Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

“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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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Craig Shoemaker

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

Show notes

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.

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Peter Ruppert

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