s” role in the new Barbie movie. He reveals the surprising origins of his famous collab with Carlos Santana and his love-hate relationship with “Smooth” now, how songwriting can be a form of therapy for him, how each member of Matchbox 20 being in therapy affects their collaboration, and what he credits his longtime marriage to in the midst of a rock-and-roll lifestyle. Rob also reflects on the value of social media, why he almost stopped therapy after a bad experience, his complicated relationship with alcohol today, his couples therapy goals, his struggles with panic attacks and what he does to manage them.

Rob Thomas’ charity, Sidewalk Angels Foundation: https://www.sidewalkangelsfoundation.org/about

Matchbox Twenty’s new album, Where the Light Goes: https://matchboxtwenty.com/releases/where-the-light-goes/

See Matchbox 20 on tour: https://matchboxtwenty.com/events/

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Mayim and Jonathan are bringing you their favorite podcast moments of 2023! Join us as we revisit ADHD and the benefits of reparenting yourself with Jodie Sweetin, Corey Feldman’s thoughts on forgiveness and life after child stardom, Dr. Susan David’s advice for “unsticking” from emotions, Melissa Rauch and Mayim’s favorite Big Bang Theory memories, and Marc Maron’s reflections on grief. We also reflect back on Dr. Neil Theise’s explanation for why we’re all more connected than we think, Ben Stiller tells us how he rekindled his marriage during the pandemic, Gabriel Iglesias gives us his take on aliens, Whitney Cummings roasts Jonathan’s beard….plus so much more!

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John Stamos (actor, producer, author of If You Would Have Told Me) breaks down all things Full House, from his extremely close relationship with the late, great Bob Saget, to his struggle to come to terms with his iconic role as “Uncle Jesse.” He opens up about his very public D.U.I. incident and why he finally decided to seek help for his addictions, his issues with not feeling smart enough, his thoughts on his teen idol status, and how he moved through his resentment toward his ex-wife, Rebecca Romijn. John discusses how his parents kept him grounded and motivated, ways he has found his ego has stood in his way, beginning his therapy journey after his dad died, what he loves most about being a father, and his meditation practice. Mayim and John reflect on parenting styles and he details his musical career and performances with the Beach Boys. 

John Stamos' new memoir, If You Would Have Told Me: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250890979/if-you-would-have-told-me

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Identify your inner expectations, zodiac personalities, and narcissistic personalities with Mayim and Jonathan! They go in-depth about the neuroscientific implications of Jonathan’s chipped tooth before having some fun with a variety of quizzes from labeling your inner expectations to zodiac sign-associated personality scales. Plus we break down the different facets of narcissism and find out where Mayim and Jonathan each rank on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) scale!

Play along with Mayim & Jonathan here! 

• Gretchen Rubin's "The Four Tendencies" Quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/
• Zodiac-sign Associated Personality Scales: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/ZAPS/
• Narcissistic Personality Inventory: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/NPI/

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Frankie Muniz (actor, musician, and race car driver) breaks down the life lessons he’s learned from the psychology of racing, the origins of his concussions and memory loss, plus his mini-stroke misdiagnosis and what the problem actually was. He opens up about the status of a possible Malcolm in the Middle reboot, the anxiety he felt getting back into race car driving after a near catastrophic accident, his career as a professional musician, and why he thinks moving away from the entertainment industry saved his life. He reveals the reasons he doesn’t drink, his meditation practice and why he struggles with it, and why he wants to start therapy. Mayim resonates with Frankie’s explanation of his memory loss as it relates to being an actor and she breaks down aura migraines.

Learn more about Frankie Muniz' racing career: https://www.munizracing.com/

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Ron Funches (stand-up comedian, New Girl, Loot) joins us in the studio to discuss his recent divorce, coparenting, body image stressors, raising an autistic son, and the spiritual component of jiu jitsu. He explains what it’s like to have kids a generation apart and the different parenting resources he has at his disposal now that he didn’t have the first time around. Ron opens up about what his son’s autism has taught him, his self-focus after being a “serial monogamist” for so long, his mom’s career as a social worker, and the eye-opening advice he learned from Mayim years ago. Mayim opens up about the shame of divorce and Ron explains how vision boards work.

NOTE: This episode was recorded during the WGA strike. 

See Ron Funches Live: https://ronfunches.com/shows/

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Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies) breaks down his songwriting process for The Big Bang Theory and our very own MBB podcast theme songs! He opens up about his musical influences, his struggles with insecurities and imposter syndrome, and the shocking, fascinating story of how he came up with the TBBT theme. Ed reflects on growing up with an alcoholic father and how he learned to navigate their relationship. He explains why his career as a pilot means so much to him and details his frightening plane crash and the intense personal struggles it brought up for him. Ed also discusses what it has been like to avoid substance use and stay committed to his marriage in the midst of a rock-and-roll landscape, plus Jonathan schools Mayim on Canadian cowboy culture!

Barenaked Ladies' New Album, In Flight: https://bnl.lnk.to/In_Flight

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Whitney Cummings (comedian, actor, writer, producer, director) - and her unborn child! - stop by the studio to break down practical ways to reparent your inner child, how weed and microdosing mushrooms brought her to a manic episode, her addictions to love and fantasy, and channeling trauma into an asset. She opens up about her fears that she’s not worth listening to and her propensities for workaholism, perfectionism, codependency, and people-pleasing. Whitney reflects on competing with the substances her parents were addicted to, the nuances of birth order, the characteristics of parentified children, and the origins of her disordered eating. She shares her thoughts on self-sabotage, healthy anxiety as a gift of intuition, signs she knows she needs to be doing more self-care, how to schedule time to worry, the science behind manifesting, wolf therapy, and crying as a tool. Whitney delves into all things parenting, from the egg-freezing process and her journey through pregnancy to what scares her most about parenting, why it’s so difficult to watch parenting styles you don’t agree with, and her in-utero programming. She also discusses the origins of her humor, the responsible and reckless uses of comedy, plus we learn more about her new special, Mouthy!

Whitney Cummings' latest stand-up special, Mouthy: https://of.tv/creators/whitney-cummings-presents/

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Mayim breaks down the concept of “Indigo children” and the signs that you might be one! She discusses the origins of the “Indigo Child” notion, why it matters, and criticisms of the theory - plus we find out whether or not Jonathan is an Indigo Child! Mayim and Jonathan explain the aura and chakra system theories, and the importance of intuitive individuals to communities. 

Play along with Mayim and Jonathan! Find out if you're an Indigo Child here: https://lonerwolf.com/indigo-child/

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Dr. Daniel Amen (physician, psychiatrist, author, founder of Amen Clinics) shares proven ways to change your brain! He explains what psychiatry is getting right and wrong, his mental health approach from a psychiatric, holistic, and neuroscientific perspective, and the importance of getting to the root cause of any mental health condition. Dr. Amen reveals how mold exposure and traumatic brain injury can contribute to mental illness, how toxins in products and foods can make our bodies work against us, and why he considers happiness to be a moral obligation. He considers why many people are disillusioned by the psychiatric field, the nature of having celebrity clientele and how fame can physically damage the brain, and depression as a symptom and not a diagnosis. Dr. Amen discusses the science of supplements and which ones he recommends taking, why he includes spirituality in his prescriptions, his thoughts on trauma reprocessing in the psychedelic realm, and his preferred forms of therapy.

Find out more about BrainMD: https://brainmd.com/

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Jack Osbourne (The Osbournes, Ghosts & Grit podcast) breaks down why he thinks people are fascinated by his family, how he got into the paranormal, his struggles with substance abuse, and his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. He opens up about the toll his family’s reality show took on him, why he thinks the show was successful, and gives us a glimpse into what his dad is actually like off-camera. Jack details his detox experience, how he’s been able to maintain sobriety, and shares advice for those experiencing suicidal ideation. He discusses his mom’s battle with cancer, his dad’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, and his own experiences with talk and couples therapy. He also reflects on using his sense of humor as a defense mechanism, his jiu jitsu practice as a form of meditation, his divorce and new happy marriage, and his focus on removing shame from his relationship with his daughters. 

Jack Osbourne's newest podcast, “Ghosts and Grit": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ghosts-and-grit-with-jack-osbourne/id1711453860

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It’s another episode of Ask Mayim Anything! Mayim answers your questions about her tattoos and the meanings behind them, food service on sets, and she reveals the strangest place she’s ever slept. She breaks down alexithymia, agoraphobia and when to seek help for it, how dyslexic brains differ from neurotypical brains, and the science behind startle reflexes. Mayim tackles your parenting questions, from combating overstimulation as a parent and parent-child attachment styles, to coping with parents who don’t want to be grandparents to your kids and tips of parenting older adopted children. She also reflects on whether or not therapy can actually make you worse off and the purpose of revisiting trauma.

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Jada Pinkett Smith (actor, producer, musician, host, author, advocate) joins us to break down her struggles with depression and CPTSD, the status of her marriage to Will Smith, “The Slap”, her ayahuasca experience, and connecting with her higher power. She discusses what it was like growing up in a household with substance abuse struggles, having to sell drugs as a means to provide for herself, and how she met and became close with Tupac. Jada opens up about her panic attacks, suicidal ideations and subsequent attempts, and the taboo nature of therapy in her community. She reflects on her codependent nature, the intoxication of her courtship with Will, the break they took from their marriage, public pressure they’ve faced, the nature of their “open relationship”, and why they never actually divorced. Mayim and Jada discuss the patriarchal components of women being held responsible for the actions of men and Mayim and Jonathan demonstrate somatic tracking. 

Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir, Worthy: https://a.co/d/c0SN2xi

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Justine Bateman (writer, director, producer, author) joins us to address society’s fears about aging especially when it comes to females, how she unpacks her irrational fears in order to get to the root problem, and concerns about the implementation of artificial intelligence into film and television projects. She breaks down the nuances of wearing makeup, differences between society’s views toward aging between men and women, and her foolproof method for combating fears rooted in our physical insecurities. Mayim breaks down choice feminism and Justine shares what our fears of being an outlier may be rooted in and why she thinks mainstream audiences are one step away from accepting generative A.I. 

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Israel-Hamas conflict. Our hope is that MBB can be a positive distraction from what's going on in the world.

Justine Bateman's book, Face: One Square Foot of Skin: https://a.co/d/g6TTg70

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Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Mr. Show) opens up about his recent near-death heart attack and the perspective it gave him, how he channels his fear, anxiety, and anger into his comedy, and how imposter syndrome has fit into the arc of his career. He breaks down the shame instilled into him throughout his Catholic upbringing, what it was like to watch his friends find fame before he did, and navigating his work ethic while still being around for his kids. Bob discusses the significance of the Hollywood strikes and the origins of his new book of poems he made with his kids. Bob’s daughter Erin joins the Breakdown to describe the creative process of working with her dad.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Israel-Hamas conflict. Our hope is that MBB can be a positive distraction from what's going on in the world.

Bob Odenkirk's new book, Zilot & Other Important Rhymes: https://a.co/d/7fDttFa

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Geri Halliwell-Horner (Ginger Spice herself!) discusses what drew her to the Spice Girls from the very beginning, her foray into literature and writing, and the life lessons she has learned from American culture. She shares her thoughts on what it has meant to be Ginger Spice, the connotations associated with being a redhead, and how her intuition guided her to stand up for Spice Girls’ biggest hit, “Wannabe.” Mayim serenades Geri with Yiddish songs and Geri explains how she incorporates songwriting into her books, why she resonates with Sylvester Stallone, how becoming a mom changed her persona and why self-worth can be our best defense.

Geri Halliwell-Horner's new book, Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen:  https://a.co/d/0co48Sh

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Manti Te’o (former NFL player) opens up about enduring his very public catfishing scandal, the spiritual and familial strength he drew on to overcome it, and how it brought him to a journey of self-discovery. He explains his connection to his Samoan heritage, the giving nature of his culture, and the expectations that were placed on him as the oldest child in a large Polynesian family. Manti discusses the double-edged sword of having a public persona, using football as a means to help his family, and the nature of faith when life isn’t turning out the way you want it to. He considers how the devastating fires in Hawaii have impacted the people and culture there, and how he thinks people can best support the population through it.

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Ben Stiller joins us in the studio to discuss his parents’ influence, his mental health journey as a child, how the pandemic brought him and his wife Christine Taylor back together again, his workaholic tendencies, and what’s next for his career. He and Mayim share the nightmares they had the night prior, Ben shares his favorite Yiddish words and Mayim teaches him a new one during an impromptu Yiddish Word of the Day segment! Ben opens up about what it’s been like to make a documentary about his parents, how his marriage echoes his parents’ relationship, and his mother’s struggles with alcoholism. He recounts his feelings of separation anxiety as a child, the interesting forms of therapies his family tried, and his experience with transcendental meditation. Mayim details her digital detox and inspires Ben to consider giving it a try, and they discuss how creativity can add something incredible to or get in the way of a romantic relationship.

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Vanessa Bayer (SNL, I Love That for You) joins us in the MBB studio to discuss using humor to cope with her cancer diagnosis as a teenager, her tenure as one of longest-running female cast members of Saturday Night Live, and her transcendental meditation practice. She opens up about her Make-A-Wish experience, landing SNL and the resiliency working on the show entails. Vanessa’s brother Jonah Bayer (writer, podcaster, musician) joins in virtually to discuss his current studies in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, what inspired him to enter into the mental health field, and why he’s interested in the mental health of creatives in particular. He opens up about his experience navigating Vanessa’s illness, his own battle with leukemia, and how he uses yoga to maintain his mental wellness. Vanessa and Jonah profess their deep love of Blossom, explain their working relationship as siblings, and consider the difficulties around getting started with any mental health treatment.

Vanessa & Jonah's Podcast, How Did We Get Weird?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-did-we-get-weird-with-vanessa-bayer-and-jonah-bayer/id1586365658

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Dr. Richard Davidson (Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds) shows us what it truly means to be well in your emotional self by harnessing our trauma mechanisms into well-being! He breaks down the scientific data he’s gathered on long-term meditators (including monks!) to show the efficacy of meditation, the parts of the brain most affected by meditation, and what all of that means for how we self-regulate and cope with trauma. Dr. Davidson explains how meditation can help parenting, how our expectations and narratives influence our perception of the world, and what our "emotional fingerprints" are. He and Mayim discuss how his framework of awareness, connection, insight, and purpose lead us to understand the science of well-being, the notion that love and kindness are innate and hate is learned, and the importance of teaching forms of meditation to our kids.

Check out the Center for Healthy Minds:  https://centerhealthyminds.org/give/overview

For well-being tools, visit: https://hminnovations.org

Download the free Healthy Minds meditation app:  https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app

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Matt Gutman (ABC News’s chief national correspondent, author of No Time to Panic) opens up about the panic attack he had while reporting on the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash, which led him to pursue every remedy under the sun to treat his panic disorder. He breaks down the difference between panic and anxiety attacks, their biological purpose, why they present so uniquely in each individual, and how they physically manifest for him. Matt explains the shame that comes with panic disorder, how his \"safety behaviors\" actually primed him for panic, and shares alarming statistics about panic disorders. He discusses the impact of losing his father at an early age, his family’s intergenerational trauma, his fears of imperfection and social rejection, and how his own trauma aids his journalistic career. Mayim opens up about her own personal experiences with panic attacks and she and Matt unpack all of the traditional and unconventional remedies he has explored, from traditional talk therapy to holotropic breathwork, reiki, and even toad venom. He discusses his immunity to ayahuasca, why crying needs a cultural rebrand, and how his recovery journey has made him a better father.

Matt Gutman's new book, No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety And Conquered A Lifetime Of Panic Attacks: https://a.co/d/feAfPmW

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Kim Kelly (independent journalist, author, organizer) breaks down why unions matter, what exactly is at stake with the current Hollywood strikes, and how her experience in sideshow school informed her passion for the labor movement. She discusses the diversity of the labor movement and how she navigates the emotional component, from child labor laws and fast fashion to the nail industry and instances of increased cancers in flight attendants. Kim opens up about being born with ectrodactyly, a rare congenital disorder, how that led her to join a sideshow school, and describes the fascinating history of sideshow and hierarchy of sideshow performers. She explains why prisoners deserve rights and how her career as a heavy metal journalist translates to the labor world, and Mayim explains radical veganism.

Kim Kelly's Book, Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fight-Like-Hell/Kim-Kelly/9781982171056

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Sharon Salzberg (meditation pioneer, NYT bestselling author) breaks down what successful meditation looks like, how to extend lovingkindness to ourselves in the social media age, and what it really means to have compassion for our enemies while standing firm in our fight for others. She opens up about how her traumatic childhood and studying philosophy brought her to her career path today, why her first reaction to meditation was anger, the truth she has personally found in meditation, and how she managed to not allow early meditation critics to stand in her way. Sharon explains ways to combine introspection with lovingkindness, how balance and presence can lead to self-compassion, and the positives and negatives of anger. She and Mayim discuss the differences between meditation and prayer, the commercialization of meditation vs the foundation of mindfulness, the importance of slowing down to enjoy moments of happiness, and why we are more connected than we realize. Sharon reveals the role love and relationships has played in her life and shares her own personal meditation practice.

Sharon Salzberg's latest book, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom: https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/reallife/

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring the show and to Haesue Jo, Licensed Therapist and Head of Clinical Operations at BetterHelp. #ad

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Mayim and Jonathan sit down for another positive news stories recap! They cover a study suggesting our brains sync as we interact with one another, breaking down how mirror neurons wire us to fit in and the positive and negative impacts of emotionally connecting with others. They also share the findings of a brain scan study showing ayahuasca’s profound impact, including its effects on the imagination, how hallucinatory drugs dampen some senses while heightening others, and even the cultural connotations of ayahuasca use. Mayim and Jonathan discuss how belief in God can trigger the same parts of the brain as drug use and explain group thinking, ties between the civil rights movement and religion, and why connection to music can be spiritual.

Check out our first Positive News Recap: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/create-yourself-anew-breaking-down-2022-with-mayim-and-jonathan

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Gabriel Iglesias (stand-up comedian) returns to MBB, but this time he’s in the studio for a chill summer fun episode! He describes his super fun birthday party and Mayim and Jonathan give him birthday presents. He also opens up about the terrifying moment his plane skid off the runway earlier this summer after being forced to make an emergency landing. Gabriel describes what burnout feels like for him and how he copes with it, his addiction to social media, his recent lifestyle changes, and using the stage as his therapy. He shares his take on artificial intelligence and what it means for performers, why he believes aliens exist, and how performing at smaller venues allowed him to fall back in love with comedy. Mayim breaks down veganism for Gabriel and they compare their experiences on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

See Gabriel Iglesias on Tour: https://fluffyguy.com/tour/

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David Richo PhD, MFT (psychotherapist, teacher, writer, and workshop leader) shows us how to become the best we can be at loving as he dispels the myths of what love actually is, explains how our relationships with our parents may unwittingly affect our romantic partnerships, and the key factors needed to build real trust. He discusses the changes he’s seen in relationships over the decades, the spiritual integrity component of successful relationships, and how the mindsets of ego can negatively impact any relationship. Dr. Richo demonstrates practical language used to strengthen a relationship after conflict and shares ways to identify candidates who are qualified to be in a healthy adult relationship. He reveals how his findings hold up when considering polyamorous connections, how fear manifests itself in relationships, why expressing appreciation should never be underestimated, and why we are more likely to be emotionally satisfied during the \"honeymoon stage.\" Dr. Rich also explains how to mirror healthy love for your children, the actual forms of nurturing kids crave from their parents, and practical ways to teach children independence.

Dr. David Richo’s book, How to Be an Adult in Relationships: https://www.shambhala.com/how-to-be-an-adult-in-relationships-9781611809541.html

Dr. David Richo's book, How to Be an Adult in Love: https://www.shambhala.com/how-to-be-an-adult-in-love-2943.html

Get 25% off his online course, "How to Be an Adult in Relationships", with code "MB25": https://how-to-be-an-adult-in-relationships.webflow.io/

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Sadhguru (yogi, mystic, visionary, and New York Times bestselling author) shares his perspectives on mindfulness, why mental health is such a widespread issue today, where we should find joy, and holistic ways to take charge of our mental health.

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Jinger Duggar Vuolo ( 19 Kids and Counting , author of Becoming Free Indeed ) opens up about the evolution of her views on Bill Gothard’s extreme religious teachings, how it feels to deal with her family’s struggles as someone in the public eye, and her anxiety as a result of trying to precisely follow religious principles. She discusses the positives of her upbringing, like her community of siblings, as well as the harmful dynamics she witnessed often at the expense of women. Jinger recalls the origins of her disordered eating and how her mom helped her through it, what forced her to finally challenge her beliefs, and her technical approach to disentangling her truth from the religious falsehoods she was taught to believe. Mayim breaks down religious obsessive compulsive disorder and shares her pop culture recommendations with Jinger. They discuss why Jinger still wants to be in the public eye, how she feels about her parents now, and the value of privacy after a life of being observed. Jinger considers how her relationship with a higher power and how her views on sex and a woman’s role in a relationship have shifted.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo's new book, Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear

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Christy Carlson Romano (Disney actress, activist, entrepreneur, content creator) breaks down her career pivot from Disney icon to child star advocate, the mechanisms of dissociation, and her struggles with love addiction. She details the juxtaposition between her typecasted acting roles with her actual complicated family dynamics, feeling “othered” from her siblings as she became the focal point for family, and the insecurities she carried after her Disney career. Christy explains why child actors are prone to addiction, her own sobriety journey, and the importance of supporting children’s mental health on sets. She shares her heartbreaking story of being assaulted while on her path to recovery, why she once cut her family off, and how she was conned by a “psychic”. Christy opens up about imposter syndrome when it comes to therapy, why she’s not active in it anymore, and her experience with EMDR.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Christy Carlson Romano's Podcast, Vulnerable: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vulnerable-with-christy-carlson-romano/id1611988143

8 Tips for Parents and Teens on Social Media Use — from the US Surgeon General: https://apnews.com/article/social-media-tips-children-surgeon-general-ad87529f4a6a762e3162f59db1f4709c

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Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Clarissa Explains It All, What Women Binge podcast) explains how she got her starts on her iconic television series, her Blossom audition, what it’s like to have your mom as your manager, and how her strong sense of responsibility helped her cope with the pressures of being a child actor. She and Mayim bond over starring in female character-driven shows around the same time and Melissa teaches Mayim about "Christmas Culture." Melissa opens up about her journey as a lifelong learner, her foray into directing, and the fascinating story about how her mom inadvertently became her manager.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Melissa Joan Hart's podcast, What Women Binge: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-women-binge/id1598931852

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Susan David, Ph.D. (award-winning Harvard Medical School psychologist) breaks down emotional agility, explaining how navigating our emotions can impact every area of our lives, why emotional labor can lead to burnout, the importance of not allowing emotions to guide us, and ways to prevent internalizing stereotypes about ourselves. She reveals the dangers of toxic positivity, how our negative emotions can disconnect us from our true selves, why the power of choice equates to growth and freedom, and the four most common “hooks” that prevent us from taking action. Dr. David provides strategies to change up your routine in a positive way, ways to align with your core values, and how to have your own back through self-compassion. She also shares her own personal grief journey and battle with disordered eating that led her to her life’s work. 

Dr. Susan David's Book, Emotional Agility: https://www.susandavid.com/book

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Melissa Rauch (The Big Bang Theory, Night Court, True Blood) joins us for a TBBT reunion! She and Mayim reminisce about the series, from their bond at joining the cast together at the same time and the origins of Melissa’s Bernadette voice to their favorite on-set memories. Melissa opens up about the awkwardness that ensued when she tried to confess her deep love of Blossom to Mayim and what it was like to come of age in their acting careers just as social media was taking off. She discusses her comedy influences, what she likes about writing for herself, and demonstrates her formerly thick New Jersey accent. Melissa also describes her tendencies to beat herself up internally and the positives and negatives about how celebrity is looked at in our society.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

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We're revisiting another episode from the MBB vault! Wil Wheaton helps us break down the importance of setting boundaries, getting to the root of emotional pain instead of self-medicating, and the beauty of becoming the parent you never had.  He opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his parents, his lifelong battle with depression, anxiety, & addiction, and his breakdown at the airport that led him to seek help. We also hear how sobriety and therapy became his “escape hatch” and his explanation for why “naming the thing” can cause it to lose its power over you. Enjoy the best moments of Wil Wheaton, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

Check out our full episode with Wil Wheaton: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/wil-wheaton-on-trauma-depression-self-discovery

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R.K. Russell (former professional NFL football player, author, advocate) breaks down what it was like to be the first active NFL player to come out of the closet, the complexity around bisexuality, and compartmentalization as a survival mechanism. He reflects on his football beginnings, his close relationship with his single mother, and his struggles with internalizing society’s flaws and feeling “othered.” Russ opens up about his watershed moment when he first realized he was bisexual and his internal battle that ensued, juggling both his masculine and feminine tendencies, and how society’s incorrect views about sexuality impacted the conversation around his own within the football world. He explains why he strives to debunk myths around bisexuality, the intersectionality of being a queer person and a person of color, curation vs creation, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in sports. Russ reveals why he finally decided to make himself and his happiness a priority over football and his advice to those holding big secrets.

R.K. Russell's book, The Yards Between Us: https://books.disney.com/book/the-yards-between-us/

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It’s another episode of Ask Mayim Anything! Mayim answers your questions about her ear piercings, the dangers of self-diagnosis, why we overshare with strangers, advice for sending your adult children into the world, and ways to navigate a relationship with a parent who won’t acknowledge their abuse. She breaks down Highly Sensitive People, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and the “Gifted” label. Mayim shares tips for combating feelings of worthlessness, managing a highly active brain, coping with change, calming test-taking nerves, and enhancing your focus. Stay tuned until the end for a mini Yiddish Word of the Day!

Choosing a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant: https://a.co/d/bgPbYgR

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Joel McHale (Community, The Soup, Animal Control) joins us in studio to discuss his struggles with dyslexia, ADHD, and imposter syndrome. He shares his experiences working on The Soup and Community, opens up about what it was like to work with Chevy Chase, and his fears about never being taken seriously as an actor. Joel recalls how his challenges with dyslexia impacted him in school and his ability to perform, how he was able to channel his imposter syndrome into positive motivation, and how his kids handle his fame.

Joel McHale's Book, Thanks for the Money: http://joelmchale.com/thanks-for-the-money/

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Dr. Neil Theise (professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine) joins us to discuss how his adult stem cell and interstitium research led him to his "theory of everything", how complexity actually helps simplify our understanding of the universe, the illusion that humans are separate individual beings, and the scientific explanation of mysticism. He explains why philosophy, religion, and quantum mechanics fall short without incorporating intuition and human experience, how low-level randomness allows for adaptation, and why we can’t live forever no matter what we do. Dr. Theise opens up about his mother’s metaphysical experience with talking to dead people, his depression that stemmed from coming to terms with his sexuality, the impact of being a child of Holocaust survivors, and where his personal faith comes into play within his scientific work. He also breaks down healers and shamanism, chaos and information theories, the real definition of compassion, and the function and importance of microbiomes.

Dr. Neil Theise' Book, NOTES ON COMPLEXITY: https://a.co/d/aByhTg5

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Eric Hutchinson (singer/songwriter), one of Mayim’s favorite musicians, stops by for an impromptu jam session with Mayim! He discusses harnessing depression to influence his musical creativity, the effects of his father’s muscular dystrophy on his family, and what he admires about the younger generations’ attitude toward mental health. Mayim opens up about what Eric’s music has meant to her and they reflect on their struggles in high school. They also consider how the eldest sibling can set the tone of the household, how much of our difficult emotions we should share with our children, and Mayim’s process of "boring herself to sleep." Eric talks about his musical influences, the origins of his own musicality, the rollercoaster turn of events after being signed to Madonna’s record label, and who his songs are actually about. He explains why he chooses to lean into his depression in order to connect with his fans, his focus on staying present, and his emotional outlets apart from music. Mayim and Eric wrap the episode with a spontaneous jam session where they perform one of Eric’s songs together!

Eric Hutchinson's "Sounds Like This" 15th Anniversary Tour: https://www.erichutchinson.com/#tour

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Drs. Alona Pulde & Matthew Lederman (WeHeal Co-Founders) break down practical ways to combine eastern & western medicine, lifestyle medicine, and nonviolent communication into a holistic approach to improve mental and overall wellness. They take us through their personal evolution toward incorporating self-care, play, and connection into wellness regimens, the importance of checking in with yourself, and what’s not working in the conventional model of primary care. Matthew and Alona explain how to cultivate nonviolent communication to live authentically and benefit your physical health. They also discuss the importance of providing kids with the vocabulary to express their needs and ways to balance your needs with your child’s.

Drs. Alona Pulde & Matthew Lederman's new book, Wellness to Wonderful:  https://weheal.health/wellness-to-wonderful/

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Jenna von Oy (“Six” from Blossom!) reunites with Mayim to discuss coming of age on television, their mixed feelings about 90’s nostalgia, and the evolution of Jenna’s sexuality. They reminisce about all things Blossom - the origins of its “hat culture”, their on-set inside jokes & pranks, the groundbreaking nature of the show, why the odds were stacked against them, and their excitement about a potential Blossom reboot. Jenna explains how she cultivated emotional agility to handle rejection as a child actor, her people-pleasing tendencies that developed from portraying “girl next door” qualities, and how her role in her family changed after she found success acting, including the hard financial lessons she had to learn. She also opens up about the acceptance she found after beginning a relationship with a woman.

Check out Jenna von Oy's work with The Cassandra Project: https://www.thecassandraproject.net/

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We're revisiting another episode from the MBB vault! Glennon Doyle helps us break down the emotional toll it takes to share authentically, the evolution of love in her life, how to improve communication when both parts of a couple are in recovery, and the shame that comes from simply existing as a human. She also discusses the benefits of being an introvert and how she learned to reframe her anxiety. Enjoy the best moments of Glennon Doyle, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

Check out our full episode with Glennon Doyle: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/personal-truth-transformation-and-managing-anxiety-with-glennon-doyle

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Atsuko Okatsuka (stand-up comedian) joins us in studio to discuss her “Scooby-Doo” brand of comedy, her parents meeting on a Japanese dating show, and how her mom’s schizophrenia impacted her childhood. She opens up about why it’s difficult for her to identify her own needs, how navigating the uncertainty of her childhood led her to disordered eating, and rebelling against her family with her first romantic relationship. Atsuko also explains first bonding with her husband over his own mother’s schizophrenia diagnosis and their recent, hilarious discovery that they were not actually legally married. She considers her blind optimism and love of people as a result of her upbringing, Margaret Cho’s influence on her comedy and career, the origins of her distinctive hairstyle, and living at the complicated intersection of different Asian cultures.

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring the show and to Haesue Jo, Licensed Therapist and Head of Clinical Operations at BetterHelp. #ad

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We're recapping the best moments from Mayim's appearance on Rabbi David Kasher's Best Book Ever podcast! Mayim and Rabbi Kasher discuss how and why the human brain is wired for belief, how we can function in a world gone mad, and how mystical and spiritual structure help us navigate life. You know, light stuff! They also consider the scientific, physiological basis for emotions and spiritual experiences, why there is room for both science and spirituality to exist, what biological functions allegiance to a higher power serves, why love equates to safety, and the science of prayer.

Check out the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-book-ever/id1588788530?i=1000610954397

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family, Dinner’s On Me Podcast) discusses why Modern Family was a pop culture touchstone, being bullied as a child and typecast as an adult, and the importance of having well-rounded gay characters. Jesse reveals he used to have a crush on Mayim as a kid, he and Mayim discuss being on competing shows at the same time, and their shared friendship with Jim Parsons. He opens up about why he resonated with Modern Family’s premise and cast, the show’s fears about showing displays of affection between its gay characters, and meeting his husband at the start of the series. He reflects on getting arrested for shoplifting porn as a child, his awareness of his sexuality at a young age, why community theater and debate club were a positive outlet for him, and why winning a Tony award had a deep impact on him.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Podcast, Dinner's on Me: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dinners-on-me-with-jesse-tyler-ferguson/id1683905652

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David Lascher (Blossom, Hey Dude) & Christine Taylor (Zoolander, Hey Dude) discuss David’s experience playing Mayim’s boyfriend on Blossom, how the pandemic brought Christine and husband Ben Stiller back together, and they help us break down the deeper psychological layers of nostalgia. They reflect on the cult following of their show Hey Dude on the early days of Nickelodeon, Christine’s comedy trajectory and her legendary role as Marcia Brady in the Brady Bunch movies, and what David thinks landed him the Blossom role. Mayim, Christine, and David explain why people are so nostalgic for the 90’s and why content from that era resonates with so many today, why the pandemic forced us to reexamine our interpersonal relationships, and why their kids are better prepared for the world than they were.

David Lascher & Christine Taylor's podcast, Hey Dude... The 90's Called: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ben-stiller-thats-it-thats-the-title-because-its-ben-stiller/id1658407772?i=1000597172616

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Revisiting one of our most popular episodes from the early days of the podcast - an oldie but a goodie with Kunal Nayyar! Kunal and Mayim had a little Big Bang Theory reunion. Kunal shares the dangers of overidentifying with anxiety, including his own experiences with debilitating panic attacks while driving on the highway and eventually riding in elevators, and how that led him to therapy and a modern day path of self-discovery. He also explains the importance of spirituality as it ties to mindfulness, encourages us to rethink the power we give our minds, and gives us practical ways to turn inward and stay present. Enjoy the best moments of Kunal Nayyar, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

Check out our full episode with Kunal Nayyar: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/staying-present-knowing-yourself-with-kunal-nayyar

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Dr. Theresa Larson (movement health & inclusive wellness expert, Movement RX founder) joins us to discuss her work with adaptive athletes, what it was like to join the U.S. military after 9/11 and as a woman, and what you need to take full ownership over your pain. Mayim discusses first learning breathwork through Dr. T and they break down movement healing, downregulating the nervous system to improve mental wellness, why social support is so crucial to recovering from physical and emotional wounds, and practical ways to improve your daily ergonomics. Dr. T recalls growing up in a physically competitive household, her shift in self-esteem after her mom passed at an early age, and her job searching for land mines in Iraq. She explains her struggle to advocate for herself when her disordered eating impacted her military service, why disordered eating can feel extremely lonely, its prevalence amongst military personnel, how she was finally able to ask for help, and how her recovery led her to living with more intention & becoming less of a people-pleaser.

Dr. T's Movement Rx Programs: https://instagram.com/mrxleaders?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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A collection of the best moments from our conversation with writer, director, actor, and singer Jennette McCurdy! Join us as we revisit all of Jennette's empowering nuggets of wisdom, from disordered eating and her enmeshed relationship with her mother to the profound revelations she experienced following her mother’s death. Jennette also helps us break down harmful coping mechanisms, the pressures and anxieties she faced as a child actress and the source of financial support for her family, why we tolerate emotional discomfort for so long, and the power struggles surrounding love. Enjoy the best moments of Jennette McCurdy, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

Check out our full episode with Jennette McCurdy: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/jennette-mccurdy-enmeshment-individuating-coping-mechanisms

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Rosie O’Donnell (The Rosie O’Donnell Show, A League of Their Own, Onward podcast) discusses the ripple effects of her mom passing when Rosie was a child, the emergence of the first LGBTQ movement, and the emotional highs and lows of becoming an activist for gay parents. She explains how she got into stand-up comedy as a teenager, the prevalence of alcoholism and abuse on her father's side of the family, and how losing mother made her strive to please the adults in her life and putting on a tough persona as a cry for love. Rosie opens up about the differences between her coming out process and what it’s like to come out now, her intense quest for spirituality, and navigating her youngest daughter’s autism diagnosis & what her daughter has taught her about inclusivity. She describes the odd circumstances of her heart attack and how symptoms differ between men and women, what it was like to address her ex-wife’s suicide as a public person, and how alcoholism varies from drug addiction. Mayim and Rosie break down adoption trauma, nature vs nurture in adoption, why women’s rights affect everything, and Rosie’s opinion on The View after all these years.

Rosie O'Donnell's new podcast, Onward: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/onward-with-rosie-odonnell/id1677010022

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Are you ignoring your true desires, and is your body paying the price? Mayim and Jonathan break down how stress can cause frequent infections, what our bodies are trying to tell us with physical pain & muscle aches, and the potential sinister origins of having low energy. They explain the importance of feeling excited in day-to-day life, how not living the life you want can lead to depression and anxiety, and the underlying psychological conditions that can lead to disordered eating. They also discuss the science behind the effects of sugar, why troubled work and personal relationships may indicate dissatisfaction with one’s quality of life, and the negative effects of not presenting your authentic self to the world. 

Psychology Today article, "8 Subtle Clues You Are Ignoring Your True Desires": https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heal-the-mind-heal-the-body/202211/8-subtle-clues-you-are-ignoring-your-true-desires

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Kyla Pratt (The Proud Family, One on One) & Julian Gant (As They Made Us, Oddballs) join us in the studio to discuss working with Mayim on Call Me Kat, their shared grief journeys after losing their friend and co-star Leslie Jordan, and not conforming to society & the entertainment industry. Julian opens up about losing jobs in Hollywood because of his refusal to cut his hair and his alarming racially motivated police interactions. He compares his skills as a professional fighter with performing, shares the piece of acting advice Dustin Hoffman gave him, and strategies he uses to cope with anxiety tied to his dyslexia. Kyla reveals her struggles as an empath and picking up other people’s negative energies, her grounding techniques, and how her food sensitivities affect her mental and physical health. She gives us a show-and-tell about her crystals, explains the practice of learning when to ask for help, and ways she stays in tune with her body. Mayim, Kyla, and Julian consider how their real personas inform their Call Me Kat characters, the importance of sharing different opinions, and dealing with rejections during auditions.

Catch Call Me Kat Thursdays at 9:30 PM (8:30c) on Fox!

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Carla Naumburg, PhD, LICSW (clinical social worker & bestselling author) helps us break down "sh*tty parent syndrome", the evolution in parenting methods from generation to generation, and practical ways to practice self-care. Mayim and Carla discuss the unusual origin story of their friendship after Carla wrote an article criticizing Mayim’s parenting techniques. They explain the importance of honesty when sharing parenting struggles and not comparing yourself to other parents, how meditation impacts their parenting skills, and the dark side of "mommy blogging." Carla shares why she doesn’t believe there are bad parents, what self-compassion in parenting really means, and her tips for parenting with anxiety and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

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Check out Carla Naumburg's latest book, You Are Not A Sh*tty Parent: https://www.carlanaumburg.com/books/youre-not-a-shtty-parent/

The Dangers of Being Too Nice: Dr. Gabor Maté (renowned speaker and bestselling author) on another Thursday Bite-Sized Breakdown. Revisit the powerful nuggets of wisdom from our episode with Dr. Gabor that could literally change how you understand health and well-being. Many people have said this is their favorite episode of MBB! Dr. Maté explains who's most prone to chronic illness and practical ways our childhood trauma is impacting us now and might lead to disease. Dr. Gabor breaks down how attachment, autoimmune disease, loneliness, and emotional regulation are all connected. Enjoy the best moments of Dr. Gabor Maté, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

Check out our full episode with Dr. Gabor Maté: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-gabor-mate-your-biggest-resource-is-internal

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Danny Trejo (actor, Machete, Breaking Bad, Boba Fett & author) joins us in-studio to discuss how the culture he was raised in contributed to his early drug and alcohol use, the evolution of his relationship with a higher power from one of fear to one of love, and his transition from convict to actor/author/restaurateur. He opens up about being conditioned as a child to use rage and violence to survive, what early sobriety taught him, and why he feels like he can reach troubled youth better than other adults. Danny explains what it was like to be incarcerated for the first time, his role as an "Inmate Social Catalyst" in prison, and why his parole board actually suggested he murder someone. Mayim and Danny consider the weaknesses of our prison system and the inhumanity of solitary confinement after Danny shares his heartbreaking experience being locked up "in the hole." Danny reveals how his drug counseling skills led him to land acting roles, his experiences training movie stars in the art of prison boxing, his love of good food and the fascinating story of how he got into the restaurant business. He also considers the negative effects of toxic masculinity, his complex relationships with women, why his children are his vulnerable spot, his favorites of his iconic acting roles, and his status as a Los Angeles icon.

Danny Trejo's new cookbook, Trejo's Cantina: https://a.co/d/2vwr7qM

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Welcome to our very first Thursday Bite-Sized Breakdown with Jewel (multi-platinum recording artist & mental health advocate)! We wanted to make it easy to revisit the enlightening moments and inspiring words of wisdom from our episode with Jewel. From her lifelong spiritual relationship with nature to practical ways to get in touch with our inner observer, Jewel captivated us with powerful advice to anyone struggling with mental health. Enjoy the best moments of Jewel, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

Check out our full episode with Jewel: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/jewel-turn-your-life-around-one-thought-at-a-time

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It’s another episode of Ask Mayim Anything! This time, Mayim answers your questions about ADHD, hoarding, and what it really means to be triggered. She breaks down misophonia, Borderline Personality Disorder, and the importance of taking news breaks. Mayim shares tips for combating imposter syndrome and burnout, advice for new parents, and how to get the most out of therapy. She explains the effects of mold poisoning on mental and overall well-being, the differences between mood swings and bipolar disorder, why some of us cry when we’re angry, and sex & love addiction. Stay tuned to the end to hear Mayim’s insights on the truth behind midlife crises, trauma and repressed memories, and her recommendations for hippie content!

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Mayim and Jonathan react to our recent episode with Marc Maron! They reflect on Maron’s vulnerability as he shared how his relationship with his parents set a daunting standard for what his future relationships would look like, how he turned to music and drugs to cope, and the origins of his anger. They also consider Maron’s introspection behind his podcast microphone and how he used it to recreate himself, what happens when we’re denied a fundamental sense of self, and the benefits of being raw and open about grief. Mayim and Jonathan discuss why anger can be so difficult to metabolize, attachment style theory and how it affects relationships, and how discussing difficult topics is a trainable skill. They break down the benefits of humor, including using comedy to transmute pain and as a form of belonging.

Check out our full episode with Marc Maron here: https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/marc-maron-humor-gave-relief-from-grief

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Mayim and Jonathan do therapy with Dr. Sarah Schewitz, licensed psychologist specializing in love & relationships! Dr. Schewitz leads a real time Imago workshop with Mayim and Jonathan to illustrate the benefits of Imago dialogue. She helps them get to the root of their podcast disagreements, from interrupting and correcting each other to cracking jokes at inappropriate moments, learning why they react the way they do. Dr. Schewitz also helps us break down healing attachment trauma, the impact of childhood wounds on relationships, and practical ways to transform communication methods. She explains why couples therapy can put an abused partner at risk and the benefits of individual therapy alongside couples therapy. Dr. Schewitz also gives us her top signs of a healthy relationship and practical tips for getting over a breakup.

To learn more about yourself and your relationship, head over to https://coupleslearn.com/quizzes/

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring the show and to Haesue Jo, Licensed Therapist and Head of Clinical Operations at BetterHelp. #ad

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DaRa Williams (meditation teacher, psychotherapist) helps us break down the importance of unpacking past personal and intergenerational trauma, misdiagnoses that come from cultural misunderstandings, and her integrative meditation practice. She opens up about why she chose a path that set her up to fight the dominant culture wave, how microaggressions gave her the opportunity to fortify the skills of her meditation practice, and the strength that comes from integrating perspectives when we celebrate diversity. DaRa discusses discovering meditation for herself, her funny silent retreat experiences, and how meditation creates clarity of the mind that makes healing possible. She explains energetic resonance and how affinity sits can help you feel seen, what enlightenment actually feels like, and what it looks like when your mind, body, heart, and soul are not integrated.

Dharma Seed's talks and meditations: https://dharmaseed.org/

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Eric Kaplan (EP on The Big Bang Theory, Co-EP on Young Sheldon, M.A. in philosophy) joins us to break down the funniest moments from The Big Bang Theory, philosophy as it relates to mental health, and practical ways to avoid being consumed by fear. He shares the differences between spirituality and religion, his experience as a monk for a brief period of time, and his concerns about selling out when he became a tv writer. Eric opens up about the passing of his older brother and how it affected his family and Eric’s own relationship with his parents, his obsession with death and dying that led him to study philosophy, and his "meditation on emptiness" practice. He explains different types of philosophy, how the concept of a higher power fits into his philosophical belief systems, and helps us answer important questions like "Why do people believe in God?" and "Does everything happen for a reason?" Eric discusses the potential benefits of psilocybin and LSD, the potential origins of climate change denialism, and what he thinks is going right in the world. Mayim and Eric consider how transgenerational trauma can inform cultural traditions, how cultural traditions can provide solutions to that trauma and grief.

Eric Kaplan's new podcast, "Terrifying Questions and How Not to Be Terrified By Them": https://starburns.audio/podcasts/terrifying-questions/

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Marc Maron (stand-up comedian, host of WTF with Marc Maron podcast, actor, author) joins us to break down the arc of grief, the effects of growing up with detached parents, and his journey toward sobriety and defining himself. We discuss Marc’s foray into podcasting, how it enabled a generation of podcasters including MBB, and how his show has evolved over time. He reflects on his past struggles with alcohol and drugs including "cocaine psychosis", his experiences with rehab and therapy, and the positives and negatives of groups like AA. Maron explains how his mother influenced his disordered eating, his father’s narcissism and recent dementia diagnosis, and how his parents’ struggles denied him a fundamental sense of self. He reveals why he thinks he may have had undiagnosed borderline personality disorder, why he chooses to be so revealing in his creative pursuits, and the dangers of early exposure to adult content. Maron opens up about the sudden passing of his girlfriend Lynn Shelton, his inevitable attempt at using humor to relieve his pain, the interconnectedness of grief, the importance of showing up in his state of raw grief for his loyal audience, and the sense of comfort and control he has felt from sharing this experience. He considers his shortcomings as a romantic partner, what he got right with Lynn, and his take on separating the art from the artist.

Marc Maron's new HBO special, FROM BLEAK TO DARK: https://www.hbo.com/movies/marc-maron-from-bleak-to-dark

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Bari Weiss (founder and editor of The Free Press, host of the Honestly podcast) opens up about her very public resignation from The New York Times, how the polarized mainstream media and negative newscycle can impact our wellness as a society, and the importance of being able to have conversations with people you may not always agree with. She explains how the digital revolution transformed the business model of news as an institution and considers the source of people’s paranoia with mainstream news, which has led to a rise in conspiracy theories. Bari reveals why her own grandma called her a right wing fascist, the values and historical perspective that guide her to stand up in the face of fear, and what the rise of gurus can tell us about our era. She discusses the importance of community and why sacrificing comfort is sometimes necessary to live a meaningful life.

Bari Weiss' new media company, The Free Press: https://www.thefp.com/

Bari Weiss' podcast, Honestly: https://www.honestlypod.com/

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Amber Tamblyn (actress, director, and writer) joins us to discuss all things intuition, from its biological importance and practical ways to be in touch with it, to how modern society has taught us to ignore our intuition and our mind-body connection. She explains why intuition often gets mistaken for anxiety, why feminism matters, the power of the MeToo Movement, and the real societal repercussions of women’s inequality. We also analyze Amber’s recurring wolf dreams, the significance of recurring dreams and consider what it means to redefine the term “psychic.”

Amber Tamblyn's new essay collection, Listening In the Dark: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Dark-Women-Reclaiming-Intuition/dp/0778333337

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Max Greenfield (New Girl, The Neighborhood, Veronica Mars, Ugly Betty) stops by for a spontaneous chat with Mayim and Jonathan! He opens up about how feeling alone led to addiction, connecting with others brought him to recovery, and how getting a rescue dog changed his life. Max and Mayim discuss their wildly popular shofar performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden and their love of basketball, and Max reveals why he thinks Mayim doesn’t like to be spontaneous. They discuss the challenges that come with progressive parenting as individuals who were raised under an authoritarian parenting style, the importance of consistency in parenting, and how Max’s spirituality provided a good parenting foundation. Mayim and Jonathan explain the importance of checking in with yourself and being accountable to yourself and others, especially in recovery.

Max Greenfield's new book, This Book is Not a Present: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691578/this-book-is-not-a-present-by-max-greenfield-illustrated-by-mike-lowery/

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Timber Hawkeye (bestselling author of the new book The Opposite of Namaste) rejoins Mayim to discuss the real life friendship they’ve developed after his first appearance on the podcast, why mindfulness can feel intimidating, and the positives and negatives of labels. He details how pursuing a minimalist lifestyle has reduced his anxiety, the value of transparency and repentance, and the inner conflict that comes with being addicted to validation. Mayim and Timber considers the differences between envy and jealousy, the differences between observation and judgment, and how nonconformity can be an asset. Timber explains why he was initially averse to labels but now finds liberation in the term “neurodivergent,” and how he learned to use his anxious and obsessive compulsive tendencies to his benefit. He helps Mayim, Producer Valerie, and Engineer Scott hold a mirror up to their vices.

Timber Hawkeye's New Book, The Opposite of Namaste:  https://amzn.to/3Ch1nnt

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Anjelah Johnson-Reyes (stand-up comedian, actress, author) discusses her journey from professional cheerleader to stand up comedy, the benefits of aligning with your intuition, and how she was able to work through physical and emotional trauma with her dad. She opens up about relying on God to reveal her path in life, how her family’s fear about not fitting into American culture kept her from exploring her heritage, and the mindblowing paranormal experience that put her supernatural podcast on hiatus. Mayim and Anjelah recount going on a USO tour together. They consider the difficulty of breaking family patterns, the benefits of assessing practical outcomes for anxiety-inducing situations, and why we subconsciously assign others authority roles over us.

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes' book, Who Do I Think I Am?: https://www.worthypublishing.com/titles/anjelah-johnson-reyes/who-do-i-think-i-am/9781546000457/

See Anjelah Johnson-Reyes on tour: https://anjelah.com/#tour

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Joel Kim Booster (stand-up comedian, writer, actor) opens up about bipolar disorder, his early sexual identity realizations, and the challenges of living at the intersection of a variety of cultures. He discusses the complexities of being adopted as a baby by a white American Baptist family, his tumultuous teenage years of finding himself while grappling with his deeply religious and conservative parents, and how the arts helped him with his coming out process. Joel details how his bipolar diagnosis helped him reframe his life experiences, his “productive” hypomania, the benefits of medication, and why it can be difficult to let go of mental illness. He reveals why social media has been the biggest stressor on his mental health, how the depiction of Asian men fed into his depression, and the frustration and freedom that comes with being “stereotypically gay.” Mayim breaks down the different types of bipolar disorder and how the condition manifests.

See more of Joel Kim Booster here:

• Fire Island is available now on Hulu.
• Joel’s first hour-long comedy special, PsychoSexual, is available now on Netflix.
• LOOT is available now on Apple TV+.
   
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Corey Feldman (The Goonies, Stand By Me, The Lost Boys) opens up about his abusive childhood, grappling with the deaths of so many of his friends, and his spirituality. He discusses what he remembers from his early days of acting, why he wishes he had the option to say no to fame, and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his predators and his own parents. Corey reflects on the healing nature of being a parent, how his life has changed since finding sobriety, and the thought patterns he uses to achieve forgiveness for those who have hurt him. He explains being of service as a form of therapy, his love of philosophy, and the exchange of energy he experiences during his performances. 

Corey Feldman's "Love Left 2.1" Boxset: https://www.cifirecords.com/product-page/preorder-love-left-2-1-boxset

See Corey Feldman on Tour: https://coreyfeldman.net/tour-details-2/

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Natasha Leggero (actress, writer, comedian, author of The World Deserves My Children) opens up about how she arrived to her unique parenting journey later in life and provides an honest approach to parenting and "geriatric" pregnancy. She discusses the impact of her father leaving the family at an early age before he married her mom’s best friend, and what it was like to help raise her younger siblings as a child herself. Natasha reveals what she wishes more people knew about the egg-freezing process, merging her life as a career woman with caring for a child, and the importance of finding the right partner to parent with. Mayim and Natasha compare parenting styles and consider the challenges of parenting in the face of environmental panic. They discuss reasons some might not want to have children, why kids crave structure, and why we shouldn’t condition children with fear.

Natasha Leggero's Book, The World Deserves My Children: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-World-Deserves-My-Children/Natasha-Leggero/9781982137076

Natasha Leggero & Moshe Kasher's Podcast, The Endless Honeymoon Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-endless-honeymoon-podcast/id1471202833

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Jodie Sweetin (Full House, Fuller House, Craft Me a Romance) discusses her work as “Stephanie Tanner” on Full House, living with ADHD and how she thinks it has helped her, and the importance of showing up as the parent you needed to have yourself. She explains how therapy and sobriety allow her to be a better parent and the importance of honesty in a parent-child relationship. Mayim and Jodie consider the need for prison reform after Jodie opens up about being adopted as a baby after she was born within the prison system. They discuss coping mechanisms in nature vs nurture and share their earliest childhood memories. Jodie reveals the top 5 things that keep her centered and ways she redirects feelings of wanting to run away into efforts of self-care.  

Jodie Sweetin's memoir, unSweetined: https://www.amazon.com/unSweetined-Memoir-Jodie-Sweetin/dp/1439152691

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Mayim and Jonathan are breaking down 2022 for our final episode of the year! They chat about what went right in 2022 - from the news stories that made us laugh and articles tied to important topics we cover here at MBB, to what the year has taught them. Mayim reveals a highlight from this year and a few practical tips she has personally put into action.

MBB on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bialikbreakdown/?hl=en

Mayim's IG: https://www.instagram.com/missmayim/

Jonathan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jonathancohenofficial/?hl=en

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Meredith Stoddard (Life Events Experience Lead at Fidelity Investments) stops by to discuss how life events and their emotional components can impact finances and the overall human experience. Meredith explains the similarities between life events planning and therapy, practical ways to make financial literacy more accessible to all, and reasons to avoid comparing your financial status and goals with others. Mayim and Meredith consider the benefits of starting small when working toward your financial goals, framing money conversations around wishes instead of fear, and normalizing financial discussions within the family unit. They discuss changing generational attitudes, goals, & behavior toward money and combating misinformation around finances on social media. This content was created in collaboration with Fidelity. Thank you Fidelity for sponsoring this podcast! #ad

From having children to planning for retirement, Fidelity is here to help you manage life’s big moments. https://myguidance.fidelity.com/ftgw/pna/ public/lifeevents/content/overview

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Melanie Chisholm (AKA “Sporty Spice” of the Spice Girls, solo artist, author of The Sporty One memoir) joins us to discuss the Spice Girls’ impact on music and culture, battling difficult personal struggles in the extreme public eye, and the toll playing a caricature of yourself can take. She reveals the origins of the band and their “Girl Power” message, the similarities between each band member and their onstage personas, and why she finally decided to reflect on her experiences in her new memoir. Mel C opens up about the onset of her disordered eating, why she finally decided to seek help, and the toxicity of the tabloid media when Spice Girls rose to fame compared to today’s social media. Mayim and Melanie consider denial as a coping mechanism, the loneliness that comes with disordered eating, and the impact of the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

Melanie Chisholm's memoir, "The Sporty One: My Life as a Spice Girl": https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/melanie-chisholm/the-sporty-one/9781538740316/

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Mara Wilson (writer, actor - Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda ) opens up about body dysmorphia, living with severe OCD, and the grief of losing her mother at an early age. She details what it was like working with the late, great Robin Williams on Mrs. Doubtfire, her struggle to overcome her "cute" image she became well-known for during those years, and how that fed into her body dysmorphia. Mara discusses growing up a sensitive child, her family’s own intergenerational trauma and how it tied into her own mental health struggles, imposter syndrome, and living up to labels. She considers her experiences with therapy and medication, her spiritual journey, and the differences between dating boys and girls. Mayim and Mara debunk the myths of severe OCD and explain what living with it is really like.

Mara Wilson's Book, Where Am I Now?: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318758/where-am-i-now-by-mara-wilson/

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Seth Green (Family Guy, Robot Chicken, Austin Powers, Changeland), Mayim’s on-screen boyfriend from their Facts of Life days, stops by to discuss growing up in the entertainment industry alongside Mayim, his experiences with therapy and psychedelics, and why he has always strived to be a good human. He considers why his trajectory turned out so positive compared to other fellow child actors, why he thinks he may have undiagnosed ADHD, and how the condition has helped him in his life. Seth opens up about his experimentation with psychedelics in conjunction with mindfulness and research, how it taught him to detach from his ego and express his emotions, and the possible dangers of hallucinogens. He shares how therapy taught him to forgive his parents, why the search for the right therapist can be so frustrating, and the things that are currently on his self-improvement list. Seth discusses his relationship with marijuana and Mayim breaks down how cannabis can help with sleep-related issues.

Watch Seth Green's film, CHANGELAND, on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Changeland-Seth-Green/dp/B07QYYLDGP

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Douglas Rushkoff (digital humanism author and documentarian) helps us break down human autonomy in the digital age and the social implications of the tech world. He takes us through his start in the cyberpunk movement, from goals of uniting humanity through the early internet, the intersections of psychedelics and counter culture with computer programming, through the big business takeover of the internet. Douglas explains the perils of algorithm technology, the evils of cryptocurrency, and how social disconnect can contribute to consumerism. He reveals ways politicians and corporations capitalize on our fears and insecurities to push their own agendas and the factors that led extremist movements like QAnon to become so popular. Mayim and Douglas break down the neuroscience and biology of human connection and consider ways tech physically primes our bodies for dehumanization. They discuss how to combat feelings of helplessness tied to digital media’s prevalence in our daily lives and practical ways to retrain your nervous system to disengage with tech in favor of human connection. 

Douglas Rushkoff's new book, SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST: https://rushkoff.com/books/survival-of-the-richest-escape-fantasies-of-the-tech-billionaires/

Douglas Rushkoff's podcast, TEAM HUMAN: https://www.teamhuman.fm/

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Raven-Symoné (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home, The View, Cosby Show) & her wife Miranda Pearman-Maday (content creator, producer, writer, doula) join us to discuss defense mechanisms, their individual therapy journeys, and the confining nature of labels when it comes to sexuality and gender. They explain how their sexualities protected their true identities and their struggles with depression. Raven opens up about her past relationships with people with narcissistic tendencies, her parents’ reservations about therapy, and her PTSD and anger challenges. She and Mayim bond over their strikingly similar coping mechanisms from having grown up as child actors, their abilities to read others, and how celebrity can heighten people-pleasing tendencies. Miranda reveals how somatic therapy has helped her, and Raven shares her positive experiences with shadow and energy work.

Raven & Miranda's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@8pm890

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Dr. Becky Kennedy (clinical psychologist, founder of Good Inside parenting workshops, author) helps us use attachment, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and internal family systems theory to break down better ways to parent! She not only provides great, practical parenting tips, but also helps us understand our own upbringings, how they impact our lives into adulthood, and provides insight into why our parents did the things they did. Dr. Becky discusses why she found the best way to work with children was actually working with their parents through body-based approaches to psychotherapy, her own paradigm shift in parenting styles, and the differences between attachment parenting and helicopter parenting. She explains the importance of wiring kids for resilience with self-soothing techniques in order to ditch old patterns of behavior, building skills to manage emotions through validation, and how to provide kids with tools to process difficult emotions. Mayim and Dr. Becky define reflective listening, boundaries vs consequences, and how feeling alone can lead to shame and fears of abandonment. They discuss the benefits of learning to embody your authority as a parent, ways to provide structure to a child with anxiety, and the benefits of internal family systems (IFS) therapy. Mayim and Jonathan break down the benefits of cooking with your children.

Dr. Becky Kennedy's Book: https://www.goodinside.com/book/

Dr. Becky Kennedy's Parenting Workshops: https://www.goodinside.com/workshops/

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Jewel (multi-platinum recording artist, mental health advocate) discusses her lifelong focus on breaking the cycle of "emotional inheritance," the dangers of overidentifying with our thoughts, and how she used awareness and presence to change her life, one thought at a time. She opens up about growing up with an abusive parent who struggled with substance abuse, leaving home at age 15, suffering from panic attacks, and her transition from homelessness to being signed by a recording label. She explains her lifelong intense spiritual relationship with nature, her history of and conceptual motivations for stealing, and how she found safety in isolation. Jewel breaks down the importance of getting in touch with your inner observer, practical ways to distance ourselves from our painful and unproductive thoughts, and her discoveries during her transition to becoming a parent. Mayim and Jonathan consider the relationship between knowledge & awareness and spiritual awakenings.

Jewel's Inspiring Children Foundation: https://www.inspiringchildren.org/jewel-never-broken

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Dr. Gabor Maté (addiction, stress, and childhood development speaker & bestselling author) joins us to explain which groups of people tend to be most prone to chronic illness, practical ways we can prevent these diagnoses, and the link between childhood trauma and mental & physical health conditions later on in life. He details health conditions you may not know have stress-related causes and explains why healthy attachment and meeting a child’s needs is even more important than we think. Dr. Maté identifies characteristics of those who are prone to chronic illness, reveals why autoimmune diseases predominantly affect women, and discusses the dangers of systematic denial of our emotions. He and Mayim consider the ways well-meaning loving parents can unintentionally create lower level trauma in their kids, how feelings of being unwanted can lead to workaholism, and the limitations of a traditional nuclear family. They discuss Dr. Maté’s time working at a supervised injection site, why most people in the prison system are highly traumatized, and why trauma goes hand-in-hand with addiction.

Dr. Gabor Maté's New Book, THE MYTH OF NORMAL: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608273/the-myth-of-normal-by-gabor-mate-md-with-daniel-mate/

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Cassandra Peterson ("Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" horror icon) drops by for a super spooky special episode of MBB! She discusses her love for Halloween and the macabre, her time living in a haunted house, and the time she witnessed an actual murder. We hear about her small town beginnings, from growing up on a farm to becoming the youngest showgirl in Vegas history. We delve into the origins of her "Elvira" persona, the confidence the character gives her, and Elvira’s impact on modern culture. Cassandra reflects on her Groundlings comedy days with Paul "Pee-wee Herman" Reubens and Phil Hartman, and her current long term relationship with a woman after being married to a man for 25 years. She breaks down the empowerment that comes from owning your body and sexuality, society’s often impossible standards for women, and the science of mind.

Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson's Book: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/cassandra-peterson/yours-cruelly-elvira/9780306874352/

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Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias (comedian) opens up about redefining himself after his long term relationship came to an end, the therapeutic benefits he gets from sharing his struggles onstage, and the significance of his milestones in relation to his Mexican heritage. He discusses the origins of his sense of humor, being bullied as a kid, and why he chose to have a sober period. Gabriel explains how his dogs help him regulate his emotions, why he had always been reluctant to start therapy, and how therapy has taught him to be a better listener in every area of his life. He and Mayim bond over their processes for "coming down" after a performance high before geeking out over Gabriel’s incredible car collection. Mayim and Jonathan consider the importance of having positive communication tools when discussing difficult topics in any relationship. 

Gabriel Iglesias' Website: https://fluffyguy.com/

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Iliza Shlesinger (comedian, actor, writer, producer and author) returns to the podcast to reveal the solutions to her somatic pain, the changing cultural sensitivity toward comedy, and her approach to expressing anger. She discusses the origins and process of her observational and inclusive comedy style, new motherhood, and the epidemic of online hate, especially toward women. Mayim and Iliza break down the difference between being skeptical and cynical, the risks of consuming negative news, and the dangers of materialism.

Iliza's new Netflix special, HOT FOREVER: https://www.netflix.com/title/81485998

Iliza's new book ALL THINGS ASIDE: https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/all-things-aside_9781419759406/

See Iliza on Tour: https://www.iliza.com/tour

Check out the cool original music from @TimaLikesMusic featured in Iliza's new special: https://www.tiktok.com/@timalikesmusic?lang=en

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Alanis Morissette (singer, songwriter, musician) breaks down different versions of restoration, the dangers of intolerance and a lack of boundary-setting, and the beauty of anger as a catalyst for positive change. She explains why meditation may not be for everyone, the benefits of guided meditations, and her approach to creating her new meditation album. Alanis opens up about the origins of her disordered eating, her prophetic visions about her career, and the dangers of turning anger inward. Mayim and Jonathan discuss the reasons we project our parents’ relationship onto our own partners, cranial sacral therapy, and what it means to truly rest. Stick around until the end to hear Mayim sing and dissect Alanis lyrics!

Alanis Morissette's Meditation Album: https://orcd.co/thestormbeforethecalm

See Alanis Morissette on Tour: https://alanis.com/events

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Candace Cameron Bure (Full House actress, producer, director, author) joins us to discuss her transition from child star to wife and mom, her 4 secrets to a happy marriage, and Bob Saget’s impact on her life and her grief journey after his passing. Mayim recounts auditioning for Candace’s role as "D.J. Tanner" on Full House . She and Candace consider how structure from child acting has impacted their adult personalities, and how that structure was both a source of comfort and cause of harm that led to disordered eating. They discuss the importance of sex physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and Mayim breaks down sex as a communication tool in relationships. Candace, Mayim, and Jonathan take part in a fun and meaningful "Gratitude Challenge"!

Take Candace Cameron Bure's Gratitude Challenge yourself here!: https://candacecbure.com/gratitude/

Candace Cameron Bure's Clothing Line: https://www.qvc.com/fashion/candace-cameron-bure/_/N-lgltZ13kj9af/c.html

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Reggie Watts (bandleader on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedian/Writer/Actor) joins us to break down his experiences with depression and psychedelics, the science behind addiction and improvisation, and his plans after The Late Late Show with James Corden comes to an end. He discusses growing up on air force bases and as one of the only POC in his town, the factors from his childhood that influenced his humor and creativity, and what the Seattle grunge music scene was really like in the 90’s. Reggie opens up about experiencing depression derived from body image issues, a bottleneck in creativity, and the current state of humanity. He considers how psychedelics can be used as tools to gain self-understanding, shares the importance of incorporating transcendental experiences into everyday life, and he and Jonathan bond over their optimism about technology.

Reggie Watts' Band, Wajatta: https://wajatta.lnk.to/down

Reggie Watts' App, WattsApp: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wattsapp-by-reggie-watts/id1489429381

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Charlamagne Tha God (The Breakfast Club radio show, Comedy Central’s Hell of a Week, bestselling author, philanthropist) discusses his journey to discovering his true self apart from his famous radio persona, how CBT therapy taught him to unlearn, and his positive and frightening encounters with the spirit realm. He opens up about his history with panic attacks, the vigilance he developed while selling drugs, and how anxiety can sometimes be his superpower. Charlamagne details growing up Jehovah’s Witness, why he believes God is a woman, and the origins of his dark sense of humor. He explains why he uses his authentic, unapologetic voice to touch on touchy subjects especially around mental health gaps in the Black community, including the intergenerational trauma and institutional racism that can prevent minorities from seeking support. Mayim and Charlamagne consider anxiety around returning to our hometowns and bond over their love for Marvel comics and Judy Blume books.

Mental Wealth Alliance: https://www.mentalwealthalliance.com/

Charlamagne Tha God's Books: https://www.cthagodworld.com/books

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Zak Williams (son of the late Robin Williams, mental health advocate, Call For Help Podcast) discusses the benefits and challenges of the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). He talks openly about the struggles he faced after the loss of his father, including self-medication with alcohol, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. Zak and Mayim break down the complexities of death by suicide, public mourning, and the clinical symptoms of PTSD. They explain why law enforcement isn’t always the most well-suited to respond to mental health crisis calls and why individuals in the prison system may not always get the mental health support they need. Jonathan opens up about the survivor’s guilt he faced after his brother’s near fatal car accident, and how the trauma of the event altered his family dynamics.

Listen to "Call For Help" (Lemonada Media) here: https://link.chtbl.com/CallForHelp

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Part 2 of our interview with Steve-O! (Jackass, A Hard Kick in the Nuts book, Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast) Steve-O discusses life after clown college, including his job performing as a clown on a cruise ship, finding his bottom, and the intervention that friend and fellow Jackass castmate Johnny Knoxville organized for him. He reveals why he finally decided to take his stay in a mental health facility and sober living home seriously, his advice for those who want to do what he does, and the value enthusiasm has over talent or intellect. Steve-O opens up about feeling funnier now that he lives a sober life than he ever was while he was under the influence, and explains why his value is made up of more than his skills as a performer.

See Steve-O on Tour: https://www.steveo.com/pages/tour-dates

Pre-Order Steve-O's New Book: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/stephen-steve-o-glover/a-hard-kick-in-the-nuts/9780306826771/

Steve-O's Podcast: https://www.steveo.com/pages/podcast

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The first part of our interview with Steve-O (Jackass, A Hard Kick in the Nuts book, Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast), who stops by to discuss his amazing journey to overcome countless odds against him, becoming one of the most well-known, talented stuntmen of all time. He details his family history of substance abuse, failing out of college, and the origins of his affinity for stunt work. He opens up about his own struggles with addiction and road toward sobriety. Steve-O shares his unbelievable experiences in clown college, including auditioning for the exclusive program and breaking down the different types of clowns.

See Steve-O on Tour: https://www.steveo.com/pages/tour-dates

Pre-Order Steve-O's New Book: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/stephen-steve-o-glover/a-hard-kick-in-the-nuts/9780306826771/

Steve-O's Podcast: https://www.steveo.com/pages/podcast

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Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. (neuroscientist, host of Huberman Lab Podcast) joins us to talk about the beauty and utility of biology. He provides practical tips for stress regulation and improving sleep, and explains the benefits of natural light and cold exposure. Mayim and Dr. Huberman discuss the neuroscience behind acting and mimicry, the physical symptoms of workaholism, and the correlation between dopamine, focus, and motivation. They consider the use of self-hypnosis to regulate your internal state, the negative side effects of social media on our physical bodies, and what the deprivation of healthy physical connection can lead to. They explain ways to control adrenaline to benefit us in times of crisis, the relationship between our eyes and our internal state, and the origins of EMDR and clinical hypnosis.

Huberman Lab Podcast: https://hubermanlab.com/category/podcast-episodes/

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Are you searching for a spiritual awakening? Then join us for our 100th episode of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! Mayim and Jonathan reflect on spiritual awakenings explored in the Michael Singer and Byron Katie episodes. They discuss practical parenting applications for Byron Katie’s techniques, including ways to avoid putting your expectations on your kids, the importance of allowing time and space for kids’ to adjust to new situations, and the benefits of prioritizing an emotional connection between parent and child. They explain the limits of trying to intellectualize oneself out of suffering, the differences between reacting and responding, and how spiritual fitness can allow us to overcome "hormonal hijacking." Mayim and Jonathan open up about their own daily spiritual awakenings, why pausing is undervalued, and the dangers of living for the next adrenaline rush caused by conflict.

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On this Summer Edition of MBB, Mayim and Jonathan are joined by Mayim’s very own vocal cord surgery doctors, ENT + Anesthesiologist practitioners Doctors Shawn Nasseri and Bita Nasseri! They discuss ways they’re able to manage the mental health of their patients, how stress levels and sleep cycles can impact overall health, and their holistic approach to treating patients. The Drs. Nasseri explain the importance of analyzing your environment and getting to the root causes of symptoms rather than quelling them with medication. They open up about the experience of taking on all of a patient’s anxieties, the physical manifestations of psychological causes, and Eastern vs Western approaches to medicine. Mayim breaks down the science behind recurring nightmares in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Drs. Nasseri Wellness Shop: https://eukawell.com/collections/all/saline-sprays

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It’s an Ask Mayim Anything episode! Mayim and Jonathan do a deep dive breakdown of listener-submitted questions surrounding how and when to discuss your own mental health struggles with our children, differences between feelings of anxiousness and a Generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnosis, and the science behind laughter. They define and suggest ways to remedy our "god-shaped holes," explain the differences between fears and phobias, and consider ways to set and hold boundaries with our loved ones. We’re also joined by a very special guest, Bev Bialik, who discusses her experience with shopping around for a new therapist.

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Join us for another Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! This week we’re scouring the archives to bring you the best of Mayim and Jonathan, from their infamous trash talks and interpretations of what the other is saying, to their unique insights about mental health topics like the science behind gratitude, the relationship between anxiety and technology, and tips for broaching mental health topics within your family. Mayim breaks down some of our most intriguing topics covered here at MBB, such as body dysmorphia, narcissistic personality disorder, somatic reactions, the balance between science and religion, and the neuroscience behind coping mechanisms. Jonathan considers how advances in technology may impact hunger signals, and details his experience with a significant recurring dream.

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It’s an Ask Mayim Anything episode! Mayim and Jonathan do a deep dive breakdown of listener-submitted questions surrounding addiction, family mental illness, sleep, EMDR therapy, and childbirth trauma. They discuss potential long term effects of sleep deprivation on mental health, the correlation between phone addiction and binding anxiety, and give advice for those who have loved ones struggling with substance abuse. We’re also joined by a very special guest who shares her experiences with the increasingly popular EMDR therapy and how it changes the organization of memory. 

In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.

Al-Anon website: Al-Anon.org

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Join us for another Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! This week, we’re scouring the archives to bring you the best of our Professional Breaker interviews, from reversing aging with David Sinclair and moving through grief paralysis with Nora McInerny, to spotting cults with Steve Hassan and setting familial boundaries with Kara Mayer Robinson. Join us as we break down key mental health topics with experts in the field!

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Bev breaks down previous episodes in our seventh Bevisode installment! This week, Bev opens up about the perks of being Mayim’s mom, why she doesn’t take the praise for who Mayim is today, and her Moment of Peace and Calm. She reacts to past episodes including: processing grief with Nora McInerny, finding comfort in the unknown and giving back to the world with Howie Mandel, and the universality of mental health struggles with Julie Bowen. Bev considers Sarah Silverman’s ability to remain true to who she is, Chelsea Handler’s journey through unpacking delayed grief and experiences with EMDR, and reveals why the David Sinclair episode was problematic for her. Be sure to stick around to hear Bev show off her “podcast voice!”

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Join us for another Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! This week, we're scouring the archives to bring you the best of our celebrity interviews, from Matthew McConaughey’s proverbs and Chelsea Hander's ayahuasca experience to Corey Taylor’s ghost stories and Hunter McGrady's affirmations - take a trip down memory lane with us! 

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Join us for our first special Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! The format is a bit different from our usual episodes, but we think you'll enjoy them nonetheless!  

Mandy Teefey (Co-founder and Co-CEO of Wondermind, Producer of 13 Reasons Why, Selena Gomez’ mom) stops by to discuss the origin of her mental health platform, Wondermind, and its mission to destigmatize and democratize mental health. Mayim and Jonathan break down their “overt” and “covert” mental health hacks, from practicing good sleep hygiene and being in touch with sensory sensitivities, to hitting the social reset button and re-examining our relationships with social media.

Link to Wondermind: https://www.wondermind.com/

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Michael Singer (NYT bestselling author of The Untethered Soul, The Surrender Experiment, and Living Untethered) breaks down his life changing spiritual awakening and teaches us how to separate the consciousness from our anxieties. Mayim and Jonathan open up about how Michael’s first book brought them together after 8 years of not speaking. Michael explains why he believes his life story prior to his awakening is irrelevant and how he maintains an enlightened, centered lifestyle out in the real world. He discusses ways to create distance between you and your suffering, how to reach a state of unconditional love and spiritual growth, and provides practical examples of how to surrender one’s ego. He considers how our thought patterns and life experiences can prevent us from having our own spiritual awakenings.  

Michael Singer's New Book, Living Untethered: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648480935/living-untethered/

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Justin Long (Dodgeball, Lady of the Manor, Life is Short podcast) opens up about his process for exploring trauma and the reasons he didn’t seek therapy sooner. He details his traumatic experience being drugged and kidnapped, discusses his struggles with overcoming his people-pleasing tendencies, and highlights the importance of validating one’s feelings. Justin reveals his meditation process and treats us to his impressive roster of celebrity impressions.

Justin Long's Podcast: https://wondery.com/shows/justin-long/

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Margaret Cho (comedian, Fire Island, Flight Attendant, Hacks) opens up about dissociation, queerness, and her love for rescuing animals. She gives us a peek into her impressive cat palace, explains what bisexuality means to her and why comedy is her safe space. Margaret discusses the origins and triggers of her struggles with dissociation and how she is able to harness its benefits in her acting. She takes us through her journey through recovery from opiate abuse and her experiences with EMDR therapy. Mayim breaks down compulsive overeating, and she and Margaret consider the notion of palatability within the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to body- and age-shaming. 

See Margaret Cho on tour: https://margaretcho.com/tour/

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Byron Katie (speaker, author of Loving What Is Now) teaches us the systematic process (i.e. "The Work") she uses to examine any positive or negative thought, from parenting and relationships to work and finances, to test what is and isn’t valid. She opens up about the awakening she experienced while lying on the floor of a halfway house while being treated for disordered eating, and how that revelation allowed her to overcome depression and suicidal thoughts, while reshaping every area of her life. Byron guides us through the practice of identifying and questioning thoughts that can lead to personal suffering and explains how our underlying beliefs may unknowingly fuel our emotions. She applies "The Work" processes to practical examples from Mayim and Jonathans’ lives while highlighting the importance of meditation, slowing down to listen, and readiness to put aside judgements, fear, and resentment.

Byron Katie's Live Zooms: https://thework.com/at-home-with-byron-katie/

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Macy Gray (singer, songwriter, activist) opens up about her creative approach to songwriting, her bipolar diagnosis, and why the issue of police violence is so close to her heart. She discusses her musical influences, being made fun of for her unique voice as a kid, and the origins of her hit single "I Try." Macy explains the process of making a new album during the pandemic and civil unrest, the data behind police shootings, and her anxiety around mania. Mayim breaks down the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders, features of mania, and why romantic relationships are tipping points for those suffering from bipolar disorder.

Macy Gray's new single, "Every Night": https://open.spotify.com/track/4VAUxogl12wnQQHvQ3zVuD?si=71809e5792de4741&nd=1

Macy Gray's organization, My Good: https://mygood.org/

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Evanna Lynch (Harry Potter franchise, author of The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting) discusses the existential nature of mental health struggles and disordered eating. She opens up about being a sensitive child, her history of anorexia at an early age, and her journey through recovery. Evanna explains the reasons she found it difficult to seek treatment, what the entertainment industry told her was wrong with her, and the ways she was able to overcome the fear of taking up space. She and Mayim discuss society’s examination of women and identity struggles and regimens for wellness after recovery. They break down forms of holistic healing, from plant therapy and intention setting to astrology and moon ceremonies.

Evanna Lynch's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/677563/the-opposite-of-butterfly-hunting-by-evanna-lynch/

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Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory, Florence Foster Jenkins, As They Made Us) joins Mayim in studio to discuss the preparation he did and fears he had playing his complicated character in Mayim’s new film, As They Made Us. He takes us through the darkest moments of his mental health journey, his OCD stemming from his attempts to avoid failure, and his motivation to seek professional treatment. Mayim considers the shift she witnessed in Simon’s mental health on The Big Bang Theory set. They discuss their entries into the Big Bang cast, what happened once the show grew in popularity, and the mental health quirks and stereotypes of each of the characters. Simon and Mayim explain the process of finding themselves after the success of the series and what it was like for Simon to perform an impression of Stephen Hawking in front of the late physicist on the set of the show.

Trailer for As They Made Us : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-b6NoDkiU&t=0s

Simon Helberg's impressions on CONAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7xQkJYwyi0

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Dustin Hoffman (The Graduate, Kramer vs. Kramer, Rain Man, As They Made Us) stops by the studio in person to open up about his childhood, his time working as an attendant in a psychiatric facility, and going to acting school with fellow legendary actors Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall. He and Mayim discuss the power of music, the science of acting, and the psychological awareness that comes with Dustin’s performances. Dustin explains why he is so observant and in touch with his emotions and his thoughts about death and spirituality, and Mayim breaks down hypervigilance. Dustin reveals what it was like to be directed by Mayim in her new film, As They Made Us.

Trailer for As They Made Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-b6NoDkiU&t=0s

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Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (gastroenterologist, nutritionist, New York Times-bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook) stops by to break down gut health and practical steps we can take to heal our guts. He unpacks gluten, food sensitivities, and fiber’s role in gut health. He explains the significance of microbiomes, challenges highly restrictive diets, and discusses why bowel movements directly inform gut health. Mayim and Dr. B consider the gut’s effect on mood, why digestive issues can still manifest even with proper nutrition, and the evidence-based benefits of a plant-based diet. They discuss the ways food intolerances can lead to disordered eating and how to fix those intolerances, the mental health impact of dietary challenges, and empowering oneself with information about one’s specific dietary needs.

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz' book: https://theplantfedgut.com/cookbook/

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Seth Rogen (actor, writer, producer, director) and Lauren Miller Rogen (writer, director, producer, philanthropist) join us to discuss the origin and missions of HFC, their non-profit organization, that cares for families impacted by Alzheimer's disease, activates the next generation of Alzheimer's advocates, and leads brain health research and education. Lauren opens up about her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s at an early age, and how her mother’s diagnosis affected the early stages of her relationship with Seth. Seth and Lauren discuss the ripples of mental health struggles on an entire family, why treating and preventing Alzheimer’s can be so difficult, and the benefits of familiarizing yourself with symptoms of neurological diseases. They explain potential causes of early onset Alzheimer’s, lifestyle changes that can help promote brain health, and the positive and negative effects of marijuana use on brain health. Mayim and The Rogens consider the need for universal access to medical and mental health resources and reasons Americans may be distrustful of the healthcare system.

Learn more about HFC: WeAreHFC.org

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Dianna Agron (As They Made Us, Glee, Acid Man, Shiva Baby) joins us to discuss what it was like to work with Mayim on her new film, As They Made Us. She opens up about her experiences growing up in hotels and her family’s struggles after her father’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Mayim and Dianna bond over the scrutiny they faced while publicly coming of age on a television show, the inclination to make art after processing grief, and the benefits of healthy compartmentalization. Mayim explains the process of writing her film in response to the loss of her father and why Dianna’s character was the most difficult for her to write. She discusses body and emotional awareness in another installment of Moments of Peace and Calm.

Trailer for Mayim's film, As They Made Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-b6NoDkiU

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Kal Penn (Harold and Kumar, House, Designated Survivor, author of You Can’t Be Serious) discusses navigating and overcoming stereotypes and racial biases in Hollywood. He considers the feelings of motivation and anxiety that can stem from family expectations, how a lens of positivity can lead to less stress, and ways to overcome apathy about making a societal impact. Mayim and Kal bond over their time at UCLA and working together on The Big Bang Theory. Kal opens up about the cultural phenomenon of the Harold & Kumar franchise, how he became involved in the Obama administration, and being a late bloomer in terms of his sexuality.

Kal Penn's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982171383/kalpenn-20

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Dr Joe Dispenza (bestselling author, researcher, speaker) breaks down practical steps we can take to unlock our potential. He discusses his early days of hypnotizing his roommates, the philosophy of yoga, and the three different types of stress. Dr Joe explains the neuroscience behind why rumination and invoking feelings of the past are harmful to personal growth and how biochemistry can impact pathways. He considers the reason most change is facilitated by crisis or trauma, the benefits of mental rehearsal, and somatic reactions to emotional responses.

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Felicia Day (author, actress Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Guild) stops by to discuss the pursuit of her own creative endeavors after feeling like she didn’t belong. She explains the positives and negatives of her socially isolated homeschool upbringing and people-pleasing tendencies. Felicia touches on imposter syndrome, the commoditization of artists, and the importance of setting the template for those who come after you in your industry. Mayim and Felicia consider the consequences of allowing others to determine your self-worth, especially through the use of social media.

Watch Felicia Day on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/feliciaday

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Colin Quinn (comedian, actor, author, former Saturday Night Live "Weekend Update" host) stops by to discuss the science of stand-up and his journey toward sobriety. He takes us through his comedic evolution, from heckling teachers in school to pursuing comedy full-time after getting sober. Colin opens up about his unrecognized issues manifesting during his time at SNL, his experiences with jungian therapy, and his belief in purgatory. Mayim and Colin discuss sensory reactions to comedic timing, comedic sensibilities informed by demographics, and the consequences of ego.

See Colin Quinn on Tour: http://colinquinn.com/

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Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray, Huge series, Bosco film) stops by to discuss the importance of seeing oneself represented accurately in the media, body type stigmas, and her coming our journey. She opens up about her start as a singer, the moment she first fell in love with Hairspray and how it changed her life. Nikki shares the tension she faced in the entertainment industry from not fitting the mold, the origins and evolution of her self-confidence, and how she feels about the notion of radical self-acceptance. Mayim considers self-awareness and situations where we may not always present our true selves.

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Corey Taylor (frontman for Slipknot and Stone Sour, NY Times bestselling author) opens up about his early drug and alcohol addiction and how he makes sense of his extrasensory observations with the paranormal. He discusses his difficult childhood, his process of discovering music and writing as an outlet, and his journey toward sobriety. Corey explains the depression he faced after suffering a severe spinal cord injury from a stage dive, using therapy to find healthier ways to parent, and how he was able to quit smoking cigarettes. He shares his intense experiences with paranormal intelligent energy and how he makes sense of the phenomena. Mayim breaks down the scientific understanding of Chi energy and its important role in medical treatment.

See Corey Taylor on tour with Slipknot: https://slipknot1.com/events/

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Dr. Maya Shankar (cognitive scientist, Senior Advisor to Obama administration, host of Slight Change of Plans podcast) breaks down the role of language in cognition and why understanding human behavior makes a huge difference in informing government policy. She discusses her pivot from Juilliard violinist into neuroscience after suffering a permanent hand injury as a teenager, and how she created her own role in the White House. Mayim and Maya explain why "I" statements are the best way to communicate difficult emotions, the benefits of speaking to yourself in third person, and achieving positive lifestyle changes through a technique called "temptation bundling." Maya opens up about using her anxious thoughts to propel her to strive for positive change in the world, and the benefits of spending effective time in the past and future. Mayim addresses the notion of self-sabotage within a relationship in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Dr. Maya Shankar's Podcast: http://podcasts.pushkin.fm/slight-change-of-plans

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Moby (musician, DJ, photographer, author, animal rights activist) opens up about his unconventional childhood, what sobriety has taught him, and the effectiveness of activism. He discusses his drug and alcohol abuse which began at an early age and being forced to drop out of college due to crippling panic attacks. Moby details the impact his anxiety had on his journey to pursuing a musical career, why being vegan is a core aspect of who he is, and what philosophy can teach us about our sense of self. Mayim and Moby consider the painful journey of getting to know oneself, achieving fulfillment and happiness through being of service to others, and the process of overcoming the fear-driven desire for control. 

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Look for more exclusive rapid fire episodes on @bialikbreakdown! 

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Nora McInerny (Terrible, Thanks for Asking podcast, author of Bad Vibes Only) helps us build understanding around grief by taking us through her own grief journey. She discusses what her life was like before suffering extreme loss, what happened upon receiving her husband’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis, and how she dealt with a miscarriage and the loss of her father and husband weeks apart. Nora and Mayim consider the struggle of dealing with people’s expectations of your feelings during mourning periods, why it may be difficult to relate to people who are moving through grief, and the importance of allowing oneself time to truly grieve. They discuss reasons why mourning is so specific and individualistic, productivity associated with grief, and the benefits of finding a support group. Mayim breaks down the typical grief timeline, its physical symptoms, and its potential impact on every area of one’s life.

Nora's Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Bad-Vibes-Only/Nora-McInerny/9781982186715

Nora's Podcast: https://www.ttfa.org/

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Julie Bowen (Modern Family, Boston Legal, Happy Gilmore, Quitters podcast) opens up about anxiety, the ambivalence of motherhood, and the steps she takes to stay grounded. She takes us through her anxiety journey in the early days of antidepressants, her meditation methods, and the importance of not waiting to seek help. She and Mayim discuss parenting children with vastly different baselines and the negative effects of physical punishment. Mayim breaks down therapy flooding and explains why trauma is not a prerequisite for mental health struggles. Mayim considers the dynamics of partnership and the benefits and disadvantages of being an introvert in another installment of Moments of Peace & Calm.

Julie Bowen's Podcast: https://www.quitterspod.com/

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Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development, Toy Story 4, Being the Ricardos, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Archibald’s Next Big Thing) discusses the impact a chronic, invisible condition can have on mental health. He explains how living with severe asthma shifted his worldview and contributed to his anxiety and panic attacks, and the consequences of living life in a state of constant vigilance. Tony opens up about how being bullied led him to build a comedic defense system, why he loves connecting with others who share his condition, and the importance of seeing yourself in other people. Mayim and Tony bond over the role faith plays in their mental wellness, learning to practice contentment, and the similarities between cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation. Mayim highlights ways to calm your mind when communicating with difficult people in another installment of Moments of Peace & Calm.

Tony's Children's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Archibalds-Next-Thing-Tony-Hale/dp/0692229485

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Connor Franta (entrepreneur, content creator, author of House Fires) opens up about the impact his sexuality has had on his mental health. He walks us through his coming out journey, from depression and suicidal thoughts stemming from questioning his sexuality through the reactions of his family, friends, and fans upon releasing his extremely popular coming out video on YouTube. Connor explains the ways he has attempted to distract himself from his inner conflicts, the ways in which mental health serves as a touchpoint for every area of his life, and why he hit another depressive spiral after coming out and achieving career success. Mayim and Connor bond over their struggles to balance mental wellness with being public personas, and they consider the disproportionate amount of mental health struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss the physical effects of suppression, the evolution of the emerging field of content creation, and the importance of putting in the work to tackle mental health struggles. Mayim explains how SSRI’s work in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Connor Franta's books: http://connorfrantabooks.com/

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Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast) opens up about his struggles with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD. He discusses the rituals and intrusive thoughts that force him to hit the pause button on his life, why he finally decided to seek professional treatment, and how his diagnoses have affected his lifepath. Howie explains how Candid Camera first inspired him to do comedy and recounts his first time onstage performing stand-up. He and Mayim consider the importance of living in the moment, hypervigilance as a survival mechanism, and tips on achieving success within therapy. Mayim breaks down ways to manage mental illness with meditation in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Howie Mandel's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/howie-mandel-does-stuff-podcast/id1555137542

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Kara Mayer Robinson (licensed mental health counselor, talk show host, journalist, writer, host of the Really Famous podcast) gives us tools and coping strategies to face the challenges in spending time with family, just in time for the holidays! Kara gives us practical tips for mentally preparing ourselves to deal with combative family members, including journaling, identifying triggers, and forming a reactionary game plan and exit strategy. She highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries and following through with them, maintaining self-care throughout the holidays, and identifying toxic personalities. Mayim breaks down body dysmorphia, causes and examples of enmeshment, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and familial triangulation.

Kara Mayer Robinson's Podcast: https://really-famous.com/

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Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Podcast, The Sarah Silverman Program, I Love You, America, Wreck It Ralph, Santa Inc., author of The Bedwetter) discusses the origins of her "shock value" comedy style, her reaction to being called "one of the guys" in comedy, and the importance of growing and changing with the times, especially as a comedian. She opens up about the trauma passed down within her family, the moment that led her to receive a depression diagnosis, and her experience with being overprescribed medication. Sarah shares her tools for managing panic attacks, the benefits of coupling medication with talk therapy, and the importance of laughter in staying youthful. She reveals why she doesn’t let club hecklers or internet trolls get to her, and considers the cognitive distortion of memory caused by one’s own perspective. Mayim examines the importance of truly expressing oneself within a relationship, the internal and external manifestations of anxiety, and it’s hereditary and environmental causes.

Sarah Silverman's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sarah-silverman-podcast/id1533130572

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Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire, Stuart Little, Comeback Kids podcast) opens up about his struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and irrational fears. He discusses his difficulties with balancing the success of his career as a child actor with being severely bullied in school, and the coping mechanisms he has used to deal with bullying and anxiety. Mayim and Lipnicki bond over their martial arts training and the problem-solving it teaches, and Mayim adopts Lipnicki’s mantra. They discuss intergenerational trauma and the holocaust’s impact on familial anxiety, rumination manifested by anxiety, and the non-linear nature of therapy. We introduce a new segment called " Moments of Peace & Calm," and Mayim considers alcohol’s effects on anxiety in another installment of "Ask Mayim Anything."

Jonathan Lipnicki's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comeback-kids/id1526366687

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Bev breaks down previous episodes in our sixth Bevisode installment! This week, Bev reacts to past episodes including: microaggressions and reservations about therapy with Lamorne Morris, Lindsey Stirling’s old soul and multidisciplinary skillset, and her resonation with Timer Hawkeye’s simple, yet fulfilling lifestyle. She reflects on Rainn Wilson’s centered approach to recovery, the positivity and importance of Anthony Green’s outlook, and Matthew McConaughey’s confidence, spirituality, and focus on breaking the cycle of violence. Mayim explains the effects of menstrual cycle hormones on anxiety in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

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Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years actress, author, producer, speaker, and mathematician) joins us to discuss what it was like to play the character of “Winnie Cooper” in The Wonder Years, and her struggle to find her identity separate from the iconic dreamgirl role. She discusses how she managed to stay grounded while growing up in the public eye, overcoming her insecurities, and the spiritual lessons she has learned from studying the patterns in her life. Danica explains why she took a break from acting to study math, the empowerment it offered her, and her passion for making math accessible to everyone. Mayim breaks down the clinical definition of hoarding and the science behind giving birth and motherhood. She considers the causes of child development delays in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything. 

Danica's math website: https://mckellarmath.com/

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Chelsea Handler (Dear Chelsea Podcast, comedian, television host, best-selling author) stops by to discuss the importance of unpacking trauma and delayed grief. She opens up about growing up in a dysfunctional home, and how the trauma of losing her older brother impacted her entire family and reinforced her commitment to spreading humor. Chelsea explains the journey of her relationship with alcohol, her recent decision to begin therapy, and her life-changing ayahuasca experience. She considers her prior fear of commitment and sense of distrust toward men, and her current healthy relationship with fellow comedian Jo Koy. Chelsea reveals how not having children of her own has allowed her to show up for other people’s children, what she would do if she weren’t in comedy, and why it’s always been especially important to her to highlight other women.

Mayim breaks down craniosacral therapy and shares mental health and interpersonal guidelines for maintaining a healthy relationship in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

See Chelsea on Tour: https://www.chelseahandler.com/

Chelsea's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dear-chelsea/id1563085598

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Molly Ringwald (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, The Kissing Booth 3) joins us to discuss the things she admires and regrets about starring in John Hughes’ movies. Mayim and Molly bond over their early roles on Facts of Life, coping with rejection at an early age, and Mayim opens up about why she has resonated with many of Molly’s roles. Molly reveals the reasons she left Hollywood to move to France in her early 20’s, and considers whether the responsibility of art is to change or reflect society. She discusses starting therapy as a teenager to treat depression and anxiety and her meditation processes, from body scans to gardening. Mayim considers the ways anxiety can be tied to the prevalence of technology in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Molly's Books: https://iammollyringwald.com/when-it-happens-to-you

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Alyson Stoner (Step Up, Cheaper by the Dozen, Co-Founder of Movement Genius, author of Mind Body Pride: The 7-Step Guide to Deeper Inner Connection) joins us to discuss the role physical movement plays in promotion of mental and emotional health. She details her childhood in the entertainment industry, growing up around abuse and addiction, and how focusing on the mind-body connection serves as a grounding tool from those stressors. Alyson opens up about her experiences with using disordered eating as a coping mechanism, being disowned by her faith community for her sexuality, and her alexithymia diagnosis. She considers the therapeutic benefits she receives from dance, physical symptoms of being disconnected from one’s body, and the importance of implementing full body awareness into therapy. Mayim breaks down the process of training the brain to achieve certain psychological and emotional responses in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.  

FREE 30 DAYS OF ACCESS + ALYSON'S BOOK "MIND BODY MOVEMENT": https://www.movementgenius.com/offers/75a6D9pa

Alyson Stoner's Book: https://www.alysonstoner.com/e-book-landing-page

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Dr. Jenny Taitz (Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at UCLA and licensed clinical psychologist board certified in cognitive behavioral therapy) is back to answer listener questions about disordered eating, her personal path to becoming a therapist, and the resources she recommends for aspiring psychologists. Dr. Taitz discusses the causes of disordered eating, suggests when to seek help, and the types of treatments she advocates. She considers social media’s role in the increased prevalence of body image issues, the benefits of dialectical behavior therapy in regulating emotions, and tips to be more mindful and assertive. Mayim and Dr. Taitz discuss the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, the differences between short and long term therapy, and strategies to manage anxiety while public speaking. Mayim explains EMDR and how it may be used to help treat PTSD in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Jenny's Books: https://drjennytaitz.com/books/

Jenny's Articles: https://drjennytaitz.com/media/

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Kel Mitchell (All That, Kenan & Kel, Good Burger, author of Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith) joins us to discuss his early career as a 90’s Nickelodeon star and the major life events that shaped him into the man of faith he is today. He details his class clown and theatre beginnings, finding his comedy partner in Kenan Thompson, and the impact of the diversity shown on All That. Kel draws comparisons between his childhood in the southside of Chicago where he lost loved ones to gun and gang violence and the trauma young celebrities face in Hollywood. He discusses getting married at an early age and dealing with anxiety stemming from confusion over whether people loved him for his comedy characters or his true self. Kel opens up about his suicide attempt, how his faith led him to pursue a path toward mental wellness, and his journey to becoming a youth pastor. Mayim and Kel consider the mental health impact of living in communities touched by violence and intergenerational trauma.  

Mayim explains the long-term effects of complicated grief on the brain in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything. 

Kel Mitchell's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Mode-Days-Level-Faith/dp/1400229189

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Nikki Glaser (The Nikki Glaser Podcast, FBoy Island, Nikki Glaser: Bangin') stops by to discuss the importance of being present and feeling your feelings. She opens up about being raised by an anxious parent, her relationship with her parents before, during, and after therapy, and the sensory issues she struggled with as a child. Nikki reveals the origins of her previous suicidal thoughts, how she went from being scared of boys to being known for her overtly sexual humor, and why she is considering a transition away from stand-up comedy. She discusses her disordered eating and body images issues, losing a friend to suicide, and her decision to stop drinking. Mayim and Nikki consider the benefits of weighted blankets, explore sex drives and feelings of attachment, and explain why they’re grateful social media didn’t exist when they were young. Mayim explains the neuroscience behind picky eating in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything. 

The Nikki Glaser Podcast: https://www.nikkiglaser.com/page/podcast

See Nikki Glaser on Tour: https://www.nikkiglaser.com/page/tour

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David Poses (speaker, expert, activist, author of The Weight of Air) discusses the intersection of addiction and mental health. He opens up about becoming addicted to heroin in an attempt to treat his depression after learning about it in a school drug education program, and how he was able to function on and effectively hide his addiction to the drug. Mayim and David debate the benefits and disadvantages of 12-step programs and consider how society’s need for instant gratification may contribute to the ongoing opioid epidemic. They discuss the need to change our perceptions about those with substance abuse issues and restructure the way we view mental illness in general. Mayim explains the effects of marijuana on depression in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

David Poses' Book: https://davidposes.com/the-weight-of-air

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Vishen Lakhiani (Founder & CEO of Mindvalley, author of The Buddha & The Badass and The Code of the Extraordinary Mind) opens up about his inspiration for starting Mindvalley, an award-winning education movement with millions of students worldwide. He details his past struggles with suicidal thoughts before making the decision to go against the grain and chase his dreams, shaping his own life free from judgement or stigma. After defining what it means to be an entrepreneur, Vishen teaches us how to be "unfuckwithable," practical exercises we can all do to generate self-love, and a 2-minute appreciation technique. He asks the three most important questions that lead to success and highlights the importance of setting end goals and protecting your sleep. Mayim and Vishen discuss the way science says we should meditate, the benefits of speed reading, and the pros and cons of thinking ten years into the future.

Vishen Lakhiani's Books: https://www.vishen.com/codex

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Bev breaks down previous episodes in our fifth Bevisode installment! This week, Bev reacts to a hefty slot of episodes including: Jackson Galaxy’s guardrails and involution, reinventing yourself creatively like Melissa Bernstein, and all things aging with Dr. Small. She considers Rabbi Steve Leder’s stance on decluttering and sanctification of the mundane, Dr. Jenny Taitz’ approach to Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and empathizes with Steve Hassan. Bev responds to Kelly Clarkson and Hunter McGrady’s mantras and writes her own mantra for Mayim. She relates to Moshe Kasher’s childhood, reveals her love language like Oliver Hudson, and shares the compassion she feels for Jennette McCurdy’s experience as a child star. 

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Tig Notaro (Tig Notaro: Drawn , Don't Ask Tig podcast, Tig & Cheryl: True Story podcast) drops by to discuss how her chaotic childhood and health struggles shaped her into the talented stand-up comedian she is today. She details her musical background, dropping out of school, and the confusing feelings she had about her sexuality. She opens up about the most difficult time in her life - dealing with a serious medical condition, losing her mother, and going through a breakup, all within the span of a few months. Tig reveals the things that bring her comfort in the mental health space before Mayim breaks down the neuroscience behind coping mechanisms in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Tig Notaro's Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/im-just-a-person-tig-notaro?variant=32205530267682

"Don't Ask Tig" podcast: https://www.dontasktig.org/

"Tig & Cheryl: True Story" podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tig-and-cheryl-true-story/id1530100372

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Dr. Christine Moutier (Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) debunks myths about suicide and discusses the big risk factors associated with the act. She details her path to becoming a suicide prevention advocate and shares how her own mental health journey during medical school led her to become a safe space for others. Dr. Moutier lists the occupations with the highest risk of suicide, the suicide patterns across every demographic, and the physical, emotional, and psychological factors that increase one’s risk. Mayim opens up about her family’s experience with suicide and highlights the importance of not waiting to seek help. She and Dr. Moutier consider the elevated suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ communities, the role social media plays in cyberbullying and suicide, and the importance of combating the epidemic of loneliness with interpersonal connections. They highlight the significance of having an open dialogue within family circles and the benefits of interactive screening programs before another engaging round of You Might Need Help If...

NowMattersNow.org

Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Family Acceptance Project: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/

AFSP Interactive Screening Program: https://afsp.org/interactive-screening-program

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Michael Sweetney, (former NBA player & current Yeshiva Assistant Coach) details his journey through professional basketball, from the pressure he felt as a star player and student athlete at Georgetown to his experience with depression after the sudden, tragic loss of his father. He opens up about why he hated playing basketball at first, the grueling mind-body experience of being drafted, and the criticism he faced for removing himself from the NBA. Michael explains his backfired attempt to use basketball as an outlet following his father’s death, which resulted in a suicide attempt and how his family structure and faith motivated him to seek help. Mayim breaks down reasons the rate of depression is so much higher in professional athletes and the causes and dangers of professional masking. She and Michael discuss trying to balance work and grieving and ways the conversation about mental health around athletes has evolved over time. Mayim suggests ways to broach mental health topics with your family in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything. 

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Jalen Rose (NBA player, NY Times best-selling author, NBA Countdown, Jalen & Jacoby, Get Up) opens up about the brotherhood of the Fab 5, the impact of stress from playing professional basketball on his mental health, and his undying love for the city of Detroit. He describes his childhood growing up in the segregated city of Detroit during a drug epidemic, his partnership and close bond with his mom, and how his entrepreneurial spirit was influenced by never knowing his NBA star father, Jimmy Walker. Jalen details his rededication to the game and self-discipline after getting kicked out of school, why he started looking up to public figures with flaws, and the feelings of unworthiness he experienced as a member of the Fab 5. Mayim and Jalen bond over the similarities between being an athlete and performer, and Jalen educates Mayim and Jonathan with his Guide to Trash Talk. They discuss their admiration for Simone Biles & Naomi Osaka, the life skills and mental health coping mechanisms that can be learned from playing sports, and the United States’ history of valuing entertainment over education. After Jalen opens up about the role faith plays in his life especially after the failed assassination attempt on his life, Mayim considers the balance between science and religion in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy: www.JRLADetroit.com

Jalen Rose Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/233840/got-to-give-the-people-what-they-want-by-jalen-rose/

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Alan Gordon (founder of the Pain Psychology Center and author of The Way Out: A Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven Approach to Healing Chronic Pain) stops by to guide Mayim through somatic tracking in an effort to alleviate her severe, stress-induced chronic back pain. After detailing his own journey suffering years of sustained pain in almost every area of his body, Alan highlights the benefits of pain as a danger signal and the importance of understanding the source of physiological symptoms in order to identify neuroplastic pain. Mayim and Alan break down the neuroscience behind the use of Pain Reprocessing Therapy to deactivate pain, the benefits of body scan meditation, and the relation between sensitivity to physical stimuli and experiencing strong emotional connections. Mayim and Alan wrap the episode with another round of "You Might Need Help If..."

Alan Gordon's Book: https://www.painpsychologycenter.com/the-way-out.html

Pain Reprocessing Therapy Website: https://www.painreprocessingtherapy.com/

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David Archuleta (American Idol, OK, All Right Tour, author of My Little Prayer ) opens up about discovering his sexual identity and the aspects of his religion he continues to hang onto as he navigates it. David discusses how taking time to step back from his musical career to go on his mission amidst fears he was sabotaging his career and an urge to keep American Idol fans proud of him led to deep introspection and transformation. After Mayim breaks down the process of dissociation as a coping mechanism, David details what it felt like to fight his attractions, the isolation that comes with carrying a huge secret, and the process of finally confronting his feelings. He recalls the unexpected reaction his church elder had after he opened up about his sexuality, what he thinks God wants for his life, and the responses he’s received since coming out. Mayim considers the value of getting to know oneself and David reveals the song that came to him in a dream.

David Archuleta Tour

David Archuleta Book

David Archuleta New Single

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David Sinclair (biologist, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To) discusses ways we can extend our lifespan and the work he’s doing to slow and reverse aging brain cells. He details the best lifestyle changes and emerging technologies available now to prevent most diseases until our 80’s, increase longevity, and even reverse the effects of aging. David opens up about his mental health struggles stemming from his own insecurities and frustrations with the planet, how his mother’s passing changed his outlook on life, and the dream he had that influenced his research and became a turning point in his career. After debating about intermittent fasting, Mayim and David examine the thread between solving problems in medicine, economics, and sociology, the effects of stress on the aging process, and mental health components tied to the aging brain. Mayim considers the amount of resources needed if humans lived longer, and the impact western culture’s attitude about aging might have on an increased lifespan.

David Sinclair's Book: https://lifespanbook.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linktress&utm_campaign=get%20the%20book

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Andy Richter (Conan, Madagascar, Three Questions with Andy Richter podcast) opens up about his childhood, mental health struggles, and his almost 30-year tenure as a late night tv sidekick. He details his experience with depression and lack of self-assuredness at an early age, and explains what lured him to performing. Andy describes the lack of agency and confusion he felt for being okay with his role as a sidekick, learning to be by himself and navigate the dating world after divorce, and what might be next for his professional career. Mayim and Andy consider the benefits of therapy and medication, the importance of mental healthcare for low income individuals, and the psychological benefits of having a dog. Mayim discusses ways to manage mental health while grieving in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Andy Richter's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-three-questions-with-andy-richter/id1468533126

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Matthew McConaughey (Dazed and Confused, Dallas Buyers Club, Greenlights author) takes us on an electrifying journey through his intriguing life, from his intense childhood in which his parents divorced and remarried each other three times, to surviving off a head of lettuce with ketchup in Australia, to his current ambitions considering a run for political office. Matthew details his life-changing quests sparked by having the same wet dream twice and how he puts himself in positions to receive divine, prophetic messages from the universe. He explains why his dad was proud of him for getting into a bar fight, why he cries during births and not deaths, and why his son creates Powerpoint presentations to illustrate why Matthew is wrong. Mayim and Matthew discuss parenthood, and Matthew opens up about the sense of immortality he felt at the birth of his first child. Mayim breaks down binding anxiety and the science behind having gratitude.

Matthew McConaughey's Greenlights Book: https://greenlights.com/#book

Matthew McConaughey's just keep livin Foundation: https://jklivinfoundation.org/

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Anthony Green (lead singer of Circa Survive, Saosin, and The Sound of Animals Fighting) opens up about his struggles with addiction and living with bipolar disorder. He describes how his distorted self-image manifested into disordered eating and drug and alcohol abuse, and details his first stay in rehab and being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Mayim breaks down the clinical definition, types, and dual-diagnoses associated with bipolar disorder, and opens up about her own father’s struggle with the affliction. She and Anthony discuss the dopamine loop and how this can also apply to technology, and highlight the importance of tackling addiction one step at a time, having an outlet to communicate, and exercising patience with those who are struggling. Anthony explains his process for accepting his diagnoses and managing his stressors and triggers, and how he has been able to repurpose his mania to use as a hack for improving his creativity as an artist.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 // https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Anthony Green's new live album "Live at Studio 4": https://memorymusic.limitedrun.com/products/707405-anthony-green-live-at-studio-4?view=f15452

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Rainn Wilson (The Office, Six Feet Under, Metaphysical Milkshake with Rainn & Reza, SoulPancake) joins Mayim and Jonathan in the studio as their first ever in-person guest to discuss his nerdy childhood, growing up with social misfit parents, and the evolution that therapy has provided to every area of his life. He explains how feeling unloved and alienated as a child in a petri dish of dysfunction led to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and addiction issues. Rainn admits to learning early on in his acting career to embrace playing the role of an alienated misfit, and opens up about his meditation process and the tools his faith gave him in finding his own path and identity. Mayim and Rainn bond over being band geeks and chess club members and the expectations, insecurities, and limitations that come with being sitcom character actors. They examine the similarities between a recovery journey and spiritual journey, the benefits of going to AA even if you’re not an alcoholic, and reasons some individuals might be resistant to therapy.

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Angela Matusik, Head of Corporate Brand Content & Creative at Hewlett-Packard, breaks down the impact of brand storytelling on society’s capacity for mental wellness. She details her impressive trajectory from an unstable childhood to becoming an editor in the fascinating era of 90’s print media, and eventually reinventing her creative journalism to pivot into the world of corporate storytelling. Mayim and Angela discuss the ways in which brands shape societal values, behavior, and conversation and the responsibilities these corporations have to maintain integrity and address mental health. They examine the importance of young women having access to mentorship from successful women in corporate positions, the effects of isolation on adolescents created by the digital age, and how their hyper awareness as mothers shapes their views of the media. 

Mayim and Jonathan explain the values in recognizing how your past impacts your present and finding creative trajectories for one’s unique skillset in another round of “You Might Need Help If…”

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Timber Hawkeye (best-selling author of Buddhist Boot Camp and Faithfully Religionless) details his life’s journey after having an enlightened experience. He explains why he left his solid corporate job and comfortable life to strip himself of all possessions, moved to Hawaii where he survived on just $7k per year, studied psychology and world religion, and built a world of being of service to others. Timber discusses how he was able to achieve freedom through simplifying his life and valuing time rather than following society’s recipe for happiness. Mayim and Timber examine the cognitive dissonance that stems from the vicious loop of internal conflict, the importance of aligning our actions with our values, using nonviolent communication to identify unmet needs, and ways we may identify as victims.  

Mayim breaks down how the brain physically changes after having an enlightened moment and the isolation that comes with setting high standards for others. 

Timber's Website: BuddhistBootCamp.com

Timber's Buddhist Boot podcast: https://www.buddhistbootcamp.com/podcast

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Lindsey Stirling (unique, futuristic electronic violinist, songwriter and dancer with over 13M YouTube subscribers) opens up about how seeking a sense of control developed into disordered eating and how honing her dancer’s physique affected her body image. She shares how the mindset she adopted through disordered eating manifested in other areas of her life, and how going through the motions gave her her power back. Mayim and Lindsey break down body dysmorphia, the feelings of isolation and unworthiness that stem from disordered eating, and the similarities these afflictions have with substance abuse. Lindsey shares her experience on the set of Dancing with the Stars and the Cirque du Soleil stunt she has finally been able to cross off her bucket list.  

Mayim examines ways to regulate emotional eating, how to identify diet culture, and what healthy eating does to the brain in the latest installment of Ask Mayim Anything. 

Lindsey Stirling's YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyC_4jvPzLiSkJkLIkA7B8g

Lindsey Stirling Tour: http://www.lindseystirling.com/tour

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Kevin Sussman (actor, writer, comedian, The Big Bang Theory) discusses his anxiety surrounding performing and reveals his process for tricking his brain into redirecting anxious thoughts. Mayim and Kevin reminisce about their shared experiences on the set of The Big Bang Theory and examine the differences between Kevin and his character, "Stuart Bloom." Kevin shares the advice George Clooney and Gary Shandling gave to him about combating anxiety and the body mechanics of the Alexander Technique he uses to manage habitual physical tension. Mayim breaks down the physiological symptoms and evolutionary advantages of anxiety, the science and cultural aspects of crying, and ways to avoid the trap of rumination. They discuss the benefits and side effects of anxiety medication and natural coping methods, and Mayim ends the episode with advice for managing anxiety when trying to fall asleep in the latest installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

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Jackson Galaxy (Host & Executive Producer of My Cat from Hell, animal advocate, cat behavior expert, author, musician) opens up about his struggles with social anxiety, substance abuse, and disordered eating. After an illuminating installment of "What Mayim Hears", Jackson discusses growing up wanting to be a rock star and how playing guitar and busking at an early age helped him combat anxiety. He details his use of food as a comfort tool and alcohol as a social lubricant before he discovered the benefits provided by the structure of rituals. Mayim and Jackson break down how misdiagnoses and ineffective prescriptions can lengthen one’s mental health journey, the biological instincts tied to social anxiety, and navigating society as an empath. They bond over their shared love for the energetic minefield that is New York City, disordered eating as a public person, desires to be terminally unique involutes, and of course, their love of cats.

Jackson Galaxy's Website: https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/

Jackson Galaxy's Books: https://shop.jacksongalaxy.com/collections/books

Jackson Galaxy Cat Camp: https://www.catcamp.com/

Jackson Galaxy Project: https://greatergood.org/jackson-galaxy

Best Friends Animal Society: https://bestfriends.org/

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Dr. Gary Small, Professor of Psychiatry, Biobehavioral Sciences & Aging and Director of the UCLA Longevity Center, breaks down the biological causes and symptoms of aging and its impact on mental wellness. He discusses the effects of neurodegenerative memory disorders on patients and caregivers, his personal experiences with Alzheimer’s, and the toll his work with the difficult aspects of cognitive transitions takes on him. Mayim and Dr. Small examine the negative effects of stress and isolation on the aging process and how technology has the potential to help or harm it before delving into the ways we can strengthen our brains through meditation, sleep, therapy, social connections, learning a language or instrument, and even certain foods. They unpack the roles of the elderly in our society and the ways various cultures treat aging populations. Mayim opens up about her father’s degenerative condition, details common reasons we distract ourselves, and explains the Look-Snap-Connect techniques we can use to maintain and improve active brain health and memory.

Dr. Gary Small's Books: http://drgarysmall.com/books/

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Melissa Bernstein, author, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of the successful toy company Melissa & Doug, breaks down her existential journey through birthing art from divergent qualities. She discusses her disassociation from dark feelings and how her imagination allowed her to channel that sense of despair into creativity. Mayim and Melissa bond over being unable to relate to mainstream culture and how perfectionism can sometimes feel like a drug. They examine the science behind overexcitabilities, reasons why we lie, and how to accept and move through rejection. Melissa opens up about how her need for control led to a severe eating disorder at the age of 11 and how she found recovery through her relationship with her now husband. After years of self-depletion, Melissa reveals how logotherapy and studying philosophy guided her through her mental health journey.

Mayim reminisces about her time hanging out with fellow misfits at Venice Beach, and ends the episode with advice for teachers on dealing with anxious students in the latest installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Melissa & Doug Website: https://www.melissaanddoug.com/

Melissa Bernstein's Book: https://www.lifelines.com/shop-book

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Jennette McCurdy, writer, director, actor, and singer ( iCarly, Sam & Cat), inspires Mayim with her openness and vulnerability as she shares the harmful coping mechanisms and profound revelations she experienced following the death of her mother - leading to Jennette’s one woman show "I’m Glad My Mom Died." Jennette discusses the pressures and anxieties she faced at an early age as a hugely popular children’s TV star and the source of financial support for her family. Jennette unpacks how her identity was tied to her mother’s perceptions of her and how the enmeshed relationship impacted her. Mayim breaks down the psychological concept of enmeshment, including the effects of removing an enmeshed relationship from one’s life, the reasons we tolerate emotional discomfort for so long, and the elements of the power struggles surrounding love. Mayim and Jennette deeply connect over their self-discovery journeys, including their respective paths to recovery from disordered eating. They also discuss their personal and professional plans for the future, and Mayim confesses her feelings about her upcoming feature directorial debut.

In a new installment of Ask Mayim Anything, Mayim explains the origins of self-sabotage and insecurities in an otherwise healthy relationship.

Jennette McCurdy's website: https://www.jennettemccurdy.com/

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Rabbi Steve Leder, author and Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, breaks down the beneficial and harmful aspects of religious structure on mental health and sense of community. He details his childhood in the midwest where he worked at the family junkyard under strict, religious parents, and how stealing Bob Dylan albums led him to the hippie rabbis who changed the course of his life. Mayim and Rabbi Leder reexamine the true meaning of sacrifice, the evolution of Judaism, and how religious extremism and radical secularism can negatively impact mental health. Mayim opens up about the role religion has played in her own life and sense of identity, and how Judaism’s structure of processing grief helped her to effectively mourn her father’s death. After analyzing the ways in which society can rebuild trust in its institutions, Mayim and Rabbi Leder discuss how impactful changes in our micro communities can lead to macro effects and the importance of learning from those with differing beliefs. Mayim explains how a disconnected marriage can affect mental health during an installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Rabbi Steve Leder's books: http://steveleder.com/books/

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Dr. Jenny Taitz, Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at UCLA and licensed clinical psychologist board certified in cognitive behavioral therapy, outlines her custom, dialectical therapy approach to helping people meet their long term goals by utilizing evidenced-based tools. She breaks down the core issues of disordered eating and highlights the importance of recognizing hunger cues and triggers, forming intuitive eating habits, and finding nourishment through self-soothing strategies. Mayim expands upon the origin of her eating disorder and current relationship with food, and details the role food plays in culture and intimacy. Dr. Taitz discusses how mindfulness, distress tolerance, finding bite-sized doses of hope, and even dunking your face in ice water can lead to radical acceptance & willingness. After Mayim opens up about her history of serial monogamy, she and Dr. Taitz examine the importance of finding happiness and empowerment while living single rather than waiting to find the right person to be happy. Mayim and Dr. Taitz wrap the episode with indicators one might need help overcoming an eating disorder, and Mayim explains Binge Eating Disorder during an installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Jenny's Books: https://drjennytaitz.com/books/

Jenny's Articles: https://drjennytaitz.com/media/

Overeaters Anonymous: https://oa.org/

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Lamorne Morris (New Girl, Call Me Kat, Woke, Sandy Wexler, Barbershop 3, Game Night, BET personality) details how growing up in the southside of Chicago shaped his approach to navigating through equality roadblocks and the invisible entertainment gatekeeper. He and Mayim discuss how learning the history of one’s culture provides empowerment and why the media’s portrayal of marginalized communities matters. Lamorne breaks down how last year’s civil rights protests impacted his mental health, the benefits of life coaching, how he found motivation to succeed in Hollywood through defiance, his experiences playing "Winston Bishop" on New Girl and working with Mayim on the set of Call Me Kat.

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Steve Hassan, world-renowned mental health professional and cult & undue influence expert, breaks down classic cult tactics and how those techniques have evolved into the digital age. He details his own indoctrination into the Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon, his subsequent moment of realization that he was a cult member, and his intense deprogramming experience. Mayim and Steve discuss 21st century sects like Scientology, NXIVM, and QAnon, and how cult ideologies may have led to the Capitol insurrection in January of 2021. They explore ways to identify cults and abusers through their authoritarian features and methods they use, such as disorientation, "love bombing", social-psychological compliance, covert hypnotism, neuro-linguistic programming, and deep fakes. Hassan emphasizes media literacy in order to avoid these organizations and provides tips on how to engage with a loved one involved in a cult. Mayim and Jonathan discuss society's servitude to technology and debate about potential solutions.

Steve Hassan's Website: https://freedomofmind.com/

Steve Hassan's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Steven-Hassan/e/B000APQYV4/

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Kelly Clarkson, Grammy Award-winning singer and Emmy Award-winning talk show host, takes us through her mental and physical health journey after becoming one of the biggest popstars in the world. She shares how growing up in a small Texas town prepared her for global fame and how her voice has evolved over the years. Kelly and Mayim discuss treating their respective thyroid issues with eastern and western medicines and the benefits of NMN supplements. They detail their ongoing struggles with living up to industry standards, combating public opinions of their personal lives, and charting one's own path despite the opinions of others. Kelly's perspectives, affirmations, and "F-you attitude" leave Mayim inspired to tackle her own insecurities.

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Bobby Moynihan, comedic actor and former SNL cast member, shares his rollercoaster journey through comedy, from puppetry classes and performing improv during the aftermath of 9/11, through his 9-season run on SNL and beyond. Mayim and Bobby discuss the misconceptions about comedic performers, the role perfectionism plays in triggering physical symptoms of stress, and how therapy and meditation can help us process career trauma. Hear Mayim's tips for recognizing your breaking point when it comes to work stress with a constructive session of "You Might Need Help If..."

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Bev breaks down previous episodes in our fourth Bevisode installment! This week, Bev reacts to an engaging slot of recent episodes by discussing her own responses to the callings of waking dreams touched on by Elizabeth Bachner, along with the importance of recognizing when to seek help in the struggle with addiction addressed in Brian Posehn's episode. Later, Bev reminisces about teaching in a women’s prison and the programs she pioneered during her successful career in response to the Sal Khan episode, and shares the sadness and understanding she felt during Wil Wheaton’s revelations about wanting to leave the entertainment industry.

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Oliver Hudson, actor and fellow podcaster, joins us to discuss the nuance and evolution of family dynamics and how he overcame feeling like the black sheep of his famous family with the help of a pillow and a wiffle ball bat. Together, Mayim, Jonathan, and Oliver examine the ways that they give and receive love in the context of their own upbringings and sensibilities. To round off their discussion, Mayim shares a bit about the neuroendocrinology behind relational differences between men and women.

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