The Mental Health Comedy Podcast

Liz Glazer - Good Grief

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/

Diana Chao - Global Youth Mental Health

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 Look for the good.

Almie Rose - DIY Meditation (Apocalypstick)

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 Look for the good!

Erin Parks Ph.D. - Eating Disorder Treatment

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.

Patton Oswalt - Grief, Murder, The Goldbergs

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!

Kellye Howard - Get Curious

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!

Karen Duffy & Francis Gasparini - Wising Up

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

Martin Olson - Hell Yes!

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

Sam Demma - Lights-Camera-Small Consistent Action!

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

Lorenzo Lewis - The Confess Project

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

Alex Herschlag - Frontal Lobe Hoedown

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 being a parent is aboiut being a substitue frontal lobe for our kids The frontal lobe is the the higher part of ourselves, the problem solver, the emotion dealer and healer and stuff. Alex shares that he has more resilience and doesn’t get stuck in feelings as much. You have to listen to find out how and why that is. And you will have to pay careful attention to how he answers the question “Would you rather confront a relative or Bette Midler? Join us for Frontal Lobe Hoedown. Find Alex here https://www.facebook.com/aherschlag, he is pitcured above with the amazing Mitzi. And find Jennifer’s amazing work, media and services here https://connectedparenting.com/ and LOOK FOR THE GOOD!

Wayne Federman - Flight Club

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 to believe, and then comes away with something he can use. And you get to hear how Jennifer works with people and why she’s so good at helping people with skills they can use to change the way they live. Other than that, I have nothing good to say. Seriously, I just enjoyed listening to these guys and I think you will too. Visit Wayne here http://www.waynefederman.com/Wayne_Federmans_Official_Web_Site/Welcome.html and check out Jennifer’s amazing world here https://connectedparenting.com/ LOOK FOR THE GOOD!

Richard Villa - Not So Straight Outta Compton

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 familar. It’s kind of a Latino version of Breaking Bad. But what may be surprising is that his take on the experience is that he got to spend time with his dad, which was rare in his neighborhood. He snuck across the border dressed in a halloween costume and the story was that Richard as a little kid was to say the words trick or treat to the border patrol agent. That’s how he got into the country. Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Cut to being a successful comic, drinking, bottoming out on stage one night, losing friends, and having all his work cancelled due to the pandemic, and then really hitting bottom. And finally getting help, going to therapy, and couples therapy, being a dad, getting on medication and now trying to get off it. He felt that for his whole life he was running, and now not running anymore, now he is facing himself and dealing. You’ll have to listen in to find out how he became a sexaul harrassment counselor, and what happened when he married a border patrol agent. Jennifer talks about forgiveness and self forgivenes, and helps Richard on an issue with a friend. It’s all here. Check out Richard Villa Comedy on Tiktok and Youtube. and here https://www.richardvillacomedy.com/ in Spanish and English. And find all of Jennifer’s books, skills, podcasts and services for kiids, parents, families here at https://connectedparenting.com/ and look for the good!

Andy Kindler + J. Elvis Weinstein - Cancel Check-In

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 tries to go back and look at himself. Josh mentioned that his contempt for humanity has gone from simmering to more of a burning. And Jennifer talks about the ability to feel emotions and have a two way dialogue, breathe and tell yourself and your brain that there is no immediate danger. And there’s a lot more. But why read about it, when you can listen to it during your morning walk, or when you use a curling iron. Something I never have to face. Listen to Andy & Josh’s podcast “Thought Spiral” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thought-spiral/id1236787765. It’s funny and real, nothing better. And find all of Jennifer’s books, skills, podcasts and services for kiids, parents, families here at https://connectedparenting.com/ and look for the good.

Sarah Taylor - Optimystical

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 the present. The present is a gift, that’s why they call it a present. Am I alone here, who’s with me? Hello, good afternoon. And right in the middle, Sarah leads a short 2 minute meditation. It’s a real pleasure and her voice is clear as a bell. She works as a comic and actress, a meditation teacher who has taught many, including comics. Jennifer brings up a spiritual expexpnce she had a long time ago, and one of the things that Sarah works with , is these kinds of experiences people have, but don’t understand. And I share my unique gift of meditating after a triple latte. Find out about all of Sarah’s amazing wiork here: www.SarahTaylor.org and all of Jennifer’s services , classes and media here: https://connectedparenting.com/

Dave Holmes - Attention

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 deal with ADHD. And as a kid growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, he’d get messages from teachers about not living up to his potential. The overall solution was “don’t be like that.” And the road from that place to where he is now, has many steps. Now it’s prioritizing self care, nutrition, exercise, sleep etc. And that there are days when it is difficult to focus, and on those days there are other creative ways to deal. And not every day is a great day. Jennifer talks about how the brain works, and why drugs that stimulate the brain can work because they make the frontal lobe do it’s job of prioritizing and reasoning. What I like about this epsiode is that Dave is being honest and open about how he relates to himself. Being aware, liking yourself and taking care, prioritizing these things and focusing on the inside. Find Dave here @daveholmes and get his memoir here https://www.amazon.com/Party-One-Memoir-21-Songs/dp/0804187991, Find all of Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ Focus on myself a little bit more this week and how to help others, try to get my hair back, listen if you want, and let’s meet back here.

Gary Gulman - Fail Better

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 to risk intense failure by talking openly and honestly about mental illness in front of an audience; and learn how to make it funny. What kept him going was two words from a Samuel Beckett quote; “Fail Better.”A lot of people have mild depression, they can live with it, this is not that. This is your brain lying to you 24/7 and telling you not to move. Do not get out of bed. And then beating the shit out of yourself for not being able to move. In this episode, we talk about the smallest of steps that Gary learned to take toward recovery. Jennifer talks about small things to shift thinking, make it very general about the tiniest thing that might feel good now. What you can do as a parent, loved one or friend to support someone experiencing depression, and part of it is just to be with them, sit with them, listen with empathy. A whole combination of tools, therapy, CBT, medication, ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) and doing comedy, all of that has helped Gary recover. He talks about how ECT can have slight long term memory loss. And I wondered if it could help me forget my Bar Mitzvah. He did spend time in a psych hospital, where a fellow patient recognized him from standup and years later after all this work, he made it to Carnegie Hall. I think we all know how to get to Carnegie Hall…depression, getting help, self care and practice. Fail Better! Find Gary’s tour dates and everything he’s doing here: https://garygulman.com/ and find all of Jennifer’s amazing work and services here: https://connectedparenting.com/

Mindy Sterling & Cathy Ladman - Pre-Oscar Self Care Party

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 people, to Mindy’s ritual of giving herself a cookie after an audition and Cathy quoting the Dalai Lama about the idea that not getting what you want can be a gift (I need to do some regifting) but so true. Mindy also talks a bit about how she teaches improv and helps people to appreciate themselves for what they do in class. By the way, my family actually went to see Ordinary People as a family. I guess Death of A Salesman was sold out. Jennifer shares the importance of being aware of old programs, just noticing when you feel these deep feelings that come with rejection or disappointment is that we’re running old programs from childhood, just noticing that. And to go towards and not away from simply feeling what’s coming up, putting your own hand on your heart or stomach and feel it. Feelings are information. If it’s rejection or disappointment or rejection, go toward the feeling. There is widom in our bodies, this is why people put their hand to their forehead when trying to concentrate, or to their heart when they are moved, sending energy to those areas. Find Mindy here: @mindyster and Cathy here: https://www.cathyladman.com/ and Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ thanks for listening and it’s an honor just being nominated.

Erin Gallagher+Amy Tee/this is my BRAVE

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 bi-polar disorder, alcoholism and recovery in her life and work on stage. TIMB puts on amazing shows and events all over the world, with comedians, entertainers, writers, music, all kinds of diverse people, ages and colors who bravely tell their stories in different ways in front of live and virtual audiences. Erin says that recently, they had a mime on a show. I don’t immediately think about the darkness in a mime’s life, but I think that when it comes to feelings and thoughts, I’m an emotional mime. The isolation and self abuse that comes from not feeling like it’s ok to talk about all kinds of issues, this is now a public health issue. When I first reached out to Erin, we talked about her wor and the org, it wasn’t until after that I saw a video of her talking about losing her own son to suicide. When she started to speak out about her son, she connected with TIMB and co-founder Jennifer Marshall. https://www.jennifermarshall.me/ Jennifer was a mom who struggled with bi-polar disorder, and started writing about it under a pen name. It was then she realized the only way to get these issues out, was to start using her real name, and that led to co-founding this amazing organization that has helped so many people. An inspiring exmaple of big creative solutions born from life challenges. The surgeon general actually says that one of the biggest public health problems is loneliness and isolation. I did one of the shows at The Comedy Store in LA; a variety show produced by my friend writer, comic, mental health advocate and mom Mara Shapshay @mshapshaycomicbaker. The shows are healing, emotional, funny and electric! Follow Amy Tee’s work here http://www.experimentalcomedy.com/, Erin Gallagher, now Executive Director, shared her story here https://thisismybrave.org/stories/erin-gallagher-shares-her-essay-about-suicide-loss/ Find Jennifer’s great work here https://connectedparenting.com/ One in five American adults face mental health issues (National Institute of Mental Health), yet the topic continues to carry shame. This national mental health nonprofit organization is dedicated to ending this stigma and silence by celebrating the stories of real people living successful lives, with mental health challenges. #storytellingsaveslives, #lookforthegood

Darnell Rice - THE CONFESS PROJECT

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 Darnell Rice, Chief People Officer for the project. Darnell talks about how he was struggling with his own mental health and met Lorenzo Lewis, founder of The Confess Project. Here’s Lorenzo on The Kelly Clarkson Show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJJRYwH3tAA Darnell was struggling, not living and barley existing. Lorenzo invited him to become a volunteer and through this work, his life started to turn around. He started in therapy and got help. Only 4 percent of mental helath professionals are people of color. The idea of a world of help coming from people that look like you starting in barbershops where people go to talk, socialize and learn about self care. Just as powerful and inspirational, is the story of Lorenzo Lewis, a person who was actually born in a prison, struggled with all kinds of mental health problems, but found comfort in his auntie’s beauty shop, from listening to people connect and share their lives and feelings with each other. The healing that comes from community. Lorenzo put these pieces and this program together. From prison, the power of confession, communication and creating a nationwide movement that goes to where people gather; the barbershop! When you even hear this idea, it’s like a big lightbulb goes off, the idea of training people within communities to be mental health coaches is inspired. And combining mental wellness, mental fitness with socializing, that it’s part of the community and part of everyday life, this is changing the world. Listen to Darnell, listen to Lorenzo Lewis and find out more about The Confess Project here: https://www.theconfessproject.com/ and find out all about Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ to say “I need help” is a heroic act. There are many different kinds of training and support programs going on through the project! Look at this: https://www.theconfessproject.com/joy-wellness-hub The Joy & Wellness Hub empowers people to become their best selves through providing employment and health resources. Created by us and for us, it is a safe space for our Black & Brown community members to confess their dreams, fears, and passions. Our ultimate goal? Liberation. When there is vulnerability, there is joy. When there is joy, there is healing. Only then can we truly be free. And to date, they have trained over 1000 barbers who have reached 1 million people!

Sonia Dickson/Robin Shipley - Across The Neurodiverse Universe

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!

Jackie Kashian - Witconsin

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, we talk about those kinds of things on this episode. Jackie tells stories about finding a really good therapist who told her to “do the work” because this is a very expensive place just to workshop a joke. And although she did get a one person show out of it, she actually did do the work. And, making peace with parents, and family members; processing that rage that many people have about their upbringing. Realizing that no one knows what the hell they’re doing and mostly people are trying to do their best, however not good at it they are. And that out of this funk, come hours of stand up comedy that you can write about flawed humanity. She goes on to talk about perspective and the ability to make choices; like having an out of body experience, muscle memory that says “wait a minute, you can do this differently.” And we always talk about Jackie’s dad who is the ultimate salesman, and a man who knows how to live it up! There is a point in the show where Jackie compares an everyday thing to living in a snuff film, listen for that. Just a really good conversation, with a really interesting, multi-faceted person. Jennifer and I also talk about roles that we play in life, how to question and change the roles we don’t have to play. Questioning feelings, thoughts, behaviors, that we can step outside ourselves and do that. We can witness ourselves and be curious about it. And I celebrate the amazing lack of boundaries in my family growing up. Entire conversations while in the bathroom. And if you want to practice setting boundaries, come up with a boundary ahead of time, and you can talk positives before setting the boundary. You can rehearse anything and any situation. It’s not always perfect or smooth, but just the awareness that you can do that, can change a lot. Connect before you correct; as Jennifer says. My example “I love when we talk, but when it goes on for too long, I feel like I need to walk in front of a train.” Find all about Jackie, her podcasts, tours, events, social media, happenings at https://www.jackiekashian.com/ and all of Jennifer’s amazing work, media, classes and services at https://connectedparenting.com/ take care, stay well and live it up!

Jimmy Tingle- Give and Let Live

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 help people. And his array of shows and credits are unique. There just aren’t a lot of comics who’ve given a commencement speech at Harvard, run for Lieutenant Governor of Mass, hosted 60 Minutes II and done stand-up with nobel prize winner Desmond Tutu. Now, he has a new podcast and a service that does live and virtual fundraisers for all kinds of non-profits and social causes. We talk about all kinds of issues, and looking at how Trump got elected; simple three word messages delivered by an entertainer. Drain The Swamp, Build The Wall, Make America Great. So he thought if an entertainer can use those simple three word statements, how about “House the homeless”, “feed the hungry,” “heal the sick,” “welcome the stranger,” this is the message of America. There is a theme throughout the show of having a purpose and in Jimmy’s case, combining comedy with having a purpose. Also on the show, Jennifer and I talk about perfectionism and it’s connection to organization and time management, also procrastination. And since my name is Crasnick, I procrasnickate, which is the process of putting off being myself. I brought all these topics up “for a friend".” I can’t relate to them, but I’ve heard of it through others. Back to Jimmy, he also shares a story about a time in his life where he was drinking and he was reaching out to all these places, and call after call, they turned him away, no beds, not the right insurance and finally saying I need help and the person on the line saying “you came to the right place.” Listen and watch Jimmy’s podcast https://jimmytingle.com/podcasts/ and find all of Jennifer’s great work here https://connectedparenting.com/ and subscribe, or any word that rhymes with that. Find us everywhere you get your podcasts, write a review, or answer this week’s question; what is something that you wish you knew as a kid? You can write to ed@makelightmedia.com and we will shout it out on the show. Take care, and live it up.

Bill Odenkirk - Note to Self

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 listening to him, you realize immediately, he’s very honest and talks about the anger and other things he’s feeling; even writing out things that might be bothering him so he doesn’t have to carry it all in his head. We also talk about the writers’ room on Futurama and The Simpsons and the joy of being around the funniest, most brilliant people who are there to make each other laugh. On Futurama, they had 3 PhD’s on staff, including Bill. And we talk a little about Mr. Show and how amazing that group was and how the energy was about getting stuff on, everybody was younger and starting out so fighting to get stuff out there was part of getting it on. After that Bill and his brother Bob Odenkirk had some space and went off doing their own thing, and the space really helped them and now, they are working together on a new show with David Cross! Jennifer also talked about how to realize that you’re running a program and that many poeople are walking around with the operating system of a 7 year old. So we can realize the programs we’re running and change them. She also shared that when you wake up in the morning, do anything but go to your phone right away. Think of 5 things you’re grateful for, people you love and imagine looking at them, places, things that feel good and sit with that feeling for a minute or two, before jumping into the phone. And in tribute to Thich Nhat Hahn, we explored the power of pausing and stopping as an action. Finally, I told the story of meeting Bill at a show I was doing and had Bob on as a guest, and my friend Naomi coming to the show, and telling me after, that she was going to marry Bob. And she did! And they’ve been married over 20 years! It takes a village, and often the village people. Find Jennifer’s amazing work here https://connectedparenting.com/ and subscribez vous, if you’ll pardon my French! Stay well and take care.

Julie Goldman & Brandy Howard - Pronouns, Politics and Talkin’ Shit!

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 talk about the search for mining actual news and telling people to get the fuck off Facebook. Julie and Brandy also talk about how to deal, having to deal and reach with people in extreme groups like qanon. Jennifer shares info about self parenting and how to regulate our own emotions and thoughts and that is a key to deal with all of the above. And I tell the story about leavinbg my phone in the car at Disneyland and meditating outside Space Mountain. And let’s get into the Put Your Phone Down Challenge. Put it away for 20 mins. I’m telling you this while I’m on my phone! Now, we also get into drinking and drugs and hosting shows while on both. Jennifer suggests to ask “Am I coming from fear?” Looking for empathy in ourselves and that asking a conscious question, can help with relating to all kinds of uncofomfortable things. And then, we discuss the majesty of all The Lifetime Movies and Lifetime Movie Channels. And the tragic “Housewives of The North Pole, The Cheerleader Murders, all the classics. And they both recommend “Married to Medicine” on Bravo. Happy Holidazing!! Follow Julie and Brandy here for cryin out loud @TheBrandyHoward, @MrJulieGoldman and all Jennifer’s work here https://connectedparenting.com/ and as the great Sammy Davis, Jr. used to say every 4 seconds “PEACE.”

Rebecca Lee - Reframing

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; mindsets that can eitehr be born out of fear or love. We also touch on diversity and that white people need to support the conversation, but not lead the conversation. Find Rebecca here: https://www.rebeccaleeofficial.com/ and all of Jennifer’s amazing work here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and happy holidazing! Stay safe, get rest and wake up a little every day. I’m talking to myself now.

Mike Guido - Love On The Spectrum

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, rather than react. Mike has earned so much from all his kids and especially from his daughter Maria. She has taught him the whole spectrum, not being “on the spectrum” but living with the spectrum of life when you’re open to whatever comes in the moment. I’m on Spectrum cable, which is not good in any way. To learn more about Mike and his work, visit http://guidoentertainment.com/ and all of Jennifer’s amazing work and services here: https://connectedparenting.com/ May you, your families and friends have peace and conection during the holidaze!

Dani Klein Modisett - Laughter On Call

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!

Fielding Edlow - Bitter and Better

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 like 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!

Brandon Collins - Drunk Black History

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,

Kelly Carlin - Woman On The Verge

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!

Ron James - All Over The Map

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

Eddie Pepitone - Not To Brag

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.

Frank Conniff & Kathleen Roll

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.

Ed & Jennifer - The Q&A Episode

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!

Jordan Brady - Mindpowerer

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!

Howie Mandel - Mental Health Advocate

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!

Stuart Preston - The Grief Trip

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, used Psychedlics to heal and deal with the grief over his 19 year old son’s suicide. 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!

Alonzo Bodden - Never Argue with a racist over 40!

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!

Sue Kolinsky & Cathy Ladman - Movietalk

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!

Avital Ash - Finding The Way In

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!

Erica Rhodes - Dateraid

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!

Heather Morris - Bystanding Up

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

Brett Newski - Anxiety Rocks

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.

Paul Gilmartin as Congressman Richard Martin

Paul Gilmartin (actor, comic, host)) as Republican Congressman Richard Martin. So, this week, we're having a conversation with a Colbert-like Character. NOT a real person. Doing it for comedy. We're talking to a buttoned up guy with a lot of screws loose. I thought it would be fun to talk with a CHARACTER like this about Mental Health and the social issues we're dealing with today. Paul is a friend who is a multi-talented writer/performer. He is also a mental health advocate, courageously facing all kinds of issues on his popular podcast "The Mental Illness Happy Hour." https://mentalpod.com/. In this epsiode,we talk about all kinds of things; from Congressman Martin's dad regularly shaming the kids in public, to his zero-tolerance policy toward emotions in the house. For example; he doesn't like it when his wife JAZZ cries, because, with all the smeared mascara, how are you supposed to talk to a raccoon? Jennifer also talks about how to take care of your mental health when your physical health is a problem. From a conversation with a deeply flawed character; it's a funny "how not to" show. More about Paul and Congressman Richard Martin here: https://paulgilmartin.com/ more about Jennifer and her work 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 To infinity and beyond, or close to it!

Brian Leonard - I See You!

I’ve known Brian since he started as a standup in San Francisco. I SEE YOU is a documentary he made about connecting with elders suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia through Art Therapy! www.Brian-Leonard.com. Brian lost his father in-law, who was an artist; to Alzheimer’s. His daughter volunteered at a senior center where Art Therapist Erin Partridge used Art to connect with Alzheimer’s patients and people came to life. We also talk about The Hero’s Journey, what to do when you get stuck and the two-way conversation you can have with your thoughts and feelings. Excuse these rambling notes, because Lord, I was Born a Ramblin’ Man. In addition to comedy; Brian is a creative director, writer, and director who has worked with global influencers, clients and companies. We talk about growing up in the Midwest and how he learned to keep his emotions in a duffle bag under a Lucite paperwieight of anxiety and resentment. In this episode, we go all over the mental health map, starting with loneliness and facing feelings, accepting what you’re feeling. Loneliness and isolation are the engines of mental health problems. There’s a feeling of shame in even saying “I’m Lonely.” Jennifer and I also quickly role play how to respond to the voice of Anxiety, that one that tells you everything sucks, you suck and things will never change. Brian also talks about dealing with depression and experiences in therapy, early on dating a therapist who would clinically label his behavior. We also talk about what makes a good therapist, and how a good therapist; is someone who meets you where you are right now. We talk about being real in therapy and how we both have tried to do some entertaining and performing in therapy. And then we talk about storytelling and The Hero’s Journey. Brian uses this concept to teach brands and others how to tell stories in media. How you answer and respond to your own issues in life, that’s a kind of Hero’s Journey; also how finding a mentor can help. This is all Hero’s Journey stuff, and it is the journey of almost every movie. Here’s Joseph Campbell on The Hero’s Jounrney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIY7eexaGCo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4, What do you do if you feel you feel stuck? Talk to yourself, where thoughts go energy flows. Talk to anxiety, talk to the thoughts, think about general things that you like or love, can change the direction of your thoughts, take a conscious break, walk, move to a different room… all is temporary and all answers are within and stuff. Find more Brian here: www.Brian-Leonard.com and more Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ subscribe and socialize, and find us on our new network here: https://bleav.com/podcast-show/mental-health-comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ write us here: ed@makelightmedia.com And have a great week!

Johnny Steele - Johnny On The Spot

One of my favorite performers and people; Johnny is a multi-talented comic, writer, host and actor. There is no one better at combining, biting social commentary with sharply playful comedy. In recent years, and in addition to the pandemic, he has had many major life challenges and traumas; from losing his dog, to a fire, to his home and marriage to a freak injury that took months and months of rehab. He grew up as a jock in The East Bay area outside San Francisco. He has an incredibly fast brain and ADD; which he thinks may have had roots in the many football concussions he experienced. He says the way his brain is wired; he’s still thinking about who to ask to the prom and that many of these women are now either dead, married or divorced. As a standup in San Francisco he is wildly popular and won the SF International Comedy Competition. Other winners and finalists are people like Robin Williams, Dan Carvey, Kevin Pollak, Doug Stanhope and Marc Maron to name a few. In this episode, we talk about trauma and how to simply acknowledge difficult emotions and experiences. Simple ways to breathe, to exhale, to deal with severe anxiety by having a two way conversation with it. Jennifer shares simple skills like the “whew” exhale and putting a hand on heart and saying “I feel this way, because I care so much.” And again, the role anxiety plays in protecting us, and where it comes from in our brain. And how you can change the direction of your thinking in the moment, by focusing on general things that you have a good feeling about. Again, it’s imagination working as a tool to shift from worry. We can use our minds to think about what we don’t want, we can also shift towards what we DO want. As Jennifer says “If you have time to worry, you have time for other things that can change persepctive and shift the way we respond to our thoughts and feelings.” Good listen, funny and real! Learn more about Johhny here: https://smmcatslistings.com/johnny-steele-performer/ Find out more about all kinds of resources, parenting and self parenting from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and when able subscribez vous; if you’ll pardon my French , share the show with a friend, subscribe if able! Come and Socialize with us! Don’t be a stranger! Write us if you have a thing you’d like us to talk about, or something that worked for you, or maybe you just want to blame us, write here: ed@makelightmedia.com https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Alan Zweibel - Collaborator

Alan is a true comedy legend. But beyond how prolific, how creative and how funny he is; there is the soul and wisdom of a world-class collaborator. Besides being the winner of 5 Emmys, author of 11 books, shows and movies; he’s collaborated and been partners with Billy Crystal, Larry David, Garry Shandling, Gilda Radner, David Letterman, and many more. His latest movie is Here Today; Co-Starring Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish. We talked about his daily ritual of getting up at 530am to write every day; the ups and downs and emotional roller-coaster of a life in comedy. He was writing jokes for comics in The Borscht Belt; winds up at 30 Rock cowering in fear behind a potted plant in Lorne Michael’s office; when he heard another voice: “Can you write a talking Parakeet?” It was Gilda Radner. Lifelong friendship began there. Years later, after she was sick, Alan talked her into coming on a show he had created “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.” You have to hear the story. We talk about the genius of Garry Shandling, collaborating and the famous basketball games at Shandling’s house; had the best comedy people in the world, playing ball, talking politics and philosophy, all the great’s being mentored while playing ball with Shandling. Jennifer and I talk about the idea of rehearsing and role playing situations in our lives. We talked about mother’s, and how we can parent ourselves; that if we don’t learn these kinds of skills, we can turn into real mothers…If you want to find out what kind of parent you are reverse roles with your kids and ask them to impersonate you, and vice versa. To know that we can practice feeling and dealing, act it out. The brain doesn’t know the differnce between what is true and what you feel and imagine to be true. So you can use your imagination to think and feel the best of what you want and who you are. Imagination is a mental heath tool and can be practiced at any time.This show was great. This is why I love comedy. And happy National Mental Health Awareness Month. And if you forgot, shame on you. I’m kidding. No really, what the hell is wrong with you? Kidding. Thanks for listening! Find out about all things Alan Zweibel here: https://alanzweibel.com/ Find out more about all kinds of resources, parenting and self parenting from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and when able subscribez vous; if you’ll pardon my French , share, follow, review, we appreciate anything and everything! Come and Socialize with us! Write us if you have a thing you’d like us to talk about, or something that worked for you, or maybe you just want to rant, you are always welcome to blame us at ed@makelightmedia.com https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Mike Carano - Road Worrier

I’ve known Mike for many years and have vivid memories of him at The Improv in Pacific Beach surrounded by some of the best comics ever. It’s so great to catch up with him now, and in this show, he talks about the many roads he’s taken, literally, driving to deal with anxiety and panic, to the road towards sobriety and healing. Mike is a multi-talented comic, musician, photographer and storyteller. We talk about letting your mind drive you crazy out of habit, growing up and dealing with a mom battling mental illness and what he does now to take care of himself. Jennifer gives us some cool skills to visualize and transform old thoughts that no longer serve us. Mike started taking roadtrips years ago, he would just drive to deal with his own fears and worries, and he would drive to a destination, exhaust himsellf to deal with feelings and then drive back home. Then he started to make videos and tell stories about his adventures, and this became a way of communicating; videos that tunred into a kind of life tour guide. I heard on another podcast that he went to Huell Howser’s funeral, and it makes perfect sense. He remeind me of a combination of Jack Kerouac and Rick Steve. Take a mental health roadtrip with us. Find some of Mike’s videos here and on Patreon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUOXOQE1h6iZ13YFHO4A7UA/videos and one of his podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/miscellaneous-adventures-from-the-world-of-mike-carano/id729136611 Find out more about all kinds of resources, parenting and self parenting from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and when able please subscribe, share, follow, review, we appreciate anything and everything! Come and Socialize with us! Write us if you have a thing you’d like us to talk about, or something that worked for you, or maybe you just want to rant, you are always welcome to blame us at ed@makelightmedia.com https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Pete Holmes - Yes Thank You!

Pete is a lot of things; a dad, a husband, a comic-writer-actor-host, he is also not his identity. If you listen to this show, or any of his show, you will hear what that means. So how he deals with depression, or uncomfortable thoughts and feelings; he says “Yes, Thank You.” Listen and find out more about that and a whole range of existentials, including how Psychedlic Mushrooms woorked to expand his mind; and how growing up in a Quaker school and being a teenage preacher seemed like a heavenly pursuit. I’m writing this like a cliffhanger, but there is no cliff, these are just the cliff notes. Join Jennifer Kolari and me as we take a trip with Pete Holmes. No, I am not on anything at the moment. Find Pete’s latest podcast “We Made it Weird” here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-made-it-weird-with-pete-holmes/id475878118?i=1000517808607 and Find out more about all kinds of resources, for parenting and self parenting from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and when able please subscribe, share, follow, review, we appreciate anything and everything! Come and Socialize with us! Write us if you have a thing you’d like us to talk about, or something that worked for you, or maybe you just want to blame someone, you are always welcome to write us at ed@makelightmedia.com https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Melissa Bernstein - Toy Story

To infinity & beyond depression! Melissa’s imagination, creative and poetic spirit saved her life. As a kid and up until the past four years, even though she has built one of the most successful toy companies in the world, raised 6 great kids and has been married to a wonderful partner in Doug; she was existenially depressed and living with a lot of pain. She says she was living under a facade. When you talk to her now, she is her true authentic self with a whole range of emotions, joy and creativity. There is room for everything that goes on inside. One of the things I really love is her word mashing, and the dictionary of made up words that describes having more than one feeling at a time. You can be exhillarated and terrified at the same time; so according to Melissa; that’s EXHILLIFIED. Having mixed emotions and thoughts, allowing them to be there is what happens when we’re truly alive. She has written a book called Lifelines, and founded an online community; a place for people to connect and come out of isolation, take a journey together and be inspired by each other. I saw an interview with Melissa on CBS Sunday Morning and I was really moved by her, so I joined her community wrote her a note and asked if she would consider coming on our show? Shortly after, I got the nicest note back from her and here we are. I feel lucky to have met her. I’m Anxieted to share this with you. Find out about lifelines here: https://www.facebook.com/SeekLifeLines/, Find out more about all kinds of resources, for parenting and self parenting from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and when able please subscribe, share, follow, review, we appreciate anything and everything! Socialize with us! https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Barry Katz - The King of Calmedy

So Barry Katz has managed, produced and been in the comedy world for a long time. I could list his accomplishments, his podcast “Industry Standard” or a million other things he’s done. But what is so interesting, is his sense of calm. This is what has seen him through his career, through many personal tragedies, through parenting and through relationships and emotional rollercoaster rides with so many comics who are world class talents. Jennifer takes us through 2 simple breathing techniques to actually keep calm and carry on. What really affected me and I’m sure if you listen, will affect you; are his stories about trusting his kids, helping people like Dane Cook who was down before a huge show with 20,000 people, reassuring his mom at age 4 after she lost her husband and his dad; that everything was going to be alright. Really good show. Not the greatest sound in the world, worth the trip, take the journey and join us! Find everything Barry here: https://www.barrykatz.com/, everything Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and when able please subscribe, share, follow, review, we appreciate anything and everything! Live streaming shows coming. Socialize with us! https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Judy Gold - For Cryin’ Out Loud

I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. And that will be reflected in these delicious show notes. There’s only one Judy Gold. Emmy Award winning writer, Author of her latest book “Yes I Can Say That-when they come for comedians, we are all in trouble”, host of the KILL ME NOW podcast, now writing on Better Things, and a lot more. In addition to being sharply, brilliantly funny, she’s just a really interesting person. And leave it to me to take the funniest person in the world and make her talk about crying. In this episode, we talk about how she deals with expressing emotions and specifically; crying. Judy’s always been fearless on stage, but grew up with rules about emotions and beliefs about crying; showing weakness, giving in. Jennifer talks about how a lot of us, not me of course, but many of us are living from these programs we learned by the age of 7; that these programs and beliefs are still running our lives as adults. How do we identify this, and make new conscious choices; how do we question our thoughts? And of course, let’s not forget my favorite; Cortisol, and the addiction getting it through negative tv news, doom scrolling and so much more. Jennifer gives a skill you can use to make more room for emotions and release, how to simply connect with ourselves, takes two seconds. There are cycles of emotion, ebbs and flows, and in our culture, we are taught to resist, and block it. Judy and I also discuss our culture of reacting to celebrity news and celeb scandal, from Woody Allen to Michael Jackson, to the double standard that Trump can say whatever he wants, but when a comic makes a joke that offends someone, they should never be able to go on a stage again. A lot going on in this show. Good stuff, chunky and funky. Which shoukld have been a Ben & Jerry’s flavor, Chunky Funky. Listen to Judy on her podcast KILL ME NOW here: https://www.stitcher.com/show/kill-me-now-with-judy-gold, find her latest book here: https://www.amazon.com/Yes-Can-Say-That-Cant/dp/0062953753 and find skills, media, all kinds of support from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ When able please subscribe, share, follow, review, we appreciate anything and everything! Live stream shows coming. Socialize! https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Jimmy Pardo - Anticipatory Anxiety Party

Jimmy Pardo is never not funny (which is his podcast-and one of the most popular and longest running in the world). It’s a lot of fun talking with him and in this epsiode, Jimmy talks about anticipatory anxiety in going to parties, and I talk about the anxiety I feel of re-entering the world as we get back to living. Jennifer discusses how to use imagination to deal with and address all the things we worry about in the future. But one of my favorite things in the show, is that Jimmy’s son Oliver makes Mary Tyler Moore action figures and dioramas about the Office and Modern Romance. It is the coolest thing, and I will be taking orders and starting his company immediately. And what do we do about how kids feel, fears about Covid and getting used to being around each other again. Really fun show to listen to. Listen to Jimmy’s show here: https://www.nevernotfunny.com/ and find skills, media all kinds of support from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ And please subscribe, share, follow, like, and share a review if you like the show. Live stream shows coming. https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Mike Rowe - A Funny Feeling

On this episode we explore everybody’s favorite topic REJECTION! It’s BYOE-Bring Your Own Emotions. Our guest is the great Mike Rowe. Mike has been a comic and a writer for a long time on shows like Futurama and Family Guy. He has a new book called “It’s A Funny Thing: How The Professional Comedy Business Made Me Fat and Bald.” Mike is funny, period. Anybody in comedy knows that. But he shares stories in this episode about dealing with panic attacks, fears and insecurities. He’s vulnerable and clear and direct about what goes on with him emotionally. I’ve known him a long time, but I learned a number of things I never knew and they are the things that a lot of comics think, but rarely share so openly. And Jennifer gives us some skills to use for dealing and healing through rejection and panic; which go great with either chicken or fish. Find Mike’s Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Funny-Thing-Professional-Business/dp/1629336866

Find Jennifer’s media, services, shows, books and more: https://connectedparenting.com/ And please subscribe, share, follow, like, and share a review if you like the show. Live streaming shows coming. https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Steve Bluestein - Turn This Mother Out!

Steve is a veteran Comic, Writer, Playwright, Actor, Host and Author. His latest book “Point of Pines” is a serious journey into a very dark childhood with a mother who was a textbook narcissist and probably borderline personaity. In this epsiode; Steve talks about the experience of growing up with the abuse of being forced to agree with and believe the lies his mother told him about himself. Whatever his feeling told him, whatever the facts told him, his mom said were wrong; she had made up her own facts; alternate facts. It wasn’t until later in life that Steve found out truths about his mom from people that knew her well. Ultimately, Steve was able to forgive his mom and take care of her until she passed. Jennifer talks about forgiveness and self forgiveness and I do a quick impression of my mom, who was very compassionate; would have told him he was wonderful in a thick Boston accent and asked if anyone had any Sweet N’ Low? he comes from Chelsea Mass, where my mother grew up and we have many people in common. He’s done a lot of work on himself and has come to a much better place, making family from friends. Find connections to all of Steve’s work here: https://stevebluestein.biz/ and his new Youtube talk show Let Me Say This About That https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60EoCklw_A Find Jennifer’s media, services, shows, books and more: https://connectedparenting.com/ And please subscribe, share, follow, like, and share a review if you like the show. Live stream shows coming. https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Steve Mason - Radiohead

I loved talking to Steve. A real pleasure getting to know someone I’ve been a fan of for so many years or radio. So good when you get to know people behind their work. In this episode, we explore what it’s like to be bipolar, to be fully yourself on and off Mic. Steve has been one of the premiere voices in radio and media for many years; you hear him everyday on Mason & Ireland; the number 1 sports talk show in LA on ESPN Radio; and on The Culture Pop Podcast with our friend Sue Kolinsky; really great show with amazing guests like Michael Imperioli. Jennifer shares ideas on how to support someone who is bipolar, or really anyone dealing with a mental helath issue. We also talk about what it was like for Steve to “Come Out” on his show; and the risk, relief and support that he experienced. And Steve was a movie theater owner! So, lot’s of fun in discussing his comfort food movies; like The Godfather 1, II and 3. He’s interviewed every celebrity and athlete in the world over the last 25+ years. What’s the best advice he every received? It came from the actor James Cromwell and he uses the advice every day; it’s about thinking and persepctive. This really is a good reminder about the power of radio, connecting with an audience and learning to connect with yourself. A great listen!

Find everything Steve here: https://stevemason.com/ including The Culture Pop Podcast with Steve Mason and Sue Kolinsky! Find out more about Jennifer, media, services, skills here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and let’s get social here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Merrill Markoe - You Are Smarter Than a 5th Grader

Merrill is a legend, and so funny and interesting to talk with. We talked about her childhood and how growing up with a narcissist mom affected her, falling in love with a childhood nazi and more. These are just a couple of the subjects in her graphic novel based on her grade school diaries called “We Saw Scenery,” The book is a great blend of art, comedy, brain science and personal development. We talk about memories and Jennifer shares skills shares skills for how you can repair and reimagine painful childhood memories. We also touch on the process of how she put the book together, the drawings and the writing. And how she felt while writing, producing, creating Late Night with David Letterman and The Morning Show. A real pleasure! Find Merrill here: http://merrillmarkoe.com/ and more Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and let’s get social here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Madeleine Smithberg - Get Mad

This is a great story of how a person can change their life completely and find something they love. That person is Madeleine Smithberg. She tells the story of a breakup that happened years ago and reconnecting with her former boyfriend 30 years later and relocating to marry him and move to Seattle. There; Mad in The Kitchen was born. It’s a Youtube Cooking Show hosted byMadeleine; http://bit.ly/madkitchen. She is now a frequent guest on The Today Show and is building an empire from her own kitchen. This is a great story about a life pivot. I know Mad as a TV producer, she co-created The Daily Show and worked with Letterman, in fact did cooking segments for Dave’s show. In this show we talk with Jennifer and Madeleine about depression and sadness, and finding very tiny things that you love or that are working or that feel good, in the midst of depression. Also, how do you support someone who is depressed, and that part of it is not resisting, just actually sitting with them and keeping them company. Also how sadness and depression is looked at in different cultures, very different here in the U.S. than other cultures. Depression, like other emotions, is sending a message. Of course, for old people like us; The Dick Van Dyke Show was medicine. And you can hear me discuss food and mood and how the Crasnick Family Crest is a man and a woman standing over a kitchen sink polishing off a box of Doo-Dads in the dark. More Mad here: https://www.madinthekitchen.com/ More Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and let’s get social here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Amber Tozer - Hi Sobriety

Amber is a good friend and one of the few people I talk with fairly regularly. She is uniquely creative, darkly funny and honest; and wrote a terrific book called Sober Stick Figure a few years ago. I love the book, but we’ve never really talked with her about her experience with alcoholism, being in recovery and sobriety. Jennifer talks about skills to deal with the voices that we all try to numb, and the pit in your stomach, when you know what you’re doing is hurting you and yet, you keep doing it. I do that, we all do that. This is a very interesting, unfiltered look from a real talent; brave + aware, sharp with no bullshit. Get Amber’s book here: https://amzn.to/2MzxIPh Find more classes, skills, media and books from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and our social pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Laura Kightlinger - Aneurysm Shmaneurysm

I really enjoyed this show, Laura made us laugh hard; she is wickedly, brilliantly funny with a great brain that almost exploded due to an aneurysm. Jennifer talked about skills for taking care of yourself mentally when you’re hurting physically. We hear about how Laura’s husband Garrett saved her life by getting her to take a drive with him. But two months later, she got a detached retina. We also talk about waiting for good things to happen and how you can have the feeling that comes from what you want right now! If you go for a ride with us, you will hear things that rarely go together; from aneurysm to detached retina, to Laura’s husband depriving her of a lifelong dream of dying in her sleep and having an open casket, to what Ted Bundy’s mother said at his execution, to waiting for good things to happen, to a real dream, a little dream analysis and more. Find Laura here on twitter: @KingKightlinger and here: laurakightlinger.com Find more classes, skills, media and books from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ and our social pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/  

Suli McCullough - Racism, Self-Care + Garry

This is a powerful show. There are a few major themes: Racism and Violence, The Influence of Suli’s mentor Garry Shandling and Self Care through trauma. Suli is a comedian, writer, producer and director. He’s written for shows like The Tonight Show, SNL and The Espy Awards. He’s acted on many shows including The Larry Sanders Show; where he first met Garry Shandling. He takes us through an experience where he was assaulted by a rage filled white racist. And he shares the details of not doing anything at all, being attacked by a neighbor, nobody helping and having to navigate how to deal with police while he was in shock. Unfortunately, this story sounds familar. Not only did he have to deal with the attacker, who lived next door, he also had to plan and be very careful about how he was going to deal with the police. We talk about how he processed and took care of himself. He is a very conscious, aware, talented person who learned a lot from his friendship with Garry Shandling; from writing together, Garry’s regular basketball game with all kinds of well known writers and comics; he calls it “Fight Club with Jokes.”He appears in the Judd Apatow film “The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling.” Also produced by our friend Wayne Federman. Apart from being one of the greatest comic writer, host of all time; Garry had a spiritual practice, part of it shows up in his diaries, in the way he talked to himself. Suli learned how to be present, patient, deal with anger and much more from Garry. With all the anger and reactivitiy in the country; especially now, with what we’ve seen in Washington, we’re looking at the connection between Mental Health and Racism. Find more skills, media, classes, books with Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ follow Suli on twitter @SuliMcCullough and check out Garry Shandling on Twitter which Suli contributes to @GarryShandling and check out The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling on HBO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paerP97n4aA find our social media pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ And here’s to Joe and Kamala; everything is possible.

Blaine Capatch - Happy-Go-Daddy!

I’ve always been a fan of Blaine’s. I like him as a person, I like him as a performer and a writer. In this show we talk about in no particular order: Life as the dad of a 7 year old who was roaming the halls of Luigi’s Mansion wearing headphones as we talked. We talked about screens, from trying to get your kids off of them, to Jennifer talking about the thoughts/images we project with our own thinking. It’s a new year and Jennifer shared info about staying in the now for the new year, training the brain, the fatigue of the last year, the stress and how we can recover. We also connected about theme songs from childhood; for Blaine; it was Room 222, Rockford Files, for me The Dick Van Dyke Show-and Jennifer talked about The emotional theme songs that play in our heads; often negative beliefs that play over and over; and the skill of noticing what you’re thinking, noticing what feels good, rather than what feels scary. And I loved Blaine’s connection with Sci-Fi and that it brings you new perspective, you get to live in the world of “what if?” I know these notes are like a run-on sentence, but after the last week in this country, I’m just glad it’s a new year and I’m still alive. Happy, healthy, recovering and building New Year to you! Find Blaine here on twitter @blainecaptach and here on Christine Blackburn’s Story Smash! https://www.storysmashshow.com/ and find more of Jennifer’s skills, classes, media and support help here: https://connectedparenting.com/

Laura House - Life & Death & Stuff

Laura is a writer on shows like Mom, The George Lopez Show and recently; The Secret Life of Boys for the BBC; a meditation teacher (taught me and Eddie Pepitone, so many), a comic and the co-host of her new podcast Tiny Victories with Annabelle Gurwich. More on that shortly. In this episode though, she talks about dealing with life and death changes. Her mom passed a year and a half ago; she went back to her home in Grand Prairie Texas, relocated there, found her birth mother (something we just touched on by the way) and more; as if there needed to be more. Much more to say, but I’m going for a walk before I go insane. Back in a minute. Ok, I’m back. But still insane. What an impact losing a parent (or anybody) has on you. This has been a year of life changing loss, healing and inspiration. It’s really the perfect show to end the year on. Laura has so much talent on many levels, in this show, listen to her honesty, vulnerability, humor and warmth. Jennifer takes us through skills for healing and dealing with life and death and daily changes that our brain tells us are life and death. Find Laura’s new podcast here: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/tiny-victories/ and find classes, books, podcasts, skills for resilience and well being by Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ Follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ Peace, health and happiness to all, see you next week in the new year!

Holidazing Special - Mo Collins, Gareth Reynolds, Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, Cecily Knobler

If you’re exhausted, mentally drained and ready to lay down, this is your show! Great conversations and skills to get you through holidays or any day. Mo Collins talks about how she deals with morning pandemic panic and classic comedy stories about Parks & Rec + 40 Year Old Virgin. Gareth Reynolds talks relationships, intimacy, The Dollop and does role reversal playing a woman and dating himself. Stefanie Wilder-Taylor and Cecily Knobler talk about anger, The Real Housewives, their real mothers. Because Cecily is also a film critic, we talk about the best and worst movie therapists! Find more skills, media, classes, books with Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ follow Mo: @That_Mo_Collins Gareth: @reynoldsgareth, Stephanie: @stephaniewildertaylor and Cecily: @cecily knobler. Find our social media pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ Peace to all and happy holidazing!

Mary Lynn Rajskub - Know No’s (Young Finkelstein)

This is a good one, just a really good conversation between Mary Lynn, Jennifer and me. Mary Lynn Rajskub is a wildly creative, imaginative comic, actress and person. Sure, Chloe on “24” and work on It’s Always Sunny, Little Miss Sunshine and Punch Drunk Love; to name a few of many. She shares stuff about not being able to say “no” sometimes, that, a story about hiding in a closet from a neighbor, and that she calls her anger “Linda Finkelstein,” that’s enough right there. We talk about how you attract the right people into your life and that kindness can be about saying “no.” Jennifer shares skills for how to use real kindness in your life, for yourself and others. Also, we discuss healthy anger, and as Mary Lynn shares stuff about parenting her 12 year old son, experiencing the anger/frustration that comes with parenting at times, the extremes in your head; Jennifer uses a phrase which is very powerful for a parent to say to their kid when setting limits; “I love you enough for you to be mad at me.” And I talk about feeling hurt and an experience I had when trying to actually put some of the skills we talk about into practice. HAPPY HOLIDAZING! Find Mary Lynn here on twitter @MaryLynnRajskub and here on her website marylynnmarylynn.com. Find more skills, media, classes, books with Jennifer here https://connectedparenting.com/ and find our social media pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ Take care, stay safe and happy holidazing!

Strugglefest 2020 Special! Howie Mandel, Judd Apatow, Kevin Pollak, Phil Rosenthal, Cathy Ladman, Wendy Liebman, Kira Soltanovich and Wayne Federman!

In this very very special episode, we share some of our amazing guests and the fact that no matter who you are, we are all in this together trying to deal and heal with pandemically insane struggle! You’ll hear guest clips from Howie, Judd and Phil, as well as Wayne Federman, Kira Soltanovich, Cathy Ladman, Wendy Liebman about how they think about and deal with their mental health; AND you’ll hear great skills, practices, brain hacks and more from Jennifer Kolari. And really, that would be more than enough. You’ll also hear Kevin Pollak as Al Pacino doing a Masterclass on Anger. Find more skills, media, books and classes from Jennifer here https://connectedparenting.com/ and find our social media pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ Take care, stay safe and happy holidazing!

Maria Bamford - How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

There is only one Maria Bamford. Nobody is brighter, sunnier and more articulate about the often dark corridors of mental struggle. Listening to her is a joy, she’s just very honest and real about herself. We talk about her latest comedy special “Weakness Is The Brand” on Amazon Prime; https://www.amazon.com/Maria-Bamford-Weakness-Brand/dp/B0814NP31Z commenting on herself while performing. Jennifer shares something really interesting and useful here. We talk about the difference between being Nice and Being Kind. Kind, is that you are honest, present with yourself and others; while Nice is something you try to be because you don’t like where you are, or what you feel. People try to be nice, and kind is being honest and real, genuine, caring for yourself and others. We look into interesting stuff with Maria about how she deals with anger and that it can come out in passive-agressive ways, like being late. Wow, can I relate to that one. A little tech disclaimer here, we had to do this on Zoom and somehow, some of the show was lost. However, she’s so good that we have a great show anyway. Hopefully she will come back soon and we can follow up on everything from suicidal ideation and how she and her husband deal with that among a number of other cool subjects. We talk about how her comedy has evolved and how her dad liked her former jokes, which he got more. We also talked about her mom who was bi-polar and a therapist, and how she dealt with her as a kid. Jennifer shares some great skills for the holidays; like finding anything that’s good or neutral in the present is a great holiday gift. And last but maybe least, is the bit on the new Lifetime Mental Health Movie Channel, and Neurological holiday gift items. Find everything Maria here https://www.mariabamford.com/. Find more skills, media, books and classes from Jennifer here https://connectedparenting.com/ and find our social media pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/ we’ll have our twitter page up shortly, and trying to post more here: https://twitter.com/EdCrasnick

Teresa Strasser - Take Me Out To The Emotional Ballgame

Teresa is an Emmy winning writer, a TV host, journalist, mom of 2 boys, has worked with Adam Carolla on his show, and has a podcast with Gina Grad called Easy Listening. We talk about a lot with Jennifer including how to teach kids who are struggling to reach for one small slightly better thought than what they are having. And that for all of us who feel like we have no time for mental health stuff, or meditation or other practices, that if we have time to worry, we have time for some kind of practice in our lives to help us feel better. We also start the show with The Eckhart Tolle GPS, so look out. Teresa talked about dealing with her son and his disappointment over a game, how challenging it was for her to have him suffer and how she wanted to fix it, do something about it. Jennifer talked about empathetic listening and validating what our kids are feeling, that kids are resilient and can get through their feelings easier, if we just sit, listen, and mirror back to them what they are feeling. Jennifer was, as usual, amazing and very helpful. You have to check out her videos about The C.A.L.M. Technique! Teresa also talked about using the image of a stop sign in her head to deal with difficult emotions. I love that! And I want to do a whole line of emotional trafiic signs. Yield, no resentment zones, Emotional rest stops, gas, food and crying. For some reason I talked about how I used to isolate and hiding from people, numbing myself wih food, and how what freed me from that, was telling someone what I was doing, calling it out. Just being honest and real about how we are coping, especially now. It was great to have Teresa on the show and I really admire her honesty and vulnerability. Happy Thanksgiving to everybody, we’re very thankful to have you guys listening! Find Teresa’s new podcast here http://easylisteningshow.com/ and find more skills, media, books and classes from Jennifer here https://connectedparenting.com/ and find our social media pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/, https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Eddie Pepitone - Eat Pray Blood/Skills for Body, Mind and Spirit

Great show as usual with Eddie. No one brings the spiritual, the horror and the peace better. In this episode Jennifer gives us some perspective on food and mood, being conscious about the good things our bodies do for us, rather than beat the crap out of ourselves. Ok, myself! Ok, it’s my fault! And a cool bedtime imagination skill to use. Eddie shares something that’s been working for him; no media for the first 2 hours of the day. We talk about witnessing thoughts and some of the spiritual work he does. It’s a good conversation and an interesting listen. Find everything Eddie here: https://www.eddiepepitone.com/ Find more skills, classes, media from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/and our social pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/, https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Peter Spruyt - Election 2, Joy, Loss & Listening

We talk about election fallout and listening skills. Jennifer and I role play Republicans and Democrats, first not listening to each other and then trying some empathetic listening. 75 Million are experiencing joy and 70 million have loss. And there’s very little connection between these two extremes. Peter is a great standup, actor, writer, producer, father of a 12 year old daughter. He shares the process of parenting his daughter through grief and loss and navigating anxiety, and growing up in our insane world. The same empathy and connection that voters on both sides need, similar listening skills are needed to be a parent. Also, we play a clip from Dave Chapelle’s monologue on SNL at the top of the show-click here to watch it. which is beyond brilliant and should be put in a time capsule. All about the election, humility and hating the feeling of loss, but not the people on the other side. Listening without convincing or trying to change or fix, is a real practice. It is a huge gift. I’m used to looking at life from no sides now, rather than both sides now. Join us, listen, rinse, repeat, subscribe, share. Newsletter and live shows coming soon! Peter and Sally Brooks have a new pilot with Annette Bening. Find some of Peter’s work here: http://www.peterspruyt.com/.  Find Jennifer’s classes, skills, podcasts, books and more here: https://connectedparenting.com/ Connect on our social pages here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedypodcast/

Carlos Alazraqui - Election Stress Insider

It’s election exstressaganza week. Carlos Alazraqui is a terrific voice actor, comic, improviser, dad… the voice of Rocko on Rocko’s Modern Life, Detective Garcia on Reno 911, many more. Ever since I’ve known him, he’s been constantly creating. In this episode we look into reactions and where they come from. Jennifer works on skills for election stress and shares that when we have strong reactions, like during an election, or a difference of opinion, to look inside and focus on us rather than what we’re reacting to. Carlos talks about how he deals with his own reactions, surrounding the election, being the parent of a kid in show business and dealing with rejection. Jennifer talks about family systems, how most parents deal with extremes and try to balance each other out, generally not being on the same page. And… this show has a classic bit from the comedy team Lank and Earl and Carlos as Ricardo Montalban welcoming us to Presidential Fantasy Island. Find out about Carlos’ shows and dates here: http://www.carlosalazraqui.com/ Find more of Jennifer’s skills and media and classes here: https://connectedparenting.com/ find more comedy and music from Jim Earl here: http://www.jimearl.com/ and find writing, articles and comedy from Barry Lank here: https://twitter.com/BarryLank

Chuck Sklar + Danielle Koenig - Chaos & Overwhelm

Chuck and Danielle are two multi- talented comedy writers and comics. We talked election chaos, media overwhelm and how this kind of chaos and stress affects our thinking and things we can do to deal and get a semblance of sanity. You don’t usually see a lot of podcasts that use a word like “semblance.” That’s what sets us apart.  We also talked about how to focus thinking, depression, parenting, and trusting that emotions are changing and temporary. And Jennifer shared some NLP skills to release repetitive thoughts. I shared how I think on a bike-ride and how simply focusing on what feels good in the moment, shifted me into another state, not a red or blue state, which I wish Dr. Seuss had warned us about when we were kids. Chuck has helped to produce a new movie out on Amazon Prime called Tom of Your Life, written and directed by his brother Jeremy Sklar! check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Tom-Your-Life-Baize-Buzan/dp/B08FSXTGSW Danielle has a new project with Soul Pancake, find her here: https://twitter.com/DanielleBKoenig?s=20 and find all of Jennifer’s media, classes, books and services at https://connectedparenting.com/ Find us here; stay safe, stay aware, be kind: http://makelightmedia.com/podcast  https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/

Gareth Reynolds - The Rock & Role Play

In addition to being the co-host of a very popular podcast called The Dollop along with Dave Anthony; Gareth is a standup, writer and actor. Let me explain that the title of the show is about the fact that he kept talking about his love and envy for The Rock, and that we did some role play where he became a woman. Gareth was part of the comedy team Evan and Gareth and I met them early on, one of the things I loved about their act was the role play dating skteches they would do where one or the other would dress up like a woman. In a show like ours though, what triggered this was talking about intimacy and wanting to share life with someone during a time when there’s isolation and so much is shut down. Jennifer talked about the fact that the relationship you have with yourself, your thoughts your feelings, is the rehearsal for a relationship with a partner. And the practice of imagination, how to use imagination to make space for the right partner, even during this insane time. And how when you practice imagining, you actually are rewiring your brain toward what you want, rather than what you don’t. It’s a good show and a pleasure to talk with a multi-talented friend, who is also a really caring person-and has an obsession with The Rock. Find out more about Gareth, tour dates, shows, The Dollop etc here www.garethreynolds.com. And find out about Jennifer’s classes, podcasts, resilience skills and therapy at her organization https://connectedparenting.com/. And if you have any famous movie lines that you would like to use as a personal mantra in life, we’d love to hear them. Contact us at http://makelightmedia.com/ or on our pages here https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast, https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/. And if you want to get involved with an amazing group to help people vote, https://peoplesaction.org/volunteer/ Go easy and kind.

David Earl Waterman - Black & Whiteness

We went from you can’t handle the truth to you can’t find the truth in this country. David Earl Waterman has had a really interesting life; starting with growing up in a mixed race Brady Bunch. His white mom with 3 kids, remarried a black man with 3 kids, and that’s how he was raised. He talked about white priviledge and the accountability that goes with it. In our new “Skill of The Week” segment; Jennifer shares a skill called “The Eagle.” It’s literally picking yourself up and moving to different spots in the room and speaking from different perspectives, from the news, your family, the people and issues we all react to. It starts with us, so we have to go back into what’s going on with us; and when I say “us”, I mean me. Find out more about Jennifer’s work, skills, videos, podcasts and services here: https://connectedparenting.com/. David also talks abouth his work in Special Ed, Counseling and Advocacy for people dealing with developmental disabilities and mental health issues. Find out more about David here: http://bit.ly/davidearlwaterman. Fun Fact: Dave and I worked together on a show called Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush for ABC, Dave was the host and they flew him over a studio audience to the tune of the Kenny Rogers classic “LADY.” I’m not kidding. It’s crazyville outside and inside, but nothing will change in my family or the country, until I start with myself and become aware of what’s going on with how I relate to my own thoughts and feelings. Subscribez Vous, if you’ll pardon my French + Thanks for listening! Find us: share, like, rinse and repeat here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast, https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/

Zoe Friedman - Comedy Gives Back + Teen Parenting is a Real Mother!

I’ve known Zoe for a long time and she has been in comedy her whole life. We get into Zoe’s life as the parent of a teenage son and the emotional rollercoaster. She’s done a lot of work on herself, and yet, parenting a teen can be a real mother. Jennifer talks about how Parents are really subsitute frontal lobes, really standing in for their kid’s brains that have not fully developed. And we talk about the practice of reaching for better thoughts and how to rewire your brain. Find out more about Jennifer’s skills, classes, services for kids, families and adults at https://connectedparenting.com/. Zoe’s parents founded The Improv and her playmates were friends like Andy Kaufman, she would find people like Jay Leno sleeping on the couch. After years producing for Letterman and developing TV and digital shows at places like Comedy Central and Warner Brothers; she has Co-Founded Comedy Gives Back https://www.comedygivesback.com/. It provides emotional, financial and social support for Comics. Recently, they produced the streamathon LAUGH AID for comics who couldn’t work due to Covid and raised a lot of money, giving grants to many comics to help them survive. Thanks for listening! Find us: share, like, rinse and repeat here: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast, https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/

Greg Fitzsimmons - Close Encounters of The Pandemic Kind

Greg is a great standup, writer and the host of 3 different podcasts, including The Fitzdog Radio Podcast, Childish and Sunday Papers. Always love talking with him. He shared thoughts and ideas about how the pandemic has brought him even closer emotionally to his family; how he deals with depression and how he’s learned to be honest about depression as a parent. Jennifer as usual, teaches a cool skill to deal immediately with negative thinking. It’s making a box from left to right, up and down with eye movement. We explore overwhelm, judgement, forgiveness, and how many relatives are rolling over in their graves as I tape a show on Yom Kippur. I also attended services, in case God is reading these show notes. Greg had interesting things to say about the country having a breakdown, the politically reactive climate and how he thinks of audiences who might be different politically, how he finds the commonality in the humanity of people, beyond the politics. Good show, good listen. Jennifer has so much going, skills, podcasts, classes and more here https://connectedparenting.com/ and find out everything, shows and more for Greg here https://gregfitzsimmons.com/ Please subscribe, share, rinse, like and follow us when able. https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast  https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/

Phil Rosenthal - Live and Let Lunch

Besides being the host of The Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil and the creator/exec producer of Everybody Loves Raymond; Phil is busy. He’s busy helping people, including me. You could fill a stadium with the people and organizations he’s helped. On this episode; Phil shares some very basic things he does to feel good; reaching for what’s good in your life, especially now.Jennifer and I talk about The Reticular Activation System; it’s the part of your brain that takes the millions of thoughts in our subconscious, and filters them to our conscious mind, so that we are not overwhelmed. Isn’t that nice of the brain? Nice brain, good thinking brain. Jennifer gives us a focus challenge and how you can pratcice focusing, using imagination to change your beliefs and your mental health. We talk about Lunch and how lunch, just like an act break in a sitcom, is the tentpole of his day, it’s a way of taking care of himself. Phil has been doing Movie Nights since he was a teenager until now, when he has movies, in a movie theater, with actors, writers, directors, from the movie you’re watching; before that, you’re eating in the kitchen, talking with great people and having pizza made by a chef from a wood burning oven, which happens to be in the wall. Somebody Feed Phil actually comes from all this. When I think of him, I think about someone who knows how to live, thats what I get from knowing him. How you are is who you are. Somewhere in there is a bumper sticker, and a multi-level marketing empire! So keep calm and carry your iphone to listen. Subscribe here, listen wherever. Find Jennifer and her amazing organization connected parenting here https://connectedparenting.com and find all the amazing episodes of Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix and look at this, a new season coming Oct 30!! Find out more here https://philrosenthalworld.com/ Thanks for listening, please take care, share when able and visit us here, let us know how you’re doing and if you like us, like us.  https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedypodcast/

Rose Abdoo - Talking to Your Brain

Rose is like family, a wonderful actress who has worked on so many shows; like The Gilmore Girls, Parenthood and movies like My Best Friend’s Wedding and Good Night & Good Luck. She’s a great Second City trained improviser too, and has improved her way through life issues, health issues, a cancer survivor. In this episode, we talk about the brain and how to listen and actually talk to your brain; how to deal with anxiety and listen for the messages your brain sends, or that your emotions are sending. Jennifer also gives a variety of breathing and anxiety relief skills, also something you can do when dealing with difficult or overwhelming people. Find out more skills, classes and info about Jennifer and her organization Connected Parenting here connectedparenting.com. Another thing that is so cool about Rose is that she crafts these miniatures, figures that are very tiny (smaller than a penny) like a cat driving a chocolate eclair car, with macaroon tires. This kind of stuff, calms and quiets the brain. We connect to the same kind of pop culture nostalgia, because who else can you say the words “Steve & Edie” too, and they know exactly what you mean. Check out Rose’s Facebook page to see her creations www.facebook.com/rose.abdoo and look for her on Better Things, Bless This Mess and a new upcoming film in October called FRIENDSGIVING!

Chris Mancini - Comedy, Horror & Mental Health, A Love Story

Chris is a writer, producer, director, comic and host. He is also a dad who deals with intense anxiety. One of the ways he deals, is by writing both comedy and horror. In this epsiode, Jennifer shares a myriad (never used that word before, excited!) Jennifer shares a myriad of anxiety and brain rewiring skills for the mid-brain, limbic, fight or flight system. She asks horror fans to use breathing techniques while watching their fav horror films. Loving that. Find all Jennifer’s amazing work on mental health and resilience skills, classes and services here https://connectedparenting.com/. Chris has a number of things to check out, like this, a bedtime storytelling podcast, that’s designed to help you sleep. The Quiet Journeys of Professor Atwood. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-tour-of-the-lab/id1526404626 find Chris here https://twitter.com/chrisjmancini

Stefanie Wilder-Taylor & Cecily Knobler, Anger & Friendship 2, Electric Boogaloo

Okay, a lot to say here. First of all Stefanie and Cecily are two multi-talented friends with a great podcast called BORED AF https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bored-af/id1506205198. We talk about anger, expressing it, dealing with it, setting limits. Jennifer shares skills about anger and how if you’re expressing, raging and it feels really good when you’re expressing it, that’s how you know you’re out of whack, actually we said, that’s how you know you’re being an asshole, for the record. Anger should not feel good if you’re being conscious about it. Stefanie and Cecily have been friends for years, and though they have very differnt ways of communicating, they respect and each other while getting hooked on The Real Housewives. Dorinda is particularly triggering for Stefanie. They also talk about how they have both learned to manage their relationships with their moms. Maybe that’s the source of the whole Dorinda thing. We also talk a bit about movie therapists, the good, the bad and the ugly. But there is a special clip in this one that you will love. All I can say is Al Pacino’s Masterclass on Anger, do not miss it. You can find out about Jennifer’s work, classes, media and help for parenting and self parenting right here at https://connectedparenting.com/. Please share. subscribe, rinse and repeat, literally and liberally. Check us on social media pages, everywhere. And write us, tell us what you struggle with and what’s working for your mental health, we want to hear from you. This is a skill and a practice, so let’s help each other. It takes a village and also the village people. You heard me right. Stay well. We practice mental helath skills anyone can use to live happier, if you are in need of serious and or immediate help… here are 60 resources for you… https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/mental-health-resources-list/ and this is Nami’s helpline, (natl assn of mental illness) 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org. Special thanks to my dear friend Kevin Pollak for his amazing Al Pacino… here http://bit.ly/kevinpollakpacino

Mo Collins - Life is an Improv

Mo is a great comedic actress and improviser, now on Fear The Walking Dead and prior on shows like Parks and Rec and for years on MAD TV. Jennifer gives us some breathing skills, talks about awareness and the brain, as well as dropping and resting your tongue on the bottom of your teeth to calm that whoosh of panic feeling so many people are feeling right now. Find out more about Jennifer’s skills, books and classes at https://connectedparenting.com/ Mo came on my show years ago and revealed that she had cancer, then she reversed roles with the cancer live. Happy to say, she is a survivor, who has a lot of courage. We also talk about self parenting and turning on awareness and how Mo’s improv skills and saying YES to emotions, thoughts and situations have helped her in life. And a couple of moments that we talk about in the show from Parks and Rec and The 40 Year Old Virgin. (as Gina, but she pronounces it like the abbreviation for Virginia as a prefix. Stay safe and well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX5ZlXKJCII&t=88s + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYBo5eS5pW8

Sue Kolinsky - Born To Run

Sue is a close friend and I’ve always been inspired by her talent and also the things she does to take care of herself. In this episode, Sue talks about a difficult time in her life when she found “Running”, not running emotionally (which I won a gold medal for in Austria) actual running, like marathons-and the community of running clubs. And if you can’t run, imagine yourself running; it helps your brain! And, did you know that when people put their hand on their foreheads like the world is ending, it’s a way of taking care of the brain? This was constant in my family and gives me new respect for my relatives, who could create great drama over a sandwich. Jennifer takes us through simple physical things we can do to take care of our mental health! Also, procrastination and learning to rewire the brain, by making very small decisions about tiny things and using a countdown to do them; counting down 3,2,1. The counting overrides the brain. Things you can actually do… Like everything else, a practice. Help from Jennifer is here https://connectedparenting.com/. And Sue’s show with Steve Mason is here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culture-pop/id1457541415. If this was 1990, I would say BOO-YAH here! Please listen, subscribe, share and connect with us, on FB, Instagram or Twitter!

Wendy Liebman - Laughing, Healing and Dealing

I knew Wendy when she first started doing standup in Boston. While she is uniquely and sharply funny, she really understands and appreciates the healing and community that laughing together brings. Jennifer has some really cool skills about observing your feelings and how to get the fight or flight brain to calm down and by turning up the volume on awareness and choice. It’s a really interesting, entertaining and useful episode. When do you see those three things together? When!! And I’m sending these show notes to the FBI, the federal bureau of insecurity, for decoding and declassifying. Find Jennifer’s amazing skills, classes and more here: https://connectedparenting.com/ Find out about Wendy, her special and her great show “locally grown comedy” here: http://www.wendyliebman.com/ And when able, pls share and subscribez vous (if you’ll pardon my French!)

Christine Blackburn - Kidskills that chill

Parenting during Covid and a worldwide breakdown is like standing in a canoe. How do you balance it all? Christine Blackburn is a host, a speaker, actress and a friend. She has been doing a fantastic show called The Storyworthy Podcast for over 10 years!! Unprecedented! I’ve been on it a number of times and she is an exceptional host and storyteller. She is also the mom of an amazing 13 year old and we talk about Co-Parenting and how different it is than the way she was raised. Jennifer shares a number of skills to connect with your kids during this crazy time and how parents are actually sustitute frontal lobes (if you’ll pardon my French) for their teens. And she tells the story of how she got into working with parents and founding https://connectedparenting.com/- great resources for parents and families! Christine also has a lot of clarity and perspective on parenting and life. Whereas, I need Waze to get to the bathroom. She also has a social media marketing company, a book, a new solo show and a weekly livestreamed show on Zoom every Sunday night. Find Christine here http://christineblackburn.com/ and on social media everywhere!

Kira Soltanovich - Parental Guidance Dance Party

Kira is so funny and talented. She is also a mom who is parenting two young kids and in many ways her own mom. So shes a mom squared and her parents are Russian. There's a lot going on. She's brilliant and busy as hell. Kira called us from her car, in front of her house. A stakeout, perhaps. In this episode, we're talking about parenting skills, and anytime we're talking parenting skills, it's about how we parent ourselves also. Jennifer teaches some skills to deal and connect with strong willed, gifted, "Gladiator kids." Not they they were in the movie with Russell Crowe, but the same passion about Legos as an Annihilating a city. She teaches specific skills called The C.A.L.M. technique. If I did any one of them, I would much taller, more sane and have my hair back, no question. Really useful skills that can be practiced by anyone. Find this and other skills from Jennifer here https://connectedparenting.com/ and The C.A.L.M. technique here https://bit.ly/calmorama. Enjoy, subscribe, share, live and stay well.

Howie Mandel - America's Got Mental Health Issues

It was a pleasure to have Howie on the show. He is a huge mental health advocate and opened up about his own issues with OCD, what actually happens, how it feels and what he does to take care of himself. He says if you’re human, you’re going to need coping skills in your life. Jennifer gives us some great skills for bedtime and throughout the day to rewire our brain, that we can all do. Thinking thoughts about people, places, things that we love, using imagination to actually feel and sense the good things we can choose in any moment, builds the brain. We can learn to take our thoughts and brain in the direction we want to go. She also uses a term I’ve never heard “Reverse-worry.” And I wear a new headset that makes me sound like Frank from Blue Velvet. When able, please listen, subscribe/share and thanks for listening!

Jonathan Katz - Imagination - Using Your Inside Voice-Over

Jonathan has always been an inspiration to me. One of the most creative comedy thinkers of all time, just the funniest. In this episode Jonathan talks about dealing with MS and where Dr. Katz's therapy stylings came from. Jennifer shows us how to practice imagining the best and change our inner voice-over when listening to someone who is overwhelming or stuck in a negative loop, how to actually lift people up who are struggling, and this includes ourselves. And I obsess about a clicking noise and blame Zoom for all my personal problems. 

Amber Tozer + Tim Arthur    Relationshipping + Chew-Chew Training

Amber and Tim are two really creative, caring, brilliant multi-talented people; so it makes sense that they would meet on Tim's BBC radio show in London during Amber's book tour for her memoir "Sober Stick Figure." (which you should get immediately if you haven't read or heard it yet!) I am lucky to have them as friends. This episode is about relationships, between Tim and Amber, between ourselves and our brain, between us and anxiety. Jennifer gives some great skills to deal, and helps us to understand how anxiety actually works, change the way we think about it and what we can practice to deal with it.  This is also about sound and sensitivity; something called Misophonia, which many people experience. I happen to be a very loud chewer (which I was voted on in high school) I and can relate to sensitivity, especially sound and light. Can always find great resources, classes, videos and services from Jennifer here: https://connectedparenting.com/ Find Amber here: https://twitter.com/AmberTozer, and get her book here: https://bit.ly/soberstickfigure. And find Tim here: https://www.jla.co.uk/conference-speakers/tim-arthur

Judd Apatow - The King of Mental Health Comedy Island

I so wanted to come up with a funny title using one of Judd's movies, but obviously didn't. This show was about directing... your brain. It was so great to have him on the show. We talked about things like anxiety, how it can work for you and against you. We talked about how he takes care of himself and the choices he makes all day in his career, and the ones he's learning how to make about what he thinks and how he feels. His hyper-vigilance and how it's helped his career, while adversely affecting his well being. I've known Judd for many years, from way back as a comic who carried around a notepad, to being a TV Producer and was lucky enough to work briefly with him on a show. I could talk with him for hours about comedy and comedy stories, but this was unique, interesting and loved getting to know him in a whole new way. Find info about Judd’s latest film The King of Staten Island here: https://www.thekingofstatenisland.com/

Wayne Federman -Imagination and Emotional Theme Songs

This is an amazing episode with more skills, brain hacks, tips and the great Wayne Federman! Wayne asks a million great questions, Jennifer gives a million great answers and I wonder why I'm still in show business. So much comes up, like the theme songs in our heads that play endlessly, like "I'm Not Enough by Ed Crasnick and The Insecurities." Do anxiety and excitement act the same way in your body? How to use your imagination to deal with your everyday thoughts and feelings, what is cognitive emotional rehearsal, much easier than it sounds, it's another way of practicing mental health. I don't know anyone who had their own film festival, and we could stop right there, but let's go on... he wrote a biography of "Pistol" Pete Maravich; and had supporting comedic acting roles in The X-Files, The Larry Sanders Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Crashing and films like Legally Blonde, The 40 Year Old Virgin, and was the head monologue writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and co-produced the Emmy-winning HBO documentary The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling. We're out of time, goodnight! Wayne is just a really creative, interesting guy. With all that, he also shares stuff about his stage fright, how he deals with anxiety, panic. Do not miss Wayne, find him here at http://www.waynefederman.com/Wayne_Federmans_Official_Web_Site/Home.html

Eddie Pepitone -Panicology, Procrastination and You

No one has the range of Eddie Pepitone, from raging comic to spiritual seeker, part Jackie Gleason, part Eckhart Tolle. We’ve done a lot together and always love to talk with him. In this episode, Eddie puts a temporary restraining order on his brain. Jennifer tells us that balancing thoughts and feelings is like standing a canoe, and that the opposite of addiction is connection. And how to choose what we think, how to take the focus off what we don’t want and put it on what we do want. We practice rewiring our brains and change the program by not agreeing with the crazy thoughts we have. And instead of saying “I have to do something, then beating yourself up about it, say “I GET TO DO THIS.”Other than that, nothing much happens in this show. Find Eddie at https://www.eddiepepitone.com/ and watch his latest special For the Masses here: https://bit.ly/eddieforthemasses

Cathy Ladman -Love and Fear, Emotionfest

Cathy is a great friend, veteran comic and actress, no one is more loving, or knows fear better. In this episode, Jennifer teaches Cathy a physical exercise to practice looking at problems and other life issues that create fear. And we have a little drivers test on how to steer emotions. And I explore why I’m still in the business, in my mind. Find Cathy at https://www.cathyladman.com/

Cecily Knobler -Thinkytown, Think Better Skills

Cecily is a very talented comedy writer/author/comic/film critic, who has survived open heart surgery with humor and courage. So what am I complaining about? In this very special episode, Jennifer teaches us a trick we can do with our tongues that actually relaxes us immediately. And we practice dealing with panic. Why isn’t there a spray for that? Cecily is brilliant, find her on twitter imediately! https://twitter.com/Cecilysaysstuff

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