The Acting Up Podcast

Hi Friends! We made it! Part 6 of My Ketamine Journey! I cannot thank you enough for coming on this ride with me and being there with your support and love.  Enjoy the journey. xoxo

Hi friends,  Here is episode 38 - Part 5 of my exploration through Ketamine. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world to me.    If you ever have questions you can message me at Acting Up With Ali Goodman or find me on Twitter at @Ali_Goodman.

Hey friends,  I'm opening this with a strong trigger warning. I go into a story about a trauma that may be upsetting for some. I know this is part of the healing journey. I hope you see it in the same way.    Thank you, as always, for coming with me on this journey. It's been a ride, so far. I appreciate you.  If you have any questions or want to connect with me you can find me on facebook at Acting Up With Ali Goodman or on Twitter at @Ali_Goodman Xo Ali

Part 3 of my Ketamine therapy journey. Thank you for taking the time to listen and provide feedback or questions.  This is quite a vulnerable journey and I'm really thankful you are here with me.  Feel free to message me on facebook Or find me on Twitter Love to you all!

Hi Friends! Welcome back to part 2 of this journey. I hope this is a helpful tool for anyone looking into alternative ways to combat their depression or PTSD.  Thank you for all your love and support.  If you have questions you can find me on FB at Acting Up With Ali Goodman Feel free to message me there or on Twitter! I'm @Ali_Goodman

Welcome back, friends!  It's been a while. And I've been battling some raucous depression/anxiety/and complex PTSD due to childhood trauma. Wheee! So I decided to dive into the world of psychedelics (doctor approved in a clinic) to try to help myself heal. Finally.  This is part 1 of my experience exploring healing through ketamine.  Join me. It's quite a ride so far.

Episode 33 - The School District Lost My Autistic Kid You read that right. In this "practically-a-double-episode" episode I go into great detail about all of the transportation issues we've had with the district, the small group transportation, the general bus, and many MANY other frustrations.  I also ask you, my dear friends, to help me figure out HOW to help fix this issue. I welcome your ideas and thoughts and brilliance.  Please find me and leave comments (or a suggested solution to the above question!) on any of these platforms:   ALI: REAL-TO-REEL on Facebook and Instagram and HERE on Twitter! You can also help the podcast out by leaving a REVIEW of this episode (or the whole podcast) on Apple Podcasts and commenting on www.actinguppodcast.com    Thanks for listening, friends! Remember: we are all in this together.

Episode 32 - Risk-Reward Or Bribery Today's episode is sponsored by the dude mowing his lawn outside my window.  Despite the noise and my futile attempts to quiet the sound on the episode we are talking about rewards and bribery with kids - specifically neurodiverse kids.  I also dive in and share my struggles with having to pause some of my creatives desires because my priorities are focused elsewhere (i.e. my kids) at the moment.  But I also shout out my friends who are doing their thing, taking their creative ideas and running with them! It's very exciting.  You can always find me and leave comments on any of these platforms:   ALI: REAL-TO-REEL on Facebook and Instagram and HERE on Twitter! You can also help the podcast out by leaving a REVIEW of this episode (or the whole podcast) on Apple Podcasts and commenting on www.actinguppodcast.com    Thanks for listening, friends! Remember: we are all in this together.

Episode 31 - Thoughts And Prayers, Right? With Guest Jon Wolter We welcome back to the podcast, Jon Wolter (www.jonwolter.com) my husband and partner in our continued struggle to find calm during the storm of these mass terrorist attacks on our country.  TRIGGER WARNING: We talk about school shootings and the current climate of our country with the back-to-back mass murders by white supremacists.  We dive in about how our son, Jackson, would likely not be amongst the survivors of a school shooting and why.  This was not an easy episode to record but given the circumstances of other parents and especially parents who have kids with special needs or disabilities we knew we had to address it.  We'd love your feedback.  You can always find me and leave comments on any of these platforms:   ALI: REAL-TO-REEL on Facebook and Instagram and HERE on Twitter! You can also help the podcast out by leaving a REVIEW of this episode (or the whole podcast) on Apple Podcasts and commenting on www.actinguppodcast.com    Thanks for listening, friends! Remember: we are all in this together.  

Episode 30 - How To Apologize And Not Be A Jerk Hey friends! This week's episode focuses on how to apologize properly. Something very specific triggered this episode (I go into detail) and then offer some more constructive ways to help heal the hurt with a real, true apology.  Please let me know your thoughts about this episode and if you think you are good at apologizing (Spoiler alert: I am not great right now - I'm working on it!)  You can comment on any of these platforms:   ALI: REAL-TO-REEL on Facebook and Instagram and HERE on Twitter! You can also always help the podcast out by leaving a REVIEW of this episode (or the whole podcast) on Apple Podcasts and commenting on www.actinguppodcast.com  Thanks for listening, friends! Remember: we are all in this together.

Episode 29 - Integrated Listening Program - Is It All Just Woo?  This week I catch you up on what's been going on with Jackson and Jordan. Jackson participated in an Integrated Listening Program and I discuss the results we are seeing there.  Also, we take a look at how his ADHD meds are affecting him.  Jordan has some new evaluations through EI and is making progress in PT.  He refuses to say, "Mama" because...of course he does.  You can always find me at ALI: REAL-TO-REEL on Facebook and Instagram and HERE on Twitter! Please RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple Podcasts and leave a comment on www.actinguppodcast.com  Thanks for listening, friends! Remember: we are all in this together.

Episode 28 - Crap I'm A Racist -- Now What - Part 2 - With Tania Richard Welcome back to the conclusion of Crap I'm A Racist! Tania lovingly walks us through how to navigate when we encounter teachable moments (and to actual TEACH in those moments) as well as more accomplice actions we can take (especially in Facebook mom groups, y'all) If you haven't yet, please find Tania's Take on Facebook and on Instagram!  Also you can always find me at ALI: REAL-TO-REEL on Facebook and Instagram and HERE on Twitter! Please RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple Podcasts and leave a comment on www.actinguppodcast.com  Thanks for listening, friends! Remember: we are all in this together.

Episode 27 - Crap, I'm A Racist -- Now What? - Part 1 - With Tania Richard  I'm so excited to introduce Tania Richard from Tania's Take Podcast (find her on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK We talk about race, the culture of race, how Jackson keeps mistaking one black man for another black man and so. much. more.  I also come to terms with the fact that yes, in fact, I am racist. And, frankly, so are most of us. Wooo boy. Yup.  This is part 1 of 2 and I'm so excited to bring you the talented and incredible Tania Richard! (btw if you want to buy Tania's amazing book she self-published!! Here's the link to the amazon page)

Episode 26 - Representation Matters - We've come a long way in representing folx with special needs on TV, in films, on stage, and in art in general. But are we actually representing them fairly? This week I explore a few shows that I feel do a good job addressing the world of special needs (Autism and Down Syndrome, most specifically) yet, I also explain how mostly black and white the examples are. And how we are better aware, now, so it's time to explore the grayer areas - the more realistic representations of autism within the home or within the school setting.   I'd love to hear what shows you feel have done a just or unjust job of representation with special needs (not just autism but anything you want to share!) And please find me on facebook and Instagram at Ali: Real-to-Reel and share your thoughts there! 

It's Episode 25! Woo hoo! Today (after finally publishing after a number of technical issues - WE PERSEVERE!) I talk about reading the room. It's a term that Jon and I use often (it's also used in theatre/acting as knowing your audience). We find that Jackson struggles here but, honestly, MANY people do. We all have had these moments - it's just with Jackson it's more common. I also reflect on some auditions and getting out of the house with no kids for a long and amazing day in the city. Enjoy! (Happy Pride 2019)

Episode 24 - The Thief Of Joy --- This week I dive into the world of comparisons. I talk about how in the acting community it's common to compare our current success with someone else's. And the feelings we feel (jealousy/envy) and how we deal with them (or do not deal with them). I also talk about how I try not to compare Jackson to others but I often fail in that realm AND, now, how I am handling comparing Jordan's development with what I remember about Jackson's. So, it's a LOT but I share a technique I am currently trying out which, fingers crossed, will help! Please feel free to share this podcast with anyone you think could benefit from it. And comment here or on facebook or Instagram (@alirealtoreel) with any thoughts/responses you might have. 

EPISODE 23 - LOYALTY Today's episode focuses on loyalty in Jackson's world (therapists, clinics, teachers, etc) as well as loyalty in friendships (mine) and the theatre world. I delve into some of the ways artists are often abused, scammed, taken advantage of all in the name of loyalty to the project or even advancing our careers. 

In this episode I take you through my interpretation of coaching vs teaching. I am a coach and while I've taught (in the past) let's just say I'm a much more skilled acting/vo coach.  I delve into what our summer is going to look like for Jackson (spoiler alert: we're still scrambling) and, per usual, I get a little vulnerable. (What else is new, right??)  Don't forget to rate and review this little podcast so those who need to see it, can find it in the world of algorithms ;) Thanks for listening, friends!

This week's episode is all about a great breakthrough moment for Jackson - he engaged (unprompted!) in pretend play. Hear all about that story and why pretend play is often challenging for kids on the spectrum in this episode.  I also talk about how it emotionally affects me, personally, that Jackson doesn't easily gravitate to pretend play since playing pretend is actually part of my chosen career. 

This week Jon Wolter joins us again for another episode of Acting Up With Ali Goodman! We talk all things acting, art, paying your artists (or not) and medication. I promise it all makes sense.  Dive in with us, and hear a little more how we banter on our OTHER podcasts together.  Find Jon at:  www.jonwolter.com https://www.threadless.com/discover/s/jonwolter www.twitter.com/hitlerpuncher  

This past week we celebrated Jordan's 1st birthday, got to see Jon's brother and new wife (who is amazing), and experienced Mother's Day.  This is a complicated episode with lots of feelings and allll my opinions right up and out there.  I issue a trigger warning for anyone who is Anti-choice. This episode may not be for you. This "Heartbeat Bill" is an attack on women. Plain and simple.  Listen at your own risk. 

This week I talk about dealing with frustrations, disappointments, and navigating changes in Jackson's support team. I express my unhappiness with how situations were handled and acknowledge how much further I've had to come since learning to advocate for myself and for Jackson. 

Get ready for my tears. They flow pretty freely in this episode. I talk about the role of being a mother vs. an actor and how they co-exist but it's a real challenge. I address the crisis of childcare and how imposter syndrome can cause even the strongest people to feel weak and helpless. Thanks, as always, for listening. 

This was both a wonderful and rough week. We had some amazing wins and some really sad and hard moments.  I get vulnerable about my issues with "being funny" (or my concerns about NOT being funny).  It's a mish-mosh of good and bad - pretty much just like life, right?  GLOSSARY:  BCBA - Board Certified Behavioral Analyst Social Story - a story that is tailored to help navigate feelings and expectations about new experiences or transitions. 

This week we attended a few scheduled events (details below!). After chatting with a mom at one of the events I realized my own assumptions and biases and how thankful we are to have a formal diagnosis of autism for Jackson. There's a lot to unpack here but stick with it, it's worth listening to the end.  Events:  Chicago Children's Museum - Play For All series  https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/index.php/about/accessibility-inclusion C.I.T.Y of Support  https://cityofsupport.org/ GLOSSARY DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ABA - Applied Behavioral Analysis OT - Occupational Therapy PT - Physical Therapy

Special Guest Interview: Jen Zanotti!  This week I sit down with my friend, Jen Zanotti.  Jen is the owner of Jen Z's Beauty Services. She is a Reiki practitioner, a wellness coach, and a Jiu Jitsu instructor and competitor! PLUS she is the host of the amazing podcast: Getting Zen with Jen Z. We delve into some deep waters in this convo.  Jen walks us through some excellent tips on how to fit in some self-care that won't break the financial bank (hooray for FREE) as well as the time-management bank.  Find more info on Jen and all she offers at http://www.JenZanotti.com

This week's episode tackles the frustrating situation of food and picky eating. I share how we've dealt with introducing healthier options into Jackson's diet (and the process we went through with that). Also there are some great tips from our PRO-TIP contributor: Kristin Techmanski - M.A. CCC-SLP - Pediatric Feeding Therapist! 

This week I share an emotional story about how Jackson's aggression towards Jordan is affecting me - and how I am not-so-gracefully handling it. I also talk about a new workout I experienced with Jen Z! And we visited a new play space! www.thechicagotreehouse.com  

Self-Care! It's something I know I need help with. So I figured I wasn't alone in that. Today's episode focuses on those tiny moments we might carve out in the day (5, 10, 15 minutes) and how we can utilize those to our advantage.  Pro-Tip segment - courtesy of Jen Zanotti (Getting Zen with Jen Z) 

Today's episode features a special guest: Jon Wolter! Jon is an animator, illustrator, writer, artist, actor, and my husband. We talk about all things marriage and parenting and how we manage the stress of having two kids including one with extra needs.  You can find Jon at: www.jonwolter.com and on twitter: www.twitter.com/hitlerpuncher    

This episode focuses on how we dealt with, (and are still dealing with), potty training. We touch on day vs night potty training and the special pajamas we have to use with Jackson.  Also, if you missed the WGN Radio interview with Patti Vasquez - you can check it out here: https://t.co/MG0EWdLni7 

I recently asked a group of parents who have kids with special needs, "What was the most supportive thing a parent with neurotypical kids ever said to you?"  Their responses, along with my personal experiences is what inspired this episode. What IS ok to say? To ask? To DO? I tackle these questions and more.  GLOSSARY: BCBA Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - supervisor role often and usually within the ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapy system. 

Going to a restaurant requires a TON of navigation. I talk about what we do in preparation. I also talk about a few frustrating experiences we've had when going out to eat.  GLOSSARY TERM: Elopement (Elope) - means to run off or escape the physical situation. 

Vaccines. They are a hot button topic and one I've been asked to address. I give my opinion and my action plan(s) prior to Jackson's diagnosis and for his and Jordan's future.  *Disclaimer* I am not a medical doctor. I hold zero degrees in any medical field. I am just a mom with an autistic kid navigating this experience the best I can. 

In this episode I discuss a different approach I took to centering myself right before entering the room for an audition. And, also, how I'm looking at auditioning in a different way.  I explain a bit about the medical insurance coverage we have for Jackson and his policy vs our policy and why that's necessary.  Finally, I go through a bit about our journey with medication and where we currently are on that front. 

In this episode I discuss the real questions: Should I continue to share my real and honest life on social media? Should I keep sharing Jackson's (and my) triumphs and struggles? Is this hurting my acting career? 

In this episode I share our past and current issues with sleep. I also touch a little bit on medications and the choice to administer those to Jackson even with him being only 6 years old. 

In this episode, I talk about how my creative and artistic outlets now double as self-care. I explain what my schedule is like as far as driving to and from therapies every day for Jackson. Then I share some of my non-negotiable strategies to continue to pursue a career as a professional actor. 

Welcome to Acting Up, a podcast about my experiences as a professional actor and mom navigating a creative career while raising a son with special needs.  In this inaugural episode I introduce the main cast of players, and talk about the experiences leading up to and including the day of getting our son's diagnosis.  Glossary of terms:  EI - Early Intervention - a state-funded program for children ages 0-3 who qualify with delays to receive services from the state usually in developmental, speech, occupational, and/or physical therapy ABA - Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy - a therapy commonly used with children on the autism spectrum to help teach basic functions. It can be explained as applying behavioral principles to behavioral goals and carefully measuring the results. OT - Occupational Therapy - Often a therapy that helps work on fine motor skills and integrating sensory issues to help a person function as independently as possible.  Let's continue this discussion - find me at:  www.facebook.com/alirealtoreel www.twitter.com/ali_goodman  www.instagram.com/alirealtoreel