Social Anxiety Variety Hour

Are You a Perfectionist?

Sara talks about perfectionism getting in the way of doing the stuff you love to do! Plus, some stuff about living in a haunted house filled with paint-by-numbers paintings. Also, things about artists Christopher Wallace (RIP), Maya Erdelyi-Perez, Alex Stapleton and Francesco Marciuliano. Support the podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa and subscribe to SaraJBenincasa.Substack.com.

Caffeine & Chaos with Sabrina Cognata

Sara talks drugs, sobriety, anxiety and partying with artist, producer, and woman of business Sabrina Cognata, and blows out the mic multiple times in the process, but whatever, you'll love it. Support this podcast and more at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa

It's Okay To Not Be "Cured" Yet

This episode is about the joy of lifelong learning and also: Redwood trees! Why it's okay to not be "over" your mental health issues yet, or ever! Something about soccer! Encouragement! Support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Welcome to Social Anxiety Variety Hour!

Meditation and Real Life

The final episode of Well, This Isn't Normal before the relaunch as Social Anxiety Variety Hour. An introduction to meditation & its benefits, including a brief meditation exercise. Support this podcast: Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Weekly SARATONIN newsletter: Patreon & SaraJBenincasa.Substack.com.

Anger and the Sacred Pause

Sara discusses anger and "How to Fight" by Thich Nhat Hanh. Support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Breathwork for Recovery with Nathaniel Hodder-Shipp

Sara talks about going through a rough patch emotionally, and how Breathwork for Recovery with Nathaniel Hodder-Shipp has helped. She also interviews Nathaniel to learn more. Get 70% off the Breathwork for Recovery monthly healing circle on September 10, 2022 with offer code SARA: https://www.breathworkforrecovery.com/trainings-and-workshops. Please listen with care, as this episode includes discussion of trauma, addiction, and suicidal ideation.

Joyful Work and Montaigne

Sara learns how Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) got himself out of post-retirement depression, and how we all can benefit from joyful work. A little breathing exercise is also included. Thanks to patrons at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

WTF Is A Vacation?

Sara tries to figure out how to go on vacation, talks about why you shouldn't ask strangers when they're gonna start an Only Fans, and offers some ideas on how to relax. Support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa

To Live and Grieve in America

How Do You Do Your Day?

How do you go about your day? Where do work, art, rest, family, and other elements come into play? We do some relaxing breathwork, consider social media and its role in one's daily schedule, and get a glimpse of the work lives of artists Alma Thomas, Alice Neel, and Lorraine Hansberry. We conclude with a brief self-reflection exercise. Also, Sara sits on a bag of frozen cauliflower puree. Thanks to all the supporters at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Pandemic Friendships: Heartbreak & Happiness

Have you gone through a friendship breakup? Have you met an amazing new friend in the past few years? Are you in the mood to relax and do some breathwork? Do you just want to hear a random writer actress woman in New York City say words on air? Cool, then this episode is for you. The podcast returns thanks to the generosity of patrons at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. 

Relaxation in Winter & Beyond

Ways to pamper and soothe yourself: meditation, candles, houseplants, floral arrangements, writing, skincare with bizarre French names, body oil from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Buncombe County, North Carolina, therapy, baths, exercise, riding an expensive bicycle to nowhere, and other stuff. We conclude with some guided breathwork. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Thank you to patrons past, present and future.

Make Some Tiny Goals!

In lieu of resolutions, Sara offers two simple methods for getting stuff done: a weekly chore chart, and a list of ten small, achievable goals for the year. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Thanks to current patrons!

Healing Our Anxiety & Agoraphobia

Sara answers a message from a listener whose spouse is suffering from agoraphobia due to fears around COVID-19 and gun violence. This episode includes resources for mental health assistance, and it tackles some tough topics, including anxiety, suicide, maternal mortality, violence, and more. Hopefully it's also uplifting, interesting, and helpful to you. It concludes with a simple breathing exercise. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Thank you so much to all patrons.

Minisode: Social Anxiety & Parties

In this short episode, Sara talks about getting anxious about parties, and not beating yourself up for it. Thank you to all Patreon supporters at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Halloween & OnlyFans with Gia Cognata, P.I.

Model, video creator, makeup artist and private investigator Gia Cognata, Sara's probable biological cousin, joins the program to talk about a new income stream she's created during the pandemic. They also discuss alcoholism, Sara's alter ego in Long Beach (GHOST GIRL), and Gia's long-term plans to cryogenically freeze the heads of the people she loves. Plus, HALLOWEEN! You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Astrology, Cats & Curls with Jessica Lanyadoo

Sara talks to the stylish & saucy Jessica Lanyadoo, who is an astrologer, animal communicator, host of GHOST OF A PODCAST, and author. Jessica is funny, thoughtful, hardworking, and compelling. She's lived in Oakland for many years and she's got a great FREE app called Tiny Spark and a subscription-based app for astrology students called ASTROLOGY FOR DAYS. Sara's cat Polly tells Jessica some stuff to tell Sara, and Sara takes the note! You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBeninca...

Book Report: LEONARDO DA VINCI Part 1

In our inaugural BOOK REPORT episode, Sara loses her mind over the wonderful LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson, narrated by Alfred Molina. Based on this bonkers Twitter thread, Sara breaks down her favorite moments in a brilliant biography that truly deserves your attention. Also, sobriety, romance, friendship and mental health are discussed. Get two audiobooks for the price of one when you sign up for a Libro.fm membership using offer code SARA. You can support this podcast at Patreon.co...

Audio Essay: These Were Our Years

Sara reads a recent essay and talks about some mental health resources. Thanks to subscribers at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Breathe, Baby, Breathe

Sara is mildly overwhelmed but mostly coherent in this episode, and shares a few simple breathing exercises with you. These techniques are meant to be done for a brief period of time only. Don't push yourself! Remember to only do extended or advanced breathwork when you're in a safe spot (i.e., not while driving or operating heavy machinery, honey!) Thanks to the patrons at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa for their support.

We're Back, Baby!

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

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

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

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

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

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,  se...

Recovery, Gratitude & Grief

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

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 ...

Return To This Moment

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

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.

Fred And Me (And You)

Sara just moved 2800 miles, so here's a mini episode featuring an essay about love and history, plus some relaxation exercises for you. Support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Thank you to all current Patreon subscribers.

Chelsea Connor On Mental Health And Adorable Lizards

Scientist, student and #BlackBirdersWeek cofounder Chelsea Connor is back for a second interview. This time she and Sara discuss mental health, cutting off verbally abusive family and friends, why you should just wear a frigging mask, and more. Sara does some relaxing breathwork exercises at the end of the episode. Support Chelsea at Patreon.com/ChelseaArts and support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Please support the Loveland Foundation.

Director Sam Bailey Creates What She Wants To See

Here's the actual, full-length interview with Sam Bailey (Dear White People, Brown Girls, You're So Talented), a critically acclaimed writer, producer, director, once (and maybe future) actress, theatre veteran, and very cool human. She talks to Sara about her incredible career, the Black Lives Matter movement, creativity during the time of coronavirus, what it's like to often be the only Black woman on set, and a lot more. As always, Sara includes some basic breath work for listeners. You c...

Season 2 Premiere: Monique Moses of Astronomy Club!

Monique Moses is a Canadian actress, improviser and teacher who co-stars in Netflix's "Astronomy Club," one of Sara's favorite shows of the past 25 years (no, seriously - Sara compares it to "The State," "The Kids in the Hall," and for no reason at all, "My So-Called Life.") Monique is a longtime cast member of the titular sketch team, and she and Sara discuss comedy, acting, Canadian pop culture, Monique's life in the only Black family in her town, Monique's dance career, dealing with the t...

Season 1 Finale: Amanda Yates Garcia Will Bewitch You

In the Season 1 finale of the only mental health podcast hosted by an author/comedian and executive produced by a demon queen cat named Polly, Sara Benincasa talks to Amanda Yates Garcia, a.k.a. The Oracle of Los Angeles! Amanda hosts the tarot podcast "Between the Worlds," which she co-created with artist and producer Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs. Amanda is a dancer, essayist, activist, professional witch, and author. She and Sara discuss Amanda's memoir ("Initiated"), art, sexism, feminism, t...

Chelsea Connor Is The Queen Of Anoles

Meet Chelsea Connor, a young Black scientist and one of the cofounders of #BlackBirdersWeek. Chelsea is from Dominica (Sara pronounces it wrong right off the bat - it's an island country in the Caribbean), and she opens up about experiencing racism at school in the States, dealing with stress and learning differences while pursuing a rigorous academic program, and being a scientist as well as an artist. Check out her stickers at Redbubble.com/people/chelseaherps! There will be a Part II, thi...

Armand Cann Is Pro-Turtle, Anti-Racism

Young scientist Armand Cann talks to Sara about his work in biology, his love for wilderness, the importance of connecting with other young Black scientists online as a method of self-care, his experience of racism in the field, the trauma of harassment by racist police, and the magic of J.R.R. Tolkien, Octavia Butler, and other great authors. Check out the #blackbirdersweek hashtag to meet more scientists and learn about their work and their lives. Also, hire this guy - he just finished his...

Sidney Woodruff Tells People Not To Bother The Bears

Sidney Woodruff, 25, does her doctoral studies at UC Davis and conducts research in Yosemite National Park. She talks to Sara about being a young, Black, queer scientist; how she's received as a minority in a lot of professional spaces; the harassment of Black wildlife conservationists; and the vitality of real self-care and checking in on friends and peers. At the end, Sara guides the audience in a basic relaxation exercise. Check out #blackbirdersweek on Twitter and Instagram to read more ...

Giulia Rozzi Is A 1st Generation Spitfire

Sara talks to her longtime friend Giulia Rozzi, a comedian, writer, actress, director and first-generation American. They talk about how sociology influences Giulia's comedy, socially distant protesting while pregnant, summoning Italian lady energy when criticizing racist police (when Karen becomes Karina), whiteness as a construct, and continuing to learn (and unlearn). Also, Sara takes you through a simple relaxation exercise. This podcast is funded by Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa. Thanks to ...

Conner Habib Grew Up With White Supremacists

Conner Habib is a former porn star and sex workers' rights advocate. He's also a Syrian-American kid from rural-ish Pennsylvania. Now a doctoral candidate, Conner talks to Sara from his flat in Ireland about everything from fairy stories to the sex lives of koala to whether or not Canadians are, in fact, real. They also discuss white supremacy and the police. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.  More importantly, please donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. 

Black Lives Matter

In this short episode, Sara shares some resources by people way smarter than her. She also talks about learning and unlearning racism, trying to be decent, admitting your flaws, working on your own stuff on your OWN time, and the value of listening. "If you need black people to be victims in order to love them, there is something wrong with you." Please donate to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. Support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Brian Koppelman Writes TV, Movies And Songs

"Billions" co-creator and showrunner Brian Koppelman talks to Sara about a creative life, being of service during quarantine, staying grounded, and the magic of "The Artist's Way." You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Val Harvey Walks In Many Worlds

Sara interviews hair and makeup artist Val Harvey, her friend of many years. They talk about religion, racism, flouting societal norms and parental expectations, death, cults, sexism and other light topics. At some point, they do in fact discuss makeup and skincare. Check out Val and her many wonderful beauty adventures on Instagram at MohawkMakeup.

Stephanie Schriock Knows Some Overqualified Ladies

Sara talks to Emily's List president Stephanie Schriock about electing talented, hardworking, pro-choice Democrat women to offices from the school board up to the White House. They also discuss the fine state of Montana, how you shouldn't go bonkers on the sugar and caffeine even/especially when you're stressed (they've both done this! A lot!) and much more. Check out Emily's List today, and learn more about the great work they do. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Myq Kaplan Made A New Album

Comedian Myq Kaplan chats with Sara about managing stress, grieving a loss in quarantine, and the strangeness of adjusting to spending zero time on the road doing gigs. You can support this podcast on Patreon. Buy Myq's latest album, A.K.A.

Casper Kelly Wants To Write Romance Novels

Casper Kelly (Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell, Too Many Cooks) pops in from Atlanta to confess his career aspiration: romance novels. He and Sara dive into the career of political leader, rightful governor of Georgia AND romance novelist Stacey Abrams! Casper is one of the most creatively adventurous writers and producers at work today, and Sara kinda geeks out. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Ben Mankiewicz Has A Voice For Storytelling

Ben Mankiewicz is the host of Turner Classic Movies, a co-founder of The Young Turks, and a former TV reporter. He talks to Sara about building one's own career, parenting in the time of quarona, how political D.C. kids are (and aren't) like Hollywood kids, and what it's like being from a family with a lot of big personalities. This episodes concludes with a review of a simple breathwork technique called square breathing. You can support this podcast at Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa.

Rabbi Iggy Loves Tattoos and Torah

Rabbi Igael Gurin-Malous was born in Belgium and has lived and traveled all over the world. He now dwells in NYC with his husband and teenage kids, where he's building an amazing recovery community around T'Shuvah Center. He and Sara talk Talmud, fashion, why Rabbi Iggy is glowing in quarantine, sobriety, belonging versus fitting in, and managing anxiety. Sara has a few light audio issues on her side during this episode, but it's still really good. Listen to Iggy's podcast Tattoos and Torah!...

Kelly AuCoin Is Not Actually A Finance Bro

Kelly AuCoin plays Dollar Bill on "Billions," and his list of other credits is very long. In this episode, recorded in early April 2020, Sara demands to know why Kelly doesn't remember every detail of every Law & Order he did 17 years ago, and expresses fury at his lack of Gossip Girl knowledge DESPITE HAVING PLAYED CHUCK'S LAWYER, DOUG. They also discuss Kelly's undying passion for the Portland Trail Blazers and why it's not fun to be quarantined in the opposite end of the apartment from th...