Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look for more exclusive rapid fire episodes on @bialikbreakdown! BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look for more exclusive rapid fire episodes on @bialikbreakdown! BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look for more exclusive rapid fire episodes on @bialikbreakdown! BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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…” BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices