Connor Franta: Awareness to Awakening

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 KZbin. 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.
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Twitter: @connorfranta
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Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #ConnorFranta

[@paulami1158]

It's so easy to listen to Connor. Always good to hear him

[@melissareid640]

In my house we love Connor Franta in our home. Such a beautiful young man. 💝🙏💝 Love from Michigan from,my daughter and myself. 💝🙏💝

[@ainesj]

as the biggest fan of connor and of course, the biggest fan of you, this was the best episode yet for me :) loved this

[@bobbiek1976]

Thank you Mayim! This was yet another phenomenal episode! I look forward to learning and relating to the podcast guest and host(s)! Mental health education is vital for personal growth!! So I’m glad to continue to grow with you all!

[@ownyourcrazy8734]

Connor isn't the only night owl out there. I can lay in bed all night and not fall asleep until sunrise 😴 Have been following Connor on KZbin for a while. Witnessed his coming out video shortly after it went live. Bought a copy of his first book. Hence I was drawn to watch. Good thing I did. I got so much out of your conversation. You covered so many mental health truths I can personally attest to. Thank you so much for your care and attention.

[@ownyourcrazy8734]

I had set this video aside hoping to watch eventually. I didn't think I would watch it in one sitting. I did. Thank you so much. 💓

[@orland0110]

Happy New Year Mayim. Thank you so much for this podcast. I absolutely love this channel.

[@mollysmith1226]

I was so lost last Tuesday 😭

[@louisvlleguy]

Glad to see you in the new year! Wonderful episode - I was very impressed with Connor.

[@JimMcNicholas]

Really enjoyed the solo episode, Mayim's energy is so focused when Johnathan isn't there. Great job Mayim!

[@MzTeddyluv]

I missed you Mayim! Diving in...

[@mollysmith1226]

I missed her too 😭

[@joes6336]

Great job and interview . Have a wonderful day .

[@Luke-zv6bb]

:)

[@Bartcmh]

I enjoyed listening to Connor’s story. In some ways I envy the younger generation for having such a more open and accepting attitude in this time. I entered adulthood in the early 80’s when AIDS was all over the news. It held up my coming out for 12 years. In other ways I feel sorry for this generation. The world is so messed up these days. When I finally did come out in the early 90’s I went through what many called a second adolescence. I was having the time of my life trying on all kinds of different men. Please be careful. I went through a period of alcoholism and had to tone down my partying which has caused me to be somewhat of a recluse. I don’t regret coming out but if you get too close to the sun you’ll get burned. I wish the best for you.

[@alonzojohnson7955]

Love the show

[@ElizabethNicoleSchwartz]

It was really awesome to see Connor on here :) he always has the most interesting perspectives.

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

YAY! It's SO appreciated what you do. Thanks.

[@Authentistic-ism]

I saw you use that smartphone as a bookmark, Mayim. You are not alone.,

[@lawrenceforsyth632]

At 48:40. I didn't tell you about that one thing. I 'v experienced remembering something that I kept buried for years, usually things that happens when I was very young.

[@nicolewilliams2468]

Another great interview on the books! And while I miss Jonathan here, Mayim did a fabulous job of hosting on her own. Well done!

[@MrIndydark]

I really enjoy your YT video podcast. I love, even more, that YT algorithm finding the need to continually send me commercials to McD's during this episode. Let me make this clear: I have been eating plant-based for almost 6 years and don't go to this "restaurant", and Mayim also being vegan makes this more egregious. Keep up the great work and have Mindy Cohn on here!!

[@snowyowl7695]

Happy New Year!!

[@erich3068]

thank you, Connor and Mayim, for this!

[@jamih6145]

such a great interview Mayim, fell in love with Connor!

[@Lenci_the_Nugget]

This has nothing to do with this podcast episode but I just watched the latest episode of "Call Me Kat" and wanted to say that I was thinking to myself at the end of the episode that you are smart, conscientious, funny, talented, and pretty and I enjoy your work. You're doing really cool stuff and I admire that. Okay bye.

[@sarahharvey266]

Myiam you are so wonderful! I’m a big fan! Thanks for this podcast. I can easily say it’s my fav!!!! I hv to say I always come to youtube though ‘cause It’s the best seeing the expressions an interactions! Anyways thanks for sharing yours and others vulnerabilities. It’s just a great reminder in the we are all humans! Much love!

[@riteshkasat7798]

Would u make a video on regret like the whole part as sometimes it just takes lot of time so understanding it might help living with regret

[@governer]

I loved this video

[@Mrs_Guac_and_Glock]

No seriously, please have his mom on. I really want to hear more about her.

[@musicgroup4348]

I didn't know you have a show on youtube! now i'm on a marathon

[@tictocsick6225]

I love this interview!!!

[@roberthansen9294]

Wow I never thought I’d know of a time that I would here of a gay who’s mom was so wonderful. I was super strong and I came out as gay the hardest person was my mother. She got better but there were things that happened later and I thought things were cool. Yet she loved me but the rest is only sad because I could never tell her the one thing that hurt because it was late in her life and I had to let it go

[@peter_bazinet]

If I ever become famous, you're getting the interview of your life!!!!!!!

[@josievaccaro]

Being totally biased here... virgo is the best ❤😂

[@avigailsumaylo6253]

I am a huge fan of yours from way back. I have noticed you have this drink next to you in a few of your videos. Are they boba drinks? And if they are what are your favorite flavors to get?? I keep thinking they have to be boba because that's what they look like. Could you do a Q & A video about things your fans would love to know about you. I love your channel!! Your so funny and I just have to keep watching more of your videos.

[@jonnestomphorst9254]

AMAZING VIDEO 😍😍😍😍😍

[@jenniferhizzy6591]

You feel like your will forget if you do not tend to what ever it is right away.

[@lidacampbell3517]

Will you have non famous people on

[@Luke-zv6bb]

the entire point was that every person has their own story and we can learn from everyone. That was the message, you didn't hear it.

[@medicinaemdia4895]

And you managed to do the interview all by yourself!!!!

[@shanezangel]

omg connor!!!! 😯🤍

[@tekishiachambers3077]

How old men does he want to date ?

[@curt8806]

Why does he use so much vocal FRY?

[@paige1955]

I think that’s just a symptom of living in California/L.A. lol

[@anisaromano5352]

In no particular order: I liked this better without Jonathan. I now want to read this guy's books despite having never heard of him two hours ago. I hope Mayim lets us now if he sends her a than you card for having him on her podcast. And Connor, I'm a NY jew and totally write thank you notes.

[@m_brokenleg]

This episode, as a boys mom myself, touched me very deeply. This amazing guy passed eight years deep in the closet..In those years..what’s what his family thought? A mom always knows! How sad and heartbreaking is to hear Connor say that he still have those years baggage over his shouldels and soul even after coming out so bravely. The mom in me wants to hug him..But also the mom in me is very proud of the man he’s become! And Happy New Year to Mayim and absent Jonathan! Much love from Barcelona!

[@lisavanderbye5047]

Happy New Year and welcome back! I absolutely adore Connor and his confidence in telling his story. I'm so happy to know he's out there helping the youth who are questioning. I love this espisode....

[@marisamartinezolivera]

First of all, happy 2022 to both of you, even if Jonathan is not here at this moment, and to your team (Scott, Erin..) Second, asking myself what Jonathan could have said in this FABULOUS & ENLIGHTENING episode, as a poet, a futurist, a multifaceted person, a father of a teen and a man… By the way, I adore that masked Amy’s figurine in the back!!! 💜😷 Though times with classy humor sense! 😉

[@elaineturcotte1043]

As one who had never heard of Connor Franta before today, I can attest to the fact that it does not matter if you do not know anything about the guest. Time spent listening to your discussions is always time well spent! I have enjoyed every episode. Your conversations are entertaining, thought provoking, and have something in them for everyone. Thank you and happy 2022!

[@jeanettescott3204]

My daughter is a well loved and encouraged self aware 12 year old who has the confidence to say that she is a lesbian. Her sexuality is hers and hers alone, no matter what WE love and support her. One thing I have found in today's society, with more acceptance we have somewhat failed to educate our youth leaving them confused. As friendships and relationships are held so close to the heart, feeling can be confused. We as parents need to allow our children to ask us any questions without judgment, and answer them objectively.

[@Authentistic-ism]

I had pharmacogenetic testing and found that I am an ultra-rapid metabolizer of SSRIs. This means I need way higher doses than other people and we didn't know that for the first twenty years I was medicated and frustrated with the massive side effects and lack of benefit I percieved. Now we know why. I'm choosing to avoid them now and don't know what direction to go.

[@Historian212]

I’m not against people having ads in their programs, because everyone needs to make a living, but the in-program ads plus the KZbin ads (which interrupt in the middle of sentences) are really getting to be too much. I love the show but if there’s anything that can be done about the number of interruptions it’d be appreciated.

[@mollysmith1226]

Yessssssss. Thanks so much for saying this 😊

[@kimbrown3752]

I don't ever see in-program ads. Just the ones that they announce and i just fast forward through those

[@christianhendren4458]

I just listened to this episode today and I wanted to say that Connor’s experiences is nothing different than many of us out there. I am a gay man who was kicked out of Lincoln Christian College two times and forced into reparative therapy three times in order to finish my undergraduate degree. After believing I was going to burn in hell since Grade 6 and nearly ruining a woman's life by marry her to prove myself to the religion, I decided o was gay and moved away from it all. I moved to Missouri and later Chicago. I went through several break ups with no support from my friends and family who knew nothing. I finally came out at the age of 27 to my friends and family. My father asked how we could fix it and said I need to have sex out of wedlock. After a couple more years (2009), I found the man of my dreams. I got a Masters degree in counseling and then a teaching certificate several years later. Now, I am happily living in Vancouver, Canada as an elementary teacher, married to that man of my dreams for 6 years. My generation and the generations before me paved the way to make it so easy for Connor to announce to the world he is gay on Social Media. Congratulations Connor on your success but remember all of us who had it just as hard as you did and many more that had it way harder than we did. The last part of your interview was inspiring. Thank you.

[@okaypearl]

i'm really glad you're doing a lot better now ❤i'm a 19 year old girl from a christian household and i secretly dated a girl for a year when i was 13-14. everyone thinks i'm straight. didn't tell anyone about it until i told my bisexual best friend earlier this year. my parents are against same sex relationships/attraction and it's been really hard deciphering whether to just keep it to myself, or if i'm suppressing my reality by not saying anything. i don't know what to do but i feel like whatever happens, deep down i know god doesn't really care whether anyone is straight or not

[@clairedouglas1726]

Wow such a great episode really loved it , Mayim you did amazing like u always do , so glad you dropped this episode really missed it last week every show that you have done has been fantastic by far the best podcast show ever , happy new year to you take care love you ❤️xx

[@iwnunn7999]

Wow. I was Connor without the privilege, safe childhood.

[@barbarag7211]

I love hearing coming out stories. They always make me want to 😢 cry. No Matter if they are good or bad . Idk if that's weird or not. I actually did not know who conner was until I seen this episode and I'm so glad I did

[@meghanyoung3273]

Love your growth mindset and forward thinking !!!

[@thesoloistic5596]

Congrats on 1 mil! 💕🥰

[@pepesosa9667]

More people should watch and hear this podcast

[@jenniferhizzy6591]

Anxiety is usually internal depression is usually external.

[@robertlaminsky7815]

Your podcast is wonderful again. Have u given any thought to interviewing Bret weinstein and his wife Heather Heying? There book - hunter gathers guide to the 21st century can help people create a framework to function in a constantly changing environment. They are open and honest and would have a great discussion with a brilliant neuroscientist like you. I have recommended your podcasts to co workers and former students. Please try them or Jordan Peterson. I have listened to over a 100 hours of speak and he changed my world for the better.

[@nabh]

Plz tell the crew of the big bang theory to continue the series and you role as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler

[@Rainbowofthefallen]

Just Commenting for the algorithm 🧡

[@amirMahmed]

Mayim thankyou

[@pattisue5739]

Just a tiny point about the word flirting associated with babies. I’ve never associated it with anything sexual at all. I flirt with babies all the time. Meaning, I make eye contact, make goo goo eyes, faces, change the timbre of my voice, anything to engage them. I think that’s what people mean, even if they say the baby is doing the flirting. That is all.

[@andrewwerner2061]

You won't read this but could you maybe do a episode of fas and fae.i feel so many things. My birth mom drank heavily while I was in the womb

[@LMCEK]

Mayim it would be great if you would do a podcast explaining your views on how sexu@l assault survivors are responsible for their attacks based on the clothing they chose to wear etc. I think you could really illuminate this topic for us through your misogynistic and patriarchal lens

[@jeniferjalaxy1562]

Thank you for another great episode Mayim! I’ve learned so much from the amazing questions you asked him, especially the ones about mental health. I’ll always be here to support you and your great show! Lots of love and please take care!

[@okaypearl]

that intro is everything connor franta is such a blessing to humanity

[@ltbohannon3662]

This really helped me!! Very good conversation.

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Very interesting conversation 👏👏👏

[@lesslyavila2323]

Te quiero mucho Connor Franta💓