Achilles' Heel with Alex Hooper

Latest Episodes:

Youngest Child Syndrome with Handren Seavey Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

First child eats dirt, parents call doctor. Second child eats dirt, parents rinse out their mouth. Third child eats dirt, parents wonder if they need to feed him lunch.

Oh to bask in the trials and tribulations of those that came before you. Handren Seavey (To Live and Bike in LA podcast) is happy to take on his role as the young wild child. Fighting for importance while his family had a laissez-faire attitude, trying to keep up with his older brothers in sports, and dealing with teachers who have a preconceived notions have all led to the brilliant, stand-out comedian you see today.

This episode also has one of the craziest day in the life, near-death stories we've ever had on the podcast. Enjoy it!

Follow Handren: @handrenseavey

To Live and Bike in LA: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/to-live-and-bike-in-la/id1492214340

Maternal Instinct with Bri Pruett Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

"Maternal instinct, merely as an instinct, in unworthy of our superstitious reverence." - Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Mother to all, child to none. When I asked Bri Pruett (TEDX, You Can Do It Podcast) about her focus for the episode, this was the overly dramatic answer I received. Deeply spiritual, intuitive, and shame-free, we spent this entire conversation breaking down exactly what all of that means. We also discuss body positivity, finding yourself through stand up comedy, and the role of astrology and tarot cards as a guiding light to shepherd us through the universe. Yes, she's a witch and proud of it.

Deep belly laughs, a beautiful flow, and plenty of heart-warming moments are discovered throughout this episode. From one heeler to another, no need to travel to the stars to enjoy this talk.

Follow Bri: @bripruett

Podcast and more: www.bripruett.com

Authority with Daniel Shankin Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

"Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth." -Albert Einstein

When everyone has a voice, it becomes increasingly more difficult to discern who we should listen to. On this episode, Daniel Shankin (Mindfulness Coach, Mt. Tam Integration) drops his wisdom on the benefits of having a rebellious spirit. We go deep into body and breath work, psychedelic experiences, and why the simplest moments can bring the greatest amount of joy.

Daniel is the organizer of the Mt. Tam Integration Jam being held virtually from April 16th-19th. Link to the website and to buy tickets is listed below.

Please visit the page here: http://psychedelicintegration.family

Follow Daniel: @sitarmagic

www.sitaramdas.com

Compulsive Lying with BlakeShine Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

"Lies are the lubricant that move social interaction forward."- Robert S. Feldman

The average person tells 1.65 lies per day. But my guest this week is anything but average. In this compelling, hilarious, and (hopefully) honest episode, Blakeshine (TimeOutLA Women of the Year, Of The Night) opens up about her deepest truth, or lack there of it.

We discuss her complicated and troubled family history, creating characters and experiences through immersive events, what happens when you get caught in the act by someone that you love, and so much more.

BlakeShine and I are kindred spirits who share so many qualities it's almost doesn't seem real. In this episode you will hear her mantra, which can apply to every one of us.

"Rediscover. Redefine. Reintroduce."

Follow BlakeShine: @blakeshine

Of The Night: www.ofthenight.club

Transitioning with Worthy Mar 22, 2021

Show notes

"I like the idea that the body is a vessel; that it's not necessarily representative of the real you that's inside of it." - Laura Jane Grace

Watching someone break out of their shell and truly find freedom is one of the most beautiful things we can witness on this planet. In her first podcast appearance ever, Worthy (Dirtybird, Anabatic Records) joins me to discuss the process of transitioning into a woman. We discuss her Catholic upbringing in DC, the early days of Dirtybird Records, and all the feelings that led to her realization that she wasn't living in her truest form.

It was truly an honor to have a DJ I have respected and danced to for years, share her story with me. This episode is both educational, important, and entertaining AF.

Catch her live soon or every Wednesday on the Dirtybird Twitch Channel.

Follow Worthy: @iamworthy

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/worthy

Self-Sabotage with Babs Gray Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

"You're scheming on a thing that's a mirage, I'm trying to tell you now its sabotage." -Beastie Boys

Big hair, big heart, big mouth. Babs Gray (Lady to Lady Podcast, Framing Britney Spears) lends all of these elements and more as we travel down the wonderful road of destructive habits. We also discuss the importance of collaboration, fear of failure vs fear of success, and how we've aged out of sleeping on random couches.

Follow Barbara: babs_gray

www.myjokesareuphere.com

Focus with Doug Stanhope Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

"Starve your distractions. Feed your focus."

March has officially become 70's business suit casual. Doug Stanhope (This is not Fame, countless specials) lends his red mohawk to the podcast to discuss his difficulty with concentration. Benefits of a pandemic, tennis with Mitch Hedberg, and the beauty of lying to patrons in an airport bar.

Doug is a huge inspiration for me in so many ways and it was an absolute honor to have him on the podcast. Two rebellious comedy weirdos, trying to do whatever we can to entertain ourselves and others before our bodies and minds shut down forever. Enjoy.

Follow Doug: @realstanhope

www.dougstanhope.com

People Pleasing with Eric Lockley Mar 01, 2021

Show notes

"If you try to please all, you please none."- Aesop

Ooooo baby does this ever ring true. Eric Lockley (Actor, The Jump) has always struggled with being the good moral boy he was raised to be. But sometimes saying yes to everyone, means saying no to yourself. Having known each other for 21 years there is a familiarity in this conversation but we also learn so many new things about each other. Performing as Michael Jackson in malls, trying to raise and amplify Black voices, and why we need to give in to our fear to overcome it.

Eric is incredibly inspiring and I knew that when we were in Great Expectations together at the ripe old age of 14. It was an honor to have him on this podcast. Enjoy!

Follow Eric: @iamericlockley

www.iamericlockley.com

Grief with Evan "Everyman" Shafran Feb 22, 2021

Show notes

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear."- C.S. Lewis

In a time where many of us are dealing with loss, Evan "Everyman" Shafran lends his voice to the podcast to give some advice on how to deal with the pieces of a life taken to soon. Coping mechanisms, honoring the deceased while pushing forward, and what its like to have the most artistically successful year of your life piggybacked on the untimely death of your best friend and musical partner.

Evan gives so much great advice in this while sharing his story. There's something for everyone to take away in this episode.

Everyman's new album "Birds of a Feather," produced with Urgeto Music is out now on Spotify. He's performed and toured with acts such as Pretty Lights, Odesza, Mark Farina (to name a very small few) and has graced some massive festival stages, such as Coachella, Burning Man, Shambhala, and Lightning in a Bottle. Peep his music mixes here:
www.mixcloud.com/evanshafran/stream/

Get free music and see full tour dates at: facebook.com/EVeryman.music

For Booking/Press Inquiries Contact: everymanmusicbookings@gmai.com

Self-Doubt with Amy Silverberg Feb 15, 2021

Show notes

"The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."- Sylvia Plath

While all of us struggle with that little voice telling us we aren't good enough, most of us still aren't sticking our heads in the oven to end it all. On this week's Achilles' Heel, Amy Silverberg (The Paris Review, Comedy Central) joins me to discuss the blocks her brain puts up when it's time to do the work.

We also give tips on how to finish projects, what it takes to complete a novel, adjusting to online school, and how growing up with neurotic parents can be a detriment as well as a blessing.

Amy is a brilliant comedian and a prolific writer. This episode is fast-paced, filled with laughs, and has tons of great tips on how to come in guns blazing as you bust down the creative door.

Follow Amy: @amysilverberg

www.amysilverberg.com

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