Alanis Morissette on Anger, Anxiety, and Being Multitudinous

Alanis Morissette has been one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her generation. Join us as she talks about her experiences with anxiety and depression, and why she doesn’t dislike being labeled as angry — even though she’s “irretrievably Canadian and relational.” 

Morissette also discusses her role as a feminist icon, the mental health lessons she has drawn after 25 years in the public eye, and what it means to be multitudinous. Listen now!

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the show's official episode page.

Guest Bio

Since 1995, Alanis Morissette has been one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive music and performances have earned vast critical praise and seven Grammy awards. Morissette’s 1995 debut, “JAGGED LITTLE PILL,” was followed by nine more eclectic and acclaimed albums. She has contributed musically to theatrical releases and has acted on the big and small screen. On December 5, 2019, “JAGGED LITTLE PILL” the musical made its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The show was nominated for fifteen Tony Awards and won two Tony Awards at the 2021 ceremony. In July 2020, Alanis released her ninth studio album, “Such Pretty Forks in the Road,” to rave reviews. In August 2021, Alanis kicked off her sold-out world tour celebrating 25 years of “Jagged Little Pill.” The tour became the #1 female-fronted tour of 2021 and one of the Top Worldwide Tours of 2021 selling over 500,000 tickets. Alanis also stars in Fox’s sitcom, “The Great North,” which will return for season 3 in 2022.

Outside entertainment, Alanis is an avid supporter of mental health, female empowerment, and spiritual and physical wellness. In 2016, she launched “Conversation with Alanis Morissette,” a podcast that features conversations with a variety of revered authors, doctors, educators, and therapists, covering a wide range of psychosocial topics, extending from spirituality to recovery to developmentalism to art. Guests have included Gabor Maté and Dan Siegel as well as many other leaders and teachers. A dedicated charitable activist, she has supported numerous causes that focus on empowerment, art, psychological and spiritual healing, relationships, and environmental causes, earning her a Global Tolerance Award from the United Nations. Alanis was also honored with the Rock the Vote’s Patrick Lippert Award for her dedication to causes making the world safer for young people, including the benefit concert Groundwork:Act to Reduce Hunger, as well as several fundraisers for gun control and 9/11 relief. Along with Harville Hendrix, John Gottman, Sue Johnson, and Dr. Dan Siegel, Alanis founded the Relationships First Organization, which empowers people to communicate without criticism, listen without judgment, and connect through their differences. She has given keynote talks at a variety of events, including the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference and 1440 Multiversity, where she explored “remaining connected with oneself, spirit and others.”

Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without.

To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

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