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Stand up comedian and story teller Cuauhtemoc Silva recounts  his tough beginnings as an impoverished person of color growing up in San Francisco. We discuss how his background shapes shapes his onstage material, the daily grind of being a working comedian as well as how racism manifests in the San Francisco comedy circuit. You can check out Cuauhtemoc's material here:  @Silva_Cuauhtemoc  and here:  https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCnrtifKTmJVRsnmFzBXsvUw?fbclid=PAAaZk_sfuZ3-ZDb_oBDfT2V6iBPFVA66uynZqNRzdhSOJIw5SLRtp8o_F80s   My contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com; 415.497.1908.

Today we define and discuss the Jungian process of Individuation—that ineffable drive towards wholeness and greater consciousness—with Ron Cecil and Daniel Penner Cline of the the podcast “Cutting for Sign”. Specifically, we talk about our struggles with food addiction and body dysmorphia as a vehicle for this process. You can listen to Daniel and Ron's podcast here:    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cutting-for-sign-with-ron-cecil-and-daniel-penner-cline/id1544882464   My contact info:  benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com 415.497.1908

We interview five amazing concept artists who work the Hollywood trenches and have lived to tell how the sausage is actually made. We discuss the insanity that permeates their industry and how they each thrive as independent, expressive artists while managing to make a living doing what they love. We also discuss the recent introduction of AI into the creative space and how it may affect the livelihoods of artists such as these as well as affect those trying to break into the industry.   Please give all of these incredible artists a follow on Instagram!   Imogene Chayes: @imogeneann_art  Concept artist for She Hulk, Coven of Chaos, Masters of the Universe and more.   Greg Hopwood: @greghops   Costume concept artist and wannabe you-tuber who has worked on Birds of Pray and Superman and Lois.   Jason Castagna: @jasecastagna   Concept artist for film, television and video games such as Red Dead Redemption 2.   Raphael Phillips: @its_still_raph_  Sculpts characters for games, film and customer design. Notable projects include Red Dead Redemption 2.   Luca Nemolato: @lucannemolato   Concept artist for creatures, costumes and story boarding for film, television and video games. Notable projects Shape of water and Westworld.   My contact information: benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com 415.497.1908

We speak again with Tracy Benjamin for our third (and final??) episode on Binge Eating. We discuss our passion for all things sweet and doughy and drippy and glazed and how the more you can't have something...THE MORE YOU MUST HAVE IT.  We discuss the rolls dessert played in our families of origin and how that formed our lasting connection to all things super high in calorie. We also take a look at food and the media, as well as Tracy's struggle to rectify promoting foods that ultimately trigger her eat in unhealthy ways.    https://www.shutterbean.com   My contact information:  Benjaminrussack.com benjaminrussack@gmail.com 415.497.1908

What can money reveal about your personal relationships? Why is it taboo to openly discuss how much money we make? Today we speak with Claire Giovino, manager and host of the podcast "The Better Questions".  Claire will also discuss the scarcity vs abundance mindset, unhealthy thought constructs around money as well as financial mistakes that we should learn to avoid.   How you can reach Claire: Claire@thebetterquestions.com Claire's podcast: https://thebetterquestions.com   My contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com BenjaminRussack.com

Join Tracy Benjamin for part two of our three part series on Binge Eating Disorder. We discuss the cycle of guilt and shame that comes with binge eating and Tracy's amazing revelation that specialized diets and dieting in general are a form of eating disorder. We also talk about craving and how our brains often find a way to convince us to eat more food than we probably need.  You can visit Tracy's website at shutterbean.com    My contact information:  benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com 

Today we talk to Brad Waldo and Danny of bradwaldoconsulting.com, both sober coaches working the front lines of addiction. A sober coach might assist a prospective client struggling with addiction with everything from taking that initial step into in-patent treatment, getting to an AA meeting, basic self care and hygiene, meeting their fitness goals, as well as working as a liaison between the client's therapist, treatment center, doctor, and family members.  Brad's Contact info:   bradwaldoconsulting.com   My contact info:    Benjamin Russack, LMFT Benjaminrussack.com Benjaminrussack@gmail.com  

Before listening, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking out these links below so you can follow along with the interview. Today we interview two incredible artists from out of San Francisco: Levni Yimaz, a cartoonist and Felix Macnee, a painter. We discuss living and working as an artist in the big city. We discuss envy, arrogance, success, failure, and all the lovely ego battles that seem to accompany the creative process.  Paintings by Felix:  felixmacnee.com Cartoons by Lev:   https://www.talesofmereexistence.com/ Lev's patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LevniYilmaz More cartoons by Lev: "TOXIC!" Tales Of Mere Existence "The New Normal" Tales Of Mere Existence "The Time I Went To A Strip Club" Tales Of Mere Existence https://youtu.be/CnkC7uANR6Y

Today is part one of a three part series on Binge Eating Disorder. Tracy Benjamin and I discuss the foods that seem to hold power over us, the origins of our cravings, as well as possible solutions to mitigate our issues with food. We also look at body dysmorphia, swap childhood stories about food and discuss Tracy's life as a mom, blogger and cook for her family.  You can visit Tracy's website at shutterbean.com    My contact information:  benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com 

Today I interview Dr. Joshua Pepper, professor of astrophysics and recent employee of NASA. I ask him all the questions: how do we discover exoplanets, what is dark matter, does he think we're alone in the universe and what about that new toy taking all those neat pictures of really, really old galaxies? We also touch on what it takes to become an astrophysicist and what it's like to sit down with a bunch of other like minded scientists and have a beer or two.  Enjoy!   My contact info:  benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com  

This is the first of a series that indicates that we are really serious. You can see because we use All Caps. Check this one out. Definitely the best one of these we've done so far.    

Today I get to know Reese, my other partner at Square One Studios. Reese is our tech sorcerer, our editing software whisperer and as he puts it "Professional Sam Wrangler".  Today we discuss everything from Reese's favorite apple, his love affair with broken watches, to his multilayered relationship with mushrooms. In the end, we both agree that authenticity and clear communication appear to be the hallmarks of a solid friendship. Listen and enjoy.   My contact info: Benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com     

Today I talk with Sam Lamott, the creator of the podcast, "How To Human" about...getting to know Sam Lamott. Really, this is an episode about friendship and what it takes to make friends: the defenses, expectations and projections--and all of that coming from two directions at once.   A few other topics we will cover: body dysmorphia, missing fathers, mentorship, addiction, and what it means to live, or not live, in the future. Lastly, we will also discuss our upcoming business venture—an audio video production company in Marin county. Our awesome studio: https://www.square1.studio   Sam's awesome podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-human-with-sam-lamott/id1310883492   My Contact Info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com

Today we speak with Jonathan Parkhurst about his salvation from the clutches of addiction. John goes into detail about how his extreme internal strife led to a catastrophic relationship with crack cocaine. In addition, John will discuss his mission to help others struggling with chemical dependency through his revolutionary company and website GoSeekHaven.com, which offers a Craigslist-type structure for those seeking affordable housing and treatment for substance abuse.  A few words about Jonathan: As Founder & CEO, Jonathan Parkhurst is a leader and innovator in the recovery industry. Jonathan owned one of the largest continuums of care sober living companies in Northern California, Stepping Up. In 2015 Stepping up was acquired by Cornerstone Sober living.  After being acquired, Jonathan started a consulting firm focused on organizations with a need to scale either top talent or topline revenue.  As a strategic partner in talent acquisition and market acquisition, Jonathan led talent growth for companies like Enphase Energy, GoPro, and WeWork. Jonathan served on the Board of Marin County Drug and Alcohol, he is the Northern California Outreach Coordinator for the Black Americans in AA, As a homeless activist. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Homes for the Homeless. He experienced homelessness in San Francisco before going on to become a tech entrepreneur and app innovator. Jonathan is also a veteran of Desert Storm. Today, he is using his experience to give back and help others transition from drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, and other afflictions. You can learn more about John's company, Go Seek Haven here:  https://goseekhaven.com   My contact information:  Benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com  

Brad Smallwood, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, discusses the myriad changes that have occurred since the world opened back up: shifts in urban geography—blocked off streets, multiplying parklets, restaurants spilling out onto our sidewalks.  Also, are habits around masking here to stay? And are people spending less time on their cell phones in social situations? What affects might covid have on the learning and behavioral patterns of children and teenagers? In the second half of the show, we spend time cutting loose, because that's probably what everyone else is ready to do: we discuss the dying art of the fidget spinner, poke fun at overused, hackneyed therapeutic phrases, as well as review the thousands of hours of movies and television we have consumed over the past two strange years.      Contact:  http://bradfordsmallwood.com Or Benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com 

Today we examine the various forms of depression, tools to mitigate serious symptoms of depression as well as resources for those suffering with this disease. In addition, we will also focus on suicidal thoughts and how to recognize when and if they pose a serious threat.   ** National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 ** If you are seeking low cost therapy, try googling "Low cost" or "Free" therapy in your area. The Bay Area alone has numerous low fee/no fee clinics available to the public.    Benjamin Russack LMFT 415.497.1908 benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com  

Today we speak with working class hero and “Refuse Engineer, Ben. Every day Ben rises at the crack of 11pm to make the very early morning rounds to pick up your recycling in the city of San Francisco. We will be looking at the strange things he finds while on the job—everything from sections of people’s fount lawns, money, skateboards and adult…toys. We will also be taking a look at how to manage your recycling. What sort of things can and cannot go into those bins? What to you do when your bin is full? Fair warning: Today’s episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual activity, violence and extreme human suffering. Listener discretion is advised.  My contact info: Benjaminrussack@gmail.com or benjaminrussack.com    A couple helpful links: https://sf311.org/help/sf311-mobile-app https://www.recology.com/recology-san-francisco

Today we talk with Dan Chaison, former US Army sergeant deployed to Afghanistan, who went on to become a United States Senate foreign policy aide. At times, Dan’s experience granted him a devastating view of how even the wildest personal beliefs are formed, changed over time, or staunchly remain unchanged. Dan will comb through his career experiences for examples of media disinformation, the life and death consequences of group think, how projection works to bring people together against a common foe and the near impossible task of teasing out the differences between the stories we tell ourselves and the actual facts at hand. We will also look at what it really means to step into an opposing person’s perspective and the importance of promoting discourse among those with whom we disagree.  Please note:  some of Dan’s recollections from his experience in the military may prove disturbing or upsetting to those who have experienced war.    Should you have any questions for Dan: danchaison@gmail.com   My contact information: benjaminrussack@gmail.com/ 415.471.1908  

Today we talk to Dr. Amy Lawson about her journey from Christian Fundamentalism to a scholar of Jungian and Archetypal Studies. We will also look at philosophical structures that seem inherently at odds with one another as well as how to go within and choose which philosophy works best for ourselves.    Amy's podcast!  Stuffofdreams.fireside.fm  You can also contact Amy at stuffofdreamspodcast@gmail.com You can contact the host at: benjaminrussack@gmail.com or visit my website at Benjaminrussack.com

Today we focus on the phenomenon of the functional alcoholic. Our guest describes her daily struggle with alcohol dependency and her ongoing quest for sobriety.      Substance Abuse Resources:   Community support: AASF.ORG (AA is the single most amazing resource ever developed since the invention of the public library. I don’t care what anyone says) al-anonsf.org (ALANON is another incredible resource for friends and loved ones of those suffering from addiction.     Recommended inpatient treatment centers: (Note: most treatment centers do take insurance)   Newbridge (Berkeley). **Low cost** https://www.newbridgefoundation.org   Bayside Marin (Marin County) https://www.baysidemarin.com/   Reflections (Marin County) https://livingatreflections.com/start-recovery   Alta Mira (Marin County) https://www.altamirarecovery.com   Walden House (San Francisco) **Low Cost https://www.healthright360.org/agency/walden-house   Ohholff (San Francisco)  **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org     Recommended intensive outpatient treatment centers:   Foundations Recovery Network (San Francisco) https://www.foundationsrecoverynetwork.com   Ohlhoff (San Francisco). **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org   National Alliance on Mental illness https://nami.org/Home  Recommended sober living environments in the Bay Area:    Gateway Sober Living (San Francisco and Marin County) **Low cost** https://gatewaysle.com   Monarch (San Francisco and Marin County) monarchsoberhomes.com/   Peace House (San Francisco) http://www.peace-house.com/   Full circle  (Marin County)  https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter.net/living-san-anselmo   Cornerstone (Marin County). **Low cost** https://www.cornerstonesle.com   Marin services for men (Marin County). **Low cost** http://www.marinservicesformen.org    ——————————————   Mental Health   Helplines:   https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-8255   https://www.veteranscrisisline.net 1-800-273-8255   https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)   http://ok2talk.org/ 1 (800) 273-TALK   Crises Text line    Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling     Finding Treatment:    https://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/   American Psychiatric Association Foundation Find a psychiatrist   American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child and adolescent Psychiatrist Finder   American Psychological Association Find a psychologist