Best Jessica Valenti Podcasts (2024)

1
Amelia Kinkade: Compassionate Choices: Part 2 (Ep 77, Season 4) 48:17

1y ago48:17

48:17

In Part 2 of her second Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, Amelia continues her discussion about "compassionate choices" and the decisions we must all make in our own lives. Amelia shares her thoughts about elements of a toxic culture that teach us, "We are stupid if we are present with love and joy." She talks about the importance of making our …

1
Amelia Kinkade: Compassionate Choices: Part 1 (Ep 76, Season 4) 28:34

1y ago28:34

28:34

Amelia Kinkade returns to Brain Burrow to kick off Season 4! In Part 1 of this provocative Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, Amelia explores the problems with pigeonholing ourselves into broad stereotypes..when in reality we are multi-faceted individuals. She says, "You might have 36 colors in your box, not 8." Amelia also digs deep into the con…

1
Brain Bites: Uncage your Brain (Ep 75, Season 3) 19:30

1+ y ago19:30

19:30

Do you spend time worrying about what other people think? Do you take things personally when others are upset? Do your worries prevent you from doing things you want to do? In this special Brain Bites episode of Brain Burrow, Mark spends time talking about Cognitive Distortions and the lies we tell ourselves. We expend time and energy excessively w…

1
Kaylee Williams: Break your Boundaries (Ep 74, Season 3) 22:42

2y ago22:42

22:42

Do you push your limits? Or...are you quite content within your boundaries. Kaylee Williams is constantly looking to challenge herself. And it hasn't been easy. After many years of absence, Kaylee returns to the podcast circuit in this exclusive Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview. (originally recorded January 2022) She shares about her experiences…

1
Brandon E. Brooks: Find Fulfillment (Ep 73, Season 3) 27:05

2y ago27:05

27:05

Are you fulfilled? Brandon E. Brooks is constantly searching for his fulfillment. During this insightful Brain Burrow: Digging Deep episode, director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and podcaster Brandon E. Brooks shares about his search for truth and fulfillment. He talks about the importance of positivity in his life and his strategy of exuding p…

1
Shelby Hightower: People are Like Prisms (Ep 72, Season 3) 25:39

2y ago25:39

25:39

Do you have a personal philosophy? How does your personal philosophy guide your actions? Shelby Hightower has an extraordinary view of the world. Her interesting and comprehensive framework helps her make decisions. During this philosophical Brain Burrow: Digging Deep episode, actor and self-described "creative dreamer" Shelby Hightower shares her …

1
Lew Temple: Putting the Puzzle Together (Ep 71, Season 3) 30:50

2y ago30:50

30:50

In the Season 3 kick off, Mark talks with actor Lew Temple. In this raw and casual interview, Lew shares his perspective on the human condition, specifically around our interest in problem-solving. Lew shares his insight on acting and even reveals a gold nugget on a strategy for success in the film industry. Lew Temple is an American film actor, pe…

1
Jackey Neyman Jones: Perspective on Perspective (Ep 70, Season 2) 24:44

2y ago24:44

24:44

Have you ever looked at something the same way throughout your life... and then viewed it through a new lens? Jackey Neyman Jones has. In this uplifting Brain Burrow: Digging Deep episode, actor and author Jackey talks about the labels thrust upon her as a child, her challenges with confidence, and her quest to view life from a new perspective. She…

1
Beatrice Boepple: Know your Voice (Ep 69, Season 2) 23:35

2y ago23:35

23:35

Do you listen to your internal voice? Or do you choose to ignore it? Beatrice Boepple pays attention to the wisdom of her internal voice. During this candid Brain Burrow: Digging Deep episode, actor Beatrice Boepple talks about her lifetime of experiences. She explores the concept of "going within" oneself through meditation and reflection. She als…

1
Jessica Morris: Dig Deeper (Ep 68, Season 2) 21:15

2y ago21:15

21:15

Do you spend time on the surface of life? Do you find yourself in superficial encounters? Actor and writer Jessica Morris is energized by digging deeper...whether she is on set, writing, or spending time self-reflecting. Jessica shares about her love of telling stories and inspiring others to tell their own. She says that people live on the surface…

1
Loren Lepre: Stop Worrying (Ep 67, Season 2) 25:22

2+ y ago25:22

25:22

Do you worry? We all worry to some extent. However, does your worry prevent you from trying new endeavors? Loren Lepre says that worry doesn't have to stifle your creativity or your pursuit of your goals. In this delightful Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, actor/producer/director Loren W. Lepre shares his perspective about facing fears and consta…

1
Noel Gugliemi: Talk to Everybody (Ep 66, Season 2) 29:36

2+ y ago29:36

29:36

Do you know who you are? Do you know where you are going? Many people wander but yet few have a purposeful direction. In this powerful Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, actor Noel Gugliemi shares his perspective about life: Know Who you are and Talk to Everybody. Noel shares about his life in Hollywood and how it didn’t change him. He believes in …

1
"Wired Shut" Creative Crew: Inspire Change (Ep 65, Season 2) 27:38

2+ y ago27:38

27:38

Do you inspire others to change? Do you collaborate toward mutually inclusive creative goals? Peter Malone Elliott and Alexander Sharp do. In this rare 2-guest Brain Burrow interview, Mark digs deep with the creative duo behind the home invasion feature film, Wired Shut. Peter shares his take on storytelling, “I am a storyteller that is interested …

1
Walter Phelan: Stop Wishing. Start Doing (Ep 64, Season 2) 39:57

2+ y ago39:57

39:57

How much time do you spend sitting around wishing? Do you often think, "Someday I would love to..." versus actually doing it? In this informative Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, iconic creature actor Walter Phelan has made a career out of "just doing it." Walter has a prolific and diverse entertainment career. He is a musician, special effects e…

1
Neil D'Monte: A Sense of Wonder (Ep 63, Season 2) 27:05

2+ y ago27:05

27:05

Do you feel you've lost that sense of childhood wonder? Neil D'Monte has not lost his. In fact, he makes sure to incorporate it into all of his work. He would like to reactivate YOUR sense of wonder. In this uplifting Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, writer, director, and actor Neil D'Monte talks about his goal to bring the magic of Hollywood bac…

1
Amelia Kinkade: We are all Connected: Part 2 (Ep 62, Season 2) 28:44

2+ y ago28:44

28:44

Do you feel connected to the world around you? Or do you feel...disconnected? In Part 2 of this provocative Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, Amelia Kinkade talks about humans...and our place in the world. In this episode, she also shares her perspective on embracing her role of Angela in Night of the Demons...and her motivation for her famous dan…

1
Lauren Francesca: Heal Others, Health Yourself (Ep 61, Season 2) 22:37

2+ y ago22:37

22:37

Do you find it hard to take care of others AND yourself? In this uplifting Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, comedian, model, actor, and influencer Lauren Francesca talks about her desire to heal people. She shares, "When you heal other people then you heal yourself too." Lauren also emphasizes the importance of finding your own outlets to allow r…

1
Ryan Kruger: It Doesn't Happen Overnight (Ep 60, Season 2) 32:46

2+ y ago32:46

32:46

Do you ever feel that others get all the breaks? Do you sometimes feel that other people have it easier than you? In this gritty Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, director and actor Ryan Kruger talks about persistence in the face of failures. He also says that pursuing a dream is a long road. He warns that, "It [success] never happens overnight" a…

1
Amelia Kinkade: We are all Connected: Part 1 (Ep 59, Season 2) 26:45

2+ y ago26:45

26:45

Do you feel connected to the world around you? Or do you feel...disconnected? In this provocative Brain Burrow Digging Deep episode, Amelia Kinkade talks about humans...and our place in the world. Amelia's primary work (and focus of her life) is connecting humans to a sacred space within themselves and teaching them to activate the other hemisphere…

1
Stormi Maya: Create, Don't Assimilate (Ep 58, Season 2) 29:06

2+ y ago29:06

29:06

Do you stand by your work? Do you stand by your decisions? Stormi Maya can say that she does. In this raw (and explicit) Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, Stormi shares her philosophy, "If I put my energy and my time into something I want it to be good. I want to put my name on something to be proud of.” She believes in putting 100% into everyth…

1
Robert Geronimo: Exorcise your Demons (Ep 57, Season 2) 28:50

2+ y ago28:50

28:50

Are you a storyteller? Robert Geronimo is. In fact, he passionately tells stories to exorcise his own demons. In this Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, Robert talks about his early influences in contemporary dark fantasy, including Clive Barker and his approach to "the Fantastique." Robert also shares about his dedication to mentoring others and…

1
William Sadler: The Never-Ending Student (Ep 56, Season 2) 27:44

2+ y ago27:44

27:44

Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner? Actor, director, and producer William Sadler does. In this Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, William describes himself as a “never-ending student” and is curious about...everything. He talks about his passion for creative arts and his discovery of acting as an outlet during a time of confusing family …

1
Tamara Georgievna Abrosimova: Try this at Home (Ep 55, Season 2) 27:01

2+ y ago27:01

27:01

Do you ever want to take a risk but are afraid to "try this at home?" Actor, director, writer, and stunt person Tamara Georgievna Abrosimova reflects on her exciting life as she pursues her goals and dreams. In this Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, Tamara shares about her journey to the United States and talks about a pivotal point in her devel…

1
Thom Mathews: Lucky Guy (Ep 54, Season 2) 26:06

2+ y ago26:06

26:06

Do you believe in luck? Actor Thom Matthews reflects on his life and his thoughts of gratitude and luck. In this Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, Thom shares about his approach to life: continuously change and evolve. He talks about his relationship with his parents and his journey to better incorporate effective communication. He shares his go…

1
Matthew I. Schmidt: Reject your Regrets (Ep 53, Season 2) 27:33

2+ y ago27:33

27:33

Do you harbor regrets? Director, writer and editor Matthew I. Schmidt talks candidly about his approach to remove regrets in his life. In this Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, Matthew shares about the satisfaction of failing…versus never trying at all. He recounts a pivotal moment that sparked his “no regrets” attitude: noticing alcoholic root …

1
Vincent M. Ward: Check Yourself (Ep 52, Season 2) 28:42

2+ y ago28:42

28:42

Do you neglect to take the time to express gratitude? In this powerful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor Vincent M. Ward shares a powerful message: Remember to check yourself. He talks about his goal to live as a "good man" as he lifts up and supports those around him. He shares the importance of knowing one's path and pausing to reflect o…

1
Michael St. Michaels: Give up Guilt (Ep 51, Season 2) 25:55

2+ y ago25:55

25:55

Does guilt prevent you from living your life? In this unique Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor and producer Michael St. Michaels candidly talks about his life and his goal of avoiding activities that induce guilt. A humble man, Michael shares about his struggles with social distancing, the tumultuous relationship with his mother, and his e…

1
Janet Wang: Going, Going, Going (Ep 50, Season 2) 26:06

2+ y ago26:06

26:06

Is it ok to constantly move forward? In this lighthearted but insightful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor, producer, and stunt woman Janet Wang talks about her extremely busy lifestyle and her strategy to incorporate balance. She talks about the rush she gets from "going, going, going" but also the need to incorporate down time. At the yo…

1
Rob Mello: Don't Live in Fear (Ep 49, Season 2) 31:54

2+ y ago31:54

31:54

Do you live in fear? In this authentic Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor and director Rob Mello talks about his unique life, his motivation, and advice for the listeners. He says, "Your gonna be scared, but you can't act scared." He also talks about the importance of constantly learning and growing. Rob Mello is an American actor best know…

1
Mark Cantu: Give me Space (Ep 48, Season 2) 28:34

2+ y ago28:34

28:34

Are you able to express yourself? Are you able to let others know your needs? In this raw Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, director/producer/writer/actor Mark Cantu digs deep into his struggles with addiction, his successes in living with it, and his embrace of fabulous failures. He candidly talks about his previous challenges with motivation a…

1
Lar Park Lincoln: Survivor Type (Ep 47, Season 2) 23:55

2+ y ago23:55

23:55

Do you have what it takes to survive? In this powerful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor/producer/director/author Lar Park Lincoln shares about her amazing life and her remarkable survival through the death of her husband, cancer, stalkers, and intense migraines. She practices an "attitude of gratitude" as she reflects on her life and her …

1
Brain Burrow: Season 2 Teaser 11:17

2+ y ago11:17

11:17

A look back on Season 1 including highlights from interviews with Danielle Harris, Felissa Rose, Naomi Grossman, Lisa Wilcox, Debbie Rochon, Kelli Maroney, David Howard Thornton, LC Holt, Debra Lamb, and others. New sponsors in 2022, including Delirium Magazine, Hunt a Killer, Horror Pack, and Creepy Crate. Focus on positive mental health and diggi…

1
Chase Dudley: Lose the Labels (Ep 45) 29:04

2+ y ago29:04

29:04

Do you sometimes label people instead of pausing to truly understand them? In this thought-provoking Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, director/producer/actor Chase Dudley talks about the importance of forgoing labels and truly recognizing the hidden strengths, perspectives, and skillsets of individuals. As a self-described “awkward kid,” Chase …

1
Helen Larimore: Keep Your Brain Active (Ep 44) 29:13

2+ y ago29:13

29:13

Do you set aside time to keep your brain active? In this insightful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, I had a chance to chat with Helen Larimore, Marketing Manager at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Helen shares her perspective on living life as a "weirdo" and "wax enthusiast." She digs deep and talks about her own journey to establish trust within a…

1
Naomi Grossman: Let Things Happen (Ep 43) 35:56

2+ y ago35:56

35:56

Are you a control freak? In this delightful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor, writer, and producer Naomi Grossman shares about her influential childhood and "sneaking sitcoms" from her unsuspecting parents. Naomi talks about her purpose-driven life and the need to balance the idea of "letting things happen." Naomi Grossman was a 2018 Prim…

1
Todd Braley: Stop Sugar Coating (Ep 42) 33:43

2+ y ago33:43

33:43

Do you have a tendency to sugar coat? Are you afraid to use radical candor? In this candid Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, director and producer Todd Braley talks about his experiences giving radical candor to friends, colleagues, and family members. He has a purposeful strategy that combines "caring deeply" and "challenging directly." During …

1
Zoe Kavanagh: Eyes on the Prize (Ep 41) 28:35

2+ y ago28:35

28:35

How do you feel when people criticize you? Zoe loves it. In this raw Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, director/filmmaker/musician Zoe Kavanagh talks about her approach to life: keep driving toward a goal. She shares her enthusiasm in reading negative reviews about her films and her approach to harnessing the power of criticism. Zoe Kavanagh is …

1
Bill Oberst, Jr.: Wounded Monsters (Ep 40) 32:09

2+ y ago32:09

32:09

Are you a wounded monster? In this powerful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor Bill Oberst, Jr. candidly talks about his life lessons. He shares the concept that we are all wounded monsters and that he relishes the opportunities to play them on screen. He talks about his approach to hoping for failure and constantly challenging himself to s…

1
Chris Alexander: Leave Your Bread Crumbs (Ep 39) 33:25

3y ago33:25

33:25

What legacy will you leave behind? How will people know you existed? In this insightful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, filmmaker and writer Chris Alexander shares about his incredible life journey and fascination with Strange Cinema. He talks about the pivotal moment when he lost his innocence...his recognition that life is finite. He is cont…

1
Patrick Smith: Subvert the Situation (Ep 38) 31:52

3y ago31:52

31:52

Are you a follower of the status quo? What stops you from becoming a positive disruptor? In this inspirational Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, filmmaker and visual artist Patrick Smith talks about his desire to continuously subvert expectations and challenge the status quo. He subscribes to the idea that horror and humor are interconnected in …

1
Bonnie Ann: Live Your Best Life (Ep 37) 34:28

3y ago34:28

34:28

What is something that you've always wanted to do? What is stopping you from doing it? In this inspirational Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor and model Bonnie Ann talks about her "unconventional" life and her approach to living a life without limits. She candidly shares about her critical health-related incident and her moment of clarity.…

1
Gwen Ruhoff: Enjoy Being You (Ep 36) 33:33

3y ago33:33

33:33

Are you your own worst critic? Do you overanalyze your actions? In this thoughtful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor and special education paraprofessional Gwen Ruhoff shares her diverse history in acting and in mental health. She reflects on her approach to enjoying life. Hint: Calm down! She also talks about the importance of incorporati…

1
L.C. Holt: Save Your Sanity (Ep 35) 30:07

3y ago30:07

30:07

Do you sometimes feel like you need to let off steam? How do you release it? In this insightful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor, director, and writer L.C. Holt shares about the power of the creative process and the need to find interests to maintain "sanity." He talks about his "obsession" with creating art and describes his "different w…

1
Lisa Wilcox: Take Action for Change to Happen (Ep 34) 30:17

3y ago30:17

30:17

Do you wish things were different in your life? What is stopping you from taking action? In this delightful Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor Lisa Wilcox shares her perspective on staying true to her roots, the disturbing trends in online bullying, and the act of "telling your brain what to do." Lisa has performed in over 100 film, televis…

1
Helene Udy: Don’t Waste a Minute (Ep 33) 35:52

3y ago35:52

35:52

Do you ever wonder if you are doing what you are "supposed" to do? How do you know you aren't "wasting" your life? In this raw Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor, producer, and acrobat Helene Udy talks about the life-changing events that infused her with a sense of humility and gratitude. She is inspirational in her discussion about her mis…

1
Anthony Saint Thomas: Get Comfortable in Your Own Skin (Ep 32) 34:19

3y ago34:19

34:19

Are you comfortable with...you? Are you constantly trying to define yourself at the expense of accepting yourself? In this inspirational Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, writer, artist, and actor Anthony Saint Thomas talks about his journey to accepting himself as Anthony Saint Thomas. Self-described as a "Hard Nerd," Anthony shares about his i…

1
Felissa Rose: Live a Big Life (Ep 31) 28:40

3y ago28:40

28:40

Are you sometimes afraid to give your all? What stops you from reaching your full potential? In this uplifting Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor, producer, and writer Felissa Rose shares her intensely positive outlook on life - one that incorporates an infectious philosophy of "living big" and always investing 100% into activities. She tal…

1
Michael Haberfelner: Put Yourself Out There (Ep 30) 29:19

3y ago29:19

29:19

Are you ever afraid to show others your work? Does fear of rejection prevent you from taking risks? In this enjoyable Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, author and screenwriter Michael Haberfelner talks about his approach to diversifying his interests to avoid boredom. He also shares his strategy to "put himself out there" and not allow fear of j…

1
Jo Gonsalves: Overcome your Anxiety (Ep 29) 30:53

3y ago30:53

30:53

Are you an introvert? Does the thought of social interaction give you the heebie-jeebies? What do you do if your success depends on your ability to interact? In this lighthearted Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, actor and podcast host Jo Gonsalves shares her experiences with social anxiety and her strategies to overcome it. Jo talks about her p…

1
Debbie Rochon: Be True to Yourself (Ep 28) 36:15

3y ago36:15

36:15

Are you stagnant? Or are you constantly mutating...evolving? How do you maintain your core values in a world of constant negativity? In this raw Brain Burrow Digging Deep interview, director and actor Debbie Rochon talks about the importance of being true to oneself. Debbie shares her perspective on adopting the "loner" mantle and navigating the wo…

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