Famous Comedian Tom Papa Wants You to Know You’re Doing Great!

Tom Papa (stand-up comedian, author of We’re All In This Together…..So Make Some Room) is in the MBB studio to chat about channeling his artist sensitivity into comedy and hilarious emotional processing with his wife before bed that leaves him unable to sleep! He opens up about what it’s like being known as “the nice guy” in comedy, how to parent kids who struggle with something you’ve never struggled with, and why he’s never gone to therapy. Tom considers genetic makeup vs modeled affirmations in coping with life’s struggles, the empathy he feels for those struggling with genetic predispositions, and why it became easier to take care of himself after he had kids. He explains how psychedelics gave him new perspective but got in the way of his humor, the effect the “cathartic experience” of comedy can have on loneliness, and how allowing yourself to feel emotions can remove fear associated with the situation. Mayim and Jonathan discuss how mantras can rewire your brain and how they’ve evolved personally and together in the 3rd year of the podcast!
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Find Tom Papa:
Twitter: / tompapa
Instagram: / tompapa
See Tom Papa live on tour: TomPapa.com/tour
Tom Papa's latest book, We’re All In This Together.....So Make Some Room: a.co/d/2CKTxfz
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #TomPapa #standupcomedy #standupcomedian #sourdough #breadbaking

[@user-gl2fy9mt8g]

There is something so easy about Tom. He is soothing. I’m grieving and his presence makes see the other side of pain as contrast. I’m doing great. Thru the relentless tears I’m doing great.

[@MayimBialik]

🫶🫶🫶

[@stejon1503]

I love the part about his wife talking to him before bed😂 I totally understand her, it feels like the best time to have conversations! we don’t make the rules

[@jillmacchitelli6473]

Thank you for introducing me to Tom Papa. Staying positive is not easy in today’s world. My mantra is keep going. I agree with Tom, you & Jonathan are doing great!

[@gardenbun]

I found Tom on YT over a decade ago and I still look for his comedy clips when I'm feeling down. He is both hilarious and comforting. After seeing this interview, I love him even more!

[@kellyscruisingagain7310]

Tom is one of my favorite comedians and I love listening to him. He has an amazing way of looking at life. I hope to see him on again sometime ❤😊

[@espresso.scream]

Tom is the most pleasant man to listen too. And you two together was so pleasant. Here for the vibe ❤

[@resonantstorm771]

Tom understands the power of thought and the incredible power of CHOOSING to look up anyway. He is such a hilarious treasure. Go easy on yourself and everyone else. You're doing great!

[@tiffanitus]

Growing up with parents who didn’t allow room for emotion in daily life was mentally rough. So when I hear Tom say he just finds a way to get through the issue, it makes me think of someone just suppressing their feelings to survive. And while I know different things work for different people, I understand Mayim’s confusion when he said therapy isn’t his thing. It was interesting hearing Tom’s perspective. This show allows a lot of us to break things down… when the first half of our lives we were not allowed to. Thank you for that!

[@m_brokenleg]

Tnx for introding this European to Tom Papa. I just finished to watch this episode & I’m still laughing alone in my office..so my assistant has come to ask me what’s the matter. Such a fabulous way to begin my working afternoon! What an episode full of fun between guest & presenters! Btw, hubby & I sleep on an specially made for us 83 inches matress..but share a lot of the things told here by Tom (a night owl here married with an early morning rooster..) 😂 What’s life without humor sense even in our darkest moments? Humor sense is what makes us actually “humans”.

[@kimprendergast8030]

I always look forward to this podcast….and today was a winner!! And thank you for the post interview debrief…I really enjoy hearing how you two talk about your individual perspectives. Cheers to 3 more years!!!

[@orland0110]

What a refreshing way to start my Tuesday morning with Tom Papa. Keep up the great work with this podcast beautiful Mayim! ❤

[@Happytravellerkimmy]

Tom Papa's You're Doing Great comedy special got me through the pandemic. I listened to it every time I was feeling alone and anxious while working from home by myself. It just helped.

[@iameve77]

About Challah, I use the recipe from "The Vegetarian Epicure" and it comes out great every time. 1 pkg yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1 1/4 cups warm water, 4 1/2 to 5 cups hard-wheat, white flour (I use all purpose), 2 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 2 Tbs melted butter or oil, 1 egg yolk, sesame seeds or poppy seeds. Makes one large loaf. Pretty much just make it like you would any other bread. Let it rise, punch it down and let it rise again before shaping it into two braids, one smaller than the other. Place the smaller on top of the larger braid. Let it rise a third time, about a 1/2 hour. Egg wash it, sprinkle the seeds on it. Bake at 375 for about 50 minutes.

[@kimt.funnychick5011]

Oh this is awesome!! You and Tom! 2 of my favorite podcast hosts/shows!! ❤ Thank you!!

[@jeffp0rn]

My wife and I (30 years together) also have a CA King and now have moved to having separate blanks. Total game changer!!! Best sleep we've had in years.

[@altaresjoyceee]

Just finished listening to this on Spotify while doing my chores 😅 Tom is really great and thoughtful 😊 I agree with you guys about how hard it is to sleep, there are times (like now) that my partner is not here with me in bed, i can't sleep that easily, its hard to settle, im having feelings, its really distracting 😢 Sometimes i need him because he makes me feel how to relax, talked a little and then i can finally sleep.. Anyway, i can't express and share all what I have learned in this episode but it helped ❤ Glad to see you all in the studio ❤ Thank you guys for this new episode! 💯🙂 Take care MBB Team!

[@nicolewilliams2468]

What a relaxing episode - I loved it! It was just so easy to listen to Tom Papa speak, & I needed to hear “You’re doing great” today. Excellent, as always!😊

[@ericaclark2627]

Just to add about the part where Papa is talking about being happy to see him cry. Sometimes, I am happy to see my husband react to something because I worry that he pushes it all down so he can keep moving, too much. I don't want him to be sad, but I want him to express it when he needs to. Also, I am happy when he shows it to me, I want him to know he can be authentic and I can be supportive for him. It speaks to his trust in me and the health of our relationship.

[@charlineglowitz2978]

The late David Brenner is my reference as to story telling. I think that Tom is relatable. In watching your podcast, I can’t stop laughing because it feels like he’s got my bedroom bugged. Mayim, you’re a comedian too!

[@sweingold5686]

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, from breadmaking to Tom meeting his wife to You're doing Great. Love the aftershow part!

[@FutureMemories2024]

I love this! Tom is one of my all time fave comedians for sure! I appreciate him even more after this conversation. I'm laughing so hard about the sleeping positions with pillows. I relate so well to this.

[@collscollscolls]

As a therapist who loves your podcast (long time listener/watcher), I appreciate you asking the question: Are you in therapy? I also appreciate your willingness to let go of that idea when your guest emoted not being interested in therapy. Your instincts are perfect, Mayim.

[@christianavance9124]

I still struggle with everything all the time. I had horrible role models (when they were present at all) growing up. My manifestation mantra is 'Everything will work out in the best way possible for everyone involved' and I sometimes have to say that all day long and several days in a row before I feel like anything is getting better. But I acknowledge the fact that I'm helping to be the better role model to those who are watching me, and that's the cycle that THEY will pass forward.

[@deborahnottelling1760]

Excellent episode! I watch Tom's podcast also so it was great seeing you both in conversation. Your questions brought some interesting responses. Well done Mayim and Jonathan.

[@noraboghossian3487]

Sometimes we don’t know/think/feel, we need therapy until we go, and we realize what we were missing, and the value that it adds into our lives. If it’s not the form of a therapy, it can be a facilitation, coaching, or a support group. I watched all of his shows on Netflix - loved them all hilarious!!

[@gretchenkring3721]

Love his positivity and hope.

[@andrearoose5919]

I love this man...his comedy, his books, his perspective....so down to earth~ if you watch his IG while he is making bread (i watch with the music off), his hands do the most beautiful dance❤

[@kathythompson9931]

Yes-to homemade bread! Almost any kind, BUT SOURDOUGH IS BEAUTIFUL! Butter is beautiful too! And then a cup of coffee and all is good with my life and the world! Seriously!

[@carriesmith742]

34:24 How appropriate that this came up as the sponsor ad because I wax going to comment that my husband and I have to sleep separately for schedule purposes and we have a family plan with Audible and we both use it to fall asleep! 48:24 Is that same scientific application valid when it comes to adults learning a second language. I know you've been speaking both Spanish and Hebrew since you were a child, Mayim. I started learning Spanish via Duolingo when the pandemic hit hard in the US and I was able to start working from home, allowing me more downtime to learn. I just turned 47 this month and am thoroughly enjoying myself, but it's definitely a challenge.

[@ericavaughan5779]

This is your best episode so far! The chemistry between the three of you made me laugh cry and laugh some more ❤😂😢😂

[@kevinriehl5906]

I am a single 43 year old man and apparently Tom Papa and I have the same pillow situation going on--except I'm all ready doing the pillow behind the back thing, too!

[@marisamartinezolivera]

I’d slice this fabulous bread Tom gave you, would rub each slice with the inner part of a very mature red tomato, would pour a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and some salt flakes on it..and voilà, you’ll have the perfect Catalan “pa amb tomàquet” (ask our common friend Rebecca Fox, who tasted it with me and liked it a lot). Btw, you’ve painted your windows in same blue-grey RAL 5007 color I painted mine! Great and funny episode! Again..and counting!

[@KATHYSLUITER]

I had no idea who this guy is. No i dont watch much tv, will have to see his work. Great guy

[@lchudson1227]

I look forward to the podcast every week. Thanks for consistently providing great content. I had to go to KZbin this week & check out the bread. Great interview with Tom Papa. What a difference watching the podcast.Good to know this option exists, but the podcast is my first choice. Keep up the good work!!

[@melissahodgson1958]

Get out Mayim! You got Tim Papa!!!!! Epic!!!!

[@JaniceAJanice]

I absolutely loved this episode. I have listened to it twice and both times it elevated my spirit. I became an immediate fan and follower of Tom's. What I need to know is, does he sell his bread?? I need some sourdough! I used to live in Northern California but unfortunately my former job brought me to south Florida and I cannot find good sourdough here. Please tell me there is a way to get hold of his sourdough!

[@AlekSandra665]

I love Tom Papa.

[@mikeassad9936]

I agree with Jonathan’s statement. You guys have improved a lot. Keep up the great work 😊

[@aribeans78]

I feel like Mayim and I could be sisters. I respond the same way as her all the time. Love the podcast! I am learning so much!! ❤

[@angelarasmussen1800]

Tom understands the secret of sourdough and that tells you a lot about his wisdom and groundedness-not a word, but you know what I mean.

[@trudyowen3738]

Fun episode! Thanks the three of you…

[@CutieWarrior-ol8ik]

My mother always reacts extremely aggressively and accuses me of bad intentions when something doesn't work for me the way it works for her. So i think: You're doing Great!☀️🤗 Also: For me, physical contact is more important than talking (don't seem like it, i know) I just like to listen and be held.❤

[@Happinessking816]

I am doing great. I was doing better before and no one helped me stay on top so now I know no one else in my community care and I have to do it for myself and maybe one day icing on top of my life I’ll meet people who are able to hold a safe space for my happiness and success and uplift me when I am doing extremely well already instead of counting on my downfall and being oh so giddy if I’m not happy it makes them happy 😂

[@avanisagar6408]

OMG Mayim, where on the earth was I living? I just discovered that you have an active channel, and you create such an amazingly helpful content!! You are the best friend everyone needs.....Love from India...❤❤❤

[@MayimBialik]

So happy you found us and thanks for the lovely note!! 🇮🇳

[@revrasheemstewart]

Mayim you are doing a wonderful job on your podcast and you are a truly beautiful woman. 😊🌹💜

[@agneses.7029]

Amazing! ThankYou!

[@tomlichnofsky.7048]

The Awesomeness Continues! ✊😊👊 It's What I Say! 🤔😊👍 And I Mean it! 👌😆🖖🍁🍁

[@merrie501]

What a great interview of one of my favorite comedians!

[@angelamacelli9150]

I love this guy! ❤

[@lalah9481]

Love Tom! Thank you for sharing💖

[@user-uw1up4rx5b]

I love this podcast and love Tom Papa! I had no idea he loved baking! Such a sweet thing that he brought Challah bread! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@josievaccaro]

This is the first time for me that talking about bread is made sexy 😂 Non ti dimenticare Tom che ci vuole sempre la "scarpetta" dopo mangiato! 😅❤ Baci siciliani!

[@kathymcguire8287]

Love your podcasts! ❤😊

[@k.brown34668]

It starts with things happening to you and you then saying it will be okay again one day. Then saying, I will be okay, then it becomes it's okay and gets to, I am okay is slowly believed until it is true. Slow steps in a more positive direction and gaining a healthy mental and physical balance is the key. As a medicated person, I find that medical marijuana makes my life more hopeful because without it, I become over stressed, unfocused on important things and more worried in general. We are finding out that certain chemicals cause different reactions in our very unique brains. So for some it adds to their worry, stress and paranoia where as in others it relieves them of those things. I do not advocate anything to anyone but am finding that we each find what works for us in our own time or with the help we receive from our loved ones.

[@slimsonite2111]

I love Tom's Sirius XM show with Fortune Feimster...good stuff! Channel 93 🥰😁

[@evellis4495]

1:16:32 bookmarking so I can come back to Tom Papa telling me I’m doing great.

[@happyhill9753]

My mantra like that is ‘I believe in you’ My friends love that. It makes us feel better. and I do believe in them.

[@mbrovitz]

best one, yet! I'm just like Tom Papa. S*it happens and I go on.Things get better.

[@linguaphile42]

Oh man, such a helpful show to me. The genetic component of my often dark disposition that can be traced back through my dad to his mother -- OMG, we operate just the same. Wow. Never thought about that in such a specific way.

[@danaw23]

I love all your episodes and I love Tom Papa, but this episode way surpassed my expectations in a thoughtful, provoking, and funny way. And I want some sourdough and challah. ❤❤❤

[@Prof_Loredana]

I can relate so much to the sleeping situation stories 😂 I have a whole ritual for sleeping and it’s an algorithm now! As soon as one variable is off my sleep is totally off!!

[@justamom4902]

Exactly, i think its a lot like boxing, when yiu know the blows are coming you cane better prepare and take them with grace. Then the healing goes more smoothly too. I've learned to put myself on hold and take care of the job at hand, but i will eventually get back to myself and all will be well again.

[@maxmiller5371]

Love Mayim and Tom!!!

[@danastonerock]

Yay !!!! Can't wait

[@slimsonite2111]

"A journal?!?!?!" Ah hahaha!

[@elizakauder4661]

What a lovely person. Sweetness.

[@camillealatorre9817]

Im a nurse AND we make 8 little pillows for patients in bed, cannot stand up, old or paralized, but I sleep with 3 AND 1 Is between the knees. We have on the NANDA book about ergonomy

[@kimturco1324]

Love Tom Papa ❤

[@mimmycal]

Sweet talk!!

[@chalabiste8300]

Love ❤ your laugh.

[@alwaysamy4]

Tom looks so good!!

[@jennejonez9921]

Love Tom Pape.. great interview. No pillow is good for the alignment of your neck❤

[@franceenwebb9003]

I found your conversation about bed size revealing. I think poverty shuts many people out of having options. I grew up poor. My parents' bedroom was too small for anything but a full size bed.

[@didid7880]

Yep, my husband of 46 years and I have always slept in a full size bed and no, I've never used a pillow. I can relate!

[@alexeyb5370]

I have just recently discovered this channel - very intereing guests to listen to. I am wondering, is it any chance to be a part of your podcast? Thank you!

[@Happinessking816]

Pillow between the legs for me helps my hip pain from when I had gymnastics coaches hurt my body as a kid I need hip surgery at 25 from it - be kind to kids.

[@artemiskuhn9891]

Murmurmirmurrmuring tent lol 😊

[@kristymerritt1421]

Yeah, I got a dog. Don't You Gypsy Rose that dog!! "Gypsy Rose it" 🤘 Brilliant. Bravo Ms. 1Slkip.This is one of my favorite Gypsy Nose chime INS, moving on to Gypsy does Hollywood....She should take Flat Stanley with her, something to offset the cringe ✌️ Better than Yesterday, not as good as tomorrow....

[@suzieq5876]

i have slept with a pillow between my knees since I was pregnant with my first child, 41 years ago. I can't stand my knees touching when i'm sleeping. If I don't have a pillow, I will find something to put between my knees when i sleep.

[@rikkiechambers4959]

Tom seems like the sweetest guy despite his trying to make out that he’s not lol

[@bodytrainer1crane730]

❤️❤️❤️

[@coleleigh9431]

so the gallows humor IS the therapy

[@wyoag12]

What a great conversation. What is TM, please?

[@MayimBialik]

Transcendental meditation! ✨

[@JENNIFERBOO]

Tom Papa is Jack Benny of now for sure minus the violin.

[@greatlakesnarwhalmichellee4507]

Is the challah recipe on the website

[@Daddy.Snorlax]

🎵BAKE... IT... DOWN🎵 The all-new bread and baking 🍞spin-off podcast featuring Mayim Bialik, Jonathan Cohen, and Tom Papa!

[@MayimBialik]

🍞🙀

[@maryanngundrum942]

Recipe please!

[@gylgamesh5]

I don’t sleep with a pillow either.

[@mitchhecht9070]

You can buy a large challah for 5.99 and its delice.

[@jwb52z9]

Am I alone in that I would be alarmed at someone basically expelling all of their anxious thoughts at me like that, especially at night?

[@mbrovitz]

i wrote a book about my life: "How I Got a Horse Out of a Toilet"

[@Meredith36]

Does anyone have a good gluten-free challah recipe? And gluten free sourdough? Thank you all!!

[@MyStylist.Naomi12]

Wait, was the tin man a robot???? 🤯

[@socalninjaturtle]

Hello

[@lynnturman8157]

hmmm....my three month old daughter has that same haircut (but no beard)

[@valerieklimaszewski1726]

Also, I have a youtube trailer, about my book: Rainbows...From Brokenness to Blessings. It was published by Christian Faith Publishing. Valerie 🎉

[@Eliza.HawkeyeJane]

♥️💔❤️‍🩹🔥✨💫♥️

[@mermiefasmart1387]

Pillows between the legs at the knee are for the benefit of the HIPS !!!

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

It is healthier for your knees and your back to sleep with a small pillow between your knees.

[@Damsie]

Onion board almost sounds like a derivation of a bialy.