Mental Health Comedy podcast

1:00:29

We've never had a comic who is also a former law professor married to a Rabbi before. Liz Glazer http://www.dearlizglazer.com/ is all of that and so much more. She's funny and real and talks about the grief and loss of her baby daughter, and all that surrounded the experience, including the comedy that came out of the horror. If that's not enough for you, I don't know what to tell you. Find my partner, the amazing Jennifer Kolari here: https://www.connectedparenting.com/ and visit us here: http://makelightmedia.com/podcast…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Diana Chao - Letters To Strangers 53:00

2 years ago53:00

53:00

Diana Chao is a real leader on a mission to create a connection and awareness of global mental health. At 24 years old, she is a climate scientist and the founder of https://www.letterstostrangers.org/, the world's largest youth run mental health organization. Check out her amazing Ted Talk at 19 https://youtu.be/qDstuXvsJTE We talk about her life at 13, dealing with so many personal and family issues, that for a time she lost her sight. Diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, she decided to start writing letters, reaching out to strangers. And then inspired fellow students to do the same. Clubs formed at schools all over the world. Jennifer also gives tips about how to write to yourself, how to connect and get help through your own writing, how to get your brain out of survival mode. Diana was an immgrant from China and she talks about the importance of educating people about the mental health of immigrants, here in The U.S. and around the world. Find Diana on Instagram @dizzodin and @l2smentalhealth, and find jennifer here https://www.connectedparenting.com/ Find us everywhere and here at http://makelightmedia.com/podcast…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Almie Rose - DIY Meditation 48:22

2 years ago48:22

48:22

Almie Rose is a talented writer and voice actor. No one can speak with authority on American Girl Doll Lunches and do guided meditation for cryin' out loud. She has a unique perspective as a pop culture journalist and voice over actor for guided meditation which you can hear at places like Insight Timer. We talk about everything from how to deal with obsessive thoughts to how she started working doing guided meditations. And Almie take us through a 1 minute guided meditation that will change your day. Jennifer also has tips and practices on how to use your imagination to change the direction of your thinking. As she often says "where thoughts go, energy flows." Almie has an amazing blog, and the best name for a blog I've ever heard, go to Apocalypstick.com. And listen to her podcast Something About Astrology, which she co-hosts with comic and actor Chris Dotson who happens to be her husband. Find Almie on Instagram @apocalypstick and check out all of Jennifer's amazing work, media, classes and services at connectedparenting.com…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Erin Parks Ph.D. - Eating Disorders 52:31

2 years ago52:31

52:31

Erin is a leading expert in Eating Disorder Therapy and Treatment. She's also a clinical psychologist and an innovator who is the co-founder of Equip Health. https://equip.health/ Equip is a ground breaking virtual treatment center. This allows families to get help and stay in their homes rather than have to travel thousands of miles away from where they live to get help for their kids and themselves. In this episode, Erin talks about Family Based Treatment and Equip takes insurance, they have a special arrangement with insurance companies so kids can get the care they need. This is about mental health, not some rare disease. Eating disorders are a mental health issue, and it involves something we all face, how to relate to our thoughts and feelings. Find all our shows here http://makelightmedia.com/podcast. Look for the good.…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Patton Oswalt - Life, Death & Stuff 43:49

2 years ago43:49

43:49

It's a new season and everything's brand new except for my brain wiring from the mesozoic era. Had a really great talk with Patton about an incredible range of stuff he's experienced in his life, especially the last few years. He's real, open and clear about things that could kill most people. I especially loved his show Annihilation, so moving, it woke me up, laughing and crying for real. Many years ago, along with a few other comics, Robin Jones who was running The Nuart in LA, had a midnight screening of It's a Wonderful Life for us. I will never forget the looks on our faces. Great conversation. Happy, Healthy New Year to you!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Kellye Howard - Getting Curious 41:31

2 years ago41:31

41:31

Actress/Comic/Writer/Producer Kellye Howard joins Jennifer and I. The life traumas that she's been through would destroy most people. From being diagnosed with Bipolar Mania to the loss of her young daughter and son. (can't even begin to imagine this) Rather than go under, she gets curious, explores her own childhood traumas and the patterns of her life. And then goes on to create a solo show "Crazy or Nah" which ran at Chicago's famed Steppenwolf Theater. Find Kellye's amazing work, TV and Films, podcast and much more here: https://www.kellyehoward.com/ Brilliant, brave and bold! And then I stop crying long enough to have a question from our friend; actress and writer Cathy Ladman about how to stop negative spiraling in our heads. Jennifer and I role play it; it's an honor just being nominated. That this negative voice is actually there to protect us, an ancient program, and we can respond; a two way conversation between thoughts, feelings and me. (not me, just saying this for a friend). Find Jennifer's classes, podcasts, services, video and audio here: https://connectedparenting.com/ Find my stuff; content, programs, services and podcasts here: http://makelightmedia.com/ Lookforthegood!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Karen Duffy & Francis Gasparini - Wising Up 39:50

3 years ago39:50

39:50

Two multi-talented people; Karen and Francis have collaborated on a number of books and we talk about their latest WISE UP https://wiseupstoic.com/wise-up/ It’s about building a life worth living inspired by ancient philosophy, and told in letters to Duff’s teenage son Jack. What does modern day Stoicism look like? How does it relate to parenting, to self talk, helping and connecting with others? Asking for a friend. When you’re in survival mode, it can be a challenge to think about these things. To boldly going beyond survival in today’s world, it’s the new Star Trek. Duff also talks about living with pain from a chronic illness. We talk about parenting and how this kind of philosophy finds it’s way into Duff’s home and Francis with his daughter. Jennifer tells us “When kids learn from a phone, they’re getting Dopamine, when they learn from their parents, they’re getting Serotonin.” Serotonin, makes you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer. Dopamine, gives you a sense of pleasure, and when it fades, you want to do something to get it again. A little background: Karen has been a model, MTV VJ, actress, correspondent for the Emmy-winning TV Nation, host of HBO’s “The Buzz,” Community Emergency Response Team member, a creator of the Tell a Joke to the Pope campaign, movie producer, and Buddist hospital chaplain. None of it prepared her fully for motherhood. Raising her son Jack, she drew on reserves of wisdom she found in the strangest of places–in the ancient Greek Stoic philosophers. Duff lives with her husband John Lambros, her son Jack Lambros, and her donkeys Jake and Mason. Francis has been a writer for more that 30 years and has worked with Karen Duffy for most of that time. With Duff, he’s written the New York Times bestseller “Model Patient,” “Backbone,” and now “Wise Up.” He’s also had extensive experience in documentary film and television. He has worked with documentarians including Michael Moore, RJ Cutler, Davis Guggenheim and many others. His films have premiered at Sundance and SXSW. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Jennifer, daughter Maria Lucia, and a crazy dog named Petunia. More Karen here: @duffynyc More Francis here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1007061/ and all the skills and thrills of Jennifer and her amazing org https://connectedparenting.com/ #Lookforthegood…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Martin Olson - Hell Yes! 48:07

3 years ago48:07

48:07

What a pleasure it is to have a conversation with Martin Olson. We’re talking Hell and Comedy, the Comedy of Hell and back, the psychology of twisting wicked humor, childlike silliness and imagination. Martin is one of the most respected comedy minds around, one of the founders of the Boston comedy scene and has done so much on shows like Adventure Time, Phineas & Ferb, Rocko’s Modern Life and collaboration with Bobcat Goldthwaite, Kevin Nealon, Steven Wright and many more. No one has such kindness and wicked imagination. Listen for his description of his books The Encylopedia of Hell volumes 1,2 and 3. Jennifer wasn’t present for this talk, but we recorded our chat about the shadow side of us and how we label emotions as good or bad and how emotions are information that send us signals; that what we call negative emotions are signals that we’re off the road, the brain is telling us something’s wrong and needs to be different. But we look at these emotions as the problem, instead of as the information or the symptom of the problem and we ignore them. How do we listen, feel it and let go? That, hell, comedy and how a little kid watching a character comic named Brother Theodore on The Merv Griffin Show, inspired Martin Olson’s brilliant work. Check out some of Martin’s work here https://www.martin-olson.com/adventure-time and his amazing books here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GJZM562/ref=dp_kinw_strp_2 , and check out all of Jennifer’s amazing work, services, media, classes, books and community for skills, resilience, parenting, self parenting here: https://connectedparenting.com/ #LOOKFORTHEGOOD…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Sam Demma - Lights-Camera-Small Consistent Action! 37:03

3 years ago37:03

37:03

Sam Demma is a 22 year old Ted Talker, a Youth Motivational Speaker an Entrepreneur and more. He inspires Students, Schools, Teachers, Companies everywhere. At 22 I knew a guy named Ted; that’s where I was at 22. On this episode Sam talks about the power of Small Consistent Actions. His goal was to play pro soccer and he was on his way as a teenager who played at a very high level, being invited to live with the pros in Europe over a summer. To find out what happened between that time and starting a movement based on picking up trash, listen to Sam. Also, Jennifer and I also explore motivation, changing your thinking, rewiring your brain, how your brain talks to you and how you talk to it. We talk about having a growth mindset, possibilities and how the word “yet” can change the way you approach life, to imagine possibility, to use “ladder” thinking. Thinking in very small steps. When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, he didn’t start with the words “That’s One Giant Leap for Mankind.” And we explore a skill of how to build community around a purpose, something that you value, that’s important to you, something that you love. Even in conversation, you can hear what a great speaker sounds like. Also interesting to me; was the way he pauses before he speaks. Find out all about Sam here: https://samdemma.com/ and if you haven’t seen it, check out his Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/sam_demma_small_consistent_actions and check out all of Jennifer’s amazing work, services, media, classes, books and community for skills, resilience, parenting, self parenting here: https://connectedparenting.com/ #LOOKFORTHEGOOD…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Lorenzo Lewis - The Confess Project 48:21

3 years ago48:21

48:21

Lorenzo Lewis is the founder of The Confess Project; an organization that trains Barbers to become Mental Health Advocates. They are committed to building a culture of Mental Health for Black Boys, Men and their Families. The project has trained over 1,300 barbers all over the country. It’s working in a big way and changing people’s lives in underserved communities. This whole movement; A Mental Health Barbershop Movement is personal to Lorenzo. It comes right out of his life. As a youth, he was incarcerated, suffered from all kinds of mental health issues. He learned about the power of confession and that we’re at our best when we are vulnerable. He also had an Aunt who had a beauty shop, and ther he saw this community come together and share their problems, while getting their hair done. This is where it all comes from. The idea of putting advocacy and mental health support where people congregate, where they go, that’s where a movement can happen. And if Barbers can be trained to become mental helath advocates can other groups? With this work, Lorenzo and the members of The Confess Project are teaching the world, that Mental Helath is not only a personal issue, it is a community issue. Find out more and help here https://www.theconfessproject.com/ and find out about Jennifer’s community of classes, services, podcasts and support groups here https://connectedparenting.com/ #LOOKFORTHEGOOD…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Alex Herschlag - Frontal Lobe Hoedown 41:05

3 years ago41:05

41:05

Alex is an old friend, a great comedy writer and an Emmy winner for Will & Grace. But on this show; it’s about the frontal lobe, how to connect with it and be aware when we’re offline. We talk about being dads and in fact Jennifer has always said that bei

Mental Health Comedy

1
Wayne Federman - Flight Club 49:23

3 years ago49:23

49:23

With a new HBO Special about the life of George Carlin and The History of Standup out, it’s always great to talk with Wayne about generalized anxiety and how to respond. He’s such a great guest because he’s genuinely interested, somewhat skeptical, wants

Mental Health Comedy

1
Richard Villa - Not So Straight Outta Compton 50:52

3 years ago50:52

50:52

Richard Villa is a comedian and actor whose material is now about his life which has been an emotional rollercoaster. If you grew up selling crack cocaine on the streets of Compton with your dad and family at age 10 or 11, then Richard’s story would be fa

Mental Health Comedy

1
Andy Kindler + J. Elvis Weinstein - Cancel Check-In 41:54

3 years ago41:54

41:54

How great it was to talk with and listen to Andy & Josh! We thought spiraled around cancel culture and a comedian’s job to deal with whatever is going on and find a way in. Andy talks about noticing that when he gets reactive and angry about something he

Mental Health Comedy

1
Sarah Taylor - Optimystical 37:59

3 years ago37:59

37:59

Listening to Sarah is like taking one giant leap for Mindkind. She blends comedy meditation and mysticism, totally unique. And all that happoens in this episode. Also, we explore silliness, how the mind works and how we can always bring ourselves back to

Mental Health Comedy

1
Dave Holmes - Attention 46:15

3 years ago46:15

46:15

So great meeting Dave! He takes us on an adventure that begins with doing a story for Esquire where he spent a week at a private island owned by a biotech billionaire. And how do you follow that? By talking honestly about being diagnosed and learning to d

Mental Health Comedy

1
Gary Gulman -Fail Better 47:52

3 years ago47:52

47:52

I had never met or worked with Gary before this show. By the time the show was over, we were friends. His landmark HBO special The Great Depresh https://tinyurl.com/thegreatdepresh1 spotlights the pitch dark depression he went through, with comedy. He had

Mental Health Comedy

1
Mindy Sterling & Cathy Ladman - Pre-Oscar Self Care Party 50:24

3 years ago50:24

50:24

The Cathy & Mindy Show! Two of the absolute great talented and interesting people in comedy join Jennifer and I to talk about dealing with rejection, disappointment and self care in this Pre-Oscar Extravaganza. From mental health movies like ordinary peop

Mental Health Comedy

1
Erin Gallagher+Amy Tee/this is my BRAVE 51:07

3 years ago51:07

51:07

https://thisismybrave.org/ is a national organization that brings stories of mental illness and addiction out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Our guests are Erin Gallagher; the new executive director and Amy Tee; a comedian from Boston who explores

Mental Health Comedy

1
Darnell Rice - THE CONFESS PROJECT 36:01

3 years ago36:01

36:01

The Confess Project is a mental health barbershop coalition; an organization that trains barbers to become mental health advocates for black men, boys and their families across the country. Not only is this idea brilliant, it’s working. Our guest is Darne

Mental Health Comedy

1
Sonia Dickson/Robin Shipley - Across The Neurodiverse Universe 45:32

3 years ago45:32

45:32

Sonia and Robin are partners at https://tranzitionsconsulting.org/ and The Evolve Program. They help Neurodiverse Kids and Young Adults transition from high school to college and into the working world. Their work is amazing and really what becomes clear is that when you look at diversity, neuro or otherwise, you learn about everything; how your brain works, how you learn, how you respond to your mental health. And being conscious about how we communicate maybe that’s key to life on this planet and like, stuff. It would be nice if I could actually do this in my own life, but I have to say, just hearing about these amazing people is moving, interesting and inspiring. I didn’t spellcheck any of this, maybe Grammarly will become a sponsor? Also, I have no idea why I pronounce the term Neurodiverse like (NEURO “DIE” VERSE). Am I now going to struggle with the term “NUCLEAR” like people on C-SPAN? For a couple of episodes we’re focuing more on The Mental Health side, the guests are fantastic! Regarding Neurodversity, whether it’s Autism, Aspergers, ADHD or all kinds of issues on the spectrum, people in this program learn that labels mean nothing and focusing on their skills and having real life is experience is not only helping their confidence, it’s helping the schools and companies they are part of. It’s about developing Emotional Intelligence! Sonia talked about Neurodiverse people’s issues in school and in the workforce is that others are questioning their fundamental ability to function. For many people, there is no roadmap or services on the path to transitioning from high school to college, to the workforce and adult life. For part of the Neurodiverse population, you hit 18 and that’s it. And The Evolve Program is helping to bridge the gap between young adults and jobs. Skilled people who may learn differently than others are a tremendous asset to employers. So Sonia and Robin, a big part of their job is to educate and support employers so they can welcome people at their companies. As Robin says “the work is about soft skills, soft skills are the things that make us successful in our lives.” As Sonia says “For many people in this community, they have been told their whole lives what they’re not, and so in this program they’re getting excited about who they are and what they can do.” And so much of this is about our own selves and how we deal the issues inside ourselves that can make people uncomfortable and afraid of Neurodiversity in the workplace. Jennifer talks about labeling, gladiator kids and helping parents and kids learn about how they learn. One of the people in the Evolve program talks about having some confidence and the ability to ask for help. Sonia tells a cool story about half way in, that one of the young people in their program got a job as a PA on a great show. And she came back and told Sonia, “my boss has really poor EQ and very little awareness, you know she should really come to The Evolve Program and maybe we can help her.”Sonia: “I don’t know about her, but I’m glad that YOU get it.”To get involved in EVOLVE and Tranzitions you can write to tranzitionsconsulting@gmail.com and find all of Jennifer’s amazing work, media, classes and services here at https://connectedparenting.com/ Stay well and Live It UP…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Jackie Kashian - Witconsin 49:59

3 years ago49:59

49:59

There’s only one Jackie Kashian. Maybe there are other people with that name, but only one like this; a great comic, funny, thoughtful, an industry. From growing up in Wisconsin with neigbors like Mrs. Grubschmidt and Mr. Clump, to growing up emotionally,

Mental Health Comedy

1
Jimmy Tingle- Give and Let Live 43:19

3 years ago43:19

43:19

Jimmy has been uniting comedy and social service for a long time. When you go to his website https://jimmytingle.com/ you see all these shows that are coming up, but they’re not at comedy clubs. They’re benefits for different community organizations that

Mental Health Comedy

1
Bill Odenkirk - Note to Self 45:32

3 years ago45:32

45:32

Bill is an old friend and a great writer who I have known since he came to LA. It feels like it was in the Mesozoic era. Then came Mr Show, Futurama, 16 years of The Simpson’s and now Disenchantment. Bill is really funny and interesting to listen to. In l

Mental Health Comedy

1
Julie Goldman & Brandy Howard - Pronouns, Politics and Talkin’ Shit! 57:25

3 years ago57:25

57:25

Julie and Brandy talk about the news and they’re really funny, sharp and smart while talking shit about all the shit that’s swirling around us 24/7. They’ve been hosting a great podcast https://starburns.audio/podcasts/dumb-gay-politics/ for years! We tal

Mental Health Comedy

1
Rebecca Lee - Reframing 37:39

3 years ago37:39

37:39

Rebecca is a actress, comedian, writer and producer. With us, she talks about reframing thoughts; the idea of “what do I GET to do” rather than the resentment that comes with “what do I HAVE to do.” We also talk about mindsets, like confidence, scarcity;

Mental Health Comedy

1
Mike Guido - Love On The Spectrum 41:20

3 years ago41:20

41:20

I’ve known Mike for many years, since his SF Comedy days. He’s a great comic, speaker and advocate about issues like parenting and raising a child with autism. In this epsiode, we talk about the resilience that comes with being open to learn and respond,

Mental Health Comedy

1
Dani Klein Modisett - Laughter On Call 45:42

3 years ago45:42

45:42

Dani is a writer, a storyteller, a social entrepreneur and the founder of Laughter On Call. https://www.laughteroncall.com/ This company brings professional comics and improvisers to reach and teach people through laughter. In this episode, Dani talks about growing up as a kid who liked to break the tension. When Dani’s mom was suffering from Alzheimer’s, she wanted to do anything to cheer her up. So she paid a comic to come and help her laugh. It worked, and the quality of her mom’s life was lifted. And with Jennifer we look at memory, how it works in the brain, where it comes from and how to rewire and use imagination to shift memory. My favorite song in Cats is “Memory.” But I would rather not remember “Cats” the movie. This is a show about a true Cheer-Leader in the most amazing way. Dani also wrote a great book about marriage called “Take My Spouse, Please!” https://bit.ly/takemyspouse The book follows how the rules of comedy and marriage are the same, and how they can help each other along the way. More on Jennifer’s amazing work here https://connectedparenting.com/ . Write us at ed@makelightmedia.com, share the episode with a friend or write a review if you like the show. Thanks for listening!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Fielding Edlow - Bitter and Better 48:31

4 years ago48:31

48:31

Fielding has a very funny show based on her life and marriage to actor Larry Clarke called Bitter Homes & Gardens https://www.youtube.com/c/BitterHomes . She’s a talented comic, actress and writer who is pretty fearless in talking about stuff that most people don’t share, but all people think and feel. In a time that’s all about positivity and saying the right things, doing comedy about the petty stuff you don’t like in your relationship, is hysterical and actually could promote some resilience. Ok, I’ll stop talking ike a therapist, because I’m getting nauseas. In short, I’m a fan. In this episode, Jennifer shares relationship skills and when a behavior with your partner bugs you asking the question “What is going on in me that is either causing that behavior or making that behavior worse?” This is not to say that there aren’t abusive relationships and that not everyone should stay together in something that isn’t working. Just looking at what goes on in me, rather than immediately reacting about what’s wrong with the other person. Little internal questions (which sounds like a Hulu series) can be big. Find Fielding’s great work here: https://fieldingedlow.com/ and Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ . Write us at ed@makelightmedia.com Thanks for listening!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Brandon Collins - Drunk Black History 44:59

4 years ago44:59

44:59

Brandon is a talented comic, host and film critic. He currently hosts a great movie comedy podcast called Medium Popcorn https://www.mediumpopcorn.com/ and started doing a show called Drunk Black History https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drunk-black-history/id1535495844 where guests talk about pivotal people and events in Black History that you don’t often hear about, and drinking is involved. We also talked about how “growing up a weird black kid” in Ann Arbor affected him and the way he treats others. We looked at therapy, diversity and why people don’t have conversations about these things. Jennifer shares skills and brain hacks to deal with cancel cuture. And we talk about the effect of social media on back and forth talk and the impact that not reading has on an audience’s ability to deal with satire and irony. And I ride a 12 step stairmaster! Find Brandon on twitter here: @americancollins Find Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ . Write us at ed@makelightmedia.com go easy,…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Kelly Carlin - Woman On The Verge 47:53

4 years ago47:53

47:53

Great conversation with Kelly! It’s a unique story as old as the Earth itself. Girl grows up with a legendary comedian dad and a talented mom struggling with addiction; then learns how to transform her life and help others. It’s much more than that of course. We talk about how to see and talk to yourself. And life changing moments for Kelly; like when her mom came to her and told her that everything was going to be okay. Of course, the fact that her mom had passed away when she told her this, you have to listen for that. Jennifer also shares skills for taking compliments and making space for emotions and imagination as a way to deal with everyday challenges. A really good listen. Find more Kelly here: https://thekellycarlinsite.com/ and on Twitter here: @kelly_carlin and more about Jennifer and her work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and pls subscribe and share when able, and write a review if you like us, connect here: ed@makelightmedia.com. Won’t you let us take you to dysfunkytown!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Ron James - All Over The Map 56:58

4 years ago56:58

56:58

Ron James has been all over the map on every level and that is also the title of his new book. In it, he talks about his childhood and the many conversations, and life lessons he’s experienced with people while performing on the road for years as a comic. He seems to be a Stand-Up who’s a stand up guy. In this conversation, what stood out was his honesty and perspective. He talks about losing a 23 year marriage, and takes reponsibility for the mistake he made. He’s been a fixture in Canada for many years, started out at Second City! We also talk about the difference bewteen Canada and The U.S. and where the politeness comes from historically. There’s also a spiritual and philosophical current that runs through the way he speaks. Jennifer also talks about the difference between survival and living, how to make a shift in the moment. How to move through comparing yourself to other people. Join us and let the good times roll or at least bounce. Find more about Ron, his book and tour dates here: http://www.ronjames.ca/, https://amzn.to/2XI91G5 and more about Jennifer and her amazing work here https://connectedparenting.com/ and pls subscribe and share when able, and write a review if you like us, you really like us, like Sally Field in her Places In The Heart acceptance speech from 42 years ago. connect: ed@makelightmedia.com…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Eddie Pepitone - Not To Brag 55:31

4 years ago55:31

55:31

In this episode, we have a great conversation with comedian and actor Eddie Pepitone. We talk about what goes on in our heads and the conscious choices we make throughout a day. And rest assured, there’s panic, insanity and trauma right under the surface. I sound like Eckhart Tolle’s great grandson, if he had never read any of his books. What I love and admire about Eddie is his great mix of mental and spiritual awareness, corporate greed and old school Sicilan rage. Jennifer and I also talk about the connection between feeling lack and a sense of having enough. I am trying to improve on not wring 42 pages of notes for each episode. How am I doing? Find Eddie here https://www.eddiepepitone.com/ and on https://twitter.com/eddiepepitone and all of Jennifer’s amazing work here https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and share if able and join us next week when we bring it, and try to figure out where to put it.…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Frank Conniff & Kathleen Roll 44:15

4 years ago44:15

44:15

Frank and Kathleen are friends and neighbors in the same NY apartment building. It sounds like a sitcom, but it’s a lot funnier than that. Two brilliant comics and writers, each very unique and original. In this episode they are personal, hilarious and moving. Frank talks about recovery from a quadruple bypass, Kathleen relates stories about a therapist she had who she liked and did sessions from a nursing home. We also talk about loneliness and how to support family, kids and loved ones through it. From walking, to training to become a lapsed Catholic to the irony of feeling awkward in life and at home on the stage, really good show with two of my favorites. I would list all of their credits, which are a lot, but do yourself a favor and find Frank on Twitter here: @FrankConniff and Kathleen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM_8jgPJlA0 and find Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and follow us. And we’d love to hear from you; write ed@makelightmedia.com. Just imagine for a few minutes a day! Too tired to spellcheck, so good luck to us all! Listen for Kathleen calling Frank’s cat an asshole, behind the cat’s back.…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Ed & Jennifer - The Q&A Episode 39:41

4 years ago39:41

39:41

We thought it was time to listen to our listeners and answer your questions for cryin’ out loud! Well, Jennifer answers them, because I’m not licensed East or West of The Mississippi. Questions like: How do I keep myself sane while staying informed about COVID and watching the news? How do I help someone who refuses to get help? My husband and I fight a lot, and it's gotten to the point where I expect it to happen. What can I do to change this, nothing seems to work? My ten year old son has just started school and he calls himself stupid a lot, what can I do to help him? And we play “Name That Phobia.” Also, a new family game called “Are You For Real?” based on sharing the craziest thoughts in your head. Thank you for listening! Find Jennifer’s great work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and please follow us, subscribe and share and get in touch here: ed@makelightmedia.com Ask about our “Mental Health is Hot” Potholders!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Jordan Brady - Mindpowerer 57:33

4 years ago57:33

57:33

Even though I hit the wrong button again and sound like I’m doing the show from a barrel, still a really good show with a great guest! One word: Mindpower! And say it with a Southern accent. Jordan Brady is a Father, a Husband and a Filmmaker. He has mindpower (with a Southern accent). He’s done so much good work; started as a comic, 4 Narrative Films, 3 feature docs, Maria Bamford’s Netflix special, over 1200 commercials, a hit podcast, a school for directors and more. Beyond all of that, who he is and how he does it is what comes through. And that’s what we talk about in this episode; being human, dealing with emotions and doing creative work. Listen for: “On a set; what you tell yourself matters, things like “Relax and Breathe.” As a father, it’s not about how your day was, it’s about how your kid’s day was.” Jennifer also talks about cognitive rehearsal, imagineering and how to get your brain back on line and out of fight or flight mode. We play a game that’s sweeping the nation; Fight, Flight or Ease. And Jennifer shares some skills about how to get out of survival and into ease. And I tell a story about how the Red Sox blew a 15 1/2 game lead to The Yankees and the first time I ever saw my father cry. Come for the celebration, stay for the fear of abandonment. Find all of Jordan’s amazing work here: https://jordanbrady.com/ and Jennifer’s great work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and please follow us, subscribe and share and get in touch here: ed@makelightmedia.com Be well, stay well and go to the well!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Howie Mandel - Mental Health Advocate 43:51

4 years ago43:51

43:51

I’ve known Howie for many years and his love of comedy and talent are huge. He is also very clear and empathetic when it comes to Mental Health. He’s been such a big advocate for many years. In this classic episode, he talks about the fact that every person needs coping skills and that Mental Health should be treated the same as Physical Health. I have no idea why I’m capitalizing everything. He described how he experiences OCD and how he has learned to cope. He says “If we just focused on Mental Health and Education, it would be a completely different world.” And Jennifer talks about emotional regulation and how to practice this while watching TV shows and movies. But I don’t know if that will work with The Real Housewives, you can’t regulate Real Housewives. Find out about Howie here: https://www.howiemandel.com/ and more about Jennifer and her work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ . Subscribe, share, review, everything helps; or write us: ed@makelightmedia.com questions, answers, what works and what doesn’t; the good, the bad and the struggly, all welcome!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Stuart Preston - The Grief Trip 49:13

4 years ago49:13

49:13

Stuart Preston is fascinating. In this episode we find out how a straight-laced guy, who’s father worked for The D.E.A. and had never taken drugs in his life, learned to heal and deal with the grief over his 19 year old son’s suicide, by using psychedlics. Stuart is a comedian, public speaker, podcast host and the author of a book called “The Grief Trip.” He’s trying to break the stigmas of mental health, suicide and psychedlics. Originally, the idea was somehow to try and be close to his son, and that maybe this could be a way. Here’s the book: https://bit.ly/thegrieftrip . Grief is a really challenging emotion. Everyone in my immediate family has passed and I’ve experienced other loss. But losing a child, that is something that I just can’t imagine. What Jennifer and I talk about is like with all feelings, the biggest challenge with grief, is to feel it, to be present and to make space to allow it. It’s just so unfamiliar to be present with such strong emotions. But here is the story of Stuart, who not only is being present with grief, he’s exploring it using a tool, and that is psychedlics. There is a lot of research happening about how Psychedlics can enhance mental health. I know some people who’s lives have been transformed. And this is in no way advocating that people should run out and use psychedlics. It’s not for everybody and it’s a very careful, conscious process with the help of experienced practitioners. Michael Pollan has written a book called “How To Change Your Mind.” Here’s a talk he gave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuhmZSFvhL0 . Find out more about Stuart’s work and podcasts here: https://stonedapecomedy.com/ and some good organizations for suicide prevention and grief support here: https://didihirsch.org/services/suicide-prevention/therapy-support/ , https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/grief-support, https://www.missfoundation.org/ more about Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ talk to us about anything you’d like Jennifer to answer, mental health resilience skills, issues, brain hacks here: ed@makelightmedia.com Subscribe, share, write a review, it all helps. Social media and our new network is here: https://bleav.com/podcastshow/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ And you can now trade your therapy hours for frequent flyer miles! Not really, but wouldn’t it be a better world if you could. Take care!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Alonzo Bodden - Never Argue with a racist over 40! 39:43

4 years ago39:43

39:43

Alonzo is a regular on Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and he has a new daily talk show from 4-7 on KBLA radio https://kbla1580.com/alonzo-bodden-whos-paying-attention/. In this epsiode we talk about mental health in the Black Community, and the stress that shoots through your head when a police car is behind you, no matter who you are or what you’re doing. We talk about addiction, the feelings that you try to stop with drugs or alcohol, 33 years of sobriety, how sponsorship and mentorship are different, growing up and being bused to predominantly white schools and his philosophy to never argue with a racist over 40. Alonzo doesn’t seem to be a guy who worries about trying to control everything. Unlike me, for example. Jennifer and I also talk about how to take care of panic over issues like losing your keys or your phone, credit cards, idenity theft etc. This is about how to talk to feelings like fear and panic. To ask questions like “Is this dangerous? Sure, it’s a pain is the ass, but is it dangerous? Or is it fixable? It seems like you need to have the skills of a CIA operative to deal with internet scams, identity fraud and the fight or flight feeling these things can create. Jennifer tries to think about how horrific the lives are of the people who try to scam others all day. I’m giving away my identity because I’m ready for a new one. I’ve been in the actors witness protection program for years. It’s a good show and would love to have you join us. Write us about something you’d like to change, or an issue you’re having or something that’s working for you. Write to ed@makelightmedia.com, find all of Alonzo’s work here at http://www.alonzobodden.com/ and all of Jennifer’s work here at https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and socialize, share, if you like pls write a review and find us on our new network here: https://bleav.com/podcastshow/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ And remember July is national take your insecurity to work month. The summer of love and confusing mask wearing rolls on!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Sue Kolinsky & Cathy Ladman - Movietalk 1:00:24

4 years ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Fun show with two great friends; Sue Kolinsky and Cathy Ladman. They have done it all and it was such a pleasure to just talk about movies and how they affect our mental health. There is nothing better than laughing with friends after being in your pajamas for a year and a half! Sue mentions a specifically traumatic experience she had with “Dumbo” (totally understandable), and Cathy talks about going to the movies as a young kid with a friend and how they would come in the middle of movies, didn’t care, just being in a movie theater was the thing. For me, the childhood place was the Bayside Moviehouse in the summer town where I grew up, Nantasket Beach; about 20 miles south of Boston. It was a real sanctuary and one summer I saw The Excorcist like 17 times. Which was followed by 17 years of therapy. Jennifer and I also answer listener questions; like “How do you deal with friends who tell you how to parent?” and we do an Imagination execrise to help rewire your brain to think about what you want to think about. This is building the hardware in the brain, something we are really not taught. And it’s so much easier than what we do to ourselves. Often, the brain is doing it’s job and trying to keep us safe and we think there’s something wrong with us, and react to it. So in this show, we show you simple things you can practice to change the wiring that brings on the feelings of anxiety, anger, depression, stress and builds the neuropathways toward thinking that connects with what we want, rather than what we don’t want. And Jennifer also talks about ways we can practice how we deal and heal, using movies. How we can practice responding rather than reacting to our own feelings, and that’s a great time to do it easily. Often with mental health, the time to practice simple skills is when there s not a crisis. In my family, we have The Crasnick Cris Center, Museum of Old Emotions and Gift Shop. The time to do this stuff is not in the middle of craziness. It’s easy for me to say, and seems like it’s hard to do and that I don’t have time. However, I do have plenty of time to feel like crap, I have all kinds of time for that. It takes a minute here or there. A conscious minute, and then I can go back to driving myself crazy. Cathy is out performing in Las Vegas and everywhere and listen to Sue and Steve Mason on their great podcast CULTURE POP: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kWg7ibSZevRBslwPLTJjX and and on Twitter here: @skolinsk , find all things Cathy here: https://www.cathyladman.com/ and find more of Jennifer’s amazing work, skills, books, podcasts, classes and counseling services here: https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and socialize, share, if you like pls write a review and find us on our new network here: https://bleav.com/podcastshow/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ write us here: ed@makelightmedia.com Summertime, and the livin’ is easy! When Gershwin wrote that he wasn’t coming off a nice year and a half pandemic. But it is summer and there’s livin'. Keep opening up and take care!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Avital Ash - Finding The Way In 50:35

4 years ago50:35

50:35

Avital is a director, writer, comedian, actress who was brought up as a Hassidic Jew in Miami. At about 7, she learned that her mom wasn’t her biological mother, and that her birth mother committed suicide. Sound like good comedy material? As a comic she refers to it with jokes like this “My biological mom committed suicide when I was a baby, which I know sounds sad. But I was a really bad baby.” She talks about finding the way in to stuff that is painful and dark through comedy. In this epsiode we talk about everything from reactions to medication, to Hassidic rules about salt and not shaking hands with women who have their period; to the misogyny in the community to directing her latest web series Antisocial Distance https://www.antisocialdistance.com/, which is really good and interesting; a great cast with actors like Steven Weber and Rose McIver. And Avital has been in all kinds of shows as an actress, currently on FX’s CAKE, and has over 50 million views for her digital videos. Jennifer gives us a number of skills that you can do for all kinds of life siutations; and one in particular that involves the belly button and sounds very strange; and yet works. So this episode is a really interesting exploration of how a very smart, creative person deals with trauma, and the comedy Avital describes as finding a way in. Disclaimer; my sound is screwed up. I’m having a sound person move in with me and I will marry them, and support them throughout life if they will simply take care of my sound on the show. Stay with it, Avital is great and Jennifer shares so many cool skills that can help you through all kinds of things, simple skills anyone can use. And we refer to TAPPING, this is an amazing tool, check it out if you haven’t tried it: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiHZMZejDS4RIxDdBwoie9A look at Brad Yates and Jessica Ortner, free videos and apps. Find more Avital here: https://www.avitalash.com/ and more of Jennifer’s amazing work, skills, books, podcasts, classes and counseling services here: https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and socialize, share, if you like pls write a review and find us on our new network here: https://bleav.com/podcastshow/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ write us here: ed@makelightmedia.com HAPPY CODEPENDENCE DAY!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Erica Rhodes - Dateraid 53:47

4 years ago53:47

53:47

In addition to her standup and acting career, Erica is standing up for herself in a new way. Let’s see how many ways I can use the word “Standup.” Being a standup person for yourself when it comes to dating and relationships, not the easiest thing to do. In this episode, we talk to Erica about dating, choosing not to, working on yourself, a therapist who told her she was faking her feelings and that crappy feeling when you’re dating someone who isn’t right for you but you go anyway and feel like crap. Jennifer shares some skills for using imagination to rehearse dates and what to say to negative thoughts you have on a date. And I once had a job as a “Pretend Dater.” My job was to go out on dates with people who were petrified of dating and help them feel more at ease. No I was not a prostitute. This agency which was called “The Job Factory” years ago, had unusual jobs for actors, and this was one. Back to Erica, what she’s practicing now, is learning how to realte to herself and what’s going on inside. Meditation also came up, we both practice it, me intermittently, but I do think it’s time for a competitive meditation show. We also taked about being real on stage, how different it feels and how when you’re more aware in life, it helps you be real and show up on stage in a different way; how it’s changed for her. Especially if your act is more joke oriented, this can be a real change. The audience really is less interested in what you say, it’s really who you are and how you are on a stage. I’ve experience that and often what it feels like to be panicky inside, but saying funny things outside. Find more Erica here: https://ericarhodescomedy.com/ and more of Jennifer’s amazing work, skills, books, podcasts, classes and counseling services here: https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and socialize, share, if you like pls write a review and find us on our new network here: https://bleav.com/podcastshow/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ write us here: ed@makelightmedia.com It’s the wonderful summer of self conscious celebration, join us!…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Heather Morris - Bystanding Up 47:35

4 years ago47:35

47:35

Heather is known for her dancing; on Glee, Dancing with The Stars, being a backup dancer with Beyonce; she’s been dancing since she was one. Now she’s one of the producers on a scripted Podcast; a dark comedy called “The Bystanders.” Amazing cast with Jane Lynch and Kristen Chenowith, Michael Hitchcock and Oscar Nunez! Find it here: https://bleav.com/podcast-show/the-bystanders/. We talk a little about a lot on this show. From parenting skills and redirecting kids, to dealing with absusive people to having brain-heart coherence to The Bystander Effect and making a dark comedy podcast about it. Heather talks about the fact that dancers are often treated like shit, and how she is so connected to what she’s doing that whatever crap she gest just rolls of her back. And The Bystander Effect is when people see someone being hurt or in danger in public and rather than help that person, people stand by and capture it on their phones. Maybe there is a connection between this head and heart coherence we feel when doing what we love and getting involved to help others in danger and in need. Later in the show, we talk about Heather’s favorite songs that she’s danced to on Glee and how she deals with people who are afraid to dance. Jennifer also talks about having rehearsed responses to deal with bullies, or people who create conflict, and the same kind of rehearsed lines in parenting kids for life situations. And finally a new mic next week and I won’t sound like I’m in a submarine off the coast of Antarctica, let there be sound. Heather was a joy to talk with, talented and real. We had some good skills along the way too. More about Jennifer and her classes, podcasts, media books, support services here: https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe socialize and please share! Find us on our new network here: https://bleav.com/podcastshow/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ write us here: ed@makelightmedia.com…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Brett Newski - Anxiety Rocks 51:34

4 years ago51:34

51:34

Brett Newski is a musician and Alt. Rocker from Milwaukee who writes songs about Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health and other joys. He’s also an Illustrator with a new book called “It’s Hard to be A Person.” He’s been touring all over the world for years, has many albums, songs, media, tour dates and merch; which you should check out here: https://brettnewski.com/. We talked about being aware that there are highs and lows and that just knowing that makes riding the roller coaster a little easier. We talk about what happens if you’re the kind of person who picks up a lot of other people’s energy, especially if you’re a performer like Brett, how do you take care of yourself? And Jennifer shares a technique you can use where you put your palms together and cross your legs and it’s a way that immediately locks down the energy around you. We also talked about Brett’s dad who is a high energy, very positive person and how sometimes it’s important to meet people’s energy where they are, and how Brett navigates that. So, it seems like this is the energy show. There is also a road story that involves a motel, maybe in Southeast Asia where there was a lot of blood in the room. I may be getting it wrong, so listen for the blood section. One of the things I really likes about Brett is his honesty about where he’s at, and a courage, like he’s not really ever a victim. It’s his tone of voice, it’s really unique. Listen if you get a chance. There’s also some weird sound going on with my mic. I must have hit the wrong button or something. My tech, my research is second to everyone. Find more Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and socialize, and find us on our new network here: https://bleav.com/podcastshow/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ write us here: ed@makelightmedia.com The world is opening up, go at your own pace! Not as good as Keep Calm and Carry On, but nice, n’est ce pas? If you’ll pardon my French.…

Mental Health Comedy

1
Paul Gilmartin as Congressman Richard Martin 41:15

4 years ago41:15