Margaret Cho (comedian, Fire Island, Flight Attendant, Hacks) opens up about dissociation, queerness, and her love for rescuing animals. She gives us a peek into her impressive cat palace, explains what bisexuality means to her and why comedy is her safe space. Margaret discusses the origins and triggers of her struggles with dissociation and how she is able to harness its benefits in her acting. She takes us through her journey through recovery from opiate abuse and her experiences with EMDR therapy. Mayim breaks down compulsive overeating, and she and Margaret consider the notion of palatability within the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to body- and age-shaming.

Margaret Cho: Remove Your Investment in Pain

Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown is a quirky, informative, and interactive podcast breaking down the myths and misunderstandings about mental health and emotional well-being. Neuroscientist Mayim Bialik combines her academic background with vast personal experience to provide listeners with valuable practical advice focusing on removing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging an understanding of the mind-body connection.  Nothing is off limits as Mayim breaks it down with an amazing collection of guests.

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EXCLUSIVE REACTIONS: Mayim, Jenna von Oy, and Christy Carlson Romano dive deep into the explosive QUIET ON SET documentary, from the heartbreaking abuse exposed by some of their peers, to their own firsthand accounts of the pressures they faced as child actors.

Mayim, Christy, and Jenna reflect on how the model for kids’ tv made child actors particularly vulnerable, the dangers of children working in the high pressure entertainment industry, the trauma-bonding nature watching the doc has had for their peer community, whether the system can truly be reformed, and ways to effectively pivot the conversation from sensationalistic gossip to promoting real change in the industry.

Christy reveals why she has currently chosen NOT to watch the documentary, breaks down her reservations about the exploitative nature of "trauma tourists," and explains more about the important advocacy work organizations like the Looking Ahead program (@alifeinthearts) are doing to connect child actors and their families with essential resources.

THEY ALSO DISCUSS: 
- The dangers of dangling fame in front of child actors
- The role parents have to play, even if a studio tries to remove them
- The importance of teaching children to use their voices
- The crucial need for female representation and trauma-informed care in the entertainment industry

This episode is a must-listen, from revealing the dark side of how the entertainment millions love was actually made, to the exploration of what we can all do to ensure the safety of children everywhere.

Response to QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV

What are the effects of love on the brain?
Can ADHD worsen as we age?
Why do we crave certain foods at certain times?
How do I know when I've outgrown my relationship with my therapist?

Mayim answers these questions and MORE on another episode of Ask Mayim Anything!

SHE BREAKS DOWN:
- "Stuck Song" Syndrome, AKA "Earworms"
- The correlation between head injuries and mental illness (including treatments to help!)
- Sensory Processing Disorder and when to seek support for it
- The differences between hyper- and hyposensitivity
- Why oxytocin can lead to attachment
- The effects of low levels of serotonin

PLUS we have a SPECIAL GUEST this episode.....

Nurture Neuroscientist, Infant Sleep Educator, & Doula Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum joins us to explain how breastfeeding promotes the bond between parent and child, and her TOP 5 REASONS your baby isn’t sleeping!

Mayim also tackles your ADHD questions, from why more women are being diagnosed with ADHD to the causes of exacerbated ADHD symptoms.

She also reflects on her animated voiceover roles and the risks of being friends with your therapist.

TUNE IN to see if your question was answered this episode!!!

Ask Mayim Anything #6: Earworms, Love’s Effects on the Brain, Outgrowing Your Therapist, ADHD & Age, The Breastfeeding Bond

Dive deep into the world of Somatic Experiencing with Dr. Peter A. Levine, the revolutionary developer of this transformative approach designed to help us access the body's stored memories in order to heal trauma.

Dr. Levine explains why releasing trauma is so IMPORTANT to our overall health, wealth, and ability to connect with others. He shares how traditional doctors initially didn't understand somatic experiencing and how the alarming prevalence of sexual trauma in our society impacts the way we communicate with one another.


DR. LEVINE ALSO BREAKS DOWN: 
- How the brain compartmentalizes trauma as a survival mechanism
- The use of hallucinogens to process death
- The dangers of exposure therapy
- How the mechanism of dissociation can protect our mind-body from overwhlem
- What sexual trauma looks like emotionally & spiritually
- The role of creative imagination in determining our true selves
- Collective consciousness and his posthumous conversations with Albert Einstein
- How the mind-body holds memory of preverbal trauma, such as abandonment
- Dissipative & Catastrophe Theories and Premature Cognition
- What prevents us from returning to equilibrium after a traumatic event
- How play opens creativity
- Why we should have compassion for the child within us



This episode will change how you view your body's memories and the hidden power they hold in healing. From exploring the brain's survival mechanisms to unlocking the secrets of sexual trauma healing, don't miss this chance to discover the key to healing trauma!

Stuck Emotions Are Making You Sick, with Dr. Peter A. Levine!

This week we're sitting down with the fearless, hilarious, and thoughtful Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, Fleabag) as he opens up about the challenges that have shaped him, from his early battles with OCD and questioning his identity, to intense enmeshment with his mother and overcoming those tendencies as he navigates adult relationships.

Brett opens up about:
- The ways he felt different growing up
- His early experiences with drug use
- His OCD around numbers and fear of the future
- Why questioning his sexuality as a kid led him to have a breakdown

He also shares insights on method acting, the importance of creating space for men to challenge toxic masculinity, and the importance of infusing all of your endeavors with a little bit of yourself.

PLUS Mayim explains why self-centeredness may actually be at the root of our attempts at caring for others!

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dance between our past experiences and our present selves.

TUNE IN to find out how facing your past can dramatically reshape your future!

I Was Enmeshed with My Mom, with Brett Gelman

Vagus Nerve Secrets REVEALED: Discover how to feel safe with the groundbreaking creator of the Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stephen Porges!

Dr. Porges helps us answer all of the important questions, like:
- Why are we attracted to "BAD" people?
- How can trauma prevent us from accessing the body’s healing resources, AND what is the link between TRAUMA & OBESITY?
- Why do certain sounds instantly calm us down?
- Why might neurodivergent individuals have a hard time connecting with others?
- How can vagus findings be used to improve institutions like prisons, hospitals, and schools?

PLUS find out what signals you're sending without even realizing it and how to create a safer, more connected world around us.

WE ALSO BREAK DOWN:
- Dr. Porges' journey of discovering the vagus nerve and polyvagal theory
- Scientific evidence for why the dating process should be slowed
- Good vs Bad stress
- Why dissociation is an adaptation
- How speech patterns can affect our anxiety levels
- How Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is connected to our mindset and well-being
- "Freezing" as an alternative to "Fight" & "Flight"
- The importance of creating a safe space for others
- The traits of a well-attuned therapist
- Why hypersensitivity (especially auditory) affects everything
- The dangers of labels without accounting for individual history

Whether you're a neuroscience enthusiast, seeking self-improvement tips, or just curious about the hidden powers within us, this episode is packed with intriguing insights and practical advice. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the wonders of the human body and mind.

TUNE IN to discover the SECRET to EMOTIONAL SAFETY!

Margaret Cho: Remove Your Investment in Pain

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