Podcasts about Downstate

Is your bedtime routine sabotaging your success? In this episode of the Awake & Winning Podcast, Kaylor sits down with Mollie Eastman, founder of Sleep is a Skill, to unravel the messy truth about modern sleep. From mouth taping and sleep masks to smart vibrators and blackout blinds, nothing is off the table. Mollie is a top sleep educator who helps entrepreneurs, poker players, and high performers master the biological and behavioral hacks behind truly restorative sleep. Together, they explore how identity, light, temperature, and tech shape our nights—and our lives. If you're tired of being tired, this might just wake you up.     Episode Highlights: sleep optimization, light exposure, circadian rhythm, insomnia recovery, podcast authenticity, mouth taping, sleep environment, parasympathetic regulation, sleep and sex, travel sleep hacks, mental health and sleep, identity and sleep beliefs Takeaways:   Authentic, unstructured podcasting builds trust Your identity about sleep can sabotage your results Falling asleep instantly can signal a sleep disorder Light exposure timing influences circadian rhythm Consistent wake time is more important than bedtime Temperature and environment are critical for deep sleep CBTI and ACT can rewire insomnia thought patterns     If you enjoyed the episode, please be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @thekaylorbetts. Also, please make sure to give us a review and a five star rating if you're loving what we are doing! _____________________________   RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastman LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/ Websites | https://www.sleepisaskill.com/ Book | Breathe by James Nestor The Power of the Downstate by Sara C. Mednick The Circadian Code by Satchin Panda PhD   The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy  Podcast | The Sleep Is A Skill Podcast _____________________________   SPONSORS: Truly Tallow | https://www.trulytallow.com/ Use code “SUNNYBALLS10” at checkout for 10% off your order _____________________________   IMPORTANT UPDATES:   Check out the Awake & Winning Website | https://awakeandwinning.com/ Join the Awake & Winning Life AW-cademy | https://theawlife.com/ Join the Awake & Winning Business AW-cademy | https://theawbiz.com Join the Awake & Winning POD-cademy | http://yourwinningpodcast.com/ Follow Kaylor on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thekaylorbetts/ Join Kaylor's Newsletter | https://awakeandwinning.lpages.co/optin/   _____________________________  

Fishkill wants water, sewer and smaller units New York State is reworking its development plans for the former Downstate Correctional Facility just outside of Beacon, including a 15 percent reduction in housing at the 80-acre site, after negotiations with the Town of Fishkill. Supervisor Ozzy Albra said in an email to residents on May 30 that he and other officials have met with Empire State Development and Conifer Realty twice since the state awarded development rights to the Rochester firm. The result of those meetings, he said, is that the mixed-use development will have about 1,100 housing units, 200 fewer than first reported. The town is also pushing for municipal benefits such as the extension of water and sewer facilities to the site, Albra said. The state development agency announced in June 2024 that Conifer, which has offices in New York, New Jersey and Maryland, had been selected to convert the former maximum-security prison into a residential campus with community space. The project was said to support Gov. Kathy Hochul's campaign to build 15,000 housing units to address a statewide shortage, as well as recommendations made by the Prison Redevelopment Commission, an advisory panel the governor created to consider repurposing closed prisons. The first phase of construction in 2026 was to include 375 housing units, with at least 20 percent set aside for households earning less than 80 percent of the area's annual median income ($97,056). Albra at the time called the idea a "bad deal for the taxpayers" that, if built as proposed, would overwhelm Fishkill. A Conifer representative this week confirmed the reduction in housing units. Muammar Hermanstyne, its vice president of development, said in an email that Conifer had signed a contract with New York State "giving us site control." If a preliminary proposal is approved, he said, Conifer could bring an application to the Fishkill Planning Board as early as this fall. Hermanstyne did not respond when asked who would need to approve the preliminary proposal, writing only that Conifer looks forward "to providing more details as we continue working with the community and local officials." An Empire State Development representative seemed to contradict part of Hermanstyne's statement, calling Conifer the project's "conditional designee." The company is finalizing a development plan with Empire State and the Town of Fishkill, "at which point a binding development agreement can be executed," the spokesperson said. Until them, the state's request for proposals at the site "will continue to be an open procurement." Hermanstyne said Conifer has agreed to limit construction to 2½-story buildings because the nearest fire department, in Glenham, does not have a ladder truck. In a statement released last year, the Glenham Fire District, which for years served Downstate prison through a contract with New York State, said its boundaries would need to be expanded to include the redeveloped site. The department relied on tanker trucks because the surrounding homes use wells for their water, while Beacon provided water and sewer service at the prison. Until Conifer and the state "figure out proper fire coverage," the project "isn't going to go anywhere," Albra said on June 3. In addition to asking New York State to extend municipal water and sewer service to the site, the supervisor said he will advocate specialized housing, such as for seniors or veterans, and smaller units, to keep from overwhelming Glenham Elementary, which is part of the Beacon City School District. In a letter to Hochul last July, the Beacon school board said its four elementary schools, including Glenham, are "already at or near capacity." While the district lost 675 students between the 2012-13 and 2023-24 academic years, according to state data, recent initiatives to reduce class sizes would suffer from a sudden influx of students, officials said. Citing Hochul's support of walkable communities, Fishkill al...

Former Congressman and former Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Bill Enyart joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the effort by the Qatari royal family to donate a jet to Donald Trump, trade, and what downstate Democrats want out of a U.S. Senator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Lisa Gitelson - The Fresh Air Fund: Because a Summer Can Last a Lifetime. This is episode 756 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Lisa Gitelson is the CEO of The Fresh Air Fund. Each year the nearly 148-year-old nonprofit invites about 3,000 low-income New York City-based children ages 8-18 to spend the summer swimming, rowing, hiking, and stargazing in Fresh Air Fund camps. Throughout Lisa's career in public service, as an attorney and child welfare advocate, she has been dedicated to addressing the needs of underserved youth.  Prior to joining The Fund, she was Assistant Executive Director/Legal Counsel for The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC). She is also an Adjunct Professor at Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, where she teaches the Policy & Practice of Child Welfare.  As Assistant Executive Director/Legal Counsel for NYSPCC, Lisa identified legislation and other public policy issues that impacted the organization's work and developed an advocacy agenda to move public policy efforts forward.  Previously, she served as Associate Executive Director, Downstate, at the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) where she was responsible for bringing private foster care, juvenile justice, residential care and prevention services agencies together to coordinate advocacy efforts for the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. In this role, Lisa represented COFCCA member agencies in discussions with the Administration for Children's Services, the New York City Council and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.    Prior to COFCCA, Lisa was the Director of Foster Care and Adoption Services at Sheltering Arms Children and Family Services. She began her career as an attorney representing foster care agencies before serving in multiple leadership and supervisory roles at the New York City Administration for Children's Services, Family Court Legal Services. Lisa is a graduate of Colgate University and has a JD from Washington University School of Law. Our focus today is The Fresh Air Fund. Awesome talk! So much to learn! Please share. Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://freshair.org/ https://x.com/FreshAirFund https://www.instagram.com/thefreshairfund/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/freshairfund LGitelson@freshair.org Length - 32:10

Professor Sara C. Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine and author of The Hidden Power of the Downstate (Hachette Go!, pub date: April, 2022) and Take a Nap! Change Your Life. (Workman). She is passionate about understanding how the brain works through her research into sleep and the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Mednick's seven-bedroom sleep lab works literally around-the-clock to discover methods for boosting cognition by napping, stimulating the brain with electricity, sound and light, and pharmacology. Her lab also investigates how the menstrual cycle and aging affect the brain. Her science has been continuously federally funded (National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense Office of Naval Research, DARPA).Dr. Mednick was awarded the Office Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2015. Her research findings have been published in such leading scientific journals as Nature Neuroscience and The Proceedings from the National Academy of Science, and covered by all major media outlets. She received a BA from Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, in Drama/Dance. After college, her experience working in the psychiatry department at Bellevue Hospital in New York, inspired her to study the brain and how to make humans smarter through better sleep. She received a PhD in Psychology from Harvard University, and then completed a postdoc at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and UC San Diego. She resides in San Diego, CA. SHOWNOTES:

In this conversation, Dr. Sara Mednick, world-renowned scientist, author of the influential book Take a Nap, Change Your Life, and professor directing the Sleep and Cognition Lab at UC Irvine, shares eye-opening insights about the profound link between rest, sleep, longevity, and your overall quality of life.Ever wondered why stress at work drains your energy or why cutting corners on sleep today might sabotage your health decades later? Dr. Mednick breaks down exactly how your daily rest rhythms directly impact everything from emotional resilience and cognitive clarity to your long-term health, immunity, and even susceptibility to Alzheimer's and dementia.She challenges society's obsession with constant productivity, explores why "I'll sleep when I'm old" is a dangerous myth, and reveals the surprising consequences of relying on caffeine and alcohol to "take the edge off."Get a copy of The Power of the Downstate by Sara Mednick.Important Links*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams*Explore Our ServicesSocial Media*Ben Owden's LinkedIn*Ben Owden's Twitter 

A look at the state's many new-play festivals, plus achat with Brian Colonna and Regan Linton about Buntport's new show ‘The Menagerist' In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podast, hostsToni Tresca and Alex Miller celebrate the many opportunities to hear new theatrical works in Colorado. From the Denver Center's Colorado New Play Summit to Creede Repertory Theatre's Headwaters Festival, we run down some of the places you can hear new plays over the year. Also in this episode, we talk to Brian Colonna and Regan Linton about The Menagerist — the latest original work from Buntport Theater.  And as usual we review our weekly Top 10 list of Colorado Headliners — shows coming up in the next week or so we think you should keep an eye out for. Here's this week's list: To the Bone, Three Leaches Theater, Lakewood, March 12-22Every Brilliant Thing, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, March 12-29Zyanya Always & Forever, Su Teatro, Denver, March 13-30 Downstate, Curious Theatre Company, Denver, previews March13-14; runs March 15-April 13STRANGE CREATURES: A Bizarre Mythos for All Ages,Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater, March 15You Can't Take It With You, Magic Circle Players, Montrose, March 14-29The Lost Years, Millibo Art Theatre, Colorado Springs, March 13-23The Ever and After, Miscreant Theatre Collective at Roaming Gnome Theatre, Aurora, March 13-30Celtic Awakening, Denver Brass, Denver Newman Center, March 15-16Life of Pi, Denver Center Buell Theatre, March 18-30

Nov. 12, 2024 - Politico New York health care reporter Katelyn Cordero provides an update on the effort to revitalize SUNY Downstate, a teaching hospital in Brooklyn that is running massive deficits and has deteriorating facilities.

October 30, 2024 ~ A local non-profit has launched a study to convince state officials of a passenger train route between northern Michigan and downstate. Guy and Jamie talk with Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities transportation program manager Carolyn Ulstad and WSP consultant Todd Davis about the viability of a cross-state train.

August 12, 2024 - The process and timeline for awarding three downstate casino licenses are taking shape and we discuss the details with Vicki Been, chair of the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is calling the shots

Patrick Pfingsten, author of The Illinoize political newsletter, discusses the recently concluded legislative session highlights and Republican prospects in the 2024 elections.

We're joined by Jordan & Christine of Discover Downstate Illinois to discuss our new 2024 partnership. Discover Downstate Illinois covers more ground than any other Convention and Tourism Bureau in the state of Illinois. They represent 21 counties stretching the Mississippi River east of St. Louis to the Wabash River west of Vincennes, IN. They are both rural and urban, allowing guests to enjoy the big city life and simply country treasures all in one place. In this episode, we talked about our upcoming content partnership, the unique bucket list finds in their bureau and everything that makes this region special. Our takeaway is, become a tourist in your own city!Support the Show.

It's another mid-week episode featuring Intern Aaron and the "Joe Rogan" pizza from Paesan's Pizza AKA anchovies and pineapple. This week, we take a moment pre-show to discuss Aaron's old school clothes drying technique, and then get into a recap of a weekend spent in Charlotte, NC and thoughts on the new Kardashians trailer before the show debuts...sometime in May.The Buttonista Show is presented by Crossgates.EPISODE NOTES:Clotheslines might be IN (0:15)Throwback songs and Black SUV vs. White SUV moms (1:18)Happy birthday to our moms!!!!! (3:57)Nobody Asked Me, But... (14:53)Saratoga Springs is DOWNSTATE??? (20:45)Pardon the (Pizza) Interruption: Trying the Joe Rogan Pizza AKA anchovies and pineapple (23:52)TEMU Toenails (30:30)Pop culture roundup presented by Shaken & Stirred (37:45)Kardashain trailer thoughts/new season predictions (46:47)Come out on Thursday night and support Team Bonacio at Shaken & Stirred at Saratoga National Golf Course on Thursday, May 16!

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute. Ferrero has cut the ribbon on its first chocolate processing facility in North America in downstate Bloomington. The company will produce chocolate for several of its brands, including Butterfinger, Crunch and Kinder. The plant will include a 70,000-square-foot expansion and will […]

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute. Rivian has announced it is adding 500 jobs to its manufacturing plant in downstate Normal. The announcement coincided with the State of Illinois providing immediate incentives totaling $75 million to Rivian to aid its expansion. The package also includes tax incentives […]

"The New Science to Ignite Energy, Enhance Sharpness, and Reclaim Balance"

Discussion on the migrant situation in Chicago, and what downstate Illinois communities are doing about it.

The migrant crisis in Illinois is prompting some policymakers around the state to take action. Tens of thousands of migrants have been transported to the state from the southern U.S. border. The city of Chicago reports about 33,000 asylum seekers have arrived since August 2022. The state of Illinois has provided $640 million to address the migrant influx. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city is facing a projected $538 million budget deficit for 2024, a financial burden his administration blamed in part on the growing cost of caring for migrants. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support

Dr. Minkowitz M.D. is a neuroradiologist.  He is an Assistant Professor of Radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an Assistant Attending Radiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He attended medical school at Cornell, completed an intern year at SUNY, Downstate and radiology residency and a neuroradiology fellowship at Cornell. Jewish Medical Ethics https://www.chabad.org/search/keyword_cdo/kid/23095/jewish/Shlomo-Minkowitz.htm ________________________________________________________ Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email digitalcontent@jowma.org Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org Follow us on Instagram! www.instagram.com/JOWMA_org Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/JOWMA_med Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/JOWMAorg/ Stay up-to-date with JOWMA news! Sign up for the JOWMA newsletter! https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e

Got an opinion? If you're listening on the iHeartRadio app, tap the red microphone icon to record & send us your thoughts. Don't have the app? Get it free here ---> https://news.iheart.com/apps/ Follow WGY on social media: instagram.com/wgyradio twitter.

It's your girl Jess and on today's episode, we're diving into a super interesting topic: How can we make our periods better by tuning into our body's natural rhythms? I'm joined by Sarah Sara C Mednick, a professor from UC Irvine who not only runs a sleep lab but also wrote a book called "The Power of the Downstate," all about how our bodies have their own rhythm. Our conversation is mind-blowing as we explore how people used to think about women's cycles way back when and how data can now help us understand PMS and female menstrual cycles better. We talk about how to use our body's natural rhythm to boost our energy. Sarah shares her thoughts on how culture, civil rights, stress, environment, and food can affect our bodies and periods. She's big on education and awareness to help us manage our bodies better, covering everything from what we eat and how we sleep to changes in our lifestyle. So, tune in and learn from Sarah's insights and resources. It's all about understanding and managing our menstrual cycles better. Connect with Sara: https://www.instagram.com/sara_mednick_downstate/ Visit: https://www.saramednick.com/ Connect with JFF: https://www.journeytofinancialfreedom.co/ Connect with me on IG: @jessicaburgio Looking to start, launch or grow your podcast?? Check out our full service podcast agency @mediaunscripted Check out our services: https://www.mediaunscripted.com/ Gut Personal Discount code: www.gutpersonal.com/jessica_10

It's Akiza vs. Misty! This may a tragic backstory duel, but that doesn't mean we won't have time to figure out ways to make not one, but two different characters not dead! Also Akiza gets to be a sicko and we love it. Watching: Episodes 60-61 (S1 E60-61) of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Argyle | Audrey | Dan | Max Edited by Dan Twitter | cohost | Discord | YouTube Support the show on Patreon! A Noise Space Podcast

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about how counties throughout Illinois are handling the start of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act.

August 15, 2023 - With the process for awarding three downstate casino licenses finally taking shape, we consider the players vying to be big winners and how they're trying to influence the system, with Nick Garber, political reporter at Crain's New York Business.

In this episode of “Chasing Sleep”, hosts Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro dive into the connection between sleep and creativity, exploring the value of quality sleep to the creative process. Dr. Sara C. Mednick, author of "The Power of the Downstate" and "Take a Nap! Change Your Life," explains how specific sleep phases like REM sleep influence physiological processes and brain waves to enhance creativity. We're also joined by musical composer Andrew "Drew" Edwards, renowned for his work in film and TV scoring. Drew shares his personal story of how getting on a sleep schedule that aligned with his sleep cycles allows for maximum creativity.  “Chasing Sleep” is a production of Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia in partnership with Mattress Firm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Age is a main factor when determining cancer care. In this ASCO Education podcast we speak to one of the top leaders in treatment for older patients who has also credited mentorship as a foundation for his career. Dr. Hyman Muss describes his childhood in Brooklyn, serving as a general physician for troops in Vietnam (6:18), the doctor who influenced his choice of hematology and oncology (7:48) and creating one of the first geriatric oncology fellowships in in the country (21:58).  Speaker Disclosures Dr. David Johnson: Consulting or Advisory Role – Merck, Pfizer, Aileron Therapeutics, Boston University Dr. Patrick Loehrer: Research Funding – Novartis, Lilly Foundation, Taiho Pharmaceutical Dr. Hyman Muss: None More Podcasts with Oncology Leaders  Oncology, Etc. – Devising Medical Standards and Training Master Clinicians with Dr. John Glick Oncology, Etc. – Rediscovering the Joy in Medicine with Dr. Deborah Schrag (Part 1) Oncology, Etc. – In Conversation with Dr. Richard Pazdur (Part 1) If you liked this episode, please follow the show. To explore other educational content, including courses, visit education.asco.org. Contact us at education@asco.org. TRANSCRIPT Pat Loehrer: Welcome to Oncology, Etc., an ASCO Education Podcast. I'm Pat Loehrer, director of Global Oncology and Health Equity at Indiana University.  Dave Johnson: And I'm Dave Johnson of Medical Oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. If you're a regular listener to our podcast, welcome back. If you're new to Oncology, Etc., the purpose of our podcast is to introduce listeners to interesting and inspirational people and topics in and outside the world of Oncology. We have an inspirational guest today. Pat?  Pat Loehrer: If you ask anyone who's achieved any level of success and how they've achieved it, most likely they'll mention a number of people who've influenced them along the way. Quite often, these people reflect on their mentors, and after a certain time of accomplishment and reflection, they begin to mentor others. This is very much what our next guest has done. Dr. Hyman Muss has been a mentor to me and to Dave, and he's one of the most outstanding, wonderful people in the world, and we're so excited to have him today.   Dr. Hyman Muss served in the US Army in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He's an experienced Clinician Scientist, the Mary Jones Hudson Distinguished Professor of Geriatric Oncology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and the Director of Geriatric Oncology Program at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Program. His interest in education and research is focused on cancer and older patients, and he is internationally recognized in this area. He's been the co-chair of the Alliance Committee on Cancer and Older Adults and won the BJ Kennedy Award from ASCO in Geriatric Care. His particular interest in research expertise is in the care of breast cancer patients, with a focus on the management of women who are of older ages. He's had a major interest in breast cancer survivorship and long-term toxicity of treatment and also served as the co-chair of the Breast Committee for the Alliance Group. He serves as a mentor for medical students, medical residents, junior faculty, and more recently, his Geriatric Oncology fellows. He served on the Board of Directors of the ASCO Foundation and on the ABIM, the American Board of Internal Medicine, where both Dave and I were privileged to work with him and witness his leadership and his deep breadth of knowledge.  Dr. Muss, thanks for joining us today. Dr. Hyman Muss: What a pleasure to be here. Thank you so much for inviting me. My mother would have loved the introduction.  Pat Loehrer: Well, speaking of that, tell us a little bit. You grew up in Brooklyn, so tell us a little bit about your parents. Your father was a dentist, I think, and your uncle was a general practitioner. So give us a little bit of the early life of Hy Muss. Dr. Hyman Muss: So I grew up in Brooklyn, New York. I was born and bred there. I went to Brooklyn Technical High School. I almost went to Brooklyn College, but I came back and went to Downstate Medical Center, which was just terrific. My tuition was $600 a year, but that's another story. My parents lived in the same neighborhood. My dad was a dentist, so we knew all the people. My uncle was the GP. You came into their office, sat down, and they saw you anytime, day or night, almost 24/7, something we're probably not going back to, but they had a profound influence on me. My uncle, as a GP, used to take me on house calls in Brooklyn when they were done, and he had an old Buick with MD plates. And I would go into these families, and they loved him, and they would give me ice cream and things. Maybe that's what made me a doctor. But it was a terrific and indelible experience. I had terrific parents. In those days, doctors and medical people usually lived in the same neighborhoods as their patients, so they really knew their people well. It was a terrific upbringing. I got to love medicine and have never had a look back. Dave Johnson: So your inspiration for a career in medicine obviously started at home. Tell us more about your formal education. You mentioned your high school education. What about college? And shortly thereafter?  Dr. Hyman Muss: Yeah, well, I went to Lafayette College. I was not the best high school student, but I had good college board scores or whatever they called them then. And I went to Lafayette and I thought I was going to be a chemist, a chemistry major. But I took enough premed courses and I spent a summer in a lab building cyclic ketones. And everybody was outside sitting on the lawn of the campus. And I was in there with all these distillation apparatus, and I said, “I don't think I can do this the rest of my life.” So I applied to medical school, and I got into several medical schools. But my father at that time was dying of metastatic bladder cancer. He had been a heavy smoker, and he was still working as a dentist. He worked until the day he unfortunately died. But I got into Downstate. We lived in Brooklyn, and my uncle, the GP, said, "Hy, you need to come home and help take care of your dad." I'm an only child, so I did. And I had a wonderful experience at Downstate.   Several years ago, I was listening to NPR and heard that one of my professors had won the Nobel Prize. Dr. Furchgott in physiology, one would have never thought. And I had a wonderful education and subsequently got into what was then Peter Bent Brigham in Boston, did my internship and residency there, joined the army and medical school, so I wasn't drafted, it was a program then. And then after first year of residency, I went to Vietnam, worked with an artillery battalion, a mystical experience, but no regrets. And then subsequently came back and did hematology and oncology at Brigham and at what was then the Jimmy Fund and Sidney Farber Cancer Center. And Tom Frei had just come. And I did hematology with a guy named Bill Moloney in Boston at Harvard. I'll tell you, a wonderful man. He was like a surrogate father. My dad had died by then, and I just feel I've had every opportunity to have a wonderful education and terrific mentors along the way. Dave Johnson: So we want to ask you about both of those gentlemen, but I would like to just, if I may, drop back to your experience in Vietnam. What was that like?  Dr. Hyman Muss: Well, I was 27 years old and I was put as the doctor for 500 men in artillery. My job was to take care of the general health of the troops. Fortunately, we didn't have many casualties. It wasn't a front war like my uncle, who was a GP actually in World War II, landed in Normandy about a week later and went all through World War II as a doctor. But Vietnam was an unusual war, there wasn't really a front. So my experience was I would go out to fire bases, which were units of about 100 men in the jungle, go out three days in a week in a helicopter, do sick call, check people. I dealt with really alcohol problems, unfortunately, a lot of drug problems. You had young people with really not a lot to do during the day, nothing much to do, and no real goal of being there. I did that for a while, and actually, the reason I got the Bronze Star was because I set up– It was nothing like standing in front of a machine gun. I'm not that kind of brave guy, but I set up a drug amnesty program so I got a lot of support from our regular field people to do this, so we didn't have to keep sending kids home with dishonorable discharges. And I learned a lot. I think we were reasonably successful. I learned a lot about artillery. I think overall it was a great experience in my life. Dave Johnson: Tell us how your interest in hematology and oncology originated. Where did that come from?  Dr. Hyman Muss: When I was an intern at the Brigham, Dr. Moloney was a very famous Harvard professor. He had studied war casualties after Hiroshima, he was one of the people that found the Philadelphia chromosome in CML. He was a guy that rounded on every single one of his leukemia patients every day. So I was an intern. So in those days I would go and see all the hematology people rounding because all the acute leukemia patients and all the serious cancer patients were right on the floors, right on the wards. We had 17-bed wards, and then we had some private rooms. And he loved what he did. And before I left for Vietnam, we didn't have Ara C and daunomycin. So every leukemia patient I saw died. This is '68 to '70. Yet we tried all these different regimens. Occasionally you got someone who did well for six months, a year. But his bedside manner was absolutely wonderful to me. He knew all the patients. He'd ask them about where they lived in Boston. His humanism was terrific, and yet I loved the diseases he treated. The stakes were high. We didn't have good treatment, and I decided that that's probably what I want to do.   So when I was in Vietnam, I applied and got back in the Hematology Fellowship and came back and did that. I saw Ara C and daunomycin. I gave the chemotherapy to them, and he'd say, "Go up and treat Harry Smith with Ara C and daunomycin." I had the syringes in my pocket, guys. Forget about hoods and mixing. And I'd go up and treat them and the marrow would be gone within four or five days. I did a bone marrow. They published their regimen in the New England Journal called COD, C-O-D because they also gave vincristine. So it was cytarabine, vincristine, and daunomycin, the COD regimen. It fit Boston. And I saw it was like the emergence of cisplatin after Larry Einhorn. You saw people that never survived going into remission and I saw some remissions in AML and it cemented it.  About my second year of residency, we had a child. I was running out of money. I was being paid $6,000 a year and I had the GI Bill. I went into Dr. Moloney and he talked with Dr. Franny Moore, who was head of surgery at the Brigham, and they made me the Sidney Farber Research Fellow, doubled my salary and I had to go to the Jimmy Fund and see cancer patients. And it so happened that was when Tom Frei came to Dana-Farber. And so I started rounding with Dr. Frei and seeing those patients. And I think the first day I walked in, I knew I wanted to do more than just leukemia because I saw groups of patients with every disease. We treated everybody with CMFEP, it didn't matter what cancer they had. And I just loved it and said, "My God, there's so much we can learn. What a great career." And so that got me into the oncology portion.   And then I was offered to stay at Harvard. They were going to make me an assistant professor, but they wanted me to do lab work. And I knew my personality, it just wasn't for me. I worked with a lovely guy named Frank Bunn, one of the world's great hem guys in his lab, and he's still a close friend in his 80s. And he told me one day, he said, "Hy, I don't think the lab is for you." And he actually helped me get my first job at Wake Forest University, which turned out to be wonderful. So that's how I ended up with my circuitous in HemOnc. And it's really from great mentors, it's from Bill Moloney, it's from Tom Frei, Dave Rosenthal, tons of wonderful people along the way that not only taught me a lot, but they seemed to love what they do, which is a gift in life to love what you do and love the people you're doing it with. They instilled that in me. Pat Loehrer: From there you went to Wake Forest and there's a couple of colleagues down there, I believe, that inspired you, Charlie Spurr and Bill Hazzard, who was the founding founder of geriatrics. Tell us about that experience and how'd that shape your life.  Dr. Hyman Muss: I was looking for a clinical job and I looked at Rochester, and I got snowed in one night in Wake Forest, and I said, “Where's the contract?” And I signed it. And my mother, who was living in New York City, didn't know where North Carolina was. My mother was from a family, was born over a candy store in Greenwich Village, and said, “Where are you going?” And then I showed her where it was, and she says, “They're going to kill you down there.” And it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. My wife Loretta, who both of you know so well, we got out of our VW with our dog and our daughter when we moved here, and VW bug, by the way, not a van, and she cried. It turned out it was one of the best opportunities.  Charlie Spurr was an iconic oncology leader. He actually did some of the early work on nitrogen mustard in Chicago during the war, the first chemotherapy drug. He was a terrific leader. He had patients programmed in on those IBM punch cards. He had little cards for the protocols, CMFEP, CMF, AC on little laminated index cards. I learned so much from him, and he was to me, great leaders and great mentors morph from things they do themselves to teaching other people, and whose brains have the ability of having the same dopamine shot when you see one of your fellows or young faculty present a wonderful study as you do. And your brain isn't saying, “I wish I was up there.” It's saying, “Isn't this so cool that this young man or woman or fellow or medical student is doing such a wonderful job?” And I had something to do with providing the soil for this seed to grow. That's the kind of guy he was. And so it was wonderful there.  And as I moved on, we got a new Chief of Medicine, Bill Hazzard. And I still hear from Bill on rare occasions, but Bill was one of the first geriatricians in the United States. He wrote the textbook, and his wish was that all the faculty and all the specialties get involved in a geriatric project. And so I had all those little index cards, and I looked and saw how many older people with metastatic breast cancer we'd given chemotherapy to. And these were little protocols, nothing like the protocols today, no 50-page consent forms, 50 pages of where your data is stored. They were like, here's the treatment, here's the dose mods. And I looked at those 70 patients with one of our residents, Kathy Christman, she may be retired now, but in any event, we wrote a paper and showed the old people did as well as the young with breast cancer. And we published it in JAMA. And it's one of the few papers in my career, I got no reviewers. They accepted the paper. I got no reviewers. So because I'm from Brooklyn, and my English is not what it should be, I had my friends read it to just make sure I didn't say anything egregious. But it got published and the next thing I know, my friends in medical oncology in the state were calling me. They said, “I got a 75-year-old woman here.” I'm saying, “Guys, I just wrote this paper. I really don't know anything about older people.” But slowly, with Bill Hazzard and others, I got more and more interested. I started reading about Geriatrics and I ended up making it a focal point of my career. It was kind of happenstance. And Bill was a wonderful mentor.  And then as I subsequently moved on, I worked with terrific people like Harvey Cohen, Lodovico Balducci, and Martine Extermann, all of them heavily involved with ASCO over the years as well, and B.J. Kennedy. They were wonderful to work with. And BJ was inspirational because BJ would get up at an ASCO meeting and he'd say when he saw the age cut off, he'd say, “How come you didn't let old people on that study? There'd be 1000 people in the audience.” And so he really was a great mentor. And I had the bittersweet opportunity of writing his obit for JCO years ago and kept up with his family a few years, but he was a wonderful man. Dave Johnson: I'm just reflecting on the fact that today, patient registries are sort of mainstream, but certainly in the ‘70s, ‘80s, even into the ‘90s, having a list of patients with a particular disorder seemed almost novel in many respects. And to have that was a godsend.  Dr. Hyman Muss: It was a godsend. I still remember those little file cards. And he called it the Oncology Research Center and it was a godsend. And you've got to remember, this is like ‘74, ‘75, it's a long time ago. Dave Johnson: So many of our listeners may not be as familiar with Wake Forest as they are with Duke and North Carolina, the other medical schools located there. But you were at right at a point where I mean, it was one of the top oncology programs in the country at that time. Still is, I don't mean to diminish it, but there was a who's who of people there at the time. And you were also involved in creating, I think, one of the first cooperative groups of sorts. It was the Piedmont Oncology Group. Tell us about that.  Dr. Hyman Muss: Oh, yeah, well, that brings back memories. So the NCI at that time wanted to get more, I think, rural and other smaller places involved in research. And they put out an RFA to form like regional cooperative groups. And we formed the Piedmont Oncology Association, the POA. We actually did well for a few years. We wrote some really good studies. We got one or two New England Journal articles. I worked with all the people, mainly in the community, community docs who would go on, and put people on the protocol. I mean, I looked at all the X-rays and scans in a lot of these patients myself as part of the studies we did. And it turned out to be a wonderful organization and it's still run today by Bayard Powell, who is one of our terrific fellows who's the head of Oncology at Wake Forest.  But after a while, we just couldn't compete with CALGB, of which I was a member of also, and ECOG and SWOG, even North Central Group, which was kind of formed in a similar venue, eventually merged. So we did a wonderful job for a while but the truth is we just didn't have the manpower to write studies for every disease site. So eventually we kind of petered out as a clinical trials group. But it's been maintained for educational programs and it's really served as a good resource for a lot of good education for the community oncologists who give most of the care in this country in the state. So it's been good. I think Pat kind of exceeded us with HOG, the Hoosier Oncology Group, which was in a similar vein. But it was a great experience and it was all Dr. Spurr, who thought of doing this and built it.  Dave Johnson: Certainly, it was inspirational in many people in and outside of Wake Forest. So with such an idyllic life, what in the world possessed you to move north to Vermont?  Dr. Hyman Muss: Well, you get this urgent life. You want to be a leader, you want to be a chief. Now, I tell younger people, if they love what they do, don't do it. So I got a wonderful opportunity at the University of Vermont to go up there and be Head of HemOnc. Chief of Medicine was a terrific guy, Burt Sobel. The university at that time, at one time it had a wonderful Oncology program. It had a federally funded cancer center with Irwin Krakoff and Jerry Yates, two other iconic guys. I don't know what the politics were but it had lost a tremendous amount of faculty, especially its clinical faculty, and they needed to rebuild it. And I went up and I thought, “Well, I'm in my 50s. This is going to be a great opportunity. If I don't do it now, I may never get the chance.” So I went up there and actually, it was a great opportunity. We hired terrific people. We got CALGB and we participated. We had actually a very good accrual for a small place and we had a very small but very effective cancer center. So it turned out to be a really good experience.  I worked with wonderful people. I recruited some wonderful people. But over time, the issues of the business of medicine, all the issues that happened, I'm saying I'm kind of losing my focus on clinical care and clinical trials, which I love to do. I don't need to tell either of you. I mean, Dave, you've been chief and department chair and Pat has run cancer centers. After a while, the administrative tasks just were so overwhelming and I didn't enjoy them, that I said, “I've got to get back in some type of more clinical focus.” And that's when I decided to look around and fortunately found what's turned out to be a dream job at UNC.  But it was a time of life. Maybe my ego got in the way of my logic. I don't regret it. I met and I think we rebuilt a wonderful clinical program. But you realize some of the resources of big places with-  we never had the research infrastructure to hire a lot of people and get big programs going on and great translational programs, just didn't have the funding. But it was great, and I have no regrets. And I learned how to tolerate the cold weather. And I have a lovely daughter, Sarah, who still lives up there. So we get back occasionally. And I've kept up with a lot of the people there. There are some wonderful people at UVM.  Pat Loehrer: From there, though, you were pulled down to North Carolina, where you've, again, built an incredible breast program there is outstanding. But you've created a Geriatric Oncology program, one of the first geriatric fellowships in oncology in the country. So tell us a little bit about that and what you feel may be your legacy is there at North Carolina.  Dr. Hyman Muss: Well, I had the opportunity over the years when I was at Wake, really, I got to know Shelley Earp, who's our cancer center director. I think maybe you were close to him, Pat. The longest surviving cancer center director on the planet, or among them. And we were good friends. And North Carolina's legislature actually gave the University of North Carolina substantial funding to improve cancer care in North Carolina, not just research. And so I had talked with Shelley about maybe moving, and because of the generosity of the state, really, he was able to really get me going, start a Geriatric Oncology program. And what I wanted to do was develop trials. As Dave says, I built a registry in 2009 here for older cancer patients using geriatric assessment. I have 2000 patients, which has been a resource for all types of faculty and fellows, and students to write papers. But I was able, with the support, to do things like this right from the get-go. And plus, I joined probably one of the best breast groups on the planet with Lisa Carey and Chuck Perou, and Larry, terrific people, Claire Dees. I had great luck in doing this, so I was able to really focus, get great support from my colleagues to build studies focusing on older people.  And then I had the great fortune of meeting Ned Sharpless, our prior NCI director. And Ned is one of the world's great aging biologists. And I don't mean aging as an adjective, he's really been a master on why we age, the biology of aging, cell senescence. So Ned taught me all about cell senescence and the mechanisms, especially the gene expression p16, which is like our own CDK inhibitor. And so I was able to start using his lab, collect samples, treat people with chemotherapy, follow them off with geriatric assessment. It was a great opportunity to do that here, and we got a lot of studies going and we showed what the pediatricians have known for years, that chemotherapy dramatically ages people, not just children, but adults. But it also allowed me to work with my colleagues in lymphoma and lung cancer to do little studies along the way.  And we eventually then built a T32 program. We got a T32, which we're kind of completing now our first five years to train oncology specialists in geriatrics. So the way we do it is they can be surgical oncologists, GU, we had a GYN oncologist, medical. With their HemOnc training, they do a year where they work with the geriatricians, so they go on geriatric inpatient service for a month and they really learn about older people. And part of it is a project. So we've been able to build that and develop a lot of programs with that. And I should say we've been very successful with mentorship and with ASCO support for things like YIAs, the late and great Arti Hurria, who absolutely an amazing woman. Some of her legacy at ASCO, the YIAs, and things. We've been successful in applying for some. So we've been able to build a whole spectrum of med and hematologists. We have an interest in Myeloma and AML focusing on older people. We've been able to build a whole team approach, including translational projects related to older people. And it's just been a great opportunity, and hopefully, my legacy here will be, too, and I'm working on it.  We have a wonderful guy, Bill Wood, who is very effective and has built this incredible coaching program to continue this legacy. Like many of us in this field, we are bothered because we all know the stats, we all know that first slide of the demographics of cancer, and yet it's been very hard in our culture to provide a lot of the services and build the clinical trials we need to best care for older people. It's still a major problem in this country. So as I cut back on my clinical care, I'm going to still advocate to try to improve the care of older people. Do geriatric assessment, build it into your clinical programs, get your hospitals to support you, convince them, build business plans, et cetera. And hopefully, that'll be my ultimate legacy, that we've made greater awareness of the older people, other than the usual stats, and we're really trying to care for them in a much more global sense, in a much more holistic sense than we've done. I hope we'll be successful. It's a slow haul, but we've got lots of great young people coming up through the pipelines, ASCO has been a great player in this. Many of you know people like Supriya Mohile and William Dale, Heidi Klepin, people, the next generation that's going to keep building this. So I hope the legacy will be that we get more buy-in, more interest, more trained people in other oncology-related subspecialties RadOnc, SurgOnc that will really focus on the care of older people. Dave Johnson: I don't think there's any doubt that that will be a part of your legacy Hy, but I think your legacy will be much broader than the world of geriatric oncology. Your mentorship leadership, your clinical skills, your educational capabilities, all of that will certainly last for many, many years in the future.  Well, I don't want to bring up a touchy topic, but you yourself are geriatric and we're wondering what your plans are for your semi-retirement. I recognize you're not retiring, but what do you like to do outside of medicine? Dr. Hyman Muss: I'll tell everybody who's interested in hearing this. On Tuesday, I had my 80th birthday.  Dave Johnson: Congratulations.  Dr. Hyman Muss: And I think I'm one of the most blessed guys. I'm pretty healthy. I married up -  my wife Loretta, who both of you, Pat Loehrer and Dave Johnson, know well.  Dave Johnson: Yeah, you definitely married up.  Dr. Hyman Muss: Yes. It's really carried me most of my life. She's great and so she flew up our three kids and we celebrated and I'm very fortunate. I have the enthusiasm and strength to do more clinical medicine. But I think the time has come for me to cut back my clinical medicine, so I'm going to do that in June. The hardest thing I've done is say goodbye to so many of my patients here.  We've been blessed. We have a lovely family. We're pretty close. I'm never bored, probably you two know well, I love to do things like fishing, outdoor stuff. I've really gotten into woodworking, so I'm not going to be bored. But there will be a small piece out of me when I walk out of that clinic in June. I know that and my two close psychiatry friends think it's going to really be a hard fall, but I don't think so. I still have some grants. In fact, I'm working with a fellow in City of Hope, Mina Sedrak, who's been very involved in ASCO, too. We are hoping to get an R01 looking at senolytic drugs that may prevent aging, and exercise in older women with breast cancer to see if we can reverse the trends of chemo. So my brain is still on that stuff, but the clinical care is going to be tough.  I had a note and for some reason, we talked about so many things. I wanted to mention that one of my great opportunities was joining the CALGB and then the Alliance and getting the support of Dr. Schilsky, Rich Schilsky, who's been one of the icons of ASCO to build cancer in the elderly working group with Dr. Harvey Cohen at Duke. And Harvey is one of the world's great geriatricians. And using that to get studies done, to incorporate studies with Arti Hurria on geriatric assessment, and really have it as a place where a lot of younger investigators could get started on a career in geriatric oncology. And that was really a great opportunity. It was kept on by Dr. Bertagnolli, who now is our NCI director, and I think was really the first group to really give good support for this. Dave Johnson: So we want to thank you very much for being our guest today.  We also want to thank our listeners of Oncology, Etc. This is an ASCO Educational Podcast where we talk about oncology medicine and much more. So if any of our listeners have an idea or a guest they would like for us to interview, please email us at education@asco.org. To stay up to date with the latest episodes and explore other educational content, visit ASCO's website at education.asco.org.   Thanks again for being our guest, Hy.  Dr. Hyman Muss: My pleasure. Thank you so much. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement.  

June 7, 2023 - Fresh off a big win in the state budget, which included a $455 million loan to finance an overhaul of Belmont Park, we checked in with David O'Rourke, president & CEO of the New York Racing Association. He discusses the future of Belmont Park, changes at the Saratoga Race Course this summer and the importance of fans attending horse racing events for the long-term viability of the sport.

Some downstate Illinois lawmakers are voicing concerns over Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson's proposed spending spree. Johnson told lawmakers they must commit to working together if both the city and state are to succeed. He said his time at the statehouse is about building a better, stronger and safer Chicago by establishing a strong foundation for collaboration. The Illinois Supreme Court has denied a motion to disqualify two justices from hearing a challenge to the state's new gun ban over perceived conflicts of interest. The two justices also declined to recuse themselves. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute. Electric vehicle maker Rivian is reportedly bringing members of its engineer team to downstate Normal in an effort to speed up production. The Wall Street Journal reports the engineers will be responsible for the design of the factory and how it […]

The phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" is often used to emphasize the importance of community and support in the upbringing of a child. It's a reminder that parenting is not just the responsibility of a single individual, but a collective effort that involves everyone in the child's life.As a parent or care-giver or adult with children, it can be challenging to balance work, household responsibilities, and taking care of our children. However, it's important to remember that children have limited understanding of the world and everything they learn comes from seeing what people around them are doing. Adults have the largest role to play in creating the environment that lead to healthy and thriving children. When a child lacks the support and guidance of a strong network, they may resort to negative coping mechanisms to try and fill the void. This could involve engaging in risky behaviours, acting out, or even vandalising property and stealing cars to feel a sense of power or control. One of these is using alcohol to medicate trauma and stress that often lead to alcohol use disorders and addiction.  Addiction can have serious negative consequences on a person's health, relationships, and overall well-being. As a caregiver, you play a crucial role in helping prevent the development of alcohol use disorders.Dr Pandey, is an  Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University that recently published a paper showing that positive parenting/ caregiving environments offers a protective effect on adolescents brain  development,  neurocognitive function, risk, and resilience for alcohol use disorder (AUD) via both genetic and socio-  environmental  factors.  Children who experience poor parenting tend to have atypical brain development and greater rates of alcohol problems. Conversely, positive parenting can be protective and critical for normative development of self- regulation, neurocognitive functioning and the neurobiological systems subserving them.Link to the paper here:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36680783/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/acer.14973?saml_referrerThe take home message is that it is important to understand that everyone in the Society has a role to play, regardless of their age, gender, or social status. A parent, caregiver, police, doctor, teacher, a coach, a neighbor, a grandparent, or a friend can all have a significant impact on a child's life that protects against addiction.Research shows that adult behaviours are the most important in shaping children's behaviour and in the effective development of their brain architecture, functions, and capacity. Across several studies, exposure to childhood maltreatment and poor-quality parenting and care-giving has been correlated with global changes in brain development as well as changes in circuitries that support higher-level emotional and cognitive functioning (Bick & Nelson, 2016; Teicher et al., 2016).It is hard for one person to take care of the health of children. It's essential that the we all step up and takes an active role in the life of a child/adolescent. This can include things like volunteering at schools, mentoring, or simply lending an ear when a child needs someone to talk to.  Providing a safe and supportive environment where a child can grow and develop is crucial for their future success.Embracing the idea of "it takes a village to raise a child," we build stronger communities and create a brighter future for the next generation. Support the showLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

After appearing in a far to the north county courthouse Todd describes his encounter with a prosecutor that started out with her attempting to label him as a downstate lawyer who is full of BS. Enjoy this play by play call of the encounter and what the outcome eventually was for his client. In the end both Todd and the prosecutor reached a resolution that was good for everyone especially Todd's client.  ENJOY THE EPISODE!!

In this episode, we will learn from some of the founders and members of the Mental Health Task Force (MHTF). Anne Hiller Scott, OTR/L, PhD, FAOTA, Joan Feder MA, OTR/L, Diane Tewfik, MA, OT (Retired), Mabel Martinez-Almonte, OTR/L. The MHTF is a NYSOTA (New York State Occupational Therapy Association) community of practice that identifies, promotes, and supports occupational therapy practitioners in addressing the psychosocial aspects of occupational engagement in all practice settings through education, advocacy, and community. Show Key Points:· Members and founders briefly introduce themselves and tell us about their backgrounds and OT work· The discuss their motivation to do the Podcast and the MHTF beginnings and summary of its history and goals· They describe their Uncommon OT roles, projects and initiatives· They describe some of MHTF's recent highs and lows· They provide OT practitioners with valuable career advice· They provide resources, community and their contact information Anne Hiller Scott, OTR/L, PhD, FAOTAIn 1969 Dr. Scott began her career at St. Vincent's during the community mental health movement. With the local NYSOTA MH Task Force (MHTF), she led initiatives in continuing education, resource development and publications on evaluation, practice, supervision, quality assurance and wellness. This pioneering service and advocacy were recognized with honors: FAOTA, NYSOTA Practice Award and the Abreu Award. An OTMH issue “New Frontiers in Psychosocial Occupational Therapy” which she edited, showcased innovations by MHTF members, therapists' nationwide and included consumer and OTS perspectives. After teaching at Downstate for fifteen years, she launched the LIU OT Program in 1997 with a mission emphasizing wellness, health promotion and community service learning.Diane Tewfik, MA, OT (Retired)As one of the founding members of the MHOT Taskforce, Diane has had a career In Mental Health OT for over 30 years. Her practice has included outpatient programs, addiction, private practice as well as adult rehabilitation. She was also Associate Professor and Field Coordinator at York College of CUNY's OT Program. She received NYSOTA's Merit of Practice Award in 1997 and AOTA's Recognition of Achievement in 2003 for Preserving Occupational Therapy's Role in Mental Health. Joan Feder MA, OTR/LJoan has dedicated her 40 year career to peer-centered treatment, working in a wide range of settings from acute psychiatric in-patient settings to outpatient psychosocial rehabilitation programs. She received an advanced mental health OT degree from NYU and worked in designing and implementing programming at New York-Presbyterian Hospital –Cornell Medical Center. She had the unique opportunity of designing outpatient services for the SPMI population while overseeing a multidisciplinary team. Her programs were driven by the Recovery Model, with a focus on fostering function and independence, while responding to the ever-changing demands of external regulators. She collaborated over the years on CBT for Psychosis research and lectured at multiple OT schools in NY. She has published in AOTA SIS journals and has a chapter in APA – Textbook of Hospital Psychiatry. Most importantly she was one of the founders of the MNYD mental health task force and has played a key role in the group, over the last 26 years, while benefiting from the amazing professional support provided by all its members. Mabel Martinez-Almonte, OTR/LMabel is a graduate from SUNY Downstate College of Health Related Professions, from the class of 1992. She has worked in mental health for 25 years, on the inpatient psychiatric unit NS-52 in which she supervised Occupational Therapy (OT) students for the past 21 years. She was nominated by her students for the "Supervisor of the Year" in 2000, 2007, 2010, and in 2009 was the recipient of this prestigious award. In addition, she was actively involved with educating the staff in the inpatient psychiatry unit (NS-52), on treatment modalities to decrease restraint and seclusion. She has served as an adjunct professor for the SUNY Downstate CHRP OT program since 1994. These experiences served as a springboard for other teaching opportunities. This spearheaded the initiative to give back to SUNY Downstate and work with professors who served as mentors in her profession as an Occupational Therapist, including getting involved with community service in the mental health arena. Since 1999, she has served in various capacities with NAMI East Flatbush (an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) consumer and family support group held monthly at SUNY Downstate. She continued to do community service in a broad spectrum, which included conducting lectures and conference presentations to students at various schools (i.e., Long Island University, Columbia University, and Public School 274), and participated as a panelist for mental health Special Interest Group, and co-presented with psychiatry residents from DMC department of psychiatry at the Institute on Psychiatric Services in 2010 on the topic: "Discuss updates working with patients affected by mental illness at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) towards mental health consumer empowerment and advocacy and the Metabolic Syndrome Screening Booth at the yearly NAMI Walks event." She has also worked closely with CHRP Occupational Therapy Program and the Department of Psychiatry to organize a yearly NAMI Walk event from 2008-2018, which included the involvement of SUNY Downstate trainees: occupational therapy and medical students, along with psychiatry residents; together with NAMI East Flatbush chapter members and their families, to set up a walk team (SUNY Downstate at NAMI East Flatbush) and provide a Metabolic Syndrome Screening Booth. She has co-presented the work that she does with NAMI and the yearly NAMI Walk events at the Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds. She is an active Advisory Board Member since 2006, for the State University of New York/Health Science Center of Brooklyn - College of Health Related Professions -Occupational Therapy Program, now renamed State University of New York - School of Health Professions (SOHP). Mabel went on to complete graduate studies at Nyack Alliance Graduate School of Counseling and graduated with a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is currently employed at the Special Treatment and Research (STAR) Health Center at SUNY Downstate Medical Center as a mental health counselor since December 2014. She currently provides both individual and group mental health, substance abuse, and supportive counseling for patients receiving care at the STAR Health Center. Her love for educating the community at large on mental health literacy has taken her to pursue training and certification in Mental Health First Aid for adults, youth curriculums since 2012. She has continued to enrich her love for knowledge and service and became certified as a National Certified Counselor and an Evergreen Certified Dementia Care Specialist (ECDCS).RESOURCES & IMPORTANT WORKS BY MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS: Social Profile by Mary Donohue, AOTA Presshttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/000841740507200304?journalCode=cjocOT's Walk with Nami (Initiative and Protocol)Let's Get Organized AssessmentSensory Modulation for pediatric inpatientSuzanne White, MA, OTR/L, FAOTAhttps://www.suzannewhiteotr.com/namiPhotography for those with mental illness- Joan Feder, MA, OTR/Lhttps://healthmatters.nyp.org./photography-program-mental-illnessArticle Testimony: Advocacy in Action. OT Practice, Nov 8,2004 by Diane B. Tewfik, MA, OT and Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP -2-Article published in September, 2022 issue in OT Practice: Highlighting OT's Role in Mental Health , An Innovative Fieldwork Program for Community- Based Mental Health by Diane B. Tewfik, MA, OT and Anne Hiller Scott, OTR/L, PhD, FAOTAhttps://www.aota.org/publications/ot-practice/ot-practice-issues/2022/community-based-mental-healthDream Home Assessment (free download) by Emily Raphael-Greenfield https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/programs-occupational-therapy/about-programs/faculty-innovations/dream-home-assessment Bucket Drumming Group Article -Hard –Wired for Groups: Students and Clients in the Classroom and Clinic-Mental Health special Interest Section Quarterly, Volume 34, No. 3, September 2011.SMART program (Supporting Many to Achieve Residential Transition, Gutman, S.A. and Raphael-Greenfield EI(2018).https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/programs-occupational-therapy/faculty-innovations/smart-program.Scott, A., (Ed.) (1998). New Frontiers in Psychosocial Occupational Therapy (Ed). Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press. Scott, A. (1999). Wellness works: Community service health promotion groups led by occupational therapy students. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, (53) 6, 566-574. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.53.6.566Salem, Y., & Scott, A. (2011). A community-based aquatic program for individuals with systemic lupus erythematous: A community-based study. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy,19:30-31. DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.507855Salem, Y., Scott, A., Karpatkin, H., Concert, G., Haller, L., Kaminsky, E., Weisbrot, R, & Spatz, E. (2011). Community-based group aquatic program for individuals with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 33:720-728. DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.507855 Scott, A., Scott, R., & Cole, M. (2016). Narrative reasoning in disability-themed films (pp. 117-143). In M. Cole & J. Creek (Eds.), Global Perspectives in Professional Reasoning. Thorofare, NJ: Slack.Scott, A., Scott, R., & Cole, M. (2018/4/19-22). From reel to real: Illness narratives in disability-themed films. [Poster Presentation]. AOTA Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. Brooklyn International Disability Film Festival and Wellness Expohttps://www.brooklynpaper.com › superwomanJul 22, 2005 — Brooke Ellison, who at age 11 was hit by a car and left paralyzed ... The free screening is part of the Brooklyn International Disability Film Festival… How to Contact The MHTF: Website: https://www.nysota.org/page/MHTFhttps://www.nysota.org/page/MHTFBios Mental Health Taskforce Listserv: OTmentalhealthtaskforce@gmail.comAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and the guests' own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

The housing crisis in New York has now reached epic proportions. In her State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul vowed affordable housing would be a top priority as she aims to build over 800,000 new homes over the next decade. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams has stated he's looking to expand affordable housing through incentives for developers and preserving existing below-market units.  Cea Weaver, who co-founded the Housing Justice for All coalition, joined Errol to talk through the different ways of tackling the current crisis in New York. Their conversation covered Cea's experience living both upstate and downstate and how it's important for both regions of New York to be understood and properly represented in the housing debate. They also discussed Hochul's new housing initiative and the ideas behind the so-called good cause eviction protections. Additionally, they both weighed in on the concept of non-reformist reform. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message.

Downstate sheriffs and Chicago area gun dealers are teaming up to undercut the state's ban on assault weapons.. Ben riffs. Alderman Rod Sawyer talks about his run for mayor. A word or two about his father, Mayor Lightfoot, Mayor Rahm, taxes, the Bears and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, I speak with Jeanette Gisbert, the executive director of Volunteer New York, a nonprofit organization set to align potential volunteers with volunteering opportunities with nonprofit organizations in Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam In this conversation, we talk about what they do, their mission, program and strategies, and many more. You can reach Jeanette via email at jeanette@volunteernewyork.org Jeanette's contact number is 914-227-9310 Their website is https://www.volunteernewyork.org/ Finally, if you'd be interested in being on the show, why not contact me – my direct dial is 845-474-2924 and my email is gbcoyle@thecoylegroup.com

 Listen to the Show Right Click to Save GuestsCircus Chickendog & The VORTEX The Mutt-Cracker (Sweet!)The Alchemy Theatre Frostbites: A Holiday Cabaret What We Talked About    Ohio State Murders Some Like it Hot Carolines Closes TCG Conference goes biennially Ain't No Mo announces closing Tony's move to my old hood Downstate Cut song from Little Shop – Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon  Thank you to Dean Johanesen, lead singer of "The Human Condition" who gave us permission to use "Step Right Up" as our theme song, so please visit their website.. they're good! (that's an order)

Peter Filichia, James Marino, and Michael Portantiere talk about the quick closures of KPOP and Ain’t No Mo’, The Met Opera ticketing system gets hacked, and Fat Ham schedules Broadway dates. Reviews include KPOP, Ain’t No Mo’, Downstate, A Sherlock Carol, and the latest incarnation of 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest read more The post This Week on Broadway for December 11, 2022: Ain’t No Mo’ appeared first on BroadwayRadio.

LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE: youtube.com/indiethinkerThe new play 'Downstate' hopes you have enough heart to sympathize with the plight of convicted pedophiles or Leftists are slowly preparing for the cultural shift toward mainstreaming sexual deviancy.

Playwrights Horizons "Downstate," written by Bruce Norris, follows four men convicted of sex crimes sharing a group home in downstate Illinois after a man shows up to confront his childhood abuser. Norris joins us alongside director Pam MacKinnon and actor K. Todd Freeman who plays Dee, a sex offender, to talk about the play. "Downstate" has been extended and is currently showing through December 22.

Jessica Chastain to Bring ‘A Doll’s House’ to Broadway; ‘Downstate,’ ‘Camp Siegfried’ Reviews, ‘SIX’ to Play Vegas Strip “Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day. Any and all feedback is appreciated: Ashley Steves: ashley@broadwayradio.com | @NoThisIsAshleyGrace Aki: grace@broadwayradio.com | read more The post Today on Broadway: Thursday, November 17, 2022 appeared first on BroadwayRadio.

Oct. 12, 2022 - New York Gaming Commission Chair Brian O'Dwyer provides an update on the process of awarding three casino licenses, including appointments to a casino siting board and the timeline for soliciting casino proposals.

Nothing hits harder over the age of 30 than a bad night of sleep. When Nancy thinks about rest, she automatically thinks about sleep, and how hard it can be to give ourselves the space to actually allow ourselves to get the full amount of sleep we need. Nancy talks about her personal "sleep rules" and how she's learning to bend them. And we talk to Dr. Sara Mednick, a cognitive neuroscience, author and sleep researcher about the truly magical things that our bodies do while our eyes are shut.Listen to the full episode to hear: Nancy's personal journey with sleep and how she's learning to overcome her ingrained "sleep rules."A conversation about the science of sleep with Dr. Sara Mednick.Tips for folks with HFA who want to harness the power of sleep.Learn more about Sara Mednick:Go to https://www.saramednick.com/Buy Sara's book The Power of the Downstate on her website, or wherever books are sold.Follow Sara on Twitter @Sara_MednickLearn more about Self Loyalty School: https://selfloyaltyschool.com/

EPISODE 153 - Sara Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine and author of The Hidden Power of the Downstate and Take a Nap! Change Your Life. She was awarded the Office Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2015. Her research findings have been published in such leading scientific journals as Nature Neuroscience and The Proceedings from the National Academy of Science, and covered by all major media outlets. Sara resides in San Diego, CA; you can learn more at her website: saramednick.com. In the episode, she explains what the terms “Upstate” and “Downstate” mean, lifestyle changes we can all make to optimize our time spent in the Downstate, negative health effects that can occur after too much time spent in the Upstate…and more! EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/153 P.S. – If you're liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode

Professor Sara C. Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine and author of The Power of the Downstate and Take a Nap! Change Your Life. Dr. Mednick was awarded the Office Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2015. Her research findings have been published in such leading scientific journals as Nature Neuroscience and The Proceedings from the National Academy of Science, and covered by all major media outlets. She resides in San Diego, CA. Topics covered in this episode: Napping Brain and Body Connection in Sleep Upstate and Downstate Rhythms Autonomic Nervous System Rhythm and Nature Timing in Medicine Health Consequences of the Upstate Restorative Practices Yoga and Breathing Good and Bad Resonance Patient Oriented Resonance Eating Habits Referenced in the episode: The Lindsey Elmore Show Ep 164 | You're Breathing Wrong | Karese Laguerre __________________________________________________________ Happy Juice is back! You can select between a watermelon and grape flavor of Edge with many more options! Helps to boost mood and motivation, provides overall help for your second brain and gives you the fuel you need for a highly productive day. Head over to www.lindseyelmore.com/amare and save $10 off of your first order! __________________________________________________________ If you have been struggling with immune system functioning gastrointestinal issues something as bad as celiac disease Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, if you just have the skin flare ups of acne and eczema, allergies, hay fever, maybe even just brain fog, you may be feeling the effects of a microbiome dysbiosis. We disrupt our microbiomes by lacking nutrients and fiber in your diet, lack of exercise, not getting enough sleep, having too much anxiety, do use many medications and antibiotics, having a long time spent indoors in contact with man-made material can also turn into a disruption in our microbiome. Genetic factors as well as over exposure to toxic household cleaning products, agricultural pesticides and herbicides and cosmetic products not designed with your microbiome in mind can lead to all manner of symptoms. That's why I decided to host the Engineering the Microbiome Summit from September 26 until October 2. You can tune in live and for free to the Engineering your Microbiome summit where I have interviews with more than 40 industry experts: physicians, nurses, chiropractors, nutritionists, all that help us to engineer healthy microbiome that can prevent and reverse both physical and mental illness Head to www.lindseyelmore.com/microbiome to save the date and get signed up for the Engineering your Microbiome summit to sign up today! __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ We hope you enjoyed this episode. Come check us out at www.lindseyelmore.com/podcast.

Dr. Sara Mednick joins me to discuss why bringing yourself to the downstate allows you to restore, recharge and reinvigorate your brain and body. Professor Sara C. Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine, and the author of The Hidden Power of the Downstate which was released in April and Take a Nap! Change Your Life. She is passionate about understanding how the brain works through her research into sleep and the autonomic nervous system. * Purchase The Hidden Power of the Downstate: https://amzn.to/3AIzUKT (Amazon link) * Purchase Take a Nap! Change Your Life: https://amzn.to/3OSFzSS (Amazon link) --► Get the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/sara-mednick-recharge-your-brain-body/  --► Subscribe to My Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMiles --► Subscribe to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passion-struck-with-john-r-miles/id1553279283 *Our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/passionstruck. I discuss the Power of the Downstate with Sara Mednick in this episode of the Passion Struck Podcast Sara Mednick joins the Passion Struck podcast to discuss why most people find themselves immersed in "upstate" moments that magnify our stress engines, but it doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Mednick shows us how we can assess the most repairing and restorative aspects of sleep through moments and activities that occur in our day-to-day by diving into the Downstate. Dr. Mednick's seven-bedroom sleep lab works literally around the clock to discover methods for boosting cognition by napping, stimulating the brain with electricity, sound and light, and pharmacology.  0:00 Announcements 3:11 Introducing Dr. Sara Mednick 5:02 Becoming a sleep expert 10:13 The need to look at sleep holistically 13:27 What is the downstate? 17:24 How stress impacts sleep 22:20 Discrimination impacts the balance between the rev and the restore systems 25:48 Why does modern culture deny rest? 28:34 Regulating your upstate and downstate 36:29 How to become a downstate Maven 39:46 Importance of the Vagus nerve 45:54 How sleep disorders correlate with neurodegenerative diseases 49:47 Importance of sleep habits 54:28 Wrap up and synthesis Where you can find Dr. Sara Mednick: * Website: https://www.saramednick.com/  * Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sara_Mednick  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara_mednick_downstate/  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramednick/  Links from the show * My interview with Katy Milkman Ph.D. on how to create lasting behavior change: https://passionstruck.com/katy-milkman-behavior-change-for-good/  * My interview with David Yaden Ph.D. on self-transcendence, psychedelics, and behavior change: https://passionstruck.com/david-yaden-on-self-transcendence-experiences/  * My interview with Michael Slepian Ph.D.:  https://passionstruck.com/michael-slepian-the-secret-life-of-secrets/ * My interview with Admiral Sandy Stosz on how to lead in unchartered waters: https://passionstruck.com/admiral-sandy-stosz-leader-with-moral-courage/  * My solo episode on why micro choices matter: https://passionstruck.com/why-your-micro-choices-determine-your-life/ * My solo episode on why you must feel to heal: https://passionstruck.com/why-you-must-feel-to-find-emotional-healing/   -- Welcome to Passion Struck podcast, a show where you get to join me in exploring the mindset and philosophy of the world's most inspiring everyday heroes to learn their lessons to living intentionally. Passion Struck aspires to speak to the humanity of people in a way that makes them want to live better, be better and impact. Learn more about me: https://johnrmiles.com. Stay tuned for my latest project, my upcoming book, which will be published in summer 2022. ===== FOLLOW JOHN ON THE SOCIALS ===== * Twitter: https://twitter.com/Milesjohnr * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrmiles.c0m * Medium: https://medium.com/@JohnRMiles​ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_miles * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesjohn/ * Blog: https://johnrmiles.com/blog/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passion_struck_podcast * Gear: https://www.zazzle.com/store/passion_sruck_podcast

Intro: Nightmare, revisited. Let Me Run This By You: Gina's petty bullshit.Interview: We talk to the co-Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre, Glenn Davis, about the Stratford Festival, King James, You Got Older, The Christians, being a producer with Tarell Alvin McCraney, Anna D. Shapiro, Audrey Francis, Rajiv Joseph, Alana Arenas, coming from a political family, pay equity, DEI, Seagull, Downstate, regret.FULL TRANSCRIPT (unedited):2 (10s):And I'm Gina Polizzi. We1 (11s):Went to theater all together. We survived it, but we didn't quite understand it.3 (16s):Years later, we're digging deep talking to our guests about their experiences and trying to make sense of it1 (20s):All. We survived theater school and you will too. Are we famous yet? Yeah, because the Handmaid's tale came true since we last talk.2 (36s):Oh my God. I was just preparing to say to you my new favorite party question, not that I ever go to parties is what country are you going to move to when they ask you to be a handmade? Because I think the trick is the timing, you know, like there's going to be a point of no return,1 (52s):Right? You could2 (54s):Go to,1 (54s):Yeah, I guess I could, I feel like things might be worse there in some ways, but not eventually. Maybe not like now you're right. It's a timing thing, because right now it might be worse. But in about, within a couple of years, it could be better. So you're right. It's a timing thing. So maybe the idea is to like get passports. Well, the problem is when you get one passport, you have to turn in another, I think, unless you're a secret double agent and doing illegal things, like, I don't know that you can be a duel. Oh, I'm confused. We need, that's what we need a guest on that knows about passports.2 (1m 32s):Well, I don't know anything about passports, but I will say I, the reason that I would be allowed to have dual citizenship in Italy is because I can prove, you know, that my ancestors came from there. So I probably the same thing is true for you1 (1m 50s):Only2 (1m 50s):Have to go back one generation immigrants lady1 (1m 54s):Over here.2 (1m 55s):Right?1 (1m 55s):Right. Yeah. It's interesting. I, yeah, I, there are a lot of, I mean, this whole thing has been this whole overturning Roe vs. Wade has been, it has been horrific. And also because I've come from things from this and as you do too, like the psychological lens is trauma lens. I'm like, okay. The reactions, especially on social media have been wild. So what I'm noticing is it's even more hand Handmaid's tailie in that people then other women aren't then sort of policing other people's responses to this.1 (2m 37s):Meaning people are like, well, I don't know why you're shocked. So instead of saying, yes, you can have your reaction. People are mad that women are shocked. Other women are like, well, what did you think was going to happen? We, and I'm like, okay, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. This is part of the deal. Like let people have their responses, let them, so I am not shocked, but that does not mean that it hurts any less or that it, it is my job to tell someone that their outrage is not justified or not appropriate.2 (3m 15s):I mean, that's like, that's like telling a little kid, well, your dad hits you every time he gets drunk. What's why are you so surprised? You know, it's like, well, that doesn't make it hurt any less. That doesn't make me any less fearful. The feeling that I have in my body right now is the feeling that I had on election night in 2016. You know, I don't know if I ever told you my story about that, but just like every other reasonable person in the world, I completely assumed Hillary Clinton would win. And I wore my little pants version of a pantsuit to vote. I came home and I had, I didn't invite anybody over, but I made, I had like snacks, like it was a super bowl. And I put up a big piece of paper like that paper we wrote on when we were doing our, our TV show and with a map and I was gonna, I was marking the electoral votes, teach my kids about the electoral college.2 (4m 10s):And it's like, and it's just starts going, okay, well, that's not, that's not too bad. And then, and pretty early on, I realized what was happening. And I became immediately exhausted. And I went up to my bed and I fell asleep. And in the middle of the night, I rolled over to check my phone and I saw the confirmed, the worst had happened. And now I have that feeling again. I have that feeling of like, there's no hope.1 (4m 40s):This2 (4m 40s):Is, this is all bad.1 (4m 43s):I, I, I totally hear you. I, miles is famous for saying that. I knew that Trump was gonna win. And I did not, of course, but what I knew was when I went to the polls, it was the weirdest thing. There was this old, weird white guy, and this was in Evanston still. And this old, weird white guy in Evanston, which is very, very, very democratic. But he was handing out these flyers that were like very pro-Trump and very like Trump is going to win and he should, anyway, I had this sinking feeling. I was like, oh wait, wait, wait, this is Evanston.1 (5m 24s):And this guy is like, really sure. And also he seems like kind of a crack pot, but kind of not. And I, there was the first time at the polls where I was like, oh no, oh no, no, no, no, no. I have a bad feeling about this. And then we went to a friend's house, big mistake for an election night situation. And as the returns started coming in, people started at the party getting drunker. And so getting sadder and getting crazier and saying things like, well that this is fine. Like I'll just move to Italy or I'll just move to. But like, it was like the, the, the denial and the alcohol mixing was really, really, really, really depressing.1 (6m 8s):And I was like, I got to get out of here. And so we left before it was called, of course. And, and we, and it was, but I did have this sinking feeling when, when that, when the dude at the, it wasn't at the polls, it was like, I had gone to whole foods afterwards. It's right. And this guy was like putting leaflets on everyone's car that was like, basically get ready for Trump. And I was like in a good way. And I was like, oh shit. If this is happening at Evanston, we've got a problem area. So I wasn't shocked either, but I was very dismayed. And the feeling I have now is that like, literally, I feel like, like I kind of have a migraine today and I feel like I've had a migraine since 1975. That's kind of the feeling I have.1 (6m 49s):Like every time something like this happens, I feel like, oh, this feeling again, I have this feeling that I am exhausted and my head hurts and yeah. And then online, it's just a cesspool and some things are great and people are organizing. And, but some things are just, you know, a lot of people we all, as humans get, we just love to start censoring people's feelings and emotions about a tragedy.2 (7m 19s):Yeah, yeah. Yeah. But also that behavior is just like, I am trying to control you because I feel so out of control of myself. And I kind of like, doesn't even really register that much to me. But on Saturday I went to a rally and, you know, just like about 20 minutes from my house. And it's always a good feeling to do something when, when you feel like there's nothing to do. So that was great. And there was about a hundred people there. So that was great. And the, the person who was organizing it was a woman. So she, she literally said the very first words, but it was just to introduce this next speaker, who was a man.2 (8m 6s):And then after that was another man. And then after that was another man. So it was five men spoke in a1 (8m 11s):Row about this.2 (8m 16s):Yeah. Well, okay. So in the moment, the first person who spoke was our Senator Richard Blumenthal. Okay. That, Hey, he came here, that's pretty great. And he, and he has a very good record of voting the way that I agree with for women's rights, people's rights, human rights. So that felt okay. And then his son is also in politics, his1 (8m 45s):Son.2 (8m 46s):So then his son spoke and his son gave this speech that I could tell, like, I could tell them he did this thing. Or if like he was mimicking the cadence of how political speeches go, where you say three sentences on the fourth sentence, you, you get louder because that's when everybody's going to applaud. But then nobody applauded.1 (9m 8s):And he2 (9m 8s):Was real confused. He was real confused anyway, but by the fourth man who got up did say, I think I'm the fourth man in a row to be speaking here. You know, he was kind of at least trying to acknowledge it. And I'm of two minds because on the one hand, I think thank God that there are men in positions of power, who, who do agree with, you know, caudifying row, but at the same time, in a more like, step, take a step back way. I'm just going like, yeah, but this is the problem. This is the problem. This is the problem that only your voice matters.1 (9m 51s):Well, I think it, for me, it's what I call in LA, at least the giving tents to the houseless situation. So we're giving tends to it's the exact same thing. Right. We're giving tends to people that have no home. Okay. So they have shelter now. Okay. But what, what are we going to really get down to the real issue of what's happening here? So, so2 (10m 15s):Yeah. Why are they homeless and what are the services that they, okay,1 (10m 18s):Why are we not asking the big questions? And I think we, as people are asking the big questions, but the answers are so going to have to change the way the empire works, that nobody is going to, we, we're not really answering the questions. Right. So I think there's right at the, every I saw this and I don't know if this is accurate, but I saw something that the average, the empire last 250 years, and we're at 2 452 (10m 51s):Talk motherfucker. Yeah.1 (10m 54s):So, so I feel like, yeah, people are very afraid to talk about civil war. People are afraid, look, it's a scary thing. And, and, and Nope, Nope, nobody really wants that, but I don't understand where else we're headed. So, so while I don't like it, it's the same thing with the, with the response of people while I don't like that this is happening, it is happening. So I'm going to just say, okay, like, I, I, I, I am not, I don't have any face that we are interested in doing anything else, but, but leaping towards extinction.1 (11m 39s):That's how I feel like, I'm not sure what else we're going to do because I'm, I'm looking at facts and I'm looking at what's happening in, in, you know, obviously climate change wise. And I'm like, oh, we're, we're making choices. And right. And also people are probably going to be like, oh, well, there are people doing good work. And that is true. There are a lot of people doing good work. It's just seems like the people that are making decisions are the people, you know, with the most power are not doing good work are doing, I don't know what they're doing, but they're, they're, they're doing capitalism and what's best for, for, for their pocket.1 (12m 19s):And that's. Yeah.2 (12m 21s):But we, even1 (12m 22s):Though it's about money,2 (12m 23s):It's about money. And it's also about it's about money and it's about getting reelected because the, because the point of, you know, the reason that all these men's, they were all politicians and they were just, all right, it's all running for reelection. And that's the other thing is miss me with your false, like, I'm not saying to anybody on that stage had false promises, but there's quite a lot of good politicians, you know, as good as they can be, who run on these campaign promises. And they never deliver because they have a hard time, you know, getting their, their fellow senators and so forth to agree with them.2 (13m 3s):But yeah, now we're being selected out. I mean, like, there's just really no other way to look at it. And I guess I could say, I guess we deserve it.1 (13m 19s):Let me run this by you.2 (13m 27s):However, all of this doesn't mean that I don't still get involved in petty bullshit. Like I did.1 (13m 35s):Well, tell me, tell me all about that's fantastic.2 (13m 38s):We have this God damn fucking bitch of a neighbor that I, I mean, she's just the repository for my rage right now. You know, it's like, it's not really about her, but she she's, you know, she's the person who, when we first moved into this house, very friendly came over, introduced herself. We had kids similar ages, she's at our house for a while. Chatting. She leaves, she calls me 20 minutes later to, to, in an alarmed fashion to tell me that my children who at the time were six and eight or whatever it had had crossed the street without me there.2 (14m 21s):And that this was obviously going to be a big problem for me. And I, I mean, that just kind of sealed the deal. We, we tried to be friends. She, she started one of these multi-level marketing. She was selling jewelry. I bought her dumb ass jewelry, you know, and it's just been one thing after the other. And, and she's like the nosy neighbor. Who's never missing an opportunity to tell everybody what they should and shouldn't be doing. And she has these two really out of control dogs that just bark constantly. And she walks them or attempts to walk them. And she, and no other dogs basically can be on the street, you know, without there being a big kerfuffle.2 (15m 7s):Now, when I'm walking my dog and I see her coming, I turn the other way a, because I really don't want to see her, but also because I don't want to go through the whole thing of my dog. Yeah. It's all thing. Right. Well, my husband doesn't avoid things like that.1 (15m 22s):Well, I've miles wouldn't even notice until it was too late, but I feel like Aaron is more like, I'm going to just walk my dog.2 (15m 30s):He's like, it's my fucking street and my dog. And we still live in an America where you're free. You're free to walk your dog. So she's walking. So he's walking the dog and she's coming towards and she's doing her usual thing. And then she said, and this was not the first time she said this. She tells him it's not really a great time to be walking your dog right now as if like she gets to go to1 (15m 54s):No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.2 (15m 58s):Well, my in-state, I really wanted to go fly into a rage over to her house. And I, luckily I didn't do that. I did go for a walk and walk by her house, both my fingers up. And I thought, well, if I saw her at my dream,1 (16m 14s):What I would say is2 (16m 15s):I tell you to take those Stella and dot necklaces and choke and hang yourself with them. But they're so cheap. All you'd get is a green net.1 (16m 23s):Yeah. You just break it. Wouldn't do the job. It wouldn't do the job. Oh my.2 (16m 31s):But in a way, you know, having these petty things is sort of life affirming right. In this weird way. It's like at the end of the day, you're just like, oh yeah, it's just, you don't like your neighbor. People sometimes don't like their neighbors. It's not as much.1 (16m 46s):What did, what did your husband say to her? Nothing.2 (16m 50s):I mean, he was just like, I I'm walking my dog. I mean, like, I think he was just so flummoxed by the whole thing. Like, is this person really trying to tell me God? Yeah. That's yeah. I think, I think he was done1 (17m 5s):The audacity. Yeah. I, I, I, yeah, I hate, I hate her already. And I also think the real issue is fucking, you feel terrible that you cannot control your dogs and you have it done with the rest of us dumb, but responsible fuckers have done, which is train our goddamn dogs. Doris, right now I'm paying an, a great amount of money. So she can go to fucking Frenchie school so that when she sees2 (17m 35s):Her all about1 (17m 37s):God, so she doesn't jump on people and she doesn't do well. Okay. So when we Doris is, so I did not understand that when even, okay. So Frenchies are bred to be completely dependent on humans. Okay. So like, meaning back in the day, they're not the kind of dog that's bred to go out on their own. They're highly dependent. They're like needy fucking things. Right. Okay. Great. But that doesn't mean what I'm understanding is they still need pack training because the pack, we are not their pack. It's so funny. Like I am not a dog and miles is not a dog. We don't understand dog.1 (18m 18s):And so even these like sort of boot, you know, like fancy bougie dogs need pack training, which I was so Cesar Milan always says like, you know, like Eden, these designer ass dogs need fricking socialization. And I thought that meant she just needed to be around people. And like, she needs to be around dogs. That will correct her. And so there is this guy who's obsessed with dogs that lives in, in the miracle mile. I thought it was west Hollywood. I don't know where I am. Anytime I cross over I'm like anywhere is away from Pasadena. So my friend was like, listen, there's something called the school. And they also have like Frenchie Fridays and they ha it's like a very Frenchie centric dog school.1 (19m 6s):And they bring in this trainer, that's a protege of Cesar Milan, but everyone can say their approach. I could say I'm a protege of Cesar Milan probably. But anyway, and they play Tibetan singing bowls for the dogs and they get them to calm down and they, and it's a lot of Frenchies, there's like 10 Frenchies that go there. And so I said, all right, I'm going to give it a chance because Doris is great. She's just a tip, very typical Frenchie. And she gets very excited and she doesn't know how to calm herself down. So she pees inside and she will jump on you. And she's really mouthy still at a year. And so I was like, okay, well, like I need to, and, and she she's missing.1 (19m 48s):You can tell like, she's missing. Ideally we'd get another dog, but there's no way in hell in a one bedroom. That's this small. I would ever get another dog, especially not another Frenchie. So I was like, what, what to do, what to do. And this guy is like, that runs, this school will send you recaps of the class today in Frenchie class we learned. And then he will explain all the things that we learned. I'm not there. He's not, it's the dogs. It's like so funny. And then there's pictures. So she's doing great, but it is a schlep. It is 35 minutes. Each way. It is expensive. It is.1 (20m 28s):So what I am saying is those of us who fucking don't want to be like your neighbor and are like, you know what? I'm going to confront the fact that my dog needs some work and that whatever that we are doing miles and I isn't quite cutting it. And she's not behaving in a way that's going to make her friends like with people or with dogs. What do I do about it? I don't say to other people, it's your fault.2 (20m 52s):Somebody else's fault.1 (20m 54s):I have no goddamn money. I'm spending the money and the time.2 (20m 59s):And there you have hit upon one of the very hardest parts of parenting, which is, and you've talked about this before on the podcast, getting feedback, negative feedback about your child is so demoralizing you at once, feel embarrassed and enraged. You feel enraged with the person. You feel enraged with your kid, for With yourself, for not doing a good enough job, such that this wouldn't be happening. Yeah. It's really, really hard. And everybody has to get to the point that you have already gotten to luckily, which is okay, well, I'm this, the good news is the bad news is I'm the source of this problem.2 (21m 44s):And the good news is I'm also the solution to,1 (21m 46s):I think we don't know how to make a lot of us. We don't know how to make friends. Right? So this lady, instead of being like, oh my God, maybe I should just like, say to people, you know, like she could do so many things. People can do so many. She could send a letter to each person on the block say, look, I have these asshole dogs. I don't know what to do. If you have fucking suggestions, besides euthanizing them, let me know. I would love that. Or can you help me? Or I'm so sorry. They're assholes. I don't know what to do. I'm I'm working on it or I'm stuck. Just let people know. And then you make friends. And then when you walk down the street, people are gonna be like, oh, there's those crazy asshole dogs.1 (22m 29s):Just she's she's trying at least,2 (22m 31s):Right. Yes. There is a universe in which a person has crazy dogs like that. And they allow, first of all, they allow for the rehab. They allow us to acknowledge the reality that it's your crazy dog. I mean, that's, that's the other thing I feel like, I feel like we're stopped at level one, which is she won't acknowledge that her dogs are crazy level two. She won't do something about it. You know,1 (22m 59s):I'd like level one. It's like level one is like you were saying it like it takes some, you got to just really get to the point of being accepted, having acceptance that what things are going to go horribly wrong. And a lot of times it's your fault in some way. And a lot of times it isn't, but they still go wrong. And like, I just, I was talking about this a lot yesterday choice points when we're at choice points. And I think it's really easy to be like, oh, that, you know, people choose bad things to happen to them. I think that's garbage people choose to be with, you know, houseless, garbage. I don't buy that. But what I do buy is I know plenty of people with inner and outer, especially outer resources that don't date.1 (23m 45s):They, they do not meat choice points with any sort of ownership and accountability. So they're just like, they don't have, they think they have no choices, but to be an asshole, it's not true. It's not true many times they're you could have my friend taken a turn neighbor, whoever politician and said, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait, I have a choice here. So it's interesting. It's like, just because there is this sort of bullshit, a Wu movement to like over to like blame the victim. Yeah. That's true. But I think there is also a willingness to excuse behavior because people feel that people are limited.1 (24m 26s):Fuck you limited where you don't like, you know, so there's, there's a line. And I think that we, that the black and white thinking of like, you know, all good, all bad. All everyone chooses everything. It's not, it's just not the way it works. But like, yeah. So I,2 (24m 43s):No, it's not the way it works. You're so your thing recently is all about choice points. My thing is all about dissociation and, and I feel, I think I've hit on in the past. I've always said the reason I don't get along with anybody in my town is like, it's all Puritan and whatever. And that's probably true too, but there's another deeper thing. Because a lot of times I will meet somebody and I was trying to define what's the immediate thing that within seconds of talking to somebody, you can proceed. Cause you feel this is a, this is going to, this might go in a good direction for me it's they don't seem completely dissociated.2 (25m 25s):Right. And people are going to hear that and think, I mean, a bunch of people with multiple personalities, that's not what I1 (25m 31s):Mean. Yeah.2 (25m 34s):I really just mean the kind of person who says, for example, you know, my dogs are not crazy. My dogs are not crazy and my dogs are not crazy or my life is not in shambles. My marriages I'm shambles. My kids are not whatever, like whatever it is, there's a lot of, you know, people have to do so much work to hold up. These myths about themselves and their families and their lives. And I get it because to be in touch with the reality of one's life or one situation is completely overwhelmed.1 (26m 7s):So painful too. It's so painful.2 (26m 11s):It's so painful. But so, but like I need, in order to have a thing with a human, I need to be able to look at them and have some vague semblance that they're not in another, on another planet now. Sometimes I get past that and I, and it's like, okay, but I still just don't like you, right. For whatever reason. But I think that's the majority of the people I encounter in life or in some type of a dissociative place. And maybe it's because of the pandemic and maybe it's because things have been a shit show for the last several years, but that w that thought really clarified for me.2 (26m 51s):Okay. Yeah. This is the, this is like the stumbling block I have with a lot of people. I have a friend right now who, I mean, she's, she's kind of a friend, but she she's one of these people, like the day we met, she started referring to me as her best friend kind of, kind of a thing. And she likes to drink a lot. And so I kind of pulled back on the relationship. And during the pandemic, I had a pretty good reason to, and after that she's been contacting me and she's just not really kind of getting the hint. So I decided to take the opportunity the last time she contacted me to say, well, you know, like things aren't really going that great, like this and this and this, no response, no response, because what she wants for me is to validate the myth that she doesn't drink too much.2 (27m 41s):And that everything is fine in her life. Right. And when I want to talk about how things are not fine, she's not interested.1 (27m 49s):Yeah. That's really a telltale sign. Yeah. I mean, yeah, that it is. Yeah. And then I take it a step further, which is in my brain, which is I get angry because I have lived, I have spent so much time, energy, sweat, and, you know, sweat equity in looking at the painful stuff that I just can't perpetuate the circus show that that it's okay.2 (28m 27s):Well, today we are talking to Glen Davis. Glenn Davis is one of the hardest working busiest people we have ever met. He is the artistic director of Steppenwolf theater in Chicago. He's just closed a production of king James, which had also been a Steppenwolf. He just closed it at the mark taper forum in Los Angeles. He has a production company with Trell, Alvin McCraney, and they've got 10 projects on the slate right now. He's a writer, he's a director, he's a performer, he's a producer. And he is an artistic director. So please enjoy not our, it was just boss, boss, his conversation with Glenn Davis.4 (29m 22s):I gave it to my office. You survive theater school, but mostly I want to ask what's happening with you right now. Tell me what are you doing and what are you feeling and how are you today?5 (29m 34s):Right now? I am doing great. I am doing a play here at, in LA, at the mark taper forum called king James. We have been here for over a month and we closed this Sunday.4 (29m 50s):All right. So here's my question to you. We talked to our first attempt and it goes so well in terms of our tech, but so you went to the theater school. I just finished teaching at a theater school. I don't know if I'm going back. They have a new Dean coming in. Yeah. Who? I had a meeting who asked to have a meeting and she was lovely if you had, I'm asking this5 (30m 11s):Question.4 (30m 12s):Yes. So if you had to go back, would you have gone to a theater conservatory? Would you do it again? Would you go to a conservatory for acting training to5 (30m 24s):Theater school specifically, or just one4 (30m 26s):In general and then to the theater school specifically?5 (30m 30s):Yes. Yes. I would say at the very least, even if I didn't learn anything, I made some of my strongest friendships at the theater school.4 (30m 40s):You, you have, you have not only kept in touch, but you are thriving alongside people that you went to school with. So you would have done done it again. Okay. Favorite? What do you, what kind of art do you want to make my friend? Like, what is your, if you had, I'm asking this to all my, our guests, we just have to someone. And I said like, what are we doing here on this planet? And what kind of art do you want to make?5 (31m 6s):I guess I would say art that is impactful and challenges. Its audiences and challenges are sort of moral and ethical codes. Our identity, our idea of what we think is right or wrong in the world.4 (31m 24s):Can you say more about that?5 (31m 25s):Yeah. I did a play a few seasons ago called downstate and that this does exactly right.4 (31m 33s):Yeah. Intense. Yeah. Intense I side. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. That's, it's about people that live in like a halfway house.5 (31m 42s):Yeah. They're in a group home. It's five sex offenders who have, who have been released from prison, but into a group home. And so they have to figure out how to, you know, assimilate back into normal society. And you go into that play, you know, with your most folks have, I would imagine, have their own, very strong opinions about sex offenders, you know, pedophiles full stop, you know, and then this play the best way I can explain it is that it makes you reconsider what you think of those people when they, when they sort of visceral level, you, you go in thinking, okay, I know I don't need to explore this.5 (32m 29s):And then you do even just for, you know, this two hour play. And even if it's just a minor shift, it feels like you've gone a far way out of the way to give back maybe to the same place. But you, you know, Bruce Norris wrote this play and he talks about how he wrote the play because he wanted to, he wanted folks to challenge. He wanted to challenge the audience's ability to, to their capacity for forgiveness.4 (32m 59s):Yeah. I mean, I'm obsessed with the idea of who gets to be forgiven and why, and what happens when yeah. People make choices. And I think w you know, working with felons when they got out of prison, I learned that most of us well. Yeah. I, I truly believe that most of us are like one bad choice away. A lot of times from being an exact same position as my clients were in, or as the people in that player. And, and it's not as simple as we think, but, you know, I, yeah, I agree. So, okay. So you want to make that kind of art. Do you feel like you made that kind of art at the theater school at all?4 (33m 40s):Did you,5 (33m 43s):I think at the theater school, I was less concerned with making art and more concerned with managing the cut system. If we had a cut system and then, you know, just being a good actor, it was, it was primarily, primarily about self. It was less about storytelling. I didn't, I don't think I got to that place in my life career until a few, few years out of school. You do some work and you figure out it's not simply about me and how good I am in it, or you know, how much money I'm making.4 (34m 18s):Yeah. Did you, when you did the showcase, did you the show? Okay, so I was just the, the, the kids, the kiddos were just here during the showcase. There was no real showcase in person which sucked this year, but they came to LA and it brought back memories. And so I was going to ask you about your experience. Did you go to New York LA and do Chicago? Okay. What was it like for you? What material do you remember the material you did? And what was the, what was your experience of that in terms of interest reps?5 (34m 51s):I don't remember what scene I did for showcase, but I did, I did do a scene. I remember I was playing, I had a basketball at his house playing basketball at the same time. I should figure out what play that was, but I did that. And then I got, I guess, a healthy amount of interest in New York and LA, and I knew from showcase even before that, that I knew I was, I was leaving Chicago.4 (35m 18s):Okay. This is very exciting to me to, to, so you, you, w w how did you know that, like, when you went there and you did your scene and afterwards, they said, so, and so wants to meet with you or these people, like you, you just, like, I gotta get outta here, or what was the feeling like? My next move is,5 (35m 37s):Well, I was cold in Chicago, so I had just done a Chicago winter, and I wasn't, I was determined not to do another. And I think for a long time, I thought I'd go to New York. What happened was I ended up getting a, managed, signing with a manager here in LA, right out of showcase, and then decided, okay, I'm going to go to LA. And then I booked this other job. It took me to Canada for two years, but I kept my LA manager. And then I moved to LA right after this thing called the Stratford festival.4 (36m 10s):Of course. Yeah. Two years. Yeah. Holy shit. So you went right out of school to Canada. Yeah. Do you, how was that?5 (36m 20s):It was great. It was, it was this sort of things that I didn't anticipate I'd ever do. I didn't even know where Stratford was when I got the job. And so I went into, it was called the Birmingham conservatory for classical theater training at Stratford festival. And so I go up and I studied for 20 weeks in the winter and in Stratford, Ontario. And then you go into the season as an actor. So I was up there for two years4 (36m 52s):And then, okay. So you're doing that for two years where you kept your manager and then what happens after Canada5 (36m 58s):Moved to LA4 (36m 59s):You just straight up moved here? Yup. Okay. And then, and then you back and forth, or you were here for a while. What years are your year here? Youngster. What year was this? Not that long ago.5 (37m 8s):I moved to LA and then I, I was, I think I did submit two thousands. Then I went to New York to do a play. I want to say something like 2008. And then from then on, I started going back and forth between New York and LA. I did that for probably brought till about 2000, 2014, something like that.4 (37m 44s):And then what happened? I'm fascinated. You, you have a story that I don't for theater school grads, that this doesn't usually happen. So usually what we notice is you do the showcase, you pick a place and you stay there for a long time, but you've been moving around. So then, okay. So after you did back and forth, how did you land? I mean,5 (38m 4s):Well, I was living in LA. I had done a play in New York, and so I thought to myself, I wanted to be able to go back and forth. So I still kept my, my home in LA, I guess I call it. And I would just, I got a roommate in New York and I would just go back and forth between the two. And so I did a play in New York in 2008, then I did another in 2011. And, and then I think I will probably let that place go. New York around 2014.4 (38m 38s):Yeah. And then since then, I've just5 (38m 40s):Been, then I was in LA and then I D I went back to Chicago in 2013 to do a play at Steppenwolf. And then I got a place in Chicago. So I replaced my place in New York with a place in Chicago. And I would just go back and forth between Chicago and LA.4 (38m 57s):Okay. So now, now you run the joint with, with a bunch of, with Audrey and probably some help, some other step waltz. W why do you take, why did you take that on, like, what, what, what, what happened there that you were like, this is the next thing I'm like, fascinated by the choices people make. And this was the same with my clients and the same with my characters. I write, like, how does that happen when you're going back and forth from New York or to mostly now, Chicago and LA. Yeah. And then you're like, you're, you were obviously an ensemble member I'm assuming first. Okay. And then what, how does that happen? That, you5 (39m 36s):Know, wow. When I was made ensemble, remember in 2017, I had just done another play a step one side. I think I did like4 (39m 44s):About, you got older.5 (39m 46s):Yeah. You got older. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. And so I did another play called the Christians and had, had a great time. And after that, I, I had started to the other part of my life. I'm a producer in television and film. So I started producing and then it just sort of became natural to me, for me to want to sort of guide projects to fruition. And so when the Steppenwolf job came up and R D Shapiro who brought me into the company announced that she was leaving and the company did a, that the company has a self-imposed mandate that an ensemble member always be the artistic director.4 (40m 31s):I did not know that.5 (40m 32s):Okay. It's only ever been on ensemble. So we did a search within the company and myself and Audrey Francis, who, you know, we got the most votes. And so,4 (40m 44s):Yeah.5 (40m 44s):Yeah. The ensemble bows down, sambal chooses the ensemble, the artistic director.4 (40m 50s):I did not know this. Okay. This is very fascinating to me. Okay. So you got the most votes and why two people, like, did they, has it ever been to at the same time,5 (41m 0s):If it has there's rumors that it was two before this there's only ever been two in a formalized setting, formalized situation. And so we decided to do it together because it's such a huge job. And both of us are actors. Yeah. Audrey is also a director. I am a producer. And so we thought, you know, to do this job, you know, most times it's directors, because, you know, it affords them the ability to still have their career outside of it for an actor. If you're running the theater. And like right now, I'm in Los Angeles doing king James.5 (41m 41s):Yeah. Then it, it, who, who do, who does staff go to? Who, who, who sort of running, steering the ship while I'm away or the counterpart is away. So we said, okay, if there's two of us that we can sort of outline in any given year that as long as one of us is on campus, one of us is steering the ship to the garden at any given time. Then there's a version of the second work. So we, we, we decided together that we would, we would pitch ourselves together instead of one of us doing it. And so the ensemble loved it and the board thought it was a great idea. And so they contracted both of us. And so here we are.4 (42m 22s):And does it go on forever and ever until you get sick of it,5 (42m 26s):We have to let them know we do, we do contracts. And so before the contract ends, you let them know, Hey, I want to stay on it, or I want to,4 (42m 36s):How's it going?5 (42m 37s):It's going4 (42m 38s):Right. Do you like it?5 (42m 40s):I love it. Is it4 (42m 40s):Hard?5 (42m 41s):Oh yeah. Yeah. It's hard.4 (42m 43s):It's fulfilling.5 (42m 45s):Very,4 (42m 45s):Yeah. Okay. Do you have any time to do anything? Do you, do you, you must because you're here. So you have, but you do a lot of things. So I guess my next question is how do you do a lot of things and managed to not lose your mind?5 (43m 0s):What I would say that I'm a big planner. I have a lot of help. Obviously. I have assistance. I partners, turtle album McCraney, who my, I wasn't mentioning before4 (43m 15s):That is to school together,5 (43m 17s):Went to school together. Yeah. And he is my best friend in the world. Also my producing partner,4 (43m 23s):Brilliant boat. But yeah, you're both very brilliant human.5 (43m 26s):Thank you. I appreciate that. And so we have a production company based here in LA and we're in an overall deal at universal. And so we, we, that's a partnership and we have a team, a very strong team that we produce television and film. And then at Steppenwolf, I have Audrey, who's the best partner one can ask for. And we, we, we together manage through all the, the things that are going on and step off. So, and then, you know, when I'm going to do a play, yeah. I'm constantly in communication with her constantly communication with Tarell about all the things that we're doing.4 (44m 7s):Oh my God. So I guess the communication is, is really the key. Okay. My question is, what would you say to like the students and my young students who are like, what kind of world am I walking into? What, in the entertainment industry, how can I take ownership over my career? What the fuck do I do? I always like to be whatever you're doing, something's going right in your career. So, which is great. And I'm not saying it doesn't take a tremendous amount of work, but I'm also saying, is there any tips or like how to manage this life? You've graduated. You've just, like you said, like, you want to, you want to make it, you want to, you, you want to earn money, want to pay the rent and still make good art.4 (44m 56s):How the fuck do you do that?5 (45m 0s):Well, you're saying w what advice I would give. Right. I would say the, one of the first questions you asked was, you know, LA or Chicago, or, you know, I would say pick the place that you'd like to live. Like a lot of times people go, oh, I got to go to LA. If I want a career, you don't have to do that anymore. You can be in London, you'll be in Toronto. You can be in new Orleans, you can Chicago. So I would Fe I would say, go to the place that makes you happiest, makes you feel like the best version of yourself or some approximation of it. And then sort of sit down. I always look at my life in terms of five-year goals and plans.5 (45m 40s):What do I want, what I want my life to look like in the next five years. And so sit down and make a plan. If that's to be a series regular on a TV show, then put all of your efforts towards that. If it's to be, you know, a Broadway actor, then, you know, you know, there's a path to that, presumably. So I would say, make a plan and take some risks. You know, they might not always be comfortable, but you go out and you say, at least for, at least for me, I've, I've learned the most about myself. And I really taken a risk. And lastly, I would say, particularly for actors become, you know, did this happen by happenstance with me, but my best friend in the world is a writer and a very accomplished yeah,4 (46m 28s):Yeah. Like not, yeah, no slouch like a brilliant one of the most brilliant. Yeah.5 (46m 33s):And, and I've because of that, I've, you know, our partnership I've been in almost every one of his plays I've, we've created together. He's making things for me. I would say, if you can find a creative partner partnership or ships, you know, Rajiv, Joseph is another friend of mine who we're very close friends, we've done two plays together. Now we're doing TV shows together. Like find those folks that you're like, I just like being in partnership with you. And let's, you know, it might take five, 10 years to create something together, but let's start the conversation.4 (47m 9s):Did you know that immediately at school, that these folks were going to, cause there's also, isn't there a woman that you also are close with, that you met?5 (47m 17s):Yeah. Alana arenas is my other best tool in a lot of my two best friends in the world. Okay.4 (47m 21s):Okay. So did you know at the, at school, at the theater school where you immediately, like, I ha I love these books and I want to make art with them, or how did5 (47m 30s):That? No, I don't. I don't think cause Tara wasn't a writer at the time. He was, he was an actor and a theater school a year ahead of me and Atlanta was two years ahead of me. And, but they just, they were home. I met them and I just said, oh, you're my person. And so those two have been in my life for the last, you know, 20 however many years. And those are proud. I've worked with them several times over and over. They're both supremely talented Alana was on Tyrrell's TV show called David makes man. And she was amazing in it. So I think that, yeah, I just found them as people interesting and you know, beautiful people inside and out and they just so happen to be, you know, supremely talented, but I didn't go into it looking for them like, who do I like?5 (48m 21s):You know? So that's, that's essentially what it was. You.4 (48m 25s):Okay. What kind of, you said you want to make art, like, do you, is it more that the medium doesn't matter as much as the story in terms of TV versus being in a F or working on films or working on television? Or what, what is, do you have a favorite or are you just open to telling good stories, whatever form it takes? Are you that kind of a,5 (48m 46s):Yeah, I think it's the, the ladder. They're very different forms to work in as an actor. I'm doing a play right now, obviously. Yeah. I get a fulfillment that I don't get in producing television and film, but also in television and film, I get a, a fulfillment there as well, where I'm the, I have, my voice means is, is hugely meaningful in the room. If it's not me making the final decision on something, you know, very close to the, the, the folks in the room who are making those final decisions. So as an actor, you're, you're coming to be a cog in a wheel, you know, or you're there to service the story in film and TV as a producer, at least you're, you're get the engine you're, you're providing the platform or the, the landscape for artists to come in and tell their stories.5 (49m 44s):So it's a very different fulfillment that, you know, being in one in the other. And so I love them, both. Yeah. Theater is, is where I come from from first fell in love with storytelling and the art and the craft.4 (49m 58s):W I can't remember. I know that your family is not, it's more of a political family, right? Yeah.5 (50m 2s):And in terms of politics in Chicago.4 (50m 3s):Yeah. Yeah. So, but not so not theater so much. Okay. And then how did you end up doing theater since you said theaters5 (50m 12s):You're I was on the basketball team in high school. That's right.4 (50m 14s):Then you realized,5 (50m 16s):Yeah. Yeah. I realized I just audition audition for a play randomly. And I thought, oh wow, this is, I can do this. And so I gave up sports or basketball and she said, my, I thought, I thought at the time I had a burgeoning basketball career.4 (50m 31s):But if you did, though, you must have had a co I mean, what you were, you said you loved it and you were good at it. You just didn't think you were good enough.5 (50m 41s):Yeah. I don't even think at the time I knew if I was good enough. And I probably had all the bravado that any young4 (50m 47s):Men5 (50m 48s):That I could go to the NBA, but I just fell in love with theater. I fell in love with the art form and, you know, later studying it at DePaul at other places, setting Shakespeare. I just thought I can do this for the rest of my life. So.4 (51m 6s):Oh. And you knew it, right? Yeah. Okay. Well, there you go. So you knew it. Okay. And then if you had to like, like the next thing you want to do, like you have, are you doing exactly? I talked to people sometimes and they're doing exactly what they want to do, or they're excited. Or sometimes they're like, no, I want to pivot. And in a year, like we talk about, you talked about five years, so what's your five-year, what do you want to do in five years in your five-year plan? Do you have any grant?5 (51m 33s):Yeah. Well, I think that a big part of my artistic life right now is stepping up is I'm leading the company. There are some things that industry-wide, that I would love to see changed.4 (51m 46s):I want to know what they are,5 (51m 48s):Where there's a, there's a long list4 (51m 50s):With one5 (51m 54s):More pay equity for, for people in the arts theater theater specifically. There's, there's just not, you know, you can't, most of us cannot live, let alone thrive on a theater salary. So we'd love to change that diversity equity inclusion is very important to me getting more people involved, who don't, who historically have not been a part of the theater community. I think doing king James has been sort of eye opening for me because so many people have come because they love basketball. They love LeBron, or they love sports.5 (52m 35s):And now they're, you know, they're coming to a play and they go with some of the first play I've ever been to. And I loved it. So I think there's a lot, a lot of work there to do.4 (52m 46s):And do you feel like the word beat with the pandemic and everything? Have you, have you been able to start diet? Like, are you diving in now or are you, were you in the, when did you start take over you and Andre?5 (52m 60s):Our first day was as artistic director was September 1st, 2021.4 (53m 7s):Yeah. Okay. And now what's happening? The seagull happened? No.5 (53m 13s):Yeah, we just, we just closed the seagull. It was, it was our first theater in the,4 (53m 19s):The new spaces. Is it gorgeous?5 (53m 22s):Or it's, it's, it's all I walk into it and I'm just blown away. And I actually get very excited about one day being able to perform in that theater. But it's this beautiful in the round space that is state of the art, these wonderfully resonant acoustics. It is. Yeah. It's, it's a playground. I love that. I love that space, but yeah, we just opened our first play. We opened, there was the seagull, an adaptation of checkoffs, the seagull by Yassin playing golf and he wrote and directed it and it, it was fantastic.5 (54m 3s):And yeah. So now that now that theater is open,4 (54m 7s):Are you, do you have any things exciting that are probably a million things that are happening, but like television or film wise or for you, or, oh yeah. Or your company or anything that, you know, what's happening.5 (54m 21s):We have step move, just announced this new season. So the false will start, well, we'll have that season, beginning, this fall that we're excited about. So the first season that Audra and I were able to curate ourselves, so that's exciting.4 (54m 39s):What does that mean? Like you're in charge. Like you have to plan the whole shit or like, so like, if you have all the plays out there, you have a literary person I'm sure. And they say, okay, this is all on the table. Yeah. And then you read them all and then does lively debate ensued what happened? Okay.5 (54m 57s):We have an artistic team that we go back and forth over place and we decide, you know, obviously it's4 (55m 4s):No.5 (55m 5s):Yeah. We announced our season April, I think. Okay.4 (55m 8s):What are you super excited? I'm married. You're probably out. So a little bit more. Okay. Do we know if you are going to be in them? Can5 (55m 15s):You be, or you4 (55m 17s):Can't. Okay.5 (55m 18s):I, I don't know just yet. I just don't know, like4 (55m 24s):Deciding.5 (55m 25s):Yeah, sure. Yeah. It's possible. Yeah.4 (55m 27s):That's going to be exciting and you're playing closes. And then when you leave here to go back to Chicago,5 (55m 32s):I leave here I go on vacation and then I'll go back to Chicago. And then I do a play in the fall called well downstate. Oh yeah. We do that in New York in the fall. And then we have Trella and I have 10 TV series that are in development. Yeah. Yeah.4 (55m 55s):Totally crap. Congratulations.5 (55m 58s):Very much. So4 (55m 60s):Tenancy develop, I guess that's how it works. Wow. Wow. Good for you.5 (56m 5s):So what looks to go into production on one later this year? And yeah, we're pitching shows always. And so that's, most of my days are, you know, pitching shows, working on development with our executives at universal and managing the theater. So picking plays really4 (56m 26s):Plays very full5 (56m 28s):Life and doing a play.4 (56m 29s):Do you love your life?5 (56m 31s):Yeah, I love it. Wow.4 (56m 32s):Okay. Do you re we, we were just had I'm in a book club and we were talking about regret. Do you believe in, what's your idea when someone says to you, what do you think about regrets? Do you have them, do you think it's bullshit? Do you think that regret is good? Because it makes us, we had a lively discussion about regret the other night here at the office.5 (56m 51s):What was the consensus?4 (56m 52s):Well, some people are like, no, there's no such thing as regret because in the moment you do the best you can with the choices you have. But I actually think regret has been helpful for me because things like I regret that I didn't do certain things. It's not about judgment for me. It's more about like, I'm S maybe it's sadness. I don't know. I regret that, like my mom and I never talked about X before she passed. Right. Or, but I don't say, and I'm an asshole because of that. I just say, I regret that. But other people are saying, no, no regrets, like live your life with no regrets. I don't know. Where do you fall on this? I don't know.5 (57m 28s):I think that, I think for all honest with ourselves, there, there are things that may be in our past that we wrapped that we maybe wish we had not done done in that same way. That's the sort of notion of a regret. You know, you wish you made a different choice to varying degrees, but I think that at least when most people say, because I understand the notion of, Hey, there's no regrets. You, you had to make the choice you were going to make to be the person that you go to. You're going to be, I get it. So I think that, I think more to the point for me is there are regrets. You just have to live with them. You just have to learn to live with them. And, you know, all of us decide or make a, make a choice of how we're going to sort of, how do you say it is a word I'm looking for, but how you sort of assimilate all your choices into your person,4 (58m 25s):Integrate that and like, become like accept them or like the least own them, maybe.5 (58m 32s):Okay. I did that. It is what it is. it is what it is. I think you're saying it is what it is. It didn't turn out in my favor, but you know, w what else was I going to do? Ah,4 (58m 43s):That brings me to my final. I'll let you, but what was your, her a bit of as a human, but like, what do you do when things don't go your way? How do you, cause I think a lot of people that listen to the podcast are coping with like regret and also rejection. And when things don't go your way, whatever that means, how do you as a person, as an artist, however you want to answer it, how do you get back up how do you, how do you keep going?5 (59m 13s):Yeah, I think that I learned this, this trick oh, years ago, where I go and I thought to myself, I'm never going to, whenever I auditioned for, yeah, I am. I am, I will not covet it. I will do everything in my power not to covet it so that if, and when I don't get it, which he usually don't, you didn't lose anything. It was never yours4 (59m 35s):Coveting as it is an interesting word there. Right. Cause it's like, it means sort of to try to clench or hold onto or grasp and like control. All right. So you say that to yourself?5 (59m 47s):Yeah. It gives me a sense of relaxation, relaxation going into the room. Look, if I get it and it could be, life-changing awesome. But if it doesn't, my life is where it is today. Awesome.4 (59m 58s):Part of the thing that I noticed with you is like that you've built such an awesome life anyway, that like stuff will add to it if something mindblowing comes along, but it's not as though it's the only thing going on. Right? So like you have so much going on that you seem to love that if you don't get book a job, it's not going to make the whole house fall down. Right? Like it's not the whole entirety of who you are as an artist.5 (1h 0m 21s):Yeah. This is, this goes back to an experience I had when I first moved to LA, I was in, I was a, an intern at a casting office and that's something I would actually suggest actors recommended they do because you get to see what the other side looks like. And I remember being in there and this, this guy comes in for this audition. He's just Emmy nominated actor at the time. And he has like four page monologue. And I'm reading with him, he's reading through it. He looks down at the pages maybe twice. And he got it the night before. So he did this enormous amount of work. He's reading through it. I'm looking down at the page, just trying to remember it. And I've just have one line of course responses.5 (1h 1m 1s):And he finished it. He is brilliant. He4 (1h 1m 3s):Finishes it.5 (1h 1m 4s):He did a fantastic job. He's brilliant. He gets up right away and says, well, look, thank you all. Thank you all so much and have a nice weekend or whatever. Yeah. He didn't linger. He didn't say, do you need more? He didn't say, Hey, how4 (1h 1m 20s):You know,5 (1h 1m 22s):He just left out and he did not. It seemed like something else was pulling him out of the room.4 (1h 1m 29s):Other5 (1h 1m 31s):Life, something, something else, this wasn't everything he goes out. And the director, I mean the, the casting director, there's, there's just this hush for about 10 seconds, which is a long time after somebody leaves a room after auditioning and it's all executives in the room and me and the cats. And he says the casting director, she says, the casting director says, that's why he's immune nominated. And then there's another beat or two. And then the, the lead executive says, yeah, but he's not right.5 (1h 2m 11s):And so that was it. And so what it taught me was even if you go in with, in your, you're doing all the right things, you're playing all the right beats are the guy. There's a version of that show in which he was fantastic and went on to write awards and4 (1h 2m 27s):Things,5 (1h 2m 28s):But he wasn't right in their estimation. So it took the pressure off of me of trying to have to be4 (1h 2m 33s):Right for everything. Like we can't be right for everything5 (1h 2m 37s):Not going to be right.4 (1h 2m 37s):And what's not, ours is not ours. Like you're saying like, you can covet something all you want, but if it's not meant for me, it's not coming to me,5 (1h 2m 45s):But it mattered to him no less because he still went in and knock their socks off as an actor. And that's the narrative that comes out of that room is that he wasn't right. But wow, he's brilliant. I can't wait to, he is right for the right for,4 (1h 2m 58s):And also it had quite an effect on you. And now you're telling me this story and then it'll be told on the podcast. And so it's, it matters, right? Like it's a ripple effect. So he might not have been right for that part. You know, there's a friend of mine is a casting director and she always says, you probably know her Mickey Paskal on Chicago. And she says, not yet for the person. So it is not, no, it is not there, Terry, you know, she said, not yet, it's not yours yet. Not yet for you. Not yet. And I love that because it, it sort of implies that something's coming. We just don't know when. And we just don't know what it looks like specifically, but just not yet. And I was like, oh, it's such a more, oh, it's like an open way to look at these jobs rather than just like you did with the, it's just not right for it.4 (1h 3m 45s):He, he was brilliant. And then, like you said, there's a version of that show with him in it, but this is not this one. Yeah. And so it's, I, I think that that's great. And I, I think young actors really need to hear that, which is not yet. And you're not going to be right for everything you can't be.5 (1h 4m 1s):Yeah. It took a lot of pressure off me to have to be perfect. And I just started relaxing and just, you know what, I'm gonna do the best job, my version of this, this character. And then if I get it awesome, if I don't, I haven't lost anything. Yeah.4 (1h 4m 15s):And I think, I think what I'm getting just from this, from this interview too, is that idea of building a life with that is full of things that I, or anyone loves to do. Not just one thing. So that if, if one thing doesn't go in one area, doesn't go like perfectly. I could still be like, thank you, have a great day. I'm going to go out and live my life. That is like really dope over here. I have family, I have whatever the things are. Great. So you're not dependent on this one. Yes. To like be okay, but I think it's, it's yeah.5 (1h 4m 51s):It's hard to find you to find your happiness. It's4 (1h 4m 53s):Just like a part of your day, right? Like it's one part of your day. And then you go on and do your things and have your conference calls with Steppenwolf and whatever, eat a sandwich or whatever. So5 (1h 5m 3s):Remember this one or from one friend of mine years ago said, I look at auditions as my one opportunity to act that day or to perform or to tell a story. And I had my two minutes, I go in and I do it and then I'll let it go. And I throw away the sides. And I, I, I go home.4 (1h 5m 19s):I mean, I think that's great. Like I think, I think taking the pressure off and also, right, it's sort of what I call, like right-sizing things, you know, like I've, I I've said before I got into rooms, like I have seen the face of hell and this is not it we're going to go in and we're gonna do it. All right. So I will let you go because you're very, you're very busy and you have a lot of things going on, but I, I just want to thank you. And I also want to say, like, I have a lot of hope. I mean, I, I love Audrey and now I adore you. And I think that the American theater has a real opportunity. The, one of the things that I'm noticing, especially in the whole two weeks that we've had in terms of the Supreme court, that w we have a lot of opportunity, like, things are really, really hard and terrible, but I also think that anytime there's something really terrible, there's also an opportunity for the counterpoint to that.4 (1h 6m 12s):So I'm hoping with the American theater and art in general, perhaps that maybe we can be part of that counterpoint of all the terrible shit that's going on. And I'm hoping that stepping Wolf, I can't wait to see, I'm going to see what the season is, is going to, you don't have to tell me what the season is. I'll look it up. I think you and Audrey should be in all the plays and that's probably not going to happen, but, but no, I am hopeful. I am still hopeful. Are you still hopeful about things?5 (1h 6m 38s):Absolutely. Yeah. I wouldn't do it if I wasn't, it's it's not a job you want to take on with a sense of hopelessness. You have to really believe in the, in the sort of prospects of the artists involved in the sort of theater landscape itself.4 (1h 6m 54s):And since you, do you think the same holds true for like film and television? Are you still hopeful?5 (1h 6m 58s):Yeah. Filming film and television have this thing, that theater doesn't and that's called money. So whether you're, you know, I know a lot of folks who are on TV shows who are, you know, maybe not creatively inspired, you know, we've heard that story a lot, but they're getting there. You know, if, if it's, if it's an exchange of dividends for their time, then they're being paid in comparison to their counterparts in other industries they're being paid handsomely. And so that brings you a sense of happiness versus a fulfilling.4 (1h 7m 29s):Yeah. I didn't help your family and you can at least two. So that's true. Like, I think that that's, yeah. We seem to have found a mix of the things that you love and are important to you. And I think that that's something that, that is, that is brilliant, that we don't see a lot. So I say, keep, keep on. I mean, of course you're going to keep on, but thank you for talking to5 (1h 7m 48s):Me.3 (1h 7m 58s):If you liked what you heard today, please give us a positive five star review and subscribe and tell your friends. I survived. Theater school is an undeniable ink production. Jen Bosworth, Ramirez, and Gina cheat, or the co-hosts this episode was produced, edited, and sound mixed by Gina for more information about this podcast or other goings on of undeniable, Inc. Please visit our website@undeniablewriters.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Thank you.

The traditional pattern in life is to hit the ground running when the alarm sounds in the morning, go full speed ahead all day with the possibility of a short break over the lunch hour, cap it off with a session at the gym, kids activities or errands before – if we're lucky – crashing on the couch for a bit of mindless TV before crawling into bed and then starting the whole process over the next day. What if there was a better approach available? A way to recharge our lives through a natural restoration process that wasn't based on some hokey-pokey song and dance but rather established, evidence-based practices? Welcome to the Catalyst Health, Wellness & Performance Coaching Podcast. Today's guest is Cognitive Neuroscientist, Dr Sara Mednick, author of the exciting new book The Power of Downstate, which takes the reader through the research-based strategies to tap into the opportunities provided by purposeful downstate extension and enhancement to make the most of our personal and professional lives. Looking for weekly tips, tricks and turbo boosts to enhance your life? Sign up for the CATALYST 5 here, a brief weekly bullet point list of 5 ideas, concepts or boosts Dr. Cooper has discovered to improve your personal and professional life!For more information about the Catalyst Community, earning your health & wellness coaching certification, the annual Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat & Symposium and much more, please see https://www.catalystcoachinginstitute.com/ or reach out to us Results@CatalystCoachingInstitute.com If you'd like to share the Be A Catalyst! message in your world with a cool hoodie, t-shirt, water bottle stickers and more (100% of ALL profits go to charity), please visit https://teespring.com/stores/be-a-catalyst If you are a current or future health & wellness coach, please check out our Health & Wellness Coaching Forum Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/278207545599218.  This is an awesome group if you are looking for encouragement, ideas, resources and more. Finally, if you enjoy the Catalyst Podcast, you might also enjoy the YouTube Coaching Channel, which provides a full library of freely available videos covering health, wellness & performance: https://www.youtube.com/c/CoachingChannel

In this always-on world, it can be a challenge to find downtime. But cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Sara Mednick, author of the new book, The Hidden Power of the Downstate, says that spending too much time in our upstate is leaving us unhappy, exhausted and unhealthy. In this episode, she explains the need for us to discover our downstate and leverage it to enjoy a healthier, happier life. In this episode, you'll learn: What the downstate is and why it's so important. How spending too much time in the upstate can harm your health. What activities we can engage in to get some of the same health benefits as being in our downstate.

If you're trying to improve your sleep, thinking about doing so right before you get into bed might not be the best approach. Dr. Sara Mednick, is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine, and the author of the new book The Power of the Downstate. This episode is part of our month-long “Mental Health Reboot” series to mark Mental Health Awareness Month. According to her research, Dr. Mednick says that we need to take a more holistic approach to getting better sleep, and that sleep is just one of the ways that our bodies rest and restore. In this conversation, we talk about:The nuances of nappingDr. Mednick's definition of the “downstate”Whether there are practices that can compensate for poor sleepWhy heart rate variability is an important measurement of healthWhy sex is so helpful for sleepAnd when to take melatonin to best effectFull Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/sara-mednick-445See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Sara C. Mednick, PhD, author of THE POWER OF THE DOWNSTATE: Recharge Your Life Using Your Body's Own Restorative Systems, talks with Jillian about the importance of honoring circadian rhythms, melatonin, blue light blockers, and more for metabolism, immunity, and disease prevention. She explains the best times to sleep, eat, and exercise for optimal health. Plus, she tells us key supplements, breathing exercises, and lifestyle habits for better recovery, more energy, and a longer life. Guest Links:Website: https://www.saramednick.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/Sara_MednickIG: https://www.instagram.com/sarailoveyoumore/For 25% off The Fitness App by Jillian Michaels, go to www.thefitnessapp.com/podcastdealFollow us on Instagram @JillianMichaels and @MartiniCindyJillian Michaels Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1880466198675549Email your questions to JillianPodcast@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.