Lindsey Stirling: Find Control in Creativity, Body Dysmorphia & Hair Hanging

Lindsey Stirling (unique, futuristic electronic violinist, songwriter and dancer with over 13M KZbin subscribers) opens up about how seeking a sense of control developed into disordered eating and how honing her dancer’s physique affected her body image. She shares how the mindset she adopted through disordered eating manifested in other areas of her life, and how going through the motions gave her her power back. Mayim and Lindsey break down body dysmorphia, the feelings of isolation and unworthiness that stem from disordered eating, and the similarities these afflictions have with substance abuse. Lindsey shares her experience on the set of Dancing with the Stars and the Cirque du Soleil stunt she has finally been able to cross off her bucket list.
Mayim examines ways to regulate emotional eating, how to identify diet culture, and what healthy eating does to the brain in the latest installment of Ask Mayim Anything.
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www.lindseystirling.com/tour
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #LindseyStirling

[@cynthiamccullough3718]

Mayim, dear, that man is gold. He is a rare find. I realize we are only seeing a tiny sliver of his (and your) personality, but he seems to be patient, loving, kind, thoughtful, articulate, and caring. Gold.

[@brclark56]

L

[@marisamartinezolivera]

Watching the podcast while waiting the birth of my first grandson! Will comment later..after baby John will be at this world!💛💛💛

[@samhowl1152]

No one cares

[@marisamartinezolivera]

@@samhowl1152 You the last one of all. Bye!

[@debicaldwell8296]

Congratulations Marisa! How wonderful!

[@alexisgarcia1344]

Its a great distraction until the baby arrives. Congrats :)

[@marisamartinezolivera]

@@alexisgarcia1344 Thanks! But he seems to take his time to make his entrance in this world! 😂

[@davidlane256]

The gift god gave me was the gift of understanding. When my mother told me that what other people thought of me was none of my business, I somehow understood what she meant, and once I incorporated it into my psyche, I was much happier to not have to please everyone around me.

[@Whatsername4224]

Love Lindsey Stirling! Also ~ would love to see you interview Leah Remini about how she has embraced therapy since she left Scientology.

[@katelynivens3007]

the way Johnathan gets her to open up and be proud of herself and how flippin amazing she is! that just made me just smile ear to ear!!! he lovesssss her🥰🥰

[@athorsemanship]

As a Mormon woman who has taken a less traditional path, this interview was/is very meaningful to me. I love MBB!

[@grandpaczki979]

Ten years ago I wrote a book. It was an outlet during a difficult time. I wrote it as if I was seeing a movie play out in my head. Every day more scenes. Published early, filled with grammar errors, I can say I wrote a book. One day I wish to have it edited again. But it gave me joy during a sad time in my life. It came to me. I wasn't looking for it :)

[@reluctant.valentine]

I was unemployed for six months and wrote a book! so glad other people are doing this!! it's so exciting!

[@nataliewilcox9511]

11qqq1p1111

[@TammyS-wt3qp]

Listening to Lindsey Stirling was delightful. She seems like a gem of a human and incredibly talented. It would be nice to see a shift to focusing on nutrition education in our culture. It seems like social media plays a big role these days in body dysmorphia and disordered eating. Very true about judgement in religion. I always respect people more who live their values. I like these meaningful conversations and content Mayim and Jonathan!

[@nataliesirota2611]

Love the wonderful relationship between Mayim & Jonathan, so awesome! We feel the love! Thanks so much to LIndsey & Mayim for sharing how anorexia bleeds over into other parts of life, especially love & money. Working on mental health is truly crucial us all! YES, Mayim on DWTS!!! Happiness or contentment, which matters most? We need an entire episode on the topic!

[@tinamarie2121]

I am DYINGGGG!! This is the first podcast of yours I'm listening to, and the first part is so much me & my husband 🤣 I'm so glad that this is the first podcast - I adore Lindsey. She is a beautiful human and her music has gotten me through some extremely rough times (especially her song with Lzzy Hale, Shatter Me. Love that song so much...) So, I'm definitely adding your podcast to my list of things to listen to when my chronic pain is taking me to bad places. ❤🖤❤🖤

[@brandihugheysaidy9351]

Mayim made the comment that she didn't have a ballerina's body, and she went on to say because she was curvy and because of how fat was proportioned in her body etc. That hit a nerve with me. Many very talented ballerinas have been fighting this myth that you have to be a certain body type in order to perform ballet. That you have to be a specific aesthetic in order to dance ballet. And I just want to say that if you are curvy or whatever your body build is you can still be technically a very strong and beautiful dancer. Many women have sacrificed their own health and even lives to meet a ridiculous standard. A standard that has nothing to do with a woman's strength or technical abilities.

[@mars7143]

agreed!!!

[@theyJC]

yes! its like that saying “how to have a beach body: 1. be at the beach 2. have a body”. While mayim may not have had the stereotypical ballerina body she did have a ballerina body! bc she was a ballerina ☺️

[@deec6535]

The ballet world isn’t going to change any time soon. They want lithe, long, lean bodies. Not long torsos and short legs with hips like me. That’s why I (and people shaped like me) quit when we’re old enough to understand that no matter how hard we work, we’ll never be hired.

[@brandihugheysaidy9351]

@@deec6535 There are people like Debbie Allen trying to change the face and body of the world of dance. There are becoming more dance companies (maybe not ballet specifically) that hire various body types to perform ballet. Suhaila Salimpour's daughter has incorporated bellydance with point. It's beautiful. There are still ways to make a living doing something you love, but you have to think outside the box, if the box doesn't fit you :)

[@kellymeighan3405]

Love this episode!! For everyone being happy means something different, but for me it's being happy in the smallest things I do every day, like having conversations with my family or friends, having my dog here another day, being outside, being thankful for all I have and all the experiences I have had in my life, a great sense of gratitude and choosing happiness over drama or negative thinking, sometimes this is very hard to do, but when problems do come up, I just think ok, this happened, now how will I solve this problem, do I complain and carry on sometimes, sure, but throughout the day I still find ways to be thankful in the smallest things. Also I don't dwell or focus on all the bad things I've been through, don't have a victim mindset, I have a I can handle whatever comes my way mindset, and believe everything happens how it's supposed to happen and being ok with the outcome. Probably also thinking of the worst things that can happen and being able to process how I would get through it if it did, so I won't worry about worse case scenarios because I have a plan if said thing did happen, this helps me, lol. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, lol.

[@louisbonilla6780]

One of the best entertaining and hysterically funny episodes in your growing collection of great episodes ❤

[@theyJC]

“my worth is infinite. I am a person & that is my worth.” 💯

[@NT-yw3vw]

Love love love this series, thank you both for making it. One bit of feedback though: it becomes a bit off-putting and disjointed to listen to when Mayim keeps interrupting and talking over Jonathan mid-sentence 😅 it would flow better if he were given more space to talk freely

[@betsyheimel3336]

I agree with N T's entire comment (from one year ago). Fantastic series. I appreciate both Mayim and Jonathan for creating this series. I agree with N T that Mayim keeps interrupting and talking over Jonathan while he is talking. Also, occasional positive feedback from Mayim to Jonathan for his excellent contributions to the conversations would be great. Other than this one suggestion about interruption and talking over Jonathan, I think Mayim is doing a Stellar job. Jonathan is also doing a Stellar job. The guests are Wonderful also. Thank you, Mayim and Jonathan!

[@jackstevens6263]

I love your podcast and I love anything that Lindsey does. She makes me just want to give her a hug and tell her just how much joy she brings to the world simply by being herself. You have to invite her back!

[@FearlessFred848]

Very interesting interview. I have seen many interviews with my favorite entertainer, but yours was awesome! Lindsey has many talents....violin, dance, singing, and motivational speaking.

[@tropicalladyj8033]

I love the 3 split screen! Please do more! Great episode!

[@MioYuki]

I can't believe I just find this video... I'm a fan of both of you! Mayim and Lindsey 💕

[@vshcvsh98]

i adore this podcast man you guys are my people lmfao

[@1Phont1]

I believe happiness is very personal and something everyone needs to find and be responsible for themselves.

[@yelgnoow]

Lindsey is such an inspiring person, you shoud have her back some day!

[@mtl.3333]

Congrats on the "Jeopardy' gig! One of my favorite shows and you're perfect for the gig.

[@ellietrotta8626]

When you’ve been a Mayimite since Beaches and Molloy (oh and the final episodes of Facts of Life) and you see that there is something Mayim related to subscribe to and....you’ve already subscribed 😂

[@KristinM626]

My signature moves are also sleeping & crying 😴😭

[@watsonfamily69]

I am so glad you had her on your podcast. I love watching Lindsey Stirling perform. I got into watching her when my daughter showed me a video of her playing and dancing to Zelda. Zelda is one of my families favorite video games and so I started watching more of her videos. She is amazing. I also want to say I really enjoy your podcasts because sometimes we see these people acting, performing or whatnot and don't really associate them as normal people with normal issues. I have anxiety issues and seeing your podcasts and watching you and hearing your struggles and the people you interview and their struggles and how they have worked on them and seeing what you all have done and accomplished gives me inspiration knowing even though I have anxiety I can still succeed in my life's dreams and goals. Thank you so much for doing this podcast.

[@MargauxNeedler]

Mayim I just started watching your stuff and want to thank you for your authenticity. You don't people please it seems and it's refreshing & helpful for me

[@jessicaloree9033]

Holy hell, Barenaked Ladies are the friggin gift that just keeps on giving!!!! This is the best podcast EVER!!!!!! (Thanks Ed! )🙌👏💯🔥🤘❤

[@lovelyella]

Mayim, you are such a girl’s girl, I wish that term held as much weight as a man’s man, let me just say you are awesome and you’re message gives me hope and makes me feel belonging and empowered. I feel like I grew up with you, watching Blossom to Big Bang and you just make me proud and happy to be a woman. I love ur husband and how the two of you banter… absolutely adorable and admirable to both of you and this podcast 🧚🏻‍♀️🦋🦋♥️💜

[@JG-um3fb]

I love her music... Especially that one melody she put out last October.... I think it's named "Snow waltz".. Theu blend magically Halloween and Christmas seasons

[@cinnamonflan1412]

I love “What Mayim Hears”!

[@Margar02]

My husband's family is Mormon, and when they pray before a meal, they cross their arms (tucking hands in your elbows, like when you're waiting for something or feeling nervous).

[@gjbearclaw4094]

🎶 Repress what you got oh baby ready or not 🎶

[@chocolamtiinal4048]

Please invite Amy Lee to your podcast!!!!!! Thank you girls, thank you Jonathan for this, I'm so inspired 🖤

[@ltbohannon3662]

Chasing happiness. Yes. I understand that. The things we do to get it are amazing. Thanks for the talk!

[@taramcdonaldortiz4810]

Your banter at the end of interview was hysterical ... Mayim please let Johnathan finish his thoughts, he's about to say something profound and BOOM, here comes Mayim ... Love you guys Still laughing ❤❤❤

[@JustineDodd]

'You're mansplaining mansplaining!' So lighthearted... I loved this so much

[@TheTiayahi]

I absolutely ❤❤❤ Lindsey Stirling. She seems so humble, genuine, and down-to-earth. She is beautiful inside and out. She's an amazing and incredibly talented individual.

[@horaciosalazargomez9488]

Hi! I liked this interview, especially because it touches some aspects or areas of the human kind which are in the same importance of others, and which are not commonly found on an interview. It's so clever! As for Lindsey Stirling, I find it so interesting what she expresses from that particular human side that very few people are willing to see or ignore completely. This is the stuff that really attracts me and motivates me the most, like back in the day since I started following her, until now. Good vibes and greetings from Mexico!

[@cinnamonflan1412]

“I don’t need to restrict in my life to feel like I have control.”

[@kellynov9260]

The banter in the beginning of this episode is gold. Johnathan should now just be called the script doctor.

[@Sannive]

YAY!! I am so glad you have Lindsey as your guest, she is awesome!

[@rachelgrig9985]

Yeeeey! I finished work and was not looking forward to my commute home so much. Now I’m exciteeeeeeed 🥳

[@measiam6661]

Love this episode. Interesting, deep and fun. One of my favorites.

[@taniawebster5867]

Mayim and Jonathan are just the most interesting people to listen to and you are always guaranteed a laugh. I loved hearing from Lindsey she is such an amazing person and I just loved this episode so much. I'm so excited for Mayim's movie and I'm so proud as well. I just love this podcast and enjoy listening to every second of every episode. Hands down my favourite podcast and don't think that will change. Can't wait till the next episode.

[@louisbonilla6780]

The "Mansplaning" part of this episode was so funny I have watched it five times - when Mayim gets uncontrollable with her laughter and her eyes start to squint I just lose it - you guys could be a comedy act!😂

[@Carolina-ji8pp]

This podcast is ALL I want to listen to. I don't know if you guys realize how helpful your podcast is. Thank you!!

[@Carolina-ji8pp]

And of course very very interesting and entertaining 😁

[@secolerice]

I so love Lindsey Stirling! Thank you for conducting a fabulous, fun interview.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

Love Lindsey... I was fascinated by the discipline required for that hair hanging part of the piece, but I was actually more impressed by her story about witnessing in NYC and being spit-on by a passerby and having the strength to go back out and do it again. BTW - 100% guilty of mansplaining.

[@AllThingsMoneyandTech]

Yes, I’ve been “skinny shamed”. It’s so frustrating especially when the doctor said I’m actually borderline overweight and I was trying to eat healthier and exercise.

[@telly_0]

Mayim, please let the guests talk more.

[@angelapotter8084]

Eyyyyyyyyyyy, it's fun to see mayim and Lindsey in the same place. I like when celebrities I love do things together.

[@pearlejam7115]

Good content. Way too many ads

[@amandajacobs57]

I always just fast forward through them

[@anniekate76]

She needs to get paid, though.

[@TheTiayahi]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lindsey Stirling!! She is beautiful inside and out and INCREDIBLY talented!!

[@peter_bazinet]

Also, my OCD wants me to drop by and straighten out all your frames.

[@lllCTHULHUlll]

I wish I could pretend I didn't know what you're talking about. But it's been driving me absolutely bonkers. Sigh.

[@SouthernAngel]

Love you so much Mayim!!! Great interview. I cannot tell you how much those of us who are Mormon relate to the Hebrew people. You are loved my dear. Great interview. Keep them coming

[@cherrihawkins6638]

I love the “New perception of anerixica”

[@R91ellaK]

This episode def going into my personal top 3 of the podcast so far! 😊 Thx! 👍🏾

[@kellyandreina4987]

Your podcast is opening so many worlds and questions for me and im only 22. Really interesting. Thank you!

[@tomsimon4250]

Start a petition to host Saturday night live ! You are so talented and you’re hilarious.

[@Sowelo23]

Oh man! this episode is way to short! love it so much! As a facebook admin for Lindsey's official fanpage for Poland my heart just jump inside when i saw notification about this episode!

[@andreajlmoore]

“Turn everything off and take a nap”...LOVE IT!💕

[@ania5038]

These podcast episodes are really great. All of them teach me something and this one is really such a beautiful demonstration of true tolerance. I wish more people could respectfully discourse like this despite differences. I think the 'anorexia displacement' you mentioned is also way more common than people admit and also going from anorexia to binge eating.

[@emilymclane5965]

Yes! I was just about to see her on tour

[@Carolina-ji8pp]

"Look at the way you spend, eat and love" my brain Exploded!! I'm all over the place on those three! Wow, so true.

[@ajd7662]

This has been my absolute favourite episode 😍

[@alberton.1601]

I was expecting to hear more of Lindsey talking about resilience and her experience in AGT. She's an amazingly talented girl.

[@elishaminor2900]

i love your show been a fan of your work since blossom.

[@m_brokenleg]

The first 17 minutes of this episode are PURE GOLD! Your banter in front of the camera is a gem! 💎Thank you for deliever things like this to us! It make us feel as a kind of “skype” friends instead of podcast watchers! 🙏🏽💜

[@lllCTHULHUlll]

I think it's beautiful that you're willing to share your insecurities with all of us. I know yours is a gallows laugh, because I do this when I talk about my perceived shortcomings. It's hard to talk about things which have the potential to hurt so badly. It's easier to throw humor at everything.

[@mycreativeescape]

I loved this interview so much. ❤

[@Ebonessworld23]

I love you my baby! You’re so beautiful, and I am so excited for what the future holds! You just don’t know how proud of you I am!! Watching you share your deepest thoughts just makes me sooooo proud to love you!! Keep working; it’s sure paying off, my babe!! 💕💕💕

[@SayanBlog]

Hey Amy I am currently in ep 9 season 19 ........till that episode I think you are my favorite character

[@lisagrace6471]

Amen to what Mayim said at 1:18 or so

[@sylvabares4340]

🙋‍♀️Love this episode! 🙌 One of my favorites!🌞Thank you ! 🙏💙💙💙

[@laylasummernights9841]

I love Lindsey, always inspiring

[@Samtasticlife37]

I love Mayim's Art of The Big Wave on her Laptop :)

[@johnypanta6208]

You really get the best guest in your podcast!!! I wonder who will be next!

[@lizkt]

I had no idea you have an LDS connection! No wonder you have such knowledge about the LDS culture. I just watched the david archuletta podcast and was so impressed by your comments. Now I know why you knew so much! so cool!

[@emilyminchew6131]

I am LDS and I'm watching/ listening in Utah.

[@cristleheart4266]

💜u May .. I always feel like I’m in a better mood after I watch your podcast!

[@jankrska3081]

Great comment !!! Violin dance music = Best style !!! God bless you. Beautiful Lindsey !!! Thanks Johnny.

[@marisamartinezolivera]

Irish people have been doing that from centuries!

[@elissa3188]

Wow, love Lindsey's personality from the first few words.

[@m_brokenleg]

Eep! Jonathan! Have we not decided what we would do a drink toast every time Mayim said “late bloomer”? 🍻🥂Cheers! And I add myself to the “online petition” too! Mayim in Dancing With The Stars Yet! 🤩

[@bobbiek1976]

Thank you for yet another episode! I love watching your podcasts! 🧡

[@MayimBialik]

thank you!!

[@shaunti9049]

I enjoyed this interview!

[@TheLegend-gj6bw]

Video starts at 21:00

[@brrrrrrrrit2663]

I laugh so much during these podcasts! Thank you. The interview was wonderful too. Lots of unique questions I was intrigued to hear!

[@katyschildmeyerksapparelde2441]

Working as a apparel fit specialist in 3d, there is a massive level of body dismorophia every human has. In researching perception of self and others, we can see self perception of physical form is vastly different than what others see. This is not just about the body shape but also the face and expression.

[@mtl.3333]

Excellent interview! Then again, it's Lindsey Stirling and good interviews are the default. Wish you had used the split screen more as Lindsey's expressions say almost as much as her words. Enjoyed it.

[@MrCoconutcat]

Thank you for the great conversations

[@kerrykanold740]

First have to say I love you guys!!! I believe that Mayim has brought up a very important point about happiness. It is an elusive thing that we spend a lot of time looking for but I think for many of us, the search can make us over look what would really make us happy. We need more money to be happy so we work more but we over look the time spent with family and friends that could possibly bring true joy. Keep up the great work. These are great conversations that need to be had.

[@beccaturner8834]

Great podcast and wow, you guys have the most wonderful relationship ❤ thank you for creating such inspiring and joyful content 🙌

[@soniacarroll1352]

Hi Mayim ,my son Damian has the exact same birthdate as u have ,he is Irish and works in central London .I love your channel ,amazing x

[@tropicalladyj8033]

It’s so great to see Mayim laughing! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GrannyShine]

I would love to see a video on diet like the keto and other diets discussed. Maria Emmerich is someone who talk s about sugar and its effect.. Just an idea, really appreciate your channel!

[@susanaperez3643]

this conversation it's been awesome, Mormons usually come to Spain ( Europe) very Roman Catholic country for MIsion , but old europe are very dificult to shift into a new faith, we are very ingrain into the idea that God is there for us and we give up the shame on our relation with him, we do what we need to do in order to be happy and God will be there at the end not judgent only forgiveness. I realize I'm a beet of money and companionsheep anorexic, I also find control on deny makes me feel in control. Thank you for theese conversations.

[@lisaf5303]

To me happiness = positive contentment.

[@cj10109]

She’s adorable 🥰 like a lil fairy 🧚‍♀️

[@shannonrolfes5171]

Loved this! "My eyes don't work like other people's eyes. My brain doesn't work like other people's brains." This resonated. As a person who is in continuous recovery I have to trust the people who love me to tell me what my body looks like. My eating disorder is like trolls in the comment sections - "you're not enough. you're too much" yada yada yada. It's the first time I've heard anyone else use that terminology. Also, aerial arts! It doesn't have to be about hair! It's trapeze, hoops, silks! No carabiners involved! It's awesome! Love you guys. My people 💖

[@angelacollins6757]

Leahy had been Irish dancing and playing the violin for many years.

[@classicslover]

As a Canadian, I am aware of and appreciative of the Leahy family of performers. The style of dancing Lindsey Stirling does while playing is much different, including being flipped over a guy's shoulder and never missing a note....but I would imagine Leahy would have HAD to have been an inspiration at some point!

[@yousraanwar8332]

My two most fav people in one videooooo ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@melissahodgson1958]

Omg! Mikvah! I never thought of a baptismal pool as a mikvah.