
The Small Bow Podcast
71 episodes — Page 1 of 2
Blair Socci on Returning to Standup After the Loss of her Brother
Michael Strassner Made a Movie About the Night That Almost Killed Him
When you make a dog your “higher power,” what happens when they die?
Why Alex Winter Quit Hollywood for 10 Years
The Mushrooms Told Me to Stop Drinking

How to be addicted to people with Elizabeth Gilbert
When Elizabeth Gilbert wrote Eat Pray Love, she described her disordered relationship history using the language of addiction. It wasn’t until years later that she realized that for her, addiction wasn’t only a metaphor. In her new memoir All the Way to the River, Gilbert chronicles the chaos and degradation of her own sex and love addiction and how she finally got clean. The book is messy, and so is Liz. No easy answers here. We talk about the strangeness of entering recovery rooms as the author of a book that “changed peoples’ lives” and how the spiritual technology of recovery has changed hers. Plus, creative ambition and sobriety, delighting in your anger and geeking out about two way prayer. New episodes release every Wednesday. ➡️ Subscribe to The Small Bow Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBow?sub_confirmation=1 ➡️ Join The Small Bow Community: https://www.thesmallbow.com/ ➡️ Get the latest on The Small Bow: https://linktr.ee/THESMALLBOW ➡️ Download The Small Bow Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-small-bow-podcast/id1576208098

Jerry O'Connell on the Fears and Feelings We Push Down
EMy friend Jerry O’Connell says he’s a simple guy. I wholeheartedly disagree. I was frankly surprised that he agreed to come on the show and discuss his recovery, a topic he has never spoken about publicly before, but I’m glad he was willing to get "serious" with me. We also discuss how he’s processing (or not processing) the shock of losing Stand By Me director Rob Reiner, a man who “changed his whole life.” Plus, why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and recovery go together, my ongoing feud with Sha Na Na drummer Screamin’ Scott Simon and Jerry’s trick for when he finds himself jealous of Wes Bentley, again. New episodes release every Wednesday. ➡️ Subscribe to The Small Bow Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBow?sub_confirmation=1 ➡️ Join The Small Bow Community: https://www.thesmallbow.com/ ➡️ Get the latest on The Small Bow: https://linktr.ee/THESMALLBOW ➡️ Download The Small Bow Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-small-bow-podcast/id1576208098

Petty Resentments and Righteous Anger: A Conversation with Cord Jefferson
EWhen I found out my old colleague Cord Jefferson was writing a TV show about our time together at Gawker, I got pissed. I think I called him an "a**face." I don't feel resentful toward Cord anymore, but I wanted to have him on the show to talk about why that got under my skin. Plus, I wanted to hear how his recent success winning the Oscar for writing American Fiction had impacted his creative life. Together, we inventory our petty resentments and discuss how anger can be both a motivating force and a distracting nuisance. This one's for anyone who ever held a grudge. New episodes release every Wednesday. ➡️ Subscribe to The Small Bow Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBow?sub_confirmation=1 ➡️ Join The Small Bow Community: https://www.thesmallbow.com/ ➡️ Get the latest on The Small Bow: https://linktr.ee/THESMALLBOW ➡️ Download The Small Bow Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-small-bow-podcast/id1576208098

Amanda de Cadenet on Facing "Dire" Loneliness and Loving Alcoholics
EAmanda de Cadenet lost control at an early age. As a teenager, she was on TV, married to a rockstar and all over the tabloids, but she had a deep loneliness that she couldn’t face. When she entered recovery, she stepped behind the camera for the first time and discovered the power of her own gaze. Now, as the host of “The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet,” she creates space for some of the world’s best-known people to reveal themselves in surprising ways. Join us for our own conversation about fame, despair and why her recovery is still the most important thing in her life. New episodes release every Wednesday. ➡️ Subscribe to The Small Bow Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBow?sub_confirmation=1 ➡️ Join The Small Bow Community: https://www.thesmallbow.com/ ➡️ Get the latest on The Small Bow: https://linktr.ee/THESMALLBOW ➡️ Download The Small Bow Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-small-bow-podcast/id1576208098

Joe Buck on How to Look Into the Camera When You're Deeply Insecure
EPeople love to dunk on Joe Buck. They think one of the most accomplished play-by-play guys in the history of sports is robotic, elitist or boring. What you may not realize is that the worst things you've yelled at Joe Buck, he's definitely thought about himself. Together, we talk about the strangeness of being on camera and Joe's relationship with vanity, nepotism and never feeling like "enough." Plus, if you were waiting for us to do a hair plug episode, the wait is over. New episodes release every Wednesday. Subscribe to The Small Bow Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBow?sub_confirmation=1 Join The Small Bow Community: https://www.thesmallbow.com/ Get the latest on The Small Bow: https://linktr.ee/THESMALLBOW Download The Small Bow Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-small-bow-podcast/id1576208098

Why Does Jenn Sterger Still Talk To Me?
EI never expected that Jenn Sterger would become such a big part of my recovery. Jenn is a comedian and former sports commentator and in 2010, I ruined her life. Since then, Jenn and I have rebuilt our friendship (with the help of a dog) and I’m grateful to her for coming on the show. We talk about public shame, forgiveness and how hard it is to let go of what other people think. New episodes release every Wednesday.
The Small Bow Podcast | New Season Trailer
trailerThe Small Bow Podcast with A.J. Daulerio is re-launching on March 4, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday. The Small Bow is a show about expanding the definition of recovery, where A.J. talks to writers, entertainers, recovering addicts, recovering jerks, and even the occasional normal person about how they made it through hard things and got better because of it. Episodes explore addiction and sobriety beyond stereotypes, identity shifts and ego, burnout and grief, car crashes and life detours, and the messy, funny, uncomfortable realities of being human.
S3 Ep 24The Wind Blows High w/ Trey Anastasio
In this very special episode, Phish's Trey Anastasio talks to us about how his 2006 drug arrest and the court-ordered treatment he received afterward became the catalyst for his second act as both a musician and a human, and also inspired him to open a revolutionary treatment center in Ludlow, Vermont called Divided Sky. Show Notes: The story of Divided Sky Live access to Beacon Jams on November 28, 29, and 30 Trey Anastasio band New Yorker story on Phish The Small Bow
S3 Ep 23The Persistence of Time w/Sari Botton
Oldster Magazine’s Sari Botton talks to us about what she’s learned from her readership, and some of the anxiety she feels about turning 60. Show Notes: Oldster! Sober Oldster! The Small Bow
S3 Ep 22If It's Not Going Perfectly, Keep Trying w/Joe Schrank
Social worker/Interventionist/advocate returns to The Small Bow to talk about Recovery Month, which happens every September, but is still being widely ignored. This is our annual attempt to develop a more effective marketing plan to increase interest in Recovery Month. Show Notes: Why Does No One Care About Recovery Month? Unknown Costs by Wilson Sims Champions of the World The Small Bow Newsletter!
S3 Ep 21Also Hit By a Truck w/Molly Johnsen
After a car accident left her with catastrophic injuries, writer/teacher/poet Molly Johnsen had to physically and mentally recover. Through EMDR and poetry, she found a way out. Show Notes: Everything Alive by Molly Johnsen Hit By a Truck Essay How to Survive The Small Bow Newsletter!
S3 Ep 20Hit By a Truck (Classic) w/Emma Carmichael
After a car accident left her with catastrophic injuries, writer/editor Emma Carmichael had to physically and mentally recover, but mainly she had to learn how to become more durable for when bad things happen in her life. Here's how she did it. Show Notes: Everything Alive by Molly Johnsen Hit By a Truck Essay How to Survive The Small Bow Newsletter!
S3 Ep 19Let's Let the Healing Begin w/ Sean Clements
Actor/Writer/Podcaster Sean Clements tells us about his early recovery -- from an uncomfortable amends to his former employer, at a dry cleaners, to odd jobs in Connecticut, to UCB improv classes, Minnie Driver's seal of approval, to becoming a sought-after comedy writer, to elite podcaster. SHOW NOTES: Hollywood Handbook Sean Clements IMDB home page Minnie Driver IMDB home page The Dink Gillian Jacobs, Our Close Friend PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE SMALL BOW!: GIVE US FIVE STARS ***** ON APPLE * Sign up for the newsletter on Substack
S3 Ep 18Go On, Giddyup w/ Luke Pelletier
Musician and artist Luke Pelletier comes on TSB and tells us about his incredible manic episode when he attempted to prove his love to his girlfriend by spray painting their names on the Hollywood Sign. We hear about his new album that's come out of that experience and the medication and the friends and the art that is keeping him safe and healthy. This one is wild! Show Notes: Musician and artist Luke Pelletier comes on TSB and tells us about his incredible manic episode when he attempted to prove his love to his girlfriend by spray painting their names on the Hollywood Sign. We hear about his new album that's come out of that experience and the medication and the friends and the art that is keeping him safe and healthy. This one is wild! Show Notes: Luke Pelletier Art Instagram post about his breakdown Soggy Anvil Records Luke's work on Linktree The Small Bow Newsletter! Help Support TSB!
S3 Ep 16Fear of a 'Stack Planet w/Delia Cai
Do you like inside baseball? Editor Delia Cai joins TSB to discuss the state of independent media and if a career crisis is even a thing anymore. We get into my own anxiety about The Small Bow's expansion plans. Plus -- a Swamp Dogg giveaway! Show Notes: Deez Links New York Magazine story about Atlantic hiring spree. Puck article about Substack Substack Did Not See That Coming The Small Bow Newsletter! (On Substack for the time being.) Help Support TSB!
S3 Ep 16How to Build Your Body Without Losing Your Mind w/ Casey Johnston
Writer/author Casey Johsnton returns to the pod to discuss her new book, "A Physical Education." We talk about lifting heavy things, when you know you're hot, counting calories, bad body image, insecurity, walking into a gym for the first time, Jessica Simpson, and so much more. Show Notes: * A Physical Education * "She's a Beast" newsletter * Previous interview with Casey on Really Good Shares * The Small Bow Newsletter! * Help Support TSB!
Days of Our Second Lives w/ Amanda Hess
New York Times writer and author of "Second Life" Amanda Hess talks to us about motherhood, writing a book, quitting drinking while writing a book, benzos, anxiety, and how to be a steady-seeming parent in the chaotic digital nightmare-verse. Show Notes: * "Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age" * "Sinead O'Connor Remembers Things Differently" * "Amanda Hess: NYT Archive" * The Small Bow Newsletter! * Help Support TSB!
S3 Ep 13Our National Anthem w/ Amanda Petrusich
New Yorker writer Amanda Petrusich talks to us about all the complicated and gnarly feelings she's working through since the sudden death of her husband in August 2022. Show Notes: * "The Sad Dads of The National" * "The Enduring Genius of Metallica" * "Nick Cave on The Fragility of Life" * "After Forty Years, Phish Isn't Seeking Resolution" * "The National" (TSB Essay)
S3 Ep 12How to Survive a Nightmare w/Joe Lynskey
Last New Year's Eve, Joe Lynskey was headed home from lunch and stepped onto an empty platform at 18th Street and 1st Avenue when he was violently pushed from behind and inches from being hit by a moving subway car. He survived. And his 12 years of recovery from drugs and alcohol are helping him move forward. Show Notes: "He Was Pushed In Front of a Subway Car. How did He Survive?" "NYC Subway Survivor Meets FDNY Who Saved Him" The Small Bow Newsletter! Help Support TSB!
S3 Ep 11Mind Reels in America w/Freddie deBoer
Writer/Novelist Freddie deBoer tells us his experience with bipolar disorder and the six times he entered (or was placed) into a facility. Show Notes: * "Why I Won't Write a Mental Illness Memoir" * Pre-order Freddie's novel "The Mind Reels" * Here's Your Kanye West Cliff Notes The Small Bow Newsletter! Help Support TSB!
S3 Ep 10You Did It, Man! w/Cord Jefferson
American Fiction Writer/Director Cord Jefferson returns to the pod to discuss winning at the Oscars, losing the Golden Globes, and how he plans to fill the hole in his soul. Show Notes: American Fiction Stunting Growth w/ Cord Jefferson The Small Bow Newsletter! Help Support TSB!
S3 Ep 9The Last Decent Man on Earth
Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block tells us all the ways he's kept himself in check throughout his career and dazzles us with his grace and humility. If you like this kinda stuff, maybe you want to sign up to our newsletter. Show Notes: BUY JOE'S NEW ALBUM "FREEDOM"
S3 Ep 8There Are Murderers Here
Journalist and mental health counselor Jayson Blair tells us all about how his plagiarism scandal at The New York Times gave him the opportunity to get the help he needed – and to help others. Show Notes: CORRECTING THE RECORD KATIE COURIC INTERVIEW WITH JAYSON GOOSE CREEK CONSULTING: JAYSON’S LIFE COACHING
S3 Ep 7The Weight Loss
Writer and director Cory Reeder shares about his life-long quest for inner peace from a family tragedy that haunted him for more than 30 years. Trigger warning: some graphic content. Show Notes: Cory Reeder
S3 Ep 6Defective Character Limits
NYT’s writer and author Kate Conger lets us know how she’s holding up since her once humble beat covering a billionaire troll who builds rockets and purchased Twitter has become much more intense, important, and crazy since he’s become a very active member of the Trump administration. Show Notes: Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter Kate’s recent NYT’s stories
S3 Ep 5Joy as an Act of Defiance
Writer Heather Havrilesky comes on to discuss her creative process and how doing super-vulnerable activities like her Zoom singing lessons helps her grow as a person. Sometimes, our greatest joys come from the process, not the results. As the world continues to fail us, we need more joy; we need more process. Show Notes: Ask Polly Columns: “Passion Requires Slow Cultivation” “Reckoning With This Vicious World” Death, Sex, and Money: “The Transcendent Power of Low-Stakes Art”
S3 Ep 4Joan As Human Woman
Joan Wasser, AKA Joan As Policewoman walks us through her 20 years of sobriety, how her creativity has evolved, what defects remain, and the path of processing grief. Show Notes: Buy Joan’s Music and Merch Sober Oldster Interview
S3 Ep 3All Meat Rots
Peaceful John returns to the pod just in time for the new year and we discuss how vanity and ego never go away, personal needs, and are friendships you develop inside recovery rooms real friendships? Plus, the usual sonorous laughter and deep-ass breaths found in all Peaceful John episodes. Notes: TSB Newsletter
S3 Ep 2You Are F*cking Amazing!
This is a super Dopey episode of The Small Bow, where we speak with Dave Manheim about whether heroin addicts celebrate Dry January, our future ambitious plans for our respective projects, Dave’s book idea, and more. Show notes: Dopey Podcast TSB Newsletter Gabby Bernstein
S3 Ep 1It’s Okay If You’re Not Ready
We revisit an old Small Bow essay about my first New Year’s Eve sober—all the feelings of self-pity and loneliness almost drove me to a very bizarre and off-putting relapse. Sobriety didn’t give me the peace of mind and the results I wanted right away. I beat myself up about it, but you don’t have to. Show notes: The Small Bow’s Newsletter Search Engine episode featuring A.J. Daulerio about Dry January [Swamp Dogg]
S2 Ep 14The Fleeting Joys of Parenthood with George Bilgere
I talk to my version of Taylor Swift, Cleveland poet George Bilgere, whose writing and distinctive voice have influenced my post-sobriety writing (and parenting) more than anyone else. It's a time when a lot of new things come and go, and I want to figure out how to be okay with that. Show notes: Poetrytown.com Georgebilgere.com TSB story featuring George’s work. Writer’s Almanac Poems “Cheap Motels of My Youth” featured on Rattle In this episode: 00:38 Hello and Welcome 05:47 The interview begins 10:32 How to be light and dark, Tony Hoagland 18:50 "I forgot to say goodbye" 26:29 Thinking about death and other endings, Billy Collins 32:32 Children: Believe the hype! Grieving ahead of time 34:35 Sources of Inspiration, Bilgere as aberration, Diaper moments 40:45 How much should we micro-grieve? 52:06 Is this Home? 58:01 Preparing for the world
S2 Ep 13Notes from the American Schoolyard with John Devore
Today we talk about how a lack of personal safety as little boys taught us how to be drunk, angry, impotent men. It’s about bullying and Bukowski and desperation and an inability to show love for ourselves and accept love from others. Usual shit. Show notes: John's book Theatre Kids: A True Tale of Off-Off Broadway. Swamp Dogg's record. In this episode: 01:24 - Keep on trying 06:06 - Curtains up, Beard ASMR, Daily Carry Bros 08:57 - Military & Theatre 15:20 - Meeting via Maxim, the Black Table 21:20 - Bonding over 'party fouls' 23:16 - The Email and the party 26:21 - The language of toxic masculinity 30:19 - Calling from the wreckage, John's advice to A.J. 36:46 - The little old lady 40:26 - Confronting fear in early sobriety 47:51 - Jane Fonda's Toxic Masculinity Observation 51:12 - Shakespeare on Masculinity, Back to Buk' 55:48 - Kid Stardust on the Porter House 1:00:22 - Trying to feel safe and loved 1:03:33 - Live from the boxing gym, losing fights, mano a wall 1:07:14 - Anger as an indicator 1:09:43 - Revenge fantasies 1:11:56 - How to become a villain 1:18:56 - Schoolyard: 1 Bukoski: 0, Swamp does CCR
S2 Ep 12The State of the State of the State
We pause to introduce a new segment, and talk shop about some big plans in the works for the new year. The Small Bow universe is growing in exciting ways, with help from some new friends. Also, a little Q&A about how things are going so far in Season 2, what's next for the podcast, and some industry gossip. Want to help guide things? Take two minutes to tell us what else you’d like to see from The Small Bow in our listener survey here. Things we mentioned: Hear A.J. interviewed on PJ’s podcast Search Engine here. Listen to the Death Sex and Money episode we’re talking about. Check out Garrett's newsletter Healings. Did we…already mention the survey? There’s a survey. In this episode: 0:38 Intro 0:57 SOTS? 2:06 Growth Plans 3:06 Survey, App plans 11:12 What are people Googling? 14:00 Doing less, check engine light, Death Sex & Money 17:34 How the Slate Ask A.J. column is going 20:26 A.J.'s app plans 23:59 An entry point for early recovery 29:40 Ads creator economy, high bar 32:25 Partnering with people who want to work with us 36:32 Around the world, around the world
S2 Ep 11How to Tame Your Monster with Claire Dederer
The acclaimed and wonderful author of Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma helps us sift through the ugliness of monstrous behavior and the guilty feelings associated with being a fan of the art made by vile people. Is it okay to still watch those movies and listen to those songs? Claire Dederer tells A.J. what to do, plus a lot of great advice on writing memoir, and navigating the world of publishing. Links: Claire’s book Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, and Claire’s essay in the Paris Review. Listen to Swamp Dogg’s new album "Blackgrass" wherever you get music, or buy a hard copy at Ohboy.com. Thanks to Robo9418 for your recording of people cheering for a banana. In this episode: 0:38 Intro 3:49 Origins of the book, feeling conflicted about Polanski 7:17 The gift of distaster and monstrous perspective 9:23 Feeling shameful in early recovery 13:23 AJ's experience with judgment, shame 16:27 How recovery changed Claire's work, Responsibility 22:07 Two things for A.J. that came from the book 25:37 Ubiquity of biography online, public cancellations, notoriety 32:29 No longer identifying with who you were 43:47 What do you tell your kids about your own monstrousness? 54:40 Different types of monsters 57:27 Charles Bukowski, Gena Rowlands, and other forms 1:03:44 Whether you are your work, Derrida 1:07:21 Are writing retreats helpful? 1:09:45 Claire v. A.J.'s therapist 1:13:46 Balancing sober content, Dopey, TSB's philosophy 1:18:57 Where A.J. feels shaky with blurred lines, how he approaches the newsletter 1:23:23 False Ending 1:26:57 The half-life of Monsters, avoiding getting typecast as a subject matter expert 1:35:52 Outro
S2 Ep 10This is Supposed to Be a Children’s Story with Kerry Madden-Lunsford
Today we talk with writer Kerry Madden-Lunsford about how Al-Anon has helped her deal with the pain of having a child who’s treatment-resistant and now living on the streets of Los Angeles. Find more stories and conversations at thesmallbow.com. Kerry’s book Werewolf Hamlet Kerry’s Substack "Easy Crier" by Al Oldender Listen to Swamp Dogg’s new album "Blackgrass" wherever you get music, or buy a hard copy at Ohboy.com. In this Episode 0:38 Intro 4:51 Flannery's Childhood, Kerry's Parenting Philosophies 5:59 The Christmas Letter 8:04 Flannery Today 10:29 Being in Denial, then Noticing Signs 14:08 The most codependent family ever vs Al Anon 17:17 Diagnosis, Jail, Christmas 19:42 Self-Pity vs Al Anon 22:35 Werewolf Hamlet 25:28 Travel Town Museum, Torment 28:08 Realizing your child is unhoused 30:50 Looking For Flannery 32:50 Justin Szlasa 35:43 What Should You Do? 42:17 Ideal Outcomes 45:17 Kerry's current approach 50:22 Angels 55:04 Outro
S2 Ep 8Why Does No One Care About Recovery Month? with Joe Schrank
For the past five years, TSB’s in-house social worker, Joe Schrank, has tried to get someone other than us (and Andy Cohen) to acknowledge Recovery Month every September. Alcoholism and mental health issues affect one in ten Americans. So why does no one want to talk about it? Find more like this at thesmallbow.com. And Listen to Swamp Dogg’s new album "Blackgrass" wherever you get music, or buy a hard copy at Ohboy.com. In this episode: 02:56 What should Recovery Month look like? 08:18 Stigmatizing Alcoholism vs viewing it as a disease 17:19 Care and Moralization, AA value system, Recovery Mass 21:09 AA vs Recovery, the Father Joe of Cyberspace 24:05 Joe's recovery ambassador work at Georgia State 32:45 Recovery month's competition, Andy Cohen 35:32 Recovery Ambassadors 49:14 Promoting Recovery Stories
S2 Ep 7Take this Pod and Shove It
We talk to each other about the state of the podcast, and whether A.J.'s workaholic tendencies torpedoed the chance for a second season with iHeartRadio. Also — we need more voice memos from you about your own workaholic/ambition problems. Hit [email protected] subject WORKAHOLIC, or 323-917-3846. Swamp Dogg’s latest record here.
S2 Ep 6Some Kind of Ambition Monster with Jennifer Romolini
We talk with writer Jennifer Romolini about Philly shit, her book "Ambition Monster," her relapse into workaholism while promoting the book, and how to be satisfied with a “B minus” work day. Also: We’re calling on the Small Bow Family Orchestra: Do you think you might be a workaholic? What moments come to mind? Send a voice memo along to [email protected], SUBJECT: WORKAHOLIC. Or you can leave us a voicemail at +1-323-917-3846. Read Workaholism 101 here. Find Jenn’s book and more writing here. Listen to Jenn’s podcast with Kim France Everything is Fine. Listen to Swamp Dogg’s new album "Blackgrass" wherever you get music, or buy a hard copy here. In this episode: 4:53 Interview Begins 6:53 Creative Burnout, Balancing Life and Writing, Jenn's Essays 10:17 Ambition & Insecurity, Trauma-Success, Acting in Charge 17:34 Changing Ambitions, Sober Heartbreak, Drinking Culture 21:33 Relapse, New Cycles, Parental denial 33:00 Getting What You Wanted, Working to Fix It 38:40 Status vs. What You Want, Consistency, Creative Blocks 42:20 How to Stay Sane When You Care, Self-Pressure 47:23 The Fuck You Voice, Burritoville 49:55 Trusting yourself? Being hypersensitive, Being patient, Parental growth 54:43 Reparenting 1:03:28 What to do if you're workaholic
S2 Ep 5Main Character Defects with Josh Radnor
Josh Radnor joins TSB pod to discuss the spiritual life he acquired while navigating the pitfalls of becoming internationally famous for his role as Ted Mosby on “How I Met Your Mother.” We also discuss the problem with gurus, the perks of solitude, free desserts, and “Brats”. Find Josh's newsletter here. And check out Swamp Dogg's album Black Grass here. In this episode: 2:43 Josh's relationship to Ted Mosby, surviving fame, spiritual work, No Bad Parts 11:00 Being famous but not the main character, suggested bibliography, 18:10 Turning 50, Josh's reading list, A.J.'s recommendation 25:04 "Brats" but like Andrew McCarthy, sobriety and public life 30:55 Finding camaraderie in sobriety 37:35 Gurus, charlatans, cults 43:25 Living with a dark side, expanding your definition of self 51:42 Seeking camaraderie in sobriety 54:30 Gurus, Charlatans, Cults 58:00 Richard Rohr, pride, feeling strange, writer brain, Mary HK Choi
S2 Ep 4Go Say Hello with Mary HK Choi
Mary HK Choi returns to the pod to discuss her extremely popular NY Mag essay about her adult autism diagnosis. We also discuss social anxiety, self-forgiveness in the aftermath of both our father’s deaths, and Mary’s practice of using a post-it note to remind her to “go say hello” to other people in social situations and not to isolate. Some of this conversation is an update to Mary's last time on the show. If you like this, check out S1 E15 "Suffer the Adult Children". Find more of us at thesmallbow.com/podcast. In this Episode: 00:00:00 Top of Show The Essay 00:02:50 Mary’s essay, public response 00:06:29 Perceptions of autism, personal and professional challenges 00:15:27 What didn’t make the article, self-diagnosis and resources, https://embrace-autism.com/ In Relationships 00:27:07 Self-compassion, communicating needs, growing into things 00:34:18 Relationship to eating, food, autistically feeling your body 00:37:30 No Surprises Club, Julianne hello’s A.J. Parents and Parenting 00:42:27 Addressing the past, Ozzy vs Dr. Drew 00:50:07 Father-child relationships, Hungry Girls Forever, breaking cycles 00:55:10 Unsubscribe from your 11yo, Looking back without anger, old-boy dads 00:59:12 Reevaluating memories, choosing to have a relationship, saying goodbye 01:02:59 Asking what was my part? Being in our heads, “Don’t be like me” 01:13:49 A.J. geeks 01:15:00 Closing thoughts, our next super famous guest
S2 Ep 3Connection Junkie with Peaceful John
The inimitable Peaceful John returns for our new season for another round of soothing lessons in reparenting ourselves. Today we talk about the difference between deserving and entitlement. Do you know the difference? Neither did we.
S2 Ep 2Dead Inside with Megan Koester
We reconnect with comedian Megan Koester and learn all about her (new) sobriety and how she’s finally excavating some long-buried family trauma. After multiple EMDR sessions, she’s learning how to grieve. But is she less funny now?
S2 Ep 1Nothing Will Ever Be Boring Again, with Emily Gould
Emily Gould is a writer from New York Magazine. This Valentine's Day, The Cut published Emily's essay "The Lure of Divorce." Between the two, Emily was coming to grips with a mental breakdown. We talk about her bipolar diagnosis and the way back into herself and into her marriage. It gets real!

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S1 Ep 21Everything You’ll Ever Need
Our last episode of Season 1, with our guest Swamp Dogg. Swamp’s the musical and spiritual inspiration for RGS. Today we talk about success, friendship, happiness, Johnny Knoxville, and all the highs and lows of his 70-year career. We also have New York Times wonder-journo David Marchese on to add some credibility to our show. Last episode! Let’s get it.