By Deborah Lee Smith
5
3232 ratings
The podcast currently has 65 episodes available.
It's the season 5 finale of the More Than You See Podcast!
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New here? Every other week join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
We're back with a brand new episode of the More Than You See podcast!
This week, host Deborah Lee Smith has a deep conversation with Becky Tahel, an accomplished actor, producer, and mother of two. They discuss the multifaceted experiences of balancing mental health, parenting, and creative careers. Becky shares insights on societal stereotypes, the challenges of maintaining relationships, and the importance of self-care.
Through their dialogue, they explore the transformative power of gratitude, productivity, and navigating performance anxiety. Ideal for parents, creatives, and anyone interested in authentic life journeys, this episode emphasizes the universal struggles and triumphs we all face.
Follow Becky on Instagram here.
00:34 Episode Overview and Introduction to Becky
01:12 Parenting and Identity
03:31 Mental Health and Self-Care
06:50 Balancing Career and Motherhood
10:28 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Parenthood
26:23 The Impact of Parenthood on Relationships
32:42 The Importance of Self-Care and Self-Awareness
36:54 Balancing Parenthood and Career Aspirations
49:15 Facing and Overcoming Performance Anxiety
53:57 Embracing Failure and Personal Growth
59:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections
About Becky:
As a writer, producer, and performer — Becky Tahel has worked with some of the most influential content creators (from Jake Paul and Eric Andre, to Jay Shetty and Gabby Bernstein). She has produced content for countless brands worldwide, generating over 40 million views across social media. She is the director/producer/host of the award-winning documentary "American Birthright" and runs Mannafest Media with her husband, where she helps individuals and brands clarify their essence and own a unique impact space through core strategy, story, and content. She speaks globally about the power of content creation & self-actualization, has two little kids, and is grossly underslept.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
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New here? Every other week join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics such as miscarriage, women's health, and more.
I also discuss the inadequate support from the medical community around women's health issues and share statistics from this article from the World Health Organization on the realities women in this country face around pregnancy.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every other week join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
In this mini solo episode of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah discusses the critical difference between feeling sad and being clinically depressed.
Inspired by a New York Times article on Prevalence Inflation, the episode explores how society's increasing conversation around mental health, while positive, can also lead to misinterpretation of normal emotional experiences as mental health issues, particularly among young people.
In this episode, Deborah emphasizes the importance of intentionality in discussing mental health and encourages listeners to identify their own emotional triggers.
00:38 Personal Update and Topic Introduction
01:36 Exploring the Concept of Prevalence Inflation
02:59 Distinguishing Sadness from Depression
04:21 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
09:00 The Importance of Nuanced Discussions
10:39 Positive Mental Health Resources
12:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
ARTICLE LINK
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
In this episode of the More Than You See podcast, host Deborah Lee Smith engages in a deep dive with filmmaker Cameron Mitchell. The discussion centers on Cameron's latest project, 'This Sucks', a dark comedy film about dealing with depression, showcased through the life of a woman haunted by the physical manifestation of her depression. Beyond sharing personal mental health journeys and the film's background, they delve into broader topics such as the therapeutic role of humor, the systemic issues intertwined with personal mental health struggles, and the importance of supporting underrepresented voices in the filmmaking industry.
00:00 Welcome to the episode
01:49 Spotlight on 'This Sucks': A Dark Comedy Exploring Depression
07:04 Cameron Mitchell's Journey: From COVID Recovery to Activism and Filmmaking
09:33 The Making of 'This Sucks': Visualizing Depression Through Cinema
23:17 Rapid Fire Questions
24:40 Deep Dive into Personal Struggles and Mental Health
26:07 Growing Up in Alaska
29:21 Exploring Creative Outlets and Future Projects
43:22 The Role of Humor in Coping with Life's Challenges
46:10 Wrapping Up: Acknowledgments and Future Aspirations
About Cameron:
Cameron has been writing all his life. Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, there was nothing else to do. Cameron has had his scripts and finished films place in dozens of film festivals.
He realized right away how important it was to build the right team. Writing was something he could do alone, but filmmaking is not a solo art; it involves collaboration at every level. He made sure to come away from every gig with new contacts, new friends, and new members of his team.
In 2017 he, Andrew Menjivar, and Thresa Richardson started their production company Tequila Mockingbird Productions. They wanted to produce their own work outside the rigors and obstacles of the studio system. As a producer, Cameron has always wanted to help new and underrepresented voices create their films. He's worked with countless creatives in the years since.
Cameron wrote the script for his debut feature This Sucks in part to vent his frustrations with the state of the world and to talk about his own struggles with depression. The film was awarded the ReFrame Stamp from Women In Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the Golden State Film Festival. It is currently streaming free on Tubi.
Cameron's Links:
Stream "Driven: The Tony Pearson Story" on Apple+
Website
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
This episode of the More Than You See podcast features an in-depth conversation with Elizabeth Boykewich, a casting director and career coach, about her journey through the entertainment industry and how it intertwined with her personal growth and mental health.
They dive into topics such as the impact of corporate culture shifts, the challenges of living with an autoimmune disease, and the transition from casting to career coaching. Elizabeth shares her insights on the importance of mental health tools, her approach to overcoming personal and professional obstacles, and how mindfulness practices have transformed her life.
Throughout the episode, practical advice for creatives navigating their careers and mental health is provided, highlighting the significance of self-listening, present awareness, and embracing one's unique skills and passions.
Timestamps:
00:41 Spotlight on Elizabeth Boykewich: Casting Director Turned Career Coach
02:17 Elizabeth's Personal Journey: Battling Autoimmune Disease and Embracing Change
12:38 The Evolution of a Casting Career
20:54 Supporting Actors Beyond the Screen: Mental Health and Social Media Guidance
28:40 Navigating Industry Changes and Personal Growth with Elizabeth Boykewich
33:13 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting Personal with Elizabeth
33:29 Unveiling Personal Fears and Preferences
34:11 Transitioning from Casting to Coaching
34:53 Deep Dive into Spiritual Psychology and Personal Growth
38:24 Applying Spiritual Insights to Professional Life
42:38 Navigating Career Transitions and Embracing Multiplicity
53:34 Practical Tools for Personal Development
58:00 Embracing Vulnerability and Presence
01:03:01 Reflections and Takeaways
About Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Boykewich spent two successful decades as the Senior Vice President of Talent & Casting at The Walt Disney Company. She loved discovering new stars, identifying where artists were most powerful and often said that her purpose was to give them “a platform to shine.” In 2013, Elizabeth felt a call to do this same meaningful work on a larger scale. She earned an MA in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling & Facilitation from the University of Santa Monica. Elizabeth continues to study all kinds of healing modalities and mindfulness techniques.
Elizabeth's Links:
Website
Podcast
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
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Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
In this mini-episode of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah discusses the importance of investing in oneself, particularly in the context of creativity and mental health.
The conversation delves into the idea that investing in oneself goes beyond financial aspects and includes nurturing creativity, personal health, and mental well-being.
Everyone, not just creatives, should prioritize investing in themselves as a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.
Timestamps:
00:39 Reflecting on Creativity with Brad Rushing
01:35 The Journey of Producing 'Glitter Bomb'
03:52 The Power of Investing in Yourself
05:54 Everyday Investments: Health, Reading, and Personal Joy
09:17 Revisiting Monetary Investment and Creative Careers
13:42 Embracing Self-Investment for a Fulfilling Career and Life
16:29 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
In Season 5 Episode 5 of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah has an in-depth conversation with Brad Rushing, a celebrated musician and cinematographer known for his work on top movies on Netflix, HBO, and other platforms.
This episode explores Brad's multi-disciplinary approach to life as an artist and how his identity has shaped his journey. Brad shares his experience navigating the industry, his creative processes in cinematography and music, and the importance of being unapologetically authentic.
He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from the recent film industry strike, personal traumas, and the therapeutic aspects of immersing in music.
Throughout the conversation, Brad emphasizes the significance of community, authenticity, and self-awareness in both professional and personal spheres, offering insights into finding one's group of people and the impact of being genuine on mental health and relationships.
00:42 Brad Rushing: A Multidisciplinary Artist's Journey
01:38 Embracing Authenticity and Finding Your Tribe
03:41 Brad's Personal Struggles and Triumphs During the Industry Strike
05:59 The Power of Collaboration and Building Your Creative Community
12:03 Exploring Musical Diversity and the Freedom of Being a Multi-Hyphenate Artist
17:33 The Therapeutic Journey of Rediscovering Music
21:47 Opening Up About Depression and the Quest for Authenticity
26:45 Navigating Misunderstandings and Embracing Authenticity
28:42 Rapid Fire Questions
34:02 The Creative Process and Overcoming Personal Struggles
45:02 Embracing the Multifaceted Self and Future Excitements
48:02 Finding Hope and Value in Commitment and Creativity
50:53 Reflections and Gratitude: Wrapping Up the Podcast
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Brad expressed an aptitude for art and science from a very early age. He majored in fine art at Houston's prestigious High School For The Performing And Visual Arts and also college where he added filmmaking for a double major.
Early filmmaking experience afforded Brad some of his first feature film opportunities as Director of Photography. After a number of years concentrating on indie feature films, Brad began to shoot high-end music videos photographing award-winning, iconic clips for artists like Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Nelly and Eminem.
Brad has achieved a reputation as a gifted commercial cinematographer. Brad’s recent cinematography highlights include the Netflix Original feature films "A California Christmas" and “A California Christmas: City Lights.”, “Holiday Harmony” on Max, “Alarmed” on Tubi, and “The Island” on Starz.
Brad's experience with visual effects led to an invitation to join as a full member of the Visual Effects Society. He is also a member of The Television Academy. Brad Rushing is known for being well-prepared, organized, fast, efficient, and always friendly and cheerful. He is a longtime vegetarian, animal lover, artist, musician, and songwriter.
Brad's Links:
Website
"Dreams Are All I Have" (Song)
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
In Season 5 Episode 4 of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah Lee Smith dives into a rich conversation with actor and podcaster Brittany Rizzo.
Brittany, known for her TV & mental health-focused podcast 'My Only Friends', shares her journey of self-discovery, the therapeutic value of Pop Culture, and her struggles with mental health.
They cover managing mental wellness in the acting industry, the importance of building a mental health toolbox, and the impact of social media. Through Brittany's story of joining an outpatient program, listeners are encouraged to find gratitude in their support systems and to practice asking for help.
The episode emphasizes taking inspiration from fictional characters and the significance of staying present in challenging moments. Brittany's openness provides insights into facing mental health challenges and the journey towards finding one's worth and purpose.
00:42 Guest Introduction: Brittany Rizzo
01:34 Discussion on Mental Health and Personal Experiences
02:42 Interview with Brittany Rizzo Begins
03:37 Personal Stories and Experiences
03:46 Discussion on Women's Reproductive Rights
05:49 The Importance of Support and Gratitude
08:26 The Role of TV Shows in Mental Health
12:38 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Mental Health
22:41 The Importance of Self-Worth and Recognizing Triggers
25:56 Rapid Fire Questions
27:59 Acts of Kindness and Gratitude
28:57 Acting, Emotions, and Mental Health
30:21 Coping with Bad Mental Health Days
32:34 Balancing Acting and Salon Work
35:04 Self-Love and Personal Growth
35:58 Overcoming Struggles and Seeking Help
45:21 The Need for Validation and Self-Worth
47:23 The Impact of Acting Industry on Mental Health
51:02 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey and Living in the Moment
About Brittany:
Brittany Rizzo is an actress, singer, and podcast host. Her show My Only Friends is a mental health podcast that highlights what TV shows, movies, and other forms of entertainment help people get through their mental health struggles and hard times.
Brittany's Links:
Personal Instagram
Website
Podcast Instagram
IMDB
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
Episode 3 this season features Sam Valentine, the host of the One Broke Actress podcast!
Sam shares her unique insights into the struggles and triumphs she's faced within the acting industry, the mental health journey she has undergone, and how she remains resilient and creative.
She discusses her own past struggles with body acceptance, reflects on feelings of jealousy and the fear of not being 'good enough,' and offers perspectives on embracing the challenges and viewing them as learning experiences. Sam also opens up about how she handles expectations vs reality and maintaining a healthy mindset despite setbacks.
00:40 Introducing the Guest: Sam Valentine
01:40 Deep Dive into Sam's Journey and Mental Health
03:13 Sam's Day-to-Day Life and Challenges
05:55 Sam's Journey and Struggles in the Acting Industry
06:19 Dealing with Expectations and Reality
06:58 Sam's Personal Growth and Reflections
08:21 The Impact of Social Media and Setting Boundaries
09:54 Sam's Perspective on Success and Progress
12:20 The Importance of Living in the Present
16:51 Sam's Approach to Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms
17:31 Navigating Jealousy and Comparison in the Industry
25:17 The Role of Fitness and Nutrition in Sam's Life
28:16 Therapy and Acting
28:44 Turning to Anti-Anxiety Medication
30:39 Living Life on Camera
32:18 The Role of Psychiatry in Mental Health
34:17 The Importance of Communication in Relationships
35:24 Self-Awareness and Empathy
40:06 Balancing Acting and Other Work
40:43 Dealing with Self-Doubt
51:45 Finding Creativity in Different Areas
About Sam:
I am Sam Valentine, a 12 year veteran of the Actor-Life in LA (with credits from Amazon's Bosch: Legacy to some pilots you never saw). I moved to LA with a Theatre degree and more conviction than I had dollars and proceeded to spend the better part of a decade trying to be literally anything a breakdown wanted me to be.
I created One Broke Actress because I saw a need for stories and advice of real working actors. Am I the all-knowing being in Hollywood who has booked a billion jobs and made big bucks with acting so therefore I know how to advise people and lead like the Gandhi of Southern California? Negative. But I feel there is a lack of honest sharing from actors who are in the thick of it. This career path is crazy AF but that doesn't mean you have to be. So let's get real and maybe learn a life lesson or two in the process.
Sam's Links:
One Broke Actress Links
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
The podcast currently has 65 episodes available.