Kevin Sussman: Weighted Blankets, Actor Anxiety & the Science of Sobbing

Kevin Sussman (actor, writer, comedian, The Big Bang Theory) discusses his anxiety surrounding performing and reveals his process for tricking his brain into redirecting anxious thoughts. Mayim and Kevin reminisce about their shared experiences on the set of The Big Bang Theory and examine the differences between Kevin and his character, "Stuart Bloom." Kevin shares the advice George Clooney and Gary Shandling gave to him about combating anxiety and the body mechanics of the Alexander Technique he uses to manage habitual physical tension. Mayim breaks down the physiological symptoms and evolutionary advantages of anxiety, the science and cultural aspects of crying, and ways to avoid the trap of rumination. They discuss the benefits and side effects of anxiety medication and natural coping methods, and Mayim ends the episode with advice for managing anxiety when trying to fall asleep in the latest installment of Ask Mayim Anything.
__
Ask Mayim Anything: www.bialikbreakdown.com/#ask-...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6TgOe2p...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Sign up for Mayim Bialik's Breakdown Newsletter: www.bialikbreakdown.com​​
Find Mayim Bialik:
/ ​​​
/ ​​​
/ ​​​
/ mayimbialik
Find Kevin Sussman:
/ kevsussman
/ kevinsussman
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #KevinSussman

[@debbieskrletts725]

The stuart character would be a good spin off series

[@rachelgrig9985]

And Raj 😄

[@robynfromcanada]

@@rachelgrig9985 Yes, Besties: Stewart and Raj!! 😂

[@ourtravels3140]

Short series yeah

[@jsstar76]

Agree. Loved his quirky body movements and facial expressions!

[@strangerboi101]

Yeah I agree because besides the main 5 Stuart is defending the most interesting character

[@lillymon182]

Kevin gives amazing hugs! I was lucky enough to see him at Comic Con in South Africa a couple years ago. I was feeling overwhelmed and tired from the day and saw him leaving. He looked about as exhausted as I felt and I approached him and asked him if he'd like a hug. Haha the 'bodyguard' looked me up and down, trying to sus out if this little hufflepuff posed a threat. But Kevin smiled sweetly and said "Sure!". We both held on a little longer than usual, I think we both needed it. Thank you Kevin for letting a tired stranger hug you after an overwhelming and people-y day.

[@calisongbird]

“Hufflepuff” 😄 That’s a sweet story. I’m glad you had that moment.

[@elleeme9451]

Is a Hufflepuff an actual costume? Wasn't it a stuffed toy?

[@archaprice3372]

Mayim, I doubt you’ll read this, it’s 2 years since it posted, but you provide a helpful service, thank you.

[@myaaa5707]

Mayim needs more than a show. She needs a country

[@myaaa5707]

@James Buckingham uh

[@Plethorality]

@James Buckingham there are other kinds of countries.

[@Plethorality]

@James Buckingham ps, maybe you were imagining a rumin nation! ? ; ) yes, that is a joke.

[@elissa3188]

I think having her own country might be too much for her with her anxiety etc. But, having a county that prioritizes health (mind and body) and mental wellness etc.

[@myaaa5707]

@@elissa3188 sorry if that comment may have been delirious, I said it as a joke

[@TheKileymclean]

My husband and I were watching Hitch last night. And near the end is a picture of Kevin and a girl with a wedding invitation. We started laughing about “Stuart” getting married. This led to a long discussion of his character on Big Bang. Kevin should know that his acting was such that he is discussed and remembered fondly. And he wasn't orange in his engagement photo. ROFLMAO

[@robz.3225]

That was a really funny episode! Stop off at the chocolate factory...

[@karolinamikesova]

Oh, somebody finally invited Stuart. Good choice. :D

[@bhuvaneshkrishna8474]

Invited*

[@robz.3225]

@@bhuvaneshkrishna8474 ?

[@o_p0tterhead]

@@robz.3225 OP may have made a typo so they corrected them:)

[@MrCoconutcat]

Tasters choice instant decaf

[@ZombieMiezz]

Kevin

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

I watch BBT reruns almost every day and the brilliance of Kevin's line readings never disappoints. I laugh every time. Great character, perfect casting. It's been so great to spend more time with this wonderful ensemble on this superb podcast.

[@katharinamaier2966]

As a child, I had social anxiety and that's why I was afraid of the bus and the school. I played the clarinet in a youth orchestra and later in the orchestra. When we went on stage at a gig, I felt like the blind man in the dark. Suddenly everyone was afraid, everyone was nervous, but I had experience with fear for a few years and I knew how my body reacts. So I was able to deal with it and felt competent about it. And of course I received positiv feedback for how I could deal with the fear, while no one ever praised me for how well I managed the day at school with all the fear.

[@Ayrmetes418]

What a great episode. It's strangely comforting to hear about how others experience anxiety, especially crying. Having grown up in a home where emotions were frowned upon and being a cryer. I always felt embarrassed when I couldn't hold back the tears especially in a professional situation. Kind of hard to describe on a social forum. I commend both of your courage. Thanks.

[@MrCoconutcat]

Now that I'm older when I cry I get a little bit angry and then I want to eliminate my oppressors so I try not to cry as hard as possible or else I turn into a comic book avenger but I'm glad you found your emotions as a grown up that's the opposite of what I did

[@susannec659]

Mayim is so adorable! When she was air texting and turning it into a sitting mambo or such. I just love her!

[@magpie.314]

It's interesting to note that for certain other kinds of highly anxious people, the pandemic inadvertently helped us thrive in a way. Essentially, it turns out that our anxiety was training us the whole time to be mentally equipped to survive in a situation like this pandemic, giving us an advantage when it came time to dealing with the sudden changes in lifestyle such as the long-term isolation, hyper vigilance, etc. that come with living in a world on lockdown. There was even a perverse sense of reassurance & validation, because now the world finally reflected our invisible inner struggle with anxiety and now a lot more people could relate to something that we struggled with alone for a long time, even turning to us for support in a new & scary situation. We feel a little more seen & a little less ashamed.

[@calisongbird]

Wow that’s a great insight. Thank you!

[@sisken12]

Stewart was my favorite, too. He was a complex character.

[@jungersrules]

One of my favorite episodes of BBT is the Amy and Sheldon marriage, not only because of Mark Hamill, but mostly actually because Stuart gets the girl. The look on his face when his date says, "You're so hot." LMAO! Love it!

[@themobbit9061]

I have struggled with anxiety all my life and it’s amazing to hear you guys be so honest about yours. I think it will help others who struggle in shame alone

[@isirasamarasinghe748]

please see a therapist or do meditation. you will get rid of it in a few minutes forever. you need to understand the mechanism of this. the thing is you can't understand this because your mind is really really disturbed now. the fix is a very easy one😂. you focus on your breathing again and again. don't give up. keep in mind that the first few minutes are the hardest. please continue. first, do big breathing so it will help you to focus more on it. keep doing it for few minutes(10 - 15). then you will feel better after a few days. then start thinking about the process of anxiety while meditating. you have a fear of being anxious the more you fear the more anxious you will be. then you think about your anxiety. then it grows more and more. keep in mind that this is harmless. but you will feel worse when your anxiety is at its peak. once you let go of it. you will go back to normal in a few seconds. understand that you have thought so much about this anxiety. you have googled so much. so understand the root of it. don't try to understand this without doing the meditation thing otherwise, this won't help. you will understand that thinking about this anxiety won't help. it's a pointless thing. when you truly understand this you will stop fearing anxiety then your anxiety will go down immediately. you see, through meditation you unlock this amazing wisdom. don't lose it. you can fix any problems with that. because it shows you the truth. for example, let's say you are crying all week because something happened to you. your mind's slave is you. if it detects sadness it's gonna constantly produce sadness for a long time. this is why you need to have control over your mind. meditation will help you. if you can increase your meditation for like few months you can see your true wisdom is also increasing and you start to see things clearly.

[@archaprice3372]

@@isirasamarasinghe748you are amazingly wise, thank you..

[@adriannenash9852]

Missing my "Bevisodes"! When will my favorite mom be back to react to Mayim's latest revelations? I always learn something new from her perspective as well as from Mayim's reactions to Bev's input! Much love from Washington state.

[@mirfir]

Definitely

[@lorriodell2924]

growing up - I was told not to cry - "alligator tears"; "oh, here come the floodgates!" etc. So forty years later, hello therapy! "do you want something to cry about? I will give you something to cry about"

[@itsjac2081]

Same!!

[@davidadams2395]

@@octavius8562 I can cry when I think of losing my mom-then comes the panic-and when I reflect on the loss of my dog of fifteen years. Seven years later and I can still cry over him. Some would think it silly.

[@MrCoconutcat]

If you do I will cry from you giving me something to cry about knowing what you know but I cried when I was a child but when I became 30 and older when I cry I want go to civil war or something like that postal or something

[@esmeraldagreengate4354]

I hated that saying. I'm crying so evidently I already had something to cry about, probably the fact that you are yelling at me.

[@carriemcmahon8613]

@@davidadams2395 no not silly I still cry at the loss of my dog 8 years ago imo it’s dependent on the bond the stronger the bond the harder to let it go I can’t do it completely!

[@ij9401]

Dear Mayim, you are a great host. I have watched all seasons of the Big Bang Theory in succession and have become very curious about the people behind this great series. I believe that no one could do the interviews with those involved (actors, writers and so on) better. You are the best. This episode was great on several levels. I like that you let the viewer share in your knowledge. I learned a lot from this episode and I enjoyed the interview with Kevin. His intelligence and his disarming candor is heartwarming. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of introspection you both have and wanted to share. It gave a glimpse into the personal struggles actors can have and by sharing your stories you can give others a better understanding of… I could go on and on about all the impressions left by this episode, but then this comment will be very long, so I won't do that. I want to thank all three of you for this gem, which I have saved because I want to watch it many more times. Kind regards from Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Western Europe).

[@davidadams2395]

This episode was a cleansing experience because I cried in several spots, especially Mayim's description of being doubled over at her father's grave had me meditating on my mother's severe illness, my aunt's terminal cancer and cirrhosis from RA, and my uncle's prostate cancer and Parkinson's. I felt the impending loss of everyone at once. My own aging and _rumination_ on past mistakes intrude on a daily basis. But such is life. We must proceed with the whole affair while trying to find moments of joy from the minutiae and the mundane.

[@Plethorality]

glad you had some release... you have some heavy burdens, there..

[@lllCTHULHUlll]

I know precisely what you mean, even if we're going through the motions in different ways. My mother has cancer and my father has kidney disease. It's only a matter of time before they're gone from me. I never really get on well with my sister - though I do try for my parents sake. And everything I consume right now feels like some omen of ill tidings. I've never been a crier. But now I cry at commercials and memes of old couples and grandparents dancing with one another. The minutiae is the important stuff. I think we just don't realize it until they're gone. And as I've told my mother in private conversations, I will love and support whatever decisions she makes when the time comes because I know that the time we have will never be enough. It wouldn't be enough if we lived hundreds of years. And that is sort of magical, isn't it? These people embue the mundane with purpose.

[@davidadams2395]

@@lllCTHULHUlll I'm sorry to hear of your sufferings. The only real consolation is knowing our joys and sadnesses aren't just our own, that there are others bearing a similar grief. And you're right in that there is never enough time. Even one hundred or more years hence, we'd still bargain for more time with them. We should count ourselves lucky as some folk rejoice at the thought of a parent's demise. Take care. My thoughts, and of those who might read this, are with you.

[@Charlotte_2648]

I first saw Kevin Sussman in Sweet Home Alabama and I thought he was so funny. I always looked forward to his scenes on BBT.

[@catloverKD]

What finally helped with my public speaking anxiety, was telling myself that at least half of the people probably weren't paying attention; I'm also better with bigger crowds than smaller ones, because I can't see specific reactions. This also explains why I do better in interviews for jobs I'm okay not getting or don't really want.

[@themobbit9061]

I’m so glad to see Kevin Sussman. I loved his character on BBT. It’s good to hear you talking about ptsd type anxiety, rumination, how it affects the body, and how to use mindfulness. I’m a psycho-therapist who works with trauma - you may want to look into the work of Peter A. Levine. He was the first to discover this.

[@theresacrubaugh2095]

Thanks, TheMobbit. I'm always looking for books that can help me deal with my "monsters from the past" They keep rearing their ugly heads. And, yes, I see a therapist. :)

[@Historian212]

Not to be that person, but the word "ruminate" is directly related to ruminants, animals that chew cud. Because when you ruminate, you turn something over in your mind repeatedly, as ruminants literally bring food back up to keep chewing it. Etymologically: "ruminate (v.) 1530s, 'to turn over in the mind,' also 'to chew cud' (1540s), from Latin ruminatus, past participle of ruminare 'to chew the cud; turn over in the mind,' from rumen (genitive ruminis) 'gullet,' of uncertain origin. Related: Ruminated; ruminating." (taken from the Online Etymology Dictionary).

[@carolledger8047]

Ok Sheldon. LOL

[@m_brokenleg]

Just when you think this podcast cannot be better, they slap you in the face and invite Kevin Sussman. In a way, you three here and in today’s podcast show us in it how to “FEEL OUR FEELINGS” (hope I explain myself well here..) Your podcast is so good, so educational, funny, enjoyable, sometimes raw (Whil Weathon’s still shrank my heart) always entertaining and very relatable.. I can only say a big THANK YOU to both of you! In caps! “Girl scout” word ✋🏽of one that has watched all them from the first one at the yet far January 12th. Pure GOLD! Said that, how, as a mom of boys myself, I adore Kevin pointing out here about “boys don’t cry”. How bad has done this phrase to mankind. At least to half of it mostly. Such awful way to deny a natural coping mechanism. Even to some women, that people though to be strong ones have been denied it too (anyone here can imagine Golda Meir or Angela Merkel crying?)

[@meghanmarquez3065]

I felt that way for twenty years of doing hair. Every single time I had a client I had extreme anxiety that I would end up disappointing my client. Then Instagram became popular and all clients seemed to put 1000 times more pressure on me to create unattainable perfection.

[@marthajacobs2963]

Amen ,sister!

[@davidadams2395]

I'm sure it's stressful because one's hair can be tied so closely to one's identity. I've seen stylists send people into fits of crying after a cut.

[@megan2176]

I felt anxious just reading your comment, so sorry you have had to deal with that pressure. I don't get my hair cut very often, but when I do I go in knowing it may not turn out the way I planned. It's a gamble, plus it grows back. ;)

[@LoreleiMission]

My sister found working in salons stressful; she eventually switched to working in a morgue. The family generally gives you a couple photos of the favorite hairstyle the deceased used to wear. Then you have quiet extended time to get the hair to look exactly right. My sister attends many of the open casket funerals afterward and the families are always very pleased and thankful. It's rewarding work.

[@KristinM626]

Thank you for this episode. My anxiety has been building the past few weeks & listening to this helped. I know it will continue to get worse before it gets better, but it’s comforting to get a reminder that I’m not the only person in the world who goes thru this.

[@Stonefalconetti]

My favourite character on BBT was definitely Stuart. Sheldon and Howard equally were like close second.

[@lyndahammond8883]

I love Kevin Sussnan! He is so interesting! 😎👍💕❤️

[@bitchenboutique6953]

I ADORE Kevin so much!!!! 💜

[@leticiachiok8057]

Truly enjoyed this episode and learned so much about anxiety from your own experiences within yourselves the behind-scenes' feelings and true emotions of actors like you and Kevin have encountered during your "The Big Bang Theory" series for many years. This podcast is really a must-watch for anyone on how to deal with anxiety and mental health in the whole context which is the main concern in this trying times. Thank you Mayim, Kevin and Jonathan.👏🤗👏

[@CampK9DogWalking]

I know that feeling of not being able to get to sleep so well, in fact, the reason im watching this is because about 3 years ago, i suffered so much that i binge watched The Big Bang to help me relax at night and you guys would keep me company and help me through the nights. I am not kidding you, but ever since then i go to sleep to you every night. (not in an obsessive way lol) Because i fall asleep whilst episodes play, there are still the occasional episodes i don't know so well, but most of them I can visualize the scene whilst listening to the voices, and i drift off quickly. You are my sleep medicine. You are like my night time meditations. If ever i'm feeling depressed, or anxious, i need lifting up, or calming down, simply pressing play on TBB will have the right effect within seconds. For my birthday (52) in December, my partner surprised me with a personalized recorded message from Kevin. I cried my eyes out, (good tears) each time i watched it, which was a few times that day! Thank you Kevin. x We broke up from work the next day, (i run a doggy day care, home boarding and dog training business), and for the next 9 days i slept between 15 and 18 hours a day, i didn't realize how stressed i had been. Even though i work with dogs, i cant unfortunately escape people completely. Plus the struggle of finding the balance between escaping loneliness and anxieties, wanting to escape people but not be on my own! Hibernating from the world felt good. I have some kind of phobia/anxiety about modern medicines, and suffer illness and issues rather than take anything for them, i cant even take pain killers, i have melt downs to avoid doctors, which doesn't help my situation. I'm not an actor, although I guess being a trainer is like having your own little stage. I have some recordings on KZbin, and i can relate with not being able to listen or watch yourself, in fact i upload them blind after recording, and i dread to think what some of them may be like, i don't have someone to watch them first or edit them. they would be very "natural" LOL. Realizing this may not be the best thing, i stopped doing it a year or so ago. Thank you, for being you, and for taking the path that you have, and for providing the world with some magic, some therapy, and now i have discovered you channel Mayim, i'm going to enjoy working through your videos. Thank you x

[@r6-AgentScorpionParkerKRider23]

Thank you to everyone for this one

[@nataliewilcox9511]

Thank you so much for covering this subject, guys. I'm looking forward to watching. Your KZbin videos have helped me so much over the last few months. Big love to you all.

[@samanthagretano1317]

This was a great share, I learned so much. Thank you Mayim & Kevin for this share.

[@moosehunzie1880]

Mayim and Jonathan just started listening to your podcast, about month ago, and it just hit me to say, as your doing your intro., that I love how you, Mayim, aren't trying to be 'perfect' or being hard on yourself for trying to change things/issues in yourself, but to learn how to deal with them and cope!!! This is life changing for me, as I have always felt broken needing to be fixed and/or changed to be 'perfect' or liked, or loved, or worthy of.... I am learning I am human, not broken, but learning about myself as a human being, and learning to love myself as a human being! Thank you for your podcast! I appreciate all that you are doing!

[@jelder5758]

I just want to thank you for sharing topics like this on your breakdown. I myself am experiencing a lot of anxiety lately. And I am also reaching out already for mental health assistance with a therapist. Today has been a hard day and I have cried. But I have an appointment with my doctor this afternoon. I am hopeful & open to finding a way to manage my manic mania as I call it, in more effective ways. Keep sharing & doing you! Love the breakdown! 💜💜💜

[@liveincolor3537]

Mayim. I am so grateful for your Presence here and sharing such deep, insightful, and Human experiences and feelings with yourself and your guests. I love Everything you do. ❣️ I truly valued your comment about the instilled anxiety Easter European Jewish people have carried around for so long. Along with added early life circumstances it's been a lifelong "project" to learn differently. Much ❣️ to you both, your guests and for this platform.

[@annak3688]

I LOVE Stewart. But I LOVE LOVE Kevin even more!!!!

[@user-gz5zs4lc2h]

Always had the biggest crush on Steward. Such a sweet, polite and vulnerable character, always honest, always tenderhearted. He seems much the same in real life.

[@LovesDavidCassidy]

It’s Stuart Not Steward just saying

[@sarasmith9333]

It is very nice to see him and see him do more roles. He is a very good actor.

[@nataliesirota2611]

Love this episode, as I do every one. Thanks so much to Kevin, for being so wise and sharing so open and genuinely! Anxiety is such a huge part of almost all our lives, to one extent or another. I SO wish I could impart to everyone how wonderful it really feels when I can (not always) set it aside and be in the moment. So much easier said than done, for sure; but truly satisfying and beautiful when it does happen.

[@aav_n]

Thank you so much for clearing up so many things! ♥️

[@rhondamcknight2596]

Love your show. If you find the right project, would love to see you on another show. If not this is a wonderful, educational, informative channel. I enjoy listening and have recommended it to several friends.

[@jordannea]

Thank you for having Kevin on. I saw so much of myself in him. I remember being in kindergarten and would bring myself to tears thinking about how I was not ready to graduate from high school because after that you have to pay taxes and health ins and I could not do that because I did not know how to balance a checkbook. Because it is so normal for a 5 year old to know what taxes, health ins, and a checkbook are.

[@patriciahunter607]

I really enjoy Kevin Sussman's characters.

[@richardstresing3005]

What a great episode. Such a relatable conversation. Thank you!

[@shaunessymckay3021]

One of my favourite episodes ❤️ thank you guys so much for this!

[@EarthStation888]

Thank you for this episode. Something I need to hear today about anxiety in quarantine times.

[@spdychevy]

Thank you, Mayim, Jonathan & Kevin 👍 Such good stuff ❤️

[@annowens7123]

This is my first experience watching Breakdown. It was interesting, and thought provoking. The discussion helped in looking at how anxiety in general, as well as performance anxiety over the past sixteen months, has effected me and my life with my family. It was a great podcast!

[@carolynwhelan8633]

Another great conversation. Thank you all. 🙏

[@slick2478]

I loved both of your characters on the Big Bang Theory. I amazing how transparent you both are as well. I write some poems to get the negative thoughts and anxiety out of my head.

[@marisamartinezolivera]

That “ big first date” kind of experience you folks talk at first minutes are exactly the same we, architects, feel when we present a project. And it’s not less because the project be small or the biggest one. Even worse if are politicians who must decide..And this feeling never goes away, nir with age, nor with more experience. And the feed-back loop about acting that doesn’t let you watch yourself, is very similar to us architects when visiting a building you’ve projected and built, and you think of the things you’d have changed and improved, because as a good teacher told me a lot of years ago at Architecture School “A project never ends”. Kind of self-imposed torture of the ones at creative worlds, Mayim and Kevin?

[@leenbee17]

That's what authors feel about their books.

[@marisamartinezolivera]

@@leenbee17 Any creative person about his/her works I presume!

[@usmc8985]

How you handled the "Techincal breakdown" was funny!

[@lessonlearned6782]

It's happening just as I said it would...the healing phase of being "scared to death”is lung cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis and flu. You can also expect to see more appendix problems which are caused by being in fear for your life, feeling like a fish out of water, uncertain of your place in life. The longer the fear, the more serious the diagnosis. When the willful hostages are finally freed from their homes (because of media and government lies based on the fraudulent Germ Theory), and people begin to get happy and feel less stressed, the result will be the healing phase....of pneumonia, burst appendix, gallbladder issues, arthritis in certain joints, it’s all subjective to what your brain experienced at the moment of the conflict. The fear campaign has caused ALL the illnesses, not a Boogey Virus. Every disease is based on the Germ Theory, which was the theory of ONE man over 100 years ago. It was never proven to be 100% valid, and has not even been QUESTIONED again. Why? In order for a theory to be valid, it must be reproduceable in each and every person 100% of the time. Every single person exposed to a "virus" MUST get sick from it 100% of the time, over and over again. It's how you PROVE a theory is valid. This was never done. Scientists used to think witches and witchcraft were valid!! Educated people?? hahaha!! If you cannot "catch" cancer, arthritis or diabetes from another person, then you cannot "catch" a cold or flu. There is no such thing that only SOME diseases are communicable, but not all. It's either all or none of them...they are all based on the same Germ Theory. If you can't "catch" someone's lung cancer, you can't "catch" their colds or flu. Upsetting and distressing events in a person's life is what cause ALL cancer and cancer-equivalent disease, cold, flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. The cause of death in Small Pox was PNEUMONIA, not acne lesions. The only people who “caught” Small Pox were the ones who were attacking each other..Indians and Militia....people who feared and were attacked by each other. A massive fear campaign will CAUSE people to be "worried sick", but sickness doesn't happen until people resolve their fears. Why do you think kids get sick in October? Because their fear of going back to school and being upset about it finally dissolves, and they get back into their routines. What the media and government is doing to people is criminal. Western Medicine is pure fraud. I can't be the only person in this disgustingly brainwashed world who knows about German New Medicine.

[@sheiladunthorne5275]

I am learning to write my attitude of Gratitude before to bed🙏

[@MsLizziebeth1]

I have loved Kevin Sussman ever since my first sight of him. Nice to hear he's a worthy human, and a little shocking that he's naturally anxious in real life, too.

[@WatchingDude]

Charlie McDermott has said that he suffers from anxiety. I would love him to be interviewed on your channel and understand this side of him more.

[@msravenhearts]

Thank you for talking about this. I love you guys.

[@bitchenboutique6953]

Excited to hear the discussion about the Alexander technique. I’ve only experienced it as a component of the NIA technique (which is a fusion of dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts… the healing arts specifically being Alexander, Feldenkrais, and yoga), and bodily awareness is the number one thing I recommend to anyone trying to achieve ANYTHING, frankly. It’s the cornerstone of everything we try to do as humans.

[@heatnicoleher]

"What you resist, persists."

[@abbietheyounggenxer8698]

I’m a fan of Kevin. I’m glad you finally had him on the podcast!

[@violetflame88]

I loved this intelligent commentary and will now subscribe and binge listen to the rest.

[@amandastansfield4896]

I don't usually comment but I felt compelled to today. This was probably THE BEST EPISODE. I've enjoyed many episodes but this one really was the best.

[@atinemassare]

Analytic, empathic, insightful. I loved this conversation. It felt like beeing amongst you and I very much wanted to add my two cents

[@SL313]

This is so amazingly helpful!!

[@ipeknielsen6068]

I loved this. I also have stress and anxiety so I can relate to all this.

[@eloisatate6513]

You don't know just how much you mentally help me, Mayim. Thank you.

[@Shane-is6pl]

I appreciate the subject that are discussed on your podcast. I know us fans never stop to think about what the celebrities might be going through behind close doors. For all of you that was abused in one form or another I am truly sorry for all of the bad stuff all of you had or might have gone through. I am thankful for some of the episodes of certain shows that have touched on real life issues. On Fresh Prince Of Bel-air they had a scene on there that was a little bit like my real life. Thank you all for what all of you do to entertain the fans. Thanks again for what you do and have done for the fans

[@kathleencorella]

I'm loving these, its down to earth and friendly information

[@Alverya]

am i the the only one that sings along with the intro song every time? i just love that song!

[@kriscairable]

As a general rule, I sing along with all the Barenaked Ladies’ Songs.

[@jpdiscovers8670]

I'm new to your podcast. The one thing I have discovered is . Therapy seems to really work for actors. No one teaches you how to deal with success. A lot of the principles you use we have to learn over a life time. Good job keep it up. I also learned your podcast.thank you.

[@melancholissa]

Your podcast is amazing 😍😍😍😍

[@eleanorbertuch135]

👏always so enjoyable as well as informative. thank you both 💐👏

[@davehayes5969]

Mayim... I absolutely love you. Thanks for being you.

[@eleanorcramer7986]

I always found Stewart to be so entertaining, Not to laugh At him but " be amused" by the vulnerability that is all too familiar and debilitating. Now to hear Kevin speak freely about his history of processing life is equally entertaining. I admire and appreciate the scope and depth of the subjects "brought to us" in his easy conversation with humor . I love to laugh, maybe too much(?) but notice it is very difficult to impossible to sustain a good cry. I bite my nails and that could make me cry. I really enjoy sneezing into the double digits like 12(not fingers)and feels best when I am prepared. Great episode (like all of the Breakdowns) What a concept! Thankyou 🙏 Namaste.

[@malkaringel7864]

I always learn something from this podcast. Love each segment. Especially word of the day, as I'm fond of proper English. Mayim, you have wonderful people of which, we get to learn more about. I tend to ruminate over things that happened with animals that I tried to help x one year!!! Crazy

[@keva_artwork]

I always write down what bothers me in my digital bullet journal. Can’t write it all down cause someone ( hubby) is always checking what I do, but it helps me a lot. And I keep it and sometimes go back to it and add even more if it still bothers me. I also meditate before going to sleep and focus on my breathing and try to focus on all that is good. I’m glad I found this, you guys are doing great. Thank you.

[@anthonydemayo9367]

Great show, Mayim!

[@SisKelly]

Thank you for the clarification.

[@pranavp.s8344]

Great to see Stuart. Thanks Mayim

[@Ayrmetes418]

Can you do an episode on cognitive dysfunction related to ME/CFS (and now Covid's Post Viral Syndrome). Symptoms would be like: slowed cognitive processing, sensory overload, problems finding words, loss of other verbal abilities, following instructions etc. You don't lose your intelligence but you don't always have access to it. I always figured that there was an issue with "long term potentiation" ... maybe the brain being short on the chemicals (or energy) that the neurons need to complete a thought. Drugs like Ritalin help and oddly enough, it has helped with my anxiety as well. You being a neuroscientist, maybe you have some understanding of what is going on in the melon. Would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

[@lynnhettrick7588]

This would be interesting to me too!

[@08neerod]

putting the sentiment in words on paper is a great way to express what happened & what I feeeeeel about it, but then I not only crumple it up, but I may tear it up as well, & then just to make sure that nobody can torture me [the way a bad boyfriend did years ago] I BURN it, send it up in smoke [in my fire marshal approved outdoor burn area] ! I know I still need to move on from the thoughts that were on that paper, but just being able to put the cooled ashes in the compost or work them into the soil around the roses helps me feel much better indeed ! Thank you _so much_ for discussing these things, [lol] I had anxiety about them. :-)

[@askunz1]

What?!! You have played Dungeons and Dragons together?!! I'm so delighted!!!

[@robynfromcanada]

Kevin is wonderful! Keep it up! 💜

[@danastutzman34]

I love that he has a Stuart doll in the cabinet behind him.

[@tropicalladyj8033]

He seems so down to earth and thoughtful - great episode!

[@staceyjohnson2929]

Ha. I'm the mother of 4 boys and a nurse as well. I'm already feeling attached.

[@lozantoninocreations]

I would love to see you interview Andrea Barber. For one, you both auditioned for the roll of DJ in Full House, but wasn't cast... After reading her book, I found her to be remarkable. She suffers from a lot of anxiety to pretty high levels. She is also a more quiet and reserved introvert and yet, once the camera rolls, she plays this outrageous extroverted over the top character. I find it amazing that she is completely different from Kimmy and yet she plays the roll so beautifully. You would never know the struggles she was having that day to perform. I think she would fit your channel perfectly.

[@jeneb52]

Great interview, and it just shows none of us are immune to the fears of speaking publicly. I always wondered if he tapped into that side of his mindset, and he does.

[@beatrizariza]

Congratulations from Spain Mayim Bialik!! Thanks for your interesting work, and for your autentic style, so natural, honest and human!

[@sandragalati6281]

I never tire of Kevin Sussman.

[@davidlandry4119]

Dr. Mom's facts of life: teach your son to cry well. To get rid of the build~up. Of brain numming hormones. So he can remember mom's pearls of wisdom!

[@rhondamcknight2596]

I remember when I got my first apartment by myself, I used to cry for no reason. I gradually stopped as suddenly as it started. This show made me recall it.

[@kimberleylewis-unknownloca1846]

I'm a full time supply teacher. Every day that I go to a new school, I am dealing with new students who might want to make my life difficult or be uncooperative for fun. Even if I get a position to cover a class for the school year, after interviewing for it, I have to start with another job interview in the fall when the new school year starts. Like actors in a way, but not exactly. Loving your podcasts, from Kim in Canada 🇨🇦 (yay, Jonathan)

[@taniawebster5867]

I loved every single second of this episode. I was so excited to see Kevin was the guest. This episode was so interesting, enjoyable, incredible and worth listening to. This episode was so helpful in so many ways and I'm just so glad this podcast exists. Can't wait till the next episode.

[@nicoleranville4354]

Mayim, you and Jonathan have shown me a different way to view myself and more importantly, my neuro-diverse children. Thank you.

[@danieltobias9742]

I got completely choked up when you said "Hold onto that emotion - it's the closest you'll ever be to your father." I love the specificity of that idea. My Dad died when I was 19, and I feel like I'm always working that out in my writing and music. Thanks, Mayim.

[@calisongbird]

My dad died when I was 13. I relate as well. 💜

[@sindb]

Thank you Mayim, thank you Kevin 🥰

[@karlakuriger2097]

Loved that Mayim needs to move (me too) and that nail biting HAS an actual purpose. Thank you!

[@lanny082]

"Oh boy, when it's time for me to go to sleep.....forget it!" 😂 I relate with this so much. I began regularly exercising in early June and it is made the world of difference. Ever since then I'm sleeping at night I actually feel better during the day and I'm up and ready to go and fully energized at 6 a.m. It doesn't fully help with my depression but it has definitely been a positive for me in that area as well! Thank you for sharing. It's warming to know that you are not alone.

[@taramcdonaldortiz4810]

I loved my breath therapist, he unlocked blocked energy that was suffocating my life. If you don't deal with it, your trauma will come up sooner or later. I'm in the camp of exercising and lots of sleep. Love your show Thanks for healing one soul at a time ❤❤❤

[@jesstheRoswell_BookQueen]

I love this guy!!! This is so great!!!!