Estonian comedian Mari Volar opens up about her unexpected journey from pursuing opera to finding her voice in comedy.
We dive into the realities of living with episodic depression, the constant hunt for external validation, and the messy process of changing careers.
Whether you're questioning your career path or just trying to figure out why you need everyone to like you (spoiler: blame the patriarchy), this episode hits different.
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@marivolar
Comedians Eve Ellenbogen and Moni Zhang dive deep into the dark side of being a performer - from crippling self-doubt to complete burnout.
Eve opens up about processing childhood trauma through comedy while Moni shares her breaking point after Edinburgh Fringe that led her to quit everything.
A raw conversation about mental health in comedy, featuring social anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the constant pressure to "make it."
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@eveelbow
Former Jehovah's Witness Chris Ford shares his transformation from living in religious constraints to embracing his sexuality. This interview explores religious trauma, self-discovery, and the courage to start over.
Watch how Chris overcame homelessness, rebuilt his life through nursing, and found his voice in comedy. An unique story about choosing authenticity over acceptance and turning pain into laughter.
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@fordulant
💡 Discover how Catherine maintains her successful career while managing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depression, and ADHD. From childhood bullying to corporate success, this conversation proves that mental health challenges don't define your potential. 🎯 This episode covers: - The three manifestations of her anxiety (perfectionism, time stress, social overthinking) - Navigating cultural expectations as a Cuban-American - Moving from severe depression to managing anxiety - How comedy became both a trigger and a coping mechanism - Practical strategies for managing high-functioning anxiety Follow us on IG: @moni.zhang.comedy
What happens when two comedians with ADHD sit down to talk mental health? Pure chaos and pure honesty.
John Robles shares his journey from feeling "just dumb" to understanding his neurodivergent brain, while we explore the messy reality of making it in comedy while managing mental health.
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"I Haven't Thrown Up Since 1998"
In this candid conversation, LA comedian Emily Markoe unpacks life with OCD and emetophobia.
With disarming honesty and humor, Emily shares how her intense fear of vomiting has influenced everything from her marriage to potential motherhood, while revealing how therapy helped her face her fears.
Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @findemilyhere
A raw and honest chat with comedian Auz Thompson about life with schizophrenia.
Recorded in a rainy park at Edinburgh Fringe 2024, we dive into everything from early diagnosis, the reality of hallucinations, to finding humor in the darkness.
Also features an unexpected umbrella situation and some very British weather management. Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @Aft.comedy
Two comedians with ADHD have an unfiltered conversation about turning their "weaknesses" into strengths on stage.
Jordan Thomas Gray (USA) and Moni Zhang dive into the messy reality of creative life with ADHD. No sugar coating here - just real talk about finding your place when your brain works differently. Plus, we laugh about failed attempts at being "normal".
Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @jordanthomasgray
Two comedians from opposite sides of the world discover sisterhood while sharing stories about trauma, catcalling, and overcoming self-doubt. Watch as Barbie Unkorked drops truth bombs about authenticity and teaches this anxious Chinese comedian how to stop giving a fck. Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @barbieunkorked
Russian comedian Maria Fedulova gets candid about battling anxiety while making it big in British comedy. From finding love to dealing with imposter syndrome, Maria opens up about her journey. We dive deep into self-doubts, body image, and how meeting the right people can change everything. Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @mariafedulovacomedy
Ever wondered what happens when a comedian's world collides with panic disorder and first-time parenthood? Dylan Todds gets brutally honest about his first panic attack, the spiral that followed, and how becoming a dad during the pandemic changed everything. From privilege to poverty fears, caffeine triggers to CBT therapy - nothing is off limits in this candid conversation. Real talk about mental health from the comedy trenches of Edinburgh Fringe. Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @realdylandodds
A raw and honest conversation with ex-Mormon comedian Leah Renee about her journey through religious OCD (scrupulosity) and finding freedom through comedy. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, mental health, and humor, featuring special guest comedian discussing cultural pressures and finding identity through stand-up. From compulsive Bible reading to performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, this episode dives deep into healing through humor and breaking free from religious trauma. Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @leahreneecomedian @edfringe
Ever feel like you're just "bad at life"? Barbara Fernandez' raw and eye-opening story about getting diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder in her late 50s will make you rethink everything you know about mental health. From wild horses of emotion to finding her true self through comedy, this conversation breaks down BPD without the stigma. Plus, she shares why it's NEVER too late to get help (despite what some doctors might tell you). Whether you're struggling with mental health or just want to understand it better, this one's a must-watch. Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @barbarasvoices @edfringe #MentalHealth #BPD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #MentalHealthAwareness #ItsNeverTooLate
NYC comedian Jamie Lerner opens up about living with undiagnosed ADHD while pursuing comedy in Barcelona. From bartending mishaps to stage brilliance, we dive deep into how neurodivergent brains navigate the entertainment industry. Plus, why traditional jobs feel like "soul death" and how comedy might just be the perfect career for ADHD brains. Real talk, no filter, just two comedians getting honest about mental health. #ADHDComedy #MentalHealth #standupcomedy Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy @jamielernerbutts @edfringe #edfringe2024 #edinburghfringe2024 #edinburghfestival #monizhang
In this episode of "It's Mental," Moni returns from a long hiatus, armed with tales of ADHD diagnosis and existential dread. Tired of the comedy scene and the joy of social anxiety, she decided it was time to quit and pursue the next shiny object: YouTube. With AI as her new best friend, she plans to churn out content on mental health, culture, and language learning. Join the rollercoaster of sarcasm and self-discovery as she tries to figure out what she’s doing with her life next.
Meet Freddi Gralle - she's a stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and used to be a hardcore church girl. Due to her commitment with Jesus, she sort of only started dating at the age of 35. Join us in this episode as we uncover how her religious upbringing shaped her journey into dating and sex later in life.
Want more from Freddi? See her live at her solo show "Church Girl, Interrupted" at Z-Bar on June 2nd.
Check out the Berlin Mental Health Festival: www.berlin-mental-health-festival.com
Stay updated on Facebook & Instagram: @berlin.mental.health.festival
Explore Freddi Gralle: www.freddigralle.com
Find out more about Moni Zhang Comedy: www.monizhang.com
Connect with Moni on Facebook & Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy
Become a patron and support Moni's work on mental health for only €3.5/month: https://www.patreon.com/monizhang
In this episode Moni chats with the oldest living comedian in Berlin - Drew Portnoy. Learn about Drew's life journey, from growing up in a challenging family environment to stepping into the role of a parent. Listen to his perspective on raising children while facing his own emotional struggles.
Check out the Berlin Mental Health Festival: www.berlin-mental-health-festival.com
Stay updated on Facebook & Instagram: @berlin.mental.health.festival
Explore Drew Portnoy's world: www.berlinerisch.com
Find out more about Moni Zhang Comedy: www.monizhang.com
Connect with Moni on Facebook & Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy
Become a patron and support Moni's work on mental health for only €3.5/month: https://www.patreon.com/monizhang
Join us for an engaging conversation with acclaimed British comic Dave Chawner, who has been an advocate for mental health at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and earned high praise for his solo stand-up show, "Mental".
In our discussion, Dave shares his personal experience with anorexia, from adolescence to the present day.
Dave's suggestions for enjoyment and motivation include: Movies: Mrs. Doubtfire and Yes Man Comedians: Robin Williams, Eddie Izzard, and Stewart Lee in "On Not Writing"
To gain more insight into Dave's experiences, be sure to read his book, "Weight Expectations: One Man's Recovery from Anorexia."
Berlin Mental Health Festival www.berlin-mental-health-festival.com
FB & INS: @berlin.mental.health.festival
Dave Chawner: www.davechawner.co.uk
Moni Zhang Comedy www.monizhang.com
FB & INS: @moni.zhang.comedy
For 3.5 euros a month, you can support my work on mental health!
https://www.patreon.com/monizhang
Welcome back to the "It's Mental! Podcast" after a break that's felt like an eternity! In this comeback episode, Mel is interviewing Moni about her mental health journey. They'll dive into the Edinburgh Fringe, Moni's exciting transition to a full-time comedian, and her recent Bipolar 2 diagnosis. Tune in for a heartfelt and humorous discussion!
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For 3.5 euros a month, you can support my work on mental health!
https://www.patreon.com/monizhang
Ann Chun is a New York based comedian from Thailand. This summer, she brought her one-woman show "Asian Divorce" to Edinburgh Fringe, talking about her family drama & her own dating life. She had severe insomnia since a teenager and has been diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder recently.
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Berlin Mental Health Festival
www.berlin-mental-health-festival.com
FB & INS: @berlin.mental.health.festival
Ann Chun
INS: @annchuncomedy
Moni Zhang Comedy
FB & INS: @moni.zhang.comedy
For 3.5 euros a month, you can support my work on mental health! https://www.patreon.com/monizhang