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.

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

We're recapping the best moments from Mayim's appearance on Rabbi David Kasher's "Best Book Ever" podcast! Mayim and Rabbi Kasher discuss how and why the human brain is wired for belief, how we can function in a world gone mad, and how mystical and spiritual structure help us navigate life. You know, light stuff! They also consider the scientific, physiological basis for emotions and spiritual experiences, why there is room for both science and spirituality to exist, what biological functions allegiance to a higher power serves, why love equates to safety, and the science of prayer.

Is There a Science of Belief?

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family, Dinner’s On Me Podcast) discusses why Modern Family was a pop culture touchstone, being bullied as a child and typecast as an adult, and the importance of having well-rounded gay characters. Jesse reveals he used to have a crush on Mayim as a kid, he and Mayim discuss being on competing shows at the same time, and their shared friendship with Jim Parsons. He opens up about why he resonated with Modern Family’s premise and cast, the show’s fears about showing displays of affection between its gay characters, and meeting his husband at the start of the series. He reflects on getting arrested for shoplifting porn as a child, his awareness of his sexuality at a young age, why community theater and debate club were a positive outlet for him, and why winning a Tony award had a deep impact on him.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson: I Was the Puzzle Piece That Didn’t Fit

David Lascher (Blossom, Hey Dude) & Christine Taylor (Zoolander, Hey Dude) discuss David’s experience playing Mayim’s boyfriend on Blossom, how the pandemic brought Christine and husband Ben Stiller back together, and they help us break down the deeper psychological layers of nostalgia. They reflect on the cult following of their show Hey Dude on the early days of Nickelodeon, Christine’s comedy trajectory and her legendary role as Marcia Brady in the Brady Bunch movies, and what David thinks landed him the Blossom role. Mayim, Christine, and David explain why people are so nostalgic for the 90’s and why content from that era resonates with so many today, why the pandemic forced us to reexamine our interpersonal relationships, and why their kids are better prepared for the world than they were.

David Lascher & Christine Taylor: Blossom, Brady Bunch, & 90’s Nostalgia

Revisiting one of our most popular episodes from the early days of the podcast - an oldie but a goodie with Kunal Nayyar! Kunal and Mayim had a little Big Bang Theory reunion. Kunal shares the dangers of overidentifying with anxiety, including his own experiences with debilitating panic attacks while driving on the highway and eventually riding in elevators, and how that led him to therapy and a modern day path of self-discovery. He also explains the importance of spirituality as it ties to mindfulness, encourages us to rethink the power we give our minds, and gives us practical ways to turn inward and stay present. Enjoy the best moments of Kunal Nayyar, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

[Revisit]: Stay Present & Know Yourself, with Kunal Nayyar

Dr. Theresa Larson (movement health & inclusive wellness expert, Movement RX founder) joins us to discuss her work with adaptive athletes, what it was like to join the U.S. military after 9/11 and as a woman, and what you need to take full ownership over your pain. Mayim discusses first learning breathwork through Dr. T and they break down movement healing, downregulating the nervous system to improve mental wellness, why social support is so crucial to recovering from physical and emotional wounds, and practical ways to improve your daily ergonomics. Dr. T recalls growing up in a physically competitive household, her shift in self-esteem after her mom passed at an early age, and her job searching for land mines in Iraq. She explains her struggle to advocate for herself when her disordered eating impacted her military service, why disordered eating can feel extremely lonely, its prevalence amongst military personnel, how she was finally able to ask for help, and how her recovery led her to living with more intention & becoming less of a people-pleaser.

Dr. Theresa Larson: Stop Pain - The Most Common Myths

A collection of the best moments from our conversation with writer, director, actor, and singer Jennette McCurdy! Join us as we revisit all of Jennette's empowering nuggets of wisdom, from disordered eating and her enmeshed relationship with her mother to the profound revelations she experienced following her mother’s death. Jennette also helps us break down harmful coping mechanisms, the pressures and anxieties she faced as a child actress and the source of financial support for her family, why we tolerate emotional discomfort for so long, and the power struggles surrounding love. Enjoy the best moments of Jennette McCurdy, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

[Revisit] I'm Glad My Mom Died, with Jennette McCurdy

Rosie O’Donnell (The Rosie O’Donnell Show, A League of Their Own, Onward podcast) discusses the ripple effects of her mom passing when Rosie was a child, the emergence of the first LGBTQ movement, and the emotional highs and lows of becoming an activist for gay parents. She explains how she got into stand-up comedy as a teenager, the prevalence of alcoholism and abuse on her father's side of the family, and how losing mother made her strive to please the adults in her life and putting on a tough persona as a cry for love. Rosie opens up about the differences between her coming out process and what it’s like to come out now, her intense quest for spirituality, and navigating her youngest daughter’s autism diagnosis & what her daughter has taught her about inclusivity. She describes the odd circumstances of her heart attack and how symptoms differ between men and women, what it was like to address her ex-wife’s suicide as a public person, and how alcoholism varies from drug addiction. Mayim and Rosie break down adoption trauma, nature vs nurture in adoption, why women’s rights affect everything, and Rosie’s opinion on The View after all these years.

Rosie O’Donnell: Love People Back to Life

Are you ignoring your true desires, and is your body paying the price? Mayim and Jonathan break down how stress can cause frequent infections, what our bodies are trying to tell us with physical pain & muscle aches, and the potential sinister origins of having low energy. They explain the importance of feeling excited in day-to-day life, how not living the life you want can lead to depression and anxiety, and the underlying psychological conditions that can lead to disordered eating. They also discuss the science behind the effects of sugar, why troubled work and personal relationships may indicate dissatisfaction with one’s quality of life, and the negative effects of not presenting your authentic self to the world.

Stop Ignoring What Your Body is Telling You

Kyla Pratt (The Proud Family, One on One) & Julian Gant (As They Made Us, Oddballs) join us in the studio to discuss working with Mayim on Call Me Kat, their shared grief journeys after losing their friend and co-star Leslie Jordan, and not conforming to society & the entertainment industry. Julian opens up about losing jobs in Hollywood because of his refusal to cut his hair and his alarming racially motivated police interactions. He compares his skills as a professional fighter with performing, shares the piece of acting advice Dustin Hoffman gave him, and strategies he uses to cope with anxiety tied to his dyslexia. Kyla reveals her struggles as an empath and picking up other people’s negative energies, her grounding techniques, and how her food sensitivities affect her mental and physical health. She gives us a show-and-tell about her crystals, explains the practice of learning when to ask for help, and ways she stays in tune with her body. Mayim, Kyla, and Julian consider how their real personas inform their Call Me Kat characters, the importance of sharing different opinions, and dealing with rejections during auditions.

Kyla Pratt & Julian Gant: Call Me Kat, Grieving Leslie Jordan, & Exploring Empathic Energy

Carla Naumburg, PhD, LICSW (clinical social worker & bestselling author) helps us break down "sh*tty parent syndrome", the evolution in parenting methods from generation to generation, and practical ways to practice self-care. Mayim and Carla discuss the unusual origin story of their friendship after Carla wrote an article criticizing Mayim’s parenting techniques. They explain the importance of honesty when sharing parenting struggles and not comparing yourself to other parents, how meditation impacts their parenting skills, and the dark side of "mommy blogging." Carla shares why she doesn’t believe there are bad parents, what self-compassion in parenting really means, and her tips for parenting with anxiety and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Carla Naumburg: Your Parenting Wakeup Call

The Dangers of Being Too Nice: Dr. Gabor Maté (renowned speaker and bestselling author) on another Thursday Bite-Sized Breakdown. Revisit the powerful nuggets of wisdom from our episode with Dr. Gabor that could literally change how you understand health and well-being. Many people have said this is their favorite episode of MBB! Dr. Maté explains who's most prone to chronic illness and practical ways our childhood trauma is impacting us now and might lead to disease. Dr. Gabor breaks down how attachment, autoimmune disease, loneliness, and emotional regulation are all connected. Enjoy the best moments of Dr. Gabor Maté, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

[Revisit] Who Gets Sick and How to Prevent it, with Dr. Gabor Maté

Danny Trejo (actor, Machete, Breaking Bad, Boba Fett & author) joins us in-studio to discuss how the culture he was raised in contributed to his early drug and alcohol use, the evolution of his relationship with a higher power from one of fear to one of love, and his transition from convict to actor/author/restaurateur. He opens up about being conditioned as a child to use rage and violence to survive, what early sobriety taught him, and why he feels like he can reach troubled youth better than other adults. Danny explains what it was like to be incarcerated for the first time, his role as an "Inmate Social Catalyst" in prison, and why his parole board actually suggested he murder someone. Mayim and Danny consider the weaknesses of our prison system and the inhumanity of solitary confinement after Danny shares his heartbreaking experience being locked up "in the hole." Danny reveals how his drug counseling skills led him to land acting roles, his experiences training movie stars in the art of prison boxing, his love of good food and the fascinating story of how he got into the restaurant business. He also considers the negative effects of toxic masculinity, his complex relationships with women, why his children are his vulnerable spot, his favorites of his iconic acting roles, and his status as a Los Angeles icon.

Danny Trejo: I Was As Sick As My Secrets

Welcome to our very first Thursday Bite-Sized Breakdown with Jewel (multi-platinum recording artist & mental health advocate)! We wanted to make it easy to revisit the enlightening moments and inspiring words of wisdom from our episode with Jewel. From her lifelong spiritual relationship with nature to practical ways to get in touch with our inner observer, Jewel captivated us with powerful advice to anyone struggling with mental health. Enjoy the best moments of Jewel, and tune in on Tuesday for a brand new full episode of MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN.

[Revisit] Turn Your Life Around One Thought at a Time, with Jewel

It’s another episode of Ask Mayim Anything! This time, Mayim answers your questions about ADHD, hoarding, and what it really means to be triggered. She breaks down misophonia, Borderline Personality Disorder, and the importance of taking news breaks. Mayim shares tips for combating imposter syndrome and burnout, advice for new parents, and how to get the most out of therapy. She explains the effects of mold poisoning on mental and overall well-being, the differences between mood swings and bipolar disorder, why some of us cry when we’re angry, and sex & love addiction. Stay tuned to the end to hear Mayim’s insights on the truth behind midlife crises, trauma and repressed memories, and her recommendations for hippie content!

Ask Mayim Anything #3: Sex & Love Addiction, Repressed Memories, ADHD and Imposter Syndrome

Mayim and Jonathan react to our recent episode with Marc Maron! They reflect on Maron’s vulnerability as he shared how his relationship with his parents set a daunting standard for what his future relationships would look like, how he turned to music and drugs to cope, and the origins of his anger. They also consider Maron’s introspection behind his podcast microphone and how he used it to recreate himself, what happens when we’re denied a fundamental sense of self, and the benefits of being raw and open about grief. Mayim and Jonathan discuss why anger can be so difficult to metabolize, attachment style theory and how it affects relationships, and how discussing difficult topics is a trainable skill. They break down the benefits of humor, including using comedy to transmute pain and as a form of belonging.

Mayim & Jonathan React to: Marc Maron

Mayim and Jonathan do therapy with Dr. Sarah Schewitz, licensed psychologist specializing in love & relationships! Dr. Schewitz leads a real time Imago workshop with Mayim and Jonathan to illustrate the benefits of Imago dialogue. She helps them get to the root of their podcast disagreements, from interrupting and correcting each other to cracking jokes at inappropriate moments, learning why they react the way they do. Dr. Schewitz also helps us break down healing attachment trauma, the impact of childhood wounds on relationships, and practical ways to transform communication methods. She explains why couples therapy can put an abused partner at risk and the benefits of individual therapy alongside couples therapy. Dr. Schewitz also gives us her top signs of a healthy relationship and practical tips for getting over a breakup.

Dr. Sarah Schewitz: How Your Childhood Wounds Are Affecting Your Relationships

DaRa Williams (meditation teacher, psychotherapist) helps us break down the importance of unpacking past personal and intergenerational trauma, misdiagnoses that come from cultural misunderstandings, and her integrative meditation practice. She opens up about why she chose a path that set her up to fight the dominant culture wave, how microaggressions gave her the opportunity to fortify the skills of her meditation practice, and the strength that comes from integrating perspectives when we celebrate diversity. DaRa discusses discovering meditation for herself, her funny silent retreat experiences, and how meditation creates clarity of the mind that makes healing possible. She explains energetic resonance and how affinity sits can help you feel seen, what enlightenment actually feels like, and what it looks like when your mind, body, heart, and soul are not integrated.

DaRa Williams: Integrate Your Mind, Body, Heart & Soul

Eric Kaplan (EP on The Big Bang Theory, Co-EP on Young Sheldon, M.A. in philosophy) joins us to break down the funniest moments from The Big Bang Theory, philosophy as it relates to mental health, and practical ways to avoid being consumed by fear. He shares the differences between spirituality and religion, his experience as a monk for a brief period of time, and his concerns about selling out when he became a tv writer. Eric opens up about the passing of his older brother and how it affected his family and Eric’s own relationship with his parents, his obsession with death and dying that led him to study philosophy, and his "meditation on emptiness" practice. He explains different types of philosophy, how the concept of a higher power fits into his philosophical belief systems, and helps us answer important questions like "Why do people believe in God?" and "Does everything happen for a reason?" Eric discusses the potential benefits of psilocybin and LSD, the potential origins of climate change denialism, and what he thinks is going right in the world. Mayim and Eric consider how transgenerational trauma can inform cultural traditions, how cultural traditions can provide solutions to that trauma and grief.

Eric Kaplan: Does Everything Happen for a Reason?

Marc Maron (stand-up comedian, host of WTF with Marc Maron podcast, actor, author) joins us to break down the arc of grief, the effects of growing up with detached parents, and his journey toward sobriety and defining himself. We discuss Marc’s foray into podcasting, how it enabled a generation of podcasters including MBB, and how his show has evolved over time. He reflects on his past struggles with alcohol and drugs including "cocaine psychosis", his experiences with rehab and therapy, and the positives and negatives of groups like AA. Maron explains how his mother influenced his disordered eating, his father’s narcissism and recent dementia diagnosis, and how his parents’ struggles denied him a fundamental sense of self. He reveals why he thinks he may have had undiagnosed borderline personality disorder, why he chooses to be so revealing in his creative pursuits, and the dangers of early exposure to adult content. Maron opens up about the sudden passing of his girlfriend Lynn Shelton, his inevitable attempt at using humor to relieve his pain, the interconnectedness of grief, the importance of showing up in his state of raw grief for his loyal audience, and the sense of comfort and control he has felt from sharing this experience. He considers his shortcomings as a romantic partner, what he got right with Lynn, and his take on separating the art from the artist.

Marc Maron: Humor Gave Relief from Grief

Bari Weiss (founder and editor of The Free Press, host of the Honestly podcast) opens up about her very public resignation from The New York Times, how the polarized mainstream media and negative newscycle can impact our wellness as a society, and the importance of being able to have conversations with people you may not always agree with. She explains how the digital revolution transformed the business model of news as an institution and considers the source of people’s paranoia with mainstream news, which has led to a rise in conspiracy theories. Bari reveals why her own grandma called her a right wing fascist, the values and historical perspective that guide her to stand up in the face of fear, and what the rise of gurus can tell us about our era. She discusses the importance of community and why sacrificing comfort is sometimes necessary to live a meaningful life.

Bari Weiss: Age of Rising Conspiracy

Amber Tamblyn (actress, director, and writer) joins us to discuss all things intuition, from its biological importance and practical ways to be in touch with it, to how modern society has taught us to ignore our intuition and our mind-body connection. She explains why intuition often gets mistaken for anxiety, why feminism matters, the power of the MeToo Movement, and the real societal repercussions of women’s inequality. We also analyze Amber’s recurring wolf dreams, the significance of recurring dreams and consider what it means to redefine the term “psychic.”

Amber Tamblyn: Intuition Not Anxiety

Max Greenfield (New Girl, The Neighborhood, Veronica Mars, Ugly Betty) stops by for a spontaneous chat with Mayim and Jonathan! He opens up about how feeling alone led to addiction, connecting with others brought him to recovery, and how getting a rescue dog changed his life. Max and Mayim discuss their wildly popular shofar performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden and their love of basketball, and Max reveals why he thinks Mayim doesn’t like to be spontaneous. They discuss the challenges that come with progressive parenting as individuals who were raised under an authoritarian parenting style, the importance of consistency in parenting, and how Max’s spirituality provided a good parenting foundation. Mayim and Jonathan explain the importance of checking in with yourself and being accountable to yourself and others, especially in recovery.

Max Greenfield: Recovery Led Me to a God of My Understanding

Timber Hawkeye (bestselling author of the new book The Opposite of Namaste) rejoins Mayim to discuss the real life friendship they’ve developed after his first appearance on the podcast, why mindfulness can feel intimidating, and the positives and negatives of labels. He details how pursuing a minimalist lifestyle has reduced his anxiety, the value of transparency and repentance, and the inner conflict that comes with being addicted to validation. Mayim and Timber considers the differences between envy and jealousy, the differences between observation and judgment, and how nonconformity can be an asset. Timber explains why he was initially averse to labels but now finds liberation in the term “neurodivergent,” and how he learned to use his anxious and obsessive compulsive tendencies to his benefit. He helps Mayim, Producer Valerie, and Engineer Scott hold a mirror up to their vices.

Timber Hawkeye: Every Breakthrough Starts With a Breakdown

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes (stand-up comedian, actress, author) discusses her journey from professional cheerleader to stand up comedy, the benefits of aligning with your intuition, and how she was able to work through physical and emotional trauma with her dad. She opens up about relying on God to reveal her path in life, how her family’s fear about not fitting into American culture kept her from exploring her heritage, and the mindblowing paranormal experience that put her supernatural podcast on hiatus. Mayim and Anjelah recount going on a USO tour together. They consider the difficulty of breaking family patterns, the benefits of assessing practical outcomes for anxiety-inducing situations, and why we subconsciously assign others authority roles over us.

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: Trauma Brought The Gift of Help

Joel Kim Booster (stand-up comedian, writer, actor) opens up about bipolar disorder, his early sexual identity realizations, and the challenges of living at the intersection of a variety of cultures. He discusses the complexities of being adopted as a baby by a white American Baptist family, his tumultuous teenage years of finding himself while grappling with his deeply religious and conservative parents, and how the arts helped him with his coming out process. Joel details how his bipolar diagnosis helped him reframe his life experiences, his “productive” hypomania, the benefits of medication, and why it can be difficult to let go of mental illness. He reveals why social media has been the biggest stressor on his mental health, how the depiction of Asian men fed into his depression, and the frustration and freedom that comes with being “stereotypically gay.” Mayim breaks down the different types of bipolar disorder and how the condition manifests.

Joel Kim Booster: I Knew I Was Gay Before I Knew I Was Asian

Corey Feldman (The Goonies, Stand By Me, The Lost Boys) opens up about his abusive childhood, grappling with the deaths of so many of his friends, and his spirituality. He discusses what he remembers from his early days of acting, why he wishes he had the option to say no to fame, and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his predators and his own parents. Corey reflects on the healing nature of being a parent, how his life has changed since finding sobriety, and the thought patterns he uses to achieve forgiveness for those who have hurt him. He explains being of service as a form of therapy, his love of philosophy, and the exchange of energy he experiences during his performances.

Corey Feldman: They Abused Me, I Learned to Forgive

Natasha Leggero (actress, writer, comedian, author of The World Deserves My Children) opens up about how she arrived to her unique parenting journey later in life and provides an honest approach to parenting and "geriatric" pregnancy. She discusses the impact of her father leaving the family at an early age before he married her mom’s best friend, and what it was like to help raise her younger siblings as a child herself. Natasha reveals what she wishes more people knew about the egg-freezing process, merging her life as a career woman with caring for a child, and the importance of finding the right partner to parent with. Mayim and Natasha compare parenting styles and consider the challenges of parenting in the face of environmental panic. They discuss reasons some might not want to have children, why kids crave structure, and why we shouldn’t condition children with fear.

Natasha Leggero: Parenting at the End of the World

Jodie Sweetin (Full House, Fuller House, Craft Me a Romance) discusses her work as “Stephanie Tanner” on Full House, living with ADHD and how she thinks it has helped her, and the importance of showing up as the parent you needed to have yourself. She explains how therapy and sobriety allow her to be a better parent and the importance of honesty in a parent-child relationship. Mayim and Jodie consider the need for prison reform after Jodie opens up about being adopted as a baby after she was born within the prison system. They discuss coping mechanisms in nature vs nurture and share their earliest childhood memories. Jodie reveals the top 5 things that keep her centered and ways she redirects feelings of wanting to run away into efforts of self-care.

Jodie Sweetin: My ADHD is a Superpower

Mayim and Jonathan are breaking down 2022 for our final episode of the year! They chat about what went right in 2022 - from the news stories that made us laugh and articles tied to important topics we cover here at MBB, to what the year has taught them. Mayim reveals a highlight from this year and a few practical tips she has personally put into action.

Create Yourself Anew: Breaking Down 2022 with Mayim and Jonathan!

Meredith Stoddard (Life Events Experience Lead at Fidelity Investments) stops by to discuss how life events and their emotional components can impact finances and the overall human experience. Meredith explains the similarities between life events planning and therapy, practical ways to make financial literacy more accessible to all, and reasons to avoid comparing your financial status and goals with others. Mayim and Meredith consider the benefits of starting small when working toward your financial goals, framing money conversations around wishes instead of fear, and normalizing financial discussions within the family unit. They discuss changing generational attitudes, goals, & behavior toward money and combating misinformation around finances on social media. This content was created in collaboration with Fidelity. Thank you Fidelity for sponsoring this podcast! #ad

Face Your Financial Fears with Meredith Stoddard

Melanie Chisholm (AKA “Sporty Spice” of the Spice Girls, solo artist, author of The Sporty One memoir) joins us to discuss the Spice Girls’ impact on music and culture, battling difficult personal struggles in the extreme public eye, and the toll playing a caricature of yourself can take. She reveals the origins of the band and their “Girl Power” message, the similarities between each band member and their onstage personas, and why she finally decided to reflect on her experiences in her new memoir. Mel C opens up about the onset of her disordered eating, why she finally decided to seek help, and the toxicity of the tabloid media when Spice Girls rose to fame compared to today’s social media. Mayim and Melanie consider denial as a coping mechanism, the loneliness that comes with disordered eating, and the impact of the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

Melanie “Sporty Spice” Chisholm: The Discipline of Girl Power

Mara Wilson (writer, actor - Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda ) opens up about body dysmorphia, living with severe OCD, and the grief of losing her mother at an early age. She details what it was like working with the late, great Robin Williams on Mrs. Doubtfire, her struggle to overcome her "cute" image she became well-known for during those years, and how that fed into her body dysmorphia. Mara discusses growing up a sensitive child, her family’s own intergenerational trauma and how it tied into her own mental health struggles, imposter syndrome, and living up to labels. She considers her experiences with therapy and medication, her spiritual journey, and the differences between dating boys and girls. Mayim and Mara debunk the myths of severe OCD and explain what living with it is really like.

Mara Wilson: My Diagnosis Saved Me

Seth Green (Family Guy, Robot Chicken, Austin Powers, Changeland), Mayim’s on-screen boyfriend from their Facts of Life days, stops by to discuss growing up in the entertainment industry alongside Mayim, his experiences with therapy and psychedelics, and why he has always strived to be a good human. He considers why his trajectory turned out so positive compared to other fellow child actors, why he thinks he may have undiagnosed ADHD, and how the condition has helped him in his life. Seth opens up about his experimentation with psychedelics in conjunction with mindfulness and research, how it taught him to detach from his ego and express his emotions, and the possible dangers of hallucinogens. He shares how therapy taught him to forgive his parents, why the search for the right therapist can be so frustrating, and the things that are currently on his self-improvement list. Seth discusses his relationship with marijuana and Mayim breaks down how cannabis can help with sleep-related issues.

Seth Green: Always Performing

Douglas Rushkoff (digital humanism author and documentarian) helps us break down human autonomy in the digital age and the social implications of the tech world. He takes us through his start in the cyberpunk movement, from goals of uniting humanity through the early internet, the intersections of psychedelics and counter culture with computer programming, through the big business takeover of the internet. Douglas explains the perils of algorithm technology, the evils of cryptocurrency, and how social disconnect can contribute to consumerism. He reveals ways politicians and corporations capitalize on our fears and insecurities to push their own agendas and the factors that led extremist movements like QAnon to become so popular. Mayim and Douglas break down the neuroscience and biology of human connection and consider ways tech physically primes our bodies for dehumanization. They discuss how to combat feelings of helplessness tied to digital media’s prevalence in our daily lives and practical ways to retrain your nervous system to disengage with tech in favor of human connection.

Douglas Rushkoff: Recalibrate for Human Connection

Raven-Symoné (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home, The View, Cosby Show) & her wife Miranda Pearman-Maday (content creator, producer, writer, doula) join us to discuss defense mechanisms, their individual therapy journeys, and the confining nature of labels when it comes to sexuality and gender. They explain how their sexualities protected their true identities and their struggles with depression. Raven opens up about her past relationships with people with narcissistic tendencies, her parents’ reservations about therapy, and her PTSD and anger challenges. She and Mayim bond over their strikingly similar coping mechanisms from having grown up as child actors, their abilities to read others, and how celebrity can heighten people-pleasing tendencies. Miranda reveals how somatic therapy has helped her, and Raven shares her positive experiences with shadow and energy work.

Raven-Symoné & Miranda Pearman-Maday: Feel Better in Your Skin

Dr. Becky Kennedy (clinical psychologist, founder of Good Inside parenting workshops, author) helps us use attachment, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and internal family systems theory to break down better ways to parent! She not only provides great, practical parenting tips, but also helps us understand our own upbringings, how they impact our lives into adulthood, and provides insight into why our parents did the things they did. Dr. Becky discusses why she found the best way to work with children was actually working with their parents through body-based approaches to psychotherapy, her own paradigm shift in parenting styles, and the differences between attachment parenting and helicopter parenting. She explains the importance of wiring kids for resilience with self-soothing techniques in order to ditch old patterns of behavior, building skills to manage emotions through validation, and how to provide kids with tools to process difficult emotions. Mayim and Dr. Becky define reflective listening, boundaries vs consequences, and how feeling alone can lead to shame and fears of abandonment. They discuss the benefits of learning to embody your authority as a parent, ways to provide structure to a child with anxiety, and the benefits of internal family systems (IFS) therapy. Mayim and Jonathan break down the benefits of cooking with your children.

Dr. Becky Kennedy: Wire Your Children for Resilience

Jewel (multi-platinum recording artist, mental health advocate) discusses her lifelong focus on breaking the cycle of "emotional inheritance," the dangers of overidentifying with our thoughts, and how she used awareness and presence to change her life, one thought at a time. She opens up about growing up with an abusive parent who struggled with substance abuse, leaving home at age 15, suffering from panic attacks, and her transition from homelessness to being signed by a recording label. She explains her lifelong intense spiritual relationship with nature, her history of and conceptual motivations for stealing, and how she found safety in isolation. Jewel breaks down the importance of getting in touch with your inner observer, practical ways to distance ourselves from our painful and unproductive thoughts, and her discoveries during her transition to becoming a parent. Mayim and Jonathan consider the relationship between knowledge & awareness and spiritual awakenings.

Jewel: Turn Your Life Around One Thought at a Time

Dr. Gabor Maté (addiction, stress, and childhood development speaker & bestselling author) joins us to explain which groups of people tend to be most prone to chronic illness, practical ways we can prevent these diagnoses, and the link between childhood trauma and mental & physical health conditions later on in life. He details health conditions you may not know have stress-related causes and explains why healthy attachment and meeting a child’s needs is even more important than we think. Dr. Maté identifies characteristics of those who are prone to chronic illness, reveals why autoimmune diseases predominantly affect women, and discusses the dangers of systematic denial of our emotions. He and Mayim consider the ways well-meaning loving parents can unintentionally create lower level trauma in their kids, how feelings of being unwanted can lead to workaholism, and the limitations of a traditional nuclear family. They discuss Dr. Maté’s time working at a supervised injection site, why most people in the prison system are highly traumatized, and why trauma goes hand-in-hand with addiction.

Dr. Gabor Maté: Who Gets Sick, and How to Prevent it

Cassandra Peterson ("Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" horror icon) drops by for a super spooky special episode of MBB! She discusses her love for Halloween and the macabre, her time living in a haunted house, and the time she witnessed an actual murder. We hear about her small town beginnings, from growing up on a farm to becoming the youngest showgirl in Vegas history. We delve into the origins of her "Elvira" persona, the confidence the character gives her, and Elvira’s impact on modern culture. Cassandra reflects on her Groundlings comedy days with Paul "Pee-wee Herman" Reubens and Phil Hartman, and her current long term relationship with a woman after being married to a man for 25 years. She breaks down the empowerment that comes from owning your body and sexuality, society’s often impossible standards for women, and the science of mind.

Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson: Happy, Healthy, Dead

Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias (comedian) opens up about redefining himself after his long term relationship came to an end, the therapeutic benefits he gets from sharing his struggles onstage, and the significance of his milestones in relation to his Mexican heritage. He discusses the origins of his sense of humor, being bullied as a kid, and why he chose to have a sober period. Gabriel explains how his dogs help him regulate his emotions, why he had always been reluctant to start therapy, and how therapy has taught him to be a better listener in every area of his life. He and Mayim bond over their processes for "coming down" after a performance high before geeking out over Gabriel’s incredible car collection. Mayim and Jonathan consider the importance of having positive communication tools when discussing difficult topics in any relationship.

Gabriel Iglesias: On Stage Nothing Hurts

Iliza Shlesinger (comedian, actor, writer, producer and author) returns to the podcast to reveal the solutions to her somatic pain, the changing cultural sensitivity toward comedy, and her approach to expressing anger. She discusses the origins and process of her observational and inclusive comedy style, new motherhood, and the epidemic of online hate, especially toward women. Mayim and Iliza break down the difference between being skeptical and cynical, the risks of consuming negative news, and the dangers of materialism.

Iliza Shlesinger: Be Skeptical, Not Cynical

Alanis Morissette (singer, songwriter, musician) breaks down different versions of restoration, the dangers of intolerance and a lack of boundary-setting, and the beauty of anger as a catalyst for positive change. She explains why meditation may not be for everyone, the benefits of guided meditations, and her approach to creating her new meditation album. Alanis opens up about the origins of her disordered eating, her prophetic visions about her career, and the dangers of turning anger inward. Mayim and Jonathan discuss the reasons we project our parents’ relationship onto our own partners, cranial sacral therapy, and what it means to truly rest. Stick around until the end to hear Mayim sing and dissect Alanis lyrics!

Alanis Morissette: Self-Care is No Longer a Luxury

Candace Cameron Bure (Full House actress, producer, director, author) joins us to discuss her transition from child star to wife and mom, her 4 secrets to a happy marriage, and Bob Saget’s impact on her life and her grief journey after his passing. Mayim recounts auditioning for Candace’s role as "D.J. Tanner" on Full House . She and Candace consider how structure from child acting has impacted their adult personalities, and how that structure was both a source of comfort and cause of harm that led to disordered eating. They discuss the importance of sex physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and Mayim breaks down sex as a communication tool in relationships. Candace, Mayim, and Jonathan take part in a fun and meaningful "Gratitude Challenge"!

Candace Cameron Bure: Have Grace in Everything You Do

Reggie Watts (bandleader on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedian/Writer/Actor) joins us to break down his experiences with depression and psychedelics, the science behind addiction and improvisation, and his plans after The Late Late Show with James Corden comes to an end. He discusses growing up on air force bases and as one of the only POC in his town, the factors from his childhood that influenced his humor and creativity, and what the Seattle grunge music scene was really like in the 90’s. Reggie opens up about experiencing depression derived from body image issues, a bottleneck in creativity, and the current state of humanity. He considers how psychedelics can be used as tools to gain self-understanding, shares the importance of incorporating transcendental experiences into everyday life, and he and Jonathan bond over their optimism about technology.

Reggie Watts: Seek Different Points of View

Charlamagne Tha God (The Breakfast Club radio show, Comedy Central’s Hell of a Week, bestselling author, philanthropist) discusses his journey to discovering his true self apart from his famous radio persona, how CBT therapy taught him to unlearn, and his positive and frightening encounters with the spirit realm. He opens up about his history with panic attacks, the vigilance he developed while selling drugs, and how anxiety can sometimes be his superpower. Charlamagne details growing up Jehovah’s Witness, why he believes God is a woman, and the origins of his dark sense of humor. He explains why he uses his authentic, unapologetic voice to touch on touchy subjects especially around mental health gaps in the Black community, including the intergenerational trauma and institutional racism that can prevent minorities from seeking support. Mayim and Charlamagne consider anxiety around returning to our hometowns and bond over their love for Marvel comics and Judy Blume books.

Charlamagne Tha God: Harness Your Superpowers

Zak Williams (son of the late Robin Williams, mental health advocate, Call For Help Podcast) discusses the benefits and challenges of the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). He talks openly about the struggles he faced after the loss of his father, including self-medication with alcohol, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. Zak and Mayim break down the complexities of death by suicide, public mourning, and the clinical symptoms of PTSD. They explain why law enforcement isn’t always the most well-suited to respond to mental health crisis calls and why individuals in the prison system may not always get the mental health support they need. Jonathan opens up about the survivor’s guilt he faced after his brother’s near fatal car accident, and how the trauma of the event altered his family dynamics.

Zak Williams: Discover Opportunities for Post-Traumatic Growth

Part 2 of our interview with Steve-O! (Jackass, A Hard Kick in the Nuts book, Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast) Steve-O discusses life after clown college, including his job performing as a clown on a cruise ship, finding his bottom, and the intervention that friend and fellow Jackass castmate Johnny Knoxville organized for him. He reveals why he finally decided to take his stay in a mental health facility and sober living home seriously, his advice for those who want to do what he does, and the value enthusiasm has over talent or intellect. Steve-O opens up about feeling funnier now that he lives a sober life than he ever was while he was under the influence, and explains why his value is made up of more than his skills as a performer.

Steve-O Part 2: I’ve Beaten Bigger Odds Than This

The first part of our interview with Steve-O (Jackass, A Hard Kick in the Nuts book, Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast), who stops by to discuss his amazing journey to overcome countless odds against him, becoming one of the most well-known, talented stuntmen of all time. He details his family history of substance abuse, failing out of college, and the origins of his affinity for stunt work. He opens up about his own struggles with addiction and road toward sobriety. Steve-O shares his unbelievable experiences in clown college, including auditioning for the exclusive program and breaking down the different types of clowns.

Steve-O Part 1: There is Nothing a Clown Can’t Do

Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. (neuroscientist, host of Huberman Lab Podcast) joins us to talk about the beauty and utility of biology. He provides practical tips for stress regulation and improving sleep, and explains the benefits of natural light and cold exposure. Mayim and Dr. Huberman discuss the neuroscience behind acting and mimicry, the physical symptoms of workaholism, and the correlation between dopamine, focus, and motivation. They consider the use of self-hypnosis to regulate your internal state, the negative side effects of social media on our physical bodies, and what the deprivation of healthy physical connection can lead to. They explain ways to control adrenaline to benefit us in times of crisis, the relationship between our eyes and our internal state, and the origins of EMDR and clinical hypnosis.

Andrew Huberman: Regulate Stress in Real Time

Are you searching for a spiritual awakening? Then join us for our 100th episode of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! Mayim and Jonathan reflect on spiritual awakenings explored in the Michael Singer and Byron Katie episodes. They discuss practical parenting applications for Byron Katie’s techniques, including ways to avoid putting your expectations on your kids, the importance of allowing time and space for kids’ to adjust to new situations, and the benefits of prioritizing an emotional connection between parent and child. They explain the limits of trying to intellectualize oneself out of suffering, the differences between reacting and responding, and how spiritual fitness can allow us to overcome "hormonal hijacking." Mayim and Jonathan open up about their own daily spiritual awakenings, why pausing is undervalued, and the dangers of living for the next adrenaline rush caused by conflict.

Summer Edition - Dude, Where's My Spiritual Awakening?

On this Summer Edition of MBB, Mayim and Jonathan are joined by Mayim’s very own vocal cord surgery doctors, ENT + Anesthesiologist practitioners Doctors Shawn Nasseri and Bita Nasseri! They discuss ways they’re able to manage the mental health of their patients, how stress levels and sleep cycles can impact overall health, and their holistic approach to treating patients. The Drs. Nasseri explain the importance of analyzing your environment and getting to the root causes of symptoms rather than quelling them with medication. They open up about the experience of taking on all of a patient’s anxieties, the physical manifestations of psychological causes, and Eastern vs Western approaches to medicine. Mayim breaks down the science behind recurring nightmares in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Summer Edition - Breathe Your Way into Mental Wellness Feat. Drs. Nasseri

It’s an Ask Mayim Anything episode! Mayim and Jonathan do a deep dive breakdown of listener-submitted questions surrounding how and when to discuss your own mental health struggles with our children, differences between feelings of anxiousness and a Generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnosis, and the science behind laughter. They define and suggest ways to remedy our "god-shaped holes," explain the differences between fears and phobias, and consider ways to set and hold boundaries with our loved ones. We’re also joined by a very special guest, Bev Bialik, who discusses her experience with shopping around for a new therapist.

Ask Mayim Anything #2

Join us for another Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! This week we’re scouring the archives to bring you the best of Mayim and Jonathan, from their infamous trash talks and interpretations of what the other is saying, to their unique insights about mental health topics like the science behind gratitude, the relationship between anxiety and technology, and tips for broaching mental health topics within your family. Mayim breaks down some of our most intriguing topics covered here at MBB, such as body dysmorphia, narcissistic personality disorder, somatic reactions, the balance between science and religion, and the neuroscience behind coping mechanisms. Jonathan considers how advances in technology may impact hunger signals, and details his experience with a significant recurring dream.

Summer Edition - Best Of Mayim and Jonathan

It’s an Ask Mayim Anything episode! Mayim and Jonathan do a deep dive breakdown of listener-submitted questions surrounding addiction, family mental illness, sleep, EMDR therapy, and childbirth trauma. They discuss potential long term effects of sleep deprivation on mental health, the correlation between phone addiction and binding anxiety, and give advice for those who have loved ones struggling with substance abuse. We’re also joined by a very special guest who shares her experiences with the increasingly popular EMDR therapy and how it changes the organization of memory.

Ask Mayim Anything #1

Join us for another Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! This week, we’re scouring the archives to bring you the best of our Professional Breaker interviews, from reversing aging with David Sinclair and moving through grief paralysis with Nora McInerny, to spotting cults with Steve Hassan and setting familial boundaries with Kara Mayer Robinson. Join us as we break down key mental health topics with experts in the field!

Summer Edition - Best of Professional Breakers

Bev breaks down previous episodes in our seventh Bevisode installment! This week, Bev opens up about the perks of being Mayim’s mom, why she doesn’t take the praise for who Mayim is today, and her Moment of Peace and Calm. She reacts to past episodes including: processing grief with Nora McInerny, finding comfort in the unknown and giving back to the world with Howie Mandel, and the universality of mental health struggles with Julie Bowen. Bev considers Sarah Silverman’s ability to remain true to who she is, Chelsea Handler’s journey through unpacking delayed grief and experiences with EMDR, and reveals why the David Sinclair episode was problematic for her. Be sure to stick around to hear Bev show off her “podcast voice!”

Bevisode with Mayim’s Mom! Don’t Get Your Death on Me

Join us for another Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! This week, we're scouring the archives to bring you the best of our celebrity interviews, from Matthew McConaughey’s proverbs and Chelsea Hander's ayahuasca experience to Corey Taylor’s ghost stories and Hunter McGrady's affirmations - take a trip down memory lane with us!

Summer Edition - Best Of Celebs

Join us for our first special Summer Edition of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown! The format is a bit different from our usual episodes, but we think you'll enjoy them nonetheless! 

Mandy Teefey (Co-founder and Co-CEO of Wondermind, Producer of 13 Reasons Why, Selena Gomez’ mom) stops by to discuss the origin of her mental health platform, Wondermind, and its mission to destigmatize and democratize mental health. Mayim and Jonathan break down their “overt” and “covert” mental health hacks, from practicing good sleep hygiene and being in touch with sensory sensitivities, to hitting the social reset button and re-examining our relationships with social media.

Summer Edition - Mental Health Hacks Feat. Mandy Teefey

Michael Singer (NYT bestselling author of The Untethered Soul, The Surrender Experiment, and Living Untethered) breaks down his life changing spiritual awakening and teaches us how to separate the consciousness from our anxieties. Mayim and Jonathan open up about how Michael’s first book brought them together after 8 years of not speaking. Michael explains why he believes his life story prior to his awakening is irrelevant and how he maintains an enlightened, centered lifestyle out in the real world. He discusses ways to create distance between you and your suffering, how to reach a state of unconditional love and spiritual growth, and provides practical examples of how to surrender one’s ego. He considers how our thought patterns and life experiences can prevent us from having our own spiritual awakenings.

Michael Singer: Let Go of Yourself and Surrender to Life

Justin Long (Dodgeball, Lady of the Manor, Life is Short podcast) opens up about his process for exploring trauma and the reasons he didn’t seek therapy sooner. He details his traumatic experience being drugged and kidnapped, discusses his struggles with overcoming his people-pleasing tendencies, and highlights the importance of validating one’s feelings. Justin reveals his meditation process and treats us to his impressive roster of celebrity impressions.

Justin Long: Address Your Trauma Head On

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

Byron Katie (speaker, author of Loving What Is Now) teaches us the systematic process (i.e. "The Work") she uses to examine any positive or negative thought, from parenting and relationships to work and finances, to test what is and isn’t valid. She opens up about the awakening she experienced while lying on the floor of a halfway house while being treated for disordered eating, and how that revelation allowed her to overcome depression and suicidal thoughts, while reshaping every area of her life. Byron guides us through the practice of identifying and questioning thoughts that can lead to personal suffering and explains how our underlying beliefs may unknowingly fuel our emotions. She applies "The Work" processes to practical examples from Mayim and Jonathans’ lives while highlighting the importance of meditation, slowing down to listen, and readiness to put aside judgements, fear, and resentment.

Byron Katie: Find Out What is True

Macy Gray (singer, songwriter, activist) opens up about her creative approach to songwriting, her bipolar diagnosis, and why the issue of police violence is so close to her heart. She discusses her musical influences, being made fun of for her unique voice as a kid, and the origins of her hit single "I Try." Macy explains the process of making a new album during the pandemic and civil unrest, the data behind police shootings, and her anxiety around mania. Mayim breaks down the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders, features of mania, and why romantic relationships are tipping points for those suffering from bipolar disorder.

Macy Gray: Listen to the Angels

Evanna Lynch (Harry Potter franchise, author of The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting) discusses the existential nature of mental health struggles and disordered eating. She opens up about being a sensitive child, her history of anorexia at an early age, and her journey through recovery. Evanna explains the reasons she found it difficult to seek treatment, what the entertainment industry told her was wrong with her, and the ways she was able to overcome the fear of taking up space. She and Mayim discuss society’s examination of women and identity struggles and regimens for wellness after recovery. They break down forms of holistic healing, from plant therapy and intention setting to astrology and moon ceremonies.

Evanna Lynch: Take Up Space

Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory, Florence Foster Jenkins, As They Made Us) joins Mayim in studio to discuss the preparation he did and fears he had playing his complicated character in Mayim’s new film, As They Made Us. He takes us through the darkest moments of his mental health journey, his OCD stemming from his attempts to avoid failure, and his motivation to seek professional treatment. Mayim considers the shift she witnessed in Simon’s mental health on The Big Bang Theory set. They discuss their entries into the Big Bang cast, what happened once the show grew in popularity, and the mental health quirks and stereotypes of each of the characters. Simon and Mayim explain the process of finding themselves after the success of the series and what it was like for Simon to perform an impression of Stephen Hawking in front of the late physicist on the set of the show.

Simon Helberg: Bust Through the Crack in the Door

Dustin Hoffman (The Graduate, Kramer vs. Kramer, Rain Man, As They Made Us) stops by the studio in person to open up about his childhood, his time working as an attendant in a psychiatric facility, and going to acting school with fellow legendary actors Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall. He and Mayim discuss the power of music, the science of acting, and the psychological awareness that comes with Dustin’s performances. Dustin explains why he is so observant and in touch with his emotions and his thoughts about death and spirituality, and Mayim breaks down hypervigilance. Dustin reveals what it was like to be directed by Mayim in her new film, As They Made Us.

Dustin Hoffman: Emerge from the Wallpaper

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (gastroenterologist, nutritionist, New York Times-bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook) stops by to break down gut health and practical steps we can take to heal our guts. He unpacks gluten, food sensitivities, and fiber’s role in gut health. He explains the significance of microbiomes, challenges highly restrictive diets, and discusses why bowel movements directly inform gut health. Mayim and Dr. B consider the gut’s effect on mood, why digestive issues can still manifest even with proper nutrition, and the evidence-based benefits of a plant-based diet. They discuss the ways food intolerances can lead to disordered eating and how to fix those intolerances, the mental health impact of dietary challenges, and empowering oneself with information about one’s specific dietary needs.

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz: Help & Heal Your Gut

Seth Rogen (actor, writer, producer, director) and Lauren Miller Rogen (writer, director, producer, philanthropist) join us to discuss the origin and missions of HFC, their non-profit organization, that cares for families impacted by Alzheimer's disease, activates the next generation of Alzheimer's advocates, and leads brain health research and education. Lauren opens up about her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s at an early age, and how her mother’s diagnosis affected the early stages of her relationship with Seth. Seth and Lauren discuss the ripples of mental health struggles on an entire family, why treating and preventing Alzheimer’s can be so difficult, and the benefits of familiarizing yourself with symptoms of neurological diseases. They explain potential causes of early onset Alzheimer’s, lifestyle changes that can help promote brain health, and the positive and negative effects of marijuana use on brain health. Mayim and The Rogens consider the need for universal access to medical and mental health resources and reasons Americans may be distrustful of the healthcare system.

Seth & Lauren Rogen: Genes are a Roadmap, Not a Destination

Dianna Agron (As They Made Us, Glee, Acid Man, Shiva Baby) joins us to discuss what it was like to work with Mayim on her new film, As They Made Us. She opens up about her experiences growing up in hotels and her family’s struggles after her father’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Mayim and Dianna bond over the scrutiny they faced while publicly coming of age on a television show, the inclination to make art after processing grief, and the benefits of healthy compartmentalization. Mayim explains the process of writing her film in response to the loss of her father and why Dianna’s character was the most difficult for her to write. She discusses body and emotional awareness in another installment of Moments of Peace and Calm.

Dianna Agron: Uncover, Discover, Discard

Kal Penn (Harold and Kumar, House, Designated Survivor, author of You Can’t Be Serious) discusses navigating and overcoming stereotypes and racial biases in Hollywood. He considers the feelings of motivation and anxiety that can stem from family expectations, how a lens of positivity can lead to less stress, and ways to overcome apathy about making a societal impact. Mayim and Kal bond over their time at UCLA and working together on The Big Bang Theory. Kal opens up about the cultural phenomenon of the Harold & Kumar franchise, how he became involved in the Obama administration, and being a late bloomer in terms of his sexuality.

Kal Penn: Prepare & Go Get It

Dr Joe Dispenza (bestselling author, researcher, speaker) breaks down practical steps we can take to unlock our potential. He discusses his early days of hypnotizing his roommates, the philosophy of yoga, and the three different types of stress. Dr Joe explains the neuroscience behind why rumination and invoking feelings of the past are harmful to personal growth and how biochemistry can impact pathways. He considers the reason most change is facilitated by crisis or trauma, the benefits of mental rehearsal, and somatic reactions to emotional responses.

Dr Joe Dispenza: Avoid the Lens of the Past

Felicia Day (author, actress Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Guild) stops by to discuss the pursuit of her own creative endeavors after feeling like she didn’t belong. She explains the positives and negatives of her socially isolated homeschool upbringing and people-pleasing tendencies. Felicia touches on imposter syndrome, the commoditization of artists, and the importance of setting the template for those who come after you in your industry. Mayim and Felicia consider the consequences of allowing others to determine your self-worth, especially through the use of social media.

Felicia Day: Cultivate Your Sense of Play

Colin Quinn (comedian, actor, author, former Saturday Night Live "Weekend Update" host) stops by to discuss the science of stand-up and his journey toward sobriety. He takes us through his comedic evolution, from heckling teachers in school to pursuing comedy full-time after getting sober. Colin opens up about his unrecognized issues manifesting during his time at SNL, his experiences with jungian therapy, and his belief in purgatory. Mayim and Colin discuss sensory reactions to comedic timing, comedic sensibilities informed by demographics, and the consequences of ego.

Colin Quinn: You Can’t Fix the World

Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray, Huge series, Bosco film) stops by to discuss the importance of seeing oneself represented accurately in the media, body type stigmas, and her coming our journey. She opens up about her start as a singer, the moment she first fell in love with Hairspray and how it changed her life. Nikki shares the tension she faced in the entertainment industry from not fitting the mold, the origins and evolution of her self-confidence, and how she feels about the notion of radical self-acceptance. Mayim considers self-awareness and situations where we may not always present our true selves.

Nikki Blonsky: Go Be You

Corey Taylor (frontman for Slipknot and Stone Sour, NY Times bestselling author) opens up about his early drug and alcohol addiction and how he makes sense of his extrasensory observations with the paranormal. He discusses his difficult childhood, his process of discovering music and writing as an outlet, and his journey toward sobriety. Corey explains the depression he faced after suffering a severe spinal cord injury from a stage dive, using therapy to find healthier ways to parent, and how he was able to quit smoking cigarettes. He shares his intense experiences with paranormal intelligent energy and how he makes sense of the phenomena. Mayim breaks down the scientific understanding of Chi energy and its important role in medical treatment.

Corey Taylor: Extrasensory Experiences

Dr. Maya Shankar (cognitive scientist, Senior Advisor to Obama administration, host of Slight Change of Plans podcast) breaks down the role of language in cognition and why understanding human behavior makes a huge difference in informing government policy. She discusses her pivot from Juilliard violinist into neuroscience after suffering a permanent hand injury as a teenager, and how she created her own role in the White House. Mayim and Maya explain why "I" statements are the best way to communicate difficult emotions, the benefits of speaking to yourself in third person, and achieving positive lifestyle changes through a technique called "temptation bundling." Maya opens up about using her anxious thoughts to propel her to strive for positive change in the world, and the benefits of spending effective time in the past and future. Mayim addresses the notion of self-sabotage within a relationship in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Dr. Maya Shankar: Find the Asset in your Defect

Moby (musician, DJ, photographer, author, animal rights activist) opens up about his unconventional childhood, what sobriety has taught him, and the effectiveness of activism. He discusses his drug and alcohol abuse which began at an early age and being forced to drop out of college due to crippling panic attacks. Moby details the impact his anxiety had on his journey to pursuing a musical career, why being vegan is a core aspect of who he is, and what philosophy can teach us about our sense of self. Mayim and Moby consider the painful journey of getting to know oneself, achieving fulfillment and happiness through being of service to others, and the process of overcoming the fear-driven desire for control.

Moby: Be A Humble, Open & Curious Observer

Look for more exclusive rapid fire episodes on @bialikbreakdown!

Rapid Fire: Molly Ringwald, Danica McKellar & Jonathan Lipnicki

Nora McInerny (Terrible, Thanks for Asking podcast, author of Bad Vibes Only) helps us build understanding around grief by taking us through her own grief journey. She discusses what her life was like before suffering extreme loss, what happened upon receiving her husband’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis, and how she dealt with a miscarriage and the loss of her father and husband weeks apart. Nora and Mayim consider the struggle of dealing with people’s expectations of your feelings during mourning periods, why it may be difficult to relate to people who are moving through grief, and the importance of allowing oneself time to truly grieve. They discuss reasons why mourning is so specific and individualistic, productivity associated with grief, and the benefits of finding a support group. Mayim breaks down the typical grief timeline, its physical symptoms, and its potential impact on every area of one’s life.

Nora McInerny: Move Through Grief Paralysis

Rapid Fire: Alyson Stoner

Julie Bowen (Modern Family, Boston Legal, Happy Gilmore, Quitters podcast) opens up about anxiety, the ambivalence of motherhood, and the steps she takes to stay grounded. She takes us through her anxiety journey in the early days of antidepressants, her meditation methods, and the importance of not waiting to seek help. She and Mayim discuss parenting children with vastly different baselines and the negative effects of physical punishment. Mayim breaks down therapy flooding and explains why trauma is not a prerequisite for mental health struggles. Mayim considers the dynamics of partnership and the benefits and disadvantages of being an introvert in another installment of Moments of Peace & Calm.

Julie Bowen: There is No Normal

Rapid Fire: Kel Mitchell

Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development, Toy Story 4, Being the Ricardos, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Archibald’s Next Big Thing) discusses the impact a chronic, invisible condition can have on mental health. He explains how living with severe asthma shifted his worldview and contributed to his anxiety and panic attacks, and the consequences of living life in a state of constant vigilance. Tony opens up about how being bullied led him to build a comedic defense system, why he loves connecting with others who share his condition, and the importance of seeing yourself in other people. Mayim and Tony bond over the role faith plays in their mental wellness, learning to practice contentment, and the similarities between cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation. Mayim highlights ways to calm your mind when communicating with difficult people in another installment of Moments of Peace & Calm.

Tony Hale: Practice Contentment Where You Are

Rapid Fire: Howie Mandel

Connor Franta (entrepreneur, content creator, author of House Fires) opens up about the impact his sexuality has had on his mental health. He walks us through his coming out journey, from depression and suicidal thoughts stemming from questioning his sexuality through the reactions of his family, friends, and fans upon releasing his extremely popular coming out video on YouTube. Connor explains the ways he has attempted to distract himself from his inner conflicts, the ways in which mental health serves as a touchpoint for every area of his life, and why he hit another depressive spiral after coming out and achieving career success. Mayim and Connor bond over their struggles to balance mental wellness with being public personas, and they consider the disproportionate amount of mental health struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss the physical effects of suppression, the evolution of the emerging field of content creation, and the importance of putting in the work to tackle mental health struggles. Mayim explains how SSRI’s work in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Connor Franta: Awareness to Awakening

Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast) opens up about his struggles with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD. He discusses the rituals and intrusive thoughts that force him to hit the pause button on his life, why he finally decided to seek professional treatment, and how his diagnoses have affected his lifepath. Howie explains how Candid Camera first inspired him to do comedy and recounts his first time onstage performing stand-up. He and Mayim consider the importance of living in the moment, hypervigilance as a survival mechanism, and tips on achieving success within therapy. Mayim breaks down ways to manage mental illness with meditation in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Howie Mandel: Never too Late to Make a Change

Kara Mayer Robinson (licensed mental health counselor, talk show host, journalist, writer, host of the Really Famous podcast) gives us tools and coping strategies to face the challenges in spending time with family, just in time for the holidays! Kara gives us practical tips for mentally preparing ourselves to deal with combative family members, including journaling, identifying triggers, and forming a reactionary game plan and exit strategy. She highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries and following through with them, maintaining self-care throughout the holidays, and identifying toxic personalities. Mayim breaks down body dysmorphia, causes and examples of enmeshment, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and familial triangulation.

Kara Mayer Robinson: Make Order Out of Chaos

Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Podcast, The Sarah Silverman Program, I Love You, America, Wreck It Ralph, Santa Inc., author of The Bedwetter) discusses the origins of her "shock value" comedy style, her reaction to being called "one of the guys" in comedy, and the importance of growing and changing with the times, especially as a comedian. She opens up about the trauma passed down within her family, the moment that led her to receive a depression diagnosis, and her experience with being overprescribed medication. Sarah shares her tools for managing panic attacks, the benefits of coupling medication with talk therapy, and the importance of laughter in staying youthful. She reveals why she doesn’t let club hecklers or internet trolls get to her, and considers the cognitive distortion of memory caused by one’s own perspective. Mayim examines the importance of truly expressing oneself within a relationship, the internal and external manifestations of anxiety, and it’s hereditary and environmental causes.

Sarah Silverman: Grow a Pair of Lips

Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire, Stuart Little, Comeback Kids podcast) opens up about his struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and irrational fears. He discusses his difficulties with balancing the success of his career as a child actor with being severely bullied in school, and the coping mechanisms he has used to deal with bullying and anxiety. Mayim and Lipnicki bond over their martial arts training and the problem-solving it teaches, and Mayim adopts Lipnicki’s mantra. They discuss intergenerational trauma and the holocaust’s impact on familial anxiety, rumination manifested by anxiety, and the non-linear nature of therapy. We introduce a new segment called " Moments of Peace & Calm," and Mayim considers alcohol’s effects on anxiety in another installment of "Ask Mayim Anything."

Jonathan Lipnicki: Be Proactive in Finding Happiness

Bev breaks down previous episodes in our sixth Bevisode installment! This week, Bev reacts to past episodes including: microaggressions and reservations about therapy with Lamorne Morris, Lindsey Stirling’s old soul and multidisciplinary skillset, and her resonation with Timer Hawkeye’s simple, yet fulfilling lifestyle. She reflects on Rainn Wilson’s centered approach to recovery, the positivity and importance of Anthony Green’s outlook, and Matthew McConaughey’s confidence, spirituality, and focus on breaking the cycle of violence. Mayim explains the effects of menstrual cycle hormones on anxiety in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Bevisode with Mayim’s Mom! Reevaluate & Make Amends

Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years actress, author, producer, speaker, and mathematician) joins us to discuss what it was like to play the character of “Winnie Cooper” in The Wonder Years, and her struggle to find her identity separate from the iconic dreamgirl role. She discusses how she managed to stay grounded while growing up in the public eye, overcoming her insecurities, and the spiritual lessons she has learned from studying the patterns in her life. Danica explains why she took a break from acting to study math, the empowerment it offered her, and her passion for making math accessible to everyone. Mayim breaks down the clinical definition of hoarding and the science behind giving birth and motherhood. She considers the causes of child development delays in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Danica McKellar: Listen to Your Truth Bell

Chelsea Handler (Dear Chelsea Podcast, comedian, television host, best-selling author) stops by to discuss the importance of unpacking trauma and delayed grief. She opens up about growing up in a dysfunctional home, and how the trauma of losing her older brother impacted her entire family and reinforced her commitment to spreading humor. Chelsea explains the journey of her relationship with alcohol, her recent decision to begin therapy, and her life-changing ayahuasca experience. She considers her prior fear of commitment and sense of distrust toward men, and her current healthy relationship with fellow comedian Jo Koy. Chelsea reveals how not having children of her own has allowed her to show up for other people’s children, what she would do if she weren’t in comedy, and why it’s always been especially important to her to highlight other women.

Mayim breaks down craniosacral therapy and shares mental health and interpersonal guidelines for maintaining a healthy relationship in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Chelsea Handler: Unpack Delayed Grief

Molly Ringwald (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, The Kissing Booth 3) joins us to discuss the things she admires and regrets about starring in John Hughes’ movies. Mayim and Molly bond over their early roles on Facts of Life, coping with rejection at an early age, and Mayim opens up about why she has resonated with many of Molly’s roles. Molly reveals the reasons she left Hollywood to move to France in her early 20’s, and considers whether the responsibility of art is to change or reflect society. She discusses starting therapy as a teenager to treat depression and anxiety and her meditation processes, from body scans to gardening. Mayim considers the ways anxiety can be tied to the prevalence of technology in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Molly Ringwald: Avoid Absorbing Too Much Pain

Alyson Stoner (Step Up, Cheaper by the Dozen, Co-Founder of Movement Genius, author of Mind Body Pride: The 7-Step Guide to Deeper Inner Connection) joins us to discuss the role physical movement plays in promotion of mental and emotional health. She details her childhood in the entertainment industry, growing up around abuse and addiction, and how focusing on the mind-body connection serves as a grounding tool from those stressors. Alyson opens up about her experiences with using disordered eating as a coping mechanism, being disowned by her faith community for her sexuality, and her alexithymia diagnosis. She considers the therapeutic benefits she receives from dance, physical symptoms of being disconnected from one’s body, and the importance of implementing full body awareness into therapy. Mayim breaks down the process of training the brain to achieve certain psychological and emotional responses in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Alyson Stoner: Create Space to Try

Dr. Jenny Taitz (Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at UCLA and licensed clinical psychologist board certified in cognitive behavioral therapy) is back to answer listener questions about disordered eating, her personal path to becoming a therapist, and the resources she recommends for aspiring psychologists. Dr. Taitz discusses the causes of disordered eating, suggests when to seek help, and the types of treatments she advocates. She considers social media’s role in the increased prevalence of body image issues, the benefits of dialectical behavior therapy in regulating emotions, and tips to be more mindful and assertive. Mayim and Dr. Taitz discuss the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, the differences between short and long term therapy, and strategies to manage anxiety while public speaking. Mayim explains EMDR and how it may be used to help treat PTSD in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Jenny Taitz: You Only Fail if you Bail

Kel Mitchell (All That, Kenan & Kel, Good Burger, author of Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith) joins us to discuss his early career as a 90’s Nickelodeon star and the major life events that shaped him into the man of faith he is today. He details his class clown and theatre beginnings, finding his comedy partner in Kenan Thompson, and the impact of the diversity shown on All That. Kel draws comparisons between his childhood in the southside of Chicago where he lost loved ones to gun and gang violence and the trauma young celebrities face in Hollywood. He discusses getting married at an early age and dealing with anxiety stemming from confusion over whether people loved him for his comedy characters or his true self. Kel opens up about his suicide attempt, how his faith led him to pursue a path toward mental wellness, and his journey to becoming a youth pastor. Mayim and Kel consider the mental health impact of living in communities touched by violence and intergenerational trauma. 

Mayim explains the long-term effects of complicated grief on the brain in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Kel Mitchell: No Mistakes, Just Lessons

Nikki Glaser (The Nikki Glaser Podcast, FBoy Island, Nikki Glaser: Bangin') stops by to discuss the importance of being present and feeling your feelings. She opens up about being raised by an anxious parent, her relationship with her parents before, during, and after therapy, and the sensory issues she struggled with as a child. Nikki reveals the origins of her previous suicidal thoughts, how she went from being scared of boys to being known for her overtly sexual humor, and why she is considering a transition away from stand-up comedy. She discusses her disordered eating and body images issues, losing a friend to suicide, and her decision to stop drinking. Mayim and Nikki consider the benefits of weighted blankets, explore sex drives and feelings of attachment, and explain why they’re grateful social media didn’t exist when they were young. Mayim explains the neuroscience behind picky eating in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Nikki Glaser: The Drug of Feelings

David Poses (speaker, expert, activist, author of The Weight of Air) discusses the intersection of addiction and mental health. He opens up about becoming addicted to heroin in an attempt to treat his depression after learning about it in a school drug education program, and how he was able to function on and effectively hide his addiction to the drug. Mayim and David debate the benefits and disadvantages of 12-step programs and consider how society’s need for instant gratification may contribute to the ongoing opioid epidemic. They discuss the need to change our perceptions about those with substance abuse issues and restructure the way we view mental illness in general. Mayim explains the effects of marijuana on depression in another installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

David Poses: Get to the Root of Addiction

Vishen Lakhiani (Founder & CEO of Mindvalley, author of The Buddha & The Badass and The Code of the Extraordinary Mind) opens up about his inspiration for starting Mindvalley, an award-winning education movement with millions of students worldwide. He details his past struggles with suicidal thoughts before making the decision to go against the grain and chase his dreams, shaping his own life free from judgement or stigma. After defining what it means to be an entrepreneur, Vishen teaches us how to be "unfuckwithable," practical exercises we can all do to generate self-love, and a 2-minute appreciation technique. He asks the three most important questions that lead to success and highlights the importance of setting end goals and protecting your sleep. Mayim and Vishen discuss the way science says we should meditate, the benefits of speed reading, and the pros and cons of thinking ten years into the future.

Vishen Lakhiani: Practical Steps to Follow Your Heart & Generate Self-Love

Bev breaks down previous episodes in our fifth Bevisode installment! This week, Bev reacts to a hefty slot of episodes including: Jackson Galaxy’s guardrails and involution, reinventing yourself creatively like Melissa Bernstein, and all things aging with Dr. Small. She considers Rabbi Steve Leder’s stance on decluttering and sanctification of the mundane, Dr. Jenny Taitz’ approach to Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and empathizes with Steve Hassan. Bev responds to Kelly Clarkson and Hunter McGrady’s mantras and writes her own mantra for Mayim. She relates to Moshe Kasher’s childhood, reveals her love language like Oliver Hudson, and shares the compassion she feels for Jennette McCurdy’s experience as a child star.

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

Mayim Bialik - mayim.simplecast.com

Latest episode: Thu Jun 01 2023