Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Touchdown to Transformation: Tackling Life After the NFL with Marques Ogden Jan 31, 2024

The NFL is a tough business with tough people who understand how to navigate the ups and downs of the game. Some days you’re on top of the world and then within the blink of an eye, your career is over and you’re just another citizen. For some, a regular life without the glitz and glam is an easy transition while others struggle away from the spotlight and spend countless days and years looking for their next phase, their next challenge, their next reason why.

“I’m glad that it (return to football), never worked out in any capacity because now what I’m doing is what I love.” – (Marques), 12:01

My guest today knows how it feels to be in the NFL, flying high in a space where only the most elite athletes soar. He also knows what it’s like to come crashing down. Marques Ogden is a man who has lived many lives, and he has astutely used each one to build what now stands as a model story of perseverance and success. After a successful stint in the NFL, he found his life spiraling out of control, but unlike many others who never gained control, he did. Ogden did and his journey from the depths of despair to the highest highs of success is truly amazing.

“Wherever Prime goes, the media, the stars, all that, the lights follow. That’s just the way it is.” (Marques), 14:00

Today, Ogden sits down with us to discuss his views on mental health and professional sports, life as an NFL player, growing up with an older brother who is an NFL legend, and how he repositioned himself to become one of the most in-demand public speakers in the world. It’s an incredible conversation with a man who is bent on helping others reach their highest level.

“A lot of athletes live for their sport and when that sport is gone you don’t know what to do next and that’s how I felt when I lost football.” – (Marques), 19:25

“When I see people in any job, I don’t ever judge, I don’t ever assume, I don’t ever say that’s all they can do.” – (Marques), 34:35

In this episode:

(3:47) – Mental health and the NFL.
(5:10) – Marques discusses his divorce and therapy.
(6:45) – How the NFL helped Marques during his financial storm.
(8:20) – Players are stigmatized surrounding their healthcare.
(9:40) – Marques laments the challenges older players face in terms of healthcare.
(12:05) – Marques expresses gratitude about his journey.
(16:00) – Marques tips his hat to coaches on all levels.
(17:52) – Marques discusses the mental strain that comes with physical limitations.
(20:03) – Andre the Giant and his struggles are discussed by Marques.
(22:05) – Marques discusses his financial habits while playing in the NFL.
(23:00) - Marques reveals the rationale behind his 150 tattoos.
(24:00) – The danger of drinking and tattooing.
(27:58) – Marques discusses uncomfortable times playing center.
(29:20) – How stem cell treatment has helped Marques and his health.
(30:10) – The things Marques misses and the things he doesn’t.
(32:10) – Being selfish taught Marques a business lesson.
(34:58) – The importance of knowing the entire story.
(38:16) – Danny discusses the need to have a hustle and the danger of burnout.
(39:27) – Lessons learned from football and how Marques uses that in business.
(41:52) – Dark days after Marques divorced his wife.
(43:25) – Marques purchases his dream home, six months after being in a dilapidated apartment.
(44:35) – Marques encourages listeners to pursue what they want while remaining astute.

Our Guest

Growing up in a single-parent home with a father who inspired perseverance and fairness, Marques Ogden learned how to define his values and set goals. Ogden attended Howard University from 1998-2002 where he played Division I football. Ogden then followed his dream and his brother Jonathan’s footsteps, eventually getting drafted into the NFL in 2003. Overall, he played for 5 years as an offensive lineman with the Titans, Bills, Ravens, and Jaguars. Even during the off-season, Ogden helped train football players in Europe, both physically and mentally.

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Marques Ogden

Breaking the Silence: Nurturing Youth Mental Health with Ross Szabo Jan 24, 2024

Mental health is a conversation that too many times people aren’t willing to have. It’s a real thing and even though people tend to ignore it, having those conversations, difficult though they are, is necessary. Contrary to popular belief, participants don’t have to be adults to weigh in, give an opinion, and seek help because mental health also impacts youngsters, and not addressing their fears and concerns can have a lingering impact on their lives.

”I drink socially or occasionally, but what I really had to change was the environment around me.” – (Ross), 4:51

My guest today is Ross Szabo, a leading mental health advocate and a man who is working tirelessly to change the perceptions around mental health. His work includes how we approach it from a classroom dynamic as his vision calls for teachers, school districts, and leaders around the nation to begin building programs that address the very real phenomenon at an early age. He’s a pioneer in this field and continues to champion the needs of children through his groundbreaking programs and curriculums.

“If I knew what panic disorder was in the sixth grade it would’ve been a lot easier for me to come forward and talk about it.” – (Danny), 18:43

Today, Ross discusses the challenges he faced as a child growing up in Pennsylvania, how those challenges impacted his life as well as his stance on how our nation should address mental health moving forward. Ross also shares several real-life experiences including the things he has seen during speaking engagements and the way those engagements have shaped his way of thinking.

“When it comes to students, everybody just wants to be seen and heard.” – (Ross), 27:38

If you’ve been wondering how to address the mental health issues of young people within your sphere, pull up a chair and listen to Ross as he shares the wisdom he’s seen and learned along the way. This is an incredible conversation about a topic whose time has definitely come.

“Mental health isn’t just about emotions, it’s also relationships, it’s communication, it’s coping mechanisms.” – (Ross), 37:47

In This Episode:

(1:59) – Ross dives into how for years, he self-medicated heavily.
(2:52) – Ross discusses self-hate.
(4:03) – At the age of 22, Ross hits rock bottom.
(4:53) – The environment Ross was in was the biggest problem.
(5:12) – Ross discusses his teen suicide attempt.
(6:44) – Danny discusses the physical impact of mental health.
(9:03) – Ross talks about how he deals with bad mental health days.
(11:00) – Danny discusses his past relationship with alcohol.
(13:14) – Ross dives deep into addiction.
(15:31) – Danny relives going to the mental hospital for the first time.
(17:20) – How David Barlow and his book saved Danny.
(19:35) – Ross talks about speaking to his mental challenges when he was in high school.
(21:08) – Ross was a pioneer in the mental health space.
(22:45) – Ross pitches the idea that classes should be taught on mental health.
(24:03) – Ross emphasizes the importance of teachers using their stories to help drive mental health awareness and healing.
(26:06) – Ross discusses the ongoing challenges of youth mental health programs.
(28:09) – Ross emphasizes the importance of having content with integrity.
(30:35) – Mental health knows no race or gender boundaries.
(33:45) – The broad spectrum of mental health.
(37:30) – Ross reveals eye-opening relationship statistics.
(40:08) – Not fitting in at American University.
(41:40) – Ross touches on his books.
(42:43) – Young people, technology, and anxiety.
(43:18) – Ross discusses the differences between children of today and his day.
(46:10) – Danny discusses what he wishes he had done with family trauma.
(47:03) – Danny asks Ross about his views on using medicine for mental health.
(48:03) – Ross encourages listeners to do whatever constructive method works for them.

Our Guest

Ross Szabo, Wellness Director at Geffen Academy (UCLA), dedicates over half his life to making mental health accessible. His book, "A Kids Book About Anxiety," featured in Oprah's Favorite Things List, reflects his belief that mental health education is as crucial as physical health. Szabo advocates for teaching brain development, vocabulary, coping skills, and building healthy relationships to protect our minds. Transparent about his mental health journey, he empowers others to address their challenges and live more fulfilling lives.

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Ross Szabo

Thriving Beyond Tragedy: The Path to Mental Wellness with Amy Morin Jan 17, 2024

At some point all of our mental muscles are tested, some more than others, but everyone has a test that has come or is on the way. It could be a family tragedy for one person, a failed relationship, or business for another, or a dream that becomes a nightmare. Regardless of a person and their station in life, everyone will be given the opportunity to test their mental strength and fortitude. How they approach that situation and more importantly, how they emerge from it, tells the story.

“I learned that you shouldn’t put things off until someday. If you’re going to do it, do it now.” – (Amy), 2:41

My guest today is Amy Morin. She’s a respected psychotherapist, author, and woman who had her mental muscles tested in some of the most unimaginable ways. At the tender age of 23 she lost her mother and a few years later, while only 26, her husband passed. Both losses were sudden, and both required her to summon vast amounts of mental strength to get to the other side. Today she goes deep and helps us understand how to cope with loss, build our mental muscle, and be brave enough to pick up and begin living life again.

“You can convince yourself of almost anything. Your body will respond to the way you talk to it.” – (Amy), 13:26

Life is a tough place to live, but being bold enough to continue living despite the curveballs and struggles that come your way makes it all the more rewarding. If you’ve been struggling with how you’re going to move forward and begin living again following a challenging experience, this episode is for you.

“Change the channel in your brain by giving yourself a random thought.” – (Amy), 41:36

In this Episode:

(3:10) – Writing helped her understand she could live anywhere.
(6:07) – Imposter Syndrome and the job.
(6:41) – The irony of falling apart while helping others put themselves back together.
(7:22) – Amy talks about how she lives with the pain of loss.
(8:10) – Practical challenges after losing her husband.
(9:30) – The role her sister played in her recovery.
(10:36) – Amy reveals she feels changed after the losses, but not broken.
(12:01) – Being a therapist helped Amy through her struggles.
(14:48) – Amy speaks about the success of her TED talk.
(15:23) – How eulogizing her husband unleashed the public speaker inside.
(18:15)- Meditation isn’t for everyone so don’t force it.
(20:00) – Mental health and social media.
(20:55) – Bad mental health advice and TikTok.
(22:20) – Amy cautions listeners not to be drawn in by therapists based on their social media following size.
(22:44) – Amy reveals that she has struggled with anxiety for most of her life.
(28:15) – Amy opens up about generational trauma and the impact it has on lives.
(29:02) – Amy on finding love after losing her husband.
(31:30) – Danny and the way he uses mental gymnastics to justify behaviors.
(35:30) – Amy conveys how lamenting the past can impact your present and future.
(39:50) – Amy helps listeners overcome intrusive thoughts.
(42:25) – Amy and how she helps others overcome their fear of failure.
(46:38) – Accountability and bad habits.
(53:14) – Fiction and mental health.

Our Guest

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, faced early life challenges with the loss of her mother at 23 and husband at 26. Driven by personal adversity, she embarked on a journey to understand and cultivate mental strength. In 2013, she penned a letter outlining 13 habits that mentally strong individuals avoid, which gained viral traction and led to the publication of her first book. Today, Amy is a renowned author with six books, selling millions of copies globally.

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Amy Morin

No Lucks Given: Unveiling the Kitchen’s Secrets with Chef Brother Luck Jan 10, 2024

Everyone, regardless of what your life is about or where it leads you, enjoys a good meal during a night out. You can be a vegetarian or a meat lover to the extreme or someplace in between, but everyone loves a great meal at a nice place where their only duty is to feast on whatever gets placed before them. But what about the person behind the stove, on the grill, working hard in the kitchen? While we’re out there in the restaurant chowing down, living our best food dreams … what are they going through?

“I’ve come to realize that I’ve put in over 30,000 hours behind a cutting board and that’s a lot of reps!” – Chef Brother Luck, (1:50)

My guest today knows everything there is to know about a kitchen, creating a great meal, and bringing joy to diners. He also knows the hidden struggles a cook often faces. Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Chef Brother Luck. He’s hands down one of the most amazing cooks in the world and a man who understands what it takes to make it in life and the kitchen. His new book No Lucks Given: Life is Hard but There is Hope is a must-read and offers insights into how he made it and how you can do the same!

“I grew up around pimps and hustlers, and drug dealers and those were the first people that gave me mentorship.” – Chef Brother Luck, (6:54)

If you’re on the cusp, wondering how to make your next move your best move, asking yourself if you have what it takes, have a listen as Chef Brother Luck assures you that regardless of what others think, all you need is you!

“Leadership and mentorship require trust and the only way you can gain trust is to be vulnerable and transparent.” – Chef Brother Luck, (36:30)

In this episode:

(2:39) – Brother’s relationship with his father.
(3:50) – Family life in the Bay Area.
(4:38) – Brother’s favorite stadium he likes to eat at.
(5:03) – The changing dynamics of being a chef.
(6:54) – Brother reveals that some of his first mentors were negative mentors.
(7:15) – The corner, hustle mentality is woven into his business approach.
(7:50) – Danny reveals his first mentor.
(8:26) – Exposure to other lifestyles helps Brother grow personally and professionally.
(9:33) – Culinary helped him become more confident.
(10:25) – Brother and his approach to Bobby Flay.
(11:40) – BBQ in 45 minutes.
(13:30) – The importance of ratings for shows and their realities.
(15:08) – Mental health and kitchens.
(15:23) – Sucking it up in the kitchen and how the kitchen can break a person.
(15:44) – The industry calls the chef family but doesn’t treat them as such.
(16:10) – Mental health awareness is needed in the industry/kitchen.
(16:45) – Fear of failure is a part of every day for a kitchen owner.
(20:10) – How the pandemic changed his business model.
(20:47) – Chefs are solution-oriented.
(21:16) – Brother and Imposter Syndrome.
(21:50) – Feeling out of place in Aspen.
(22:35) – The words of wisdom from Marcus Sanderson.
(24:00) – Brother and therapy.
(24:45) – Friends and family aren’t the best therapists.
(29:40) – Weight loss, sobriety, and general health.
(31:07) – Brother and his new diet.
(31:50) – The journey from 285 to 225.
(34:40) – The last battlefield is the kitchen.
(35:10) – The need to change the leadership style of the restaurant.
(37:00) – The restaurant business doesn’t love you back according to Brother.
(38:20) – All he knows is the kitchen and the cutting board.
(39:50) – The turning point and importance of seeing his view through.
(40:44) – Follow your heart, but know the road isn’t easy.
(41:20) – There’s no work-life balance … there’s only balance.
(43:40) – Your decision is about more than you.

Our Guest

Chef Brother Luck, an acclaimed restaurateur from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a renowned figure in the culinary world. With a James Beard nomination under his belt, Brother has also become a fan favorite on popular cooking shows like Top Chef, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay. He has been featured in various publications, including Food and Wine Magazine, and has made appearances on national television programs such as The Rachael Ray Show and The Today Show. Brother’s zeal for mentorship and creating a safe space for discussions about mental health is matched only by his dedication to inspiring large audiences on stage and online.

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Off The Cuff

Chef Brother Luck

Beyond the Bite: Unmasking Our Relationship with Food and Finding Balance with Kim Shapira Jan 03, 2024

Food is necessary in our lives. It helps us grow, heals us, fuels us and when consumed properly, brings us joy. But there are instances when food can be an instrument of destruction, causing us to live life far below the way it was meant to be lived. In the most extreme situations, food can actually shorten our lives if the wrong kinds and volumes are consumed … for the wrong reasons.

“I believe that we need to be playing, all day, every day.” – (Kim), 4:41

Today, I welcome Kim Shapira back to the show and we’ll go deep into my relationship with food. Kim is an amazing woman who counsels patients on how to properly manage their consumption patterns and in the process, take control of their lives. We’ll go into the dark corners and pull out the hidden pieces of my past that have made my relationship with what I eat, when I eat, and how much I eat, a challenge.

“We don’t need to be thinking about what we’re going to be eating next Thursday, we need to focus on where we are right now, in this moment, right now.” (Kim), 7:00

“You need to always make sure your mind is in your body.” – (Kim), 23:25

Hey, listen, food is an essential part of life, but even more essential is how we manage it. If you’ve been struggling in this area and you’re ready to take control, I mean really take control, this is the show you’ve been waiting for. Pull up a chair and sit down at the table, for the right reasons and have a listen to the one and only Kim Shapira.

“Your body is giving you signals all day long, it’s your job to honor them.” (Kim), 24:10

In this Episode:

(2:44) – Danny discusses how he copes with things on the outside.
(3:30) – Danny shares why he thinks people follow him on social media.
(4:00) – The song that halts Danny’s work with children, goes from curse to blessing.
(4:40) – Kim tells Danny that he’s working with the inner child of the people he comes into contact with.
(5:02) – Danny discusses his defense mechanism.
(5:25) – Danny opens up as to why he’s jealous of his parents’ generation.
(6:08) – Kim discusses The Flea Study.
(6:40) – Kim says we’re all dealing with trauma on some level.
(7:10) – The need to raise vibrations.
(7:40) – 15 minutes of laughter translates into two hours of pain-free time.
(8:20) – Danny still longs to work with children.
(8:40) – Kim advises Danny to see his audience as kids.
(9:24) – Danny discusses his home life as a child.
(11:24) – Kims feels Danny needs to “love on” his inner child.
(12:10) – Kim discusses how you can have several marriages within a marriage.
(12:48) – Danny and the theory of life being an anthology.
(14:09) – Neck pain, phones, and the future of our bodies.
(16:30) – Kim cautions Danny about his water intake.
(17:50) – Danny opens up about his diet.
(21:34) – Ozempic performance and how it impacts Danny.
(22:00) – Rules for eating.
(22:25) – Kim encourages Danny to practice grounding.
(22:35) – Kim advises Danny to say three things he’s grateful for before he opens his eyes.
(23:52) – Do a body scan before eating.
(24:24) – If you don’t know where your mind is, that’s a problem for your body.
(25:03) – Kim reveals that 47% of our day is on autopilot.
(27:40) – Kim encourages Danny to move away from using food as his comfort.
(30:24) – Focus on eating only when you’re hungry.
(30:45) – Danny has challenges with portion control.
(33:00) – There’s nothing wrong with loving food, but for the right reasons.
(33:12) – Kim asks Danny if he’s crushing food or if food is crushing him.
(33:34) – Danny’s admission about his relationship with food.
(34:00) – The three different ways Danny says I’m sorry to his inner child.
(34:30) – The power of self-compassion.
(36:04) – Kim reveals where hunger lives.
(37:07) – Calorie counting and body consistency.
(37:33) – Consistent eating tells your body it’s safe.
(38:22) – Danny makes a plea to his listeners.
(39:10) - Danny admits that his world revolves too much around food.
(40:08) – Kim challenges Danny to change his menu and volume.
(40:57) – Danny is in a bad food routine, by his own admission.
(44:04) – The inner child is cheering for us.
(44:35) – Your diet is the way you eat.
(44:52) – The need to get 10,000 steps per day.
(45:29) – The need to find joy in our journey.

Our Guest

Kim Shapira M.S., R.D. is a celebrity dietitian, nutritional therapist, and author, with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Tulane University and a master’s degree in human Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition from Boston University. Kim has spent over 25 years helping people lose weight and keep it off (with a giant emphasis on keeping it off), both in her private Los Angeles practice, in hospitals, sports clinics, addiction centers and universities. When she's not helping her clients take back their relationship with food, she is a wife and mother of three children and three pups.

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Kim Shapira

Knocking Out Stigmas: The Battle for Mental Health in Combat Sports with Lorenzo Hunt Dec 20, 2023

Bare-knuckle fighting is not for the faint of heart. It’s a tough sport and you have to be wired a little differently to step into a ring where you’re reliant on yourself, not a teammate or a coach on the sideline for success. Those rounds can seem like an eternity for a boxer, filled with intensity, blood, sweat, and tears. It’s a tough sport, ruled by tougher men, and one that’s on the rise in the global sports community.

“My father was like super-cool and taught me martial arts, so he was like my big brother more than my dad.” Lorenzo, (3:13)

Today, I spend time talking to a man who stands atop the bare-knuckle fighting world, roundly recognized as the premier talent in that sport. He’s Lorenzo Hunt, also known as, “The Juggernaut” and one of the greatest fighters of this or any other generation. I sit down with him to discuss some of the struggles he’s had to overcome, his approach to life, his sport, and how he maintains a healthy mental state.

“I think that we really should take into consideration the mental health of our athletes more.” – Lorenzo, (6:22)

This is a fascinating conversation and one that will undoubtedly inspire you to move to new heights in your life from both a physical and more importantly, a mental state. Both are integral parts of our lives and today, we tackle them head on with a man who only knows one direction … forward!

“It doesn’t matter how you try to hurt someone, it’s going to hurt.” – Lorenzo, (13:34)

“For the most part, my training is my therapy.” – Lorenzo, (30:24)

In this Episode:

(2:00) – Lorenzo has always been a fighter.
(2:13) – He was targeted by other kids and that was a trigger for him.
(4:04) – Social anxieties caused him to go deep into his craft and become diverse.
(4:45) – Mental health wasn’t discussed in Lorenzo’s house.
(5:50) – The correlation between mental and physical health.
(6:34) – Lorenzo shares his views on mental health evaluations for fighters.
(7:31) – The Mark Richman fight.
(8:30) – Lorenzo discusses the danger of not being ready for a fight mentally.
(8:56) – Physically strong people are mentally strong people too according to Lorenzo.
(9:32) – Lorenzo reveals that he advocates for suicide prevention.
(9:54) – The enemy within is real according to Lorenzo.
(11:08) – Lorenzo takes no joy in hurting his opponent.
(12:32) – The switch to bare knuckle fighting is.
(15:20) – Lorenzo in the ring and Lorenzo outside are two different people.
(16:55) – Paranoia and fight night.
(17:40) – Lorenzo explains why he’s always careful in social settings.
(21:30) – Lorenzo laments the disrespect he’s received from some of his opponents.
(22:42) – The problems Lorenzo has with the city of Cleveland.
(26:03) – Opening up isn’t a sign of weakness.
(28:28) – What Lorenzo said to himself after Richman knocked him down.
(29:05) – Lorenzo feels no emotion during the fight which is a learned behavior.
(30:20) – Lorenzo reveals that he’s open to therapy.
(31:58) – Lorenzo thinks everyone needs to find that one thing they love and do it for their own mental stability.
(33:36) – Lorenzo fights to stay away from where the enemy within lives.
(34:10) – Advice for fighting the enemy within.
(37:36) – The surrealness of being a celebrity.
(38:00) – Lorenzo discusses his life and imposter syndrome.
(38:44) – When self-doubt begins to creep in.
(42:31) – The importance of giving others a chance to see tomorrow.
(43:15) – The loss that still haunts The Juggernaut.
(43:40) – The power of learning how you learn.
(44:44) – Even the misses are important to Lorenzo.

Our Guest

Born on September 9, 1982, Lorenzo Hunt began his combat sports journey in 2013 in Florida's MMA scene, turning pro after two years. Known as "The Juggernaut," he dominated in MMA promotions like RFC and Titan FC, all victories by knockout. Transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing, Hunt swiftly rose to the top of two divisions, elevating the sport. His presence guarantees an electrifying experience, from pre-fight buildup to press conferences and the bout itself. Confident in his pursuit, he aims to retire with both belts, leaving a trail of defeated opponents.

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Lorenzo Hunt

Beyond the Diagnosis: A Journey through Mental Wellness with Kelsey Darragh Dec 13, 2023

Mental health comes in all shapes, sizes, and both genders. About the actual diagnosis, that’s another variable. The diagnosis can come at any point in life and how a person deals with it moving forward, navigates the nuances and medications as well as any therapy plays a pivotal role in the life they’re able to create.

“The way I was before I started taking the medication, I don’t ever want to be that person again.” (Danny), 10:34

My guest today is a person who understands the challenges of mental health and how learning to maneuver is an ongoing occurrence. She’s Kelsey Darragh, a multi-talented, creative force unlike any I’ve ever met. Kelsey made time to stop by and discuss her mental challenges, the various forms of treatment she’s used and currently uses, dating and mental health, and much, much more!

“I was getting tired of everyone saying it’s going to be alright. I was like I know it’s going to be alright, but when is it going to be alright?” – (Danny), 13:54

Mental health is challenging, but it’s even more challenging when it gets swept under the rug or ignored. Recognizing and receiving the help that’s available is life-changing and sets sufferers on a clear path to creating a life worth living. If you’ve been on the fence, wondering if you should move forward and get the help you need and deserve, this show is the one that will help move you into living your best life!

“What do you do or where do you find yourself when everybody you’re supposed to go to help you can’t?” – (Kelsey), 15:30

In this episode:

(3:12) – Danny’s experience with Lexapro.
(4:54) – Kelsey goes into her late-life panic disorder diagnosis.
(5:40) – Danny opens up and shares his first panic attack.
(6:55) – Lexapro has been the medicine of choice for Kelsey since she was 17.
(8:02) – Danny discusses his challenges with impulsiveness.
(9:40) – Kelsey and Danny share their Klonopin experiences.
(11:05) – Danny warns about leaning on medication too much.
(12:35) – Danny and Kelsey share their views on various medications.
(13:32) – Danny reveals that his father had to shower him in his 20’s.
(14:00) – Telling people it will be alright is useless.
(15:00) – Kelsey discusses how Lexapro impacts her sex drive.
(15:04) – Kelsey and ‘It’s All in Your Head’.
(16:09) – Orgasms become her drug of healing.
(17:02) – Her journey through her sex profile and life.
(18:30) – Danny discusses being hypersexual as a teen.
(20:55) – Mental health, dating, and marriage.
(21:52) – Danny reveals that the past sex lives of partners can be challenging talk.
(23:47) – Kelsey discusses the importance of sex and mental health.
(24:44) – Heart palpitations and masturbation.
(25:48) – Age and polyamorous.
(26:52) – Kelsey and the funny sex story
(32:20) – Kelsey and the prospects of being a mother and how a partner could make it challenging.
(33:50) – Danny gets honest about where he stands with children and his life.
(35:20) – The largest epiphany Danny has ever had.
(35:44) – You can’t keep up with the Joneses.
(35:55) – Instead of investing in things, Danny now invests in practicality.
(36:28) – Views on generational wealth.
(38:20) – Danny discusses his current familial relationships.
(40:00) – Kelsey takes a gratitude inventory and says she’s satisfied.
(41:01) – Creativity comes from boredom.
(41:35) – The conversation turns to porn.
(44:25) – Kelsey talks about her short film and sex.
(45:10) – Kelsey discusses her book and why she thinks it did so well.
(46:24) – How TikTok helped drive book sales.

Our Guest

Kelsey Darragh, a multifaceted creator, filmmaker, and author, transitioned from online content to impactful films as a documentary director and Executive Producer. Beyond her development work, she curates viral content on social media and hosts two top-ranking podcasts, focusing on "taboo" topics like social justice, sex, women's issues, and mental health.

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Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Kelsey Darragh

Reality Check: Unmasking Anxiety in the Spotlight with Michelle Young Dec 06, 2023

Reality television is a large part of our culture. It’s everywhere on every network and platform as viewers are drawn to the ability to see inside the lives of subjects as they live them. If you can name it, chances are reality television has seen it, and while it might seem all glitter and glamour, even reality television stars have problems.

“The teacher, the Bachelorette, the Black Bachelorette, those are the three labels that people have associated with me.” – (Michelle), 30:04

My guest today is Michelle Young. Michelle was a participant in The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Michelle has also dealt with a lifetime of challenges stemming from anxiety, a very real condition that can often cripple victims. Today, Michelle stops by to discuss how she copes with her situation, how being in the public eye impacted her life and anxiety, and how setting boundaries in her personal and professional life has helped her manage and overcome the inherent challenges. She also discusses her love for young children and why being a teacher will always be her passion.

“When I’m at work I needed to be at work, so I’m Ms. Young.” – (Michelle), 26:43

Dealing with anxiety can be an enormous burden to carry and wearing the proverbial mask doesn’t make it any lighter. If you’ve been wondering how others make it through this challenge and need inspiration to help you do the same, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for!

“My value does not decrease just because I’m not in a relationship.” – (Michelle), 41:07

In this episode:

(3:53) – Growing up in Minnesota.
(5:30) – How words impact your life.
(7:38) – Michelle realizes that she has an anxiety disorder late in life.
(8:32) – Michelle discusses how physically sick her anxiety and mental health issues made her.
(9:15) – Michelle as a basketball player.
(10:09) – The value of her athletic background.
(10:55) – Being on television was different but her anxiety didn’t impede her.
(11:40) – Michelle discusses her stint on reality television.
(12:25) – Overcoming anxiety is easier according to Michelle when others are depending on you.
(13:40) – Danny discusses his childhood family home dynamics.
(15:10) – Michelle reveals that she misses being in the classroom with children.
(16:20) – The impact of social media on children of today.
(18:23) – Danny thinks parents will evolve and learn how to better handle children and social media.
(19:07) – The role of music in the future.
(21:56) – Danny laments the potential impact of his technology trail.
(22:52) – Danny loses his job over his provocative song.
(24:43) – The lingering impacts of social media.
(25:14) – Michelle talks about life after reality television.
(25:35) – Challenges on the job while doing reality television.
(27:20) – Setting boundaries at work and why it was important for Michelle.
(28:40) – Being a Black woman on The Bachelor and the weight of the role.
(29:19) – The challenge of racism in reality television.
(29:37) – Michelle discusses mental health and being in the public eye.
(33:26) – Therapy was the way out for Michelle.
(34:43) – Teachers always have to wear their masks, hiding their mental health issues.
(37:15) – Danny and Michelle refuse to live with regrets.
(39:00) – How regrets and depression are connected.
(41:18) – Good energy posts are what Michelle strives for.
(44:31) – The financial challenges of teachers.
(46:11) – Why teachers should matter more.
(50:40) – Michelle shares her favorite part about being a teacher.

Our Guest

Michelle Young was a participant in The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. After receiving her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bradley University in 2015, Michelle began her career as a 5th-grade teacher, she delivered engaging educational content and also spread her message of self-love and acceptance to the young mind she was molding. Before teaching, Michelle’s success was measured in the classroom and on the court. She showed her prowess in balancing the demands of her studies while making a name for herself as a Division I basketball player.

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Off The Cuff

Michelle Young

Breaking the Silence: Unveiling the Reality of OCD with Allison Raskin Nov 29, 2023

There’s a lot of talk out there about OCD, what it is, who has it, and the way it impacts lives. It’s a challenging disorder and so many people navigate this space in life alone. That’s a sad reality, but what’s even sadder is that there are so many others who are open and willing to help them find their way through this mental maze and in the process, introduce them to a better life.

“You can be happy in multiple versions of your life.” – (6:53), Allison

My guest today is Allison Raskin. She’s a New York Times best-selling author, a podcaster, a screenwriter, an admitted sufferer of OCD, and a staunch mental health advocate. Today, Allison stops by and shares her journey, and how she’s dealt with the challenges she faces while offering insights into how others can overcome whatever mental struggles they’re having in their lives. It’s an eye-opening conversation that sees her being transparent in a powerful way that will impact listeners regardless of where they are in their mental walk.

"I’m not a kid person; I’m an animal person.” – (21:35), Allison

OCD is very real and it’s time we start having some very real conversations about this condition. It’s also time for sufferers to come out into the light and get the support they so desperately need. Today, we’ll offer that help in the form of Allison Raskin. It’s an incredible time with a dynamic, high-achieving woman.

“OCD is such a misunderstood disorder.” (26:18), Allison

“When I like me more, other people’s opinions of me don’t matter as much.” – (28:11), Allison

In this episode:

(1:35) – Allison shares an interesting perspective on the entertainment industry.
(4:50) – Danny discusses losing his fear as a comic.
(6:04) – Allison dives deep into her failed engagement including her upcoming book.
(6:30) – The reason Allison hates the phrase everything happens for a reason.
(7:00) – The danger of getting attached to one version of happiness.
(7:16) – The liberating feeling of knowing she can be happy in several different paths.
(9:08) – Allison gives tips on writing dating profiles.
(9:37) – Dating profile turnoffs for Allison.
(12:13) – How Danny met his wife.
(12:44) – Danny justifies the amount he spent on his wedding.
(13:17) – The wedding is about the community; the marriage is about the couple.
(17:01) – Allison discusses her approach to podcasting.
(18:00) – Danny discloses the hardest thing about being a podcaster.
(18:10) – A lot of what Allison makes on her podcast she wouldn’t actually consume.
(20:00) – Inside marriage jokes.
(22:54) – The OCD diagnosis.
(24:20) – Allison and how she treats her OCD.
(25:11) – How OCD is diagnosed, and Danny admits he’s an OCD gatekeeper.
(28:40) – The beautiful part of aging.
(29:03) – The power of claiming what you like about yourself.
(30:20) – Danny discusses where he was prior to meeting his wife.
(31:00) – Being funny doesn’t mean you can’t be happy.
(31:45) – The challenging part of being a comedian and entertainer once the applause ends.
(33:45) – Danny needs to cry and finds a way to make it happen.
(35:10) – Danny shares that he used to have eleven panic attacks per day.
(36:20) – Going inpatient was Danny’s way of showing himself that he’s taking steps to better his life.
(36:55) – The Lexapro side effect conversation.
(38:00) – Allison goes deep with her mental diagnoses, including Contamination OCD.
(39:00) – Inside Contamination OCD.
(40:31) – The concept of the Obsessive Contamination Journal is revealed.
(43:30) – Danny discusses manic fears and the challenges he incurs.
(44:13) – Difficult mental conversations that must take place.
(45:16) – The challenge of brain-to-mouth filtering.
(46:59) – Allison and the meal aversion conversation.
(48:54) – Allison and her relationship with medication.
(51:25) – Defining delicate clothes.
(52:11) – Washing, cleaning, and habits formed during COVID.
(53:20) – The most and least behaviors for Allison.
(54:38) – The need to track herself in public and track people in her home.

Our Guest

Allison Raskin is a woman who wears many hats. She’s a New York Times bestselling author with Young Adult and non-fiction offerings that examine the intersection of mental health and romance. She’s also an accomplished screenwriter who has created shows with FX, Netflix, MTV, YouTube Red, and 20th Century Television. Allison also has a strong Internet presence that includes her YouTube channel, Just Between Us which has over 170 million views. Her Instagram page, Emotional Support Lady is also popular attracting visitors from around the world. She is currently working toward her master’s in psychology, a goal that will help her dive deeper into the subject while serving others in need of mental support.

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Off The Cuff

Allison Raskin

Reinventing Yourself: A Journey to Authenticity with Craig Siegel Nov 22, 2023

Authenticity, getting real, being true to yourself … we’ve all heard those clichés a time or two. The truth is at some point we’ve all uttered them for one reason or another. But here’s the thing, hearing or saying them means nothing, it’s easy. The real value comes from stepping out and being bold enough to act because when you do, the universe takes notice, and some pretty awesome things begin happening.

“Your comfort zone is a death sentence.” (Craig), 1:52

My guest today is Craig Siegel. He’s the author of the WSJ Bestseller The Reinvention Formula: How to Unlock a Bulletproof Mindset to Unlock Your Life, and quite simply one of the most amazing people I’ve ever talked to on the show. Today, Craig stops by to share his journey of reinvention, what he lost, what he learned, and the incredible life he has built by finding and becoming aligned with his authentic self. He’ll also share some of the struggles he’s overcome and offer tips on how you can do the same in your life.

“As it turns out, there’s a lot more to success than just making money.” (Craig), 12:42

If you’ve found the things in life that light your fire, but you’re afraid to make the move, this is the episode that will give you the courage to take the next step and bring it to reality. Don’t worry about your age because it’s truly nothing more than a number and it’s never too late! If this sounds like you, this episode is for you.

“If I’m not weirding you out, I got to step it up.” (Craig), 21:55

“I’m a big believer that clarity follows action.” – (Craig), 40:47

In This Episode:

(2:55) – Danny’s views on death and life.
(3:33) – Death is a total life hack.
(4:44) – The reinvention highway Craig created for himself.
(5:20) – Craig talks about how he connects with an audience.
(6:00) – Danny dispels and discusses myths surrounding public speakers.
(6:59) – Fixing or reinventing yourself is not a quick fix, it’s a journey.
(8:34) – The Tony Robbins Experience.
(10:57) – Preparation breeds confidence.
(12:00) – Craig discusses what leads to his bout of unhappiness.
(13:50) – How running changed Craig’s life.
(14:35) – Alignment is the key to life.
(16:50) – The two lists we all need to create.
(17:55) – The importance of getting in the arena.
(19:27) – Craig finds his superpower and commits to always being his authentic self.
(21:14) – Craig feels liberated and free now that he has embraced himself.
(22:40) – Protecting boundaries is important for Craig.
(23:11) – Being selective with your energy.
(24:15) – The definition of success.
(26:05) – Peace is what Danny craves in his life.
(30:48) – The process of the Reinvention Formula is revealed.
(31:24) – The importance of being mentally fit.
(35:05) – Partners don’t always have to agree, but they do always need to respect one another.
(38:21) – The Eulogy Exercise.
(41:20) – Craig says great things happen when you step into fear and become bold.
(41:44) – The death sentence and your comfort zone.
(42:19) – Danny favors dying as a warrior rather than a spectator.
(47:11) – You’re never too old because it’s not about age, it’s about alignment.

Our Guest

Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling Author Craig Siegel of “The Reinvention Formula”, is a highly sought-after Global Keynote Speaker, Rising Thought Leader, and Top Podcast Host of The CLS Experience and TEDx Speaker. Craig believes that removing one's limiting beliefs is the key to success in all areas of your life. As many people feel unworthy, Craig has taken his unique ability to help people release their negative beliefs and change their mindset into a positive one not only in business but in their personal lives.

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Off The Cuff

Craig Siegel

Redefining Mental Health Support for Young Women with Elyse Fox Nov 15, 2023

Depression is a very real situation, and we all need a safe space where we can go, speak honestly about what we may be going through, and get the healing and coping tools we deserve. Young people, including young women, are finding themselves in need of support, direction, and guidance. Having access to these tools can be the difference between living and just existing … and there is a difference.

“If you look at the wellness space as a whole, how many wellness spaces or communities can you name for men?” (Elyse), 4:28

My guest today is Elyse Fox, a woman blessed with many talents. From directing to activism to being a recognized tastemaker, to say her plate is full would truly be an understatement; it’s running over! Elyse is also the Founder of Sad Girls Club: an online platform and real-life platform designed to help young women facing mental illnesses. It’s an amazing undertaking and one that helps those suffering throughout the world find the support they so desperately desire. Today, we get deep with Elyse on a number of different topics as she shares her amazing journey.

“Delivery is really key too; especially in the moment.” – (Elyse), 12:59

It’s a challenging world out there, but Elyse wants young women who are struggling with mental health issues to know that they don’t have to go it alone. If you’re a young woman traveling this road or you know one who is, this is an episode that has to be experienced. The conversation is equal parts broad and informative and guaranteed to give listeners the push they need to move toward the healing they deserve! Don’t miss out on this life-enhancing discussion!

“When people see numbers/statistics on mental health it’s easy for them to digest.” – (Elyse), 38:29

In this episode:

(1:45) – The importance of branding and fonts on her website.
(3:10) – Comedy and mental health go hand in hand.
(3:33) – Danny tells of his therapist and the volume of comedians she treats.
(4:09) – Danny explains why he started the show.
(4:27) – Gender wellness states are compared.
(4:48) – Elyse shares her views on men and mental health.
(5:49) – Men and the lack of true support systems.
(6:11) – Elyse relays the myth that men can’t cry.
(7:04) – Danny discusses the danger of self-diagnosis.
(7:14) – The fad of mental health being sexy.
(7:55) – The troublesome reality is that mental health is viewed as trendy.
(8:54) – Danny discusses the pain of hearing a friend disclose their depression.
(9:47) – Elyse says acting with depression is a must.
(10:40) – Sometimes it’s about being listened to, not solving the problem.
(11:10) – Danny speaks about how he handles problems his wife brings to him.
(12:20) – Knowing how to address a woman when she’s being challenged matters.
(13:04) – Delivery makes all the difference according to Elyse.
(14:40) – Elyse opens up and says motherhood was scary.
(18:00) – Motherhood was not the plan, but she wouldn’t change a thing.
(18:44) – Postpartum depression on top of her depression for Elyse.
(19:35) – Therapy was her saving grace.
(20:29) – Danny moves the conversation to Conversations With Friends.
(23:15) – The impact of feedback on her film is discussed.
(24:20) – Elyse discusses how she handles her son when he’s having a moment.
(25:40) – Elyse teaches her son to communicate anxiety and express his feelings.
(26:15) – The ‘being black in America' conversation Elyse will have with her son.
(28:31) – Danny and Elyse discuss her abusive past relationships.
(29:02) – When Elyse knew she was tired of being in abusive relationships.
(31:03) – Danny discloses why men stay in bad relationships.
(31:31) – Sad Girls Club isn’t just for females.
(33:41) – The difference being in nature can make on your mental state.
(36:25) – The importance of having resources on the Sad Girls website.
(37:17) – The candles on the website and Elyse discusses her favorite.
(39:31) – Relationship advice from Elyse.
(40:41) – The power of “I” statements.
(40:50) – The value of friends who can check in on you.
(45:31) – Mental health wasn’t discussed when Elyse was a child.

Our Guest

Elyse Fox is a director, activist, and tastemaker living in New York City. She’s been featured in a number of publications including Vogue Magazine, Forbes, and Broadly to name a few. Through her efforts to create access and community within the mental health world, Elyse has partnered with Nike, Harvard University, The U.S. Intelligence Community, Instagram, and many more. Her mission is to connect communities, spread awareness, and provide access to resources through vulnerability, gathering, and storytelling.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Elyse Fox

Finding Support and Healing in Difficult Times with Dr. Ali Mattu Nov 08, 2023

Life can be a challenging space to navigate. With all of the ups and downs, twists, and turns, sometimes it’s hard to figure out whether you’re coming or going. Here’s the thing to remember when you find yourself trying to find your way through one of those situations; you’re not alone.

“People see ‘Doctor’ in front of your name and forget that you guys have feelings too.” – (Danny), 3:14

My guest today is a man who felt so knew so many were suffering, feeling alone and as if they had no way to cope … so through the power of social media, he gave them one. On this episode, I sit down and talk with renowned psychologist and content creator, the one and only Dr. Ali Mattu. Dr. Mattu specializes in mental health disorders and his online presence has become a beacon of light for many sufferers around the world who simply can’t afford to get the help they need. He’s an amazing man with a heart for people that comes through from the moment you first hear his voice. Our conversation runs the gamut and touches on suicide, a topic so many of us fear, but so many of us need to discuss.

“The hardest thing about being a therapist is how lonely it can get.” – (Dr. Mattu), 16:57

If you’ve been looking for a way to cope and get answers to some of the pressing questions that have for far too long kept you awake at night, this episode will speak directly to you. This is an episode that was designed with you in mind and one you won’t want to miss.

“One person cannot and should not be your sole source of support for everything.” (Dr. Mattu), 37:02

“People who are suicidal aren’t just suicidal once.” – (Dr. Mattu), 50:45

“You never know in a conversation when you stumble upon someone’s trauma.” – (Dr. Mattu), 1:05:22

In This Episode:

(3:30) – Dr. Mattu discusses how he balances patient challenges with his own emotions.
(5:00) – No matter what the profession is, people bring issues, and we have to figure out how to manage them and their issues.
(6:11) – Self-care is part of his practice as it allows him to take care of his patients.
(9:40) – The beauty and value of community colleges.
(10:10) – Dr. Mattu found himself after transferring to a 4-year university.
(11:34) – The balancing act of being a doctor and content creator.
(12:42) – Dr. Mattu shares why he began making content.
(13:02) – How the higher-ups felt about his content creation mechanism.
(14:27) – The importance of putting yourself out there becomes apparent.
(16:57) – The loneliness of being a therapist.
(18:45) – A day in the life of a therapist.
(20:58) – Striking the balance between what to share and what not to share with your partner.
(21:52) – Danny asks when and where to share his daily challenges with his spouse.
(26:37) – Being brave in relationships is important according to Danny.
(27:20) – The importance of checking in when you’re sharing panic experiences with your significant other.
(33:47) – Learning to lean on his professional colleagues during tough times.
(35:25) – There’s trial and error involved with finding your support system.
(38:45) – Sometimes you just need your feelings validated.
(40:00) – The conversation moves to the topic of suicide.
(41:12) – Danny discusses in-patient suicide and how it impacted his life.
(41:44) – Dr. Mattu and losing his brother to suicide.
(44:00) – No matter what you’re going through, Danny expresses the importance of finding levity.
(45:00) – The range of emotions a person goes through when death happens.
(47:45) – Dr. Mattu goes back and remembers incidents with his brother.
(50:34) – The times Dr. Mattu saved his brother but had no idea he was actually saving him.
(53:15) – Dr. Mattu shares the dream he had about his brother.
(55:56) – Sorrow will always be present, but guilt isn’t necessary.
(1:01:58) – The complicated grief process that comes with losing a loved one to suicide.
(1:05:20) – When parents lose children, what happens in the aftermath?
(1:07:12) – Dr. Mattu shares grounding methods.
(1:11:12) – Patient experiences with grounding.
(1:17:00) – Comparing yourself to people who are on the next level.

Our Guest

Dr. Ali Mattu became an expert at treating anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and body-focused repetitive behavior disorders using cognitive behavioral therapy. He was trained as a child clinical psychologist and specialized in adolescent and young mental health. In 2020, Dr Mattu shifted his focus to creating media for those who cannot afford effective mental health care. He received his B.A. from UCLA where he majored in psychology and minored in Asian American Studies. Dr Mattu received his PhD in clinical psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. and completed a doctoral internship at the Bellevue Hospital Center and a post-doctoral fellowship at the NYU Langone Medical Center’s Child Study Center. He is a loving father and husband who resides in the Bay Area.

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Off The Cuff

Ali Mattu

The Road to Overcoming OCD with Amanda Petrik-Gardner Nov 01, 2023

There’s a lot of conversation about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), some real and some of it is just talk. But no matter where the conversation falls or the parties involved, OCD is a very real situation. It can take over your days, limit your existence, and have a profound impact on your overall quality of life.

“My professional opinion is that OCD is under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed all the time.” (Amanda), 1:38

My guest today is Amanda Petrik-Gardner. Amanda knows a lot about OCD, how to detect it, and most importantly, how to help victims build strategies to overcome it. Her practice spans the nation and over the course of her career, she’s seen, heard, and helped with it all. Today, she stops by to discuss OCD, debunk myths surrounding it, and talk to us about why the time has come for our world to begin opening up and getting real about our mental health.

“One of the beauties of mental health is that it does not discriminate.” (Amanda), 6:08

OCD is real, but so are the treatments that help sufferers overcome it. If you’ve been diagnosed with OCD or any other condition that falls on the spectrum, this show is for you. If you think you may have this disorder, listen to it, make an appointment with a specialist, and boldly seek the help you deserve. This is an amazing conversation that focuses on a truly debilitating condition and one that will help you become your best version! Amanda Petrik-Gardner … today on Off the Cuff!

“When we start living in this imagined story that’s not even happening, we start acting on it.” (Amanda), 14:17

“Don’t rely so much on what everybody tells you to do. Find out what works for you.” (Danny), 33:03

In This Episode:

(1:30) – Is OCD over or under-diagnosed?
(2:10) – Amanda debunks stereotypes surrounding OCD.
(2:32) – Danny discusses his classmate who had OCD/Repetitive Behavior as a child.
(3:22) – Amanda reveals that clinicians often have trouble understanding the concept.
(4:18) – There is no link between OCD and violence.
(4:50) – A person with OCD is the least likely to harm someone because the thought actually scares them.
(6:30) – Amanda discusses her childhood and knowing what she wanted.
(6:53) – Understanding that some therapists go into a field because they didn’t get the help they needed.

(9:30) – Everybody has intrusive thoughts, but not everybody has OCD.
(10:35) – Amanda discusses the two OCD models.
(11:57) – Your brain creates stories, and they happen rather quickly.
(14:47) - Amanda assures listeners doubts aren’t concerns.
(15:02) – The percentage of people born with OCD and the genetics of it.
(17:09) – Danny opens the floor to traumatic brain injuries and OCD.
(18:33) – Athletes are among the most OCD diagnoses.
(19:13) – The Nomar Garciaparra Experience.
(19:43) – Routines can become OCD.
(20:21) – No direct correlation between addiction and OCD.
(21:25) – Amanada discusses the hierarchy of disorders.
(23:52) – Danny gets blunt about OCPD’s.
(25:30) – Amanda goes deeper into her childhood and early story and how the family doesn’t talk about mental health.
(28:00) – Amanda reveals that OCD can be mental or physical.
(29:13) – Thoughts on people who self-diagnose.
(30:33) – The idea of treating OCD without therapy is discussed.
(32:40) – The importance of OCD homework.
(34:03) – Can OCD be a positive?
(37:54) – Exposure Therapy for OCD
(40:50) – Danny discusses the increased popularity of CBT.
(41:40) – The topic of Harm Obsession is discussed.
(43:00) – Amanda offers listeners guidance on how to work through Harm Obsessions.
(43:52) – How OCD looks in children.
(44:54) – When should you seek treatment for OCD?

Our Guest

Amanda Petrik-Gardner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with individuals throughout the nation to uncover and help them live through their conditions. She specializes in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. Her approach helps those struggling with intrusive, unwanted thoughts by engaging in compulsions to help alleviate whatever anxiety is causing them to struggle. Her hands-on philosophy helps her patients get to the heart of their disorder in a manner that empowers them to live richer, fuller lives. If you’re stuck, Amanda will work to get you unstuck, and moving in the right direction.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Amanda Petrik-Gardner

Danny Opens Up: A Mental Health Journal Oct 25, 2023

Fresh off his European trip, Danny sits down and takes listeners through what can best be described as a mental health journal. He shares some of the challenges and fears he faced while on the road and strategies he used to reset upon return.

“I think I have a love/hate relationship with the word influencer.” – (Danny), 1:43

As is always the case, Danny gets very transparent with the listeners in a way that is cleansing for him and healthy for all of them. He opens up about rehab and how it unfortunately has been stigmatized as a place you can only go when you’ve hit rock bottom, the need for each of us to put our needs first at certain points along with the incredible healing power of video games.

“I just enjoy the smaller things in life. I think it’s because I’ve been through so much with anxiety and panic.” – (Danny), 6:03

This episode also touches on health as Danny reveals that one of his goals is to get his under control so that he can live longer and live better. Speaking of life, he reminds us that one day in our lives, every person on this planet will leave this one at some point which is why it’s important to live it to the fullest! ‘Don’t wait, start now’ is his life mantra and he implores listeners to adopt this same approach. Resetting, understanding the power of now and so much more are all here in this powerful episode that you simply can’t afford to miss!

“Life is all about resets; resetting life.” (Danny), 7:58

“If I go out of my way to get as healthy as possible, those trips to the doctor will be cut in half.” (Danny). 10:29

“Anything in this life worth going for requires work.” (Danny), 12:24)

In this episode:

(1:06) – Danny on his European trip.
(1:29) – Danny discusses coming to grips as an influencer.
(2:04) – The difficult times of being away from home are discussed in a very transparent moment.
(2:43) – Danny reveals the loneliness of his profession.
(3:25) – The alone time in London was even more challenging as Danny fell ill.
(4:08) – He was sick off his feet in Northern Ireland, but the show had to go on.
(5:00) – How video games impact his mental health.
(5:20) – The escape video games offer can’t be beaten.
(6:10) – Dreaming about going back to rehab when he was in Europe.
(6:31) – Danny shares that he thinks rehab gets a bad rap.
(6:50) – Rehab can be a great recalibration tool.
(8:07) – Sometimes life calls for you to be selfish.
(8:36) – Danny reveals that his eating habits must change.
(9:00) – He has to get his life and body back within the next few months.
(9:30) – The sad goal of losing weight.
(10:13) – The Health Anxiety Monster.
(10:40) – It’s okay to admit you don’t have control over certain parts of your life.
(11:47) – Danny shares that we’re all works in progress.
(12:02) – Seeing the fruits of labor makes it all worthwhile.
(13:00) – Death is inevitable so why not give it your all?
(14:08) – Don’t wait for whatever you want, do it now.
(14:40) – Danny wishes he wasn’t a procrastinator.
(14:58) – The power of now and the power it wields are discussed.
(16:00) – Concerns about his body and the need to exercise.
(16:44) – The curse of being an athlete.
(18:13) – The mystery of BMI.
(19:00) – Danny shares his reasons for wanting to get into shape.
(19:46) – Seeing the elderly having a quality of life and how it makes Danny feel.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

The Best of Off The Cuff Part 4 Oct 18, 2023

A true gift is the best way to describe Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore. The show is a gift to the listeners with each guest playing a pivotal role in the success of the podcast and the many ways it has helped to shape people’s lives.

As we review the many people and places we’ve gone, we’re featuring clips with Tristan Mack Wilds of The Wire on the challenges he faced playing the seminal role of Michael and how that role shaped his career. We’ll hear from the amazing Peter Ruppert on certainty, making decisions, and understanding how to navigate anxiety. We catch up with Ben Nemtin as he shares perspectives on life, death, and the importance of being around people who inspire him and The Bucket List Journal. Dr. Sasha Hamdani offers insights into the struggles of living with ADHD, treatment options, and how it impacts each individual differently. Nick Thompson comes through and provides insights into the real-life rigors of being a reality television star and life after. JB Copeland opens up about his journey from star athlete to a youth pastor, struggling with addiction. Kati Morton shares views on narcissism, BPD (borderline personality disorder), and the truth behind people pleasing.

This is just a glimpse of what you can expect from this groundbreaking offering, designed to help listeners like you become the best version of yourselves. If you’re a long-time listener, thank you, because you’re the fuel that keeps us going. If you’re new, buckle up; the fun is just beginning and you’re in for one incredible ride!

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The Unseen Battle: Mental Health in Sports and Society with Eric Kussin Oct 11, 2023

We’ve all got something going on inside, a silent battle that rages that we must deal with at some point. It makes no difference what a person looks like on the surface, or the mask they wear, everyone, even the person who looks, acts, and speaks like there’s nothing, has something, if we’re ever honest with one another, that’s the one thing that brings us closer.

“It’s kind of like a club that everyone in the world is a member of they just don’t know it yet.” – Eric, (4:04)

My guest today is Eric Kussin and he’s one of the most fascinating men I’ve ever met. Eric is the founder of #SameHere Global, a non-profit that champions addressing mental health challenges in a strategic manner. In this episode, Eric sits down, and we have a very real conversation about his bouts with mental health, how the system gets it all wrong, and why athletes move past the stigma that keeps them from getting the peace they deserve.

“Emotional pain is cumulative.” – Eric, (8:43)

If you’ve been struggling or fighting a battle that you feel like you can seem to defeat on your own, understand there are solutions to assist you. Listen as Eric candidly speaks about his struggles and the ones he’s seen in others and how these experiences can help you overcome yours!

“Your love of what you do every single day is an escape.” – Eric, (27:24)

“When you’re taught at a young age that there’s this escapism type of tool that you pop that just makes things better, you’re never asked to develop the skill set that allows you to develop the skill set to deal with challenging events.” Eric, (45:11)

In this Episode:

(1:40) – Eric talks about where he is now.
(2:11) – He started the organization as an obligation after he learned about mental health system flaws.
(2:30) – Lessons learned about the non-profit work world.
(3:35) – Eric discusses navigating the different pieces of the business.
(4:40) – Understanding the commonality we all share.
(6:39) – Eric delves into why athletes ignore mental health.
(6:50) – What society told us about mental health and who it’s for.
(8:13) – Eric discloses how athletes mistakenly use on-the-field hurt to mirror off-the-field mental hurts.
(9:07) – The cumulative build of mental health.
(9:52) – Eric discusses the hidden costs of the routines that coaches put players through.
(10:15) – Danny discusses the one thing sports never taught him.
(11:30) – Why athletes can’t be vulnerable about real-life challenges.
(12:40) – Sports documentaries are actually mental health stories.
(13:28) – Insights on Johnny Manziel.
(16:34) – Danny describes the curious case of Jon Jones.
(21:35) – The misses of the Netflix documentary and how they mirror the life of an athlete.
(23:30) – Holding Netflix accountable is something Eric thinks needs to be done with sports documentaries.
(25:33) – Danny discusses how a loss by a favorite team can impact the week.
(26:44) – Understanding the importance or lack thereof of using sports as a release.
(27:55) – Athletes and dealing with the things that really matter.
(29:48) – Eric discusses the addiction to Dopamine and the need to address it.
(32:00) – The need to work on the things you’ve lived through.
(32:30) – The hidden pain of nicknames.
(34:00) – Eric gives his opinion on medication.
(35:15) – The 52 medications Eric tried.
(38:12) – How medication works.
(39:00) – The danger of marketing medication as a cure.
(40:10) – Mental health drugs are not fixers.
(41:41) – Eric talks about why people go to gyms and the cause and effect of it.
(43:22) – Danny believes children of today are overmedicated.
(46:30) – Eric says we’re treating mental health and physical health the same way which is wrong.
(47:10) – Danny says it takes more than just medicine; it takes actual work.
(48:35) – It’s not about being ripped; it’s about being functional.
(55:40) – Eric brings steroids into the conversation.
(56:46) – Stem cells, athletes, and advances in technology.
(58:35) – A theory on why people bully.
(59:32) – The brilliance of Royce White.
(1:00:26) – How the NBA actually talks out of both sides of their mouth.
(1:03:00) – The pros and cons of TMS therapy.
(1:07:33) – The Singlet and repetitive thought patterns.
(1:08:57) – STAR, healing your nervous system through self-healing.
(1:10:36) – Happy isn’t a binary place.

Our Guest

Eric Kussin is the founder of #SameHere Global which brings athletes, celebrities, and expert practitioners together. After a successful career that started at the NBA League Office and led to senior management positions with a number of professional sports teams, Eric’s mental health took a sudden and rapid decline. Due to unresolved personal life traumas, he failed to appropriately address at a younger age – life experiences he was unaware were affecting his mental health – Eric developed a severe bout of PTSD, along with symptoms of anxiety and depression. This fall came essentially “out of nowhere” and left him almost permanently in bed, and with severe cognitive impairment, for just over two and a half years. Once he found a way to climb out of his abyss, he vowed to spend the rest of his life focused on changing the global conversation through mental health advocacy.

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Eric Kussin

Six Rules to Become Your Healthiest Self with Kim Shapira Oct 04, 2023

How many times a day do you think about food? For most of us, our next meal is always at the forefront of our minds. It’s true that we need food to live, but what if we found out that we’ve been handling our relationship with food all wrong? Taking it a step further, many of us equate food intake with weight loss. But when it comes to weight loss, what if we found out the amount of sleep we get has as much of an impact as the foods we eat?

“The whole premise of my entire practice is how’s the relationship you have with your body?” – Kim, (10:24)

My guest today is a woman who knows a lot about food, sleep, and how they play off one another when it comes to weight loss and creating the body and life you deserve. She’s Kim Shapira, and over the years she has become one of the most trusted names in the world when it comes to diet and nutrition. In her new book entitled, This is What You’re Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self, Kim discusses how to develop a healthy relationship with food that will take your life to another level.

“It’s really hard to lose weight when you’re stressed”. – Kim, (10:51)

Food is our fuel, but understanding how to manage food intake and the emotions behind it is how you become the best version of yourself. If you’ve been navigating this food landscape by yourself all this time and haven’t seen the results you desire, have a seat, listen to Kim, and get the answers you need, and deserve!

“We have to know what’s healthy for your body”. – Kim, (17:04)

“What people are really hungry for is peace.” – (17:54)

In this episode:

(2:45) – Kim discusses her Jewish upbringing.
(3:29) – The importance of sleep is discussed.
(3:55) – Danny reveals his challenges with fatigue and sleep.
(4:40) – The conversation turns to a health session for Danny.
(6:00) – A1C is discussed in-depth, and Danny reveals he was in a bad place.
(7:00) – Danny reveals his lifestyle change.
(8:15) – Kim reveals we need at least 7 hours of sleep and consistent rest to operate at our best.
(8:56) – Sleep corrects everything.
(9:27) – Melatonin is the most powerful antioxidant in our body.
(10:20) – The importance of sleep and weight loss.
(10:57) – Even if you’re not feeling stress, your body can still feel it.
(14:12) – Stress and true hunger.
(14:32) – Debunking food myths.
(14:45) – Kim reveals that people are actually afraid of hunger.
(15:44) – There is no “best” diet for diabetes.
(16:57) – The importance of having your body and mind in the same place.
(17:40) – Eat every 2.5 to 3 hours to balance your blood sugar.
(19:01) – Kim discusses her Six Simple Rules.
(20:01) – Be hungry when you eat and only eat half of what you would normally eat.
(22:24) – No need to wait, we have everything we need right here in front of us.
(22:33) – Eat less, sleep more, exercise more.
(25:00) – Eat what you love, but only eat foods that make you feel well.
(26:47) – Food is fuel, not fun.
(27:50) – Be with the food and enjoy what’s going into your mouth.
(30:39) – Don’t label or sensationalize food.
(32:25) – Weight is important, but body fat percentage is the most important thing.
(33:04) – 10K steps every single day.
(34:23) – The value of walking before and after you eat.
(36:36) – A gallon of water is too much to drink per day.
(37:16) – Drink water and get seven hours of sleep.
(37:44) – The snooze button is your enemy.

Our Guest

Kim Shapira M.S., R.D. is a celebrity dietitian, nutritional therapist, and author, with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Tulane University and a master’s degree in human Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition from Boston University. Kim has spent over 25 years helping people lose weight and keep it off (with a giant emphasis on keeping it off), both in her private Los Angeles practice, in hospitals, sports clinics, addiction centers and universities. When she's not helping her clients take back their relationship with food, she is a wife and mother of three children and three pups. Kim often appears as a guest expert for Yahoo!, Just Jenny, Sky News, Vanity Fair, Pop Sugar, Podcasts, and more.

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Kim Shapira

The Trauma Behind True Crime with Collier Landry Sep 27, 2023

When it comes to children, mothers are considered their north star. No matter how old that child gets when times get hard or the waters get rough, that child will always look to their mother to guide them to a safe place. But what happens when your mother is no longer there? What makes matters even worse, what do you do when the person who took your mother … is your father, the one sworn to protect her?

“Something has happened to her. She’s either locked away in a shed somewhere or he’s killed her.” (8:07), Collier

My guest today is Collier Landry. Collier has an amazing story of resilience and perseverance that will inspire you no matter what stage of life you’re in. At the tender age of 11, his father murdered his mother. As a result, the lives of Collier and his younger sister were thrown into disarray. He reveals this amazing story in the 2017 film, A Murder In Mansfield. Today, Collier discusses how he made it through this turbulent time and how others can find a light at the end of any dark tunnel.

“The grass is always greener on the other side, but that doesn’t make it true.” – (49:59), Collier

It makes no difference what you’re going through, there’s always hope if you just keep moving forward. Pull up a chair and listen to this amazing testimony of the human spirit, compassion, and forgiveness, that will help you persevere and find your better place!

“I am grateful for what I went through because it's made me the person I am today. And I genuinely like that person.” – Collier

In this episode:

(2:22) – Collier walks listeners through the murder of his mother by his father in 1989.
(3:18) – Collier confronts his father about the absence of his mother.
(4:31) – The coverup of the crime begins.
(5:38) – His father introduces Collier to his girlfriend who is pregnant.
(6:19) – His mother knew of his father and his philandering but didn’t want Collier involved.
(6:30) – The violation that led to the situation worsening.
(7:00) – The conversation Collier had with his mother about possibly going missing.
(8:27) – Detectives enter the situation and things begin to turn.
(10:20) – Collier begins surveilling his father.
(10:40) – The behavior of his father begins to shift.
(11:21) – Two weeks alone with his father was a living hell.
(13:00) – The two photographs Collier discovers.
(13:51) – The father-son trip to Florida that Collier fears.
(14:50) – Collier realizes his father is on to him.
(17:41) – Guilt begins to creep into the mind of Collier.
(18:28) – The worst asthma attack occurs, and he can’t go home.
(19:34) – Collier hears of his mother’s death.
(20:12) – Collier wishes he was wrong, and discusses the pain of being right.
(20:42) – The grief of knowing his worst thoughts were true.
(21:25) – Collier discusses not knowing what his future will be and testifying against his father.
(22:40) – The pain of being a foster child and poor treatment from his foster family.
(24:45) – Collier reveals where his mother’s body is found under the house where his father and mistress will live.
(26:54) – Collier discusses the miracle of him remaining functional.
(28:10) – The common bond of children who grow up seemingly overnight.
(28:46) – The Murder in Mansfield Documentary is discussed.
(30:55) – Collier pursues filmmaking because he wants the answer as to why his father murdered his mother.
(35:42) – The gift and the curse of discussing his childhood.
(40:00) – The fallacy of true crime podcasts.
(42:12) – Mental illness sufferers often suffer in silence.
(43:06) – You don’t always see the people you impact.
(43:24) – The lessons people receive from Collier reading his father’s letters.
(44:28) – Getting over it just doesn’t work.
(46:28) – The three seconds of the film that earned Collier's respect.
(47:20) – Money doesn’t solve problems.
(48:27) – Collier reviews the true source of being happy.
(50:30) – Possibly writing letters to his mother down the line.
(54:02) – Trauma treatment becomes the topic.
(55:47) – Collier reveals that he still gets triggered.

Our Guest

Collier Landry is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a cinematographer, podcast host, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. He gained widespread recognition as the creator and subject of A Murder in Mansfield, a film directed by two-time Oscar winner Barbara Kopple. Collier's passion for storytelling was sparked by his own traumatic childhood experience: the pre-meditated murder of his mother by his psychopath father. He uses film and podcasting to creatively express and deal with this trauma and as a platform to give a voice to others who have faced similar circumstances. Collier hosts the award-winning Moving Past Murder podcast, which offers his unique perspective on surviving true crime and overcoming adversity. He interviews guests who have experienced or overcome tremendous life challenges and hopes the show serves as a form of therapy and reconciliation for himself and his listeners.

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Collier Landry

The Truth about Therapy with Kati Morton Sep 20, 2023

There are a lot of stigmas out there and nowhere is there more than when the topic comes to therapy. Over the years, therapy has gotten a bad rap, but here’s the reality of it all. One of the strongest, most empowering things a person can do is recognizing they need help. And, without question, the most powerful thing is reaching out and getting the help they need.

“Bedside manner should definitely be more prioritized in medical school.” – (4:31), Kati

My guest today is Kati Morton. Kati is the author of, Are U Ok?” A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health, and one of the leading voices and most trusted therapists in the nation. Today, we sit down to talk about a host of things including marriage, relationships, friendships, disorders and how our past can impact our present. Kati has seen and done a lot with patients and today, she graciously opens up to help listeners move closer to healing.

“The thing about being a therapist is that it’s not about me.” – (15:06), Kati

Regardless of what it might look like on the outside, none of us have this thing called life all figured out. Clear your mind and open your ears and have a listen to this amazing conversation that will help you get closer to becoming the person you’ve always longed to become!

“A lot of times the problems that we’re having with our partner are problems that we had because of our childhood.” – (18:38), Kati

In this episode:

(1:30) – Katis’ career begins, and she admits she’s still learning.
(2:12) – Imposter syndrome in the beginning of her career.
(3:04) – Being willing to refer someone out is something Kati says is important.
(5:06) – Kati reinforces the importance of having a doctor who cares.
(5:51) – Why doctor’s visits can be challenging for some patients and how to take control of them.
(6:52) – The need to translate medical language into everyday vernacular.
(8:44) – Kati and Danny discuss the bipolar spectrum and the different levels and layers.
(11:16) – Kati defines the so-called, high functioning depressive.
(12:40) – Breakup advice in the therapist kind of way.
(13:42) – Giving couples homework.
(14:41) – When patients break up with a therapist.
(15:37) – Patients and therapists don’t have to be best friends, but they do need to click.
(16:44) – Biggest changes Kati has seen in the mental health space.
(17:45) – The silver lining of COVID as it relates to those in need of therapy.
(19:28) – Earning power friction and insecurities for men.
(19:55) – Admitting to family members that the relationship failed is hard.
(20:33) – The stigmatization of divorce.
(22:34) – Articulating mental health to the layperson.
(23:28) – Views on treating men who have mental health issues.
(30:00) – Challenges with TBI’s (Traumatic Brain Injuries).
(31:45) – Exploring the dangers of collision sports, (football, hockey, MMA).
(32:19) – Being able to spot a narcissist.
(35:52) – The exhaustion of people pleasing.
(36:08) – Therapists also need therapy.
(36:23) - The origins of people pleasing.
(37:33) – How men can become better communicators.
(38:23) – Men should check in with their partners daily including calls and touches.
(39:17) – Couples must listen and ask real questions.
(41:59) – Can men cheat and still be in love with his partner?
(43:27) – Ways to regain trust after infidelity.
(45:54) – Why therapists allow you to tell lies.
(46:48) – Being jealous in a relationship, is it normal?
(47:20) – Selfishness in a relationship and how to balance.
(48:01) – Verbal altercations are different than healthy discussions.
(49:05) – Your partner shouldn’t know everything about you.
(49:40) – Your mate shouldn’t be your everything.
(50:45) – Different people to meet different needs is how you build a support system.
(53:01) – Therapists can be human lie detectors.
(57:03) – How to break-up with a friend.

Our Guest

Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a highly sought-after speaker in the field of mental health. With a master’s in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, Kati has delivered impactful talks at prestigious events and platforms worldwide. Her influential YouTube channel - with over 1.3 million subscribers and 120 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language. Through her dynamic presence on social media and appearances on top-rated shows such as Dr. Phil, E! News, CBS The Doctors, and The Dr. Drew Show, Kati has successfully spread awareness, reduced stigma, and empowered individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.

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Kati Morton

Surviving the Social Media Death Hoax with Josh Seiter Sep 13, 2023

Social media is the gift that keeps on giving, but on the other side, social media can also be a curse. It’s addictive and once it sucks you in it can be hard, often impossible to get out. In many cases, it’s how you react to the plethora of platforms at our disposal that determines how well you’re able to navigate this new element of life that looks as if it’s definitely here to stay and not a fad as many would’ve wanted us to believe years ago.

“Is it productive? Is it beneficial to my mental health to obsess about things that happened in the past?” – (2:45), Josh

My guest today is Josh Seiter. Josh is a man who knows a little something about the media, and social media. He recently went through a media storm with stories of his passing making headlines. Lucky for us, and the world at large, he’s still alive, kicking, and championing the virtues of mental health. His struggle is one that will inspire everyone and call you to focus on what, and who really matters in life, even if that person is you: Someone so many of us forget to value.

“Just because people are momentarily interested in you, it doesn't make you better than anyone.” – (7:57), Josh

We’re all going through something and at some point, we all need someone to listen and show us that we matter. Pull up a chair and take a listen as Josh takes us inside his journey to healing, family, finding purpose, and unlocking the incredible man that lives within!

“My self-worth isn’t based on what other people think of me, good or bad.” – (8:40), Josh

“I think the only reason you would want to leave the world is because you feel unloved.” – (21:47), Josh

In This Episode

(1:43) – Josh discusses the social media prank that he was dead.
(3:19) – Putting the social media hack behind him is the best thing for his mental state.
(4:22) – The media onslaught due to the rumors of his passing.
(5:40) – In spite of it all, Josh has chosen to focus on the positive.
(6:11) – The false sense of importance is discussed.
(7:26) – The transition back to relative anonymity.
(8:21) – How humans are always seeking approval from others.
(9:21) – The reality that you’re not going to make everybody happy.
(10:33) – Josh choosing to focus on the good regardless of what others say about him.
(12:49) – Mental challenges began at 15 and he lived in silence.
(13:26) – Three years of law school, but Josh found purpose in mental health.
(14:10) – Josh feels confirmation about his choices when he sees them in writing.
(17:16) – The conversation moves to how he always focuses on negativity.
(18:20) – Restructuring your thoughts and becoming more emotionally mature.
(19:25) – The prospects of celebrity therapists.
(21:00) – Being more receptive of people who don’t meet our norm.
(21:31) – Mental health and suicide common traits.
(21:55) – What led Josh to two suicide attempts.
(22:51) – The importance of having a therapist.
(24:00) – What the future for Josh holds.
(25:00) – Josh says he needs to find purpose daily.
(27:00) – The relationship with God and his past experiences with religion are discussed.
(31:25) – Josh takes everyday as it comes and being bipolar mandates this.

Our Guest

Josh Seiter is a former contestant on The Bachelorette and a reality TV star. He appeared on shows like 90 Day Fiancé and Love After Lockup, becoming known for his TV appearances. In 2015, he joined The Bachelorette but was eliminated early. He’s also an internet personality and cares about mental health. Recently, during Pride Month, Josh shared his true side and came out as homosexual. He told everyone about his new relationship with David, who is an amazing dancer. Josh had some tough relationships with women before, but now he’s happy to be in a healthy and fulfilling partnership with David.

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Josh Seiter

https://www.instagram.com/josh_seiter_official/

The Untold Struggles of Athletes with JB Copeland Sep 06, 2023

Things can be deceiving from the outside looking in and you’d be shocked to find out how many people who look like they have it all together are actually falling apart. It’s a façade that gets harder to keep up with each passing day and one that eventually comes crashing down. No one embodies this more than the big-time athlete. They’re superhuman or so it seems but truth be told, they’re just as vulnerable as the next guy, maybe more vulnerable in some instances.

“I attribute most of my anxiety and depression to trauma, childhood trauma, not head trauma as much.” – (10:11), JB

My guest today is JB Copeland. He’s a guy who seemed to have it all just right and everything going just righ and within an instant, that all changed. JB was on the fast track to gridiron success coming out of Texas. He landed at the University of North Carolina and that’s where his life began unraveling. From head trauma that forced him to retire from football to the recreational drugs that defined him after he left the team, all the way to his time as a youth pastor, JB has a story to tell. It’s one that will shock and inspire you all at the same time while helping you get moving in the right direction.

“I think I was like in a state of delusion to where it was everyone else’s fault but me.” – (15:05), JB

If you’ve fallen and think there’s no way you can stand again or begin walking down a path of redemption, this episode is the one that tells you that you can. It’s an open, honest conversation where we discuss hard truths, family issues, and the beauty of healing and one you can’t afford to miss!

“I wish I could go back and play in the mind frame and state of mind that I am now.” – (18:32), JB

“When I could be me and I realized my father could accept me for me, everything changed.” – (37:41), JB

In This Episode

(1:16) – JB discusses football at North Carolina and retiring due to head trauma.
(2:22) – Failed drug tests also contributed to him leaving football.
(5:12) – JB is introduced to drugs during his junior year and the rest is history.
(6:20) – Danny discusses the 72-hour cocaine bender.
(9:35) – Correlations between concussions and panic attacks.
(10:40) – Rehab helps JB deal with his trauma.
(11:40) – The scholarship situation opens up father wounds.
(12:20) - JB arrives at UNC and immediately gets put in the program.
(14:27) – AD removes scholarship and JB feels his life is over.
(15:20) – Taking responsibility for his action helps JB immensely.
(16:00) – Coming to terms with who he is during rehab.
(16:52) – JB discusses making amends to UNC.
(17:51) – The big game against LSU and the positive moments.
(18:20) – Remember the good points because they matter too.
(20:17) – Possible return to UNC to talk to the youngsters.
(21:00) – JB becomes a youth pastor in his hometown, following in his fathers’ footsteps.
(21:41) – His wife disapproves with his decision to pastor.
(24:24) – JB admits he is not doing his best at the church, living a double-life as a pastor and a drug addict.
(25:26) – The first panic attack hits and JB is unsure of what’s happening.
(28:47) – JB admits he doesn’t know God.
(29:19) – JB discloses what God told him.
(31:37) – Danny gives credit where credit is due.
(35:53) – The letters his father sends him and the counselors’ reaction.
(36:52) – JB and his conversation with God prior to group discussions.
(37:30) – His father leaves ministry and it changes their relationship.
(38:50) – The Inner Child Healing Moment.
(40:13) – Laughing is what healed him.
(42:18) – The joy he found at rehab through the friends he made.
(46:50) – Hell on Earth and Heaven on Earth.
(49:07) – The value of working out and how it helps JB.
(51:12) – True apologies are the best.
(53:00) – JB attributes healing to his wife.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

JB Copeland

https://www.instagram.com/jb_copeland/

A Lifetime of Mothering with Heather Brooker Aug 30, 2023

Everyone has a story to tell. How they got from point to point, the struggles they endured along the way, the person they started as and where they stand now, everyone has a story. In many cases, actors, the ones who tend to bring us so much joy have something incredible behind them. What makes it even more compelling is when they use their story to help others live a richer, fuller life.

“There was a time in my life where I was super proud and then, people tell you that you’re bragging.” – Heather, (1:37)

My guest today is the one and only Heather Brooker. She’s an actor, comedian, and journalist, but most of all, she’s an overcomer and a woman with an amazing story. She’s the founder of the Motherhood in Hollywood podcast and she graciously shares her life experiences to help others navigate the challenges that fall into their path. Heather grew up in an unconventional atmosphere, but her resilience and ability to strategically lever her surroundings helped fuel the success she currently dwells in.

“It feels a bit unfair to talk about her (mother) struggles in detail because she’s still alive and we have a really strained relationship.” – Heather, (12:48)

Everyone has a story, and we all have the ability to impact and play a role in them. Pull up a chair and hear the empowering message from Heather Brooker as she shares things she’s learned along the way that will help you conquer whatever is keeping you from living your best life!

“You love your children obviously, but then when you get to see your own child, being a parent and going through all the things you felt as a parent, and how they navigate it, there’s a sense of pride.” – Heather, (21:43)

“We’re living in a different world right now where people have access to so much information online and they’re all sharing it on TikTok and social media.” – Heather, (40:30)

In this episode:

(2:00) – Heather expresses her happiness with the career she has built thus far.
(5:35) – Heather reveals that she doesn’t allow her daughter to have access to social media.
(7:23) – Navigating technology in the Brooker household.
(10:25) – Surviving the reality of parenting herself.
(10:49) – Heather opens up about hiding the struggles at home.
(11:10) – How the death of her stepfather impacted the household.
(14:04) – Growing up, Heather did whatever she had to do to create some semblance of normalcy.
(15:04) – Looking back over life and realizing the way she lived was far from normal.
(16:47) – Friends are great escape mechanisms.
(17:34) – Teaching her daughter to navigate being an only child.
(18:49) – The topic of only children and how they’re often misunderstood.
(24:00) – Monitoring her daughter when she’s on the set.
(25:46) – Acting, not journalism was the goal, but her mom wanted her to be an engineer.
(29:26) – She loves the storytelling aspect of journalism, but it can be heavy at times.
(30:44) – Growing up in trauma helped make her a better journalist.
(33:15) – Acting or standup, which is her favorite?
(35:20) – The ownership element of standup comedy.
(35:39) – Comics live in a bubble.
(37:40) – Heather says journalism numbs her but also helped her become more of a critic.
(38:40) – Juggling fairness and impartiality as a comic.
(40:47) – Acting and comedy are all about storytelling.
(41:37) – Talking about body positivity.
(44:00) – Heather encourages and remains an advocate for all bodies in the arts.
(45:20) – Discussing plus-sized women in acting.
(46:20) – Heather is resilient enough to get through the weight criticisms but knows everyone isn’t.
(47:23) – Don’t be afraid to ask for the seatbelt extender.
(50:00) – Auditioning for the role of Fat Pam.
(52:08) – It’s always open season for fat people, especially fat women.
(53:10) – Fat shaming impacts men in Hollywood too.
(57:40) – Advice for those who want to be actors or comedians.

Our Guest

Many years ago, Heather Brooker said goodbye to Oklahoma to follow her dreams in Hollywood! Since then, she’s been hovering on the cusp of stardom waiting for her closeup. During that time, she racked up a couple of Emmy Awards as a journalist, comedian, and TV host. She also created the Webby Award-winning podcast, Motherhood in Hollywood. She’s appeared in over 40 films and TV shows including “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Fresh Off The Boat”, “The Mindy Project” and many more. It should also be noted that Heather was in the unprecedented role of digital entertainment reporter for KNBC in Los Angeles, where she regularly interviewed celebrities and other luminaries in Hollywood.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Heather Brooker

The Real Price of Reality Television with Nick Thompson Aug 23, 2023

Reality television became a thing a little over a decade ago and since arriving on the scene, it has taken the airwaves, and society, by storm. You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who hasn’t spent time watching one, pulled in by the real-time train wreck or complex love triangles that have allowed this form of entertainment to slowly become woven into our fabric. But what happens when reality gets a little too real, and things go wrong?

“I’ve always been someone who has felt alone. From the moment my parents divorced when I was five years old, I felt responsibility for my sisters, and I resorted to handling things that bother me on my own.” – (4:48), Nick

My guest today is Nick Thompson, a man who knows all about the ups and downs of being a reality television star. He found and later lost love on the set of Love is Blind and also, found out about his own mental health and how to love himself more in the process. He’s a man who struggles with depression and one who has some very real and authentic thoughts on how the changes reality television needs to institute for the good of everyone involved, including the audiences.

“I got to the point where I said I can’t take anymore. I can’t take people calling me a cheater, a narcissist, and knowing everything about my life and having a judgment on it.” – (6:38), Nick

Makes no difference if you’re an ardent reality show watcher or just a person trying to make it to the next day, join us as Nick shares insights on his journey to mental wellness, the struggles he has faced, and exciting news on his latest endeavor! It’s an amazing conversation with an even more amazing guy.

“Can we at least get an independent therapist on each of these (reality show) sets that can say he so and so can’t film anymore because they’re having an episode?” – (25:43), Nick

“I had to say something because I had to leave reality TV better than I found it.” – (40:01), Nick

In This Episode

(1:40) – Nick discusses the driving force behind UCAN.
(2:35) – Post-reality show life can introduce mental health challenges.
(3:08) – The trauma of job and marriage loss and how it impacts a person.
(4:21) – Interview about observed abuses on “Love is Blind” reveals Nick isn’t okay.
(5:55) – Public divorce and job loss took him to the bottom.
(7:55) – Nick comments on his biggest takeaway from reality television.
(8:39) – There are a lot of people hurting, but a lot of people don’t have the resources to address the pain.
(8:56) – The male mental health stigma is discussed.
(11:19) – Being in the mood to fight the fight.
(13:00) – Nick and his mental state going into Love is Blind and how he hid depression for years.
(13:44) – Managing depression takes a lot of time and effort.
(14:12) – The challenge of COVID and depression.
(15:20) – Spending time in nature gave Nick structure.
(17:20) – The pitfalls of reality television, especially the editing room.
(20:57) – Unionization of reality stars is on the horizon.
(23:06) – Netflix observations and the value of Love is Blind.
(28:00) – Inside the pressures of reality television and the hidden dangers.
(28:43) – Dating shows don’t lend themselves to being transparent.
(30:00) – Nick discusses his first panic attack.
(30:41) – Homebound following his layoff and divorce.
(32:07) – Marriage and mental health and how to manage it within that construct.
(34:39) – Reality television pre-pairs couples according to Nick.
(36:40) – People have no idea who the reality stars really are in real life.
(38:23) – Nick discusses reconnecting after the divorce.
(39:30) - Nick realizes that he has to say something about reality television.
(40:35) – Danielle and Nick tell their story, their way on his podcast.
(42:00) – The challenge of articulating depression.
(43:12) – It’s really a form of WWE.
(44:57) – Should reality television come with disclaimers?
(49:08) – The message of Eyes Wide Open.

Our Guest

Nick’s most passionate about building human connections, mental health, and wellness, problem-solving, self-improvement, and giving back to the community. As a tech marketing executive, Nick builds personal connections with customers, teammates, and coworkers to empower people to act, learn, and grow. His podcast, “Conversations with Nick Thompson,” elevates societal issues such as free speech, free press, mental health, healthy lifestyles, and helping the less fortunate live better lives. Born and raised in Chicago, Nick was the oldest of three siblings with two sisters. Nick's favorite hobbies growing up were writing, filmmaking, journalism, and finding unique ways to connect with others through storytelling. Nick has a degree in business and is currently working towards a master's degree.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Nick Thompson

Unlocking the Truth about ADHD with Dr. Sasha Hamdani Aug 16, 2023

“Sorry I’m late, blame it on my ADHD.” We’ve all either heard or in some cases used this excuse a time or two throughout the course of our lives. It’s true some of us may be dealing with this condition but the fact that it’s used so flippantly speaks to the fact that as a nation, we have yet to fully grasp the enormity of it. Each day millions of people wake up and walk into a life ruled by ADHD, unaware of the various treatment options that can literally change their lives.

“My mom is a pediatrician, and I grew up and I was like, that woman is so happy. Like such a good work-life balance.” – (1:40), Sasha

My guest today is Dr. Sasha Hamdani, and she wants to change the way we think about this debilitating condition by bringing the challenges of ADHD to the forefront. She’s the author of the book entitled, “Self-Care for People with ADHD: 100 Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Prioritize You!” She’s also a woman who suffers from ADHD and today, she shares her amazing insights on how she copes with it and still manages to live a successful life.

“Teachers are actually angels of people like they’re so important and you cannot pay them enough for the job they do.” – (5:54), Sasha

ADHD is a real part of life and too many times our society dismisses it as a condition of the imagination and not one that warrants real attention. It’s time to move past these limiting thoughts and behaviors and begin embracing the realities that real help is available to all. If you’ve been suffering in silence or know someone who might be, and you’re ready to begin stepping into a new season, this is the episode you’ve been waiting to hear!

“I think you’d be surprised to know that psychiatrists and therapists some of what leads people into this direction is this desire to understand themselves better.” – (12:50), Sasha

“What should you feel like when your ADHD is properly managed?”- (24:12), Sasha

In This Episode

(3:45) – How having a doctor for a parent is a proverbial double-edged sword.
(4:58) – Sasha never felt pressured to join the medical profession.
(6:12) – Leading a classroom riot leads to ADHD diagnosis.
(8:50) – Sasha discusses balancing professional and personal social media.
(10:22) – How Sasha establishes credibility on her social media channels.
(12:10) – Self-disclosure was the hardest part of social media for Sasha.
(13:16) – The comfort of knowing a psychiatrist may have similar backgrounds to their patients.
(14:30) – The book writing experience begins.
(16:26) – Danny discusses doctor shopping and the importance of using outside resources.
(17:01) – Sasha and ADHD today and how she manages her condition.
(17:30) – How juggling the household helps Sasha with ADHD.
(18:52) – Sasha defines ADHD on a deep level.
(20:20) – The three different types of ADHD are uncovered.
(22:09) – The challenge of accurately diagnosing women with ADHD.
(23:22) – Side effects of ADHD medications.
(24:42) – Sasha discusses the correction medication and how it should make you feel.
(26:00) – The danger of being overmedicated and how it can impact your life.
(27:20) - The correlation between anxiety and ADHD.
(28:40) – Sasha discusses her book writing process.
(30:10) – Danny and Sasha discuss Focus Genie.
(34:02) – Sasha is already in the process of writing her second book.
(36:35) – The importance of living in the moment.

Our Guest

A native of Santa Barbara, Dr. Sasha Hamdani moved to the Midwest to pursue her medical studies at The University of Missouri-Kansas City. She completed her residency in Phoenix and her final year was done at The University of Kansas Medical Center. She enjoys providing healthcare and guidance to patients of all ages to help them live a fuller, richer life. Her practice is based on trust and her goal is to drive strong therapeutic relationships that positively impact families under her service.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Dr. Sasha Hamdani

https://www.drhamdanimd.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thepsychdoctormd/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thepsychdoctormd
https://www.facebook.com/TheADHDdoctor

Embracing Grief: A Journey of Love and Healing with Marisa Renee Lee Aug 09, 2023

In our society, especially for men, we’ve been taught that grieving and the tears that sometimes come with this process are a sign of weakness. But there’s a growing sentiment that says we’ve been doing this grieving thing all wrong. It says that grieving and all the associated parts and pieces that come with it is really a way of expressing our deep, unbridled love for the one we lost.

“A lot of people, as I was dealing with grief and loss, started calling me a grief expert and that felt very uncomfortable.” – Marisa

My guest today is the one and only, Marisa Renee Lee. She’s a woman who knows a lot about grief, the stages, and what it means to grieve. She’s a former White House Appointee who worked in the Obama Administration and the author of the book, Grief is Love. Today, I’ll spend time speaking with Marisa on how she has handled various losses in her life and the message she wants to impart to others as they go through their own processes.

“What I’m advocating for is for everybody to have access to whatever they need when grief arrives.” – Marisa

There’s nothing wrong with grieving. It’s a sign that you loved the person you lost. It’s also a very personal experience that has no timetable and must be embraced at every stage of life. Listen today as we tackle this tough issue and release some of the preconceived notions that have been holding us all back.

“I think I first encountered grief when I was a teenager and just didn’t have words for it.” – Marisa

In this episode:

(5:35) – Marisa and her White House Experience.
(8:00) – The gravity of working in The White House never got old.
(13:22) – The road to becoming a Grief Advocate.
(15:27) – Marisa advocates for what is needed to heal.
(16:17) – Mental health can be daunting.
(17:18) – Her mother has passed, but Marisa still speaks to her.
(18:50) – zthe commonality of death and how everyone faces it.
(19:50) – Marisa talks about her interpretation of grief.
(20:50) – When a loved one passes, you change as a person.
(21:31) – The painful part of love.
(22:14) – We suffer because our society is grief averse.
(27:00) – Danny discusses the pain his mother felt following her miscarriages.
(28:00) – Marisa discusses her pain from having a miscarriage.
(28:29) – Grief and trauma were contributing factors to her miscarriage.
(32:04) – The correlation between grief and anger.
(38:45) – Being Black at Harvard.
(43:23) – The five stages of grief.
(45:27) – We all receive grief differently.
(46:46) – Grieve on your terms.
(47:00)- Naming our feelings reduces their power over us.
(47:44) – Nothing that is hard in this world is ever accomplished in isolation.
(48:26) – Be prepared to ask for help.
(48:42) – The three categories of health.
(50:00) – Find your own way to honor and love the one you lost.
(53:20) – The pain of being a fixer and being unable to fix the situation.
(54:37) – Make space for grief in your life.

Our Guest

Marisa Renee Lee is a called-upon advocate, writer, and speaker on coping with grief. In 2008, she lost her mother to breast cancer, in 2019 Marisa and her husband lost a much-wanted pregnancy, and most recently, she lost a young cousin to the COVID-19 pandemic. These losses transformed her life and led her to question what grief really is and what healing truly requires. As a leading grief advocate, Marisa offers incisive and compassionate advice on managing life after loss with unique insights for women and African-American communities. She recently partnered with Ritual's well-being app as a writer and narrator alongside other leaders in science, faith, and culture.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Marissa Lee

Overcoming Depression and Embracing Your True Self with Ben Nemtin Aug 02, 2023

We have one life and one life only to live, love, grow, and do whatever it is that makes us whole. Here’s the problem: too many of us are stuck living life and dreaming the dreams of others. We ignore the signs of who we are and who we were meant to be, and the ramification of doing so often leads to the deep, dark hole that is depression.

“Thinking about death makes you think about life.” – Ben

Today, I speak to a man who knows a little something about living and dreaming for yourself, not others. He’s Ben Nemtin and his story of battling and overcoming depression and embracing his true self is nothing short of amazing. His new book entitled, “The Buried Life” is a truly awesome read that will open your eyes and set your feet to moving in the right direction.

“I realized that some of my friends gave me energy and some of them drained me and some of them were inspiring.” – Ben

Depression is very real, but overcoming it is also real and it starts by being brave enough to look in the mirror and making some often hard, but equally rewarding, life choices. We’ve only got this one life, so break out the pen, start listing the things you want to do – the bucket list -- and get busy living! If you’re brave enough to begin that journey, this episode is definitely for you!

“Half the people you look at are struggling.” – Ben

In This Episode

(2:30) – Ben and his friends wanted something physical to remind people of their bucket list accomplishments and what matters.
(3:05) – He became inspired watching a classmate become an entrepreneur.
(4:03) – Ben discusses gathering the dreams of others and bringing them to life through art.
(5:12) – The men he made the documentary with, weren’t close friends when they met.
(6:12) – Surround yourself with people who inspire you.
(6:35) – Scholarship loss and depression come into Ben’s life.
(7:39) – Follow your true self and how things don’t just happen.
(8:22) – Acting on micro-moments and the power it unleashes.
(9:12) – Ben details his first deep war with depression and mental health.
(10:25) – Parents try to help Ben by playing therapist.
(12:04) – People talk about depression now, but years ago, it was kept secret.
(13:18) – You don’t lose the best parts of you; you just lose touch with them.
(14:57) – Self-evaluation is hard work, but work that must be done.
(15:22) – Depression is not an overnight process; it’s gradual.
(19:26) – Origins of The Buried Life are discussed.
(20:29) – The personal gifts and talents we were born with.
(22:17) – The role and definition of accountability partners.
(23:08) – Ben discusses deadlines and the need for accountability.
(25:58) – Assign awards to yourself for meeting deadlines and goals.
(27:50) – Death can help everyone put life in perspective and cause us to live differently.
(29:41) – How to use your future self to create your best life.
(29:55) – The power of your nine-year-old self.
(32:33) – Being intentional about the people you spend time with and moving toward the person you want to be.
(38:44) – Don’t do things for the approval of others, do them for yourself.
(39:33) – Make sure the dream you’re living is yours.
(39:52) – Depression forced Ben to pivot and find the life he’s living now.
(47:26) – Being honest in relationships and how it impacts both parties.

Our Guest

Ben Nemtin is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of The Buried Life movement. He’s an in-demand keynote speaker whose message of inspiration has infused hope into thousands worldwide. Over the course of his career, he has delivered more than 500 keynote speeches to major brands and Fortune 500 companies. His story of overcoming challenges and ascending to new heights is one that resonates with people of all walks of life.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Ben Nemtin

Q&A: The Tricks You Play on Your Brain Jul 26, 2023

On this episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I’m sitting down and answering some of your questions. Listen in as I openly respond to a lot of topics including mental health, how I play tricks on my mind, finding the right therapist, building self-confidence, and much more.

“Doing stand-up, I actually feel safe when I’m doing it because I feel like I’m in this weird, protective energy bubble and I don’t have time to be panicky or anxious when I’m onstage.” – (3:45) Danny

We’ll also dive into handling panic disorders, sorrow, and anxiety among other things. There’s something for everyone on this episode, so pull up a chair, tune in, and whatever it is, let’s talk about it!

“After I got married, I started to realize that wow, I need to start exercising more, I need to watch my diet, I need to be more productive with my professional life, my communication, and helping out around the house.” – (5:50) Danny

“If you’re out there and you’re struggling to find a therapist don’t give up. I swear there’s someone out there for you.” (8:13) Danny

In This Episode

(1:23) – The “stupidest” thing Danny has ever cried about.
(2:54) – The panic attack at Trader Joe’s.
(3:29) – Asking for help or directions is a challenge.
(3:47) – The safe place that is standup comedy and the hard part that comes later.
(5:14) – Marriage and self-help, it’s not all about you.
(6:00) – The changes Danny made upon getting married.
(7:08) – Finding the right therapist, be willing to do the hard work.
(8:51) – How Danny handles panic disorder.
(10:38) – Overcoming sadness and anxiety.
(11:30) – Going to war with your own brain.
(13:00) – Danny shares his struggles with being confident.
(13:44) – Self-talk leads to self-confidence but speak in a positive manner.
(15:04) – The power of positive self-affirmations.
(16:05) – Hard conversations about someone else’s mental health.
(18:23) – How you approach a person makes all the difference.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Managing Anxiety and Finding Passion in Food with Jeremy Jacobowitz Jul 19, 2023

Everyone loves a good meal. No matter who you are or where you are, a good meal can make everything better. Stop where you are and think about a nice burger with all the fixings, a basket of fries on the side, and your favorite drink to wash it all down. From there, a thick slice of cheesecake to top it off. Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it? Even if it’s not heaven, it’s a pretty good start, to say the least.

“You can spit it out if you don’t like it, but you have to try everything.” – Jeremy

My guest today is Jeremy Jacobowitz, a man who makes his living building content around good food. He founded Brunch Boys, a content vision focusing on personal stories being told through food. Today Jeremy and I speak about his childhood, the challenges he faced growing up with anxiety, and how his love for food is shaping his current situation.

“I’d be doing this in any way because this is what I like doing.” – Jeremy

Finding your place in life can be challenging, but part of that discovery is embracing who you are … and owning it! If you’re a foodie, a content creator, or someone looking to manage your anxieties, this episode is for you!

“You’ve had to be able to prove that you’ve done anti-depressants and they don’t work for you.” – Jeremy

In This Episode

(1:28) – Jeremy reveals that he also had a food obsession.
(2:00) – Learning to cook because he loved to eat.
(3:45) – Food videos and the threat of regaining lost weight.
(5:51) – Finding balance in meal choices.
(6:21) – Jeremy’s television production background.
(7:12) – Food shows live on social media instead of regular television.
(8:18) – Jeremy opens up about his anxiety and suffering from ADD.
(10:40) – The Accidental Influencer.
(11:40) – The specter of influencer burnout and how Jeremy avoids it.
(13:41) – Jeremy reveals his go-to place to eat in New York City.
(14:28) – Working out six days a week is a must for Jeremy.
(16:13) – Jeremy’s vision for Brunch Boys.
(19:00) – Mental health and his childhood home life.
(20:12) – Jeremy discusses his Ketamine treatment experience.
(21:29) – Anti-depressants are actually addictive which worried Jeremy.
(24:16) – Ketamine gave Jeremy some form of confirmation on things he tried blocking out.
(31:04) – Diet fads and how Jeremy views them.
(32:20) – Jeremy discloses his favorite food options.
(35:00) – Where Jeremy’s anxiety stands today.
(36:44) – The dating scene and where Jeremy’s love life sits.
(38:30) – Your job doesn’t always have to be your passion.

Our Guest

Jeremy Jacobowitz is a food content creator and the driving force behind Brunch Boys. Jeremy was born in New York City but grew up in Westchester. After feeling the tug of the big city, he moved back and has been there ever since. He calls Williamsburg home and simply feels that New York City is the greatest city on the planet. He loves spending time, taking in the sights, and discovering parts and pieces of the area he never knew existed. He loves food, especially sushi, and believes food is a great connector and has the ability to bring the world together.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Jeremy Jacobowitz

Releasing Pain through Laughter with Craig Shoemaker Jul 12, 2023

This world of ours is not an easy one. It’s full of challenges, some real and some imagined, which must be overcome each day. Regardless of the type we face, our first go-to as a society is the medicine cabinet. But what if we chose the most beautiful medicine ever created, the one that everyone has at their disposal, the one that lightens the mood and brings out our very best? What’s that medicine, you ask? Laughter.

“Seemingly everybody has a mental health issue now that it has become profitable.”

My guest today is Craig Shoemaker, a man who made his name making others laugh. Laughter also saved him from some dark places and now, he’s making it his life’s mission to help others find the same peace it brought him. He’s seen it all and done a lot too and over the years, laughter, including laughing at himself, has become his go-to when times get hard.

“If you look at life, it’s almost always tough stuff unless you’re living in a bubble.”

Join me today as we learn to release pain through laughter while at the same time embracing the precious gift of life. Forgiveness, health, perspective, love, everything can be found in the laugh. It’s time to stop hurting and start healing while laughing on the way to a better place!

In This Episode:

(4:03) – Staying in victimhood keeps you from reaching your destiny.
(5:52) – Craig observes how people dance around and bypass conditions of life that can actually be healed.
(6:00)- The healing power of laughter.
(6:44) – The humor of words with “k”.
(8:51) – The power of the source within.
(10:01) – Enlightenment comes through laughter.
(13:32) – The “laughitations” and how Craig uses them.
(16:24) – Craig and his belief that humility is a superpower.
(16:55) – The trophy Craig considers his most prized possession.
(19:30) – The choice to live on a self-evolution path.
(20:20) – If you’re laughing, you’re living in hope.
(27:59) – Setting the stage for a change in a relationship.
(29:16) – The false sense of security that is “The Silent Treatment”.
(30:43) – Learn to accept and not force a script.
(34:17) – Everyone lives in some degree of hell.
(39:02) – Laughter is the cheapest high you’ll ever get.

Our Guest

Craig Shoemaker is an entertainer extraordinaire with a career that spans more than four decades. From stand-up to acting, writing, and producing, his resume speaks to the immense talent he brings to whatever stages he graces. His trophy case includes recognition for Comedian of the Year and two NATAS Emmy Awards. Among a host of other platforms, Shoemaker has been featured on Showtime and has also been on the cover for Netflix.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Craig Shoemaker

Overcoming Anxiety One Small Victory at a Time with Peter Ruppert Jul 05, 2023

Living a life filled with anxiety over what some of us would call the simplest things is a life millions of people around the world wake up to daily. But in many cases, they live in and face those challenges alone making what is already a difficult life harder. Here’s the reality, while some choose to ignore the pain of anxiety they see in others, all too often, those who choose to ignore or look the other way … are often dealing with a similar situation.

“As I got older, I started to see that a lot of my stuff was linked to anxiety and panic.” – Peter

My guest today is Peter Ruppert. He’s a man who has been dealing with anxiety and panic disorders since the tender age of seven. Since being diagnosed, he has bravely fought against his condition, unafraid to acknowledge setbacks when they occur, while claiming victories along the way, all with the goal of helping others to do the same.

“My anxiety got to the point where I called an ambulance every single day for six months.” – Peter

Today, I get candid with Peter as we discuss how he lives with anxiety, his message to anyone dealing with the same conditions, and how he leverages his journey as a source of inspiration for others. We’re more alike than we are different, and each of us is dealing with something. Listen as Peter opens up and equips you to stand tall, face, and conquer your fears!

“When you don’t take any risks, you’re not living at all.” – Peter

In This Episode:

(4:10) – Even the grownups don’t get what I’m talking about.
(5:58) – The more he puts himself in situations that cause anxiety, the more relaxed Peter feels and the better he can cope.
(8:13) – Peter shares how he always wondered why others weren’t also in a constant state of fear, similar to his.
(10:20) – Waiting in the Waiting Room for hours.
(12:21) – Danny’s turning point
(13:17) – Living with Agoraphobia.
(15:05) – Staring death in the face is a coping mechanism for Peter.
(18:48) – Agoraphobia causes Peter to have to re-learn everything.
(20:16) – In the midst of panic attacks ruling his life, Peter shares that he was actually happy.
(21:23) – Peter shares his biggest fear at this stage of life.
(22:41) – How panic leads you to overestimate the situation.
(30:12) – Small victories are the most important ones.
(38:40) – Talking to others and helping them to understand helps create safe networks.
(40:46) – Real men cry.
(46:00)- When coping with anxiety, no goal is too small.

Our Guest

Peter Ruppert is a man who lives with anxiety disorder, but a man who has chosen life. His goal is to share his journey including his struggles with anxiety and panic and the lessons he’s learned to help empower others.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Peter Ruppert

Creating a Culture of Love with Ruben Rojas Jun 28, 2023

Love is a word commonly tossed about, but in reality, it’s one of the most misunderstood and misused terms in the dictionary. The truth is, the definition can vary depending upon who, what, and how it’s being used. The argument could be made that our world will be a better place when we stop seeing love as a corporate, one-size-fits-all expression … and begin personalizing the meaning.

“If we’re not loving ourselves, can we actually receive love?”

My guest today knows all about love and he’s actually fallen in love with the word! He’s Ruben Rojas … a first-generation American, successful businessman, and a highly sought-after artist! The co-founder of Beautify Earth, his work centers on that simple four-letter word, graces walls and buildings throughout the world, causing passersby to stare in awe and ponder the thought of what that word truly means to them.

“You can’t ask for forgiveness unless you first forgive yourself.”

Today, I’ll speak with Ruben about his journey to becoming an artist, his background, and how the word love has impacted his life … and the lives of others! The world could use a lot more love and we’re talking to the man who has seen firsthand the power of that simple four-letter word!

In This Episode

(1:26) – Ruben on the importance of success as a first-generation American and the lengths his parent went to.
(2:22) – Even though Ruben was a three-sport athlete, he knew in his heart he was always meant to be an artist.
(3:10) – Why ignoring your gifts can be mentally draining.
(5:01) – Why money is necessary and should be viewed as a byproduct, not the measuring stick.
(6:00) – How Ruben blew through his first big real estate check and the Douche Bag Phase.
(11:46) – Art isn’t competitive, because only the artist can do what he or she does … that’s their gift.
(12:30) – For Ruben, it’s not just art; it’s a mission.
(15:57) – How Ruben arrived at the decision to use the word ‘love’ as the centerpiece of his business.
(17:26) – Sometimes the hardest thing to do is show up.
(21:43) – Danny and Ruben discuss the origins of Live Through Love.
(22:17) – Ruben reveals that he is a big fan of manifestation.
(24:19) – Stopping to smell the roses and enjoy the fruits of his labor is something Ruben says he needs to do more often.
(27:18) – The correlation between his art and his mental health.
(28:38) – Danny and Ruben discuss the balancing act of monetizing your passion.
(30:55) – Ruben’s visits with inmates to discuss love and forgiveness.
(33:08)- Sitting in a room full of murderers.
(38:24) – It’s important to remember that personal accountability begins with baby steps.

Our Guest

Since 2013, Ruben Rojas has been on a mission to spread love throughout a world that had fallen too far in love with hate. His art, murals, and global speaking engagements all have one central message: Love. The co-founder of Beautify Earth, a creative agency partnering with brands and local artists to connect the world through murals, packaging, and digital storytelling.

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Ruben Rojas

Beyond The Wire: The Path to Greatness with Tristan Mack Wilds Jun 21, 2023

The Wire is considered by many to be the greatest television series in history. For 5 seasons, it kept viewers from a broad cross-section locked in and watching every move the complex characters made … including Michael, a role played by my guest today, the one and only Tristan Mack Wilds!

He’s a native New Yorker and a man who wears many hats and each time he graces the screen, mic, or stage, your eyes can’t help but gravitate toward his supreme talents. In today’s episode, we go deep inside The Wire, to find out how the show pushed him to become a better entertainer and helped set the stage for the next phase of his career.

“I don’t think I’ve ever, or I haven’t yet been fully satisfied with where I am or what I’m doing.” - Tristan

He’s a husband and a father and a man who understands that none of us are perfect, but inside those imperfections … we only have one life to live … so get busy living it. He’s Tristan Mack Wilds, a man who wants it all … and he’s not afraid to go for it!

“Those uncomfortable positions are where actual growth happens and you can’t grow unless you’re comfortable in those uncomfortable situations.” - Tristan

In This Episode

(2:32)- Tristan opens up and discusses how he stays motivated following his role on “The Wire.”
(4:15) – Tristan introduces us to the perfectionist that lives within
(5:40) - The Wire: A crossover masterpiece as people from all walks loved, and still love the show.
(10:50) – How Tristan managed Michaels’ trauma on “The Wire”.
(16:40) – “The Wire” was art imitating life.
(20:00) – The writing, timing, and authenticity of the writing on “The Wire” was pure genius. .
(28:00) – There were no special effects in “The Wire” …it was just hood!
(29:28) – Danny and Tristan ponder that the show's most feared character was gay.
(31:02) – Tristan tells how he loves writing that respects the intelligence of the audience.
(34:29) – You’ve only got one life … do it all!
(35:26) – Danny touches on the value of Exposure Therapy.
(37:38) – Tristan wants to protect his daughter from any of his hidden pain.
(39:17) – A man’s world changes when he has a daughter.
(47:42) – Therapy: A life-changing decision for Tristan.
(48:44) – The importance of saying nice things to yourself.

Our Guest

Tristan Mack Wilds is a man of many talents. He’s a record producer, songwriter, singer, and actor. He received critical acclaim for his role as Michael in the groundbreaking HBO series, “The Wire”. Over the years, his career has been a steady ascent into high-profile challenges roles, each proving to be rewarding, helping to shape and mold one of the industry’s premier talents.

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Off The Cuff

Tristan Mack Wilds

Embracing Authenticity: Overcoming Challenges in the LGBTQ+ Community with Mandoh Jun 14, 2023

You can only be who you are in this world; at some point, you must face that reality. Sounds simple enough, but when you’re a gay man and son of immigrants who see living in this country as evidence of sacrifice, being who you are can be challenging, to say the least.

“When I go there and everybody was shopping and doing all these other things, I was like I had no idea because that was never a part of my world.” – Mandoh

My guest today is celebrity stylist Mandoh Melendez. His style is unmistakable, but his road, the one he travels daily being an openly gay Hispanic male is filled with challenges. Today, we’ll discuss growing up in poverty, overcoming drug addictions, the uniqueness of his style, and the daily battles he faces with acceptance.

“I showed up to a space and realized, I had never experienced something like this.” – Mandoh

His story is one of inspiration and persistence that will resonate with you regardless of your sexual orientation. The willingness to be transparent while never missing an opportunity to grow are admirable qualities. They’re also qualities that Mandoh truly embodies while graciously allowing them to shape his life.

“I came out at 21, but I knew I was gay at age 3.” – Mandoh

In This Episode

(1:24) – The infamous face regimen is reviewed.
(4:58) – The mall experience taught Mandoh about poverty.
(7:08) – Exploring the different types of gay in America.
(8:55) – Fear of homosexuality and immigrant parents.
(11:54) – Family rejection leads to drug use.
(12:09)- Mandoh reveals being molested by a family member.
(12:30) – His mind becomes his escape from the cruelties he faces.
(14:00) – Depression enters his life.
(16:28) – Mandoh hits rock bottom.
(17:40) – Losing control and accepting his broken life.
(19:00) – When everybody loves you, but you hate you.
(20:05) – Being impoverished taught him how to style.
(31:45) – The importance of stopping to smell the roses.
(33:51) – The exhausting existence of living gay.
(39:00) – The ingenuity of low-income fashion.
(45:14) – A sense of humor is required.

Our Guest

Mandoh is a trailblazer, in fashion and life. As an openly gay man of color, he bravely traverses the world making connections, stylishly influencing lives, and spreading his personal message of owning your space and being unapologetic in the process. He’s a highly sought-after stylist whose undeniable imprint is fast becoming one of the most unmistakable looks on the fashion scene today.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for free! - https://otcpodcast.beehiiv.com/

Mandoh

Psychopaths, Brain Trauma and Therapy with Dr. Judy Ho Jun 07, 2023

Few people have as much hands-on experience with the many sides of mental health work as today’s guest, Dr. Judy Ho.

As a triple-board certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, Dr. Ho has evaluated maximum security prison inmates, served as an expert witness in criminal trials, works as a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University – and goes to therapy herself.

In this episode, Dr. Ho shares about emigrating from Taiwan as a child, the differences between men’s and women’s love styles, why people settle in relationships, and the challenges of working in the criminal justice system as a woman.

“My supervisors [were] like, ‘Why do you wanna be an expert witness in criminal cases?’ I'm like, ‘Well, I think it's interesting. And I think I can help.’ And one of my supervisors who is a woman was like, ‘Take it from somebody who worked there for five years in the beginning of my career – it is not a walk in the park.’ But it's never a comfortable environment. Sometimes it's a maximum security prison and it's really tough. You have to be escorted everywhere, including to the bathroom. All of your liberties are taken away, at least temporarily. And I'm not saying that that's anywhere near the liberties that [the inmates] lose, but it's like even just that tiny taste of it is [difficult].” – Dr. Ho (20:42)

Dr. Ho also talks about the benefits of therapy for everybody, and why she receives counseling herself as a mental health practitioner.

“Some of my clients say, ‘Well, I don't feel like I need therapy. I don't know why I'm here.’ You know what? Everybody needs therapy, probably. It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I hope that it's not because you feel like there has to be something majorly wrong with you to go to therapy, you know?” – Dr. Ho (37:29)

In This Episode

(02:05) The education required in order to be triple-board certified
(05:07) Humor as a healing tool
(11:22) Dr. Ho’s experience as an expert witness in the judicial system
(17:09) The ups and downs of evaluating maximum security prison inmates
(21:24) How the Big Sister Little Sister program shaped Dr. Ho’s passion for psychology
(23:57) The link between brain trauma, aging and psychology
(27:43) Emigrating from Taiwan and adapting to the American school system
(37:29) Why Dr. Ho goes to therapy as a mental health professional
(41:49) Why people settle in relationships
(43:45) The differences between men’s and women’s love styles
(49:14) Dr. Ho’s experience working with multicultural, same-sex and gender-diverse couples

Our Guest

Dr. Judy Ho is a licensed and triple board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist. She is also a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University and the author of “Stop Self-Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower and Get Out of Your Own Way.”

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Off The Cuff

Dr. Judy Ho

The Ripple Effect of Suicide with Kevin Hines May 31, 2023

Every year, millions of people attempt suicide – and thousands take their own lives. This week’s guest, Kevin Hines, understands better than most.

“Twenty-four hours before I went to leap off the Golden Gate Bridge … I was in such a devastating place of complete despair. It was worse than depression. It was a darkness and it was a place where I came to believe that all of my family, all of my friends hated me and wanted me gone. Of course, none of that was true, but I believed it. My brain told me that.”

In 2000, then 19-year-old Kevin attempted suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Miraculously, he lived, making him one of only 36 people ever to survive the 746-foot drop.

In this episode, Kevin shares his lifelong struggle with mental health and discusses how suicide creates a ripple effect of grief and pain that affects not just parents and friends, but every single person in our lives.

“When you love someone unconditionally and they pass away, that grief is with you forever. In America, we love to sit there and go, “Oh, snap out of it, get over it. Move on.” … When someone dies by suicide that we love, it is a kind of pain that you can never shake off.”

Kevin also explores the “instantaneous regret” he felt after jumping, the life-saving act of asking “Are you okay?” and the 85-year battle to raise a net rail around the Golden Gate Bridge, which will be completed in 2023.

“I'm asking you to have faith in yourself, faith in the human condition, faith in your ability to fight, to be well and to survive any pain that comes your way. You can do one of two things with pain. You can let it defeat you or you can let it build you break by break from the ground up until you're stronger than ever. That's a choice.”

In This Episode

(05:40) – The 24 hours leading up to Kevin’s jump
(08:29) – Why the current conversation on mental health is “the wrong conversation”
(11:32) – Grief and the unforgettable pain of losing a loved one to suicide
(12:27) – The importance of “speaking your pain” by talking openly and honestly about suicide
(15:27) – Kevin’s first experience losing a loved one to suicide, and how it contributed to his own attempt
(22:44) – Suicide rates among adopted, LGBTQIA+ and minority children
(35:20) – “All I wanted to do was live, as soon as I let go of that rail.”
(42:15) – Kevin’s efforts to help prevent future Golden Gate suicides
(49:42) – Faith and mental health
(51:56) – The role diet and exercise play in mental wellness

Our Guest

Kevin Hines’ Golden Gate Bridge suicide attempt at age 19 left him with shattered vertebrae and nearly severed his spinal cord. It also set him on a journey to find hope and healing – which he now travels the world to spread to others as a mental health advocate and motivational speaker.

Kevin is also a best-selling author and award-winning documentarian whose feature-length documentary, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect,” tells Kevin’s story and illustrates the ripple effect suicide has on those left behind.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Kevin Hines

More On Mental Health

The Best of Off The Cuff Part 3 May 24, 2023

Inspired, challenged, empowered … these are a few of the terms that come to mind when thinking about Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore. The arch of this show has featured some incredible guests with each helping our listeners start their journey toward a more fulfilled life.

As we dive into another of our ‘best of’ episodes, we’ll share clips from Zack Ament on the evolution of parent-child relationships, substance abuse, and sobriety while Sara Harvey touches on autism and eating disorders. Snippets from Scott Ste Marie on managing anxiety, the brilliant Dr. Kojo Sarfo shares his journey with ADHD and his quest to make mental health consumable. Dr. Jamie Zuckerman discusses the importance of accurately identifying personality disorders, Jesse Katches speaks on anxiety and triggers with Dr. Jennifer Mullan offering insights on managing trauma.

These areas are just the beginning and once you start listening, you’re sure to find even more value with each passing moment. If you’re a new Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore listener, be sure to visit Apple Podcasts or Spotify to hear more. If you’ve been here for a while, you know the routine. Get comfortable and get ready to grow.

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Off The Cuff

Everybody Has Something; Finding and Dealing with Yours with Dr. Kristen Casey May 17, 2023

Let’s face it; this world we call ours is crazy and getting crazier each year. We’re all, every last one of us, dealing with something, and many times, our unwillingness to admit this truth limits the life we could be living.

“Take a look at the world we’re living in and be honest … who wouldn’t be depressed by what we see?” - Kristen

Today, I’ll spend time with Dr. Kristen Casey; a woman who is adept at building solutions that tap into the best of all of us. We’ll cover the entire gamut from sleep hygiene and the role sleep plays in our mental health to meals and when we eat to how past and current experiences with loved ones shape our lives. No matter what it is you’re facing, chances are she has seen it a time or two.

“Your brain will still respond to things while you’re sleeping. If you fall asleep with the television on your brain is responding to stimuli in the environment.” – Kristen

Her journey has been an interesting one and one you won’t soon forget. She’s an author, a content creator, and entrepreneur who is keenly focused on delivering services that help others get the most out of their lives.

“Sleep plays a role in your health and research shows that people who have poor quality sleep habits tend to have higher mortality rates. “

In This Episode

(1:24) – Kristen gives the definition of a Clinical Psychologist to the listeners.
(2:50) – Kristen discusses the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis.
(4:05) – Everyone goes through a bout of depression at some point.
(4:42) – Allowing a person to be sad is important.
(14:30) – Therapy can be considered life-continuing education.
(17:34) – Kristen discusses the importance of sleep and the role it plays in mental health.
(24:46) – Finding a state of relaxation before bed should be a priority.
(25:30) – Kristen advises that at certain points in the day, you just have to allow your brain to exist.
(26:52) – The correlation between poor sleep and higher mortality rates.
(30:05) – Natural light is the best morning alarm.
(38:00) – Kristen begins discussing the concept of toxic positivity.
(49:07) – Kristen speaks about where she would like to see psychology go next.
(51:00) – Tattoos and perception; professional and personal.
(54:29) – Part of the rationale behind having the word, “die” in the title of her book was to make people think about their mortality.

Our Guest

Dr. Kristen Casey is a true champion of mental health. The founder and owner of Evolve Psychological Services, she holds a doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) from Midwestern University. Her relaxed, down-to-earth approach comforts patients and helps her get to the root cause of their challenges. She makes patient interactions conversational, thus removing any inhibitors that may block the healing process.

Dr. Casey uses a combination of modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). A noted content creator, she’s also the author of,” Life Lessons to Master Before You Die: Practical Ways to Achieve an Authentic Living Experience.” Her ongoing mission is to help others know that they’re heard, encourage them to grow, while challenging them to live life to the fullest.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Dr. Kristen Casey

Shining a Light on What Happens Behind the Scenes with Sarah Ann Masse May 10, 2023

Hollywood isn’t always about the glitz and glamour -- sometimes, it’s about standing up for what’s right. Sarah Ann Masse learned this earlier than most.

After facing off against a man who was notorious for making and breaking acting careers, she became an advocate for fairness, leveraging lessons learned from childhood. Her parents instilled in her a belief in herself and a steadfast commitment to stand up for what’s right. All of these ideals played out well and have become the foundation for the flourishing career of Sarah Ann Masse.

In today’s episode, Sarah talks about her passion for doing what’s right and how she’s using it to open doors for others through her foundation, Hire Survivors Hollywood. She also opens up about her mental struggles while finding her way back from a harrowing experience and her quest to help actors and non-actors do the same.

“I watched my career get destroyed before my eyes because I am who I am, but I had nothing to lose at that point and that’s when I knew it was happening to others and I had to do something.”

Hollywood isn’t the only place that consistently gets it wrong, other places in our society are just as guilty. Sarah speaks to how it is incumbent upon us all to redirect responsibility for unfair behaviors and expect more from those at fault. She talks candidly about her unfortunate encounter with Harvey Weinstein, a man whose crude treatment of women in Hollywood helped spark the groundbreaking #MeToo Movement.

“The goal is for every survivor to have an easier time now. Not to get things handed to them but just to be given the opportunity and not have the door closed in their face because they were harmed by a bad person.”

“I don’t think it’s wrong that we are people who constantly growing, or people who make mistakes or unintentionally cause harm but it’s wrong to stay there.”

In This Episode

(4:09) – Sarah feels a responsibility for developing honest, impactful content for our culture.
(6:47) – She knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life and went for it.
(9:00) – Early in life, Sarah found her moral compass and the courage to stand up for whatever was right.
(11:09) – Changing her learning environment allowed her to come into her own.
(16:48) – Her Harvey Weinstein Experience begins.
(20:58) – Understanding the responsibility of social order and the danger of victim blaming.
(23:58) – Sometimes it truly is up to you.
(28:48) – Don’t allow others to trivialize your pain.
(32:33) – Your voice can become a tool that empowers others.
(34:11) – It’s not just Hollywood … it’s society.
(36:46) – The criminal justice system is broken.
(39:58) – Looking at yourself ten years from now.
(41:03) – Creativity became therapy.

Our Guest

Actor, writer, filmmaker, producer, singer, dancer, comedian, and woman of the people. Those are but a few of the terms that are most commonly identified with the talented Sarah Ann Masse.

Hers is a story of triumph, courage, and grace and through her foundation, Hire Survivors Hollywood, she is helping others find their inner strength while purposely pursuing their passion for performing.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Sarah Ann Masse

Beyond the Exit Plan: Healing Relationships with Mac Stanley Cazeau May 03, 2023

This week on Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I speak with Mac Stanley Cazeau, LMHC, owner and operator of Therapy Is For Everyone Counseling.

Many people either walk out of their relationships or stay in them, but very few manage to work on them – but Mac’s advice might change the way you think about relationships.

“If I'm going to talk about relationships, I had to fix my relationship first, me and my partner, we haven't had a conflict in over eight years, we have disagreements, right? Because we're two different people from two different worlds. So we're going to have two different perspectives on a number of things. But a conflict is a lack of skill sets. We have those skills, right, we continuously implement them. So we're not gonna have a conflict, but we're going to have a disagreement.”

After truly understanding the difference between having a conflict and disagreement, Mac chose to help other people struggling with their relationships.

In today’s episode, Mac talks about the various solutions to solving everyday disagreements with your partner, approaching them positively and acknowledging their efforts.

“Every time you depart and reunite with your partner, you are to engage in a six-second kiss. So every time you leave the house and every time you return to the home, you get a kiss for six seconds. So that's called the potential kiss that has the potential to lead to a million things right?”

Mac also shares his take on narcissism and how it can leave a devastating mark on the partners in a relationship.

“What's interesting is that a narcissist hunts match well with a codependent right so those that if you're continuously dating a narcissist at some point, you got to ask yourself, what is it about me or which parts of myself have not healed enough to the point that I'm susceptible to a narcissist.”

In This Episode

(03:15) The craziest things about American culture
(08:25) Voodoo versus spirituality
(10:08) Mac steps into mental health
(12:49) The good things about cognitive-behavioral therapy
(15:31) The fine line between a conflict and disagreement
(19:19) The cheat code to life
(23:24) Why Mac thinks he’s a dope therapist
(24:48) Why it’s important not to have a tunnel vision
(26:40) Couples therapists aren’t referees
(28:25) Understanding Narcissism
(34:50) Planning the exits
(37:11) Why narcissism has become a circus
(39:23) Do narcissists change?
(44:10) The artistry of therapy
(47:20) Creating emotional bank accounts
(48:12) Relationships should be about servitude
(52:50) The Destress cheat code

Our Guest

Mac Stanley Cazeau, LMHC is the owner and operator of Therapy Is For Everyone Counseling. With his focus on a holistic approach, he specializes in relationship counseling, conflict management, healing from trauma and affairs, depression, anxiety, and anger management.

Resources and Links

Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Mac Stanley Cazeau

The Mental Tug of War of Reality TV with Danielle Ruhl Apr 26, 2023

This week on Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I had an amazing conversation with mental health advocate and one of the stars of season two of Love Is Blind Danielle Ruhl.

Danielle opens up about her prior issues with an eating disorder and the struggles she had and still has with her mental health. At one point, her eating disorder was so bad she regularly sprayed windex on her food in an attempt to stop from eating.

“I would eat chicken breast and I would keep windex by my desk in my sorority so that if I ever brought up anything from the kitchen that wasn’t, I would spray it, so I wouldn’t eat it.” Danielle (4:09)

While filming, Danielle explains that she pleaded with producers to let her and her partner at the time Nick go home, because she knew she was not mentally fit to be there.

“One of the first nights in Mexico we were like, we can’t do this. I was very transparent with telling them I wasn’t mentally fit to move forward, but unfortunately, my input was not taken very seriously.” Danielle (3:17)

Aside from Love Is Blind not having an on set mental health professional and ignoring Danielle’s pleas to leave, Danielle also told us that there are no STD screenings. The method in which the show chose to keep their cast members sexually safe is shocking.

“We had a sex training course and they had us look at a bunch of pictures of STD’s before filming the pods. But we didn’t get tested. But they heavily encouraged us to look at the other person’s genitals before having sex.” Danielle (38:44)

Tune in to hear more about Danielle’s mental health journey and some of the unfortunate mental tolls of being on reality TV.

In This Episode

(02:08) The vetting process for Love is Blind
(03:08) First night in Mexico
(04:21) What it’s like to struggle with an eating disorder
(05:40) American Culture and social media
(10:48) A new diagnosis
(12:36) How sensory stuff can set you off
(13:43) BInge eating on the set
(15:55) Something bad’s gonna happen
(17:51) How group sessions can be powerful
(20:09) What it’s like to have a panic attack on television
(21:06) The fear of being used
(23:59) Honeymoon vacation with a divorce
(26:37) Rushing a sorority
(28:16) Small town, big talks
(31:42) Dead giveaway
(36:15) The idea of a good body
(38:43) Getting tested for STDs
(40:09) The miracle of life
(48:54) Shooting the shit

Our Guest

Danielle Ruhl is a mental health advocate and one of the stars of the second season of the hit Netflix reality show Love Is Blind. Danielle uses her platform to spread awareness about mental health and body image issues.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Danielle Ruhl

https://www.danielleruhl.com/

Unlocking Self-Love with Clayton Echard Apr 19, 2023

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I’m joined by Clayton Echard. He’s been on the popular TV show The Bachelor, he is an author, and his passion is destigmatizing the conversations surrounding mental health. During my interview with Clayton, I asked him about the concept of mindfulness, his struggle with weight, and body dysmorphia.

“So, I literally left the running backs meeting and I go into the bathroom, I pulled my pants down and I looked at my ass and I was like, Yo, my ass sucks because I noticed that I just have a short ass.” Danny (10:00)

Listen to this episode as we talk about Clayton’s time on The Bachelor, what his future plans are, how he almost went to liposuction, and how communication and journaling helped him.

“Half the time when I was playing football or when I was The Bachelor, I was just present at the moment, but I kind of blacked out mentally, like I was just there, right? Reacting, didn't have time to analyze everything. So, I didn't know what all was occurring.” – Clayton (45:27)

In This Episode:

(01:33) – Struggling with body dysmorphia.
(04:20) – Talking about weight issues and playing football.
(07:14) – On dating life and being in the friend zone.
(09:23) – Danny and Clayton talk about looks in high school.
(15:12) – On considering Liposuction surgery.
(20:09) – Coming up with coping mechanisms.
(21:50) – The first step in communication.
(23:35) – Journaling on the set of The Bachelor.
(26:45) – The negative stigma of therapy.
(27:44) – Talking about The Bachelor finale.
(29:44) – Ego takes a back seat.
(36:30) – Reverting back to human decency.
(39:52) – Danny asks about Bachelor in Paradise.
(43:38) – What would be his mental process if he entered The Bachelor again?
(48:02) – Are you happy today?

Our Guest

Clayton Echard is an author, former Bachelor, and a physical and mental health wellness advocate. He has a passion for destigmatizing the conversations surrounding mental health, bringing awareness to the power of mindfulness, and highlighting the importance of fitness and nutrition's impact on mental wellness.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Clayton Echard

180 Degrees: On Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Unlocking Self-Belief - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSJK1Q3J?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

A Dose of Positivity with Mike Diamond Apr 12, 2023

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, we have renowned author, TV personality director, life coach, and interventionalist, Mike Diamond. Mike has written several books on the human mindset and today Danny sits down with him to talk about how he managed to achieve success as a dyslexic person with ADHD and drug addiction after hitting rock bottom.

Listen to the podcast as both men discuss the present and reflect on their past. It’s all about taking advantage of opportunities life throws at you according to Mike. It’s a very frank and inspiring discussion between two individuals with similar pasts that you will surely enjoy.

“Preparation meets opportunity is luck. But if you're not prepared, you don't get the opportunity.” – Mike (31:25)

Nothing is off-limits in this episode. From Mike’s drug addiction to suffering abuse at an early age, to living with ADHD, listen in as Mike provides practical advice and insights about healing your mindset which can be done in many ways including through a simple act of forgiveness.

“I'm empathizing and being compassionate for a person that didn't have the ability to self-regulate. So, I think for anyone listening for your audience and the reason I talk about in the book is that I let them know how much I suffered because of my mental health. You can regulate yourself and slow down the fight-flight and freeze and feed mode and get in the parasympathetic mode and give people a pass. Forgive them. Don't take it personally.” – Mike (47:20)

In This Episode:

(01:52) – Deciding on writing a book while being dyslexic.
(04:14) – Writing about dyslexic/ADHD audience.
(07:51) – Being an addict and dealing with ADHD.
(14:06) – On hitting rock bottom.
(20:47) – Breaking up a fight in an intervention.
(22:07) – Reflecting on taking work home.
(24:24) – Danny talks about a road rage incident.
(26:32) – Dealing with other people’s problems.
(31:35) – Talking about going viral and working on your craft.
(35:23) – Danny talks about doing standup comedy.
(38:11) – Talking about the downfall of Kanye West.
(40:14) – On powerful people not seeking treatment.
(42:08) – How he stays honest, inspired, and authentic.
(44:01) – Reflecting on the relationship with his father.
(48:05) – Forgiveness as a way of healing.
(49:11) – Are you happy today?

Our Guest

Mike Diamond is an Author, Television Personality, Director, Life Coach, and Interventionist. He is known for his work on the hit TV shows NY Ink and Bondi Ink Tattoo Crew, which is nominated for a Logie Award for Best Reality Series.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Mike Diamond

A No-Holds-Barred Conversation on Sex Work with Raquel Savage Apr 05, 2023

WARNING: NSFW CONTENT

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, we have a no nonsense, no holds barred guest for you who used to be a sex worker but now is running multiple successful businesses including one related to helping women victims of trauma to get them back on their feet.

Raquel Savage identifies as a sex worker even though she left that world 3 years ago back in 2019 and is now running a legit business as a therapist and counselor assisting queer and trans victims of abuse and trauma. I sit down with Raquel to talk about her story; the challenges of being a sex worker; how she ventured in and out of this world, the male ego in this industry, her company Zepp and why the appropriate term for people in her field is not a prostitute but rather something else.

“Can I give you a bit of language? So instead of saying prostitute, you could say full-service sex worker.” – Raquel (37:40)

“I would say as a therapist and as an educator, I would say no size does not matter. It depends on the person. It depends on what activities you're engaging in.”– Raquel (39:02)

This is one in-depth conversation where nothing is off-limits. I ask her all and Raquel in her typical fashion and humor reveals all. Don’t miss this special episode.

“I love a turtleneck. Oh my god, give me a little wizard sleeve. I love it” – Raquel (40:31)

In This Episode:

(01:07) – Welcoming Raquel Savage to the show.
(01:39) – On openly identifying as a sex worker.
(03:07) – Being promiscuous growing up.
(04:45) – On the dangers of being a sex worker.
(06:51) – How many NDAs has she signed?
(08:02) – On men confusing chivalry and sexism.
(10:11) – Talking about going on dates.
(11:04) – Having the perfect mindset for sex work.
(11:42) – Thoughts on sugar daddies.
(12:38) – Explaining how it works and setting the rate.
(14:37) – On legalizing prostitution.
(15:12) – On giving refunds.
(16:01) – Talking about ego in sex work.
(16:55) – Do sex workers have beef?
(17:55) – Learning conflict resolution in her 20s.
(18:47) – Sex workers and her relationship with family.
(21:01) – What kind of auntie will she be?
(22:51) – Danny talks about male toxicity.
(24:08) – Is porn the problem? Or is it shame?
(29:06) – When to not be in your head and be less anxious.
(30:06) – Reflecting on working with trauma victims and sex workers.
(31:35) – Talking about Zep and serving the women's community.
(32:15) – Talking about trans rights and gay rights.
(34:47) – Safety for trans sex workers.
(37:48) – Using the term prostitutes.
(38:56) – Does size matter.
(40:18) – Answering random sex questions.
(45:51) – Reflecting on whether she’s happy today.

Our Guest

Raquel Savage is a therapist, educator, sex worker, and the owner of Zepp, an organization that specializes in working with trauma victims that are black, brown, queer and trans sex workers.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Raquel Savage

Life after Divorce with Kenya Duke Mar 29, 2023

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, my guest is entrepreneur, TV personality, and host of the popular podcast Truly Kenya, Kenya Duke. She sits down with me to talk about her recent divorce from famous comedian Gary Owen after 20 years of marriage and how she is moving on from the whole thing, planning her career, becoming financially stable, while also being a responsible mom looking after the wellbeing of her three children.

“So, for me, I didn't grieve the loss of the marriage. I grieved the loss of the relationship between the kids and their dad.”– Kenya (12:00)

Parting ways after 20 years of marriage is no easy thing. During my conversation with Kenya, she offers me useful advice on marriage as I look forward to tying the knot in a few months. She also talks about coping with the grief and how she stayed positive as she went through a process no woman wishes to go through.

“But on my worst day, I was still happy, and I wouldn't have changed anything. $0 in the bank. Payment arrangements for everything. But I was still happy.” – Kenya (13:15)

In This Episode:

(01:28) – Talking about her childhood and upbringing.
(03:27) – Discussing divorce and having that conversation with kids.
(07:04) – On her children being the reason she stayed in a marriage.
(09:17) – Talking about parenting after divorce.
(10:57) – How Kenya is coping with the divorce.
(14:43) – Her advice to Danny about marriage.
(18:28) – Talking about her husband’s jokes.
(21:56) – Talking about her two-year divorce.
(25:10) – On breaking up with friends.
(26:55) – Creating financial stability after divorce.
(32:02) – Talking about children, happy surprises, and Italian names.
(35:13) – Danny and Kenya talk about colleges and Italian citizenship.
(21:17) – Talking about fitness goals, workout routines, and Peloton.
(22:16) – Describing Kinesiology.
(22:48) – Danny recalls his first ad deal.
(32:17) – The tips and tricks of being successful.
(35:40) – Talking therapy, therapists, and physical exercise.
(38:30) – On being engaged and soon to be married.
(40:43) – The importance of giving back even during hardships.
(43:26) – Telling the truth post-divorce.
(47:09) – Danny asks that classic last question.

Our Guest

Kenya Duke is an entrepreneur, TV personality, and host of the popular podcast Truly Kenya.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Kenya Duke

Q&A with Danny LoPriore: Talking Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts Mar 22, 2023

This week on Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I am sitting with my producer Sam Davidson and together we take questions that you, our audience, want me to answer.

Listen as I answer questions on a variety of topics ranging from anxiety and panic attacks to relationships and suicidal thoughts. I talk about my own personal struggles with negative thinking and give relationship advice for couples who are in a similar predicament and seeking a clear way forward. I also talk about the very sensitive topic of suicidal thoughts and what actions to take in order to successfully negotiate with this delicate state of mind.

This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

“I used to be so caught up in being negative that I could paint anything as negative. I became this real negative artist where I could construe and conjure things to be negative. But a lot of it is just taking accountability and telling yourself that you're not going to go that route today and you start with one day trying to be positive throughout the day” Danny – (09:03)

“Bad things happen in the back of your mind. You always know that can happen. But when you're already in a negative mindset and bad things happen, it's just like a kind of a recipe for disaster.” Danny – (16:06)

“You know, some people have to look out for the best. And then if people aren't willing to put in the effort and try and change for people that they say that they love, that doesn't sit well with me. You have to really put yourself in situations to be uncomfortable if you want a relationship to work.” Danny – (18:01)

In This Episode:

(01:40) – Danny talks about a recent panic attack.
(06:35) – Why some minds only pick up on the negative stuff.
(13:34) – Danny’s advice to people struggling with mental health issues.
(15:13) – Reflecting on his own journey through therapy.
(21:28) – On doing standup through anxiety and panic.
(24:37) – The difference between being nervous and being anxious.
(27:23) – How to tackle early morning anxiety.
(32:09) – How to stop overthinking every little thing.
(36:01) – Talking about how to react emotionally.
(38:35) – Danny’s advice on how to deal with suicidal thoughts.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Trauma, Triggers, and PTSD with Natalie Gutierrez Mar 15, 2023

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, my guest is licensed psychotherapist Natalie Gutierrez. Join me as I sit down with Natalie to talk about the different types of PTSD, the art of meaning confrontation, how she works with trauma victims of all ethnic backgrounds, and how she came up with the idea and title for her new book, ‘The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color’.

“It's not that we are the pain. We are carrying pain, but we are not the trauma that has happened to us. We carry it.” Natalie – (35:15)

During my conversation with Natalie, we talk about some very heavy topics on which she reflects with immense detail and maturity. On one occasion Natalie reflects on internalized racism and how it pours into institutional racism that we see around us such as in schools.

“I understand internalized racism to be the messages that we internalize about ourselves regarding race. So, I think it starts first with the messages that we hear systemically. The laws or the laws systems that just kind of create the ideology of race, the construct of race also for oppression, ideological oppression that then pours into institutional racism.” – Natalie (22:44)

In this episode, I also reflected on how trauma can be both a good and bad thing based on my life experience in the psych ward in which Natalie informs the need to grow around the trauma rather than glorify it.

“We don't want to glorify trauma and we can also grow around it. And to varying degrees for some people, it creates the, I don't want to say resilience because I know that word is tiring and old depending on what we do with it, it can inform how we grow from it.” Natalie – (52:46)

In This Episode:

(01:24) – Welcoming Natalie to Off the Cuff and discussing family origins.
(03:25) – On what made her choose to help people with trauma and PTSD.
(07:54) – On friends and parents asking her to psychoanalyze them.
(10:54) – Reflecting on how more therapists today have gone through their own trauma in the past.
(16:07) – Talking about therapy as more homework than being in the office.
(19:18) – Taking accountability for your own actions.
(22:44) – Talking about internalized racism and institutional racism.
(26:46) – Elaborating on where generational trauma comes from.
(33:22) – How Natalie came up with the title of her book.
(36:22) – Natalie talks about the different forms of PTSD.
(39:10) – Talking about complex trauma and emotional triggers.
(42:16) – Explaining the art of confrontation.
(44:17) – How social media affects how people think about themselves.
(46:02) – Natalie answers whether she is happy so far today and asks Danny the same.
(51:18) – Danny reflects on going to the psych ward and not the insane asylum.

Our Guest

Natalie Gutierrez is a licensed psychotherapist with a specialty in Trauma. She works with people who have suffered complex trauma, relational trauma, and sexual trauma. She is trained in EMDR and uses Internal Family System and an eclectic approach to healing.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Natalie Gutierrez

The Pain We Carry by Natalie Gutierrez

https://www.amazon.com/Pain-We-Carry-Healing-Handbook/dp/1684039312

Tackling Anxiety Triggers with Jesse Katches Mar 08, 2023

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, my guest is content creator, mental health advocate and self-development enthusiast, Jesse Katches. Growing up, Jesse struggled with OCD and anxiety and panic attacks. I sat down with Jesse to talk about anxiety triggers, staying fit, relationships, and much more. It’s all happening right here On the Cuff.

“For me to call 911, it was very extreme. And so I ended up doing it. They talked to me on the phone. Right when the paramedics got there, I was completely fine. They checked me. They made sure but, at that moment, I was like something in my life needs to change right now because I can’t go on living this way.” – Jesse (18:44)

My conversation with Jesse is full of useful tips and tricks bundled with humor. Jesse talks about how to tackle anxiety triggers and offers the simplest solution ever: Address the reason the attack came up in the first place instead of avoiding it.

“You’re essentially training your body to say, I had a panic attack at the theatre. Now I am avoiding it. So that confirms that there is a real threat at that place. Instead of saying, wait I had a panic attack there but it’s something deeper; it’s something deeper routed, It comes from something else; that theatre is not the problem.” – Jesse (1:01:50)

During the podcast, Jesse coins one of the best phrases to describe and counter anxiety; Anxiety is not a call to avoid. It’s a call to action.

“For me it’s less about avoiding triggers, more about exploring why they have come up. I have started to view anxiety overall as a call to action in a sense. Because every time I felt anxiety and experienced a lot of it, it was when there are deeper rooted problems and traumas that I haven’t addressed. So, if I’m feeling anxiety now there is something within me that I need to explore and that I need to grow in.” Jesse – (1:02:30)

In This Episode:

(06:20) On how much of himself is in the content he creates.
(09:20) Growing up with health anxiety and OCD.
(10:55) Reflecting on his relationship and the loss of his oldest brother.
(15:40) – Danny talks about his first panic attack.
(17:28) – The day he decided to make a change for the better
(21:17) – Talking fitness goals, workout routines, and Peloton.
(22:16) – Describing Kinesiology.
(22:48) – Danny recalls his first ad deal.
(32:17) – The tips and tricks of being successful.
(35:40) – Talking therapy, therapists, and physical exercise.
(38:30) – On being engaged and soon to be married.
(41:25) – The two sides of Jesse Katches.
(51:00) – Danny talks about his weight vows.
(55:06) – Discussing conflict in relationships.
(1:01:06) – How to avoid anxiety triggers.

Our Guest

Jesse Katches is a mental health advocate, content creator and self-development enthusiast. He suffered from OCD and anxiety growing up and now counsels’ people through his website and online courses on how to recover and lead a fulfilling life.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Jesse Katches

Let’s Talk Narcissism with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman Mar 01, 2023

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, my guest is psychologist, relationship coach, and nationally known expert on narcissism, Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, also known as Dr. Z. She works with people nationwide, helping them understand the complexities of narcissistic relationships, providing tools and customized behavior plans to help people make healthy choices. As you may have guessed from the bio, today’s topic is narcissism.

“Because of how a narcissist operates, it is very rare they are going to go into therapy. It’s just not going to happen. Unless it's court mandated or it’s a custody dispute, or substance abuse. They are rarely going to go into therapy. And if they do go into therapy, it's usually with somebody else like their partner, and they manipulate the sessions. It's very rare that you find a narcissist who stays in therapy and does the work. It is a personality disorder.” Dr. Zuckerman (03:33)

Dr. Z and I have a thorough conversation about this mental condition, how narcissistic people think, react, and behave and why many people self-diagnose or misdiagnose themselves or another as being a narcissist. The topic is a sensitive one yet to add levity, the conversation at times, takes on a humorous tone, but the topic of discussion remains unchanged as we delve further into how narcissistic people view the world and perceive their surroundings.

“You are an object to them. You don’t have a separate mind, values, opinions. You’re an object and you’re in the way. Narcissists look at people as objects and they have a distinct purpose and once that purpose is done, you’re done.” Dr. Zuckerman – (30:55)

A big part of our discussion talks about relationships. So many people find themselves in narcissistic relationships and they are uncertain as to how to move forward especially with kids involved. They even start to doubt their own judgements and decisions, something that Dr. Z talks about at length in today’s episode.

“A deliberate attempt to make the other person crazy. It’s an attempt to make the other person not only doubt their own thinking, but they start to not trust their own judgment, they start to not trust other people’s judgment. They only trust the narcissistic partner's judgment. So, their reality is shaped and formed literally by the narcissistic telling them what is true and what isn’t true.” Dr. Zuckerman – (33:41)

In This Episode:

(01:34) Talking about different medical courses doctors take.
(02:55) Do narcissists know they are a narcissist?
(03:32) Is narcissism a mental illness issue?
(04:59) What type of therapy works for narcissism?
(07:10) Are people born narcissists?
(10:40) Is there a narcissist gene?
(15:40) The dilemma of self-diagnosis.
(20:00) Discussing medications and their side effects.
(27:50) Do narcissists struggle with anxiety and panic?
(28:30) The difference between sociopaths and narcissists.
(32:12) Is gaslighting a symptom?
(38:05) The age when narcissism can be diagnosed.
(41:31) Getting out of a narcissistic relationship.
(51:47) Talking John Fetterman and general politics.
(56:10) Talking about having and raising kids.
(57:21) On whether Dr. Z had an imaginary friend.

Our Guest

Dr. Jaime Zuckerman is a nationally known expert on narcissism. She is a narcissistic abuse relationship coach and licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Z works with people nationwide, helping them to understand the complexities of narcissistic relationships, providing tools to navigate these dynamics and offering customized behavior plans to help her clients make healthy choices and get to where they want to be.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Dr. Jaime Zuckerman

Championing the Small, but Good Moments Feb 22, 2023

In this episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, the guest is none other than yours truly, in the flesh. Join me as I take a moment to talk about my mental health and thank all of you, my fans, followers, friends, supporters, who have made such a positive impact on my life.

“I have been more active. And by active I mean not as much as exercising. Yes, I have been doing that. Eating healthier. I have been eating healthier for my wedding that’s coming up. So, I am trying to do that. But the thing is being creatively active and what I mean by that is that I have been in this kind of whirlwind of creating.” Danny (02:02)

I have discovered that one of the best strategies to tackle anxiety and panic attacks is to simply keep yourself busy and your mind occupied. For me, constantly creating something unique that can benefit others has helped me tremendously over the years and I believe it can help others as well who are suffering from these conditions.

“My creative juices flowing has kept me from thinking about my anxiety and panic, if that makes any sense. It’s kind of gotten me into a point where I almost can’t worry about it as much as I used to. I think one of the biggest contributors to anxiety and panic is having a stagnant mind.” Danny (02:45)

You will see a very personal side of me in this episode. I talk a lot about my private life and touch on a variety of topics. This includes my struggles with unhealthy eating, my blood test results, getting married in a few months, creating new content and much more. I conclude the episode with a message of hope and positivity.

“Take those small moments, even if they are short, and champion those moments. Don’t champion the bad moments. Champion the moments that are good. Keep those at the forefront of your mind. Keep those at the forefront of your spirituality. Keep those at the forefront of your regiment. Keep these things close to you. Because those small victories, they add up.” Danny – (20:23)

In This Episode:

(01:33) Danny gives an update about his mental health.
(02:17) Being creatively active and discovering purpose in life.
(04:25) Going to therapy and trying a new therapist.
(06:57) Thanking the listeners and the stigma of mental health.
(09:03) On getting married and being nervous.
(10:01) Discussing getting old and doing old people stuff.
(12:00) On taking charge, being responsible and being at crossroads.
(13:55) Food that triggers me and ruins my progress.
(16:06) Talking about blood tests, self-doubt, and my emotional bond with food.
(18:00) Thanking the fans and supporters and talking about the show.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Conquering Anxiety with Haley Ostrow Feb 15, 2023

In this episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I sit down with licensed therapist and clinical social worker, Haley Ostrow. She specializes in working with people of all ages that are suffering from anxiety, overthinking, and panic attacks. Having suffered from anxiety herself, Haley talks about dealing with anxiety growing up and how she ventured into the field of therapy.

“I didn’t really know that I wanted to be a therapist. I think I just knew that I wanted to help people in some way. Growing up, I considered myself being a good listener. I was a good listener to my friends. They would come to me. They would talk to me about the things that were going on and they would tell me that I was a good listener and that I helped them figure stuff out.” – Haley (04:34)

During the conversation, Haley offers useful insights that people can use in their daily lives to successfully tackle anxiety and panic attacks on the go. No doubt, the first and best course of action according to her is to seek help and see a therapist immediately. But Haley provides some very useful tips on how one can temporarily rectify the situation when they are otherwise occupied such as at work.

“People get anxiety at work or maybe they even have panic attacks at work. That can definitely happen. It’s just overwhelming. You are trying to get through the day. So, I think being able to take a break when you can is super important. If you need to go to the bathroom and just have a breather, do that. If you can physically walk outside your office for a minute, do that.” – Haley (12:21)

We are lucky to be living in a time where people are more open minded and informed to make better decisions and seek solutions to their problems; something that was not present for Haley. That’s why her advice to anyone suffering from anxiety is to seek help immediately and take charge of your life.

“I wish I had gone to therapy when I was younger. I wish it was suggested to me when I was younger. But back then nobody really talked about it. So, I don’t think they were against it. I just don't think they knew about therapy. I think the older generation, they just didn’t really go to therapy. That wasn’t a thing so when they had kids, they were like what is that we don’t do that. It is very stigmatized. You don’t talk about it.” Haley (27:50)

In This Episode:

(01:58) Haley talks about dealing with anxiety growing up.
(03:33) On thinking about death despite having no health issues.
(06:27) How do you become a licensed therapist?
(09:00) Talking about the challenges Haley faced as a woman struggling with anxiety.
(12:20) How people can deal with work anxiety while at work.
(13:38) On practical tips and strategies to possibly combat anxiety and panic attacks.
(16:30) Haley on how she deals with anxiety now.
(18:18) Haley recommends a couple of good books to read.
(20:48) On whether her husband feels he is being psycho-analyzed.
(21:52) On Haley’s friends wanting to get free sessions.
(22:47) On psycho-analyzing the public and people in her surroundings.
(25:22) Seeing a therapist that only sees therapists.
(28:38) Talking about entire families seeking therapy.
(30:52) Haley talks about being kicked out of a house where she went to conduct therapy.
(32:57) Is anxiety treatable?
(35:02) Danny and Haley talk about OCD and treatment.
(38:16) Haley gives advice to people suffering from anxiety.
(41:38) Haley talking about her private practice, Inner Growth Counseling.
(42:30) Danny asks Haley whether she is happy today.

Our Guest

Haley Ostrow is a licensed clinical social worker in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She has years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings including in-home family-based services, a residential treatment program, school-based therapeutic services, and outpatient therapy. As someone who herself suffered from anxiety at a point in her life, she understands the challenges teens and adults face on the road to recovery and guides them every step of the way to put them on the path of healing.

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Off The Cuff

Haley Ostrow

Being a Voice for Autism with Joe Barksdale Feb 08, 2023

To the world, Joe Barksdale is a Superbowl Winner, a national champion, but what most people don’t know is that Joe never wanted to be a football player, he wanted to be an engineer. That in fact, his football days are some of the most painful of his life.

On this week’s episode of Off The Cuff, we speak with a man who breaks stigmas in every way possible. A man that not only has struggled with mental illness all of his life but was also diagnosed with autism at the age of thirty. A man that left an extremely lucrative career in the NFL to take care of his mental health and pursue his real dreams of being a musician and stand-up comedian.

This episode is one of the most honest and enlightening ones you will ever hear.

In This Episode:

[2:22] How Joe never felt like he earned his superbowl ring. He feels that it’s something that happened, rather than something he achieved.
[3:18] The reason that Joe got into football was only because he got kicked out of engineering camp and wanted to get in shape.
[4:29] Joe’s fears of having a boy, given what he has dealt with as a black man.
[5:48} Joe’s past with suicide attemepts and how he feels about it all today.
[7:07] How Joe found out about his mental illness before his autism.
[8:09] What it was like to get diagnosed with autism when Joe was 30 and how half of him was happy about the diagnosis and the other half was worried about the stigma.
[10:04} How Joe’s life changed after being diagnosed with Autism.
[17:38] Joe’s dislike for being around groups of people.
[20:18] Richard Pryor being an inspiration to Joe when he started doing stand-up comedy.
[20:54] Joe burying his football dreams in order to follow other dreams.
[22:46] Joe feeling extremely comfortable on stage and how he would rather be there than most other places.
[24:12] When Joe had a falling out with a teammate (who was also the Godfather of one of his daughters) because Joe asked to be released from his team for mental health issues.
[27:14] Joe’s passion for engineering and how it has turned into a passion for music engineering.
[28:14] Breakthrough moments in therapy.
[30:00] Joe’s current relationship with football.
[30:41] What a stem kid is and how Joe got kicked out of engineering camp.
[39:37] Joe’s friendship with Kobe Bryant and how he was a mentor to him.
[42:55] Joe’s relationship with his wife, going to marriage counseling and breaking that stigma.
[45:34] Breaking the stigma around taking medication for mental health issues.
[52:51] Joe’s love of Star Wars and his upcoming trip to Disneyworld.
[1:01:01] Joe’s new music.

Notable Quotes:

[04:29] “Yea, I never wanted a boy. And that’s not to say that if I have a son, I would be like, oh what the f*ck. But there are certain things I have experienced, just as a big black dude in this country, that I wouldn't want to have to talk to a son about. Like dad, why does everybody assume that I play football because I can afford to eat at nice restaurants? Why does everybody think I’m a rapper because I can shop at Neiman Marcus? Why don’t people actually think I have a brain?”
[25:57] “The pain, it sucks, but sometimes that pain is necessary to see who’s really with you and what’s really important to you.”
[40:29] “People are interested in who you are, not who you think they want you to be.”

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Joe Barksdale

Exploring Anxiety, Empathy, Guilt, and Dating as a Comic with Chase O’Donnell Feb 01, 2023

On today’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, actress, writer, and stand-up comic Chase O’Donnell joins me to discuss the juxtaposition of having anxiety and working in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, we look at the changes comedy has undergone from the ‘90s to the present.

“I feel like, with where comedy is going now, we're all like super neurotic, you know? And I think we're just a little more expressive about it now. Like you kind of have to cater to the evolution of our audience. Yeah, it's true in the nineties. Like it was all very much like observational comedy, and that's been done. And now it's like going into your feelings and “what's real” comedy.” (8:17)

We chat about how death can be a dark but beneficial motivator, the importance of staying true to yourself, how appeasing your inner child can still be authentic to who you are today and the pros and cons of flexing your comedic chops in the open mic circuit.

“That's very insightful. And honestly, just hearing this makes me feel better about that questioning I do have of like, “am I just doing this because younger me wants it? And is it really what I want?” But if younger me did want it, that's when we are the most authentic and true to ourselves.” (16:18)

We also chat about topics such as handling imposter syndrome as a performer, how guilt is “an illusion,” and the power of saying “no.” Chase then provides me with key insights into the struggles of women in modern dating, her personal struggles dating as a female comic, her experience with stigmas surrounding female comics, and what she looks for in a potential partner.

“So now that I'm aware, I've been having to be selfish for the first time. And if someone asks me something, I have to; it's like a four-step process. I have to go, “why am I scared to say no? What am I scared of?” And then usually it's like, “I'm scared they're not going to like me. I'm scared. I'm not going to be the teacher's pet anymore.” Like whatever it is, it's so silly. And then I write out like, what's the action that I need to do for me, not for them. For me, it's that I need to say no and I need to take a day at home. And then I have to do the action. So when I go through these, like, I'm really having to break it down because I'm so ingrained to be a people pleaser and just say yes. And I have like an instant reaction, and my body gets like, okay, I have to do it. And I have to slow down and be selfish and tell myself what it is that I need for the first time I'm doing this. [You have to] It is a game changer to be selfish.” (31:02)

In This Episode:

(2:51) “High School Musical” slaps
(6:00) Getting anxious at the most random times
(8:17) Comedy in the’90s vs. comedy today
(9:26) Being motivated by death
(14:23) Staying true to yourself vs. appeasing your inner child to stay authentic
(20:04) The pros and cons of an open mic gig
(22:50) Coping with imposter syndrome as a stand-up comic
(27:09) The intersection of guilt and selfishness
(35:20) Seeing the power in saying “no” and being honest about how you feel
(40:05) Modern dating as a female stand-up comic
(44:26) The stigmas of women in stand-up comedy
(46:06) The overcorrecting of casting in the modern entertainment industry
(51:39) Being on guard as a single female comic
(54:35) How naps benefit comics
(58:32) The two things women are great at
(1:00:04) These are the traits you need to woo Chase

Our Guest

Chase O’Donnell is a creative force to be reckoned with. As a writer, actress, and comic, she brings unapologetic honesty and razor-sharp wit to the table, making her a truly unique and talented performer. Her style and personality have made her a fan-favorite on numerous podcasts, such as "Dr. Drew After Dark" and "Where My Mom's At.” When she’s not entertaining the masses with her comedic chops, she is flexing her wordsmithing skills as a writer for National Lampoon's Final Edition Podcast. Chase’s work has earned her accolades, such as the Best of Fest at the Burbank Comedy Festival, and she is a winner of the coveted Uncle Clyde's Comedy Contest. Be sure to check out her website below for her upcoming shows!

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Chase O’Donnell

Talking About the Elephant in the Room (It’s Not Rage) with “The Rage Doctor” Dr. Jennifer Mullan Jan 25, 2023

On today’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, clinical psychologist, teacher, speaker, writer, and Founder of Decolonizing Therapy, Dr. Jennifer Mullan is joining me to discuss all things related to rage as well as how the intersectionalities of history, race, and oppression play a role in the mental well-being of people today.

“We gotta acknowledge that, “oh wait. This shit happened.” Or, “oh wait, part, or half, or all of my ancestors did some horrible shit. How did that pass down to me? How am I transmuting that?” Right? And so Decolonizing Therapy in its core is, I think, looking at the collective shadow…that underbelly that the world doesn’t want to look at and what has happened historically and how that in the current day is impacting the well-being, the relationships, the money in the pockets, the health - the mental and physical health, the spiritual health of people today. What we seek to do is help people honor big feelings like grief and rage, which are two sides of the same coin…(25:11)

We chat about all the shapes and forms rage takes, the social stigma surrounding how rage is displayed, the many reasons people display rage, and the over-pathologizing of rage as various mental health/behavioral disorders.

“We’re dealing with mass trauma from civil rights. Then you’re dealing with all the crazy shit that has happened in the last 40 years or so until what’s happening now. I call it the “trauma burger.” What’s happening currently is the patty. And then you have your childhood shit and hurt, trauma, bullying, whatever you’ve gone through is the bottom. And then the stuff that our parents, ancestors, and other people dealt with. And you’re eating that shit every single day.” (35:54)

She also shares the origins of becoming “The Rage Doctor,” the beginning of Decolonizing Therapy, the historical and generational trauma and pain behind grief and rage, how to sit with ancestral shame, and the importance of having a healthy relationship with your trauma.

“I would create a little space for it so that: A) energetically and metaphorically, there is space for it in your life, and you don’t have to fucking inhabit it. You can put that shit on a shelf…” (43:40)

In This Episode:

(2:28) Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up as a kid?
(4:22) Empathy is a beautiful thing these days
(5:53) Let’s talk about family
(7:50) Navigating life and racial identity
(11:27) “The Rage Doctor” breaks down the root causes of human rage
(17:50) Finding a good therapist is like dating
(20:12) Dissecting Decolonizing Therapy: breaking down generational and historical trauma
(29:00) You are NOT your diagnosis
(33:20) Every generation has a different burden to bear
(40:05) Therapy alone might not be enough for everyone’s healing process
(42:37) Create a space so you can tend to your big emotions daily
(46:23) Having a healthy relationship with your trauma

Our Guest

Dr. Jennifer Mullan is a psychologist, speaker, writer, and Founder of Decolonizing Therapy. With a deep understanding of rage, trauma, and the intersectionality of race, she does not want you to just learn to cope with your big emotions - she wants to help you heal your past and develop a healthy relationship with those emotions: whether it’s rage, trauma, grief, shame, or anything else you feel. Dr. Jennifer developed Decolonizing Therapy to shift away from the outdated goals of therapy and help people reconnect with their historical and ancestral experiences to heal from the traumas that often go unseen and unacknowledged by the Eurocentric methods of wellness.

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Dr. Jennifer Mullan

Becoming a Doctor in Chaos: Using ADHD as a Superpower with Dr. Kojo Sarfo Jan 18, 2023

On today’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, social media content creator, mental health nurse practitioner, and psychotherapist Dr. Kojo Sarfo, DNP, PMHNP-BC, joins me to talk about how his journey with ADHD turned him into a rockstar and influenced his career path as well as why it’s important to make mental health fun and accessible through social media.

“I don’t like regular mental halth content; kinda like when I was in school and talk to the psychiatrist for hours and be like, “what’s the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II,” and we’d have to sit down and do lectures. That’s not fun, right? So, people have to digest it in fun and relatable ways.” (3:02)

We chat about the importance of making mental health topics entertaining and relatable, how culture can influence how you deal with mental health issues, the flaws within the education system in terms of providing the right environment for those with mental health disorders, and how sometimes medications are essential despite the potential for abuse and side effects.

“God is good, but with medicine combined…you’re superhuman. I gotta put that on a shirt. Sometimes, you just need the meds.” (30:54)

He also shares his takes on the political landscape, balancing the intricacies of comedy with being offensive, and working mental health struggles into comedy and social media content in a way that is authentic.

“Let’s have conversations about everything, because everybody deserves to be able to voice their opinion.” (53:05)

In This Episode:

(1:27) The origins of Dr. Sarfo’s Late Night Show concept
(3:58) Dr. Sarfo’s journey from Ghana to Norway to the United States and culture shock
(5:22) Dr. Sarfo coming to terms with having ADHD
(7:00) The pressures of being forced into a profession within an African household
(11:17) An academic glow-up for the books: a failure in high school to college scholar
(17:55) The struggles of navigating the education system with mental health disorders
(29:18) How trauma can compound over time
(31:00) Sometimes medication is the answer - despite the abuse and side effects
(33:44) What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and psychotherapist?
(36:28) Should you be mandated to see a therapist if you work in the mental health space?
(40:18) The current state of mental health for Black Americans/Black Immigrants
(46:35) Social media as a powerful tool to be used by mental health, polititcs, and more.
(51:15) Adapting to how you need to say things in today’s climate
(56:23) Comedy lets you have your cake and eat it too
(59:20) Danny teaches Dr. Kojo how to fucking dominate comedy
(1:05:20) How Danny contributes to the art of comedy
(1:13:30) Why do women not get diagnosed as much with ADHD?
(1:16:02) How to spot emotional abuse

Our Guest

Dr. Kojo Sarfo is a mental health nurse practitioner, social media content creator, and psychotherapist. He is also the host of Late Night w/Dr. Kojo, a weekly live stream on Facebook. After spending his life coping with ADHD, Dr. Kojo decided to use those experiences to help others and talk about mental health issues in innovative ways using social media and comedy. Through his social media accounts, Facebook live streams, and stand-up routines, he is blazing a path for mental health professionals to connect with people in meaningful ways.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Dr. Kojo Sarfo

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.kojosarfo?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.instagram.com/drkojosarfo/?hl=en

Why the Best Decision is the One That Works for YOU with Scott Ste Marie Jan 11, 2023

On today’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, educator, coach, mental health advocate, keynote speaker, and founder of Depression to Expression Scott Ste Marie is joining me to talk about how his journey with depression and anxiety influenced his career path and why mental health care is important for all, no matter where you are in your life.

“You think of someone in such a vulnerable state and so confused about where they are and what’s happening to them, and we try to say that that is the same as a broken leg. That is so much more complicated than something purely physical. We need to give it even more attention.” (12:40)

We chat about the mental health resources that are available in Canada, why taking care of your mind is one of the most important journeys you can go on, and why tuning out the opinions of others can help you discover what’s best for you.

“With mental health especially, everyone else needs to shut the fuck up… Fuck everyone, and do what’s best for you.” (20:30)

He also shares the beginning of Depression to Expression, how he approaches different speaking engagements, the importance of finding a therapist that works for YOU, and why we have to find our people to develop a solid support system.

“I call those fringe friends. You know in gold you have the green and then the fringe? Who is on your green? And then there’s so many more people on the fringe, and then there’s so many in the rough that you’ll speak to every ten years. But who is on the green with you like making it happen?” (57:12)

In This Episode:

(1:24) The New York and Toronto lifestyles
(6:53) The reality of mental health care in Canada
(9:02) Why mental health care is important
(16:20) Medication as a resource
(20:14) Why you have to do what’s best for YOU
(24:26) Scott’s childhood experiences with mental health
(35:30) Why Scott started therapy and the importance of offering yourself compassion and kindness
(41:28) The mission behind Depression to Expression
(48:23) How comedy, music, and art can help us foster confidence
(56:21) Why a genuine support system is critical
(57:51) How Scott strikes a balance between sharing his story and offering insight to help others
(1:04:09) The different seminar dynamics that Scott encounters
(1:09:24) What is YOUR idea of success?
(1:16:21) Make the best decision you can in this moment
(1:18:50) Find the therapist that fits your comfort level
(1:21:55) Top five Canadians
(1:22:57) “Yeah. And if I wasn’t, you know I’d be honest.”

Our Guest

Scott Ste Marie is a mental health advocate, educator, coach, keynote speaker, and the founder of Depression to Expression. After spending a decade struggling with his depression and anxiety, Scott decided to use those experiences to help others and break down the stigma surrounding mental health. With his seminars, online videos, and coaching sessions, and podcast called Being Human, he gives individuals all around the world practical tools to manage their mental health struggles and enjoy their life.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Scott Ste Marie

Why Representation & Diversity Matter in the Mental Health Field with Alishia McCullough Jan 04, 2023

In this week’s episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I’m talking with Alishia McCullough – writer, co-founder of the Amplify Melanated Voices Movement, and millennial Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist. Together, we explore her work as a therapist, how the field still lacks diversity and inclusion, and generational trauma and PTSD in communities of color.

“I will say in a lot of the programs that are PWI programs, which for folks who might not know, Predominantly White Institutions, I think those programs are still catching up to thinking about diversity or thinking about social identity and how treatment models look different.. I really would like for more programs to incorporate and integrate other lenses into this treatment because that’s what helps us work with different people.” (7:30)

We touch on New Age white guilt, how the last few years have impacted her work as a black woman in the field, and why people of color need to set solid boundaries around their work, energy, and time.

“When you’re like, No, I’m not doing it,’ that’s when you get all of that defense around, ‘Well, why not? Didn’t you want us to learn about racism?’” (22:12)

As a clinician that specifically helps individuals through eating disorders, we also explore diet culture and how to ground your body through the feelings that come with food. Lastly, we break down how a history of slavery can be presented in modern-day institutions, why standardized systems abandon the unique qualities of each person, and why she decided to build her company, Black and Embodied Counseling and Consulting. Keep an eye out for her next book, which will come out within the next year!

“I’m currently working on – well, finishing up – a book called Claiming the Black Body. It’s gonna be huge. It’s really based on eating disorders and black communities and the trauma and the embodiment – all the things we’ve been talking about – alongside unpacking the healing work as well.” (56:11)

In This Episode:

(1:39) What it’s like being Millennial in this profession
(3:50) The life events that pushed her into this field
(6:41) How curriculum is lagging in terms of inclusion
(8:48) Why representation matters in mental health work
(11:31) How Alishia’s personal experiences inform her understanding of what people of color might need in a clinical setting
(14:38) PTSD in black communities
(18:41) The individual effects of colonization and slavery on people of color
(20:30) Alishia’s experience with white guilt as a therapist
(26:22) How to begin changing your relationship with food
(35:08) The outdated ideals the healthcare system uses to determine health/wellness
(39:35) The correlation between professional sports and slavery
(45:34) Why physical health is unique to each person
(47:46) How Alishia began Black and Embodied
(52:45) Her thoughts on Black Lives Matter
(55:42) The hopes that Alishia has for her future and her impact on the world
(59:10) “I actually am. I’m in a really great space…”

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Alishia McCullough

Q&A with Danny LoPriore: Art, Relationships, and Mental Health Dec 28, 2022

On this very special episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I’m joined by my producer Sam Davidson to answer a few questions from OTC listeners!

As we work through these six questions from our Off the Cuff community, we talk about everything from friendships and imposter syndrome to resentment and romantic relationships. We even learn more about each other in the process.

“You just gotta respect your process because it’s yours! And don’t force it; just kind of go with the flow. If you feel inspired, do some art and figure out what it is that makes you feel inspired and do more of that.” – Sam (10:30)

In the spirit of this podcast, we also discuss the importance of prioritizing your mental health in everything: art, family, love, etc. No matter what season of life you're in, it’s important to remember that your life is yours to live and that you have a responsibility to yourself and your inner child to prioritize your peace, safety, and happiness!

“I’m the main character in my story. I’m a supporting character in other people’s stories. I’m an influence in other people’s stories. And then I just ain’t shit in other people’s stories… We all kind of do live our own movie if you really think about it.” – Danny (26:32)

In This Episode:

(1:37) How to find and attract healthy friendships
(5:26) Tips to deal with imposter syndrome in a creative industry
(13:14) Moving forward after infidelity in a relationship
(18:28) How to exercise empathy to combat resentment
(25:00) How to ground yourself in a moment of depersonalization
(30:01) The ways we can support our future children’s mental health
(32:42) Our holiday plans and resolutions for the new year

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Building Autism Awareness with Sara Harvey Dec 21, 2022

On this week’s Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore episode, Sara Harvey joins me to discuss her work as an autism and disability advocate and her autism diagnosis in her late 20s. As she shares her experiences growing up and how she views her childhood now that she has an official diagnosis, we unpack how she found freedom and pride in her identity and comfort in the scientific side of autism.

“So stimming is so vital, even the ones that seem bizarre, they all have a function… And it looks weird. It looks socially bizarre, but it has a biological neuroscientific function. And when I learned that, that set me free. It stopped me from believing I’m broken.” (20:10)

We also explore how she moved through her son’s autism diagnosis, how it led to her diagnosis, how she and her son’s father are raising him, and why she is the best person for this job.

“Now I do believe, yeah, I’m the best person for this. Not just because I’m his mum. Not just because I’ve gone through this before. But because I’m still willing to learn. I’m willing to learn new things and throw out old where it’s wrong.” (31:34)

Through her YouTube channel, Twitter, and other social media, Sara Harvey is working tirelessly to bring autism awareness and advocacy to the public while helping others, like her son, be heard, seen, respected, and understood.

In This Episode:

(1:42) Sara’s autism diagnosis in her 20s
(5:16) Segregation in academic institutions
(9:19) The function of stims and how they present for different individuals
(20:48) How neuroscience opens up our understanding of autism
(25:37) Sara’s experience through her son’s diagnosis
(30:33) Why Sara is the best person to raise her son
(34:35) Empathy is at the core of connecting with and understanding autistic children
(48:18) The impact of social media on her work
(54:34) Frank’s experience at school with fellow students and adults
(1:03:05) “I had moments of happiness. Yes.”

Our Guest

Sara Harvey, also known as Agony Autie to the community she’s built, is a speaker and advocate for autistic and disabled identity, health, wellbeing, culture, and pride. Through her work as a speaker and consultant and as a mother to an autistic child, she’s fostering empathy and understanding across the globe to build a more inclusive future.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Sara Harvey

The Stages of Addiction and Sobriety with Michael LoPriore Dec 14, 2022

In this episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I’m joined by my very own brother and co-host of The LoPriore Podcast, Michael LoPriore! We’ve walked through a range of intimate struggles and victories together, in both childhood and adulthood, and today he’s sitting down with me to discuss his struggle with alcoholism, the catalysts that prompted him to make a change, and what it’s like to be in the throes of addiction.

“You’re always thinking about drinking, and also, it’s just dark. It’s like a weird dark, like, fuckin’ gravity-sucking feeling. It’s weird… I can’t explain it, but when you’re finally done and you take like two months, you just feel smooth. You feel like reborn or something.” – Michael (16:59)

We also explore the reality of sobriety in the early stages, how we each get through the day, Michael’s development as a content creator in the darkest season of his addiction, balancing control and moderation, his hope for the future, and how we’re supporting each other in sobriety. As Michael shares pieces of our early childhood and how those years impacted his perspective on the world, you’ll get intimate insight into the bond we’ve built over the years and how his love for comedy has carried him through difficult moments.

“I’m thankful it was a little bit easier for me to get through it in the beginning right now because I’ve gone through so much mental anguish as a kid. Like, just not liking myself for my Tourette’s and all of that stuff… It fucked me up, but I was still so confident in myself… Making people laugh has always been the weird savior of all my fuckin’ weird shit that I’ve gone through.” – Michael (46:32)

The journey to sobriety is a long and winding one, but Michael’s story is a great reminder that there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you can just reach out, ask for help, and take that first step toward changing your life.

“You have to fuckin’, keep walking and getting through it everyday. There’s always, always hope for light in there somewhere… I have so many good days that I’m thankful that I actually just remember and I always bring up in my head.” – Michael (50:31)

In This Episode:

(1:14) Michael LoPriore’s sober journey and getting back on Twitch
(5:22) Michael shares the turning point in his battle with addiction
(12:45) Unpacking how we understand marijuana abuse
(15:25) Why moderation and control can be hard to maintain
(17:56) Combatting the stress of everyday life and the peace that can come with sobriety
(22:22) The ways that we justify our addiction
(24:02) How substance abuse influenced who we are today and our experience as content creators
(30:32) Acknowledging the good and bad memories
(32:38) The physiological changes that come with sobriety
(33:34) Michael’s hope for the next few years
(38:24) Experiencing peace vs. despair
(46:06) Michael’s mental health struggles as a child
(49:51) There’s light at the end of the tunnel

Our Guest

Michael LoPriore is a Twitch streamer, comedian, co-host of The LoPriore Podcast, and the brother of Danny LoPriore. After struggling with alcohol addiction while sustaining a career in content creation, he’s two months into his sober journey. As he manages this sober lifestyle, he’s dedicated to growing his platform and bringing even more joy and prosperity to his life in the coming years.

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Michael LoPriore

https://www.instagram.com/thelopriorepodcast/?hl=en

Recovering From Addiction and Alcoholism with Zack Ament Dec 07, 2022

As someone that was introduced to alcohol at a young age and battled addiction throughout his teenage and young-adult years, Zack Ament knows the ins and outs of substance abuse well. After moving through his own recovery journey, he decided he wanted to make a difference and developed Westwind Recovery in Los Angeles, California.

In today’s episode, he shares his journey to understanding his sexuality in the context of his family, developing a dependence on alcohol, how mental health fluctuates in the process of confronting addiction, and how recovery requires a strong foundation.

“Rarely does someone come in and say, “I’m gonna take this one day at a time, slowly.’ I most often hear, ‘OK, I’m here. Help me get a job, a girlfriend…’ They make the decision to be sober and want to start working on everything else… It’s a slow process, and we really encourage people to get a strong foundation in their recovery before they start even attempting some of these things that add stressors to their lives.” (18:13)

Zack also encourages people to utilize the resources and professionals available to them in recovery because he understands how emotionally and physically taxing the process can be. It’s part of the reason why Westwind is so influential. It maximizes the impact of community support through its sober living houses.

“There’s 12-step programs. You can go to an AA meeting/NA meeting, raise your hand, and say what you’re struggling with, and often that first step in helping yourself, everyone will rally around you and help you do what you’ve gotta do. ” (25:11)

His journey to developing a well-known treatment center tells the tale of a man who experienced a great range of lows and highs both in his addiction, the loss of the love of his life, and single fatherhood. Through all of this, he has used his story, especially in the last 11 years of sobriety, to inform how he helps others in the Los Angeles area.

In This Episode:

(2:05) Zack talks carrying chaos
(4:42) The fluctuation of mental health in and out of addiction
(7:58) Zack’s introduction to alcohol as a child
(9:13) How he understood his sexuality when he was younger
(13:52) Zack’s experience coming out to his therapist and opening the Gay/Straight Alliance at his school
(17:28) Entering into sober living
(24:34) How to get help and support on your sober journey
(29:30) Meeting his husband and creating the sober living houses
(36:46) Dating and love in a sober living house
(38:35) How effective is Zack’s bullshit meter?
(41:23) Grieving his husband’s death and becoming a single father
(49:36) Service work in the Westwind community
(51:14) Where to find Zack Ament
(52:01) Gay AA
(53:26) “I’m very happy today. Thank you.”

Our Guest

Zack Ament is the founder and co-CEO of Westwind Recovery, a client-centered rehabilitation center for individuals that are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. After having his own bout with addiction in childhood and young adulthood, he developed Westwind to create a safe space for people on their recovery journey. As an LGBTQIA+ individual and advocate as well, he believes in cultivating environments that allow people to grow and learn from substance abuse and dependence and ultimately move forward with their lives.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Zack Ament

Mentioned

https://www.aa.org/find-aa

The Best of Off The Cuff (Part 2) Nov 30, 2022

In the history of Off the Cuff, we’ve had some really remarkable people drop by to share their stories, experiences, and mental health journeys, all from a range of backgrounds and seasons of life.

As we tap into some of Off the Cuff’s best episodes, you’ll hear snippets from Dr. Charles Corprew on toxic and conservative masculinity, Cooper Chapman on the pressure that can come with professional sports and performance, Hannah Berner on reality TV’s impact on her mental health, Gianmarco Soresi on the current landscape of stand-up comedy, Terra Newell’s experience with “Dirty John,” and Alyssa Cleland on para-equestrian sports and the disabled community.

These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg, so if you’re new to Off The Cuff, you can find each episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re a longtime listener, just sit back and enjoy some of our best moments.

Diversity and the World of Modeling with Tanaye White Nov 23, 2022

After spending her early childhood in Baltimore and then growing up in Connecticut, today’s guest Tanaye White had a winding journey through undergraduate and graduate education and corporate America before finding herself in the modeling industry. While her childhood was filled with challenges as a young person of color that struggled with mental health, she unpacks how it influenced her unique identity.

“My first attempt to take my life at twelve was significant because not only did it remind me, ‘I don’t want to be here,’ – not in life but like, ‘I don’t want to be in Connecticut’ – but also, now looking back, I realize that that experience is very unique because it sort of established the fact that I will never be the same as anybody else. I will also be unique in a certain way… simply because I have such a unique life experience.” (14:53)

Tanaye also touches on the reality of model life, her experiences in corporate America, why she really loves creating art as part of her profession, traveling the world, and the intense cost of living in New York.

“Because I came from corporate America, I’m used to having a paycheck every week and insurance and health insurance and all that stuff; You don’t have that as a model… I have a whole YouTube series about this, about bringing the realities of the model life to the forefront…” (35:20)

After the difficult year that she’s had, Tanaye joins us on the podcast to share her story, reveal how she’s embracing happiness in the current moment, and offer advice to young, aspiring models of color as well as advice to her younger self.

“Be open, but be guarded.” (45:58)

In This Episode:

(1:16) Tanaye’s beginning in Baltimore
(4:45) How Tanaye experienced racism growing up in Connecticut
(10:29) Moving on to the University of Maryland
(13:50) Sharing her suicide attempt and how she found her way into the modeling industry
(19:55) Clout chasing and mental health in relationships
(25:12) Caring for her hair and inclusivity in the industry
(31:59) The process of shooting across the globe
(34:27) Breaking down stereotypes surrounding models
(37:21) Tanaye’s time in corporate America and the cost of living in NY
(44:08) Tanaye’s advice for young and aspiring models of colors
(49:15) The advice Tanaye would give her younger self
(50:55) Significant achievements in her life
(52:52) The importance of reaching out when you need help, treating yourself with kindness, and embracing happiness

Our Guest

Tanaye White is a mental health advocate, fashion and lifestyle influencer, and model that’s been featured in L’Oreal, Victoria’s Secret, and Fenty Beauty campaigns as well as a recurring model for Sports Illustrated. After spending her early childhood in Baltimore and then growing up in Connecticut, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park and her Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Tanaye White

The Reality of Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry with Keltie Knight Nov 16, 2022

Before building a prestigious career in the TV and entertainment industry, Keltie Knight was a girl from Edmonton, Canada that had big dreams and a love for dance. It was this beginning as well as her experience growing up with a family member that struggles with mental illness that propelled her toward New York and ultimately toward creating a community that supports others that live in and around mental illness.

“Mental illness is not one of those things. It’s a free flowing thing, and it’s for your whole life and you just have to follow it.” (20:55)

In this episode, Keltie shares how her mental health suffered as her popularity grew and how there was a lack of empathy for her as a successful woman in the industry. She also discusses the mental health crisis in Hollywood, including the current situation with Kanye West, and how these conversations give her perspective on the importance of compassion when unpacking her and other people’s struggles with mental health.

[On Kanye West] “I’m telling you that I believe he’s 75% a motherfucker, and 25% of this is out of his control… I’m giving him grace because I know this struggle, and I’ve been around this struggle my entire life.” (26:28)

“We as humans, we are allowed to feel whatever we need to feel in our situation. And so you can’t allow yourself to be like, ‘Oh well just because my house is not on fire, it’s not burning me.’ We have to be allowed to feel the feelings we have no matter what situation we’re in, and we have to let other people do the same thing.” (33:19)

With the LadyGang podcast, she and her co-hosts are working to create a safe community for women to be themselves, open up about their experiences, and break down the intimate obstacles and achievements that come with mental health and mental illness.

“Success is great. Stability is great. But that level of like ‘let’s pick you apart every second of the day’ fame is nothing to strive for.” (34:24)

In This Episode:

(0:57) Introducing Keltie Knight
(2:13) How The LadyGang podcast began
(5:40) Keltie’s beginning in New York
(7:59) Finding the drive to pursue the NY dream
(11:36) Mental illness and family dynamics/money/relationships
(25:16) Mental illness in the entertainment industry and Keltie’s thoughts on Kanye West
(31:38) Managing the guilt and stress that can come with success
(36:32) Pros/cons of medication and getting professional help
(45:43) Keltie’s Hashimoto’s diagnosis
(48:45) “I’m feeling very hopeful today.”

Our Guest

Former Radio City Rockette, Emmy award winning television personality, New York Times bestselling author, and The LadyGang podcast host Keltie Knight is a dancer, actress, and creator that’s built a vibrant career in the entertainment industry. Alongside co-hosts Becca Tobin and Jac Vanek of The LadyGang podcast, she’s fostering a community that’s safe and encouraging for women, advocating for proper mental health and mental illness care and resources, and serving others through a variety of philanthropic efforts.

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Off The Cuff

Keltie Knight

Unpacking the Power of Transparency in the Digital Space with Ali Weiss Nov 09, 2022

When New Yorker, comedian, investigative journalist, and Tales of Taboo podcast host Ali Weiss first dipped into the podcast scene, she realized that there was a hunger for brutal honesty in the digital community, and with her first podcast, Health is Hell, she embarked on a journey to cultivate that sense of transparency. While she thought she might end up in theater after spending her undergraduate years at Chapman University in Southern California, she took a turn into content creation to chase that sentiment.

In the spirit of talking about things that truly matter, she’s joining me on today’s podcast to discuss growing up in the great big city of New York, how she landed in the mental health podcast scene, and the way in which people use shock value and/or brutal honesty on the internet to stay relevant.

“We have become obsessed with feeling as though we matter.” – Ali (24:49)

As comedians, public speakers, mental health advocates, and podcast hosts, Ali and I talk through what it looks like to tell your story and how sharing your triumphs and struggles with the world can make for an intense experience. Despite the difficulties she faced in creating Health is Hell, it informed how she built her current podcast, Tales of Taboo.

“Even if you are an extremely honest person online, you’re still only showing one small part of yourself.” – Ali (29:11)

Finally, Ali dives into her experience growing up in New York, how privilege and money is often regarded in the mental health community, and ultimately, her abortion experience. She boldly analyzes how money and privilege influenced this recent procedure for her and why she felt she had to share her story.

“Almost all of my trauma came from what happened when I stepped outside onto the city streets every morning and walked to school by myself and everything that happened in those hours that my parents were not around. And no amount of money can protect you from that.” – Ali (37:00)

“Did I ever feel remorse? No. And I think a lot of that had to do with just realizing from the get, like realizing from the day that I found out that I was pregnant, my body is my body, and it doesn’t matter what anybody else has to say about it… The only person who knows what’s best for my body is me.” – Ali (1:03:15)

In This Episode:

(1:10) Ali’s current podcast and how it came to life
(5:20) The role anonymity plays in her podcast
(9:17) Exploring the line between true honesty and the shock jock approach
(19:00) What it means to be easily offended and the possible consequences of free speech on the internet
(22:49) Unpacking everyone’s desire to matter
(28:02) Ali’s reputation during Health is Hell and how she had to pivot with Tales of Taboo
(31:20) Money and privilege in the mental health discussion
(38:00) Growing up in New York and the dangers children face in this day and age
(53:41) Holding yourself accountable through struggles with mental health
(54:58) Ali’s experience with abortion
(1:04:58) Why Ali chose to share her story

Our Guest

Ali Weiss is a comedian, investigative journalist, podcast host, and mental health advocate that believes in the power of true honesty. Her podcast, Tales of Taboo, explores a series of taboo topics with anonymous guests that are listeners just like you!

Outside of her work in Tales of Taboo, she’s a quick-witted and sharp comedian that is currently writing a one-woman show. If you’re interested in listening to or engaging with her content, you can find her at any of the links below.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Ali Weiss

The Real World Behind Stand-up Comedy with Matt Braunger Nov 02, 2022

On this week’s episode of Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I got to sit down with seasoned stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, among many other things – Matt Braunger, as we discuss the reality behind stand-up comedy, the rise of YouTube and TikTok sensations, and stand-up comedy as a brotherhood and a sisterhood.

Matt has always been into performing arts ever since he was a kid. Now, a 20-year veteran in the stand-up space, he admits that he’s become a lot more experimental when it comes to his sets.

“I try new stuff way, way more. I had a set last night that had a couple of parts that really hit, and a couple of parts that really didn't. And I called them out. But it's like, that's the only way I know how to build. I look back and it's like, I don't know if I can ever get that level of confidence back because I know too much now.” - Matt (13:07)

He also shares about the challenges he has to face as a comedian when he steps on stage to try and give people a good time, while going through something tough himself.

“Various times during the set I'm just like, ‘Guys, I'm going through something right now and I'm gonna get it back and you gotta trust me’. And I did. One thing I've learned is you have to have these experiences to learn from them, otherwise you won't learn.” - Matt (13:49)

Having been in stand-up for two decades, Matt definitely knows what it’s really like behind the scenes, and how the industry has changed over the last 20, 30 years.

“I've never felt more camaraderie in my life in any other art form than I have in stand-up. It is a brother and sisterhood. It always will be.” - Matt (29:19)

In This Episode

(04:09) - Matt on being raised in the city of Portland
(09:29) - How I feel about starting my stand-up tour and getting to see more of America
(12:41) - What Matt misses from his early years as a performer
(14:13) - Matt recalls throwing two guys out during one of his shows
(16:10) - Meeting David Alan Grier at Caroline’s on Broadway and how he’s influenced my passion for comedy
(22:47) - The challenge of selling a ticket in stand-up
(27:05) - Matt’s experimentation on social media
(33:18) - Our advice to younger people who want to make it big in the industry
(42:37) - “The comedian’s job is to show the audience the world through their eyes”
(47:22) - The reason why Matt can’t share all the insecurities he feels about himself
(54:49) - How fatherhood helps Matt in his everyday hustle
(1:02:11) - Stand-up comedy becoming sports entertainment
(1:07:49) - How therapy helped me and Matt as comics

Our Guest

Matt Braunger is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He studied theatre in New York and improvisation in Chicago. Over the course of his career, Matt has appeared in various shows including ABC’s Agent Carter, NBC’s Up All Night, Netflix’s Disjointed, Fox’s MADtv, TruTV series How to Be a Grown Up, and HBO’s Family Tree, among others. In 2009, he was named to Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch, and Comedy Central’s Hot 9 in ’09 list.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Matt Braunger

Being Selfish with Your Mental Health Oct 26, 2022

On this episode of Off The Cuff I wanted to take some time to update you all on my life, and what has been going on with me mentally. I think it’s so important to always check-in with yourself, so that’s what I did this week and I recommend that you all do the same.

Recently I have been pushing myself to get outside more, whether that’s walking instead of taking an Uber, taking my dogs on an extra long walk, exercising more. I have been really focusing on little goals, which has been extremely helpful for my mental and physical health.

“Little goals are the things that lead to big goals. And by that I mean little stuff like brushing my teeth in the morning, washing my face in the morning, trying to make my bed, taking the dogs for an extended walk in the morning. Just things that are going to help me in the sense of, I can go past my limits if I need to.” - Danny LoPriore (2:22)

Our minds are very powerful things, you can actually trick your mind into having a positive or negative outlook. When I was first diagnosed with bi-polar, I didn’t see the silver lining, all I saw was how my life would change for the worse. The truth is, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

"Especially me with my bipolar diagnosis, is that I have a lifelong battle. I used to look at that as a horrible thing, but now I really look at it as something that I am going to embrace and be happy to be a part of." - Danny LoPriore (6:35)

Remember, always be selfish with your mental health and your time. The only person you owe anything to is yourself. PEACE!

In This Episode

(1:45) Danny pushing himself to get outside more
(3:05) The benefits of exposure therapy
(4:02) The physical effects of panic attacks
(5:59) Home anxiety vs public anxiety
(6:37) Danny’s lifelong battle with bipolar
(6:59) Tricking your mind into being in a negative or positive mindset
(11:25) What happened when Danny finally decided to get better
(14:30) The importance of the Off the Cuff Community
(16:35) Trying to make a drastic change in your life in the next week
(18:51) Our lives can only get better when we help ourselves
(20:20) Being selfish with your time and who you surround yourself with

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Fostering Mental Health Through Action with Michael Unbroken Oct 19, 2022

On this week’s episode of Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I’m joined by entrepreneur, author, speaker, and mental health advocate Michael Unbroken to discuss trauma and abuse in his childhood and how those experiences informed his journey, businesses, and current mission to help others foster their own confidence and well-being.

As he dives into his background as a biracial child raised in the mormon church, Michael touches on the reality of the abuse he sustained at the hands of his family members and the realization he came to as an adult.

“I had this recollection, or this experience – recollection is the wrong word – and I had this moment of reconciliation where I was like, ‘Oh I get it actually,’ which is a really crazy thing to say because how could you “get” a grown up beating up a child. But that’s because I look at who his mother was, my step grandma, and she was arguably – and I hate to say it but it’s true – she was arguably the worst person I ever met in my life. And you look at that and you go ‘OK, this is what generational trauma is.” - Michael (10:23)

Michael’s journey to unpack his childhood led him through various seasons, some filled with success and others great challenges. As a young adult only equipped with a high school diploma, he made his way to a Fortune 10 company where he learned difficult lessons about what it really means to prioritize your mental health through action and how to ultimately close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

“The answer to everything in life is action. People are like ‘I hate my relationship’ – well, leave it or make it better… And that’s the thing about all of this – the healing journey, the physical journey, the mental journey, the spiritual journey; do it, man… You’ve got to go and put yourself in the situation.” - Michael (36:05)

Through Michael’s winding journey, he’s found that mental health requires commitment from everyone. Michael suggests that you work through that fear and begin new actions TODAY to grow as an individual.

“Where you are today versus where you want to be tomorrow – there is a gap. And every single day, the mission is to close that gap until you become that version of you.” - Michael (38:57)

In This Episode

(01:36) - Michael’s background as a biracial child living in poverty, growing up in the mormon church, and living with abusive parents
(03:37)- The church’s role in his life as a child
(06:42) - The way he perceived his biological father and how his stepfather treated him and his siblings
(15:34) - Mental health on the internet – what helps and what hurts
(24:13) - Money trauma and the financial lessons Michael learned in his 20s
(33:10) - Michael’s minimalist lifestyle and how it affects his mental health
(36:05) - The importance of action in your own journey
(45:19) - How people living in lower income and impoverished areas can invest in their mental health
(53:23) - Michael’s thoughts on happiness

Our Guest

Michael Unbroken is an author, coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate for those who have survived abuse. With a high school diploma and a mountain of determination, Michael has built coaching programs, written a book, designed courses, and more to help survivors work through their trauma, build their confidence, and invest in their lives.

He is passionate about helping people foster healthy actions and is committed to using his platform as a mental health influencer and his podcast to equip people with the information they need to heal from their trauma.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Michael Unbroken

Mental Health in the Middle East with Ally Salama Oct 12, 2022

While the United States still has a lot of work to do in destigmatizing mental health, the Middle East is much further behind us. This week I spoke with Forbes 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneur, speaker, podcaster, the founder of EMPWR MAG, and The Middle East’s Mental Health Ambassador, Ally Salama. Ally has made it his life’s mission to destigmatize mental health in the Middle East, but in addition to the cultural stigma, there simply is not enough awareness.

"We fear what we don't understand, you know. Mental health in the states, you have hundreds of millions of dollars in media and advertising being spent on awareness. Because they know, the West really knows the price, the burden that mental health has on economies." - Ally Salama (3:04)

Ally came from a prestigious family in Egypt, and accomplishments were very important in his upbringing. Because of his father’s job, Ally had lived in several different countries before even turning 18. Despite having great success in swimming, singing, and academics as a adolescent, he never really felt fulfilled and didn’t understand why.

“I always knew I was different, but I’d never understood that it could make me feel alienated.” - Ally Salama (18:06)

Through all of Ally’s ups and downs in life, his determination and upbringing taught him a lot about success and how to never stop learning, improving, and growing.

“Action breeds confidence, and then confidence, if you don’t really work on it, you lose it. And that comfort makes you less confident because that comfort comes from consistent action from you being always at that cusp of your comfort zone.”

- Ally Salama (11:10)

In This Episode

(2:17) Mental health for young people in Egypt.
(6:52) Ally's early upbringing and his relationship with his parents
(10:54) Feeling complacent once getting to comfortable or too confident
(11:53) Ally’s educational background
(12:56) Ally’s background in professional swimming
(16:16) Ally’s mental health issues as a kid and teen
(19:26) The struggles Ali faced when moving around the world as a child
(22:36) Coming from a privileged family and learning how to give and help others
(27:00) The darkest point of Ally’s life when he was clinically diagnosed with depression
(30:13) How dogs help with mental health
(32:45) Ally’s grandfather being diagnosed with Cancer and how it affected his family
(34:30) How Ally started EMPWR MAG
(40:28 )The people Ally looks up to the most
(44:06) Ally’s 5 year plan
(46:19) The mental health stigma for younger Egyptian kids

Our Guest

Ally Salama is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recognized social entrepreneur, an ex-pro athlete, #1 Apple charting podcaster, and The Middle East’s Mental Health Ambassador. He founded empower-mag.com, the first mental health magazine in the Middle East, winning Harvard's top 7 most impactful social initiatives in 2019, earning recognition from the World Health Organization & the World Federation for Mental Health. He currently hosts Apple’s #1 Charting Youth Leadership Podcast “Empathy Always Wins”- the world's exclusive leadership and mental wellbeing podcast focusing on empathy.

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Off The Cuff

Ally Salama

Empowerment and Acceptance with Hannah Blum Oct 05, 2022

Not one story about a bi-polar diagnosis is the same. We all have our own experiences to tell and this week on Off The Cuff I was honored to hear Hannah Blum’s, a fellow bi-polar type 2 mental health advocate.

From the outside, Hannah was a normal teenage girl. She had a ton of friends and was even nominated for prom queen. However she knew deep down that something was just not right. For several years she hid behind drugs and alcohol, and the excuse that she was just a hot mess. Her junior year of college she hit rock bottom and knew that she needed help. Unfortunately the system failed her in many ways, and she was involuntarily institutionalized. Overall, it was far from a good experience, but Hannah was able to see some good in a less than desirable situation.

“I think the thing that's positive that came out of the hospital too, was that it motivated me. They told me don’t look back, don’t look back Hannah. And now I see why they didn’t want me to look back. Ya know, they said, ‘these people, you won’t see them, they don’t have hope, you do.’ And I thought, what the hell is wrong with you?!” - Hannah Blum (49:38)

Hannah decided to channel what she was going through by writing and becoming a mental health advocate, which she has found great success in. The more advocacy she did, the better she not only understood herself, but her peers in the mental health community. This sent Hannah on a path of healing and truly helping others.

“So when I got involved in the community, what ended up happening was, I’m with other people with bipolar disorder, in rural America, some of the poorest people I have ever met, and they are out there with their pamphlets doing advocacy, and they have mental illness. And I started saying to myself, these people are amazing. They are kind, they are empathetic, they are supportive, they are cool, why am I believing that this makes me a monster?” - Hannah Blum (17:00)

In This Episode

(2:15) How old Hannah was when she got her diagnosis
(4:16) What happened when Hannah had a breakdown in college which led to her being institutionalized against her will
(16:44) The importance of acceptance and advocacy
(18:18) Hannah’s article on Marilyn Monroe and her mental health
(22:50) Dating as a woman with bipolar
(32:55) Clinging to an identity of being messed up
(34:15) How people with mental health issues have been treated historically
(38:28) Kanye West and other celebrities and their mental health issues
(46:23) Hannah’s experience in the mental hospital
(52:00) Relying too much on mental health professionals and not peers
(53:41) How Hannah overdosed after she left the mental hospital
(56:40) The importance of people with mental illness coming together
(58:29) How television and film are profiting off of suicide
(1:00:49) Hannah’s thoughts on medication and how they have changed over the years
(1:03:30) Men’s side effects from antidepressants
(1:07:00) How Hannah’s blog “Halfway to Hannah” started
(1:14:18) What Hannah’s therapy routine is right now
(1:17:27) What people can do to become a part of the mental health advocacy movement today

Our Guest

Hannah Blum is a writer and mental health advocate. Hannah writes about her journey as a young adult living with bipolar II disorder on her blog, Halfway2Hannah, to encourage others to join the mental health movement and learn to embrace their differences both mind or body. She is also author of the book The Truth About Broken: The Unfixed Version of Self-Love.

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Off The Cuff

Hannah Blum

Dealing with Toxic Masculinity and Imposter Syndrome with Keith Walsh Sep 28, 2022

In Ireland, toxic masculinity has been a part of the culture for many, many years. “Be a man,” “Grow a pair,” “Real men don’t cry,” are all thoughts that have been ingrained in society since the country became fully independent in 1949.

In this episode, former radio DJ and media personality Keith Walsh opens up about the historical traumas the people of Ireland have had to go through and how he has learned from those traumas, and has challenged those stereotypes through his own mental health journey.

“And we go back to talking about toxic masculinity, this is how households are run, by men who have trauma who were triggered by things, took it out on everybody in the house, were completely unreasonable, and expected everybody to just turn up for mass on a Sunday morning smiling.” - Keith Walsh (35:36)

After being a host of one of the most successful morning shows in Ireland, Keith was let go from his dream job, which he thought he never deserved in the first place. In turn, triggered imposter syndrome, which had been something he struggled with his whole life.

“I had mistakenly attached my success as a person to the job I was doing. So, my success as a human being, was not how my kids were doing, how happy my wife was, how happy I was, ya know do I love myself? It was, what job I say to people, when they ask me, when they meet me at a party. How successful I was was how big the show was. Me and that job…that was me. So when it was taken off me, I was like who the f*ck am I? What’s left?” - Keith Walsh (23:14)

In This Episode

(3:15) The history of Ireland and how the country has changed
(9:09) Toxic masculinity in Ireland.
(16:21) The pressures of being a performer
(20:53) Keith’s feelings about therapy
(23:44) How Keith coped before finally going to therapy.
(24:55) How Keith’s mental health spiraled after he was let go from his job
(26:12) Imposter syndrome
(31:56) The patriarchal pressure put on men and toxic masculinity.
(36:53) How and why Keith created his play Pure Mental
(44:05) How Keith met his wife
(51:18) What it was like for Keith becoming a dad and learning his new responsibilities

Our Guest

A radio veteran of 20 years, Keith Walsh co-hosted RTÉ 2fm’s breakfast show for five years. He now has his own podcast and wrote, produced, and starred in his own play about mental health called Pure Mental.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Keith Walsh

The Best of Off The Cuff Sep 21, 2022

On Off The Cuff, we’ve had the pleasure of hearing from so many insightful, inspirational, and incredible guests – Broadway actors, champion athletes, elite military members, activists, politicians and more – all with extraordinary stories of hope and healing.

Today, we’re looking back at some of Off The Cuff’s best moments, featuring guests Jonny Benjamin, Zac Clark, Dr. Justin Puder, Mona Shaikh, Kevin Hines, Joe Barksdale, and Alessandra Torresani.

If you’re new to the show, you’ll catch up on some of the season’s highlights – and if you’re a longtime listener, you’ll be able to relive some of your favorite moments.

Either way, enjoy some of the best of Off The Cuff – and get excited for more.

Amputee Advocacy (And Positivity) with Alyssa Cleland Sep 14, 2022

Mental health issues are difficult enough to handle. But for the millions of people who are living with a physical disability too, the journey can be even tougher.

Today’s guest, Alyssa Cleland, was born with a one-in-a-million condition called paraxial tibial hemimelia, which led to the amputation of her leg. But with the aid of a prosthetic, Alyssa has made a name for herself as a para-equestrian and social media influencer, helping to shine a light on all that she – and others with disabilities like PTH – is capable of.

In this episode, Alyssa talks about growing up with a disability, being adopted from Ukraine into a marathon-running, sports-loving family, and her journey of self-love.

“After doing a lot of healing and things like that – which like, obviously there's still more [to do] – I think I've just come so to terms with who I am, what I have going on and blah, blah, blah, that like, I just don't care, you know? And I'm gonna be myself. If you don't like it, then that's cool. We're not meant to be in the same, you know, atmosphere together. And I'm okay with that.” – Alyssa (42:48)

She also shares about her experiences with mental health, the strategies she uses to keep herself thinking positive, and how she became determined to live her best life.

“I was able to like, comfort myself in knowing that, ‘Hey, like I didn't cause this to myself. I didn't ask for this. And I can't do anything about it.’ So either I can sit and be shameful of something that I have no control over or I can get the f*ck over it and live my life to the best that I can. And that's what I decided to do. … It’s definitely a fight every day, but I think it's a fight worth fighting.” – Alyssa (06:20)

In This Episode

(03:20) Competing as a para-equestrian
(05:06) Growing up with a disability
(08:02) What is paraxial tibial hemimelia?
(10:25) Being adopted and having a leg amputation in childhood
(15:28) Alyssa’s “sticky sock vacation” at nine
(22:51) The journey to sharing her story on social media
(26:57) How Alyssa keeps herself thinking positive
(30:09) The role of faith in Alyssa’s life
(33:31) Life with prosthetics
(40:22) Dealing with strangers as an amputee

Our Guest

Alyssa Cleland is an influencer, para-equestrian and disability rights advocate.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Alyssa Cleland

Psychopaths, Brain Trauma and Therapy with Dr. Judy Ho Sep 07, 2022

Few people have as much hands-on experience with the many sides of mental health work as today’s guest, Dr. Judy Ho.

As a triple-board certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, Dr. Ho has evaluated maximum security prison inmates, served as an expert witness in criminal trials, works as a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University – and goes to therapy herself.

In this episode, Dr. Ho shares about emigrating from Taiwan as a child, the differences between men’s and women’s love styles, why people settle in relationships, and the challenges of working in the criminal justice system as a woman.

“My supervisors [were] like, ‘Why do you wanna be an expert witness in criminal cases?’ I'm like, ‘Well, I think it's interesting. And I think I can help.’ And one of my supervisors who is a woman was like, ‘Take it from somebody who worked there for five years in the beginning of my career – it is not a walk in the park.’ But it's never a comfortable environment. Sometimes it's a maximum security prison and it's really tough. You have to be escorted everywhere, including to the bathroom. All of your liberties are taken away, at least temporarily. And I'm not saying that that's anywhere near the liberties that [the inmates] lose, but it's like even just that tiny taste of it is [difficult].” – Dr. Ho (20:42)

Dr. Ho also talks about the benefits of therapy for everybody, and why she receives counseling herself as a mental health practitioner.

“Some of my clients say, ‘Well, I don't feel like I need therapy. I don't know why I'm here.’ You know what? Everybody needs therapy, probably. It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I hope that it's not because you feel like there has to be something majorly wrong with you to go to therapy, you know?” – Dr. Ho (37:29)

In This Episode

(02:05) The education required in order to be triple-board certified
(05:07) Humor as a healing tool
(11:22) Dr. Ho’s experience as an expert witness in the judicial system
(17:09) The ups and downs of evaluating maximum security prison inmates
(21:24) How the Big Sister Little Sister program shaped Dr. Ho’s passion for psychology
(23:57) The link between brain trauma, aging and psychology
(27:43) Emigrating from Taiwan and adapting to the American school system
(37:29) Why Dr. Ho goes to therapy as a mental health professional
(41:49) Why people settle in relationships
(43:45) The differences between men’s and women’s love styles
(49:14) Dr. Ho’s experience working with multicultural, same-sex and gender-diverse couples

Our Guest

Dr. Judy Ho is a licensed and triple board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist. She is also a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University and the author of “Stop Self-Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower and Get Out of Your Own Way.”

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Dr. Judy Ho

Politics, PTSD and Veterans’ Rights with Jason Kander Aug 31, 2022

By 2018, Jason Kander had already served in Afghanistan, been elected to the Missouri State Legislature, and become Missouri Secretary of State. The logical next step: a 2020 presidential campaign.

Instead, Jason took the political world by surprise and chose to run for mayor of Kansas City, near his hometown of Shawnee, Kansas.

Despite a successful early campaign, Jason made another shocking decision: to end his candidacy, take a break from the public eye, and spend eight months receiving treatment for the PTSD he brought back from Afghanistan.

Today, he joins me to talk about how therapy helped him deal with the trauma he endured during his service, how the U.S. must change the way it takes care of its veterans, and more.

“One of the big things that I worked through in therapy was … this sense that I hadn't done enough. I mean, it was just this constant refrain because I had friends who had been hurt physically. I had plenty of friends who had been overseas longer than me. So I had this real sense that I had not done enough and it drove me for a very long time. And what I realize now is that I actually have done quite a lot and I have done enough. Doesn't mean I'm not gonna do more for my country, but it won't be because I feel I have to, or I owe it. It'll be because that's what I want to do.” – Jason (07:34)

Jason discussed coming to terms with his PTSD diagnosis after more than a decade, and how his diagnosis provided not only validation, but a way forward.

“When I was diagnosed with PTSD, it happened after me really coming to terms with the idea that I had PTSD. So when I was finally diagnosed, you know, I had spent almost 11 years being like, that's not what this is. And then that became like, it's not what this is. I didn't earn that. So that's just something wrong with me. I'm just this way. And then it was very hard and very difficult for me to accept the idea that this was PTSD. So then after I'd gone through that, then to be diagnosed was validating for me. … but I think even more than the validation that it provided to me was the clarity, you know, the idea of like, because once you say like, okay, for sure that's what this is, then it does feel a little like, okay, so now I know what to do.” – Jason (09:08)

In This Episode

(01:13) Jason’s path to joining the military
(02:49) Learning to help others by example
(04:30) Choosing the Army
(07:34) Trauma, therapy, and survivor’s guilt
(09:08) Coming to terms with PTSD
(12:40) Recovery in the public eye
(19:48) Will the U.S. change the way it takes care of our veterans?
(32:34) The case for foreign aid
(47:15) Writing Invisible Storm

Our Guest

Jason Kander served in Afghanistan as an Army Captain before being elected to the Missouri State Legislature in 2008 and becoming Missouri Secretary of State in 2012.

Currently, Jason is the President of the National Expansion at Veterans Community Project, a non-profit dedicated to preventing suicide and homelessness among veterans.

He is the author of two books, Outside the Wire: Ten Lessons I’ve Learned in Everyday Courage, and Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Jason Kander

Self-Defense, C-PTSD and Survival with Terra Newell Aug 24, 2022

Today’s guest, Terra Newell, was only 25 when she survived a knife attack at the hands of serial predator and con man John, whom she killed in self-defense.

The shocking incident became the subject of 2018’s smash TV hit “Dirty John,” and Terra has gone on to share her story – and raise awareness for domestic abuse – on Dateline, Dr. Oz, KTLA, and more.

Six years after defending herself from John, Terra is still working through the trauma.

“[Everyone says], ‘Well, you know, we need everyone's stories because it's not just your story, you know, it's your mom's, it's this, that.’ I understand that they all have stories, but the reason why [John] isn't here today is because of me. And I have to hold onto that trauma and I have to live with that. And I am the only one that has to live with that.” – Terra (27:05)

Today, Terra joins me to share her story – including when she realized something wasn’t right about John, the “master manipulator” tactics she witnessed him using on her mother, and how her relationship with her mom has changed.

She also speaks candidly about being a trauma survivor, how C-PTSD has altered virtually every aspect of her life – from dating to physiological changes to getting through the day – and techniques she uses to cope.

“It's still like, I wish I didn't have to do that. Like I wish the cops could have handled it, but you know, everything happens for a reason. And I have to lean on that reason when those days come up because you know, I wanna be normal some days. I wanna be as normal as I can.” – Terra (44:06)

For Terra, something that helps her own journey to recovery is helping other trauma survivors, which she does through her trauma healing work.

“I get the people [who are at their] last resort. They're like, ‘I've gone to therapy. My therapist, I haven't learned anything from her.’ I'm like, ‘Well, I have been through a lot of stuff and I've gone through the process of it. So let me show you what has worked for me.’ … There's the commonality that everybody has been through. Something everybody has been hurt. And so I don't love to get to know people's hurt, but I love to bond with people over that, for sure. I know that we're all not alone.” – Terra

In This Episode

(01:51) Terra’s story: “My mom married a psychopath”
(03:59) The point that she knew something wasn’t right about ‘Dirty John’
(09:40) Love bombing, gaslighting, and other tactics of a master manipulator
(21:05) Being triggered as a trauma survivor
(23:38) America’s obsession with sociopaths
(28:21) A day in the life: How Terra copes with C-PTSD
(38:07) The healing role of animals in a trauma survivor’s recovery
(42:19) How Terra’s relationship with her mom has changed
(48:14) Dating with C-PTSD
(55:39) EMDR therapy and coping techniques
(1:03:03) The physiological effects of trauma
(1:06:27) Terra’s work as a trauma life coach
(1:10:45) “I know this is my purpose”

Our Guest

Terra Newell helps other survivors cope through her work as a trauma life coach and is the host of her own podcast, Time Out with Terra, and true crime podcast The Survivor Squad.

Currently, Terra is working with criminal behavior analyst Laura Richards to help pass laws against coercive control in the United States. With her help, one such law has already passed in California.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Terra Newell

Beyond Schizoaffective Disorder with Jonny Benjamin Aug 17, 2022

Mental health is hard enough to tackle when you’re a teenager or adult. For this week’s guest, mental health campaigner, public speaker and vlogger Jonny Benjamin, it’s been a lifelong journey.

“My parents took me to see a psychologist when I was five. So I didn't understand it. No one explained it to me because no one did right back then.” – Jonny (01:26)

Jonny’s documentaries on mental health and suicide have been presented on the BBC, his ThinkWell school program has seen major success in UK secondary schools, and his youth mental health charity, Beyond, was launched in 2018.

Today, Jonny joins me to talk about living with schizoaffective disorder, getting his start as a mental health campaigner on YouTube, and the benefits of finally finding the right therapist.

Jonny also shares how cognitive behavioral therapy has changed his life, the viral #FindMike campaign of 2014, and his youth mental health charity, Beyond.

“It's been a long journey. I've got a psychiatrist now that I can trust, that I can talk to. I've got a therapist now – it took me like 13, 14 years to find the right support. Like once I found my therapist now, it clarified everything. I feel I was finally listening to myself and just instead of just listening to what other people wanted to tell me and, and you know, I was actually looking out for myself.” – Johnny (51:14)

In This Episode

(01:12) Signs of Jonny’s schizoaffective disorder at 5 years old
(05:30) What schizoaffective disorder is
(14:28) Jonny’s first experience with psychosis
(17:32) Stigma surrounding mental health and sexuality in a Jewish family
(20:21) Jonny’s “guardian angel”
(25:42) #FindMike campaign
(30:20) The mental pressure of of #FindMike and Jonny’s subsequent breakdown
(38:29) Finally telling his parents about his struggle with mental health
(43:54) “I literally broke down in tears.”
(51:05) The difficulty – and joy – of finding the right therapist
(56:51) Jonny’s youth mental health charity, Beyond
(1:02:34) Are you happy today?

Our Guest

Mental health campaigner, public speaker and vlogger Jonny Benjamin was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at 20. After his YouTube channel documenting life with his condition went viral, Johnny became a mental health advocate and public speaker, with BBC documentaries, a school program for UK secondary schools, and a youth charity for teens and young adults.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Jonny Benjamin

Making Anxiety Funny with Gianmarco Soresi Aug 10, 2022

Most people with anxiety would cringe at the idea of getting up on stage and telling jokes to hundreds of people. But for actor and standup comic Gianmarco Soresi, who has dealt with anxiety since childhood, standup is a refuge.

“One thing I think is nice about comedy is like, I can use that anxiety and live on that anxiety on stage and it can be funny. I can make the anxiety funny and I don't have to hide it.” – Gianmarco (41:43)

In today’s episode, Gianmarco shares how he found comedy, using his sometimes dysfunctional family as inspiration for material, his experience with therapy and antidepressants, living up to traditional expectations of masculinity, and how he handles anxiety today.

“That's why I think standup, like, let me be myself more. And I still feel anxiety about standup. Sometimes, sometimes I feel chill. Sometimes I'm filled with anxiety and I still work on it. I still work on enjoying the anxiety or just being like, Hey, you're anxious cuz this is cool. This is crazy.” – Gianmarco (42:33)

In This Episode

(02:01) Acting vs standup, and Gianmarco’s background as a comic
(05:45) The impact of COVID on standup
(11:41) Gianmarco’s family as inspiration for comedy material
(22:03) Standup as therapy
(35:05) The pressure to choose sports over performing in high school
(39:54) How being Jewish has influenced Gianmarco’s comedy
(41:10) Making anxiety funny
(43:02) Gianmarco’s experience with therapy
(49:19) “The side effects of depression are death.”
(51:02) The dynamic of being a child in a joint-custody arrangement
(59:03) Gianmarco’s comedy writing process, and the changing model of TV viewing

Our Guest

Gianmarco Soresi is a standup comic, actor and writer who has been featured on Netflix’s Bonding, PBS’ Stories from the Stage, SeeSo’s New York’s Funniest, Real Housewives of New York, New York LIVE, Vanity Fair, and George Takei Presents. In 2019, he was the winner of Amazon’s Comics Watching Comics Season 8.

Gianmarco is a member of the sketch team Uncle Function and is the creator of the sketch series Matza Pizza. He is the host of a podcast called The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Gianmarco Soresi

Life After Reality TV with Hannah Berner Aug 03, 2022

Comedian Hannah Berner, who spent three seasons as a member of the Bravo show “Summer House,” isn’t someone whose big personality lends itself easily to the ultra-manipulated and overcut nature of reality TV – even though, she says, they tried.

“Imagine people who don't like you narrating your life to America. You're just like, f*ck it. That's how it happened. That's not how it happened. And it's hard ’cuz you're also oversimplified to these characters. Like there's the hot girl. There's the messy girl. There's the truth teller. There's the hot guy. There's the whatever. And like we're as humans so much more complex than that. … Then like six months [after production], [you’re] watching like a show that sometimes you don't really even recognize. And sometimes you even recognize yourself.” – Hannah (32:53)

On today’s episode, Hannah talks about the funhouse mirror of reality TV, leaving pro tennis for comedy after college, the identity politics of being Italian and Jewish, and why she prefers being standup-anxious to being tennis-pro anxious.

“I don't have that much fear and I'm not holding it too close to my ego. So I actually like don't really get nervous. The only time I get nervous is if like it's an audition for something or like I know someone's watching and I'll be like nervous for like the first five seconds. And then I'll kind of calm down. But also deep down, I like a little nerves. I like the high of it all, but I don't have the sick, horrible anxiety in my stomach that I used to have when I [played tennis]. I say it's like surfing – when you find the right thing, when you find the right wave, you just go.” – Hannah (45:26)

And how do you go from being a straight-edge tennis star to making it big in comedy, anyway? Hannah shares what the transition was like – and why she’s so much happier these days.

“I feel like I'm doing what I'm meant to do now. Even though I do love to play tennis, just ‘cuz you're really good at something doesn't always mean it's what you're meant to do. Or maybe for that time, it's what I was meant to do. But at this time in my life I found what makes me happy.” – Hannah (46:16)

In This Episode

(02:45) Leaving pro tennis for comedy
(08:13) Being a “bagel”: Hannah’s identity as a half-Jewish, half-Italian woman
(16:08) Why comics have insecurities, and getting canceled for controversial jokes
(22:16) Hannah’s whirlwind romance with her now-husband
(25:43) Men vs women in love
(31:08) How Hannah came to be on Bravo’s “Summer House”
(36:01) How reality TV impacted her mental health
(41:30) The courage it takes to leave relationships
(44:01) Hannah’s performance anxiety during standup
(50:03) Are you happy today?

Our Guest

Hannah Berner is a comedian, podcast host and mental health advocate. Hannah was a cohost on Bravo’s “Chat Room” and was a member of Bravo’s “Summer House” for three seasons.

Her podcasts, “Giggly Squad” and “Berning in Hell,” have more than 20 million downloads, and she has over 1.2 million followers on social media.

Hannah performs standup across the country.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Hannah Berner

The Mental Game with Andrew Jensen Jul 27, 2022

Andrew Jensen started golfing at seven years old and went professional around 23.

His first suicide attempt happened at 16, with others between tours in his mid-twenties.

In this episode, Andrew joins us to talk about his journey as an athlete, how intergenerational toxic masculinity shaped his golf game, and the mental health struggles that contributed to his suicide attempts as a young adult.

“It was like trying to make it quick and painless as opposed to something that consciously hurt, I think, because if I look back, I really dive into it. It was much more the emotional pain that I wanted to continue to inflict, and have the physical be quick and make all of the pain end as opposed to some people who cut … want the physical pain to kind of take away from the mental pain. Whereas I was hurting myself so much internally that I just wanted to stop hurting period.” (30:30)

Andrew also shares how his struggles eventually led him to become a mental health advocate and YouTuber, where he uses his channel to not only help other golf enthusiasts with their game, but to continue to work through the long-lasting mental hurdles in his own.

“I think that's where it's like all those years of being a professional golfer and associating that identity now and like on YouTube. And if I have to stop at [that], you know, my knee jerk to that is like, f*ck I failed. ‘Cause I didn't achieve my goal. ‘Cause that was my need. That's how I felt. I feel as a golfer, I still feel like I'm a failed professional golfer, but whatever. And people on the internet love to tell me that too, but I don't f*cking care anymore.” (1:00:09)

In This Episode

(01:24) What makes golf so tough
(05:01) How Andrew started golfing
(12:47) Intergenerational toxic masculinity
(21:16) Andrew’s first struggles with mental health
(29:01) Andrew’s suicide attempts
(32:42) Recovering from the first attempt while still dealing with depression
(40:38) The intense pressure of pro sports and its effect on Andrew’s mental health
(53:02) How Andrew focuses on his mental health currently
(57:52) Andrew’s relationship with his wife, Kelly
(1:03:01) Will he let his son play golf?

Our Guest

Andrew Jensen competed around the world as a professional golfer for over a decade.

After breaking his arm forced him to leave pro golf, Andrew started a YouTube channel to document his journey as an athlete, share behind the scenes looks at tours, equipment and training, share about fatherhood and talk openly about sports and mental health.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Andrew Jensen

Being Kind to Your Mind with Cooper Chapman Jul 20, 2022

Many professional athletes go on to second careers in Hollywood or politics – but former pro surfer Cooper Chapman’s dreams are a little different.

After seeing firsthand how depression affected his father, and losing two family friends to suicide – not to mention his own anxiety and stress Cooper developed a passion for mental health that has sparked a new career.

In today’s episode, Cooper talks about his mental health organization, The Good Human Factory, the pressure of success in pro surfing at 14, and his own struggle with mental health that started when he began basing his self-worth on his surfing achievements.

“I started to struggle a little bit with my identity. I felt a bit of shame, like being around people at my local community when I wasn't succeeding as often. And then I went and spoke to my sports psychologist about how I was feeling and what was going on. And he's like, man … so many people base their self worth and their overall well being on their achievements and their successes. He said, I want you to take this forward in your life and it's gonna change the way you think. I want you to base your life on how well you live to your values. And that was this light bulb moment that completely changed my life.”

Cooper also shares his take on the vast mental health spectrum, the importance of making gratitude a daily habit and why everyone should have the tools to help themselves when their mental health needs a little help.

“We are all on a spectrum of mental health to mental illness. And we're all moving up and down it from time to time. And what I'm trying to do [with The Good Human Factory] is, I like to think of it like, life is almost like a treadmill that's dragging us from good mental health to mental illness. We're all walking against it, just at different paces. And I'm trying to give people the skills to be able to walk against it at a faster pace so that when life does speed up and throw some of these really difficult times at us, you can walk back against it.”

In This Episode

(06:27) Cooper’s youth surfing career and winning a national title at 14
(9:50) The pressure of early success and how he got into mental health
(12:30) Cooper’s “lightbulb moment”
(16:00) The sports psychology approach
(18:43) Transitioning from a sports career to a career in mental health, and starting The Good Human Factory
(22:17) A typical Good Human Factory workshop
(31:47) The mental health spectrum
(40:12) Competing against your own success
(47:55) Making gratitude a habit

Our Guest

Former pro surfer Cooper Chapman started The Good Human Factory after seeing how mental illness and suicide affected his father and close family friends.

Through The Good Human Factory, Cooper has helped thousands of Australian students and teachers practice mindfulness and gratitude, and increase their mental strength and resilience.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Cooper Chapman

The Funny Thing About Trauma with Mona Shaikh Jul 13, 2022

Childhood trauma shapes us in different ways. For some people, it’s a lifelong source of pain. But others, like comedian Mona Shaikh, seem to use it as a source of strength – not to mention laughs.

Today, Mona joins me for a wild conversation about the funny side of life (being catfished by a fake Indian finance bro in LA who turned out to be lying about his identity for reasons you won’t believe) and the not so funny (Mona’s childhood abuse, her brothers’ battle with polio and her rocky relationship with her parents).

“As you get older, there's a turning point where you're like, my parents are just fucking people who did the best they could. They did the best they could with all their issues and all their traumas. And don't get me wrong. I am super grateful to my mom, to my dad for bringing us to America, for giving us good education, even all the fucked-upness they gave us. I'm grateful for it. Right? ’Cause I chose to take all that shit and turn it into gold. Turn it into something good. You have to.” – Mona

Mona also shares about why she incorporates her trauma into her act, the challenges of being a woman in comedy, what needs to change about the American approach to mental health and how 15 years of therapy saved her life.

“The greatest gift you'll ever give to yourself is to learn to be alone. It's the single greatest gift you'll ever give yourself. There is no greater gift than the power of sitting alone in your thoughts and sitting with your pain and your trauma and all the fucking mess, just sitting with it and saying, ‘I'm gonna find my way out of this. I'm gonna go to therapy. I'm gonna do self-help, I'm gonna work out whatever the fuck it takes, but I'm gonna carve my way out of this and I'm gonna make a life for myself.’” – Mona

In This Episode

(02:47) How Mona got her start in comedy and whether she still gets nervous performing
(09:42) Mona’s experience emigrating from Pakistan to the U.S. in high school
(14:59) Self-hatred, the Kardashians, and “f*cking your way to the top”
(19:03) Getting catfished on dating apps by a Pakistani Jewish witch with a federal indictment against him
(34:04) Beating up a classmate for making fun of her brothers with polio
(42:51 ) The state of mental health and the predominance of gun violence in the U.S.
(48:27) Mona’s complicated relationship with her mother, and owning your trauma
(56:36) Using her childhood trauma in her act, and being a woman in comedy
(1:15:08) How therapy saved Mona’s life

Our Guest

Stand-up comedian, host, and actor Mona Shaikh grew up in Pakistan and started her comedy career after moving to New York.

Mona has headlined The Laugh Factory, where she became the first Pakistani female comedian to win the venue’s Funniest Person in the World Competition, and is a regular at major LA comedy clubs including The Comedy Story, Flappers Comedy Club, Ice House Pasadena, and more. She also made history when she became the first Pakistani female comedian to headline Hollywood Improv.

Mona can be seen regularly on The Young Turks, The Stephanie Miller Show on SiriusXM and Mo’Kelly Show on IHeartRadio.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Mona Shaikh

From Active Duty to the Psych Ward to the Stage with Rudy Caseres Jul 06, 2022

Serving in the U.S. military is a challenge for anyone – but it can be especially tough when you’re dealing with mental health conditions.

Public speaker and mental health advocate Rudy Caseres, who was serving in the Army during his first experience with catatonic schizophrenia, understands this firsthand.

In today’s episode, I sat down with Rudy to discuss his experience with mental health in the military, being discharged from the Army, and what he learned from his time in psych wards.

Rudy also talks about the difficulties of being formally diagnosed, and the conflicting feelings his diagnoses brought.

“When you're going through this stuff, you have no fucking idea what's going on with you. And then you're just entrusting your life to these strangers that you never met. It takes a lot to take that leap of faith to be like, okay. And when I heard my diagnosis though, I was like, you know what, thank God. Because that at least gives me some kind of explanation of why this is happening to me. But my thing was ‘All right, diagnosis. That's great. What the fuck am I supposed to do now?’” – Rudy

Rudy also shares how his difficult journey eventually led to his “aha moment,” which helped him find his niche as a public speaker.

“It kinda wakes me up to like, realize like, ‘Hey, you don't have to let the universe, like, just have its way with you. Like, you don't have to completely just be sucked into the depression and let the depression win. … You can actually turn a negative into a positive and make the most of it. You're not a freak. You're not a mutant. You're just built differently. And we need people like you and you can still contribute a lot to this world. Not just in spite of it, because of it.” – Rudy

In This Episode

(01:43) When Rudy first noticed he might have mental health concerns

(03:29) What drew Rudy to public speaking
(15:56) Rudy’s first catatonic episodes during his time in the Army
(20:23) Being considered “mentally ill” in the military
(27:13) Coming home after being discharged from the Army and leaving the psych ward
(30:00) Rudy’s first experiences with catatonic schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
(38:59) The “aha moment” of finally being diagnosed
(41:11) Harnessing bipolar energy
(53:28) What Rudy’s manic episodes feel like, and his second time in a psych ward
(59:41) How Rudy began his public speaking career
(1:12:48) Rudy’s next steps

Our Guest

Rudy Caseres is an award-winning public speaker, live-streamer and social media influencer who has given over 100 presentations across the country sharing his story of surviving a mental breakdown while in the U.S. Army and living with bipolar disorder.

He is the host of “No Restraints with Rudy Caseres,” which features live, candid discussions with mental health, human rights and suicide prevention activists, and hosts a monthly panel on mental health for The Mighty.

Rudy has been featured in This is My Brave, HealthyPlace, The S Word, OC87 Recovery Diaries, Sweatpants & Coffee, Stigma Fighters, and Schizophrenic NYC, and was named one of The Mighty's Mental Health Heroes of 2017.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Rudy Caseres

Mentioned

https://www.nami.org/Home

Mental Health Advocacy in the Trans Community with Nate Cannon Jun 29, 2022

Mental health can be a tough topic for men – and it can be even tougher when you’re part of a marginalized group.

On this week’s episode, I sat down with public speaker and author Nate Cannon to talk about his work as a mental health advocate in the trans community, which faces a disproportionate rate of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and attempted suicide.

“We've seen numbers coming out, for example, upwards of 55% to 60% of transgender men or boys have had suicidal thoughts just within the last year. And wow … that is very alarming. And so if I can help talk with folks and express some education and awareness around how intense the mental health symptoms can be around gender dysphoria, and how important it is to honor that identity, I wanna do everything I can to do that.” – Nate (11:07)

Nate, who is a transgender man, also shared about the stigma around mental health and being trans in the LGBTQ+ community, his own experience transitioning, and the importance of supporting kids who may be questioning their identity.

“If we don't allow [gender] exploration, I worry that there's going to be an exacerbation of baseline mental health challenges, which as we've discussed is already a significant issue for the trans population, especially kids right now. So I do think that it's important that we have those conversations and be open about it.” – Nate (28:12)

As a survivor of two suicide attempts and as a person who lives with mental illness, Nate also discusses his work in mental health advocacy, and talks about the life-saving freedom of living your truth.

“I do know that if I hadn't transitioned, I wouldn't be here. I would not be alive today. … I am still here. I am still alive. I'm still breathing. Thankfully I'm cognitively intact and able to share my story in a way that hopefully it’ll maybe give someone pause before they consider taking their lives.” – Nate (1:08:00)

In This Episode

(01:16) Nate’s story and how he got involved with mental health advocacy
(03:52) Stigma around mental health and being trans in the LGBTQ+ community
(07:17) Nate’s childhood experiences figuring out his gender identity
(18:01) How playing hockey helped Nate realize he was trans, not lesbian
(24:09) Nate’s advice for parents of trans kids
(36:52) The process of transitioning, and the challenges Nate encountered accessing gender-affirming procedures as a person with mental health and neurological conditions
(45:39) Differences in social expectations Nate’s experienced since transitioning
(50:30) The challenges of living as a trans person in a social system not built for trans people
(1:06:00) How Nate would’ve handled his transition differently

Our Guest

Acclaimed public speaker and author Nate Cannon has spoken about his experiences as a transgender man living with mental illness and disability at government agencies, univiersites and non-profits across the country.

He also provides organizational training in areas including diversity and inclusion, crisis intervention, disability justice and other LGBTQ+ issues.

He is the author of two memoirs, “Running On A Mind Rewired,” and “Dying to Hang with The Boys.”

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Nate Cannon

From Rock Bottom To Recovery with Zac Clark Jun 15, 2022

How does a person go from lifelong substance abuse to getting clean and starting an addiction recovery nonprofit (not to mention starring on “The Bachelorette”), all in just ten years?

I sat down with Zac Clark to find out.

“I know today the truth about my existence, which is whatever I've been through is my most important and greatest asset. And it gives me, I believe, an advantage against the world. It's just good to be here.”

In this episode, Zac shares his story – including a brain tumor, convincing a doctor to remove his gallbladder for access to pain pills, why he still remembers a bank teller named Rhonda Jackson, and how his recovery allowed him to be there for his family during a crisis.

“I was the first one on the plane to Florida. … And the only reason I got to do that was because of my recovery, you know? Like I'm here and I'm present. When someone needs help, I know how to show up. No drug or drink or whatever was gonna give me the moxie to show up the way I showed up over that.”

Zac also discusses dating during recovery, “The Bachelorette,” starting his companies – Release Recovery, an addiction services organization, and Release Recovery Foundation, a nonprofit to help those struggling with addiction – and shares how you can get help if you’re in need.

“The first step is always asking for help. Once someone is at that place of asking for help, that's the hardest thing to do. And if you are listening to this, please, please, please, don't be shy. You can always reach out.”

In This Episode

Zac’s first time drinking as a child, and the dangerous lesson he learned (02:37)
How Zac’s relationship with alcohol and drugs evolved through college (07:34)
When Zac knew he had a problem (11:12)
The importance of family in the recovery process (12:29)
Zac’s first time in rehab (15:04)
Rock bottom or rebirth? (24:27)
Zac’s advice for people experiencing addiction alone (32:20)
Starting Release Recovery Foundation (41:19)
Zac’s experience on “The Bachelorette” and staying strong in his recovery (44:05)

Our Guest

Zac Clark is the founder of Release Recovery, an addiction services organization that helps people reclaim their lives from addiction.

He serves on the board of Release Recovery Foundation, a nonprofit that helps those struggling with addiction to access professional treatment including inpatient/outpatient treatment centers, interventionists, recovery coaches, therapists, and psychiatrists.

Zac was also a contestant on season 16 of “The Bachelorette.”

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Zac Clark

Addiction Services & Resources

https://www.releaserecoveryfoundation.org/
https://releaserecovery.com/
https://twitter.com/releaserecovery
https://www.instagram.com/releaserecovery/

Destigmatizing Therapy for Teens with Dr. Justin Puder Jun 08, 2022

“Crazy,” “heart attack kid,” “nuts.”

This week’s Off The Cuff guest, Dr. Justin Puder, heard it all as a kid who grew up struggling with mental health in small-town Ohio. That struggle, as well as the early loss of his father and brother from cancer and drug addiction respectively, introduced young Dr. J to therapy for the first time.

“[The therapist] didn't call it meditation. She didn't call it mindfulness. She's literally like, ‘We're just gonna do something together here.’ And she had me lay down and essentially she did a guided meditation. … I remember within minutes, like just two minutes into it, like I had opened my eyes because I was so excited. It was the first time I experienced peace in months.”

The experience inspired him to become a licensed psychologist himself. Now, Dr. J primarily works with teens at his Florida practice, where he specializes in mindfulness-based approaches to anxiety and stress reduction.

In this episode, Dr. J discusses growing up around mental health stigma at home and at school, the life-saving importance of destigmatizing therapy, the dangers of self-diagnosis, and how social media can both help and harm mental health.

“We've gone from like, again, never talking about mental health to sort of swinging. I feel like the pendulum swung far the other way, where it's just like, everybody wants to have the sticker label of some diagnosis. [But] clinging to a label isn't actually going to help you, in the long run, understand how to get better.”

If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, Dr. J shares some tips:

Work through a mental health workbook written by a licensed expert. You’ll learn more about the psychological principles that make therapy work, and gain a better understanding of yourself in the process.
Journal. You’ll become more comfortable putting your thoughts, fears and struggles into words, which can help you when you decide to talk to a therapist.
Remember that your well-being and mental health are worth the effort.

“For so many people out there, like if you're going through something mental health-wise and you're in that state [of panic and despair], I hope you can hear me and Danny that it can and does get better.”

In This Episode

The real-life childhood trauma that inspired Dr. J to become a therapist (04:30)
Dr. J’s first panic attack and the stigma of mental health in the Midwest (08:18)
The “breaking point” that led to Dr. J’s first therapy session (13:25)
Overcoming the stigma of therapy for teens (15:24)
The cultural and regional differences that contribute to stigmatization (18:48)
Social media and its impact on mental health (23:32)
The future of neuroscience in mental health treatment (26:35)
“Dr. Google” and the dangers of self-diagnosis (33:25)
Starting the therapy process (39:19)
The relationship between therapy and psychotropic medication (58:39)
The progress of mental health destigmatization in schools (01:09:33)

Our Guest

Dr. Justin Puder is a Florida-based licensed psychologist who earned degrees in psychology from Kent State University, Florida Atlantic University and Auburn University. He specializes in anxiety and stress reduction using mindfulness-based approaches.

Dr. Puder especially enjoys working with teens. As a mental health influencer, he uses social media (@amodertherapist on Instagram) to crush mental health stigma, and has worked with outlets including Vice, The DailyDot and LA Mag.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Dr. Justin Puder

On TikTok
On Instagram
On YouTube
Dr. Puder’s DriveThru Courses
Dr. Puder’s Podcast, “Drop In with Dr. J”

More On Mental Health

Tackling Mental Health in the World of Theatre with Nikka Graff Lanzarone Jun 01, 2022

What does mental health look like in one of the most cutthroat industries in the world?

Can a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis ever be a good thing?

And must the show always go on?

In this week’s episode, actress Nikka Graff Lanzarone talks mental stamina, why certain mental health conditions go underdiagnosed in women and the “epiphany” of being diagnosed with ADHD at 37.

“There's also like a certain amount of grieving that comes with [being diagnosed], that you're like, ‘Oh, so it didn't have to be like this my whole life. Cool.’”

Nikka also explores how her battle with depression and anxiety shaped her as a performer, and the natural therapy of dance.

“When you're dancing, you don't have to deal with any of that. All you have to do is say whatever it is you're trying to say and you don't have to talk. … I get a break from having to be myself and dealing with my s*** for two and a half hours. I get a break from me.”

For Nikka, an important facet of her acting career is something that goes hand in hand with mental health – the work she does as a labor advocate.

“We are desperately trying to change that [‘show must go on’] culture. I'm an elected official in my union also and part of like a grassroots progressive organization that [asks], but why … why? It doesn't have to be this way. Who said it had to be this way?”

In This Episode

Nikka’s showbiz family and how she got her start (02:31)
The journey to Nikka’s recent ADHD diagnosis “epiphany” (10:10)
How ADHD affects men and women differently, and why it goes undiagnosed in many women (12:29)
Connecting with family members who don’t have mental health conditions, and the “relief” of starting medication (14:35)
The role of mental stamina in an emotionally and physically taxing industry (20:45)
Nikka’s labor advocacy and the myth of “the show must go on” (28:57)
Performance as therapy (33:11)
The impact of COVID-19 on Broadway and Nikka’s mental health (36:03)
Dealing with anxiety as a performer (43:39)

Our Guest

Actress Nikka Graff Lanzarone is a showbiz veteran with credits ranging from Velma Kelly in Broadway’s “Chicago” to hit TV shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Inventing Anna.”

As a labor advocate, Nikka serves as a councilor of Actors’ Equity Association and is a delegate to the New York City Central Labor Council. She is also on the board of the Actors’ Equity Foundation and is a core member of #FairWageOnstage.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Nikka Graff Lanzarone

More On Mental Health

The Ripple Effect of Suicide with Survivor Kevin Hines May 25, 2022

Every year, millions of people attempt suicide – and thousands take their own lives. This week’s guest, Kevin Hines, understands better than most.

“Twenty-four hours before I went to leap off the Golden Gate Bridge … I was in such a devastating place of complete despair. It was worse than depression. It was a darkness and it was a place where I came to believe that all of my family, all of my friends hated me and wanted me gone. Of course, none of that was true, but I believed it. My brain told me that.”

In 2000, then 19-year-old Kevin attempted suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Miraculously, he lived, making him one of only 36 people ever to survive the 746-foot drop.

In this episode, Kevin shares his lifelong struggle with mental health and discusses how suicide creates a ripple effect of grief and pain that affects not just parents and friends, but every single person in our lives.

“When you love someone unconditionally and they pass away, that grief is with you forever. In America, we love to sit there and go, “Oh, snap out of it, get over it. Move on.” … When someone dies by suicide that we love, it is a kind of pain that you can never shake off.”

Kevin also explores the “instantaneous regret” he felt after jumping, the life-saving act of asking “Are you okay?” and the 85-year battle to raise a net rail around the Golden Gate Bridge, which will be completed in 2023.

“I'm asking you to have faith in yourself, faith in the human condition, faith in your ability to fight, to be well and to survive any pain that comes your way. You can do one of two things with pain. You can let it defeat you or you can let it build you break by break from the ground up until you're stronger than ever. That's a choice.”

In This Episode

The 24 hours leading up to Kevin’s jump (05:40)

Why the current conversation on mental health is “the wrong conversation” (08:29)

Grief and the unforgettable pain of losing a loved one to suicide (11:32)
The importance of “speaking your pain” by talking openly and honestly about suicide (12:27)

Kevin’s first experience losing a loved one to suicide, and how it contributed to his own attempt (15:27)

Suicide rates among adopted, LGBTQIA+ and minority children (22:44)

“All I wanted to do was live, as soon as I let go of that rail.” (35:20)

Kevin’s efforts to help prevent future Golden Gate suicides (42:15)

Faith and mental health (49:42)

The role diet and exercise play in mental wellness (51:56)

Our Guest

Kevin Hines’ Golden Gate Bridge suicide attempt at age 19 left him with shattered vertebrae and nearly severed his spinal cord. It also set him on a journey to find hope and healing – which he now travels the world to spread to others as a mental health advocate and motivational speaker.

Kevin is also a best-selling author and award-winning documentarian whose feature-length documentary, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect,” tells Kevin’s story and illustrates the ripple effect suicide has on those left behind.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

On YouTube

On Apple Podcasts

On Spotify

Kevin Hines

On Twitter

On Instagram

On Facebook

On LinkedIn

On YouTube

Hinesights Podcast with Kevin Hines

Danny Lopriore

On Instagram

More On Mental Health

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

National Helpline Database

Resources for Parents

Watch the first 20 minutes of “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” for free

Watch “Suicide: The Ripple Effect”

Healing Toxic Masculinity with Dr. Charles Corprew May 18, 2022

This week on Off The Cuff, we’re joined by Dr. Charles Corprew, developmental psychologist, founder of What’s Your Revolution Consulting, and host of the radio show, “What’s Your Revolution?”

During his tenure at Loyola University New Orleans and while getting his PhD, Dr. Corprew delved deep into researching the development of masculinity. He combines this expertise with his personal experiences, consulting and radio-show hosting to help men find the best possible versions of themselves. In other words, he helps them find their revolution.

Let’s be real, toxic masculinity is prevalent in every culture. But unfortunately the terms “toxic masculinity” and “hypermasculinity” seem to be most heavily associated with BIPOC communities, which is problematic, to say the least.

Because of this Dr. Corprew helps men, specifically men in BIPOC communities, move through the space of their masculinity development. This isn’t to say toxic masculinity isn’t present in BIPOC communities, it certainly is, but it shows up differently in every culture.

Today, we break down what masculinity means to us and how to rebuild healthy masculinity, especially around existing stigmas in POC communities.

So listen up, and let’s talk, Off The Cuff….

What we discuss:

[1:25] - What inspired Dr. Corprew to start What’s Your Revolution?

[2:54] - How to define toxic masculinity in different spaces.

[4:39] - Whether or not toxic masculinity is more nature or nurture.

[7:40] - Where Danny sees toxic masculinity in his daily life.

[8:28] - Why conservative masculinity exists in BIPOC space.

[10:43] - Are “old-school” values just unhealthy masculinity?

[14:59] - The “I Just Wanna Be Treated Like a Man” Argument

[16:13] - Defining conservative masculinity.

[18:05] - Rewiring the conservative masculinity mindset.

[23:10] - How cancel culture is harmful.

[24:48] - How Dr. Corprew is redirecting the conversation to what healthy masculinity should look like in the black community.

[27:39] - Anger and trauma in the black community.

[28:16] - rebuilding masculinity in the black communities.

[31:56] - The stigma around mental healthcare in POC communities and how Dr. Corprew overcame it.

[35:31] - Danny’s valuable experiences with group therapy.

[37:05] - Coming back from “the brink."

[40:43] - Dr. Corprew’s first experiences with therapy post heartbreak.

[46:10] - How we can lower the depression rate in the country by building community and shedding comfort zones (sometimes, with pickleball).

[49:40] - Dr. Corprew’s revolution: the upliftment of boys and men of color.

[53:34] - Why women aren’t responsible for the actions of men.

Notable Quotes:

[24:55] “I want to get away from toxic masculinity and black culture and the Latin culture… and begin to move this conversation around. These are images of what healthy masculinity looks like in our communities. And we need more symbols of that.”

[50:33] “As we say on the show, it's the most thought provoking question of one's life, right? How do they wanna transform? Revolution is a cataclysmic shift in who you are. If we think about revolutions, they have shifted, right? The trajectory of cities and countries and legions. How are you doing the same thing about yourself?”

Useful Resources:

What’s Your Revolution Instagram: https://instagram.com/whatsyourrevolution?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

What’s Your Revolution Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/WhatsYourRevolution/?view_public_for=1667577726833191

Listen to the What’s Your Revolution Show on…

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-whats-your-revolution-show-with-dr-charles-corprew/id1438461235

Off The Cuff Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/

1and1Life Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/1and1life/

Danny Lopriore Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Being a Voice For Autism with Former NFL Player Joe Barksdale May 11, 2022

To the world Joe Barksdale is a Superbowl Winner and a national champion, but what most people don’t know is that Joe never wanted to be a football player, he wanted to be an engineer. That in fact, his football days are some of the most painful of his life.

On this week’s episode of Off The Cuff, we speak with a man who breaks stigmas in every way possible. A man that not only has struggled with mental illness all of his life but was also diagnosed with autism at the age of thirty. A man that left an extremely lucrative career in the NFL to take care of his mental health and pursue his real dreams of being a musician and stand-up comedian. Everyone, meet Joe Barksdale.

This episode is one of the most honest and enlightening ones you will ever hear.

So listen up, and let’s talk, Off The Cuff….

What We Discuss:

[2:22] How Joe never felt like he earned his superbowl ring. He feels that it’s something that happened, rather than something he achieved.
[3:18] The reason that Joe got into football was only because he got kicked out of engineering camp and wanted to get in shape.

[4:29] Joe’s fears of having a boy, given what he has dealt with as a black man.

[5:48} Joe’s past with suicide attemepts and how he feels about it all today.

[7:07] How Joe found out about his mental illness before his autism.

[8:09] What it was like to get diagnosed with autism when Joe was 30 and how half of him was happy about the diagnosis and the other half was worried about the stigma.

[10:04} How Joe’s life changed after being diagnosed with Autism.

[17:38] Joe’s dislike for being around groups of people.

[20:18] Richard Pryor being an inspiration to Joe when he started doing stand-up comedy.

[20:54] Joe burying his football dreams in order to follow other dreams.

[22:46] Joe feeling extremely comfortable on stage and how he would rather be there than most other places.

[24:12] When Joe had a falling out with a teammate (who was also the Godfather of one of his daughters) because Joe asked to be released from his team for mental health issues.

[27:14] Joe’s passion for engineering and how it has turned into a passion for music engineering.

[28:14] Breakthrough moments in therapy.

[30:00] Joe’s current relationship with football.

[30:41] What a stem kid is and how Joe got kicked out of engineering camp.

[39:37] Joe’s friendship with Kobe Bryant and how he was a mentor to him.

[42:55] Joe’s relationship with his wife, going to marriage counseling and breaking that stigma.

[45:34] Breaking the stigma around taking medication for mental health issues.

[52:51] Joe’s love of Star Wars and his upcoming trip to Disneyworld.

[1:01:01] Joe’s new music.

Notable Quotes:

[25:57] “The pain, it sucks, but sometimes that pain is necessary to see who’s really with you and what’s really important to you.”

[40:29] “People are interested in who you are, not who you think they want you to be.”

Useful Resources:

Joe Barksdale Website: https://www.josephbarksdale.com

Joe Barksdale Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbdale72/

1AND1LIFE Website: https://www.1and1life.com

Off The Cuff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/

Danny LoPriore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

The Life Of An Actress Living With Bipolar Disorder with Alessandra Torresani May 04, 2022

Welcome back for season 2 of Off The Cuff, we are so happy to have you here. We open up the season by talking to actress, mental health advocate and podcast host Alessandra Torresani. Alessandra has been acting since she was a kid and has appeared in countless movies and TV shows including The Big Bang Theory, Caprica, American Horror Story, Malcolm In The Middle, and many more.

Knowing something was not quite right for most of her life, Alessandra was finally diagnosed with Bi–Polar 1 when she was 21 years old. Since then, Alessandra has made it her mission to spread mental health awareness and create a community so people feel less alone. Which is also why she started her mental health podcast “EmotionAL Support.”

We have an extremely honest and funny conversation about our experiences with bi-polar disorder and what her life has been like as an actress with bi-polar disorder. And yes, we said funny, mental health is allowed to be funny! We can’t be serious all the time, so we mine as well have a good laugh about everything we’ve been through, right?

So listen up, and let’s talk, Off The Cuff….

What We Discuss:

[4:01] How Alessandra deals with internet trolls and how it affects hers and others mental health.
[5:40] How Alessandra dealt with rejection as a child actress and how she deals with it today.
[7:43] A current day in the life of a working actress since the pandemic.
[9:26] How Danny found out he was bi-polar.
[12:28] The differences between Bi-Polar 1 and Bi-Polar 2.
[14:47] Alessandra’s bi-polar symptoms before she was diagnosed later in life.
[15:57] What Alessandra’s episodes look like and how her husband deals with them.
[17:17] Telling your partner about being bi-polar.
[22:55] Feeling very low lows, especially before going on medication.
[26:13] The judgment surrounding mental health medications.
[28:36] How being on set is Alessandra’s safe space, rarely having episodes while working.
[30:13] What it was like when she got diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
[32:01] Alessandra’s first acting gig with David Spade.
[34:47] The initial signs Alessadnra had of being bipolar.
[36:43] What high highs feel like.
[40:00] How Danny had resentment towards his parents growing up, but how the relationship has now changed very positively.
[42:41] Alessandra’s relationship with her mother and the sacrifices her mother has made for her.
[44:00] What it’s like memorizing lines with Bi-Polar type 1.
[48:49] If having bi-polar has helped her as an artist.
[49:56] Why Alessandra started her podcast “EmotionALl Support”.
[51:46] Alessandra’s goal of creating a community for mental health.
[53:39] Alessandra’s favorite genre to perform.

Notable Quotes:

[30:50] “I don’t know if it’s a safe space or my mind tricks itself into being happy, but I have yet to have a manic episode on set because I think I’m just escaping into a different reality. My brain just shuts off that part.”

[49:26] “I’m a firm believer in therapy and working on yourself. Not just traditional therapy, but whatever that therapy means to you."

Useful Resources:

Alessandra Toressani Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandratorresani/

EmotionAL Support Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-support-with-alessandra-torresani/id1476940278

1AND1LIFE Website: https://www.1and1life.com

Off The Cuff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/

Danny LoPriore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Episode #34: Talks With The Boss Nov 26, 2021

On this episode Danny is joined by CEO of 1AND1 Life, Thomas Drew. We discuss the origin of the podcast, 1AND1, his upbringing and his affirmation for his parents! Enjoy.

Episode #33: Ryan C. Warner Jun 23, 2021

Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D., CRC, assists teams with creating a culture of inclusion to maximize their potential. Dr. Warner is a sought-after licensed clinical psychologist, researcher, speaker, and consultant. His research interests involve PTSD and substance use, clinical health psychology, and the analysis of social forces affecting racial/ethnic minorities. However, he also considers himself a generalist and is fascinated by all aspects of the study of human experience. Dr. Warner has conducted talks and trainings at both national and international levels, has been published in various peer-review journals, and has served as a graduate-level instructor. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RC Warner Consulting, LLC, Dr. Warner provides leadership development, diversity training, and wellness enhancement to accelerate meaningful change within small and large organizations around the globe. Presented by 1AND1 Life inc.

Episode 32: Claire Fountain Jun 16, 2021

On this episode, Danny talks with Claire Fountain, Claire Fountain (@cbquality) is a psychotherapist under supervision, yoga instructor, and writer whose honest approach to health embodies the union of authenticity, humanist theory, and everyday practice. Claire began teaching yoga in 2009, while continuing her studies in mindfulness and other somatic practices. With clients ranging from the top NBA, NFL, and MLB athletes to the likes of brands such as Amazon and Target; Claire’s unorthodox and realistic approach to yoga and mental health is grounded in education and experience. Her work focuses on the intersection of well-being, mind-body healing, self-worth and the stories we tell ourselves. She is a sex-positive, sexuality/gender/kink affirmative, and lived-experience counselor. Claire obtained her psychology degree from Vassar College, and is certified in yoga and personal training. She received her Masters in Counseling from Wake Forest University, where she was an active member of Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society. Claire’s work ranges from private clients, a dozen e-books and articles to international classes and speaking engagements. Presented by 1AND1 Life inc.

Episode 31: Doug Middleton Jun 09, 2021

On this episode of Off The Cuff, I am joined by professional football player Doug Middleton. We talk about his upbringing, his life as a pro athlete and the loss of his friend which was a catalyst in starting his non-porfit charity "Dream the Impossible." Presented by 1AND1 LIFE. inc Check out Dream the Impossible here: https://www.dreamtheimpossible.org/

Episode 30: DANNY GETS INTERVIEWED Jun 01, 2021

On this episode, we decided to show the episode that inspired this entire show, Danny was actually a guest before he was the host. He sits down with Co-Founder of 1AND1LIFE Thomas Drew to talk about mental health and their journeys back from darkness into the light.

Episode 29: Renny May 10, 2021

On this episode, Danny talks to Comedy & Social Media star "Renny" about his humble beginnings in Queens, his rise to social media fame, life on the road and his relationships with Family & more! Enjoy! Presented by 1AND1 LIFE inc.

Episode 28: Joe Vega May 03, 2021

On this episode, Im joined by Joe Vega (creator of "The Vega Method"). We talk about fitness and wellness, but we also talk about his profound experience with DMT and being a medium. ENJOY! Presented by 1AND1 LIFE inc.

Episode 27: Minaa B Apr 26, 2021

Minaa is a mental health professional with a passion for emotional wellness and social justice, and I teach people how to cultivate self-care through the lens of boundaries and community-care. We talk about insecurities, anxiety & panic & her journey into the mental health field! Enjoy! Presented by 1AND1 LIFE, Inc.

Episode 26: Adele Jackson-Gibson Apr 19, 2021

Adele Jackson-Gibson is a West Indian-American storyteller and writer currently based in Oakland, California. She's a movement coach who is amazed everyday by the intelligence of the physical/energetic body and is exploring ways in which various fitness modalities and energy healing intersect. She graduated from Yale undergrad, where she ran track, played soccer, studied Japanese and earned a Bachelor's in Francophone literature. She then earned her Masters in long-form magazine writing from NYU. You can find her writings in Prevention, Good Housekeeping, The Shadow League, The Players Tribune, SI's The Cauldron, Teen Vogue, and more. Her hobbies are running, Animal Flow, playing video games and watching anime. Presented by 1AND1 LIFE, Inc.

Episode 25: Klarity Apr 12, 2021

Former Vinestar & Actor Greg "Klarity" Davis Jr. joins this week's show to talk about his humble beginnings, Social Media and his rise to stardom, race in entertainment industry, fatherhood & more! Enjoy!

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