More Than You See

In this season finale of the podcast, Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley reflect on their journey through mental health discussions over the past five years. They revisit five key tools that have significantly impacted their understanding of mental health, including the importance of choosing one's path, grieving job loss, transforming stress into gratitude, naming emotions to tame them, and listening to the body's signals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, self-awareness, and the ongoing journey of mental health.

This is the season finale of season 6 but stay turned for more episodes coming soon!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Journeys

02:25 Reflecting on Five Years of Podcasting

04:18 The Importance of Choosing Your Path

22:57 Grieving Career Loss and Identity

28:05 Understanding Attachment and Letting Go

29:10 The Emotional Journey of Theater and Performance

32:10 Finding Gratitude in Stressful Times

34:56 Navigating Mental Health Challenges

38:17 The Importance of Naming Emotions

41:16 Understanding Emotional Reactions

44:07 The Role of Medication in Mental Health

46:59 Listening to Your Body's Signals

50:05 The Connection Between Mind and Body

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_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

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New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this episode of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah Lee Smith discusses the Values Bridge Test, a tool designed to help individuals identify their core values and assess the alignment between their current lives and their values. She shares her personal experience with the quiz, revealing insights about her own values and how they impact her life choices. Deborah emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and encourages listeners to take the quiz to better understand themselves and make meaningful changes in their lives.

Take it here: https://thevaluesbridge.com/

Buy Suzy's "Becoming You" book: https://amzn.to/48Lt08M

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

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~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this conversation, Deborah and Shelley discuss the intricate relationship between skincare and mental health. They explore how various skincare products can negatively impact mental well-being due to harmful ingredients, particularly endocrine disruptors. The discussion also touches on cultural beauty standards, personal experiences with natural skincare, and the importance of hormonal balance in maintaining both physical and mental health.

Article about endocrine disruptors mentioned!

Special shoutout this week to Dermatoloqi who is generously giving us 20% off your first order! Just go to www.dermatoloqi.com and use code MORETHAN at checkout!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Skincare and Mental Health

00:29 The Science Behind Skincare and Mental Health

07:59 Personal Experiences with Natural Skincare

12:56 The Importance of Hormone Regulation in Skincare

15:39 Dermatology Wrap-Up and Mental Health Connection

15:57 Engagement and Community Interaction

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this episode, Allison Larkin shares her journey as a writer and the impact of mental health on her creative process. She discusses her experiences with ADHD, the emotional toll of writing, and the importance of authenticity in her work. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing personal relationships with the demands of being a writer, as well as the grieving process that comes with finishing a book. Larkin emphasizes the significance of self-discovery and vulnerability in creativity, and the role of reader feedback in shaping her writing.

Learn about Allison: Allison Larkin is the internationally bestselling author of the novels Home of the American Circus, The People We Keep, Stay, Why Can’t I Be You, and Swimming for Sunlight. Her short fiction has been published in the Summerset Review and Slice, and nonfiction in Author in Progress, a how-to guide from Writer’s Digest Books, and the dog anthology I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Jeremy, and their rescue dogs, Roxy and Bosley.

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this episode of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah Lee Smith shares her personal journey with a gratitude practice that has significantly impacted her mental health. Following a family emergency, she discusses how actively engaging in gratitude has helped her cope with stress and maintain a positive outlook. She also delves into the neurological benefits of gratitude, explaining how it can enhance emotional well-being and improve mood. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to adopt their own gratitude practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Episode Overview

01:43 Personal Experience with Gratitude Practice

06:42 Neurological Benefits of Gratitude

09:03 Conclusion and Encouragement for Listeners

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this episode of More Than You See, Deborah Smith discusses the importance of mental health for creatives, especially in overwhelming times. She emphasizes the need for community, self-care, and the power of storytelling to reclaim joy. Through reflective questions, she encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and recognize their unique contributions as storytellers.

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this episode of 'More Than You See', hosts Deborah and Shelley discuss the impact of AI on podcasting, the importance of creativity in a tech-driven world, and the challenges of maintaining mental health in a digital age. They share personal experiences, insights on navigating the complexities of technology, and the significance of finding balance and connection in life. The episode concludes with a positive story about an organization making a difference in food rescue and emissions reduction.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

01:56 The Impact of AI on Podcasting

03:16 Concerns About AI and Creativity

05:46 Navigating Technology and Mental Health

08:23 The Future of Human Connection

10:53 Finding Balance in a Tech-Driven World

13:10 Personal Reflections and Life Choices

18:47 Reflections on Control and Faith

20:31 Navigating the Digital Age

23:00 Mental Health Toolbox: Managing Overwhelm

27:35 The Impact of Technology on Anxiety

33:15 Good News: Positive Change in the World

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this candid episode of the "More Than You See" podcast, host Deborah Lee Smith takes us on a reflective journey through the challenges of creative paralysis and the quest for authenticity in a world filled with noise. As she navigates the pressures of multiple projects and the struggle to find her unique voice, Deborah shares personal insights on embracing imperfection and the importance of being kind to oneself. Join the conversation and discover how to stay motivated amidst the chaos.

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠| ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this episode, Deborah Lee Smith engages in a deep conversation with Brianna Brown Keen about the complexities of mental health, particularly in the entertainment industry. They explore the importance of faith (whatever that means to you), the need for emotional validation, and the impact of trauma on personal growth. Brianna shares her experiences working with single mothers through her nonprofit, The New Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of community support and breaking generational patterns.

The discussion also touches on self-care, the challenges of navigating life changes, and the significance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights and reflections.

Interested in donating to The New Hollywood to help single mothers? Click here!

Check out the book she mentioned: You Can Heal Your Life.

More about Brianna Brown Keen:

With over 350 screen credits, she’s known for standout roles on Homeland, General Hospital, Devious Maids, Dynasty, and Netflix’s Outer Banks. Beyond acting, Brianna produces socially conscious projects that spotlight stories meant to inspire, uplift, and ignite change. She is currently producing the feature film Crutches alongside her husband, Richie Keen.As founder and CEO of The New Hollywood (est. 2006), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Brianna empowers storytellers and change makers through goals, grants, and mentorship. Her TNH Accountability Program Supports formerly homeless single moms by providing the tools and resources they need to rebuild their lives. Guided by the motto “Rise Higher, Shine Brighter & Give Back,” the nonprofit has made a lasting impact on individuals and communities for nineteen years. In 2025, she directed, produced, and performed in the TNH Renaissance Benefit, furthering the organization’s mission through singing, dancing and community. Brianna is also the creator of Manifesting Your Mission—a transformational platform that includes guidebooks, courses, workshops, retreats, coaching, and a podcast. Her signature keynote, Manifesting Your Mission: How to Marry Creativity with Productivity to Create a Life You Love, has inspired audiences nationwide. She helps artists, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven leaders take aligned action toward their dreams, speaking passionately at the intersection of purpose, productivity, and personal power. Her talks are known for their warmth, humor, and real-world resonance.A certified Reiki 2 practitioner, Brianna incorporates energy work into her holistic approach to creativity, leadership, and personal growth. Also a proud Minnesota native, Brianna serves as a Chair Ambassador for the National Women’s History Museum, continuing her commitment to amplify women’s voices, leadership, and legacies. 

www.manifestingyourmission.org

www.briannabrownkeen.com

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠| ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Shelley Regner:

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.

In this episode of 'More Than You See', Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner talk about the emotional rollercoaster of finishing a huge acting gig and how that impacts well-being.

They discuss navigating life transitions, coping with grief, and the significance of sharing personal stories to foster connection and understanding. The episode also ends with three positive mental health news stories for the week!

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Emotional Turmoil in the Acting Profession

03:42 The Addiction Cycle of Acting

06:47 Intentional Living and Career Choices

09:19 The Pressure of Decision-Making

12:24 Finding Purpose Beyond Self

14:54 Coping with Grief and Loss

17:40 The Importance of Naming Emotions

20:28 Reflections on Personal Experiences and Growth

29:48 Navigating Postpartum Trauma and Communication

32:10 Mental Health Statistics and Societal Impact

34:04 The Importance of Sharing Personal Stories

38:54 The Role of Connection in Mental Well-being

41:56 Positive Mental Health Stories and Nature's Impact

44:50 Climate Change Anxiety and Positive Actions

48:06 Finding Balance and Acts of Service

Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!

Join us on social media:⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠| ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠

_______________________ 

Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Shelley Regner:

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

~

New here? More Than You See strips away the highlight reels to reveal the real mental health journeys of actors, artists, and creatives. Hosts Deborah Lee Smith and Shelley Regner ask the questions others avoid — exploring what was happening off stage when life looked perfect, and how depression, anxiety, and resilience shaped the people we admire.

Each episode also brings a dose of “good news” in mental health: uplifting stories, new research, and cultural shifts that remind us progress is happening. Come for the unfiltered confessions, stay for the hope, and leave knowing you’re not alone.