On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we hung out with Portland comedian and librarian Lori Van Deman.

We started out with perfectionism, and how we can convince ourselves to try new things even when it’s scary. Then we moved on to hopelessness—and most importantly, the ways we’ve found to pull ourselves out of it, primarily by connecting with others.

Lastly, we tackled conflict resolution…. what's worked, what hasn’t, and how rupture and repair in a relationship can strengthen it if you’re able to get through the tough parts.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Thanks for listening.

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On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we speak with Portland comedian and storyteller Aleah Liebenau about our experiences with overthinking and how it impacts us.

Next we discuss self-perception, how it influences how we interact with others, and if it’s possible to have an accurate self-perception.

Lastly, we talk about the power of storytelling and how it’s such an important part of expressing ourselves, feeling seen, and making people feel a little less alone in their experiences.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Link in comments…

Episode 120: “Social Media & Direct Conversations” (ft. Amanda Lyn Deal)

On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we speak with returning guest host and comedian Amanda Lynn Deal about the impact of social media on self perception and how unplugging can help us reconnect with ourselves and those around us.

Next we discuss the challenges with direct communication as well as some of the skills and perspectives that can make conversations like these a little easier.

Lastly, we wrap things up with a discussion about boundaries and the importance of not only voicing them, but maintaining them with people we value.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms!

On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk to drag queen and social work badass JawBreaker (aka Fabi) about the importance of hobbies and how they can relate to self care.

After that we discuss, the difficulty in managing a work life balance and how taking your work home with you can contribute to a faster rate of burnout.

Episodes drop every Monday at 6pm on ALL platforms...

On this weeks episode we talk with comedian Brendan Creecy (aka Brendo) about his journey with mental health and substances use and how the choice to abstain was ultimately life changing.

After that, we discuss the complicated road to finding a medication that works and how the wrong medication can sometimes make things far worse.

Episodes drop every Monday at 6pm on ALL platforms!

On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we’re joined by all three hosts Zane Thomas, Zoe Schwartz, and Taylor Barrett to talk about jealousy and our tendency to compare ourselves unfairly to others, as well as the emotions that might arise from that.

After that, we discuss resiliency and the importance of being able to continue to show up after difficult situations with hope and enthusiasm.

Episodes drop every Monday at 6pm on ALL platforms!

On this week’s episode of The Smoke Break, we chat with Dani, a DJ from Shady Pines Radio, about the impact of isolation on mental health, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. We delve into the importance of differentiating between essential alone time and detrimental isolation to support overall well-being.

Next we talk about the complex nature of loss. Dani recounts her experience with an ectopic pregnancy. The discussion broadens to cover various forms of loss, including personal identity and physical abilities.

Episodes drop every Monday at 6pm on ALL platforms!

On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with comedian Daisy Claire and discuss the impacts of autistic masking, the challenges of navigating societal expectations, and the importance of accommodating neurodivergent experiences.

Next we discuss the concept of shame, particularly how it affects people with marginalized identities and those who experience neurodivergence.

Lastly we delve into the topic of identity and share personal journeys of uncovering our true selves which often requires dismantling imposed expectations and cultural messages.

Episodes drop every Monday on ALL platforms at 6pm.