Social Anxiety Variety Hour

Latest Episodes:

We're Back, Baby! Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

After a few months off, Sara Benincasa and your favorite stress relief podcast are back with an update, some inspiring words, some stories, random laughter, recommendations for great books and nonprofits, and a preview of what's to come. Thanks to all the supporters at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa, many of whom get shout outs on this episode. Please join us, subscribe, rate, review, and have a great day.

Breathwork Minisode: Square Breathing Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

Speaking in the context of the national news around police brutality this week, Sara leads you through the square breath technique. Support the podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa and rate, review, etc. on your podcast platform of choice. Please support the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and other antiracist organizations in your community.

Breathwork Minisode: Belly Breathing Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

In the first of a series of mini-episodes on breathwork, Sara teaches the belly breath and talks about snake oil salespeople in the world of wellness. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa - thanks to current patrons!

Grief Feb 26, 2021

Show notes

Sara pays tribute to the late, great Neil Mahoney. Topics include: mourning, friendship, heartburn, love, and weeping. Support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Pop Culture Therapy w/Matt Catanzano Jan 15, 2021

Show notes

Actor, podcaster (LATE FEES), writer and unusually symmetrically-faced person from Boston Matt Catanzano joins Sara for a freewheeling discussion of the magic of movies, TV, and DIY art projects to evoke delight, heal grief and keep one occupied during the weirdest of times. Please support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Thank you so much to our current patrons!

Post-WW84 Healing Journey Dec 30, 2020

Show notes

In this unedited and somewhat bananas episode, Sara welcomes friend, fellow comedian, overworked hospital employee and podcaster Mike Mercadal to the podcast to freak out about Wonder Woman 1984. They discuss the good stuff, the not-as-good stuff, stereotypes, politics, why we care so much about comic book movies, absolving Patty Jenkins of blame (WE BELIEVE IN YOU PJ!), Dave Filoni as Italian-American excellence, Mike's upcoming podcast "Oh! The Cubanity!", Sara's parents' new basement, separating the art from the artist, Mike's many COVID-19 antibodies, releasing stress by watching major motion pictures in a theater, and more. We conclude with some healing breaths to release our WW84-related stress.

Recovery, Gratitude & Grief Dec 22, 2020

Show notes

Sara wraps up the year with an episode about recovery, loss, and love, with a special remembrance of comedian Catie Lazarus (1976-2020). This episode concludes with a breathwork exercise. Support this podcast and receive the weekly newsletter SARATONIN by giving $1 a month or more via Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Rev. Galen Guengerich On The Way Of Gratitude Nov 29, 2020

Show notes

The Reverend Galen Guengerich, author of "The Way of Gratitude" and senior minister at All Souls Church in NYC, joins Sara to discuss his conversion from Conservative Mennonite youth to progressive Unitarian Universalist pastor, his changed role during the coronavirus pandemic, and his vision of a new spirituality for seekers, questioners, and religious rebels. You can purchase the book at your local independent bookstore or at Bookshop.org. Thank you to the Patreon supporters who make this podcast possible at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Return To This Moment Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

A mini episode with breathing exercises designed to help you refocus after a big event (like, you know, an election), a giant rush of emotion, or just a long day. Please support this podcast and Sara's other projects for as little as $1 a month at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa (you'll get a weekly newsletter too.) For more on breathwork and meditation, check out work by Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, and the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance.

Relaxation Kit For When You're Freaking Out Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

Sara takes you through a series of relaxation exercises designed to help on and immediately after Election Day 2020 (and, honestly, kinda whenever you're flipping out). Break glass in case of emergency and use this episode! Thank you to Patreon supporters at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Please support RAICES Texas.

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