Have you ever wondered if someone with social anxiety could get into acting, screenwriting, or other performing arts? I know I used to wonder. I used to wish I could be an actor "if only" I weren't so scared. If that sounds relatable to you, I think you'll really enjoy my conversation with actor and screenwriter Barry O'Neil, who wrote and stars in SING ALONG IF YOU KNOW THE WORDS, a short film dealing with social anxiety that recently premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival.

This episode was originally an Instagram Live interview I did with Barry. Check out the video version here!

Follow @singalongfilm on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and updates on the fim!⁣

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You'll hear me ask Barry these questions: ⁣

1. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this film?⁣

2. Why did you choose the metaphor of feeling like everyone around you knows the words to a song and you don’t? ⁣

3. Can you tell us what it's like to be a performer/actor with social anxiety?⁣

4. Are there any other ways social anxiety has impacted your creativity?⁣⁣

5. What takeaways do you hope viewers will get from the film?⁣

6. Do you have any tips for anyone out there who is interested in screenwriting, acting, or other creative pursuits but who feels like they are too shy, introverted, or socially anxious?⁣

⁣7. What's the best way for us to watch the film and support your work?⁣

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𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦⁣

The story follows Ben, who throws a dinner party to conquer his fear of speaking in groups. ⁣

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As the party gets away from him, Ben grows increasingly frustrated and suddenly finds himself at the center of a real-life musical theatre number in his dining room, only he's the only one who doesn't know the words or music. ⁣

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After escaping to the bathroom for a panicked call with his therapist, Ben finally musters the courage to try singing along with his guests, even if the outcome is disastrous.⁣

⁣More info

Director: @alycia_delmore

Screenplay: Barry O’Neil

Producer: @kate_dandel

www.siff.net/festival/sing-along-if-you-know-the-words

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What's the podcast version of a vlog? Because that's what this is.

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yoursocialanxietybestie/message

What's the podcast version of a vlog? Because that's what this is.

Learn about morning and evening routines for anxiety, and start to build your anxiety toolkit!

This episode was originally an Instagram Live interview I did with Lucy. Check out the video version here!

***Update after recording: Lucy just launched a BRAND NEW STAND UP TO ANXIETY DAILY JOURNAL! https://lucyjsmith.com/journal/***

Tune into to hear Lucy answer these questions...

1. Can you tell us what your anxiety management mentorship looks like?

2. Early in your book, you wrote about how scary it was to reach out to a doctor for help with your mental health when you didn't know what you were dealing with. Can you talk to us about that?

3. In your book, you talk about driving anxiety, and how you had a near-accident during one of your practice sessions. But you kept practicing. Can you talk to us about that incident, and how you managed to push through?

4. A big part of your book is about developing healthy morning and evening routines. What do your routines look like these days?

5. Can you talk to us about your anxiety toolkit? Does it go beyond morning and evening routines?

6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to build their own anxiety toolkit?

Thank you so, so much Lucy @lucyjsmith_26 for this heartwarming and encouraging conversation!

To learn more about Lucy's inspiring journey, check out her account @lucyjsmith_26 or her podcast Stand Up To Anxiety.

Be sure to check out her super accessible, easily digestible book Stand Up To Anxiety and her BRAND NEW STAND UP TO ANXIETY DAILY JOURNAL!

These show notes are also available here: https://yoursocialanxietybestie.com/episodes/29lucy

Learn about morning and evening routines for anxiety, and start to build your anxiety toolkit!

This episode was originally an Instagram Live interview I did with Lucy. Check out the video version here!

***Update after recording: Lucy just launched a BRAND NEW STAND UP TO ANXIETY DAILY JOURNAL! https://lucyjsmith.com/journal/***

Tune into to hear Lucy answer these questions...

1. Can you tell us what your anxiety management mentorship looks like?

2. Early in your book, you wrote about how scary it was to reach out to a doctor for help with your mental health when you didn't know what you were dealing with. Can you talk to us about that?

3. In your book, you talk about driving anxiety, and how you had a near-accident during one of your practice sessions. But you kept practicing. Can you talk to us about that incident, and how you managed to push through?

4. A big part of your book is about developing healthy morning and evening routines. What do your routines look like these days?

5. Can you talk to us about your anxiety toolkit? Does it go beyond morning and evening routines?

6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to build their own anxiety toolkit?

Thank you so, so much Lucy @lucyjsmith_26 for this heartwarming and encouraging conversation!

To learn more about Lucy's inspiring journey, check out her account @lucyjsmith_26 or her podcast Stand Up To Anxiety.

Be sure to check out her super accessible, easily digestible book Stand Up To Anxiety and her BRAND NEW STAND UP TO ANXIETY DAILY JOURNAL!

These show notes are also available here: https://yoursocialanxietybestie.com/episodes/29lucy 

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yoursocialanxietybestie/message

Many people are not able to talk to their parents—or children, for that matter—about mental health and social anxiety. It’s too hard, too emotional, too awkward, too unknown… any number of reasons can stop a much-needed conversation like this from happening.

And that’s exactly why I invited my dad on the show. I am extremely lucky to have the father I do. My dad has been way more supportive of my mental health journey than he will ever give himself credit for. He's also amazingly open and willing to discuss mental health with me… and with you!

SHOW NOTES: yoursocialanxietybestie.com/episodes/28-dad

SPECIAL EDITION GREETING CARD: yoursocialanxietybestie.com/card

Many people are not able to talk to their parents—or children, for that matter—about mental health and social anxiety. It’s too hard, too emotional, too awkward, too unknown… any number of reasons can stop a much-needed conversation like this from happening.

And that’s exactly why I invited my dad on the show. I am extremely lucky to have the father I do. My dad has been way more supportive of my mental health journey than he will ever give himself credit for. He's also amazingly open and willing to discuss mental health with me… and with you!

SHOW NOTES: yoursocialanxietybestie.com/episodes/28-dad

SPECIAL EDITION GREETING CARD: yoursocialanxietybestie.com/card

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Welcome to the show! Here's a quick intro, recorded in April 2021. 

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I'm so excited!!! SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER (April 1-14): Join the book club and get a custom FIRST EDITION BOOK BESTIE sticker!!! 

JOIN HERE: patreon.com/yoursocialanxietybestie

Our April book: HOW TO BE YOURSELF by Ellen Hendriksen, PhD. 

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I'M LAUNCHING A BOOK CLUB ON PATREON on APRIL 1!!!⁣⁠ ⁣