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In this mini solo episode of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah discusses the critical difference between feeling sad and being clinically depressed.
Inspired by a New York Times article on Prevalence Inflation, the episode explores how society's increasing conversation around mental health, while positive, can also lead to misinterpretation of normal emotional experiences as mental health issues, particularly among young people.
In this episode, Deborah emphasizes the importance of intentionality in discussing mental health and encourages listeners to identify their own emotional triggers.
00:38 Personal Update and Topic Introduction
01:36 Exploring the Concept of Prevalence Inflation
02:59 Distinguishing Sadness from Depression
04:21 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
09:00 The Importance of Nuanced Discussions
10:39 Positive Mental Health Resources
12:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
ARTICLE LINK
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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In this episode of the More Than You See podcast, host Deborah Lee Smith engages in a deep dive with filmmaker Cameron Mitchell. The discussion centers on Cameron's latest project, 'This Sucks', a dark comedy film about dealing with depression, showcased through the life of a woman haunted by the physical manifestation of her depression. Beyond sharing personal mental health journeys and the film's background, they delve into broader topics such as the therapeutic role of humor, the systemic issues intertwined with personal mental health struggles, and the importance of supporting underrepresented voices in the filmmaking industry.
00:00 Welcome to the episode
01:49 Spotlight on 'This Sucks': A Dark Comedy Exploring Depression
07:04 Cameron Mitchell's Journey: From COVID Recovery to Activism and Filmmaking
09:33 The Making of 'This Sucks': Visualizing Depression Through Cinema
23:17 Rapid Fire Questions
24:40 Deep Dive into Personal Struggles and Mental Health
26:07 Growing Up in Alaska
29:21 Exploring Creative Outlets and Future Projects
43:22 The Role of Humor in Coping with Life's Challenges
46:10 Wrapping Up: Acknowledgments and Future Aspirations
About Cameron:
Cameron has been writing all his life. Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, there was nothing else to do. Cameron has had his scripts and finished films place in dozens of film festivals.
He realized right away how important it was to build the right team. Writing was something he could do alone, but filmmaking is not a solo art; it involves collaboration at every level. He made sure to come away from every gig with new contacts, new friends, and new members of his team.
In 2017 he, Andrew Menjivar, and Thresa Richardson started their production company Tequila Mockingbird Productions. They wanted to produce their own work outside the rigors and obstacles of the studio system. As a producer, Cameron has always wanted to help new and underrepresented voices create their films. He's worked with countless creatives in the years since.
Cameron wrote the script for his debut feature This Sucks in part to vent his frustrations with the state of the world and to talk about his own struggles with depression. The film was awarded the ReFrame Stamp from Women In Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the Golden State Film Festival. It is currently streaming free on Tubi.Cameron's Links:Stream "This Sucks" on Tubi
Stream "Driven: The Tony Pearson Story" on Apple+
Website
Instagram
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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This episode of the More Than You See podcast features an in-depth conversation with Elizabeth Boykewich, a casting director and career coach, about her journey through the entertainment industry and how it intertwined with her personal growth and mental health.
They dive into topics such as the impact of corporate culture shifts, the challenges of living with an autoimmune disease, and the transition from casting to career coaching. Elizabeth shares her insights on the importance of mental health tools, her approach to overcoming personal and professional obstacles, and how mindfulness practices have transformed her life.
Throughout the episode, practical advice for creatives navigating their careers and mental health is provided, highlighting the significance of self-listening, present awareness, and embracing one's unique skills and passions.
Timestamps:
00:41 Spotlight on Elizabeth Boykewich: Casting Director Turned Career Coach
02:17 Elizabeth's Personal Journey: Battling Autoimmune Disease and Embracing Change
12:38 The Evolution of a Casting Career
20:54 Supporting Actors Beyond the Screen: Mental Health and Social Media Guidance
28:40 Navigating Industry Changes and Personal Growth with Elizabeth Boykewich
33:13 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting Personal with Elizabeth
33:29 Unveiling Personal Fears and Preferences
34:11 Transitioning from Casting to Coaching
34:53 Deep Dive into Spiritual Psychology and Personal Growth
38:24 Applying Spiritual Insights to Professional Life
42:38 Navigating Career Transitions and Embracing Multiplicity
53:34 Practical Tools for Personal Development
58:00 Embracing Vulnerability and Presence
01:03:01 Reflections and Takeaways
About Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Boykewich spent two successful decades as the Senior Vice President of Talent & Casting at The Walt Disney Company. She loved discovering new stars, identifying where artists were most powerful and often said that her purpose was to give them “a platform to shine.” In 2013, Elizabeth felt a call to do this same meaningful work on a larger scale. She earned an MA in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling & Facilitation from the University of Santa Monica. Elizabeth continues to study all kinds of healing modalities and mindfulness techniques.
Elizabeth's Links:3 min box breath
Website
Instagram
Podcast
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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In this mini-episode of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah discusses the importance of investing in oneself, particularly in the context of creativity and mental health.
The conversation delves into the idea that investing in oneself goes beyond financial aspects and includes nurturing creativity, personal health, and mental well-being.
Everyone, not just creatives, should prioritize investing in themselves as a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.
Timestamps:
00:39 Reflecting on Creativity with Brad Rushing
01:35 The Journey of Producing 'Glitter Bomb'
03:52 The Power of Investing in Yourself
05:54 Everyday Investments: Health, Reading, and Personal Joy
09:17 Revisiting Monetary Investment and Creative Careers
13:42 Embracing Self-Investment for a Fulfilling Career and Life
16:29 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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In Season 5 Episode 5 of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah has an in-depth conversation with Brad Rushing, a celebrated musician and cinematographer known for his work on top movies on Netflix, HBO, and other platforms.
This episode explores Brad's multi-disciplinary approach to life as an artist and how his identity has shaped his journey. Brad shares his experience navigating the industry, his creative processes in cinematography and music, and the importance of being unapologetically authentic.
He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from the recent film industry strike, personal traumas, and the therapeutic aspects of immersing in music.
Throughout the conversation, Brad emphasizes the significance of community, authenticity, and self-awareness in both professional and personal spheres, offering insights into finding one's group of people and the impact of being genuine on mental health and relationships.
00:42 Brad Rushing: A Multidisciplinary Artist's Journey
01:38 Embracing Authenticity and Finding Your Tribe
03:41 Brad's Personal Struggles and Triumphs During the Industry Strike
05:59 The Power of Collaboration and Building Your Creative Community
12:03 Exploring Musical Diversity and the Freedom of Being a Multi-Hyphenate Artist
17:33 The Therapeutic Journey of Rediscovering Music
21:47 Opening Up About Depression and the Quest for Authenticity
26:45 Navigating Misunderstandings and Embracing Authenticity
28:42 Rapid Fire Questions
34:02 The Creative Process and Overcoming Personal Struggles
45:02 Embracing the Multifaceted Self and Future Excitements
48:02 Finding Hope and Value in Commitment and Creativity
50:53 Reflections and Gratitude: Wrapping Up the PodcastAbout Brad:
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Brad expressed an aptitude for art and science from a very early age. He majored in fine art at Houston's prestigious High School For The Performing And Visual Arts and also college where he added filmmaking for a double major.
Early filmmaking experience afforded Brad some of his first feature film opportunities as Director of Photography. After a number of years concentrating on indie feature films, Brad began to shoot high-end music videos photographing award-winning, iconic clips for artists like Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Nelly and Eminem.
Brad has achieved a reputation as a gifted commercial cinematographer. Brad’s recent cinematography highlights include the Netflix Original feature films "A California Christmas" and “A California Christmas: City Lights.”, “Holiday Harmony” on Max, “Alarmed” on Tubi, and “The Island” on Starz.
Brad's experience with visual effects led to an invitation to join as a full member of the Visual Effects Society. He is also a member of The Television Academy. Brad Rushing is known for being well-prepared, organized, fast, efficient, and always friendly and cheerful. He is a longtime vegetarian, animal lover, artist, musician, and songwriter.
Brad's Links:
WebsitePersonal Instagram"Just Call On Me" (Song)
"Dreams Are All I Have" (Song)
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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In Season 5 Episode 4 of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah Lee Smith dives into a rich conversation with actor and podcaster Brittany Rizzo.
Brittany, known for her TV & mental health-focused podcast 'My Only Friends', shares her journey of self-discovery, the therapeutic value of Pop Culture, and her struggles with mental health.
They cover managing mental wellness in the acting industry, the importance of building a mental health toolbox, and the impact of social media. Through Brittany's story of joining an outpatient program, listeners are encouraged to find gratitude in their support systems and to practice asking for help.
The episode emphasizes taking inspiration from fictional characters and the significance of staying present in challenging moments. Brittany's openness provides insights into facing mental health challenges and the journey towards finding one's worth and purpose.
00:42 Guest Introduction: Brittany Rizzo
01:34 Discussion on Mental Health and Personal Experiences
02:42 Interview with Brittany Rizzo Begins
03:37 Personal Stories and Experiences
03:46 Discussion on Women's Reproductive Rights
05:49 The Importance of Support and Gratitude
08:26 The Role of TV Shows in Mental Health
12:38 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Mental Health
22:41 The Importance of Self-Worth and Recognizing Triggers
25:56 Rapid Fire Questions
27:59 Acts of Kindness and Gratitude
28:57 Acting, Emotions, and Mental Health
30:21 Coping with Bad Mental Health Days
32:34 Balancing Acting and Salon Work
35:04 Self-Love and Personal Growth
35:58 Overcoming Struggles and Seeking Help
45:21 The Need for Validation and Self-Worth
47:23 The Impact of Acting Industry on Mental Health
51:02 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey and Living in the Moment
About Brittany:
Brittany Rizzo is an actress, singer, and podcast host. Her show My Only Friends is a mental health podcast that highlights what TV shows, movies, and other forms of entertainment help people get through their mental health struggles and hard times.
Brittany's Links:
Personal Instagram
Website
Podcast Instagram
IMDB
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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Episode 3 this season features Sam Valentine, the host of the One Broke Actress podcast!
Sam shares her unique insights into the struggles and triumphs she's faced within the acting industry, the mental health journey she has undergone, and how she remains resilient and creative.
She discusses her own past struggles with body acceptance, reflects on feelings of jealousy and the fear of not being 'good enough,' and offers perspectives on embracing the challenges and viewing them as learning experiences. Sam also opens up about how she handles expectations vs reality and maintaining a healthy mindset despite setbacks.
00:40 Introducing the Guest: Sam Valentine
01:40 Deep Dive into Sam's Journey and Mental Health
03:13 Sam's Day-to-Day Life and Challenges
05:55 Sam's Journey and Struggles in the Acting Industry
06:19 Dealing with Expectations and Reality
06:58 Sam's Personal Growth and Reflections
08:21 The Impact of Social Media and Setting Boundaries
09:54 Sam's Perspective on Success and Progress
12:20 The Importance of Living in the Present
16:51 Sam's Approach to Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms
17:31 Navigating Jealousy and Comparison in the Industry
25:17 The Role of Fitness and Nutrition in Sam's Life
28:16 Therapy and Acting
28:44 Turning to Anti-Anxiety Medication
30:39 Living Life on Camera
32:18 The Role of Psychiatry in Mental Health
34:17 The Importance of Communication in Relationships
35:24 Self-Awareness and Empathy
40:06 Balancing Acting and Other Work
40:43 Dealing with Self-Doubt
51:45 Finding Creativity in Different Areas
About Sam:
I am Sam Valentine, a 12 year veteran of the Actor-Life in LA (with credits from Amazon's Bosch: Legacy to some pilots you never saw). I moved to LA with a Theatre degree and more conviction than I had dollars and proceeded to spend the better part of a decade trying to be literally anything a breakdown wanted me to be.
I created One Broke Actress because I saw a need for stories and advice of real working actors. Am I the all-knowing being in Hollywood who has booked a billion jobs and made big bucks with acting so therefore I know how to advise people and lead like the Gandhi of Southern California? Negative. But I feel there is a lack of honest sharing from actors who are in the thick of it. This career path is crazy AF but that doesn't mean you have to be. So let's get real and maybe learn a life lesson or two in the process.Sam's Links:
Instagram
One Broke Actress Links
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tips and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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In the first "minisode" of Season 5 of the More Than You See podcast, Deborah talks about her personal mental health journey, reflects on the past year, and shares her approach to goal setting.
She refutes the concept of 'New Year, New Me', advising goal setting based on reflections of past achievements and failures rather than starting from scratch, and shares insights from a list of reflective questions that encouraged her to evaluate what served her well and what didn't.
Deborah also discusses the importance of setting firm boundaries, prioritizing, and giving oneself grace when necessary.
00:00 Introduction to the Mini Episode
00:52 The Importance of Reflective Goal Setting
01:51 The Problem with 'New Year, New Me'
02:30 Learning from the Past Year
03:30 Personal Experiences and Changes in 2023
04:33 The Power of Boundaries and Time Management
05:58 Focusing on her Documentary Project
07:23 Advice for Goal Setting in 2024
09:03 The Importance of Grace and Kindness
09:42 Conclusion
LIST OF REFLECTION QUESTIONS
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows and in betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tip and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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Welcome to Season 5 of the More Than You See Podcast!
In this episode, host Deborah Lee Smith talks to creative artist Jesse Lipscomb about their mental health journeys. Jesse Lipscomb, a versatile artist who is an actor, author, visual artist, motivational speaker, and athlete shares his life experiences. He goes into detail about how his past experiences of growing up as a person of color have influenced his current work, including his social justice movement, Make It Awkward.
He also discusses his career balance, dealing with failure, finding joy, and the importance of self-awareness in maintaining mental health. The emphasis of their conversation highlights being courageously yourself and pushing outside societal expectations, moving beyond labels and embracing identity.
00:49 Changes and Updates for the New Season
03:32 Introducing Guest: Jesse Lipscomb
05:45 Starting the Interview with Jesse
06:16 Discussing Mental Health and Personal Experiences
11:37 Exploring Jesse's Childhood and Upbringing
16:30 Jesse's Approach to Parenting and Mental Health
20:15 The 'Make it Awkward' Movement
28:11 Balancing Acting and Social Justice Work
33:29 Embracing Passion and Creativity
34:15 The Power of Giving and Connecting
34:32 Finding Fuel in Passion
35:36 Impact of the SAG AFTRA Strike
37:24 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
39:07 Embracing Failure and Challenges
43:00 Rapid Fire Questions
44:37 The Art of Asking for Help
45:56 The Make It Awkward Movement
49:22 Unveiling Masks and Being Courageously Yourself
About Jesse:
Jesse Lipscombe is an actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist.
Jesse started his acting career at age 14 alongside Sidney Poitier in the Calgary-shot film Children of the Dust. He has gone on to act and produce in over 40 films and television shows.Currently, he can be seen on Netflix’s hit series My Life With The Walter Boys and Black Summer. With multiple national nominations from the Canadian Screen Awards and the Rockies for Best Comedy Series. In addition to Best Actor (It’s Not My Fault and I Don't Care Anyway) and Best Comedy Series (Tiny Plastic Men) from the AMPIA’s in 2017/18.
At 18, he received a full track-and-field scholarship to Martin Luther King Jr.’s alma mater, Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia. Recently, Jesse was the recipient of the Obsidian Award for Top Business Leader in Western Canada, he was named Community Man of the Year by Diversity Magazine and was selected as one of Edmonton’s Top 30 under 40 by Avenue Magazine.
Through it all, Jesse’s top priority has been giving back to his community, which he’s done through multiple annual fundraisers and partnerships with Edmonton charities such as WIN House and iHuman. In September, Jesse and his wife Julia launched the #MakeItAwkward campaign to combat racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred of all kinds.
Jesse's Links:
Instagram
Other Links
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation with creatives about their mental health journeys. We discuss the highs, lows and in betweens of a creative career and the tools they use to get through it all. Our hope is that you will resonate with their journey, pick up some tip and tricks for your own mental health, and most importantly, feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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Our final episode of Season 4 of the More Than You See features singer-songwriter Nadia Vaeh!This episode talks about exploring mental health and processing trauma through our creativity, the importance of self-reflection, the impacts of generational trauma, and how it all connects to Nadia’s musical journey.
We'll be back in January with Season 5, so stay tuned!
Mentioned in the Episode:
End-Of-The-Year Reflection Questions/PromptsAbout Nadia:
IMA “Vox Pop” winner and Atlanta native Nadia Vaeh is turning heads worldwide for trailblazing what is now coined “poptimistic-rock.”
With her conscious, narrative-flipping songs, Nadia embraces your inner villain, addressing the lows of mental health, the highs of toxic relationships, and the roller-coaster that we call life.
Her lifelong love of poetry and music was inherited from her mother, who, in a tragic turn of events, she lost to suicide at the age of 17. This devastating loss is what fuels Nadia’s endless drive to create awareness of the importance of mental health.
Early year side hustles in modeling, and an unexpected stint with an Atlanta circus, Nadia learned how to captivate an audience through performance and honing her skills as the bombastic, forthright show-woman she is today.
Fast -forward and we have the electrifying, and explosive feel-good fun in one magenta-colored package, Nadia Vaeh, who is known for deeply connecting with her audience, advocating for and offering inclusive, safe spaces for those who may feel excluded, anxious, or out of place in their own lives.
“I hope my songs can provide some refuge for my listeners and help keep them inspired to go for their dreams.”Nadia's Links:
Website
InstagramIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth! Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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Episode 11 of More Than You See introduces SAG-AFTRA actor Kaytra Parkman, who is a long-time listener (and editor) of the podcast!This episode explores the impacts of collective trauma and how it affects our emotional reactivity, why feeling our feelings is so important, how to check in with ourselves as artists, why prioritizing joy and being a human being first is vital to our well-being, identifying what we can control, and much more.We also discuss a fascinating business article about Taylor Swift and how we can use her as inspiration to use life’s setbacks to our advantage. Read the full article here.About Kaytra:Kaytra Parkman is an LA-based SAG-AFTRA actress who can be seen in a variety of award-winning indie films and digital series across multiple platforms. She was most recently cast as Taylor on Season 2 of the fan-favorite LGBTQ+ web show BIFL: The Series (coming soon).Born and raised in Southern California, Kaytra developed an interest in the arts at a very young age. By 12, she was taking professional acting and music classes in Los Angeles and creating and editing her own short films and online videos. Kaytra attended the competitive Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) for four years and was hired at the age of 15 as Host and Interview Correspondent for SweetyHigh.com's online platform for several years, working with a wide variety of name-talent. She moved straight to LA after high school to pursue an acting career full-time and currently studies at Stuart Rogers Studio in North Hollywood.A self-proclaimed nerd and “Plant Daddy”, Kaytra is enthusiastic about all things Sci-Fi, fantasy, and Taylor Swift and is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.Kaytra’s Links:WebsiteInstagramIMdBIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth! Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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We're so excited to announce that episode 10 of the More Than You See Podcast features actor, singer, mental health advocate, and returning guest Shelley Regner!This episode discusses how our mental health journeys evolve, analysis paralysis and procrastination, understanding your emotional baseline, the stigma around starting and stopping medication, the value of vulnerability, and the importance of mental health advocacy.
About Shelley:Shelley is most recognized for her role as Barden Bella, Ashley, from the Pitch Perfect franchise. She sang on the debut album and first national tour in Disney DCappella and has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and New York’s 54 Below. Shelley can currently be seen on Tubi in Underdeveloped, ranked one of the most anticipated sit-com television shows of 2023, and she will be making her debut this December at The Ahmanson Theatre in A Christmas Story the Musical. Shelley is a mental health advocate and a lover of dogs and coffee.Shelley's Links: IMdBWebsiteInstagramIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth! Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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We're back for episode 9 this week with a brand new episode of the More Than You See Podcast with special guest Helenna Santos. This episode dives into how our perspective on art and career changes throughout our lives, dealing with major life changes, the impact social media has on us, and finding creativity in unexpected places.
About Helenna:
Helenna Santos is an actor, photographer, writer, and producer.
She has appeared in many network TV shows including Virgin River (Netflix), Fire Country (CBS), The Flash (CW), and The Good Doctor (ABC), as well as studio movies and national commercials. She has produced and starred in two feature films as well as numerous award-winning short films and digital series.
Helenna is the author of the poetry book A Long Dark Summer, and was the founder/editor-in-chief of the entertainment website Ms. In The Biz for its seven year run. Her work as a contributing writer has been featured in a variety of publications including MovieMaker, Backstage, Film Inquiry, WeScreenplay, and BUST Magazine.
As a photographer Helenna specializes in portrait, editorial, and lifestyle photography for actors, various performers, and creative entrepreneurs.
Helenna is a mix of Filipino/Russian/German heritage, a US and Canadian dual citizen, and currently resides in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia with her husband and their Bernedoodle pup. She is an indie film fanatic, an avid reader, and loves sharing creative inspiration via her Substack blog.Helenna's Links:
Personal Website
Photography Website
InstagramIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth! Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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In this week's episode of the More Than You See Podcast, host Deborah Lee Smith reflects on 100+ Days of the SAG-AFTRA Strike and how a lot of creatives are re-evaluating their "why" and what it means to show up for themselves as artists.
Episode 8 includes a replay of season 3 episode 12 where Deborah discusses the impact of identity on mental health, and how our passions and careers may be related but do not have to define us or our inherent worth.
Next week we take a brief hiatus but will return on November 8th with a brand-new episode, so stay tuned!
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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Episode 7 of the More Than You See Podcast highlights young multi-hyphenate artist Taylor Blackwell.We have a great discussion about growing up in the entertainment industry, people pleasing, maturing as an artist, the vulnerability of self-promotion, prioritizing real life, and how to nurture inner peace as a multi-hyphenate.About Taylor:
Taylor Blackwell (they/she) was born September 1st, 1998 in West Palm Beach, Florida. They are an actor, artist, musician, writer, and director. Taylor has 45+ film and television acting credits, has appeared in 70+ commercials, and has done dozens of stage/voiceover work. Their most recent on-screen credits include FX’s “Mayans M.C.”, Showtime’s “American Gigolo”, and Syfy’s “Resident Alien.” They wrote/directed the short film “Walk on By”, starring Alex Désert and the late great Burt Reynolds. Taylor co-founded the band “the tenth” with Harley Quinn Smith, together releasing an EP and an album. Taylor is currently working on their second second solo album - the first, “In Memory of Haroldine”, was released in 2021. Taylor sings and plays guitar, accordion, and keys.You can follow Taylor on Instagram here.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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We're back this week for episode 6 with special guest Courtney Hart— musician and mental health advocate.We have a great talk about the nuances of diagnosing and treating OCD and how therapy might (or might not be) involved, vulnerability in music, asking for help, mindfulness tools, and speaking out about mental health.
Content Warning: Brief mentions of suicidal ideation and minor curse words present in the episode.
About Courtney:
Courtney Hart’s music has been coined, ‘country-crass meets rock n’ roll sass.’ Her underlying innuendos and cheeky disposition is laced into her lyrics and aesthetic. She is based in Los Angeles, CA, but grew up in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Her accomplishments include releasing two EPs, with another releasing soon, and performing live at popular Los Angeles venues. As a multi-talented artist, she’s had appearances, as an actress, on ‘The Ellen Show’ and ‘The Young and the Restless.’Courtney is known for being an advocate for mental health awareness. She takes every opportunity to share her own journey, including in her music. The combination of personality, poetry, and poise make her an on-stage and on-screen sensation you will adore.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
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Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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This week's special solo episode discusses the current state of the industry, how it has been affecting our collective mental health, the pull of hustle culture, and ways to navigate this ever-evolving career path. How can we manage our anxieties around returning to work in an already unpredictable industry? I explore this question and more in this week's episode, so make sure to give it a listen.
Congratulations to the WGA for reaching a deal!
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
_______________________
Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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Thrilled to introduce this week’s More Than You See guest— writer, storytelling consultant, and “professional nerd” Alan Pablo Kistler.
Alan Pablo Kistler Zambrano is a writer and storytelling consultant who sometimes acts. In the past, he has been a playwright and stage director, a screenwriter, a pop culture historian for outlets such as Wired.com, MTV.com, and the History Channel's website, and a contributing writer for books such as Doctor Who Psychology, Wonder Woman Psychology, and Star Trek and History.
For his essays on the history of US science fiction, superhero design history, and LGBT representation in comic books, he was nominated for a CNN iReport award in 2012. His book Doctor Who: A History became a New York Times Best Seller in 2014. He still acts on occasion and does storytelling consultation for different clients, but his main job now is being a writer and producer at Dark Burn Creative where he has worked on marketing campaigns and video trailers for games such as Star Wars: Jedi Survivor. He hopes he never has to stop being a professional nerd because it's a great way to constantly learn new things about people and storytelling.
We have a fascinating discussion about exploring mental health through the lens of comic book characters, the masks we wear daily, representation in media, and the power of humanity in storytelling.
Please Note: This was recorded during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike. Any mention of a specific show or film associated with struck companies has been bleeped out or removed from the episode in solidarity with the strike.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
_______________________
Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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Let’s give a warm welcome to repeat guest and Health Coach Lianna Nielsen, on episode 3 of Season 4 of the MTYS Podcast!Lianna Nielsen is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who specializes in the mind/body connection. A former actress turned health coach in order to heal her own body from an undiagnosable autoimmune condition, bulimia, anxiety, and depression, she now combines all of her knowledge, training, and personal healing journey to help others. She specializes in individualized nutrition to heal the body and optimize the mind as well as group programs for women who want to heal their relationship with food, their bodies, and diet culture--both approaches support people in creating lives and bodies they love.We had a great conversation about finding fulfillment through alternative career paths, how to listen and follow your intuition, and how there’s more than one way to utilize your innate gifts in the world.Lianna is generously offering $500 off her current Mind Body Elevate program to MTYS listeners, check out the links below for more info!If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth.Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!Lianna's Links: Instagram | Mind Body Elevate Program | MBE Application
Please Note: This was recorded during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike. Any mention of a specific show or film associated with struck companies has been bleeped out or removed from the episode in solidarity with the strike.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends, subscribe, write a review, etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media: Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
_______________________
Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
Instagram| Facebook | Website
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith (actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate) for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks, etc., because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
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I am ecstatic to have Laverne McKinnon on episode 2 of Season 4 of the More Than You See Podcast! Laverne McKinnon is a multi-faceted, multi-hyphenate who is dedicated to helping people process grief around forms of loss that traditionally have less support and understanding in our society.Formerly a development executive, Laverne is a writer, creative producer, career coach, and what she refers to as a "Grief Doula", where she helps guide people through the grief that occurs after something has been taken away from them, specifically in relation to careers and creativity.We also discuss how there is not much support for when you lose a job or have an unexpected change in your career. There are a lot of resources and compassion reserved for losing a pet, a loved one, or having a marriage end, but much less so for other massive changes in our lives.Laverne and I have a fascinating conversation around feminism and the role of women in the entertainment industry, the ways that our voices have not been heard, and how that is slowly beginning to change. Chatting with Laverne about her work and how she helps people process the day-to-day challenges associated with losing a part of their identity was both moving and inspiring! If you would like to learn more about Laverne, you can visit her website and IMDb, both of which are linked below.Laverne's Links: Laverne's WebsiteIMDbPlease Note: This was recorded during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike. Any mention of a specific show or film associated with struck companies has been bleeped out or removed from the episode in solidarity with the strike.
If this episode resonates with you, please share with your friends, subscribe, write a review etc! It really does help spread the word of mouth!
Thank you for being part of this MTYS community!
Join us on social media:Instagram| Facebook | Website | Tik Tok | YouTube
_______________________
Learn more about Deborah Lee Smith:
Instagram| Facebook | Website
~NEWSLETTER SIGN UP~
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New here? Every Wednesday join me, Deborah Lee Smith actor, filmmaker, mental health advocate for a conversation on mental health like you’ve never heard before. My platform, More Than You See is dedicated to exploring nontraditional mental health resources to help you build your own emotional wellness toolkit. I absolutely discuss therapy, the importance of medication, and highlight organizations around the world devoted to destigmatizing mental health, but I also focus on books, personal practices, podcasts, TED Talks etc, because here’s the thing… I’m not a licensed practitioner or therapist. I’m just a woman exploring my own journey with mental health and sharing my experiences and the experiences of the community with you, the listener. Join me for a weekly conversation every Wednesday that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and help you feel a little less alone. Because we’re all More Than You See.
- Visa fler
