Author: Mayim Bialik

  • Byron Katie: Find Out What is True

    Byron Katie (speaker, author of Loving What Is Now) teaches us the systematic process (i.e. “The Work”) she uses to examine any positive or negative thought, from parenting and relationships to work and finances, to test what is and isn’t valid. She opens up about the awakening she experienced while lying on the floor of a halfway house while being treated for disordered eating, and how that revelation allowed her to overcome depression and suicidal thoughts, while reshaping every area of her life. Byron guides us through the practice of identifying and questioning thoughts that can lead to personal suffering and explains how our underlying beliefs may unknowingly fuel our emotions. She applies “The Work” processes to practical examples from Mayim and Jonathans’ lives while highlighting the importance of meditation, slowing down to listen, and readiness to put aside judgements, fear, and resentment.

    Byron Katie’s Live Zooms: https://thework.com/at-home-with-byron-katie/

  • Macy Gray: Listen to the Angels

    Macy Gray (singer, songwriter, activist) opens up about her creative approach to songwriting, her bipolar diagnosis, and why the issue of police violence is so close to her heart. She discusses her musical influences, being made fun of for her unique voice as a kid, and the origins of her hit single “I Try.” Macy explains the process of making a new album during the pandemic and civil unrest, the data behind police shootings, and her anxiety around mania. Mayim breaks down the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders, features of mania, and why romantic relationships are tipping points for those suffering from bipolar disorder.

    Macy Gray’s new single, “Every Night”: https://open.spotify.com/track/4VAUxogl12wnQQHvQ3zVuD?si=71809e5792de4741&nd=1

    Macy Gray’s organization, My Good: https://mygood.org/

  • Evanna Lynch: Take Up Space

    Evanna Lynch (Harry Potter franchise, author of The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting) discusses the existential nature of mental health struggles and disordered eating. She opens up about being a sensitive child, her history of anorexia at an early age, and her journey through recovery. Evanna explains the reasons she found it difficult to seek treatment, what the entertainment industry told her was wrong with her, and the ways she was able to overcome the fear of taking up space. She and Mayim discuss society’s examination of women and identity struggles and regimens for wellness after recovery. They break down forms of holistic healing, from plant therapy and intention setting to astrology and moon ceremonies.

    Evanna Lynch’s Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/677563/the-opposite-of-butterfly-hunting-by-evanna-lynch/

  • Simon Helberg: Bust Through the Crack in the Door

    Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory, Florence Foster Jenkins, As They Made Us) joins Mayim in studio to discuss the preparation he did and fears he had playing his complicated character in Mayim’s new film, As They Made Us. He takes us through the darkest moments of his mental health journey, his OCD stemming from his attempts to avoid failure, and his motivation to seek professional treatment. Mayim considers the shift she witnessed in Simon’s mental health on The Big Bang Theory set. They discuss their entries into the Big Bang cast, what happened once the show grew in popularity, and the mental health quirks and stereotypes of each of the characters. Simon and Mayim explain the process of finding themselves after the success of the series and what it was like for Simon to perform an impression of Stephen Hawking in front of the late physicist on the set of the show.

    Trailer for As They Made Us : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-b6NoDkiU&t=0s

    Simon Helberg’s impressions on CONAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7xQkJYwyi0

  • Dustin Hoffman: Emerge from the Wallpaper

    Dustin Hoffman (The Graduate, Kramer vs. Kramer, Rain Man, As They Made Us) stops by the studio in person to open up about his childhood, his time working as an attendant in a psychiatric facility, and going to acting school with fellow legendary actors Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall. He and Mayim discuss the power of music, the science of acting, and the psychological awareness that comes with Dustin’s performances. Dustin explains why he is so observant and in touch with his emotions and his thoughts about death and spirituality, and Mayim breaks down hypervigilance. Dustin reveals what it was like to be directed by Mayim in her new film, As They Made Us.

    Trailer for As They Made Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-b6NoDkiU&t=0s

  • Dr. Will Bulsiewicz: Help & Heal Your Gut

    Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (gastroenterologist, nutritionist, New York Times-bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook) stops by to break down gut health and practical steps we can take to heal our guts. He unpacks gluten, food sensitivities, and fiber’s role in gut health. He explains the significance of microbiomes, challenges highly restrictive diets, and discusses why bowel movements directly inform gut health. Mayim and Dr. B consider the gut’s effect on mood, why digestive issues can still manifest even with proper nutrition, and the evidence-based benefits of a plant-based diet. They discuss the ways food intolerances can lead to disordered eating and how to fix those intolerances, the mental health impact of dietary challenges, and empowering oneself with information about one’s specific dietary needs.

    Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’ book: https://theplantfedgut.com/cookbook/

  • Seth & Lauren Rogen: Genes are a Roadmap, Not a Destination

    Seth Rogen (actor, writer, producer, director) and Lauren Miller Rogen (writer, director, producer, philanthropist) join us to discuss the origin and missions of HFC, their non-profit organization, that cares for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, activates the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates, and leads brain health research and education. Lauren opens up about her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s at an early age, and how her mother’s diagnosis affected the early stages of her relationship with Seth. Seth and Lauren discuss the ripples of mental health struggles on an entire family, why treating and preventing Alzheimer’s can be so difficult, and the benefits of familiarizing yourself with symptoms of neurological diseases. They explain potential causes of early onset Alzheimer’s, lifestyle changes that can help promote brain health, and the positive and negative effects of marijuana use on brain health. Mayim and The Rogens consider the need for universal access to medical and mental health resources and reasons Americans may be distrustful of the healthcare system.

    Learn more about HFC: WeAreHFC.org

  • Dianna Agron: Uncover, Discover, Discard

    Dianna Agron (As They Made Us, Glee, Acid Man, Shiva Baby) joins us to discuss what it was like to work with Mayim on her new film, As They Made Us. She opens up about her experiences growing up in hotels and her family’s struggles after her father’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Mayim and Dianna bond over the scrutiny they faced while publicly coming of age on a television show, the inclination to make art after processing grief, and the benefits of healthy compartmentalization. Mayim explains the process of writing her film in response to the loss of her father and why Dianna’s character was the most difficult for her to write. She discusses body and emotional awareness in another installment of Moments of Peace and Calm.

    Trailer for Mayim’s film, As They Made Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-b6NoDkiU

  • Kal Penn: Prepare & Go Get It

    Kal Penn (Harold and Kumar, House, Designated Survivor, author of You Can’t Be Serious) discusses navigating and overcoming stereotypes and racial biases in Hollywood. He considers the feelings of motivation and anxiety that can stem from family expectations, how a lens of positivity can lead to less stress, and ways to overcome apathy about making a societal impact. Mayim and Kal bond over their time at UCLA and working together on The Big Bang Theory. Kal opens up about the cultural phenomenon of the Harold & Kumar franchise, how he became involved in the Obama administration, and being a late bloomer in terms of his sexuality.

    Kal Penn’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982171383/kalpenn-20

  • Dr Joe Dispenza: Avoid the Lens of the Past

    Dr Joe Dispenza (bestselling author, researcher, speaker) breaks down practical steps we can take to unlock our potential. He discusses his early days of hypnotizing his roommates, the philosophy of yoga, and the three different types of stress. Dr Joe explains the neuroscience behind why rumination and invoking feelings of the past are harmful to personal growth and how biochemistry can impact pathways. He considers the reason most change is facilitated by crisis or trauma, the benefits of mental rehearsal, and somatic reactions to emotional responses.