Evanna Lynch: Take Up Space

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.
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Instagram: @evannalynch
Evanna Lynch's Book: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #EvannaLynch

[@skylarutd]

Everyone in my group had a big crush on Hermione, i was the only one who absolutely adored Luna 🤩. Such an undderated character

[@HayleySulfridge]

Her and Neville are hands down my favorite characters ❤️

[@ADITYASHARMA-nh4wq]

Same here

[@bellasampson7398]

I’ve always loved her. I love how open she is for friendship, how accepting she is of Harry, how she understands how others perceive her yet doesn’t let it shake her see the ‘people expect you to hang out with a cooler crowd line’. She’s incredibly observant, open to befriending anyone, yet not naïve. She can spot a bad character. The rhetoric of her being an antivaxxer in a COVID context is so weird. She still had logic, and with the film adaption, her glasses are shown to be effective for the supposedly fictitious wrackspurts. Her beliefs (outside of the crumpled horn snorcack) is harmless. Hermione’s fault would be that at times she’s too closed minded in her logic, Dumbledore utilised this quirk to slow the trio down with the hallows/horcrux search. Luna watched her mother die at a young age, she was excluded and bullied by most of the school, and bullied. She spent a lot of her life travelling with her father and he clearly brought work home with him, or worked from home. It’s not weird to believe that she’d pickup some of his quirks during her childhood or extensive social isolation. But we see her expand her views with each book/film. She had that Stubby Boardman conspiracy before Sirius died, and had the sense to not bring it up when talking to Harry after his death. She could acknowledge truth. There’s my soapbox Luna spiel. In my opinion, she’s the most comfortable character who understands themselves in an honest and intelligent manner. She embraces what others shun, in herself and in others. I’m forever a fan.

[@kachdragonfly]

Not the only one. Our household thought Luna was the better match for Harry. The scene together in the woods was one of the best of the franchise.

[@carl9148]

Cho and Luna are my two faves, personally, yeah, I have to agree, Hermione is smart, brainy, beautiful, cool and talented for her age in the series, but, I love Cho more and we still do, after Order of the Phoenix, because she is the girl next door and she deserved better after Umbridge and she did to her and Harry's relationship and that's why I always liked Luna too, she's the outsider, the odd one out, like I was as a kid, people call her weird, strange and all, but, we all love her and most of us, kind of fancy her in the end. Probably why, like Katie Leung, who played Cho, why I have, still this huge crush on Evanna, really.

[@deannarounds134]

"The person we are dating is a reflection of us" 😳 why didn't someone tell me this as a girl?! Mind officially blown .. because I can see how accurate this is.

[@remsleep2091]

Yeah, as a fact… it is a practical way to come and accept yourself, when you love something about your significant other, it could basically be you loving traits of your own personality, same as if you hate things about that significant other. Also it can help you see from the outside traits that are hurting your life, being mentally or physically, many times you pick a partner which will make you understand all these patterns. Something curious that I experienced was that: I had dated 4 autistic people in my life, being women and men, not knowing that I myself, am autistic! Until two years ago, when I was finally diagnosed. So basically seems like our brains are always ahead from what we can actually perceive!

[@Nancy-yw1rr]

I don't feel this is always the case- especially when you find you are with a non authentic person.

[@cayceesmith2650]

My purpose in life is to share my joy. I smile at people in the grocery store. I ask a gas station attendant how their day is. I look my kid in the eyes and listen to their seemingly endless story of their day. I hug my friends. I play bingo with the senior group. I try to live compassionately. Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing I have to do all the time every time even when I don't want to. I just give these things when I can. And strangers will approach me and tell me their life stories. If I can, I listen. That's my purpose.

[@emilymclane5965]

“It’s brave to share about ways that you’ve struggled, especially when it’s not pretty “ such a powerful quote myim!

[@m_brokenleg]

If I put together these Mayim’s quotes at past Hoffman’s episode: “People who are hurt, hurt others” + “Understand yourself for the sake of living” along with what you say to brave Evanna today “It’s brave to share ab ways you’ve struggled, specially when are not pretty” and we have the Way to Healing guide. Thank you, Mayim, JC & Evanna! 🙏🏼

[@m.vonlindenberg9722]

Huge fan of everyone involved in this podcast -- Mayim, you're always knocking this out of the park. Evanna, lord have mercy, every time I hear you talk or read your words somewhere, you open something that I hadn't thought about. How did it not click that "taking up space" has two sides of a coin if you commodify it? Space means purpose, and if you can't find purpose in that space, you're just in the way?! *mind blow*. Now I have things to talk to MY therapist about this week, hahahaha

[@bitchenboutique6953]

I’m squeeing over the “is that a cat?” show stopping moment. I once had an orange tabby half Persian half Himalayan and a house with no air conditioning in the middle of Texas, so his summer lion cut was SO CUTE.

[@hufflepuffwannabe]

is there a timestamp :) I would like to see cat

[@maevelonie1124]

@@hufflepuffwannabe 28:08 :)

[@melissa.gaggiano]

That moment, "Is that a cat?" I loved that.

[@Melodyj1511]

My daughter struggled with an eating disorder for many years. It was so gradual that I hate it went on for years before I realized it. Part of it was that we lived in different cities then but that just made it easier for her to "protect" me from it and her from me knowing it. Turns out she is bipolar and that was a huge part of the genesis. And it was so hard to get into therapy- when you're well enough to look you can tell yourself you don't need it and when you're not well you don't have the reserves to jump through the hoops. I'm a nurse so I really hate myself for not getting my daughter and my son mental help when they were younger. My son paid for that with his life/ death. I thank the heavens my daughter is working on her recovery. Your podcast has really given me more insight. Thank you.

[@hannahswan1193]

So glad that you have Evanna on the podcast, Mayim! Her vegan podcast 'The Chickpeeps' is brilliant. Her memoir is also great and of course is a brilliant Luna in the Harry Potter films ❤

[@why25why]

I have a son who, at 27, is *still* obsessed with HP. And Luna Lovegood was THE favorite character for both of us! In fact, he's hoping to find a real life Luna. Don't change a thing about yourself, Evanna - your voice is perfect, and your energy is just so beautiful. Loved this interview.

[@laylasummernights9841]

Talking therapy doesn't solve everything, I realised it halfway through my Psychology degree. So glad someone else is talking about it

[@mania1594]

Dear Mayim and Jonathan, please keep doing this podcast for many many years... It is very helpful and listening to you over time has really increased my knowlegde and evolved my understanding and attitude toward mental health. Thank you both and congratulations on the great work!

[@sydneyslade937]

I never ran to a episode of anything as quick as I just did when I saw Evanna on your podcast! I love you both!!

[@CanisLupus1987]

Evanna was always so down to earth

[@abbieprice3430]

I’ve been on the spectrum myself since I was 2 1/2 and I must say that Mayim asked Evanna a lot of questions that really made her think a lot (maybe that explains the brain logo on her podcast)! Other than that, I always thought that her alter ego Luna Lovegood was a really cool character as soon as I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at age 14! When I got to junior high, some kids started to tease me when they saw me talking to myself in class! But what was really inspiring about Luna was that she was picked on as well, but yet she didn’t care about what others thought about her weirdness! Thankfully my life is better and no one really bullies me anymore! But yeah it would’ve been nice to have a best friend Luna to get me through those tough times!

[@susansnyder2420]

Wonderful interview! I started using hypnotherapy to treat my emotional eating a decade ago and ended up learning so much about myself from the inside out. Today I may work in hypnotherapy or work with an intuitive healer because my “food issues” have become the vehicle through which I’ve experienced spiritual awakening.

[@elena11293]

being not familiar with the franchise, I didn't know Evanna Lynch, but I can say that the first thing I thought after a few minutes in was, 'I like her voice' :))

[@sharonallen2020]

Wow! I'm finding how much I have in common with your guests, regarding sensitivity and not understanding my purpose in childhood, being a people pleaser, and I could go on. I really felt a connection with Evanna's story. This is all very helpful for finally identifying and putting into words what my experience has been. What amazing stories your guests have to share, and thank you for helping us all break it down. (I love the fluffy cat, too.)

[@emilymclane5965]

I’m so grateful for your show! Sometimes I feel like I can’t wait until Tuesday!

[@TheMakerOnTheMove]

I have been hoping you'd have Evanna on your podcast and it didn't disappoint. Great work as always

[@sweingold5686]

I look forward to new interviews. Thank you, once again.

[@orland0110]

Thank you so much for another interesting episode, Mayim! I know there are so many people in general that struggle with eating disorders. One of the reasons why I love this channel and podcast so much is the variety of topics that are discussed related towards Mental Health that many people can learn and benefit from if they watch these episodes. It is a joy watching Mayim Bialik's Breakdown!

[@barbdowns1]

What a lovely woman Ms Lynch has become! I loved her performances in the Harry Potter movies, but I found what she said and shared in this interview to be so fascinating. I’ll definitely look for her book and check out her podcast.

[@amandajacobs57]

Also I definitely believe the moon affects people. I'm a teacher and every full moon the students get more emotions, fight more, and generally act out more. It never fails.

[@snoozyq9576]

There are so many people with experiences like this. I used to find that sort of thing silly but it really seems to be the case quite consistently

[@lauregleasure2140]

This was my favorite of your episodes so far. I loved how eloquent your guest was. I relate to a lot of what she said around her experience with eating disorder. It gave me some hope. I find the idea of moon ceremonies interesting. I have to confess I am a little biased as I am from Co Kerry in Ireland. Thank you. Keep up your great work.x

[@rockstargirl213]

I adore this episode. So glad I stopped by. Xx

[@annabelyates5219]

This episode speaks to me so much, thank you 💖

[@amandajacobs57]

Luna was always my favorite. I never knew Evanna had struggled and I relate to her so much. Thank you Mayim for having her this made my whole week

[@RashaunMichelle]

Mayim, I adore you. This episode was particularly resonating with me. Great as usual.

[@rachelleperry5473]

Love you two! Thank you for creating this podcast and continuing to have wonderful guests on. I’m learning so much. Mayim, when is your mama coming back to the show? I need her thoughts and opinions on past shows! Thanks again for breaking things down so I don’t have to.

[@_Jaclyn_]

Hello from Australia. Love this pod. Thanks Mayim and Jonathon :)

[@TheNymphillon]

Listened to the podcast on Spotify but had to come and watch on KZbin for the cat 😁

[@LindseyLumpkins]

I immediately bought Evannas book after watching this. It arrived today I can’t wait.

[@codylipscomb2637]

Thank you for your show.

[@AmyMSantos]

I started watching because I saw a clip of the cat on Instagram, and stayed because this is a great podcast!

[@louisbonilla6780]

It was difficult to stop giggling at the sound of Evanna's speech patterns but then I got comfortable with it thanks to the both of you for handling an actress with that extra careful touch - you both make me proud - from Mayim's desire to complete and extend her education and earn her Masters to Jonathan's subtle yet powerful balance of ego and humility - you guys make my day so much like a "Brain Massage" and so many more episodes for me to enjoy!👍❤

[@nakamurafellings]

Thanks Mayim!! To feel represented by another human being like I felt here is a blessing and a relieve! Your comment about birthdays made my day! Thank you!!

[@kachdragonfly]

I'm interested to understand the parent's ( and other adult role models) impact and role in the mental development, values, etc of their children in their world.

[@t0tally3rica]

She shares Luna’s ability to give me chills with a single sentence or cause me to rewind because I need to her what she says again. Her energy is so vibrant🥰😇

[@claralacey5914]

Another terrific podcast, thanks so much.😎🇦🇺

[@anxietyembodied732]

Hi Mayim! Just wanted to say you are fantastic and beautiful! and thank you for making these videos, they are very different to what people usually post on youtube! keep doing what you're doing! xx

[@yochanacoleman3406]

I'm about two-thirds of the way through Evanna's book. It's amazing! The way she writes. The honesty. The humour. And I agree with her father - keep looking back and you'll find an Irish ancestor. Mine were from County Mayo. :)

[@katiearpino1142]

Team Johnathan and Mayim all the way you guys are the real deal, I hope you both continue to grow with each other and within yourselves too you're a gift to each other and to people who see and engage the awesome podcast you do!!! Thank you ive been subscribed since podcast 1 and love it

[@ess2607]

I generally listen more than watch this show... And it was so strange when Evanna talked about her voice being "too high or child-like" - It's a part of her, a part of her uniqueness. Seems like the most successful actors have uniqueness that helps them stand out from the "fleets" of generic models/ actors. High pitch voices can be quite disarming thinking of Carol Kane & Kathy Najimy.

[@butterflynerd0078]

Explaining existentialism and how it relates to life was so helpful. Also, please interview more people with cats

[@jules.bear75]

Thank you :) It's been interesting to me to listen to Evanna :) Greetings from Pamplona in Spain.

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

YAY Thanks so much!

[@remsleep2091]

I don’t know if it’s a connection between people who have struggled w anorexia or any type of eating disorder, or a sensitive thing, but back then when Harry Potter first showed Luna, I was and for a long time anorexic. And whenever I saw this amazing character I could relate so much to them and I even believed that the actress herself was maybe struggling with this types of behaviors, although she says it was before HP, I believe this illnesses are tough to get away from. What a great talk, I’ll get to the book soon!

[@eveywrens]

All joking aside. . . My experience with soul retrievals mirrors Jonathan's. I spent a couple of weeks preparing myself. I had the ceremony with a focus on recovering my creativity. Having been chronically depressed what happened felt like a miracle. I was filled with creative energy, enthusiasm and came out of my shell. My shamanic practitioner emphasized the integration process. I ended up studying with her and taking classes with Sandra Ingerman. I uses to do shamanic healing work with a group of people who also took Harner trainings. The work is quite profound (but is not everyone's "cup of tea"). Enjoyed the interview with Evanna immensely. 🤗

[@dalejohnson1770]

Hi Mayim! I just finished one of your episodes where you shared your most profound spiritual experience. I have to tell you that I have always sensed that in you. I learned about the teachings of Baha'u'llah (The Glory of God 1817-1892) about 50 years ago. I have been blessed with having traveled to many places in the world and have crossed paths with so many people who have essentially shared your experience. One interesting fact is that Baha'u'llah had an agreement with the Government of Israel that there would be no teaching in Israel. I visited Mt. Carmel in 2019 and what a challenge that was, not to share the greatest most profound reality ever.. Talking about this reality is what the world needs most right now. Knowing how resourceful you are you have probably been investigating yourself. I get, that you are aware, that what is most important is, that we come together in unity and consult about the exigencies of the day. You get that showing our faith in deeds that help on the world is crucial. As Baha'is, we believe that all the Divine Manifestations of the pasts have prepared us for Baha'u'llah, who has wrote over 100 volumes of guidance for how to bring about the long awaited Golden Age. And by looking through the vantage point of Him, we can see the commonality of all religions and all peoples. If you add .org to Bahai you can learn so much about our Hears Desire! "That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and the mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all of its peoples in one universal Cause one common Faith." "So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole world." "Put all your beliefs into harmony with science; there can be no opposition, for truth is one. When religion, shorn of its superstitions, traditions and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then will there be a great unifying cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars, disagreements, discords and struggles-- and then will mankind be united in the power of the Love of God." "This is the Day in which God's most excellent favors have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences and with perfect unity and peace abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His Care and loving-kindness. It behooveth them to cleave to whatsoever will, in this Day, be conducive to the exaltation of their stations, and to the promotion of their best interests. Happy are those whom the all-glorious Pen was moved to remember, and blessed are those men whose names, by virtue of Our inscrutable decree, We have preferred to conceal. Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be graciously assisted to fulfill that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead. Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is the knower of things unseen." Thanks again Mayim for all of your wonderful service. If you want to say hi, my name is Natalie Johnson I live in West Linn Oregon and my Face Book photo is me at the age of 9. Love, love!

[@confundedcat]

This is the 2nd episode of yours I have watched (1st being the one with Hayley Williams) & in both I was so surprised by how much I related to, or you guys mentioned things i think would be interesting to delve into further myself. Such an awesome podcast/show. Love you both! + Evanna of course!!

[@ellieplanit]

I think this is my favorite episode, for so so many reasons

[@merle309]

What a great episode. I think I am a very different person than Evanna, but still I also had/have an eating disorder, so that's very interesting. And although I would've anwered everything very differently, the questions kinda fit me too. That's so funny, I never had that experience as a listener of your podcast before.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

The moment of "shiny object" that Mayim has at 27:53 - LOVE it... I would go beyond the moment, too! LOL! What a lovely show with Evanna. She's fantastic. Thanks, Mayim & Jonathan, I also love and appreciate and try "all of the things"!

[@papondahoops]

Circus! Yes!! Hooping has helped my mental health tremendously!

[@LunaFayedragon]

as soon as i saw this i had to watch it Luna was and still is my favorite character from the entire harry potter series i really felt like i could connect with her and i adore Evanna and had no idea about her book just got the audible

[@juliebrown8381]

Wow ,wow,wow so enlightening 💫

[@jennifermoran2884]

Evanna seems like an amazing, gentle and genuine soul. I think Evanna was always meant to play Luna Lovegood.

[@elizakauder4661]

Thanks for bringing up Rosh Chodesh! Women protect that which is hidden. Lovely. Purpose: Leave the world a better place than you found it. And foster kittens! 😻 (from Ashland, OR)

[@vanessalandrock]

33:28 - 34:19 so helpful! I guess I now have a name/explanation for my problem(s)

Dear frinds, thank you so much for your informing show, unfortunately Anoraxia is a pretty serious disorder, however thankfully we have some healing methods and sulucitions for that, Irland must be a wonderful country and dear Evanna is so talented and cool. Much love from Turkey.

[@forestduffe5576]

This is another episode to be relate to. Food disorders is no joke.

[@Saffrondarling]

I’m 50 years old and I still don’t know what my purpose is

[@angelaholmes8888]

I'm a big fan of evanna she was great as luna I also suffered from an eating disorder when I was a teenager

[@Valerie72]

hey dear Mayim and Jonathan! cool episode! please have Martha Beck on please please😊

[@t.p.3532]

Her acting bringing Luna to life was my favorite

[@vitomcsween974]

Well done Mayim you got to chat with one of the most popular Irish actresses in the world

[@marytsinnett]

Would love to find the astrologer she mentioned that does the moon ceremonies!! Yasmine Boland? Anyone know for sure the name of the woman?

[@mooke06]

Damn, your channel is Dope! It feels like I’m at the doctors office, but with way more style!

[@_bebeboudeur_]

I want the non talking therapy please, I know exactly what and why my issues are, I just wanna stop having panic attacks and isolating myself from the world please thank youuu

[@LunaFayedragon]

ive always loved everything about you evanna and my daughter too

[@Karolinahal16]

Tbbt and Harry Potter...my dream came true!!!

[@karankhanna987]

Can u add timestamps

[@marisamartinezolivera]

I love the Amy figurine at the back holding hands with a much taller model to learn to draw. I see Mayim and Jonathan there. 💜💜Take care and stay safe!🤞🏾Omicron 🦠is here. Even vaccinated & boostered as myself..

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

Why u telling the YT comment section your business.. no asked why you can't write anything more.. looks like you r fishing for people to comment in your Covid Status ..

[@jeninlight]

Only there is literally no way to know how covid may have effected you without the jab. Whatever happened to vaccines that actually keep you from getting sick? 🤦‍♀️ 🐑🐑🐑

[@marisamartinezolivera]

@@UsernameUnkwn21 Nothing more far away from reality. Have a nice day.

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

@@marisamartinezolivera you are embarrassed someone called u out on it.. that's understandable bc the truth is IF I were incorrect in my assessment you would have simply Stopped your comment at " I see Mayim n Jonathan here" and left everything else out BUT u didn't sooo stop bring thirsty for interaction

[@m_brokenleg]

@@UsernameUnkwn21 May I notice a certain jealousy here? Stop bullying others and pay attention to the podcast. Live and let live, dear..And seek notoriety elsewhere but here.

[@Rainbowofthefallen]

Just Commenting for the algorithm ❤️

[@richcampbell6808]

WILL there be a second season of CALL ME KAT?

[@LaurelHawkswell]

Isn't she just lovely!

[@peppzmusic]

I love when she was talking about people telling her what was wrong with her drew her in closer because she thought they had the answers. Felt that hard.

[@AdVO1980]

I love everything about her. One of my favorite guests of the podcast. Her voice is a sound massage for me (so soothing). And she is a VEGAN!

[@NazesereMonarizaderuryoujimona]

Love

[@hughjassol2072]

She will always be Luna Lovegood. I wish her the best in all her endeavors

[@lauraleecreations3217]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@stephanies5658]

You know who I would look to see on here ? Maria Shriver , Wilson Cruz Lilly Tomlin

[@Love-om3dc]

45:00 - you seek out what you believe

[@ballercris]

Very cool luna lovegood

[@outback5thgate5658]

Why do I remember this? I'm so serious. I've never watch it. I only remember intro.

[@l.c3994]

How did I only know notice that the singer for the intro is the same as for the big bang theory theme?

[@premapoojitanananda7947]

💜🌺

[@salviadorrii]

Jonathan drops some knowledge at 33:30.

[@riase]

Funny how she was trying to change the most unique (besides her eyes) and amazing thing about her: her voice

[@rebeccarolen]

So I’ve been genuinely curious about the 2 figurines holding hands behind you. Please tell. Good shows btw.

[@annieoannie]

I haven't listened in awhile. Wow. Crazy number of ads.

[@lesliespence9439]

Luna ⚡️💛.

[@stasiagrzibek]

Luna Lovegood ❤❤

[@LR-wt7kd]

Why so many ads? :(

[@robyngrogan7647]

I once was charged $36.00 at BB&T for overdraft for 0.03 cents!!! I am on disability, so 0.03 cents pretty much F Ed my life up. So yes I am mad as as he'll about banks too.

[@Thenoobestgirl]

Holy shit it's Luna Lovegood!!!

[@BigCrafterTX]

The Irish are the same all these hundreds of years later, we live therefore we must suffer. And those who suffer should just accept it and not try to anything happier. My family is just as depressing as hers, except my parents didn't want to bother in driving us any where that was an inconvenience. Theater or drama was an inconvenience.

[@adamkaufman6739]

It really is a conflict of interest for Mayim marketing for Jewish schools in Atlanta having a history of an eating disorder