Achilles' Heel with Alex Hooper

When one chapter ends, another begins. For now, this is the final episode of Achilles' Heel so who better to interview than...MYSELF. In this candid exposition, I break down how having one of the worst cases of eczema on the planet has affected my entire life. Hospitalizations, self-hatred, misguided confusion and rage; all of it is here in this episode. You'll hear some of my worst moments of aggression along with the myriad of ways I've learned to heal.  I want to thank you all for being part of this journey. It's been life-changing to have these conversations with humans I respect and love. Wait until you see what I do next! Sign Up For My Email List: Hoopercomedy.com Follow me on IG for Daily Lollipops: @hooperhairpuff

Laughter is healing. When a comedian dies, immediate ripples are felt throughout the world. Drennon Davis (Conan, NBC) sits down with me to discuss why the loss of a clown is so impactful. We honor Bob Saget, Robin Williams, Betty White, and so many more while trying to stay true to our silly ass selves. Don't worry, this episode is anything but depressing. What will your impact be when you go? Drennon is a comedian, musician, puppeteer, and all around goofball. He can be seen all over your TV, social media, or running amok at insane festivals. Follow Drennon: @drennondavis drennondavis.org

Sometimes it takes more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away! Justine Marino (The Funny Dance Show, Glitter and Garbage Podcast) is getting the most out of her health insurance with frequent visits to calm her mind. We discuss our hilarious times working at Universal, how to sell a TV show by following your bliss, and the holistic language between your body and brain, and why sending pictures of your feet isn't always sexual. Justine is an absolute delight and a powerhouse on stage. Check out The Funny Dance Show and her weekly podcast, Glitter and Garbage. You'll be glad you did.  Follow Justine: @justinemachine1 Glitter and Garbage: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/glitter-and-garbage/id1506683181

" We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, but to create something that will." -Chuck Palahniuk Get ready to cross over to the other side! Dave Yates (Album: One Long Merch Pitch) has a sincere case of thanatophobia and isn't afraid to talk about it. We talk about coping with multiple losses very closely together, the long winding road to 9 years of sobriety, and why stinky cheese may be the answer to all of life's problems. Dave is a wonderful comedian and producer of some of the tastiest hot sauce on the planet, HAHA Hot Sauce. Grab a bottle when you go see him at a show. Your tongue will thank you. Follow Dave: @yatescomedy Yatescomedy.com

"If a circle shuts you out, draw a circle around it." -Marty Rubin Please don't not listen to this podcast! Heather Turman (Stuck) moved to Los Angeles at 18 only to find countless doors closing right in her face. We discuss coming out to a mother who didn't understand, the importance of creating your own projects, how MDMA therapy can open your mind, and what it's like to yell your own name during sex.  Heather is a filmmaker, actress, comedian, writer, and all around badass human being. Check out her film Stuck on Amazon Prime. Follow Heather: @heatherturman heatherturman.com

"Do not put off til tomorrow what can be put off til the day after tomorrow just as well." -Mark Twain Like Nike says: Just (Don't) do it! Chip Nicholson (Laughter Hours) may not have his name on his shoulder but he does have a huge problem completing tasks in a timely manner. Sound familiar?? We also discuss dealing with racism after moving from San Diego to Alabama, the temptations of the dark playground, and how his grandparents were giving him food for thought before he even knew how to chew. Chip is not only a hilarious ball of energy and light, he's also one of the most happy-go-lucky souls you'll come across in this world.  This episode is filled with huge laughs and deep moments. Truly a pleasure to have this conversation. Go see him live and follow him on all the things. He's worth it and so are you.

Get your ticket stamped because this conversation is about to leave the station. Lubelski (Dirtybird, Desert Hearts) is beating up dancefloors while seeking affection from those around him. We talk about what it took to put out his latest EP "Happy Accidents," crazy forest parties in Santa Cruz, and why parents need to be mindful of the traumas they pass onto their children. Lubelski is traveling the world to make you shake your groove thing. His huge personality and tiny sunglasses invite you into a colorful world that will delight and stimulate at least four of your senses. Then again, maybe you can taste how good the music is. Like an ice cream cone... Follow Lubelski: @lubelski lubelskimusic.com https://soundcloud.com/lubelski

Sound the self-doubt alarms! Alex "Cookie" Leon is a designer and wardrobe stylist making her name in the world of fashion, so why do the words "NOT GOOD ENOUGH" keep flashing in her brain? We discuss the importance of allowing yourself to feel every emotion, opening yourself up on social media, what it takes to find your aesthetic, and why celebrating your success is crucial to moving forward.  Cookie is dedicated to making others look as good as they feel. Her unique style and loving attitude is infectious. Catch her parading around festivals and parties in between epic nap sessions.  Follow Cookie: @Cookieleonx www.cookieleonstylist.com

"Girl, you better work!" -RuPaul   Clock in and put your pencils to the paper, kids! Brittany Brave (Miami's Best Comedian 2021) loves her job, but at what point does your infatuation with work become an unhealthy obsession? We break down the addictive lifestyle of a comedian, the fear of being left behind when you take time off, and how overworking can actually lead to reverse success, Brittany is a wonderful and whimsical human who commands your attention as soon as she takes the stage. A firecracker disguised in a small package, do not underestimate this shining star. Follow Brittany: @brittanybrave  

The one thing you need to know about ADHD is that HOLY SHIT CHIPOTLE HAS BRISKET NOW??? Do your best to stay focused this week as we swirl down the wormhole of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (wow, I zoned out from typing that.) Subset (Dirtybird, Insomniac) mixes together beautiful music but his brain is always transitioning to the next thing whether he likes it or not.  We break down having the whole alphabet of mental health issues, why taking breaks will fill your soul, hidden superpowers, and what it's like to DJ for 69 (haha) hours straight. Subset is a killer musician known for his care-free, fun as hell, eclectic musical styles. He plays festivals and parties all over the world. You never know what you'll get in a set but I guarantee, you're going to be all smiles while you shake your groove things.  Follow Subset: @subsetgetsit Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/subsetgetsit

"The more I let go that I'm ever gonna solve something, the more fun it gets." Squeak your noses and break out your rubber chickens, we're getting magically silly. Christina Catherine Martinez (Vulture Comedians You Should and Will Know) is a master at deflecting her own feelings onto others. We discuss the world of art critique, the countless wolves living inside of her, and how growing up religious can leave you feeling fear and shame. Christina is a wonderful comedian, writer, and creator. Catch her clowning her way to a stage near you. Follow Christina: xtina_catherine www.christinacatherine.info/comedy

"If you fixate on the worst-case scenario and it actually happens, you've lived it twice." - Michael J. Fox All hell is about to break loose! John Hastings (America's Got Talent, BCC) can't help but catastrophize every aspect of his life. As we stretch our minds and play out horrible outcomes, we also talk about Canadian healthcare, auditioning for AGT on the day the world shut down, and how mindfulness is truly the key to finding inner-peace. John is a world-traveling comedian who knows how to crush every stage he hits. His fast-paced style and gregarious attitude is more infectious than Covid. Follow John: @thejohnhastings thejohnhastings.com

"Complacency is the deadly enemy of spiritual progress. The contented soul is the stagnant soul." -Aiden Wilson Tozer All hail the rave fairy king! Josh Waldron (New Youtube Special:  Chosen None) has a major problem: He's totally OK with his life. We discuss how happiness steals motivation to create, performing for people tripping at music festivals, and finding middle ground between playing the system and being a disruptor. Josh is absolutely hilarious and has a heart made of rainbow sprinkles. He laughs and dances his way through a life worth living. Check out his new special and follow him on all the things. Follow Josh: @joshwaldronsucks Chosen None: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Fxa2Tmql8

" I was the white black sheep in my family." It's a classic battle of Introvert vs Extrovert as we figure out where our energy originates. Candice Thompson (The Tonight Show, Joe Rogan Experience) joins me to explain how she copes with the Hollywood lifestyle while not allowing it to drain her of her essence. We also talk about growing up ethnically ambiguous, how to get ejected from a wedding, and what it means when we meet our demons face to face.  Candice is a magnificent comedian, writer, and human being. While she may be introverted, her smile lights up every room she enters. Follow her on all the things.  Follow Candice: @jokesbycandice candicethompsoncomedy.com

Don't wake Daddy! This conversation gets a little clingy but it is anything but static. Jenny Yang (Variety's Top 10 Comics To Watch) spent much of her childhood learning how to please others, but how do you break the cycle to live for yourself? We chat about escape mechanisms, equality in relationships, and our favorite self-help books.  Jenny is a magnificent comedian, writer, and so much more. She's a go-getter, game-changer, let-it-all-hang-out performer. Follow her on all the things and go see her in a city near you. Follow Jenny: @jennyyangtv jennyyang.tv

"I think outside the box because I was never invited into the box." Open wide, everybody! Comedy legend and Emmy winner Rick Overton (Set List Special on Amazon Prime) is here and he can't shut up. We discuss overcoming dyslexia and ADD, why digging yourself a hole is always a worthwhile challenge, and how life is just one giant improvisation and its up to us to say "YES, AND..." Rick has been doing comedy for over 50 years. He has been seen in countless TV shows, films, stages, and festivals. His insight on how to live a fruitful life is inspiring. Take notes, this one has so many digestible nuggets. Follow Rick: @rickoverton

You can't control the situation that you are born into.  From the title alone, you know this episode is going to have moments that are extremely dark. Monarey Martinez (The Shamic Podcast) recounts her challenging stories with levity, wit, and bravery. You wouldn't expect this much laughter, but what can I say, we lean into fear and pain. We discuss making the best out of a life of poverty and abuse, how psychedelics can fast-forward years of therapy, and why riding the Greyhound bus is a an experience no one needs to have. Monarey is a wonderful, intelligent, and hilarious comedian. These are her stories and they may be troubling to some listeners, however, they are important. This is not a story of a victim. It is a story of a courageous, strong-willed woman who knew she could break free of past demons through resilience, compassion, and humor. Follow Monarey: @monareym Shamic Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shamic/id1553689544

"Typically I would wake up and I'd be taking a shower." Imagine going to sleep and having no idea where you would wake up. For Jay Light (Master Chef, Comedy Central) this is reality. While he attempts to stay awake, we chat about the glory days of Roast Battle, the oddities of fraternity hazing, and why pushing yourself to exhaustion is detrimental to your creativity.  Jay Light is a brilliant comedian and writer. Check out his podcast BlockBusting, and go see him whenever you can. Follow Jay: @dietjay jaylightcomedy.com

This is not the pounding and throbbing I was hoping for... Comedian Izzy Salhani is no stranger to pressure, especially when its inside her own head. We discuss the side effects of long-term medications, the endless trials to alleviate constant pain, and what its like to live with someone after you find out they've been lying about everything. Sound fun? It is! Izzy Salhani is a wonderful human being and comedian. You can catch us on the road together this month! 11/29: Davenport, IA 11/30: Madison, WI 10/1: Chicago, IL Follow Izzy: @luckysalhani

I thought the Rocky Mountains would be a little rockier than this... Motivation! Desire! Drive! Adam Cayton-Holland (Those Who Can't, Conan) has accomplishments out the wazoo, but does the need for success also weigh him down? We discuss what it takes to write a book about the worst moment of your life, finding harmony with your creative partners, and why putting unhealthy pressure on yourself will eventually lead you down a path of misery.  Sound hilarious? It is. This is a beautiful conversation with an artist I have unlimited respect for. Adam is a standup, an author, a podcaster, a father, and an all-around stellar human being. Follow him and please read his book, Tragedy Plus Time.  Follow Adam: @caytonholland Adamcaytonholland.com

Breaking barriers has never been more fun! Someone call border patrol because this comedy queen is guarded. Lisa Curry (The Jim Jeffries Show) has been protecting herself from getting hurt, but at what cost? We break down the emotional cost of vulnerability, eating at a brothel in Dubai, and why sometimes you have to yell at your boss to get what you need. Lisa is a fantastic comedian and writer. Check out her album "Alive For A While" recorded live in London n 2019.  She also has a podcast "Long Story Long." Follow Lisa: @olympianlisacurry Lisa-curry.squarespace.com  

"It seems like the doors that are slamming in your face are getting bigger. Bigger doors are easier to go through." -Mateen's Mom   From theatre kids to officiating weddings, Mateen Stewart (HBO, TruTV) and I learn that we have way more in common than we realized.  We chat about winning the once prestigious Bill Cosby Scholarship, the trials and tribulations of navigating the entertainment business, and how life is cyclical when it comes to loved ones.  Mateen has some very exciting things in the works so make sure you follow him and go out and catch a show when he visits your city. Follow Mateen: @mateenstewart  

"Isn't going on a podcast already the most self-absorbed thing you can do?"- My fiancé Comedian Megan Gailey (HBO, The Tonight Show) joins me to discuss her favorite topic: herself! While navigating the labyrinth of this topic we also talk about spending your first year of marriage shoved together thanks to the pandemic, aggro-feminimity (a term she teaches me), and how volunteering in a hospice will completely change your perspective about how we treat our elders. Megan is skyrocketing toward being an elite comedian. With a ton of her credits already under her belt, make sure you jump on board this plane before it takes off for good and never looks back. Follow Megan: @bettermegangailey) www.megangailey.com

Cars deserve validation. Don't you? Comedian and Commentator Jonny Loquasto landed his dream job...why is it so difficult to feel good about it? We also discuss the importance of creating your own opportunities, the need for finding health after growing up fat, and the beauty of embracing the uncertainty of everything.   Jonny is worth your time and validation. Go watch his special, Physical Therapy, and then immediately tell him how wonderful he is.  Follow Jonny: @jquasto Jlocomedy.com

What's it like to be involved in a drive-by at 8 years old? Just another day for my amazing guest. Rapper/Comedian Jamal Coleman is no stranger to danger as he recants tales of growing up in South LA. In a place where life can be hard to value, how do you find worthiness in yourself? We also discuss the benefits of teaching hip hop, relocating to the Pacific Northwest, and we go fathoms deep on meditation, motivation, and consciousness. Jamal is as talented as he is funny and kind. Check out his soundcloud and follow him on instagram to stay up to date on everything he's doing.  Follow Jamal: @jamalcolemancomedy Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/colemanjamal

Sometimes we live with our heads in the clouds...that happens to taste like a caramel apple.   Statutory Vape and stories galore! Comedian Anna Valenzuela (Comedy Central's Roast Battle, 12 Questions Pod) puffs on some "Keep It 100 Blue Slushie" as we figure out why she can't quit sucking on an E-Cig, even after quitting a plethora of other substances. We also discuss why 13 is too young to start doing acid, how to cope in an abusive household, and the crazy shit that happens when you work at a treatment center.    Anna is a wonderful comedian and podcaster. Check her out in every way you can. 

Sometimes its easier to get eaten by a bear than to admit you need assistance. We often mistake asking for help with a lack of independence. Comedian Grant Lyon (New Album: Scheduled Fun Time) can directly relate his hesitance to being raised as a Christian Scientist.  We discuss the shame of needing medicine as a child, breaking away from religion without exiling your family, how asking is not a sign of weakness, and why when someone says you don't need to wear a condom, YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO WEAR A CONDOM. Grant is a stellar human, hilarious comic, and also a super fun board game creator. Listen to his new album and go buy Curmudgeon the Game, both available at his website. Follow Grant: @grantlyon1 www.grantlyon.com

Stop delaying the inevitable, you filthy procrastinator! Putting it off is simply off-putting. Comedian Crystal Marie Denha gives me a lesson in Aramaic as she enlightens me with her life as a Detroit born, Iraqi woman. We discuss the fear of success vs failure, empowering women who have more traditional roles, favorite distractions, and why every man should come in the first minute of sex.  Crystal is a wonderful comic and TV host so go see her immediately.  Follow Crystal: @iamcrystalmarie www.crystalmariedenha.com

Call me 1993 Whoopi Goldberg cuz today we are getting back in the habit!   Some are good. Some are bad. Some are just plain disgusting. Comedian and tennis club leader Joe Carl Abousakher is here to talk about patterns. Falling into them, breaking them, and how to harness their powers for personal benefits. We also discuss how stepdads are the real heroes, growing up as a Palestinian in rural Tennessee, bowl cuts vs rat tails, and why mindfulness is truly the key to happiness. Joe is a hilarious stand up comedian and a mediocre tennis player. Go see him in the clubs and on the courts. Follow Joe: @herewithjoecarl www.herewithjoecarl.com

Ask and ye shall receive. There's a fine line between aggression and assertiveness and it must be walked carefully. Paige Wesley (Cult Podcast) has many reasons to convey confidence, but being in the entertainment industry will make anyone question if they truly have what it takes to survive. Through a litany of personal rejections, we cover what its like to be told you're not good enough, the power of cultivating your own crowd, the troubles of auto-immune diseases, and how sometimes Batman can be a real fucking asshole. Paige is a brilliant comic, writer, and podcaster. She deserves all the attention you're about to give her.  Follow Paige: @rampaigewesley www.paigewesley.com

"I embrace the panic." - Larry David Are you ready to freak the fuck out??? Zach Miller (Hemperor's Comedy) started having serious anxiety as a teenager but had no idea what was happening inside his body. We discuss showing up to work in New York on 9/11, dangerous and healthy coping mechanisms,  the difference between being a comic and a producer, and how rediscovering marijuana later in life was the key to calming his overactive brain.  Zach runs shows all over SoCal so go follow him and check out his incredible productions.  Follow Zach: @zachmillerdawg www.thezachmiller.com

"I'm terrified of passive acquiescence. I live in intensity." -Virginia Woolf Hold onto your butts. Mike Grimm and I have known each other inside and out for over twenty years and we both run off of high-octane jet fuel. We discuss how our friendship started as an attempt to save me from hell, his curiosity for learning new skills, how not to be an actor in LA, building technology from scratch, and how our energies have combined to create an unstoppable force of love, laughter, and fun. Mike and I have given each other the best parts of ourselves and together we have both become better humans. His willingness to infect other people with his beautiful spirit is an inspiration to everyone. Enjoy it.    Follow Mike: @thismikegrimm

"Its a well-known fact tall people are evil." -Kevin Hart Look up, everyone! Australian Jill-of-all-Trades Sarah Lawrence (Australia's Next Top Model, The Laugh Factory) looms over me to discuss the thin air she breathes as she towers over 99% of other women. We also broach how to get kicked off of a reality TV show, trying to blend in amongst the crowd, and how one phrase from your parents can lead to years of therapy.  Sarah is a comedian, DJ, and model. But all she really wants is to be normal in a world where she constantly stands out.  Follow Sarah:  @thesarahlawrence

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live." - Goethe We all have moments where we second-guess our decisions, but what if your entire life was spent worrying about those repercussions. Teresa Lee (Late night with Lilly Singh, New album: We're Still Doing This) joins the virtual space to trade moments of honesty. We discuss what it took to come out as queer, expressing yourself within social boundaries, living with your identical twin, and how trauma therapy will force you to deal with your darkest issues.  Teresa is a brilliant stand up comedian, writer, and podcaster. Go follow her on all the things. Follow Teresa: @Teresaleebot www.teresaleecomedy.com Album: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dvXDDWgUOhyTc4xO7Dv7b

"I'm like a fucking old machine. You don't wanna shut me off or I might not start back up again."  Put on your rainbow space suits and prepare to be transported through a magical wormhole. On episode 100, Lee Reynolds (Desert Hearts, The Most Interesting Man in the World) joins me to expand consciousness and have a brief insight as to how he became the hardest partying grandfather to ever get behind the decks. From his career in BMX to touring the world playing music, satisfying multiple wives and partners, discovering a plethora of mind-altering substances;  and all the while trying to unite the world through a message of love and community. Lee is everything the universe has to offer wrapped up in a beautiful British package.  We go deep in this one. Honest moments combined with hilarious jokes and revelations. For anyone that has ever wondered what makes this legend tick, your answers are contained within. Go fucking nuts. Follow Lee: @leereynoldsmusic www.deserthearts.us

"The world worries more about disability than disabled people do." -Warwick Davis Prepare to be busted open in every way possible. Crystal Rivers has been in the entertainment industry for over twenty years but the last six have been anything but easy. A litany of medical problems have resulted in  her going from training for olympic level gymnastics to multiple hospital visits and now a wheelchair. We discuss her brutal upbringing, various psychological and drug treatments, how Hollywood is learning about inclusion, and why losing the use of her legs isn't going to stop her from accomplishing her dreams. This episode is a rollercoaster. We laugh. We cry. We share personal outrage. Crystal regales her life story with courage and openness, revealing details that many of her closest friends don't know. I can't express how impressed I am by this amazing human being.  Follow Crystal: crystal_rivers_

"Don't let that chip on your shoulder be your only reason for walking erect." - James Thurber Get your balm ready. Two Roast Battle Champions are about to throw heat. Frank Castillo (Comedy Central, Joe Rogan Experience) is carrying serious emotional weight on his back. Family members treating him like an outsider, being rejected for jobs after one of the biggest moments of his life, and why you have to escape from San Jose. Frank is a fantastic comedian, friend, and a mediocre husband. Follow him on all the things. @frankcastillo @peakdtv

"There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it." -Mindy Kaling WAKE UP AND BREATHE OR YOU WILL DIE. It's a snoozing good time this week as Pallavi Gunalan (Lovett or Leave it, Facial Recognition Comedy) purposefully opens her throat to break down her complicated relationship with sleep. From bioengineering at Cal Tech and Carnegie Mellon to the dirty comedy streets, Pallavi has associated herself with all sorts of interesting characters. We discuss the relationship between lack of sleep and depression, the need for personal forgiveness, and why carrying vials of AIDS-filled blood in your purse is a recipe for disaster. Ya think??? Pallavi is a brilliant young comedian who can and will do anything she can to make the world a better place for everyone. Selfless, hilarious, and full of heart. I can't wait to see how far she goes. Follow Pallavi: @pallavigunalan www.pallavigunalan.com

"Anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor." -James Baldwin Smoke em' if you got em' cuz my guest this week is no stranger to getting high even while his riches are running low. Ramon Rivas II (HBO, Netflix) is a master of DIY when it comes to comedy, producing, making money, and relationships. We explore the connection between financial and emotional poverty, the importance of giving back to the people and places that made you, and why being quiet can often be perceived as rude, even if you are anything but.  Ramon is a brilliant comic and a wonderful friend. His insights as to how you can live well on a mediocre budget are inspiring. Now go listen to his albums so he gets that streaming dough! Follow Ramon: @blazerramon www.blazerramon.com

"It's nothing personal, but I'm going to kill this guy." -Mike Tyson She knows it's one of the Four Agreements, but that doesn't stop Sam Jones (Creative Director-Viacom) from letting other people's attitudes and choices infect her life. From her new home in the Catskills, we discuss getting kicked out of private school, the need for diversity in your life, and why cancel culture is the ultimate form of her Achilles' Heel.  Sam and I have a great flow and a very similar attitude toward life and style. Our chemistry is obvious from the minute we begin. Enjoy it! Follow Sam: @therealsamjones

First child eats dirt, parents call doctor. Second child eats dirt, parents rinse out their mouth. Third child eats dirt, parents wonder if they need to feed him lunch. Oh to bask in the trials and tribulations of those that came before you. Handren Seavey (To Live and Bike in LA podcast) is happy to take on his role as the young wild child. Fighting for importance while his family had a laissez-faire attitude, trying to keep up with his older brothers in sports, and dealing with teachers who have a preconceived notions have all led to the brilliant, stand-out comedian you see today.  This episode also has one of the craziest day in the life, near-death stories we've ever had on the podcast. Enjoy it! Follow Handren: @handrenseavey To Live and Bike in LA: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/to-live-and-bike-in-la/id1492214340

"Maternal instinct, merely as an instinct, in unworthy of our superstitious reverence." - Charlotte Perkins Gilman Mother to all, child to none. When I asked Bri Pruett (TEDX, You Can Do It Podcast) about her focus for the episode, this was the overly dramatic answer I received. Deeply spiritual, intuitive, and shame-free, we spent this entire conversation breaking down exactly what all of that means. We also discuss body positivity, finding yourself through stand up comedy, and the role of astrology and tarot cards as a guiding light to shepherd us through the universe. Yes, she's a witch and proud of it.  Deep belly laughs, a beautiful flow, and plenty of heart-warming moments are discovered throughout this episode. From one heeler to another, no need to travel to the stars to enjoy this talk. Follow Bri: @bripruett Podcast and more: www.bripruett.com

"Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth." -Albert Einstein When everyone has a voice, it becomes increasingly more difficult to discern who we should listen to. On this episode, Daniel Shankin (Mindfulness Coach, Mt. Tam Integration) drops his wisdom on the benefits of having a rebellious spirit. We go deep into body and breath work, psychedelic experiences, and why the simplest moments can bring the greatest amount of joy. Daniel is the organizer of the Mt. Tam Integration Jam being held virtually from April 16th-19th. Link to the website and to buy tickets is listed below. Please visit the page here: http://psychedelicintegration.family/promotion/ Follow Daniel: @sitarmagic www.sitaramdas.com

"Lies are the lubricant that move social interaction forward."- Robert S. Feldman The average person tells 1.65 lies per day. But my guest this week is anything but average. In this compelling, hilarious, and (hopefully) honest episode, Blakeshine (TimeOutLA Women of the Year, Of The Night) opens up about her deepest truth, or lack there of it. We discuss her complicated and troubled family history, creating characters and experiences through immersive events, what happens when you get caught in the act by someone that you love, and so much more. BlakeShine and I are kindred spirits who share so many qualities it's almost doesn't seem real. In this episode you will hear her mantra, which can apply to every one of us. "Rediscover. Redefine. Reintroduce." Follow BlakeShine: @blakeshine Of The Night: www.ofthenight.club  

"I like the idea that the body is a vessel; that it's not necessarily representative of the real you that's inside of it." - Laura Jane Grace Watching someone break out of their shell and truly find freedom is one of the most beautiful things we can witness on this planet. In her first podcast appearance ever, Worthy (Dirtybird, Anabatic Records) joins me to discuss the process of transitioning into a woman. We discuss her Catholic upbringing in DC, the early days of Dirtybird Records, and all the feelings that led to her realization that she wasn't living in her truest form. It was truly an honor to have a DJ I have respected and danced to for years, share her story with me. This episode is both educational, important, and entertaining AF.  Catch her live soon or every Wednesday on the Dirtybird Twitch Channel. Follow Worthy: @iamworthy Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/worthy

"You're scheming on a thing that's a mirage, I'm trying to tell you now its sabotage." -Beastie Boys Big hair, big heart, big mouth. Babs Gray (Lady to Lady Podcast, Framing Britney Spears) lends all of these elements and more as we travel down the wonderful road of destructive habits. We also discuss the importance of collaboration, fear of failure vs fear of success, and how we've aged out of sleeping on random couches. Follow Barbara: babs_gray www.myjokesareuphere.com

"Starve your distractions. Feed your focus." March has officially become 70's business suit casual. Doug Stanhope (This is not Fame, countless specials) lends his red mohawk to the podcast to discuss his difficulty with concentration. Benefits of a pandemic, tennis with Mitch Hedberg, and the beauty of lying to patrons in an airport bar. Doug is a huge inspiration for me in so many ways and it was an absolute honor to have him on the podcast. Two rebellious comedy weirdos, trying to do whatever we can to entertain ourselves and others before our bodies and minds shut down forever. Enjoy. Follow Doug: @realstanhope www.dougstanhope.com

"If you try to please all, you please none."- Aesop Ooooo baby does this ever ring true. Eric Lockley (Actor, The Jump) has always struggled with being the good moral boy he was raised to be. But sometimes saying yes to everyone, means saying no to yourself. Having known each other for 21 years there is a familiarity in this conversation but we also learn so many new things about each other. Performing as Michael Jackson in malls, trying to raise and amplify Black voices, and why we need to give in to our fear to overcome it.  Eric is incredibly inspiring and I knew that when we were in Great Expectations together at the ripe old age of 14. It was an honor to have him on this podcast. Enjoy! Follow Eric: @iamericlockley www.iamericlockley.com

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear."- C.S. Lewis In a time where many of us are dealing with loss, Evan "Everyman" Shafran lends his voice to the podcast to give some advice on how to deal with the pieces of a life taken to soon. Coping mechanisms, honoring the deceased while pushing forward, and what its like to have the most artistically successful year of your life piggybacked on the untimely death of your best friend and musical partner.  Evan gives so much great advice in this while sharing his story. There's something for everyone to take away in this episode.  Everyman's new album "Birds of a Feather," produced with Urgeto Music is out now on Spotify.  He's performed and toured with acts such as Pretty Lights, Odesza, Mark Farina (to name a very small few) and has graced some massive festival stages, such as Coachella, Burning Man, Shambhala, and Lightning in a Bottle. Peep his music mixes here:www.mixcloud.com/evanshafran/stream/ Get free music and see full tour dates at: facebook.com/EVeryman.music For Booking/Press Inquiries Contact: everymanmusicbookings@gmai.com

"The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."- Sylvia Plath While all of us struggle with that little voice telling us we aren't good enough, most of us still aren't sticking our heads in the oven to end it all. On this week's Achilles' Heel, Amy Silverberg (The Paris Review, Comedy Central) joins me to discuss the blocks her brain puts up when it's time to do the work.  We also give tips on how to finish projects, what it takes to complete a novel, adjusting to online school, and how growing up with neurotic parents can be a detriment as well as a blessing. Amy is a brilliant comedian and a prolific writer. This episode is fast-paced, filled with laughs, and has tons of great tips on how to come in guns blazing as you bust down the creative door.   Follow Amy: @amysilverberg www.amysilverberg.com

Happiness is external, joy comes from within. Subhah Agarwal (The Jim Jeffries Show, Late Night with Lilly Singh) discusses her tendency to tie self-worth to achievements. We talk about starting stand up at 17, being pushed by her parents to always be more, and how to distract yourself by constantly chasing the next thing. We crack each other up throughout this meaningful and extremely relatable conversation.  Follow Subhah: IG- @subhaha Twitter: @subhah