Shows
Mental As AnyoneMAA #102: With Jeremy WestInterview with Brisbane Improviser and Mindfulness Coach Jeremy West. Jeremy performs improvisation with Big Fork Theatre and ImproMafia. Check out some of Big Fork Theatre’s Improv shows on You Tube. Jeremy is also a Mindfulness Coach and teaches people skills around living in the present moment. Recording in the midst of Melbourne’s Stage 4 lockdown (on 22 August), we discuss: The benefits of mindfulness and living in the present moment, The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris, acting in accordance with your values, Jeremy’s love of improvisation, mindfulness and active listening being involved in improv, Jeremy's experience of Cov...
2020-09-0652 minMental As AnyoneMAA #101: With Alex WardInterview with Melbourne Comedian Alex Ward, who has been performing comedy for 7 years. You can find some of Alex’s great work on You Tube, including clips from Comedy Up Late and Tonightly with Tom Ballard. Alex has a podcast with Luka Muller called “Going Hypo” where they explore fun hypothetical situations. We discuss: The connection between physical and mental health, views on the pandemic, normalising that it’s okay to feel down because it’s almost impossible not to, acknowledging the lack of control, the importance of allowing yourself to feel your feelings, being mindful not to compare...
2020-08-2345 minMental As AnyoneMAA #100: With Gillian CosgriffInterview with the delightful Gillian Cosgriff, who has been performing comedy for 10 years. Gill has recently been performing in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, although the show is currently on lockdown hiatus. Gill has a background in cabaret, comedy, and music theatre. We discuss: writing songs on planes, the vacuum analogy of lockdown, the challenge of having big gaps in between work, tying her identity to her occupation, the philosophy of “a bad day is a good story”, reharnessing your own narrative through comedy, knowing the ingredients to the recipe for s...
2020-08-0857 minMental As AnyoneMAA #099: With Sam PetersenInterview with Melbourne Producer and ex-Comedian Sam Petersen. Sam recently released a documentary called Lady O’Loughlin about Comedian Fiona O’Loughlin, and he also has a weekly podcast called Confessions of the Idiots. Sam particularly enjoys having conversations about mental health and getting people to talk more about how they are feeling. Big thanks to Sam for allowing us to record in his studio for the first face-to-face MAA recording in a while. We discuss: Everyone having a battle with something that you don’t know about, using comedy and then therapy to assist his own mental...
2020-07-2649 minMental As AnyoneMAA #098: With Lauren BokInterview with Lauren Bok, who has been performing comedy for 9 years. Lauren comes from a theatre background and loves adding puns, mime, burlesque and other fun/versatile skills to her shows. Lauren also runs a comedy workshop program called Gaggle, which is for women and non-binary people because she is very committed to finding more diverse voices for the stage. The next workshop will be at the Wit Incorporated Theatre Company on Sunday 26th July. Lauren and her comedian friend Claire Sullivan host a podcast called Elementary Springfield. Claire did not have access to the Simpsons growing up, so...
2020-07-121h 01Mental As AnyoneMAA #097: With Dilruk JayasinhaInterview with Sri Lankan-born Melbourne-based Comedian Dilruk Jayasinha, who has performed anecdotal and self-reflective comedy all around Australia and the world since 2010. Dil has been on the tv shows such as Utopia and Have Yoi Been Paying Attention?, he won a Logie in 2018 for Most Popular New Talent, he has an awesome podcast with fellow Comedian Ben Lomas called Fit Bet, and currently you can catch Dil’s comedy special on Amazon Prime called Bundle of Joy. Dil's 2020 show Victorious Lion will hopefully resume later in the year (check www.comedy.com.au for updates). Dil very kindly spent so...
2020-05-1759 minMental As AnyoneMAA Interview with Greg FidelerInterview with Melbourne-based Comedian and Comedy Writer Greg Fideler, who is originally from the United States and moved to Australia in 2017. Greg has some great credits including writing for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, being a Contributing Writer for the Late Show with David Letterman, and writing jokes for the Weekend Updates segment of Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon and Spike TV. Greg also worked on US show The Soup for 11 years – which is a clip show hosted by Joel McHale. Greg now lives in Melbourne and was due to perform at MICF in 2020 (until Corona). We di...
2020-05-031h 14Mental As AnyoneMAA Interview with Ben SteelInterview with Melbourne-based Actor and Filmmaker Ben Steel, who has worked in the entertainment industry his whole life, and most recently completed a 3.5 year journey of creating a brilliant documentary called The Show Must Go On. The documentary was released late last year and is a must-see about mental health and wellbeing in the entertainment industry. Catch it on ABC iView until 4 July 2020. Ben has also worked around the world both in front of and behind the camera, and has many directing and acting credits to his name. We discuss: the elevated statistics in regard to mental...
2020-04-1952 minMental As AnyoneMAA #094: With Katrina FlemingInterview with Melbourne Comedian Katrina Fleming, who has a background in musical theatre and cabaret. Katrina's comedic style includes story-telling journeys and situational comedy, and she also performs improv musicals with the Conspiracy Improv Group. Katrina and Caili Christian's 2020 MICF show Queenagers, which delves into the topic of what it’s like to be middle-aged women, has been postponed due to the Corona Virus Pandemic (aka the Zombie Apocalypse) and will hopefully open later in the year at the Butterfly Club. We discuss: the wonderfully supportive Comedy Women’s Association, the view that laughter is the best medic...
2020-04-0458 minMental As AnyoneMAA #093: With Jess PearmanInterview with Melbourne Comedian Jess Pearman, who has been performing comedy for 3.5 years. Jess was due to perform a coupe of shows at MICF, but as you have probably heard, the festival has been cancelled due to the pandemic situation with Corona Virus.* We discuss: The double-edged sword of comedy combined with mental health, substance abuse in comedy, maintaining mental health by taking ownership and being courageous enough to ask people around you, having a detox/retox lifestyle, self-kindness and reflecting on the bigger picture, a booked called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, enjoyment of ro...
2020-03-2252 minMental As AnyoneMAA #092: With Bev KillickInterview with Melbourne Comedian and Actor Bev Killick, who has been performing for 20 years, having often toughed it out over the years as the only woman on the line-up. Bev has proven her mettle as a Comedian and loves her work. She also does television and film acting work, as well as voiceover work and comedy on cruise ships. Bev is a Mentor to up-and-coming female comedians. Go and catch Bev’s 2020 MICF show Don’t Tell Tony at the Powder Room on 30 Mar, 6 & 13 Apr. We discuss: Op-shopping to manage anxiety, the joys of working on cruise ship...
2020-03-0853 minMental As AnyoneMAA #091: With Liza DezfouliInterview with the wonderful Melbourne Comedian Liza Dezfouli, who is on a mission to challenge ageism and sexism with her comedy. Liza is involved with a theatre ensemble featuring older women, who perform a show called Unhoused, which references some of the cast’s genuine experiences of homelessness. We discuss: The invisibility of older women in society, the experience of long-term depression and techniques to manage it, the importance of reminding herself that the situation always changes, treating mental illness like the flu: give yourself time and space to go to bed, rest and absolve yourself of th...
2020-02-2250 minMental As AnyoneMAA #090: With Aurelia St ClairInterview with Melbourne-based Comedian Aurelia St Clair, who started comedy around the time of the 2017 RAW competition, where she reached state level and continued from there. Aurelia also began Improv around end of 2018 (mostly at the Improv Conspiracy Theatre). Aurelia has performed at MICF, and in 2020 has her first solo show called Woke, running from 24 Mar to 5 Apr @ 7.10pm at the Pilgrim Bar. We discuss: Aurelia’s German-Cameroonian background, sharing about her eating disorder on social media, the challenge of eating patterns around Christmas time, negative side effects of eating disorders, tapping into the joy of eating, fo...
2020-02-0854 minMental As AnyoneMAA #089: With Bron LewisInterview with Melbourne Comedian Bron Lewis who is relatively new to comedy (she’s 6 months in) and loves the story-telling format. Bron started performing at the Moth (a program that hosts live storytelling events in cities around the world) and then transferred over to comedy after receiving encouragement from Moth Host Cal Wilson. We discuss: the assuredness that comes with starting comedy in her 30s, becoming unexpectedly pregnant early in her relationship, the Impossible Baby and a second baby following soon after, becoming housebound with anxiety, the impact of post-natal depression and anxiety, the solace of her re...
2020-01-2552 minMental As AnyoneMAA #088: With Luke MorrisInterview with Bendigo Comedian Luke Morris, who is a returning guest (his first MAA interview was #74 from February 2018). In 2018 Luke was in the RAW competition and performed The Wine Science Show at MICF, and in 2019 he performed the show Love, Sweat and Science. He has also been involved in producing the Bendigo Comedy Festival in October, two years of the Movember Comedy Fundraiser in Bendigo, and the Women of Wit series in Bendigo, which is the only regular all-woman line-up in regional Victoria. In 2020 Luke will be bringing a new and exciting Virtual Reality Comedy experience to Adelaide Fringe...
2020-01-1145 minMental As AnyoneMAA #087: With SunandaInterview with Melbourne Comedian Sunanda, who performs stand-up and sketch comedy with characters. Sundanda performed a Melbourne Fringe show (called How Gay Am I?) which she will also bring to 2020’s Midsumma festival. Sunanda is third-generation Indian-Thai, she grew up in Bangkok and attended an international school. She studied and worked in the US, then headed back to Bangkok before making the move to Melbourne in mid-2019. We discuss: managing mental health with comedy, Sunanda finding out accidentally that she was adopted when she was 9, wondering who she could have been and her gratitude for the opportunities sh...
2019-12-2855 minMental As AnyoneMAA #086: With Eva LubulwaInterview with Melbourne Radio Presenter, DJ, Artist and Comedian Eva Lubulwa. Eva started on radio 2 years ago and found her way onto Triple R (102.7FM). Tune in to hear her show Highly Melanated on Mondays from 10pm to Midnight. Eva also started stand-up comedy this year and performed in 2 shows in Melbourne Fringe: a show with all-African performers called Laughs with Akwasi, and an all-female show called Pick a Dick. We discuss: Eva’s Ugandan-Australian heritage, the challenge of finding appropriate support for mental health issues and the high price we pay for good mental health, having AD...
2019-12-141h 09Mental As AnyoneMAA #085: With Lucy BestInterview with Melbourne Comedian Lucy Best, who has been performing comedy for 2 years. Lucy was a 2019 RAW finalist and also performed a show this year with Comedian Jaxson Garni. The show is called Keep the Change which is all about embracing change. Lucy is also a writer, artist, photographer, director musician, and an environmental and human rights activist. We discuss: Lucy’s unconventional upbringing, her Dad’s appellation and being the daughter of a Lord, experiencing anxiety and depression while growing up, Lucy’s positive experiences with medication, counselling and mindfulness, the importance of a good night’s sleep...
2019-11-3050 minMental As AnyoneMAA #084: With Isabella ValetteInterview with the delightful Isabella Valette, who sings, acts, dances, improvises and more! Isabella started out with a degree in Musical Theatre in the UK, performed a sketch show at Edinburgh Fringe and then started writing one-woman shows. Isabella is part of the Melbourne Impro group Impromptunes, who amazingly improvise one-hour musicals. She is also part of The Big HOO-HAA! who perform shorter-form improvised shows. In the past year Isabella has started stand-up comedy, including a show in 2019’s MICF and Melbourne Fringe called How Far I’ll Go, about her life as a kid’s entertainer. And if you’re...
2019-11-161h 06Mental As AnyoneMAA #083: With Nikki VivecaInterview with Nikki Viveca who has been a performer for many years, and moved into improv about 6 years ago, then officially began stand-up comedy with a solo show in 2016. She is also well-versed in acting, burlesque and other arts. Nikki has recently completed a season of her show Wasp Movie (to great success!) at Melbourne Fringe. Nikki has some exciting new shows coming up, including Cake Bride which is a look at marriage from a queer perspective, and ACEtravaganza which is a variety act show with asexual artists at Midsumma Festival. We discuss: Coming out as asexual...
2019-11-0257 minMental As AnyoneMAA #082: With Catherine McClintockInterview with Melbourne Comedian Catherine McClintock. Catherine is Canadian and has previously lived in Tasmania for 10 years, which is where she started performing comedy. She also has experience in acting, and film and television screen writing. Catherine first performed stand-up in the RAW Comedy competition, and smashed her solo show at Melbourne Fringe this year, which was titled Please and Thank Yous. We discuss: The spreadsheet approach to the MICF, being an “extreme empath”, losing her Mum at a young age, being adopted and dealing with grief, experiences with depression and anxiety, support from a Pastor and Ther...
2019-10-2755 minMental As AnyoneMAA #81: With Caili ChristianInterview with Melbourne Comedian Caili Christian, who is back for round 2 after her first MAA appearance in March 2016. Caili has been keeping busy, performing 4 MICF shows in the past few years, co-establishing the Comedy Women’s Association in Melbourne (see their Facebook page for more info) and running comedy rooms. We discuss: Creating a comedy space for female-identifying and non-binary people, the #MeToo movement and the more balanced nature of line-ups in recent times, comedy becoming Caili’s world and community, comedians coming from different walks of life and sharing the stage in common, managing anxiety with paci...
2019-10-061h 01Mental As AnyoneMAA #080: With Deborah HartInterview with Musician, Counsellor and ACT Practitioner Deborah Hart, who also facilitates workshops and teaches music. Deb has many fine strings to her bow and has a lot to share about her career path and mental health journey. We discuss: longing to call herself a Musician while growing up, panic attacks while studying, aspiring to be like (Music Educator and Conductor) Richard Gill, the challenge of nerves in auditions, working in an Orchestra in 1995, seeing a Psychologist and introduction to ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), the prevalence of performance anxiety, the function of a music audition, fear...
2019-09-221h 35Mental As AnyoneInterview With Anna Piper ScottInterview with Perth-born Melbourne-based Comedian Anna Piper Scott, who has been performing comedy for about 10 years now. Anna and her co-star Sophie Joske were nominated for the Golden Gibbo in 2018 for their MICF show Almost Lesbians. We discuss: similarities and differences of the Perth and Melbourne comedy scenes, the challenge of coming out as Trans with the lack of Trans voices in the media and not knowing how she might be received, the difficulties of finding therapy, some benefits of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), taking meds when you need and want them, awareness that there is no...
2019-09-0752 minMental As AnyoneMAA #077: With Justine SlessInterview with the wonderful, worldly and wise Justine Sless, who is not only an experienced Comedian: she also writes in various forms, run comedy workshops and has created her own festival (The Melbourne Jewish Comedy Festival). Other works by Justine include a Podcast (Kvetch with Sless) and a Blog (Excuse me there are crumbs in my comedy). She is also a Mother, completing her Masters, and doing extraordinary work in the Community/Non-Profit sector. We discuss: The agency of performing comedy, experiencing misogyny, anti-Semitism and racism in comedy rooms, wanting to effect a change within the community...
2018-03-1854 minMental As AnyoneMAA #076: With Miram LevyInterview with the determined and delightful Melbourne Comedian Miriam Levy. We discuss: The tendency to conceal the reality about mental health, Miriam's PhD in French Philosophy and addiction, her personal experience of addiction as a coping mechanism, the importance of connection, the art of balance, a near-death turning point, trauma and energy healing, Relaxation vs Dissociation, methods of meditation, Miriam’s super power, Sarah Silverman’s incredible display of empathy and compassion, assumptions and projecting pain, the importance of asking questions to assist with understanding, and Miriam’s message that there is no such thing as normal, and if we cou...
2018-03-0450 minMental As AnyoneMAA #075: With David RoseInterview with David Rose, who has been performing comedy for 6 years, including writing for Cracked magazine. David is co-producing a MICF show in 2018 called Just Kidding. Check it out at Tasma Terrace from 27th March to 1st April at 5.30pm. David is also hosting a gig on 22nd February at the McKinnon Hotel with a great line up, go to www.ticklepit.com for tickets. We discuss: Anxiety, depression and hypochondria, learning mindfulness from a Liverpudlian Monk, Smiling Mind, Oak and Calm apps, Mindful vs Mindless Colouring, anxiety about being judged by other Comedians, the birthday present...
2018-02-1845 minMental As AnyoneMAA #074: With Luke MorrisInterview with Writer, Podcaster, and Performer of Comedy, Luke Morris. Luke is part of the close-knit comedy community in Bendigo, and competed in RAW this January. Luke is involved in running the Bendigo comedy workshops and gigs at the Metropolitan and Handle Bar, and also visits various Melbourne Open Mic nights regularly. For more info about what’s on in Bendigo, check out www.bendigocomedy.com.au Also check out: Bendigo Comedy Podcast, Luke’s informative episode on the Laborastory podcast about Dom Perignon and the production of champagne, and his 2018 MICF show called The Wine Science Show. We...
2018-02-1055 minMental As AnyoneMAA #073: With Tara BellInterview with the lovely and vivacious Tara Bell, who has been performing comedy for just over 6 months and already has a RAW competition notch in her belt from 2017. Tara started out in the (male dominated) Bendigo scene, and has now performs with the (female dominated) Wodonga scene. Tara also has a podcast called 20 Bucks Is 20 Bucks, discussing the ins and outs of the first/worst jobs people have had. Shae from MAA was a guest on episode 9. Find the podcast in all the usual places, or on Facebook: 20 Bucks Is 20 Bucks Podcast. We discuss: Tara’s diagnosis wh...
2018-01-2746 min
Mental As AnyoneMAA #072: With Thomas McMahonInterview with the humble and very humorous Thomas McMahon, who has been performing comedy in Melbourne for 11 years (on and off). We discuss: Microphone logistics, Thomas’ experience with bipolar disorder, an insight into mania, the helpfulness of tracking moods, adjusting to having a diagnosis, issues with people self-diagnosing, the benefits of multiple professional opinions and check ups, Progressive Muscle Relaxation with soundtracks and music, Dalek Relaxation, the importance of a good support network, dealing with the stigma of mental health issues, analogy of a car without an accelerator or brake, the benefits of exercise, super powers, and Th...
2018-01-1300 minMental As AnyoneMAA #071: With Alia Vryens & Colin CraigThis week's interview is with the delightful and dynamic musical comedy duo Colin Craig and Alia Vryens, otherwise known as Pick Up, which they describe as Kylie Minogue’s Tinder account meets Freddie Mercury’s Grindr account. Catch them performing at Perth Fringe and MICF in 2018!! We discuss: Their background in theatre and learning the ropes of the comedy community, Colin and Alia’s experiences with mental health issues, the Rocky analogy and finding your own way to measure success, job titles in the Arts and how we self-identify, the Fail Faster mantra and the First Pancake Theory...
2017-12-301h 11Mental As AnyoneMAA #070: With Maarten BouwInterview with Comic Book Producer Maarten Bouw. One of many comics he (together with his twin brother) has produced over the past 5 years is called Shtick, which is about a Comedian who tells an offensive joke and then goes on a mental health journey while dealing with the fallout. For more info on Maarten's comics and how to get your hands on them, check out the Facebook page: Drawn Out Dad Productions. We discuss: Maarten’s experience of anxiety, not sweating the small stuff, locus of control and looking at the bigger picture, how Maarten started producing co...
2017-12-1741 minMental As AnyoneMAA #069: With Jade FitzgeraldInterview with the industrious and insightful Jade Fitzgerald, who is a Comedian from Albury. Jade started her comedy career in 2016 and has since competed in RAW and performed a Fringe show called The Three Step Program. Jade also runs a room in Albury called Off the Rails. We discuss: The organic country comedy scene emerging in Albury, the high suicide rates in rural and regional areas, working with high-risk youth, having a wonderful behind-the-scenes husband, men experiencing post-natal depression, accessing mental health services in the country, The Healthy Mind Platter (www.mindplatter.com), the benefits of sleep di...
2017-12-021h 07Mental As AnyoneMAA #068: With Jess CochranInterview with the awesome and inspiring Jess Cochran, who has always had a talent for humor, but officially started performing comedy at the end of 2016. Jess was invited to participate in a comedy workshop organised by the University of Melbourne, MICF and Women with Disability Victoria, which was delivered by the wonderful Nelly Thomas. Jess recently performed her set at a gig for the Disability Rights Commission. We discuss: having an eating disorder and other health issues from a young age, lack of accessibility to mental health services for those with physical disabilities, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Postural...
2017-11-181h 07Mental As AnyoneMAA #067: With Ben StevensonInterview with the friendly and humble Ben Stevenson, who is a Darwin Comedian originally hailing from Melbourne. Ben has been performing comedy since 2011, and currently co-hosts breakfast radio in Darwin on Hot 100FM. Ben was kind enough to share some experiences and stories related to mental health while on a recent visit to Melbourne. We discuss: The close knit comedy scene in Darwin, Ben’s take on managing anxiety, the man in the gorilla suit, Imposter Syndrome and being happy with who you are, the Australian drinking culture, switching off from work and social media, the concept of...
2017-11-0442 minMental As AnyoneMAA #066: With Andrew GoodoneInterview with Andrew Goodone, who has been a Comic for 36 years and has done “pretty much everything” in the comedy world. For the past 10 years he has been doing some amazing work with teenagers at risk, by engaging and collaborating with them to make short comedy films. To date, Andrew has made a whopping 151 short films. Check out some of his work by searching for the Robinvale Comedy Project on YouTube. Andrew also did a TED Talk last year, called Zen and the Art of Making Comedy, which you can view on YouTube. We discuss: starting the inter...
2017-10-2152 minMental As AnyoneMAA #065: With Jack ThompsonInterview with the open and affable Comedian Jack Thompson, who has been performing comedy for about 18 months, and moved down from Brisbane in June 2017 to be involved in the Melbourne comedy scene. We discuss: The universality of mental health issues, the disease aspect of addiction, depression after high school, the experience of Schoolies, issues with alcohol, social anxiety, his experience of therapy, escaping boredom, the influence of the bad kid who lived down the street, detox medication, finding what’s important in life, the Marijuana Anonymous joke, his experience of AA, Jack’s super powers, and Jack’s mess...
2017-10-0737 minMental As AnyoneMAA Bonus Episode: Radio 94.1FM 3WBC - It's Ok to not be Ok! hosted by Rae Bonney featuring MAA's Shae MeddingsBonus Episode which is a live recording of It's Ok to not be Ok! hosted by Rae Bonney, on Radio 94.1FM 3WBC. Rae very kindly invited me on her show as a guest, after appearing as an MAA guest on episode 61. We discuss: mental health in Comedians and Entertainers, why and how the podcast began, some of the more memorable moments from MAA, communication skills, and why I thank Peaches. Please enjoy.
2017-10-0157 minMental As AnyoneMAA #064: With Ari ShakerInterview with the humble and humorous Ari Shaker, who has been doing comedy for about 2 years, and can be found performing a few times a week at various venues around Melbourne like the Comic’s Lounge and Guerilla in Hawthorn. We discuss: Ari’s experience of anxiety, the Headspace app and the benefits of meditation, riding out the bad emotions with the good, road raging, taking mental health days, Ari’s secret beach, phone addictions and social media superficiality, love and hate of technology, Ari’s video game addiction as a kid, Ari’s joke development process, using mind...
2017-09-2453 minMental As AnyoneMAA #063: With Peter JonesInterview with Peter Jones, who has been performing comedy for almost 5 years. Peter runs some of Melbourne’s great comedy rooms (including Lido Comedy, Dirty Secrets, and Club Voltaire) and he also recently started writing for The Project. We discuss: the honesty, depth and openness of conversations with Comedians, the differences when communicating during high school years, convincing mum to let him watch the Simpsons back in the day, elements of friendships, being picked as a fake by the audience, the influence of being a Pastor’s son and being known as Sitcom Dad, the transition from shyne...
2017-09-1041 minMental As AnyoneMAA #062: With Gabe HoganInterview with Melbourne Comedian Gabe Hogan, who has been performing stand up for almost 6 years, including a MICF show this year called Gabe Hogan: Making Life a Double. Gabe and her friend David Tulk also have a series of sketches you can find on Facebook called Some People Are Just Arseholes. Gabe is heading up to perform at Sydney Fringe Festival in September 2017 so check out the show if you can! We discuss: Having ADD in high school, eating issues, affirmations by Louise Hay and Abraham-Hicks, sexuality revelations in adult life, values, teachers mistaking signs of depression f...
2017-08-2738 minMental As AnyoneMAA #061: With Rae Bonney Interview with Mental Health Advocate Rae Bonney. Rae is involved in lots of varied roles and organisations, including Integrated Wellbeing Specialist with HR Consultancy, Who Group, being an ambassador for beyondblue, involvement with their Heads Up workplace program (check out www.headsup.org.au), being a passionate Men’s Rights Advocate, and a fabulous Producer and Presenter on Radio 94.1FM 3WBC. Rae is also a qualified, practicing counsellor who manages her life, living with anxiety and depression. We discuss: Rae’s views on the lack of support regarding human rights for men, getting started in radio as a...
2017-08-1354 minMental As AnyoneMAA #060: With Kate McPhee (Psychology Miniseries)Interview with the compassionate and courageous Kate McPhee, who is a General Psychologist with a Masters in Psychology. Kate works in both an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and in her own private practice called The Very Small Clinic which operates in the inner suburbs of Melbourne (www.theverysmallclinic.com). We discuss: How Kate found the field of Psychology, taking her time with studies, aversion to statistics and diagnoses, advice for Psychology students, the balance between heart-open and self-protection, daily yoga, love of French Earl Grey, her love of the people and learning a lot from clients, the a...
2017-07-2530 minMental As AnyoneMAA #059: With Honor Newman (Psychology Miniseries)Interview with the open and authentic Honor Newman. Honor is a Psychologist who specialises in women’s emotional health. Honor works in her own established private practice and writes programs for women in the areas of post-natal depression and perfectionism. She has also written a book titled The Perfectionist Within (available on Amazon) and runs womens groups in the Melbourne CBD and in Upwey (for more information feel free to contact Honor on 0433 374 031 or at honor@honornewman.com). We discuss: The different types of work Honor has done in the field, the genesis of her women’s healt...
2017-07-1532 minMental As AnyoneMAA #058: With Natalie Haider (Psychology Miniseries)Interview with Psychologist Natalie Haider. Nat’s experience has spanned a wide range of roles in the Psychology field, including Sports Psychology, Occupational Psychology, and Organisational Psychology, as well as lecturing, EAP work, clinical settings and more. Natalie currently works as a Learning Development Consultant at a Sydney University, where she designs and delivers workshops to high performing researchers, and as a Clinician in a private practice. We discuss: The similarities between high performing researchers and athletes, interest in figuring out what makes people tick, psychology being the key to many career doors, the challenge of affordable acce...
2017-07-1229 minMental As AnyoneMAA #057: With Tony Mowbray (Psychology Miniseries)Interview with Dr Tony Mowbray. Tony is a General Psychologist who has a PhD, which involved research into test anxiety, how to measure it and how to reduce it utilising online techniques. Tony is currently working at Monash University, coordinating the online Graduate Diploma of Psychology. We discuss: The ins and outs of Tony’s job and how he got into Psychology, the work of Ellen Langer and concept of mind over matter, age experiments, the challenge of being patient in regard to clients’ capacity for change, Carol Dweck and fixed or growth mindsets, Parkinson’s Law, apprecia...
2017-07-0846 minMental As AnyoneMAA #056: With Sherri Laurie (Psychology Miniseries)Interview with Melbourne Counsellor, Sherri Laurie. Sherri has a Diploma of Counselling and a Degree in Psychology, and prefers delivering short-term solution-focused therapy with a Person-Centred approach. We discuss: Preventative counselling, “walk and talk” therapy, the shift from the Recruitment field to Counselling, Sherri’s preference for people-focused work, self-paced study with AIPC (Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors), regulations in the Counselling profession, decision-making around Psychology Honours, the challenges of studying statistics and the business/marketing side of the job, the concept of “normal” being different for everyone, not worrying about what others think of you, NLP (Neuro-Lingu...
2017-07-0149 min
The Andy Social PodcastEpisode 83 - Shae Meddings (Psychologist & Mental As Anyone Podcast)Shae Meddings is a Psychologist and hosts the Mental as Anyone Podcast where she chats with comedians and performers from various backgrounds on the subject of mental health. A topic that does not get spoken about nearly enough. In addition, Shae works for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider who enables employees for small and
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The post Episode 83 - Shae Meddings (Psychologist & Mental as Anyone Podcast) appeared first on The Andy Social Podcast.
2017-06-151h 04Mental As AnyoneMAA #055: With Andy DowlingInterview with Sydney Musician and Podcaster, Andy Dowling. Andy is a member of metal band LORD (www.lord.net.au). Andy is also a podcaster: check out The Andy Social Podcast (www.andysocial.net), where he interviews musicians and other equally interesting people to discuss their views on life. We discuss: Clarity of thought and staying in the moment, acceptance and mindfulness, life hacks and time tactics, the benefits of tuning in to your body, communication and active listening, the ego of musicians, a novel way to overcome stage fright, the psychology of musicians, appreciation for open-mic c...
2017-06-1052 minMental As AnyoneMAA #054: With SkruinsInterview with Skruins from the Skruins and Co Breakfast Show podcast, which is a Melbourne based podcast full of funny segments and witty observations, and aims to find the funny in people’s lives. Check it out on iTunes, Shae from MAA was on episode 143. We discuss: The highly anticipated Aqua Donut ride, the origin of Skruins, neuroticism and anxiety, questioning life choices while stuck in traffic, worry about narcissism, potential diagnoses, punk music as an outlet, how seeing your partner as a loveable idiot can be beneficial, learning languages, why Skruins hates real estate agents, Skruins’ Mum’s...
2017-06-041h 04Mental As AnyoneMAA #053: With Ashley Fils-AimeInterview with the animated and affable Ashley Fils-Aime, who has been performing comedy for 20 years, and has lived in Melbourne for 3 years. We discuss: The subjectivity of mental health, anxiety about flying and frogs, dealing with his phobia, spider stories, comfort factors while flying, the Fearless Flyers course, the heroism of hairdressers, being mindful of what you feed your brain, views on music, the power of thinking positively, comedy via hologram, Ashley’s super power, natural vs normal and wanting vs choosing, the power of words, and Ashley’s messages: don’t be too hard on yourself, don’t c...
2017-05-2059 minMental As AnyoneMAA #052: With Tor SnyderInterview with the lovely Perth Comedian with a Canadian accent, Tor Snyder. Tor has been performing for 4 years and runs the Fremantle Comedy Factory, which was voted best comedy room by Perth comedians in 2016. She recently performed in the Perth Comedy Road Trip at the MICF, a show which incorporated sketch, comedy and improv. Tor also runs comedy workshops, and she's totally swipe right-able. We discuss: the challenge of understanding mental health issues, learning about communication from an early relationship, the pros and cons of drinking, philosophy of Just Go Out And Have Fun, the transition in he...
2017-05-0644 minMental As AnyoneMAA #051: With Ben GaylardInterview with Dunkeld Comedian Ben Gaylard, who has been performing for 2 years and made it to the state final of RAW this year (well done Ben!). We discuss: The impact of a recent suicide on the local community, the ups and downs of life with mental health issues, depression getting the better of people who complete suicide, mental health support in the country, Ben’s sexual assault at the age of 21, Ben’s views on the court system, choosing to move to the country, the need to live life to the full, self-care activities, practicing comedy on cows...
2017-04-0838 minMental As AnyoneMAA #050: With Martin Samuel DunlopInterview with Melbourne Comedian Martin Samuel Dunlop. Go see Martin and his buddy Bec Petraitis perform their MICF show called Burn The Witches, running at the Butterfly Club from 14 to 24 April. Also check out Martin's list work online at www.nihilisticles.com We discuss: The high prevalence of anxiety and depression, getting stuck in negative cycles, writing for theatre and Channel 31, comedy as an identity and motivator, Martin’s experience of therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), pros and cons of medication, fear of being perceived as boring or self-important, the complexity of playing multiple characters in the...
2017-04-081h 05Mental As AnyoneMAA #049: With Sofie PrintsInterview with the creative and candid Sofie Prints, who has been performing comedy for about 5 years, and has two MICF shows this year: Mary’s Abortion, Sofie’s Choice: The Death Of A God (from 29 March to 9 April at Station 59) and the murder mystery spoof play called And Then There Were Not As Many (from 10-22 April at Highlander). Go check them out if you can! We discuss: Mental health issues being the new norm, stories of family mental health, scepticism about diagnoses, being a difficult teen, sharing her grandmother’s name, grandparents being prisoners of war in the D...
2017-03-2144 minMental As AnyoneMAA #048: With Jake BudgeInterview with Geelong Comedian Jake Budge, who has been performing for about 3 years. Late last year Jake reached the accomplishment if 100 comedy gigs (and at time of interview he was sitting at 118 gigs). Catch Jake hosting and performing a comedy gig on 16th March at the Unwined Wine Bar. Possibly while wearing an animal costume! We discuss: comedy being a way to express himself, patches of depression, being bullied, studying Aged Care, support from close friends, short film about disabilities leading to NDIS work, balancing the day job with late nights of comedy, growing up with a d...
2017-02-2638 minMental As AnyoneMAA #047: With Georgie CarrollInterview with Adelaide Comedian Georgie Carroll, who very graciously made time for a chat during her flying visit to Melbourne a couple of weeks ago. Georgie started comedy about 6 years ago, and now travels all over Australia to perform. Georgie has a 2017 MICF show called Gauze And Affect, which you can see at Fort Delta from 28th March to 8th April. We discuss: How Georgie got started in comedy, the origins of her comedy festival show, the martyrdom of nurses, the lack of mental health support in Australia, kids with anxiety, episodic nature of depression or anxiety, re...
2017-02-2547 minMental As AnyoneMAA #046: With Sean BedlamInterview with Sean Bedlam, who is a Melbourne Comedian and Political Activist. Sean is currently doing his comedy via social media, and has a video series called The Furore coming out soon. We discuss: The love of performing vs reality of performing, being informed to inform others, having a breakdown in his 20s, the limits of mental health support provided by Centrelink, classism and mental health treatment, Sean’s sunstroke episode, self-care by stopping what he’s doing, choosing not to fight negative thoughts, acting on things in his control, the problem of paranoia about what others are t...
2017-02-1158 minMental As AnyoneMAA #045: With Cherie SmithInterview with Cherie Smith, who started comedy about 2 years ago as a way to meet people after moving to Melbourne. You will often find Cherie at open-mic rooms or the Comic’s Lounge, and she appeared on the ABC’s Hard Quiz last year. Cherie also co-runs the Comedy Women’s Association room every 3rd to 4th Tuesday in Footscray – follow the page on Facebook for upcoming dates. We discuss: the pros and cons of taking a redundancy package, burn out, feminism and making a point with her comedy, awareness of triggers, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, situational mental health i...
2017-02-1057 minMental As AnyoneMAA #044: With Sharon AndrewsInterview with Comedian Sharon Andrews, who started comedy pretty much by accident a couple of years ago at Aireys Pub. Sharon now performs regularly in Melbourne, and also co-runs the Red Door comedy room in Geelong (on the first Thursday of the month) for the Surf Coast community as well as visitors from Melbourne. You can catch Sharon’s first solo show in May at the Butterfly Club – it’s called People With Glass Dildos Shouldn’t Throw Stones. We discuss: Sharon’s academic approach to start comedy, her fear of public speaking but being up for the challeng...
2017-01-2841 minMental As AnyoneMAA #043: With Ben TurnerInterview with Classical Musician Ben Turner. Ben is a Bass Trombonist who lives in Berlin, and we crossed paths recently as Ben is visiting his hometown of Melbourne. Ben has a podcast discussing all things mental health, called Double Depresso, and we did a double recording: You can listen to Ben on MAA here, and Shae’s Double Depresso interview will be out soon. We discuss: Berlin being still under construction, orchestras and other musical work, worry from projecting forward, problems with Perfectionism & the Imposter Syndrome, the “I’m not enough” story, the frog in boiling water analogy (so...
2016-12-2354 minMental As AnyoneMAA #042: With JC ClaphamInterview with the open and authentic JC Clapham, who has been performing comedy since January this year. He jumped right in with the RAW competition, and then performed a solid 50-minute Melbourne Fringe show in September titled Humpty Dumpty Daddy. JC also appeared on MAA’s current favourite TV show, Hard Quiz, a couple of weeks ago. You can catch JC at the Adelaide Fringe from 13-18 March, and at the 2017 MICF with two shows (a refined Humpty Dumpty Daddy, and a second show titled I’m A Futurist And Even I Don’t Know What That Means). We discu...
2016-12-0258 minMental As AnyoneMAA #040: With Ben McCarthyInterview with Melbourne Comedian Ben McCarthy, who has been performing comedy for the past 18 months, including a successful Fringe show this year. You can catch Ben at various venues around Melbourne, including at Speakeasy HQ for the MICF in 2017 with a show called Nevermind. We discuss: Having friends with mental health issues and never knowing unless people share what they are experiencing, fitting in, views on anxiety, the ABC TV series “Man Up” by Gus Worland*, the book “Night” by Elie Wiesel, The Mental Health Quiz, Ben’s super powers, and Ben’s message: Don’t be afraid to spea...
2016-11-151h 00Mental As AnyoneMAA #039: With Vincent TshakaInterview with worldly comedian Vincent Tshaka, who started comedy 7 years ago as a way to learn about Australian culture. His comedy is based on his life and experiences, including racism. Vincent frequents venues like the Comic’s Lounge, the Exford and the Joint, as well as travelling for gigs interstate. We discuss: Being booed off-stage in Kenya, the young comedy scene in Kenya and making fun of tribes, the lack of discussion about mental health in Kenya, moving to England in his 20s, government involvement in promotion of mental health issues in Australia, recognising the flow-on effects of m...
2016-10-281h 05Mental As AnyoneMAA #038: With Matt YoungInterview with Matt Young, a Tassie born Comedian who started performing in 2014 and moved to Melbourne in 2015. Matt has done the Tasmanian showcase in the MICF for the past 2 years (called Heads A-Plenty), and runs a comedy room in Hawthorn called Guerilla on Wednesdays – check it out if you can! We discuss: The awesome Tassie comedy scene, the relationship between drugs, sobriety, creativity and mental health, starting and stopping weed, different strains of pot for creativity, Matt’s experience of having motivation and creativity dulled by weed, substances being addictive vs being habit-forming, celebrating periods of sobriety with...
2016-10-2845 minMental As AnyoneMAA #037: With Daisy BerryInterview with Courtney Barnett’s number one fan Daisy Berry, who has been performing comedy for 4 years, including two Adelaide Fringe shows, and a MICF show in 2016. If you’re planning to be in WA in January 2017, you can catch Daisy’s show at Perth Fringeworld. Also check out Daisy's new podcast, it's called Mad Chats With Daisy Berry. We discuss: Daisy’s “Am I Mental?” show exploring the notion of comedy as therapy, audience over-sharing and listening as best she can, Daisy meeting her Dad at age 16, flipping a coin and going with your gut, family traits, Daisy...
2016-10-0746 minMental As AnyoneMAA #036: With Kieran ButlerInterview with the passionate Kieran “Truth Teller” Butler, who has been performing comedy for 15 years, and for the past 5.5 years has run a weekly open mic room at Station 59 in Richmond. Some notable shows from his comedy career include the Ben Cousins Rock Opera in 2009/2010, the Ned Kelly Last Stand Up show in 2011, and the Australia Is Fucked show which Kieran took to Edinburgh in 2013. We discuss: Comedy in Australia having a bigger role to play than “just getting on the telly” or becoming famous, Kieran’s views on child abuse in Australian culture, family history of bipolar dis...
2016-10-031h 01Mental As AnyoneMAA #035: With Nat MalcolmInterview with the considerate and charming Nat Malcolm, who is a country girl at heart and has been performing comedy in Melbourne for almost 12 months. Nat was part of a MICF show in 2016 with Angela Green, and is working toward her own show next year. You will often find Nat in one of the many open mic rooms Melbourne has running, including Station 59 in Richmond and Tago Mago in Thornbury*. We discuss: Connecting to other females in comedy, working in male dominated fields, empowerment of women, observational comedy, the role of self-esteem in mental health, “contagion” of mental...
2016-10-0253 minMental As AnyoneMAA #034: With David TulkInterview with the humble and entertaining David Tulk, who has been performing comedy for 12 years. David has 5 MICF shows under his belt, has performed in Edinburgh, and recently assisted his friend Gabe Hogan with her 2016 Fringe show. We discuss: David’s Bipolar II diagnosis, self-medicating vs self-management, medication to manage self-doubt and negativity, the definition of a pre-sleep, mediating between his parents in childhood, the different ways he and his siblings coped with their parents’ separation, ice in regional areas, the unfinished Spanish galleon of Finley Lake, travel via helicopter, Dad’s anger and physical violence, reconciling his re...
2016-09-271h 01Mental As AnyoneMAA #033: With Nadine SparksInterview with the luminous Nadine Sparks, who performs stand up, and also character comedy and improv. Her Fringe show is called Bridesmaid To Be, which is running from now until 2 October at the Courthouse Hotel. We discuss: Nadine’s early comedy influences, the lack of focus on mental health, benefits of writing, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, the “fat tax” of gym memberships, walking to notice your surroundings, the intuitive treasure hunt, anxiety overseas, displacement, Nadine’s motivation for quitting her addiction, Nadine’s positive experience of support services, the best approach of love and kindness, bene...
2016-09-2053 minMental As AnyoneMAA #032: With Jo BellaInterview with the lovely Jo Bella, who was not a comedy fan at all back in her uni days, but now works as Comedy Producer and also has a partner who is a Comedian. Jo shifted from being a corporate high flyer living an unhealthy lifestyle to being a happier, healthier person working in the Comedy world. Among other achievements, Jo produced four Fringe comedy shows in 2015, and she has produced more shows this year. We discuss: The ‘normality’ of mental health issues, the model orphanage in Scotland where her Dad was raised, family mental health issues and los...
2016-09-161h 03Mental As AnyoneMAA #031: With Harrison EngstromInterview with the entertaining and animated Harrison Engstrom, who hails from Wollongong and has been performing comedy in Melbourne for two years. Harrison is creator of That Comedy Podcast, which evolved from Laugh Till You Cry Podcast. He also works in video and content creation, and edits videos for Quick Bites Comedy. We discuss: Foreign Accent Syndrome, Harrison’s experience of hypnotherapy, the surprise popularity of his podcast, Corey White admiration, 9-11 obsession, Harambe the gorilla’s hashtag, the story of Diane Schuler, worry about being a terrible person, undiagnosed ADHD (which is perfect for his job), the im...
2016-08-221h 35Mental As AnyoneMAA #030: With Kirsty WebeckInterview with the engaging and inquisitive Comedian Kirsty Webeck. Kirsty started out with a comedy workshop/showcase three years ago, and soon after put together a 1-hour show, which (with her Public Relations background) she managed to sell out very quickly! Since then she’s written several hour-long shows, including her first MICF show in 2015. Kirsty also works on Joy FM (94.9), including a recent seven-week stint on DriveTime. We discuss: Getting gigs before getting to know other comics, the risqué and wild challenge of drinking water on stage, the opening of doors with networking in comedy, the import...
2016-08-191h 08Mental As AnyoneMAA #029: With Craig Coombsey CoombesInterview with Craig “Coombsey” Coombes, the creator of Naked Tuesday (there’s no space between the words if searching on Facebook) which is all about getting out of your comfort zone. Coombsey frequents the Comic’s Lounge as a punter, has appeared as a guest on Adam Hills Tonight (check out the footage here https://youtu.be/5CP8h-MO3Rs), and does a bit of specialised* stand up. These ventures into the comedy world came about after Coombsey was diagnosed with thyroid cancer four years ago. He had treatment including surgery and radioactive iodine, but despite all efforts it was found t...
2016-07-101h 02Mental As AnyoneMAA #028: With Mimi ShaheenInterview with Melbourne Comedian Mimi Shaheen, who first performed comedy on Valentine’s Day this year, and is off to an impressive start so far. She performed her second gig in front of a large crowd at the Comic’s Lounge (which was a milestone as she'd frequented the venue as a punter from the age of 15). Mimi has always loved comedy: she received various comedic theatre roles in high school (which earned her a spot at the Victorian College of the Arts), and has a very dark sense of humour. Mimi had TWO gigs at the Comic’s Lounge th...
2016-06-2852 minMental As AnyoneMAA #027: With Anthony JeannotInterview with Melbourne Comedian Anthony Jeannot, who has been doing comedy for 7 years and has a few MICF shows under his belt. His 2016 festival show, Rage Against The Man Child was reviewed as “intelligent and insightful” (Herald Sun) and “funny, sweet, uplifting” (Squirrel Comedy). We discuss: Anthony’s period of anxiety following graduation from university 2 years ago, how the anxiety affected him in regard to job duration, lack of confidence and feeling overwhelmed, how Anthony started dealing with it differently once the anxiety was pointed out to him, acceptance and managing perfectionism, vicarious learning from seeing the people he a...
2016-06-2047 minMental As AnyoneMAA #026: With Andy NolchInterview with Actor/TV Show Host/Producer Andy Nolch, who has been making The Kink TV show for 1.5 years (watch it on Fridays at 11.30pm on Channel 31). The Kink is a late night comedy TV show, in the style of Letterman or Rove Live. Andy has always enjoyed comedy and found a way into television, funnily enough, via a job he held in a plumbing store. We discuss: how The Kink TV show evolved, comparisons to Tom Green, the catharsis of podcasting, Andy’s depression which started in the later years of high school, attempting university and a p...
2016-06-1000 minMental As AnyoneMAA #025: With Jaymie WilsonInterview with Comedian Jaymie Wilson, who started performing
comedy in 2006 (14 February to be precise). He’s got several
MICF shows under his belt (including one with guinea pigs), and
he’s been performing Puppetry of the Penis for 4 years.
Jaymie performs locally, interstate and overseas, and in his
first year of comedy he did a staggering 506 gigs!
We discuss: quitting real estate and getting straight into
comedy, his awesome first gig - but bombing for the next 8 months,
jumping right in the deep end at the interview for Puppetry of the
Penis, being on stage in front of a l...
2016-04-0454 minMental As AnyoneMAA #024: With Tessa RyanInterview with Comedian Tessa Ryan, who has been on the Melbourne scene for about a year, and has been performing in a sketch comedy show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival called DotComedy (the last show is TONIGHT – Sunday, 3 April). Tessa does stand up as well, and has been known to frequent the Imperial, The Wild, Club Voltaire, Attik and other open mic rooms.
We discuss: Tessa’s panic attacks as a child and fear from not knowing what they were, the self-fulfilling prophecy of anxiety, the helpfulness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, awareness of self-medication, preparation for chang...
2016-03-2743 minMental As AnyoneMAA #023: With Hamish PatersonInterview with Melbourne Comedian Hamish Paterson, who has been doing comedy for six months (with a pause in the middle due to a bad gig experience). Hamish is a fun and likeable guy who tells personal stories on stage, and also works at The Comic’s Lounge to immerse himself in the comedy environment even when he’s not performing.
We discuss: Building his comedy confidence and being himself, comedy goals both local and abroad, meeting one of his comedy heroes, starting and stopping psychology studies, experiences of living abroad with his family, depression, how Hamish almost got h...
2016-03-2655 minMental As AnyoneMAA #022: With Caili ChristianInterview with Melbourne Comedian Caili Christian, who is a self-professed late-starter, but is already kicking comedy goals. Caili is involved in a couple of MICF shows (including support for Angela Green’s show Perfectly Reasonable, and the 100% Nuts showcase) and does regular open mic gigs around Melbourne.
We discuss: Caili’s sudden start in comedy after walking out of a frustrating job, the welcome from the comedy community, Caili’s “meltdown” three years ago, Tropical Island Therapy, Caili’s view on medication, the challenges and rewards of working on Nauru, Caili’s pivotal role in helping the other workers c...
2016-03-191h 04Mental As AnyoneMAA #021: With Lainie ChaitInterview with Lainie Chait who is new to the Melbourne comedy scene, but has always been hysterical to her loved ones! Lainie undertook a series of comedy workshops six years ago in Byron Bay with comedy mentor Mandy Nolan, and since then has been regularly writing comedy (and also a book!). In and around Melbourne, Lainie is doing open mics at the Imperial, Yes All Women in Richmond, and also has an upcoming gig in Daylesford.
We discuss: The comedy scene in Byron, Lainie’s diagnosis of epilepsy at age 19 and the difficult road to accepting it, the b...
2016-03-0845 minMental As AnyoneMAA #020: With Chris AsherInterview with Chris Asher, who has been on the Melbourne comedy scene for about 6 months. He has performed at Open Mic nights, the Comic’s Lounge, The Brunswick Hotel, and also at Roast Battles which are on Sunday evenings at the Town Hall Hotel in North Melbourne.
We discuss: Chris’ self-deprecating comedy style, enjoying the exploration of performing comedy, thoughts on RAW, self-analysis of Chris’ recent performance, the perils of reading your phone right before you perform, aiming to be comfortable on stage, a bit about The Podcast Formerly Known As, not being able to hold grudges, struggl...
2016-02-281h 24Mental As AnyoneMAA #019: With Justin FlemingInterview with Justin Fleming, who has been in comedy for three years (his anniversary was last Tuesday!). However Justin does not do things by halves, and he has worked extremely hard to gain a lot of experience in his three years. Justin runs the workshops for young comedians on a Tuesday at the Comic’s Lounge, as well as Monday nights at the Lounge, and has introduced Roast Battles to Australia. Round #2 of the Roastbattle Downunder is TONIGHT (Sunday, 7 February) and Shae from MAA will be in attendance!
We discuss: Justin’s background of being in a heavy m...
2016-02-061h 05Mental As AnyoneMAA #018: With Reuben HunterInterview with Reuben Hunter, who has been doing comedy in WA since the RAW competition in 2009. Reuben is performing at Perth’s upcoming Fringe World Festival for the first time this January. His show is titled The Hoard, and is his musings on hoarding and the reasons for it.
We discuss: Reuben’s reflections on himself and his own mental health following the suicide of his father a few years ago, Reuben’s long-distance relationship with his Dad, the issue of men’s suicide, how Reuben has been coping, overcoming the stigma of receiving counselling, “clicking” with your counsello...
2016-01-0851 minMental As AnyoneMAA #017: With Doug ChappelInterview with Melbourne based Comedian Doug Chappel who has been on the comedy scene for nearly 19 years and, among other gigs, MCs at the Comic’s Lounge every Monday. Doug is also passionate about studying Psychology. He has several degrees, including Youth Work, Psychology and Psychology Honours, and a Masters of Counselling. He’s also looking at further post-grad studies (maybe another Masters or a PhD).
We discuss: Doug not planning to be in comedy but finding himself to be a natural one random day at the Espy, making mistakes and learning as he went, the psychology in com...
2015-12-131h 01Mental As AnyoneMAA #016: With Mitchell TinleyInterview with Mitchell Tinley, Perth Comedian and one half of radio’s Mitchell and Michael Show (track them down on Facebook for more info). Mitchell started comedy two years ago and is putting on a Fringe Show with his friend Tor Snyder in 2016. The show is called Dating Naked, check it out if you’re in Perth at the end of January for Fringe. Mitchell will also be performing at Laughs For Locks (an event raising money for Camp Quality) on 4 December.
We discuss: Comedy as the “un-happy” profession, comedy being a great outlet for mental health issues, th...
2015-11-271h 21Mental As AnyoneMAA #015: With Jez WattsInterview with Perth Comedian Jez Watts, who runs Infinite Jest, the weekly open mic & experimental comedy night, at the Flying Scotsman in Perth. He's also had some great opportunities in his 2.5 years of comedy, including opening for US comics Joe Mande, Esther Povitsky, and just this week, Duncan Trussell. Jez's stand-up is confessional and truthful, in a story-teller style.
We discuss: Reflections on finding your comedy voice and honing his craft over time, learning more from failure than success, insecurity about receiving help and support, Jez’s other career in Neuroscience, overcoming unhelpful thought patterns in order to d...
2015-11-0757 minMental As AnyoneMAA #014: With Bec CharlwoodInterview with the lovely Bec Charlwood, Comedian (and self-professed IKEA Meatball Inspector) from Perth. I was very fortunate to catch Bec in person while she was doing a run of shows in Melbourne.
We discuss: Bec’s recent tours of Melbourne and Sydney (and the scoop that she might move to Melb next year!), the connectedness of the Perth comedy family, poking fun at East-Coast-ers, mental health issues in Bec’s family (including depression and suicide), Bec’s consciousness of monitoring her own mental health, staying active and healthy with exercise, good diet and sunshine, the huge natural...
2015-10-3149 minMental As AnyoneMAA #013: With Joe PatrickInterview with Joe Patrick, who is a Brisbane comedian on the scene for the past 4 years. Joe got into comedy for the right reason: to make people laugh and feel happy. Joe's comedy style is "blue", reminiscent of Kevin Bloody Wilson and Rodney Rude, and to date he's performed as far north as Cairns and as far south as Ballina. Joe will be heading to Melbourne and Adelaide in mid-2016.
We discuss Joe's experiences of living with family members with mental health issues. Joe's Mum has depression and anxiety and recently resumed taking medication (after a period of...
2015-10-2457 minMental As AnyoneMAA #012: With Brodi SnookInterview with Brodi Snook who kicked off her comedy career 2 years ago in the Raw Comedy competition while visiting her home town of Perth (and had to keep delaying her flight back to the UK in order to attend the advancing rounds and state finals). She spent some time on the open mic circuit in London before returning home in January 2015 to continue comedy in Perth. Brodi is also a writer, and has an article in the upcoming YAWP Magazine (Mental Health in Comedy edition). We discuss: Brodi’s five years in the UK and the differences in performing comed...
2015-09-2758 minMental As AnyoneMAA #011: With Bonnie DaviesInterview with Bonnie Davies, who is a Perth comedian and also has an alter-ego named Famous Sharron. We discuss: Bonnie’s Laugh Or Your Money Back show in 2011’s MICF (and only one person asking for their money back), the next show I’m High On Life, What Are You On?, growing up with parents who were youth workers, memories of people from childhood, the Open Door policy at the Davies home, people experiencing the same things over and over (eg. Not being accepted, being neglected, not allowed to be themselves, sex work and drugs), people finding that drug dealers...
2015-09-2755 minMental As AnyoneMAA #010: With Nicky BarryInterview with lovely lady comedian Nicky Barry, who is a self-described late bloomer in comedy as she first entered Raw Comedy at the age of 45 in 2011 (and made the state finals no less). She then returned to Raw in 2013 and has been gigging regularly around Melbourne since then. About 12 months ago, Nicky also became the resident comic at the vaudeville club Speakeasy HQ in Melbourne.
We discuss: mental health in family life, Nicky's high-functioning dysfunctional family, alcohol issues in family members, Nanna's electric shock treatment (and resulting trauma), Nicky's main career in community development work, destigmatising MH, see...
2015-08-2157 minMental As AnyoneMAA #009: With Jeff HewittInterview with Perth Comedian Jeff Hewitt, who has had a comedy career (in balance with his law career) for 11 years, and also has a podcast called Once Were Zombies.
We discuss: Jeff's breakdown in the final year of law school and his subsequent diagnosis of depression, rebelling and dropping out of law school and starting comedy, tattoos and green hair, insulting a room full of bikies, triggers for his breakdown (ie, law school pressure, competitive peers, and unrequited love), encouragement to seek help for depression, how Jeff got into comedy, the co-dependent relationship with a messy break...
2015-08-151h 09Mental As AnyoneMAA #008: With Frank HampsterInterview with Frank William Hampster, who has been crafting comedy since 2011. Frank describes himself as "a standup comedian, connoisseur, conspiracy theory expert and general bon vivant". He is also the Executive Producer of The Elegant Universe Radio Show, which you can catch 4pm to 6pm on Fridays on 94.1FM, and also on You Tube. Frank was in the Australian Army until 2011 and this interview contains very open discussion about his Army experiences and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)*.
We discuss: PTSD (shell shock and war neurosis), jumping at shadows, the phenomenon of symptoms disappearing when Frank is o...
2015-08-031h 03Mental As AnyoneMAA #007: With Ari Mustonen (Part 2)Part Two of the MAA interview with Ari Mustonen (Part One was released last week, feel free to go back and have a listen if you haven't already). Ari has been in Australia for only a few months but he's already storming the Melbourne comedy scene. Ari is from Estonia, and has been doing comedy for about two years (in two different languages!).
In Part Two of this podcast we discuss:Getting into marijuana via being a bouncer/waiter/bar tender, being social with drunk people, 'cures' for social anxiety, Athieism, the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, smart peo...
2015-07-3146 minMental As AnyoneMAA #007: With Ari Mustonen (Part 1)Interview with Ari Mustonen, who has been in Australia for only a few months but is already storming the Melbourne comedy scene. Ari is from Estonia, and also spent time in Poland and Finland growing up. He's been doing comedy for about 2 years, and in at least 2 different languages so far.
In Part One of this podcast we discuss: the size of Australia (for travel purposes), the challenge of changing languages in comedy, benefits of using English, accents, being fully immersed in a foreign language, Melbourne's cultural mix, mental preparation for new things, pressing the reset button, teach...
2015-07-2441 minMental As AnyoneMAA #006: With James MastersInterview with James "normally funnier than this conversation*" Masters, who has been in the comedy game since 2008. Originally from Perth, his comedy career grew in Vancouver, Canada and you can now find him in Melbourne where he does stand up around the place, including 2 years running at the MICF. James also runs a couple of comedy shows in Victoria (Australia, not Canada).
We discuss the high percentage of Aussies at Whistler, comedians seeing the world differently, observations and challenges of Bipolar Disorder, manic vs depressive states, major stage fright, experiences with suicidal friends, experimenting with variables to qu...
2015-07-181h 01Mental As AnyoneMAA #002: With Adam JacobsInterview with Adam Jacobs, who originally hails from Adelaide, and now lives in Melbourne. Adam performs comedy and also does some MC work in Melbourne, and occasionally in NSW. His jokes tend to be one-liners and non-sequiturs, and maybe a comedy song every now and again. We discuss the pressures of modern life (acronym: POML), OCD jokes, the mandatory Terrible Stage Experience, first experiences of comedy, finding your niche as a comedian, mananging and overcoming stage nerves, positive reframing, post-show reflections, Comedy at the Olympics, marshmallows & fluffy bunnies, comedy as a response to stress, genetically inheriting your sense of hum...
2015-06-2047 minMental As AnyoneMAA #000: Introduction With Chris AsherEpisode Zero of Mental As Anyone is a brief interview giving you a run-down of the who/what/why of the podcast. The interview is with your host, Shae Meddings, and her friend Chris Asher.
2015-06-1308 min