Max Greenfield: Recovery Led Me to a God of My Understanding

Max Greenfield (New Girl, The Neighborhood, Veronica Mars, Ugly Betty) stops by for a spontaneous chat with Mayim and Jonathan! He opens up about how feeling alone led to addiction, connecting with others brought him to recovery, and how getting a rescue dog changed his life. Max and Mayim discuss their wildly popular shofar performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden and their love of basketball, and Max reveals why he thinks Mayim doesn’t like to be spontaneous. They discuss the challenges that come with progressive parenting as individuals who were raised under an authoritarian parenting style, the importance of consistency in parenting, and how Max’s spirituality provided a good parenting foundation. Mayim and Jonathan explain the importance of checking in with yourself and being accountable to yourself and others, especially in recovery.
---
Listen on our website: www.bialikbreakdown.com​​
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​​
Follow us on Instagram: / bialikbreakdown
Find Mayim Bialik:
/ ​​​
/ ​​​
/ ​​​
/ mayimbialik
Find Max Greenfield:
/ iammaxgreenfield
/ iamgreenfield
Max Greenfield's new book, This Book is Not a Present: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #MaxGreenfield

[@elleneastwood7435]

You can see how comfortable Max is with Mayim and Jonathan. In addition to the Jewish connection and understanding, it's the warmth and safety they brought that allowed him to be vulnerable. Great interview.

[@heathert.4637]

I feel like they provide this level of warmth, comfort and acceptance for all their guests. This is why I not only love their content but respect it immensely.

[@heathert.4637]

Guys! Another great one! This has become one of my absolute favorites and soo have the both of you. I really liked Max and thought he was funny and thoughtful. Also, Mayim, I’m with you, can we talk about how non- ugly this dude is(just came up with that myself😂) I didn’t hate it..😂🙌🏻

[@dannyakins8742]

Nice to see Amy arguing with Schmidt

[@emilyyrcha1484]

I’m just actually watching “New Girl” for the 1st time it’s hilarious 😆 I’m loving it!

[@darnitthelma4247]

I did love it but after 3 seasons if got silly. I may try it again.

[@shelleycrawford409]

He is the modern day all talented comedian Dick Van Dyke….sing, dance, so physical but totally immersed in who he was portraying…authentic…love Max.

[@TommyAlanRaines]

Sitting on a bench watching people is the art and lessons of Observation!

[@m_brokenleg]

A free Treaty of Psichology!

[@CereliafromPasadena]

Wow，Max is such a warm, sweet guy and I'm so glad he's on this episode!

[@photolover820]

As a big new girl fan this episode gives me so much joy… I had a bad day today and this is so cheering me up

[@MayimBialik]

Hope today is much better for you, Anamaria! Very glad you enjoyed the episode. 🫶

[@MyraHart1943]

Jonathan's personal reflection at the end of this episode was so meaningful to me and I'm beyond grateful that he chose to share it. There was so much value in everything he said, but the "it's about how quickly you can bounce back" line was what really got me choked up. I also really appreciated Mayim's note on how you come to awareness at your own pace and when it clicks for you is when it becomes true. That has been true for me as well and when I reflect on my mindsets and experiences of the past, I can see how much more awareness I have now. I'm still grateful for every book, talk, song and podcast I consumed before I was "ready" or before their content really "clicked" for me, because even though what they were saying maybe wasn't sinking in all the way at that time, it was still exposure to the building blocks of the concepts and vocabulary that one day I would come to know as meaningful truth. Like Mayim said, sometimes you need to hear it multiple ways and at different places in your life before it clicks. I felt a lot of connection to this episode!

[@MayimBialik]

🙌🙌🙌

[@matiaspereira9382]

@@MayimBialik You're a really awesome actress. I wish I had a friend or girlfriend like Amy from Big Bang Theory

[@labab1048]

Very nice post, thank you!

[@MajICReiki]

I have a 70 yr old friend who Said that moment when things click she calls "Crystaline Moments" name of her book about bouncing back after losing her husband of 28 years, and finding she couldn't return to her old career and had to reinvent herself in her 60's. 💞🧲 inspiration at all ages! I enjoyed this talk, interview and the many relatable topics that get covered Bialik Breakdown!

[@lorisiccia5914]

@@matiaspereira9382 Check out her New show "Call me Kat" Breaking the 4th wall really makes you feel in on the jokes. 😊☕ What a fun bunch to be around. Kat -Let's get our moms in a room and let em work out their judgements 🤣

[@CM-pf1xc]

I just love max greenfield so much

[@Tina-bd9et]

Clean cut handsome- yes. I too would like to meet Joey. As always , appreciate the honesty of both of you in the episode. 😘

[@melrox8809]

Max is great on New girl. It's one of my favorite shows. I enjoyed watching this episode.

[@missygarcia3442]

Laughed. I laughed & loved it. Max & you Mayim connect. I loved how he shared his serious side of himself. DEEP. Bravo 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@Robin-jc1ls]

Mayim sure looks smitten with Max😀

[@SpookyBur]

I love how nourishing your podcast is it’s generally positive and uplifting without crossing into toxic positivity. It’s so raw and real it feeds my soul. It’s become a very grounding part of my anti anxiety routine. Thank you so much for all that you do!

[@karenleemallonee684]

I don't know this young man, never have I seen him in anything before, but I really like him! He has such an amazing personality, so funny & real, I enjoyed your conversation with him very much!!!

[@CM-pf1xc]

He’s hilarious

[@lucyenjoyinglife]

this podcast is single-handedly getting me through postpartum... Mayim is such a gift

[@leticiaperez243]

“To have a group of people who knows your shit, knows what it looks like when you're faking it - that's the home that you come back to” Mayim This was the most profound sentence I took from this episode.

[@12hunter100]

Mayim your so funny, I love hearing your childhood experiences with your children "you can cry here or over there"🤣 and when your left eye didn't open was hilarious! 😅I love this channel.

[@dianeleahy4970]

Mayim, What a wonderful interview! ❤️

[@jheouanamaeavestruz]

I just want to say that the intro of this episode was chaotic! Hahaha

[@jodiedaigle2288]

You are my new best friend!! 🤣🤣❤️🙏🏼🫶

[@johne.martin4188]

So enjoyable. I'm a funeral director and work 7 days a week and 14 hrs. a day. I need some relaxing communication like this Mayim

[@suzanneholmes4319]

Thank God for Jonathan, who got somewhere sorta close (almost) to the topic of recovery with Max - albeit it was 40 minutes in and then only briefly discussed. The chit chat was nice and all I came here (first time) looking for how recovery led Max to a God of his understanding. The "home base" / safety / accountability / checking in to a group or individual discussion was meaningful. Just took awhile to get to the meat. That said, perhaps all the chit chat allows you to get in the backdoor for folks who really need to pick up those nuggets at the end.

[@emilyinfl]

I want to provide my sincerest condolences for those of us who wanted to know what Hit the Penny was and never got to find out 🥲

[@itsjamylle]

starting a petition ✍️😂

[@m_brokenleg]

Two points bc I flipped the penny!

[@belorama8]

Literally came here after seeing the short to find out wtf it is 😭😭😭

[@TheEmpressMouse]

It’s right up there with never being told how to get to Sesame Street.

[@laurieconover7243]

😅true! Thank you.

[@shara.nelson95]

Okay 2 things: 1. Mayim, I love you. And I think you’re gorgeous. 2. Max gives me life and he’s not so bad looking himself. Schmidt was my favorite character in New Girl. One of the best TV characters.

[@ariellaryner7740]

Can I say that I watched that Corden show and I just laughed. I am an Australian Jew and although we not very religious reform Jews I have sat through enough Rosh Hashanah services in Shul to totally appreciate that

[@joannajordan38]

I've always had dogs and cats together. You CAN make it work. We have zero problems. 2 dogs and 2 cats! They get along. They are NOT best friends, they basically ignore one another. Don't wait if you want a dog. You can find a match!❤

[@kdog4587]

Did you always have your cats first before getting a dog?? We have a 9 year old cat who get ulcers when he gets stressed and my son wants a dog but I worry it'll cause too much stress.. did your cats kind of quickly get used to a new being in the house and did you get a pup? Sorry for the questions hahaa :)

[@nonnidreams]

I really liked how Max put it, his good perspective check on been aware of when he’s disconnecting from God and/or others. I never saw it as disconnecting. My way of looking at it was keeping myself and others safe from my intense emotions. But today it clicked, I am disconnecting out of fear of been disappointed or my trust betrayed. Feeling safe, knowing home base. Is very specific and limited for me. I sometimes know I am just been performative to go with the flow. But I am not fully present some days. Mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Few people really notice. But I appreciate the people who truly care and make an effort. I try my best not to disconnect. But some days I can’t, funny, the people that can act normal and not pay attention or react, not matter how subtle, facial and body language and tone of voice, I can discern and perceive. They ones who can overlook and treat me normal I prefer, it helps me act and feel normal enough somehow. Otherwise, I tune out and withdraw and it gets subtly uncomfortable. But we all trying to perform and pretend everything is normal.

[@Crabbycancer23]

@Mayim- you were gnawing your nails off!!!-- Did he make you super nervous- his handsome looks? 😂❤- you are awesome and I’m so glad I stumbled upon your podcast about a month and a half ago, and have been binge watching all of the episodes well I drive and do DoorDash 10 hours a day because I am in between jobs. I have loved you since Beaches and LOVED Blossom- I’m 44 now and just so happy I came accross all of these interviews… you remind me so much of my self- so much to offer and so intelligent, but a neurotic mess with horrible self esteem - but add humor to it all. God Bless and keep this up!!! it’s helping so many ❤

[@moosehunzie1880]

Loved Max! Jonathan thank you for sharing at the end your feelings, and mindset and how you processed! Means a lot to hear how other people do this!

[@mariaantoniaaraujo]

You two are great together.

[@laceym314]

I still believe my favorite parts of these episodes are the breakdowns of the episodes, after the episodes in the conversations between Jonathan and Mayim. I learn a lot from the guests, but I learn even more from the interaction between the hosts and the reflections they have and how they apply them to themselves.

[@abigailport8449]

Great personalities!!!!

[@blueskye2790]

Wonderful interview. Got better and better as it went on. I love the long format.

[@wouldbealex]

Typing out the message exactly how you feel, but, then, sending it to yourself can be really therapeutic. For me, it gives me permission to feel insane, angry, frustrated, embarrassed, everything negative, but I send it to myself so that I can get it out, not deny I feel that way, and I didn't burn a bridge, even *if* I was right or justified. My feelings are valid, but social interactions require that I'm not completely honest with everyone about how I feel about everything. That's hard. I am still straight forward, but the volume of my emotion is definitely not their right. They don't get to see the whole me. They get to see the part that's socially acceptable and safe.

[@karmicscope5259]

The most perfect description of a meet-cute is described in the movie “The Holiday” by a character who portrayed an elderly film producer. Worth the watch.

[@alicialewis1214]

Probably one of my favourite episodes! Absolutely loved it

[@elliegillett1724]

Literally my favourite episode to date and Jonathon's opening up at the end was great. Thanks so much guys.

[@VeronicaRonniDorval2638]

Great show! 👍

[@ginaspencer8008]

Love Max!

[@janelcassorla3302]

This is sooo great !!!

[@Pronchick1]

Terrific interview! Enjoyed all of the spontaneous laughter and connection with Max. He is a terrific guy, comedian, father, husband and sober to boot! Thank you Jonathan for sharing your home base process as well. Always a pleasure to hang with you. 💗

[@jeepguy77]

This is such a great series

[@Pamela39515]

I feel like I just got to hang out with my best friends! The three of you were amusing and insightful and uplifting. I laughed and I learned. Thanks!

[@solewestren3218]

Great show love you both. Thank you

[@smallfootprint2961]

You guys are great. Thank you for your honesty.

[@kathleenquilausing3165]

Great podcast. I like the “checking in” comments. Inventory regarding emotions is a regular process for me. Being a highly sensitive person can throw my head off. Staying in the solution to the situation. Emotions can cause more of a problem than the situation. Thank you for all the work you both do to . I relate to every podcast you both are were I find comfort in a world gone mad.

[@Valerie72]

Such a cool, fresh and on both sies vulnrable interview. Loved it🥰

[@morgansara880]

Such a good episode especially the last conversation between Jonathan and Mayim which put things in such perspective for me.

[@Rainbowofthefallen]

Just Commenting for the algorithm 💜

[@lauravelazquez8403]

What a way to start the day… thanks for the laughs! ❤

[@MichaelBiebersWorld]

20:08... I don't know why, but this is like a dream come true

[@sydnigrauberger5984]

So Great to see all 3 of them so often...a little more interesting that way. Nice how it is peppered throughout but focused on solo speakers when appropriate.

[@carolhull8803]

This is a great episode. Thank you

[@kb9847]

This was such a good podcast. I really enjoyed the random questions. The conversation felt like I was sitting amongst friends.

[@harveymoore4984]

WoW , I really like Jonathan's comment at the end was great that he Share ..Loved the show with Max Greenfield and Mayim , wonderful as every , I too is from back East, " Boston " so I knew what she was commenting about the past .. lol.....

[@lizziefrances]

Thank you for articulating the specificity to the individual of soothing behaviours.

[@lishagallegos9551]

I have to tell you that I had one of the worst days of my life today. But I started listening to some of your podcasts particularly the one about amigo therapy. Something like that. That was really interesting and helpful. And then I had already listen to this one not that on max but I think it was really like three in the morning one night when I couldn’t sleep and I was dozing on and off. But I listen to it again just now in the shower and really enjoyed it. and it just really helped me. Especially the end part where you were talking about triggers and a safe space. Especially for people who didn’t have never known a safe space. And I realize I’m one of those people. Like I literally had to call the Crisis Line tonight because I didn’t wanna bother anybody with my overwhelm. I could say so much more however, I just want to thank you for being so real. And creating a safe space in your podcast. Your humor mixed with sharing your truths, and your own neuroses and triggers is very helpful. Thank you. Oh, and Thanks for introducing me to Max!! I am new to your show after watching my gurl Anjelah Johnson on an episode. I grew up watching Blossom & Your character in Beaches was thee best!!

[@mm-fn2co]

Favorite episode ❤

[@KristinM626]

Such a fun episode! Starting a new job today & laughing at this ep was the perfect way to calm my nerves. Side note- are the weekly emails still happening? I haven’t seen one in a few weeks

[@m_brokenleg]

Congrats for your new job. Relax, you’ll be your usual great in it, Kristin! And I say the same about emails!

[@katelynivens3007]

this truly felt like sitting at the table with some of my best friends. truly enjoyed how comfortable this episode felt!

[@katelynivens3007]

I have NEVER been someone to raise my voice. I physically thought I couldn't at many points in my life. until recently. I have been triggered lately specificly involving my childhood trauma and I have found myself SOO angry that I have screamed twice now at ppl very close to me but they have been the trigger or promoted to trigger. I feel like the screaming is my body trying to going back into survival mode but also fighting it with all that I am.

[@katelynivens3007]

this show and these videos are truly saving me🙏

[@katelynivens3007]

the ending little chat struck really really close to home and I really really reallyyy needed to hear these words.

[@itsjamylle]

Love Max and this episode was great! Such unique energy ❤ I’ve missed Jonathan and Mayim’s conversation at the end of each episode, this one was AMAZING. Thanks!

[@donaldduke2233]

Love ya, Blossom ! !

[@lucygarzon2854]

Hello Mayim and Jonathan for your amazing program I really enjoy it,. I am on my way of learning english so I usually use your videos for that purpose, so could you please set up chapter markes toll that youtube allow to make easy my listening practice. Thanks again, God bless you two.

[@trambilo]

What a delightful episode! Don’t know if you’ve considered this but I think you should look into guided meditation content. You have a soothing voice

[@m_brokenleg]

How I value these minutes of the podcast at the end of the episode when Mayim & Jonathan show themselves so openly vulnerable about something so intimate as their own anger feelings, undesirable situations for anyone that triggers deep inside buried demons…I learn a lot more in these minutes than in the entire episode. Forever grateful. 🫶🏽

[@tomlichnofsky.7048]

Awesomeness Continues!!😎👌 Fabulous Episode!!👍✊👊🍁♈🍁

[@kristinmartin2899]

I love how much you laugh with Jonathan. It’s awesome! I love your kids have such a wonderful example of a healthy relationship :)

[@joyceespinoza9623]

Dear Mayim, You are BEAUTIFUL, you are smart, you are talented, You are kind, you are AMAZING!!! Thank you for these podcasts that are funny, inspiring, so helpful to many people which is such an amazing thing!! Your Latina Friend, J Espinoza

[@laylasummernights9841]

I love him so much

[@ladysaffire4006]

These talks are therapy for the host 😊

[@idid138]

Mayim & Max, look/act/vibe, like at least 1st cousins

[@jlcollins14]

Eli Wallach in the Kate Winslet/Cameron Diaz led film The Holiday describes Meet Cute in film perfectly. That was the first time I'd heard the term too. KZbin this clip of him. He was so fantastic in the film. Didn't have enough of him in it. Great episode.

[@joshuamartinez486]

Am I the only one dying to see Matisyahu on this podcast?

[@bridgersmacdonald]

MY TWO FAV PEOPLEEEEE!!!! i need them in something please mayimmmm

[@sarahjohnson9388]

Malamute, black lab, timber wolf combo, they are the sweetest gift alive, you won't be sorry 💜

[@CM-pf1xc]

45:59 👏👏👏 all about humility!

[@CM-pf1xc]

40:52 Aww AA is the best helping people find freedom forever and it’s ALL only possible through God.

[@matiaspereira9382]

Dogs are beautiful Dr Bialik. I have a dog called Thor. Keep helping people! You're my favorite actress ever! I really love how you played Amy in Big Bang Theory! She's the best fictional woman character ever made! Nobody could've played Amy better than you!

[@IfIhadaheartx]

26:24 cried laughing 🤣

[@TheKrispyfort]

My kids were sarcastic before they were talking. Gifted, I guess 🤣

[@rebeccaryancross]

We sat on an electric box. And just chatted in whatever area had a box. Im from south jersey and actually was born in San Diego. We were “poverty” and we just chill and my parents were the same way. We’re all human and I think as long as we’re open with our kids about we’re having a bad day and trying to figure things out they appreciate it.

[@marisamartinezolivera]

And here, fellow Breakers, we’ve another GREAT, in caps, episode about..PARENTING and Family Life. And counting. In a way, the previous episode with Jodie Smith tries to resonate with me here. But I feel like this one, even if it's seemingly going for a more hilarious, laid-back, and fun side, is exactly as deep as Jodie's one. Or more. As a mom of only boys too, still laughing with “Miles anecdote” about mom’s pheromones and pre-puberty boys! Lord, if I had known this when needed…

[@kelleymasters1522]

I keep saying these two need to do a show together.

[@sarahjohnson9388]

Not to overreach. But we live near Southern Oregon. Go up there often, and would be happy to let you and kiddos meet or even go on a hike with Big Boy (Secca). Obviously a weird thing to offer probably... But it's a breed I would recommend that gets love over.😮 Love you guys and good luck on your dog search.

[@geraldineorfe1155]

Love him. My wish us to meet u

[@kareneide]

Great episode! What is Jonathan drinking?

[@darnitthelma4247]

Why???? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@queenchaeyeon]

Yes We would just go outside and sit somewhere Sometimes we would get up and find another bench, and start meeting there

[@EveryHandleIsTaken979]

How is Max Greenfield so much better looking than Schmidt? Maybe it’s his personality!

[@osovagabundo1]

Kinda like the Tony Shaloubs patter on Mrs. Maizel . They had great back and forth , like the black and white Lucille Ball pacing

[@Historian212]

@Mayim Bialik, see Georgetown prof of Linguistics Deborah Tannen on New York [City] Jewish Conversational Style. She also wrote a book called That's Not What I Meant, about cross-cultural communication. She also named NY Jewish Conversational Style "Jewish Crosstalk." Those are from about 10 years ago, she may have written more on it since then. Basically, one culture's obnoxious interrupting is another culture's deep engagement and involvement. According to Tannen's research, this style is Ashkenazi (Eastern Europe- vs. Western Europe-style) and very NYC, it evolved out of how Eastern European Jewish immigrants to NYC tended to speak amongst themselves.

[@coleleigh9431]

i wanna know what Hit the Penny is! lol ... only still n the intro js

[@TheKrispyfort]

G'day Mayim, Doing the family history, discovered my matrilineal so-many great grandmother was Welsh Jewish (from Eastern Europe) which explained some family quirks that I grew up thinking was normal, and I'd like to learn more about Jewish history, culture, and traditions. Recommendations for a starting point - apart from asking PhDs on the net?

[@brocksavage4322]

It would be very interesting if Mayim were willing to have a discussion with an atheist guest, who is whole, happy, and healthy without a God, as most of us are.

[@Valerie72]

Just throwing it in the hat, have you ever considered having martha beck on the breakdown? I think she has done amazing things and her idea of 'integrity' would totally match the topics in the breakdown. She is also delightful, compassionate, kind and funny (for example in the podcast she and her partner host, called bewildered) and i think you'd both love her. (and to very cringely throw famous names to make the point; she is friends with elizabeth gilbert as well as byron katie and her husband stepthen mitchell and she has at some poit been oprah winnfrey's lifecoach and called 'one of the smartest women i know' by her). I hope you'll consider it, id really love to see you speak together😊

[@christina7882]

I loved Johnathan’s share at the end about his triggered state.

[@HolidaysLane]

PLEASE bring back the original themesong ... I miss it =(

[@daniellaplume3840]

My cat died during COVID also. Her name was Chloe, she knew her name, and mine.

[@Robin-jc1ls]

I’m not from New York but I’m Jewish and I don’t know if that’s why I talk over people. Mostly people don’t mind except for one person who’s always angry at me. To me I just know what the end of the sentence is it gonna be in, so I start answering it.

[@mmwtcasmalltown]

How do we suggest possible guests for the podcast? I have one that I think would be AMAZING for this podcast and I'd love to share just don't know if there is a way and how to do that.